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Community Foundation for Muskegon County
At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.
The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.
Scholarships
Our scholarship funds seek to empower and encourage Muskegon County residents to pursue their dreams, hone in their gifts, and give back to our community.
If you’re a high school or homeschooled senior, current college student, early college senior, or adult learner, the Community Foundation for Muskegon County may have a scholarship for you. We manage one of the largest scholarship programs in our area, with over $1 million committed to students in over 500 new and renewed scholarships awarded each year.
J. Dean and Carolyn L. Owen (Carolee) Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of J. Dean Owen, their family and friends in memory of his wife Carolee Owen. Carolee was a dedicated community volunteer and this fund will provide scholarships to graduates of Muskegon County High Schools who are planning on attending a college or university within the state of Michigan. In 2015 J. Dean passed away. The family and friends of J. Dean and Carolee Owen can be assured that hundreds of young people, for years to come, will benefit from this fund established in her memory.
At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.
Swenson Family Scholarship
This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Leland L. Swenson, who established the Swenson Family Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Dr. Leland Swenson practiced orthopedic surgery in Muskegon from 1949-1978 and worked at Hackley Occupational Health Clinic, completing orthopedic disability evaluations from 1985-2005. The Swenson family wished to continue with their charitable actions, and believe the Community Foundation would carry out their wishes. The Swenson Family Scholarship is designed to provide scholarships to students throughout Muskegon County.
About AWS
We Move Welding Forward
Founded in 1919, the American Welding Society is a nonprofit organization with a global mission: to advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying.
By fostering knowledge, embracing change, and providing real-world opportunities through scholarships, fellowships, and workforce development, AWS provides the tools to help members succeed—and to inspire future generations of welding professionals.
Welder Training Scholarship
The AWS Welder Training Scholarship is for students seeking welder training in a certificate program less than two years in length through a trade school, community college, or other facility providing welder training.
Up to 800 - $1,000 Welder Training Scholarships will be awarded annually.
Community Foundation for Muskegon County
At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.
The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.
Scholarships
Our scholarship funds seek to empower and encourage Muskegon County residents to pursue their dreams, hone in their gifts, and give back to our community.
If you’re a high school or homeschooled senior, current college student, early college senior, or adult learner, the Community Foundation for Muskegon County may have a scholarship for you. We manage one of the largest scholarship programs in our area, with over $1 million committed to students in over 500 new and renewed scholarships awarded each year.
Jackson-Merkey Contractors Educational Scholarship
This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Steve Jackson and Gary Merkey, who established the Jackson-Merkey Contractors Educational Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Steve Jackson and Gary Merkey have been friends since high school and business partners for many years now. They were really excited to start this find and wish they had thought of it long ago. This scholarship will benefit Muskegon County high school graduates working toward any degree but with a preference given to students pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering or Constuction Management.
Community Foundation for Muskegon County
At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.
The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.
Scholarships
Our scholarship funds seek to empower and encourage Muskegon County residents to pursue their dreams, hone in their gifts, and give back to our community.
If you’re a high school or homeschooled senior, current college student, early college senior, or adult learner, the Community Foundation for Muskegon County may have a scholarship for you. We manage one of the largest scholarship programs in our area, with over $1 million committed to students in over 500 new and renewed scholarships awarded each year.
Hispanic Community Services Coaltion Scholarship
This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Hispanic Community Services Coalition, who established the Hispanic Community Services Coalition Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. The Mission of the Hispanic Services Coalition of Muskegon County is to serve the Hispanic community through education, health information and services as an instrument in improving their quality of life. HCSC promotes the Hispanic culture within Muskegon County and acts as a cultural reference. This scholarship is for a Hispanic or Latino graduating seniors who are residents of and/or attend high school in Muskegon County.
ASPCA PRO
ASPCApro.org provides tools and resources for animal welfare professionals, veterinary personnel and volunteers. We take a progressive approach to helping the country's at-risk animals, promoting cutting edge research to advance the field.
ASPCA Research Grants
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®) research grants fund high-quality research with a clear potential to benefit animals, either directly or through effecting systems-level change. Proposals to extend existing studies, focused on other disciplines, will also be considered if they can clearly demonstrate substantial potential benefit to animal welfare.
This year we are soliciting proposals in the following six research areas:
Proposals focused on evaluating the effectiveness of a program or service must demonstrate methodological rigor and a clear plan to produce generalizable scientific knowledge. Please view eligibility information for specific projects from the research area you are interested in.
Cruelty Research
Proposals that address cruelty toward equines, cats, or dogs from any angle or relevant discipline (e.g., public policy, law, criminal justice, criminology, veterinary forensics, community engagement, prevention/intervention, human behavior change). Of particular interest is research that a) increases understanding of the perspectives of key stakeholder groups (e.g., law enforcement/animal control, veterinary professionals, animal shelters/rescues) or b) investigates the effectiveness of cruelty prevention/response efforts at the community or system level. Also of interest is research that heightens awareness of animal cruelty and builds knowledge that informs and engages key community stakeholders and allied professionals in preventing and responding to this animal welfare issue.
Proposals that include a shelter-researcher partnership aspect are especially encouraged. Examples include, but are not limited to, inclusion of both shelter and academic staff on the study team, the creation of a shelter-facing deliverable, an implementation prospectus that includes a feasibility assessment and identified partner shelter, etc.
Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.
Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.
Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.
Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.
John "Jack" and Jo Schils Scholarship Fund
The John "Jack" and Jo Schils Scholarship Fund was established by the Schils family in 2020 as a memorial tribute to John "Jack" Schils, a multi-sports coach, athletic director, teacher, principal, father, grandfather, husband and friend to many. This fund supports students from the Battle Creek Public Schools District where Jack was employed from 1958 until his retirement in 1986.
Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.
Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.
Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.
Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.
Lillian A. Jones Scholarship Fund
This fund was established in memory of Lillian A. Jones to support academic scholarships for graduate students who are Calhoun County residents. "Often times students finish their undergraduate degree and are in debt or just don't have the funds to continue on to higher degrees," said Lillian speaking about her fund, "There is a real need for these students too."
New ERA Writers Program Goals
The New Era Writers Program aims to inspire those who seek to improve their current abilities or find a community with like-minded individuals and writers. We want to provide support and resources to writers and writing programs to help amplify their voices and improve their capabilities. Our Foundation believes that one of the most important life skills is the ability to be an effective writer and communicator. We support programs that will provide anyone with the knowledge and skills to express themselves through the art of writing and encourage higher levels of training designed to assist in delivering clear and persuasive arguments for change and equality. This program was designed to support writers as they pursue a career and love of writing.
Program Outline
The New Era program was created to encourage writing professionals, teachers, counselors, professors, and schools to start or continue programs supporting professional and creative writing career paths.
The program can support:
About AWS
We Move Welding Forward
Founded in 1919, the American Welding Society is a nonprofit organization with a global mission: to advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying.
By fostering knowledge, embracing change, and providing real-world opportunities through scholarships, fellowships, and workforce development, AWS provides the tools to help members succeed—and to inspire future generations of welding professionals.
Section and District Named Scholarships
Many AWS Sections offer scholarships funded by local members, companies, and donors. These scholarships are designated for students within each section and range from $1,000 to $3,000+.
Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.
Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.
Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.
Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.
Harry & Helen Davidson Family Scholarship Fund
The Davidson Family Scholarship was established to honor the commitment to education and service to the Battle Creek community of Harry and Helen Davidson. Harry, who served as superintendent of the Battle Creek Public Schools for a number of years, who upon his retirement from the education field, became the first executive director of the Battle Creek Community Foundation. Much of Harry and Helen's work in this community can be exemplified today through development of our fine educational system, the growth of our Community Foundation, and a strong community value for the education of our young people.
Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.
Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.
Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.
Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.
J. K. Stanford Memorial Award Fund
Rose "Rossie" Miller, a passionate advocate for the community, and her family established this scholarship in memory of their loved one, J. K. Stanford, who was a talented auto mechanic. According to Rose, "my brother J.K. was so good of a mechanic, it seemed like he could simply listen to a car run and tell you what was wrong. He was a compassionate, kind-hearted person, who had a love of cars from an early age." Rose stated, "having received scholarship funds myself, I feel blessed to finally be able to give back to the community." The Stanford family witnessed the realities of not having certification and made a commitment to removing that barrier for others. This scholarship will benefit individuals obtaining certification as an auto or heavy equipment mechanic, an opportunity J.K. never had due to lack of funds. Recipients shall prove to be passionate about and persevere towards their educational goals while maintaining high academic standards.
At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.
Muskegon County Medical Society Scholarship
This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the members of the Muskegon County Medical Society, who established the Muskegon County Medical Society Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. This scholarship provides assistance to individuals pursuing projects or programs relating to health, science education and/or service.
Operating grants for nonprofits provide essential funding to support day-to-day operations, staff salaries, and infrastructure. The following grants help organizations build capacity, maintain sustainability, and focus on achieving their mission-driven goals.
Explore 8,000+ funding opportunities for operational support, with $3.84B in resources. Instrumentl helps nonprofits secure essential funding by offering grant discovery tools, deadline tracking, and strategic funder analysis to ensure long-term success.
How common are grants in this category?
Quite common — grants in this category are more prevalent than in others.
Over the past year, when are grant deadlines typically due for Operating grants for Nonprofits?
Most grants are due in the first quarter.
Nonprofits of all types can apply for operating grants, but they are especially useful for organizations needing flexible funding to support the core work of their mission. Operating grants are ideal for nonprofits involved in general population well-being. Specific sectors include healthcare, education, social services, and the arts. Unlike project-based grants that fund specific initiatives, operating grants help with essential costs like staff salaries, rent, and general admin costs. Funders often look for groups with a clear mission who serve a meaningful purpose and have potential for long-term impact.
Based on Instrumentl’s live grant database for operating, grant deadlines are most common in Q1, accounting for 28.0% of all submission dates. The slowest period for new grant opportunities in this category falls in Q4, making it a less competitive time for preparation and strategic planning.
Operating grants exist to help nonprofits function smoothly and grow effectively. The goal is to give organizations the financial means they need to focus on their mission, serve their communities, and support long-term stability. These grants allow nonprofits to improve everyday operations, invest in staff development, and expand programs. Funders want to see nonprofits thrive, not just survive, and providing operational support is a key element to making that happen.
Funding for operating grants varies widely, with award amounts ranging from a minimum of $0 to a maximum of $188,250,000. Based on Instrumentl’s data, the median grant amount for this category is $37,500, while the average grant awarded is $734,409. Understanding these funding trends can help nonprofits set realistic expectations when applying.
Operating grants are often funded by private foundations like the popular Ford Foundation. Some government agencies offer grants to strengthen nonprofit infrastructure, especially in sectors like health, education, and social services. Corporate giving programs may also support nonprofits that align with their values and create lasting impact.
To improve the chances of getting operating grants, nonprofits should:
For more advice on finding and winning operating grants, check out our step-by-step guide to general operating grants.
Instrumentl simplifies the process of applying for operating grants by offering an intuitive platform that helps nonprofits discover relevant funding opportunities, track deadlines, and analyze funder-giving patterns. The platform's automated alerts ensure users never miss a deadline, while detailed funder insights help organizations tailor their applications to align with grantor priorities.
Check out how Habitat for Humanity delivered over 200% ROI within just a few weeks.