Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

CCF: Women’s Giving Circle Grants

The Women’s Giving Circle at Connecticut Community Foundation was formed in 2017 to bring women together to learn about issues affecting women and girls in Greater Waterbury and the Litchfield Hills, to join their dollars, and to make grants that will improve lives. When it is time to make grants, Circle members decide together the issues they want to support, such as employment, education, pay equity, housing, parenting or women’s health. Circle members review grant applications and make funding decisions together. The Women’s Giving Circle is open to anyone who cares about women and girls in Greater Waterbury and the Litchfield Hills.

Grant proposals are accepted once annually.

What is the average grant amount?

The average amount is between $5,000 and $15,000. Please review the grant guidelines for the funding area you plan to apply to for an average amount. Grants for larger amounts can be considered. However, for those, please contact our staff to discuss the project in advance of submission.

The Montana Circle K - Key Club Renewal Scholarship Program, supported by the Kiwanis Foundation of Montana, recognizes and aids Circle K members who have previously earned a scholarship and excelled academically in college. This program emphasizes the importance of leadership, community service, and continued academic achievement, providing essential financial assistance to deserving students who contribute positively to their communities.

Columbia Community Foundation

Our Mission

To serve the citizens of Columbia Station, Ohio and neighboring communities through the implementation of their charitable aspirations by awarding educational scholarships and community grants.

Columbia Community Foundation Scholarship

Scholarship Criteria

• Must be an upcoming graduate from the class of 2026
• Must be a resident of Columbia Township or a Senior at Columbia High School

Cape Coral Kiwanis Foundation

At the Cape Coral Kiwanis Foundation, our mission is helping children, children at risk, under served children, and the children who need help most.

Kiwanis helps kids around the world and local clubs support our communities and the international organization takes on large challenges, such as fighting disease and poverty. We are generous with our time and donations. We are creative with our ideas. We are passionate about making a difference for children. And we have fun along the way.

For more than a century, Kiwanis has created opportunities for children to be curious, safe and healthy regardless of the community in which they live. When you give a child the chance to learn, experience, dream, grow, succeed and thrive, great things can happen.

Cape Coral Kiwanis Grants

The Kiwanis Club of Cape Coral supports children and our community by providing grants to organizations in Lee County through the Kiwanis Foundation of Cape Coral, our 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization.

Grants to Service-Leadership programs, events, and projects involving children will receive priority in funding. 

South Dakota Community Foundation

As a statewide community foundation, we work with donors, nonprofits and community leaders to strengthen philanthropy in South Dakota every day.

Scholarships

At South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF), we proudly manage more than 350 scholarship funds in partnership with generous donors who are committed to supporting students. These scholarships offer countless opportunities to help ease the financial burden of continuing their education.

Wilfred Jaspers Scholarship

To provide financial support as recommended by the scholarship selection committee in accordance with the selection criteria.

This scholarship, established in 2000 for Roslyn High School alumni, has now been made available to college students from the Britton, Langford, and Webster School Districts following the dissolution of the Roslyn School District.

The Andrew Monroe Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of Andrew Monroe, who tragically lost his life in 2011. This scholarship awards three $1,000 scholarships annually to graduating senior soccer players in Sarasota County, Florida. Administered by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, it supports students who demonstrate financial need and community involvement. Applicants must write an essay and plan to pursue further education, making this scholarship a meaningful opportunity for aspiring athletes.

The Saigh Foundation Bravo Grants provide renewable scholarships of $12,000 per year to graduating high school seniors from the St. Louis metropolitan area who demonstrate significant financial need. These grants aim to support students who have overcome extraordinary challenges in their educational journey. Eligible applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and plan to attend an accredited nonprofit college or university. This initiative focuses on enhancing the quality of life for children and youth through education.

The Suncoast Scholars program, managed by the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation, offers three $2,000 scholarships to deserving high school seniors in Charlotte County. Established in 1990, the Foundation has awarded over $3.1 million in scholarships to support local students in their pursuit of higher education. Eligible candidates must be high school seniors with strong academic performance and leadership skills, planning to attend accredited colleges or technical schools in Florida.

The Suncoast Credit Union Foundation offers $2,000 scholarships to high school seniors in Citrus County, demonstrating a commitment to education since 1990. Eligible applicants must attend a public or charter school, show financial need, and plan to enroll in a Florida college or technical school for the 2025-26 academic year. This initiative supports students in covering tuition and other essential educational expenses.

The Suncoast Credit Union Foundation is offering eight $2,500 scholarships to high school seniors in Broward County. Since 1990, they have provided over $3.1 million in scholarships to support students pursuing higher education. Eligible candidates must demonstrate financial need, possess leadership qualities, and plan to enroll in an accredited college or technical school in Florida for the 2025-26 academic year. This initiative underscores the foundation's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities in the community.

The Samuel N. and Mary Castle Foundation invites proposals for teacher training projects aimed at accredited or nearly accredited preschools in Hawaii. With grants up to $25,000, the Foundation supports initiatives that enhance teacher quality and retention, ensuring educators receive the necessary training. Eligible preschools must demonstrate commitment to faculty development and provide evidence of tax-exempt status. This initiative addresses the growing demand for well-trained preschool educators, ultimately benefiting children's educational outcomes.

The Pittsburgh Foundation Arts and Culture Grants support individual artists by providing funding that acknowledges their diverse experiences and artistic expressions. Established in 1945, the foundation aims to enhance the quality of life in the region by prioritizing equitable funding for artists and organizations. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $150,000 over two years, focusing on fostering creativity and cultural exchange, thereby enriching the artistic landscape of Pittsburgh.

The Women’s Fund of Door County Community Grants support initiatives that empower women and girls through education, self-esteem building, and addressing critical issues with research-based solutions. Charities serving this demographic in Door County are encouraged to apply, especially those focusing on inclusivity and innovative approaches. With no set grant limits, the program typically awards around $5,000 per grant cycle, promoting lasting impacts within the community.

The Father Connie Dougherty Memorial Scholarship, established in 1975, supports Sarasota County students under 24 years old who are graduating from local high schools. Aimed at fostering education regardless of background, this scholarship is a tribute to Father Connie Dougherty's dedication to youth programs. Eligible candidates must pursue an undergraduate degree at an accredited institution, ensuring that deserving students can reach their full potential through higher education.

Joseph A. Catrambone Trade & Vocational Scholarship

Anyone pursuing a degree or certification in a trade or vocation.

Award:

• Full need is taken into account – awards amounts are based on need.

The Southern Scholarship Foundation offers rent-free housing to students in Florida who demonstrate financial need, academic merit, and good character. This initiative supports students at various universities, encouraging a cooperative living environment, community events, and leadership development. With a commitment to transforming lives through education, the Foundation aims to empower students to thrive academically and personally. Applications are open until April 1, 2025, for Fall consideration and November 1, 2025, for Spring.

The Point Foundation Access Scholarship is dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ and ally students who come from backgrounds historically facing limited opportunities. This scholarship provides essential financial assistance and access to leadership development, empowering recipients to achieve their educational goals. Eligible candidates include those enrolled in accredited U.S. postsecondary institutions, ensuring they can utilize funds effectively during their academic journey. By fostering inclusivity, the Point Foundation aims to cultivate future leaders in various fields.

The Community Outreach Grants by The Children's Trust aim to empower community partners by supporting programs that benefit children and families in Miami-Dade County. These grants typically offer funding under $10,000 for events that connect families with essential resources and learning opportunities, aligning with the organization's strategic framework. This initiative fosters partnerships and outreach efforts to enhance community engagement and support.

The Shawn Carter Scholarship Fund (SCSF) supports motivated individuals in need by providing financial assistance for education. Aimed at underserved youth and young adults, the SCSF helps cover tuition and related expenses, ensuring access to higher education. Eligible candidates include high school seniors, GED holders, and undergraduate students with a minimum GPA of 2.0. The program encourages community service, fostering a spirit of giving back among its scholars.

The Mequon-Thiensville Community Foundation offers event sponsorships aimed at enhancing local activities in Mequon and Thiensville. These sponsorships support one-time or recurring events by nonprofits or municipalities, providing promotional benefits for sponsors. Eligible applicants include organizations with a non-discrimination policy and those holding tax-exempt status, as well as recognized government entities and educational institutions. Applications are accepted year-round, promoting community engagement and brand awareness.

The Urology Care Foundation Bridge Award, supported by Dornier MedTech, aims to assist established urology researchers facing financial challenges. It provides up to $60,000 over a 12-month period to sustain vital urologic projects at risk due to funding gaps or setbacks. This unrestricted funding targets independent researchers who are no longer under formal mentorship, ensuring that those actively engaged in research receive timely support to maintain their competitiveness in the field.

In 2025, the Community Foundation of Madison & Jefferson County awarded over $233,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors of the county’s public and private high schools. Nearly 50 different students earned money toward their college costs. Scholarships are available for a variety of applicants. Some are specific to schools, majors, need, or interests.

CFMJC scholarships may be used for tuition and related expenses like fees and required equipment at accredited colleges and universities. Room and board are not covered.

Dr. Harve E. & Joyce E. Rawson Endowment

Be enrolled at Franklin College in Franklin, Indiana. Contact Franklin College admission office.

The NEDCorps 2.0 Immigrant Support Grant aims to alleviate poverty by fostering educational opportunities and financial self-sufficiency among immigrant families in northeast Dutchess County. With a total funding pool of $35,000 and individual grants up to $10,000, this initiative encourages nonprofits and community organizations to develop or enhance services for this growing population. The program prioritizes collaboration and aims to strengthen nonprofit infrastructure, ensuring impactful support for immigrants in the region.

The Kott Gerontology Scholars Program, established by the Russell & Josephine Kott Memorial Charitable Trust, provides funding to advanced degree students in the field of aging attending Chicagoland universities. This initiative aims to enhance opportunities and quality of life for older adults through educational internships and skill development. Scholars receive a $10,000 scholarship, gaining hands-on experience by completing a 600-hour internship, fostering a pipeline of professionals committed to supporting the senior community.

The RWA Perseverance Fund, administered by the Romance Writers of America (RWA), supports members in financial need for their annual national dues. RWA, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to advancing the interests of romance writers through advocacy and networking. The fund is available to applicants who can demonstrate financial need and commitment to a career in romance writing. Eligibility includes submitting proof of work, while ensuring a respectful and inclusive environment for all members.

The Hamilton Education Foundation's Project 360 offers grants up to $360 for innovative classroom projects, supporting students and educators in the Hamilton School District. Established in 1991, the foundation enhances educational opportunities through community funding. Eligible applicants include students and educators within the district, while projects lacking an educational focus or involving travel expenses are not considered. This initiative encourages specific educational cost requests to broaden learning experiences and foster creativity.

The KMEF Scholarship Fund, established in 1973 by the Kettle Moraine Education Foundation, aims to support graduates pursuing higher education. Funded by community contributions, it offers multiple scholarships based on varying criteria. Applications open in mid-December and close in mid-March, with reviews conducted by selection committees. Scholarships range from $500 to $3,000, helping students access educational opportunities and eliminate barriers to success.