Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The Kyle Palmieri Foundation Grant aims to support non-profit organizations dedicated to benefiting Long Island's military community, including veterans, active service members, and their families. Founded by NHL player Kyle Palmieri, this 501(c)(3) charity focuses on raising funds to express gratitude for the sacrifices made by these heroes. Eligible applicants must operate on Long Island and uphold non-discriminatory practices. The foundation awards grants annually to amplify its mission and support those who serve.

The Regional Everyone Outdoors Grant Program, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, aims to enhance community engagement with the natural resources of the Ozarks. Nonprofit organizations, government entities, and schools in rural Missouri are invited to apply for funding to support innovative outdoor programming. Ideal projects focus on low-income neighborhoods and include environmental education, equipment purchase, and community gathering space enhancement. This grant does not require matching funds, promoting broader participation in outdoor activities.

The Emerging Traditional Artists Program (ETAP), presented by South Arts Inc., supports early-career traditional artists from Appalachian Regional Commission-designated counties. With a $5,000 award, artists can access training, networking, and mentorship opportunities to enhance their skills and community impact. This initiative aims to preserve traditional arts and culture while fostering a new generation of artists dedicated to their craft and cultural heritage.

The Kids’ Chance of America: Emergency Grant Program aims to provide essential support to state organizations facing unexpected challenges in funding scholarships for children of injured workers. This initiative ensures that these children can continue their education despite unforeseen financial hardships. Grants can be utilized for scholarships, room, board, and educational fees, emphasizing the importance of maintaining educational support for deserving students during the 2023-2024 academic year.

The Regional Foundation Responsive Grants provide urgent financial support to current or former grantees facing unforeseen, time-sensitive challenges. Grants, up to $25,000, are intended for tactical or strategic needs arising from emergencies, disasters, or critical changes within communities. Examples include natural disasters impacting neighborhoods or sudden leadership transitions. However, requests for ongoing operational costs or event sponsorships are not eligible. The application process is designed for quick turnaround, typically within one week.

The Eugene and Nadine Stegelmeyer Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada, supports students pursuing post-secondary and graduate studies in teaching and geriatrics. Eligible applicants include graduating seniors from Washoe County High Schools or those enrolled in relevant programs at accredited institutions. This scholarship aims to alleviate the financial burden of tuition costs while encouraging academic excellence and dedication to the fields of education and geriatrics.

The A to Z Fund Mini-Grant supports Oakland public schools by providing resources for underfunded educational projects, including STEM, art, and music initiatives. With a focus on equity, the fund prioritizes schools serving low-income students and those facing significant challenges. Grants can cover supplies, guest speakers, and project-related expenses, ensuring that all students have access to enriching experiences. This initiative addresses the disparities in funding across schools, aiming to create equal opportunities for all students.

The John & Sandy Goldwater State Challenge Grant, offered by Kids’ Chance of America, aims to provide scholarships for children of workers injured on the job. This initiative focuses on increasing scholarship funds, expanding the number of awards, and enhancing the average scholarship value. States selected for funding must submit progress reports and participate in a longitudinal impact study by 2028, ensuring accountability and positive outcomes for the children supported.

Community Foundation of Northern Nevada

Established in 1998 as a Nevada nonprofit 501(c) 3 Corporation, the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada has distributed more than $200 million in grants and scholarships from over 300 charitable funds to strengthen our Nevada home. 

Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Northern Nevada’s Scholarship Program is intended to help students cover the ever-increasing cost of tuition. Some of our scholarships are based on financial need, but others represent an award for achievement. These scholarships typically go to students who have excelled in an academic area or have shown they can balance academics, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities. There are also scholarships designated for students who have overcome adversity, students pursuing degrees in high-need areas, and adult learners outside the traditional college age group. Community Foundation scholarships can help cover tuition, books, and on-campus housing.

Reno and Gloria Quilici Scholarship

The Reno & Gloria Quilici Scholarship is designed for students who may not qualify for other scholarships based on GPA but demonstrates commitment, passion, and drive.

The Reno & Gloria Quilici Scholarship is designed for students who are graduating seniors and Churchill residents, and may think college is out of reach, but who show potential, have drive, and are likely to succeed. Students must agree to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and stay enrolled full-time.

Community Foundation of Northern Nevada

Established in 1998 as a Nevada nonprofit 501(c) 3 Corporation, the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada has distributed more than $200 million in grants and scholarships from over 300 charitable funds to strengthen our Nevada home. 

Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Northern Nevada’s Scholarship Program is intended to help students cover the ever-increasing cost of tuition. Some of our scholarships are based on financial need, but others represent an award for achievement. These scholarships typically go to students who have excelled in an academic area or have shown they can balance academics, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities. There are also scholarships designated for students who have overcome adversity, students pursuing degrees in high-need areas, and adult learners outside the traditional college age group. Community Foundation scholarships can help cover tuition, books, and on-campus housing.

Officer Mike Scofield Memorial Scholarship

The Officer Mike Scofield Memorial Scholarship supports graduates or graduating seniors of northern Nevada high schools.

Community Foundation of Northern Nevada

Established in 1998 as a Nevada nonprofit 501(c) 3 Corporation, the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada has distributed more than $200 million in grants and scholarships from over 300 charitable funds to strengthen our Nevada home. 

Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Northern Nevada’s Scholarship Program is intended to help students cover the ever-increasing cost of tuition. Some of our scholarships are based on financial need, but others represent an award for achievement. These scholarships typically go to students who have excelled in an academic area or have shown they can balance academics, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities. There are also scholarships designated for students who have overcome adversity, students pursuing degrees in high-need areas, and adult learners outside the traditional college age group. Community Foundation scholarships can help cover tuition, books, and on-campus housing.

Nevada Air National Guard Scholarship

The Chief Master Sergeant Gerald L. Larson Nevada Air National Guard Scholarship provides support for active enlisted members of the Nevada Air National Guard or the dependent of active members to attend the University of Nevada, Reno.

The Gerard W.J. and Madeline Tremblay Endowed Scholarship at Western Michigan University supports undergraduate students majoring in communication. Established by Dr. Christopher Tremblay, this scholarship honors his parents and provides a minimum of $500 annually to assist with tuition and fees. Eligible candidates must maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher and preference is given to first-generation college students. This scholarship aims to empower future communicators with financial assistance.

Community Foundation of Northern Nevada

Established in 1998 as a Nevada nonprofit 501(c) 3 Corporation, the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada has distributed more than $200 million in grants and scholarships from over 300 charitable funds to strengthen our Nevada home. 

Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Northern Nevada’s Scholarship Program is intended to help students cover the ever-increasing cost of tuition. Some of our scholarships are based on financial need, but others represent an award for achievement. These scholarships typically go to students who have excelled in an academic area or have shown they can balance academics, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities. There are also scholarships designated for students who have overcome adversity, students pursuing degrees in high-need areas, and adult learners outside the traditional college age group. Community Foundation scholarships can help cover tuition, books, and on-campus housing.

John R Stockman Scholarship

The John R. Stockman Scholarship was created to provide a life-advancement opportunity to an ambitious, driven young person who may require financial assistance to achieve higher education.

The Foundation for Developmental Disabilities (FDD) offers program grants to nonprofit organizations in San Diego and Imperial Counties, focusing on innovative projects that enhance the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs). Grants range from $500 to $20,000, supporting areas such as employment, family support, housing, and self-advocacy. The FDD aims to provide equitable access to opportunities that maximize the potential of IDD individuals and their families.

The PEN/Robert W. Bingham Prize for Debut Short Story Collection recognizes an outstanding debut collection of short stories by a talented fiction writer. Awarded by PEN America, this prize highlights the literary achievements of new voices in fiction and offers a $25,000 cash prize to support the winner's future work. Established in memory of Robert W. Bingham, it honors his commitment to nurturing young writers and their contributions to literature.

The PEN/Robert J. Dau Short Story Prize for Emerging Writers, awarded by PEN America, recognizes twelve emerging writers annually for their debut short story published in a literary outlet. Each winner receives a $2,000 cash prize, and their stories are published in an anthology by Catapult. The prize aims to foster new voices in fiction, inspired by Robert J. Dau's legacy, highlighting the importance of literary excellence and encouraging the next generation of writers.

The PEN Open Book Award, presented by PEN America, recognizes literary works by authors of color published in the U.S. during the year. With a focus on diversity, it awards a $10,000 prize and a residency in Italy to authors who have not yet garnered significant media attention. This award promotes underrepresented voices in literature, celebrating fiction, nonfiction, and poetry that challenge the norms and enrich the literary landscape.

The PEN/Voelcker Award for Poetry Collection, established by a bequest from Hunce Voelcker, is presented annually by PEN America to recognize a distinguished collection of poetry published in the calendar year. This award honors the importance of poetry collections as an art form and is open to all U.S. residents or citizens, regardless of age or poetic style, with a cash prize of $5,000. It aims to celebrate and expand the scope of American poetry.

Detroit HBCU Scholarship Endowment

This generous Detroit HBCU Scholarship provides need-based awards to support students who are in one of the eligible zip codes of Detroit.

The purpose of the Detroit HBCU Scholarship Endowment Fund is to provide 1 (one) annual, renewable, and need-based scholarships up to $5,000 (five-thousand dollars) to students graduating from a high school with a Detroit address or students transferring from a metro-Detroit community college to attend a partner HBCU.

The PEN/Diamonstein-Spielvogel Award for the Art of the Essay, established by PEN America, honors a distinguished writer whose collection of essays expands their body of work. This prestigious award, with a cash prize of $15,000, recognizes books of individual essays that can explore a specific theme or a variety of subjects. Eligible candidates must be U.S. residents and cannot be debut authors, ensuring the award celebrates established voices in the literary community.

Ian Adams Van Heyde Memorial Culinary Scholarship at Columbus State Community College

Ian was the first ever high school student to work on the line at a Cameron Mitchell Restaurant – Martini’s. This work experience, together with the encouragement given to Ian to pursue his culinary dream, had a profound positive influence on Ian. This scholarship is awarded each year by Ian’s parents (a.) to show their appreciation for the opportunity and support given to their son by Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, and (b.) to recognize the contributions of Cameron Mitchell to the Columbus community in general, and to the restaurant industry in particular.

Award Amount:

• Minimum $1,500

Greater Lowell Community Foundation

Founded in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life in Greater Lowell and Merrimack Valley.

The Foundation is deeply committed to our local nonprofit community and our grant-making program is focused on assisting nonprofits by fostering collaboration and supporting direct services. The goal of the Foundation is to help our nonprofit partners fulfill their mission more effectively and efficiently. We strive to fund projects that touch many lives and enrich the overall quality of life in our region.

Discretionary Grants Program

The Discretionary Grants Program’s purpose is to improve the quality of life for residents in GLCF’s 21 communities: Acton, Ashby, Ayer, Bedford, Billerica, Burlington, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord, Dracut, Dunstable, Groton, Littleton, Lowell, Pepperell, Shirley, Tewksbury, Townsend, Tyngsborough, Westford and Wilmington.

Grant funding from the Greater Lowell Community Foundation’s Discretionary Grants Program includes the following strategic funding categories: Leclair Elder Services, Children’s Services, LGBTQ+.

Please Note: To encourage partnerships between our nonprofits, a nonprofit can apply for a grant category AND be a partner on other grant proposals but not be the lead applicant. Agencies with multiple service sites should submit only one application for all sites.

Children’s Services

GLCF will award multiple grants of up to $10,000 each to projects that support services for children. The Foundation welcomes proposals that improve the quality of life for children and young adults (birth to age 22.)

Grant decisions and amounts will be determined based on a variety of factors, including:

• Organization size - understanding the impact of a grant of this size on your organization
• Location(s) of impact - demonstrating commitment to Greater Lowell and role in the region’s social services ecosystem, including strong & established local collaborations and partnerships
• Organization impact and reach - including population served, # of households served, type(s) of programming oKered, etc.
• Organization’s leadership and financial health

The Leo W. Seal Innovative Teacher Award, administered by the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, recognizes educators in select Mississippi counties for their innovative teaching projects. Grants of up to $2,000 are awarded to teachers who demonstrate creativity and leadership in enhancing student learning. Eligible applicants are public or private school educators in areas including Forrest, Hancock, and Harrison counties. This initiative aims to support impactful classroom projects that benefit students and improve teaching effectiveness.

The Top State for Talent Grant: High Demand Career Equipment, offered by the Georgia Department of Education, aims to enhance Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) programs. With a focus on providing essential capital equipment for high-demand career pathways, this grant supports local CTAE Directors in their efforts to prepare students for successful futures. By ensuring our students have access to modern resources, we are committed to improving educational outcomes and workforce readiness in Georgia.

The WMU College of Arts and Sciences offers the Accelerated Graduate Degree Program (AGDP) Fellowship Grant to support graduate students enrolled in AGDP programs. This one-year fellowship includes a full-time teaching assistantship, providing financial assistance through a stipend and tuition support. Students must be nominated, maintain good academic standing, and be eligible for a teaching assistantship during their fellowship year. This initiative aims to encourage enrollment in CAS AGDP programs.

Greater Lowell Community Foundation

Founded in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life in Greater Lowell and Merrimack Valley.

The Foundation is deeply committed to our local nonprofit community and our grant-making program is focused on assisting nonprofits by fostering collaboration and supporting direct services. The goal of the Foundation is to help our nonprofit partners fulfill their mission more effectively and efficiently. We strive to fund projects that touch many lives and enrich the overall quality of life in our region.

Discretionary Grants Program

The Discretionary Grants Program’s purpose is to improve the quality of life for residents in GLCF’s 21 communities: Acton, Ashby, Ayer, Bedford, Billerica, Burlington, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord, Dracut, Dunstable, Groton, Littleton, Lowell, Pepperell, Shirley, Tewksbury, Townsend, Tyngsborough, Westford and Wilmington.

Grant funding from the Greater Lowell Community Foundation’s Discretionary Grants Program includes the following strategic funding categories: Leclair Elder Services, Children’s Services, LGBTQ+.

Please Note: To encourage partnerships between our nonprofits, a nonprofit can apply for a grant category AND be a partner on other grant proposals but not be the lead applicant. Agencies with multiple service sites should submit only one application for all sites.

 LGBTQ+

The LGBTQ Fund Grants, of up to $10,000, to support nonprofit programs and projects that improve the quality of life for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender & queer (LGBTQ) community in Greater Lowell by providing legal, health, education, advocacy, or other high-demand services/program.

Grant decisions and amounts will be determined based on a variety of factors, including:

• Organization size - understanding the impact of a grant of this size on your organization
• Location(s) of impact - demonstrating commitment to Greater Lowell and role in the region’s social services ecosystem, including strong & established local collaborations and partnerships
• Organization impact and reach - including population served, # of households served, type(s) of programming oKered, etc.
• Organization’s leadership and financial health

The Columbus Foundation

In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Carol Strip Whitney Scholarship

The Carol Strip Whitney Scholarship represents a life of passion, as she has taught gifted children for 45 years. Dr. Carol believes in the abilities of gifted children to make this world a better place. These children will be our leaders, our researchers, our inventors. It is her belief that an investment in their futures can only serve to awaken the important aspects of learning for the world of tomorrow. 

Applicants to the scholarship intend to be among the leaders of the next generation.