Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The Lakken’s Legacy Sibling Scholarship, established by the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation, honors Lakken Burzynski's courage and resilience in her battle with cancer. This $1,000 scholarship is designed for siblings of children diagnosed with brain tumors, emphasizing support for families impacted by such challenges. Eligible applicants must be 21 or younger at diagnosis and reside in the U.S. This initiative promotes positivity and hope, continuing Lakken's legacy of strength and family support.

The Lakken’s Legacy Survivor Scholarship, offered by the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation, awards $1,000 to brain tumor survivors pursuing education beyond high school. This initiative honors Lakken, who faced challenges during her cancer journey yet remained passionate about education. The scholarship aims to support individuals diagnosed with brain or spinal cord tumors before age 21, ensuring they have the opportunity to continue their studies in various educational institutions. It's a commitment to empower survivors and foster their dreams.

The Amazing Grace Scholarship, established by the Children's Brain Tumor Foundation, honors Grace Fulcher, a brain tumor survivor. This scholarship supports students diagnosed with brain or spinal cord tumors before age 21, who reside in the U.S. and are pursuing higher education. With a $1000 award, the scholarship aims to empower survivors to achieve their educational goals, inspired by Grace's resilience and academic success despite her challenges.

The Jenna’s Rainbow Moving Forward Grant, offered by the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation, provides crucial financial assistance to adult survivors of brain or spinal cord tumors. Aimed at fostering independence, this grant supports costs associated with job transitions, new living situations, and resources to enhance self-sufficiency. Eligible applicants must be at least 18 years old, diagnosed before 21, and not have received recent funding from CBTF or JRF. This initiative empowers survivors to overcome challenges and move forward in their lives.

The Fund for Women and Girls, established by the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation, aims to empower women and girls to lead fulfilling and safe lives. It supports organizations that provide educational and financial assistance, advocate for gender equity, and ensure safety from violence. Eligible projects include building repairs, legal services, and career development programs. Priority is given to services in Duluth and Superior, fostering community development and support for women and girls.

The Browning Kimball Foundation, established in 1978, focuses on enhancing the quality of life in Central Montana through sustainable agriculture and support for youth and families. With a commitment to good governance, the foundation may limit grants to four consecutive years and encourages grantees to diversify funding sources. Eligible applicants must possess a 501(c)(3) designation, and preference is given to organizations serving Central Montana, particularly in areas like health, education, and community development.

The C3F Mini Grants, offered by the Charlevoix County Community Foundation, support small-scale projects that address unexpected needs or enhance organizational capacity. Applications are accepted year-round, with an annual availability starting in January and a deadline of December 15th. Interested applicants must consult with a C3F staff member before submitting their proposals. This flexible funding opportunity is ideal for organizations looking to implement timely initiatives.

The Richard S. Reynolds Foundation, established in 1955 in Richmond, Virginia, supports diverse community initiatives in education, healthcare, the arts, and the environment. With over $71 million granted to date, it aims to strengthen communities and foster future generations. The foundation prioritizes requests from IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations while typically avoiding contributions to annual operational costs. Its commitment to impactful projects ensures a lasting positive influence both locally and globally.

The Columbus County Community Foundation's Unrestricted Fund provides essential support to local nonprofit organizations in Columbus County. This fund allows the foundation to address evolving community needs through annual grants that enhance quality of life. With grant amounts typically ranging from $500 to $15,000, the foundation encourages a diverse range of projects to foster community growth and collaboration among nonprofits, aiming for impactful outcomes in literacy, food security, and human services.

The Community Grants Program, offered by the Community Foundation of South Puget Sound, supports diverse nonprofit organizations in Lewis, Mason, and Thurston Counties. With an annual funding pool of approximately $350,000, grants range from $1,500 to $5,000 and can be used for various organizational needs. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) status and demonstrate local impact. This initiative aims to enhance community well-being across health, environment, and social sectors, fostering collaboration with local partners.

The C3F: Geographic Enrichment Grant Cycle aims to enhance the quality of life in Charlevoix County by providing funding opportunities for nonprofit projects in communities like Beaver Island, Boyne City, Charlevoix, and East Jordan. This initiative encourages collaboration and innovative approaches to meet community needs while ensuring that grant proposals deliver tangible benefits to each affected area. The foundation invites diverse applicants to contribute to impactful local projects.

The Minster Community Fund supports civic projects, education, recreation, health, conservation, and the arts within the Minster School District. It aims to enhance community resources through unique projects, volunteer involvement, and efficient collaboration among organizations. Grants are awarded based on available funds, with a focus on addressing diverse community needs and promoting innovative solutions. The Fund encourages proposals that cannot be funded by other sources, strengthening local non-profits and fostering citizen participation.

The Community Micro Grants by the Sturgis Area Community Foundation (SACF) aim to enhance the quality of life in St. Joseph County, Michigan. These grants, up to $5,000, support smaller organizations or projects that directly benefit local residents. Funding is available year-round, ensuring timely assistance for initiatives in areas like education, health, and community development. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities, fostering a collaborative community spirit.

The C. Giles Hunt Charitable Trust Grant supports charities serving Douglas County, Oregon. Its mission is to honor Mr. Hunt's wish to assist local organizations, focusing on areas such as arts, education, health, and human services. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and primarily benefit Douglas County residents. Preference is given to those operating in the county or directly benefiting its residents, ensuring community-focused charitable efforts.

The Kerr Foundation Inc. offers grants to 501(c)3 organizations, focusing on education, arts, health, and human services. Priority is given to Oklahoma entities, but applications from neighboring states and Washington D.C. are also accepted. The foundation supports various project types, including capital, program, and operating expenses. Note that back-to-back grants are not allowed, enforcing a three-year gap for reapplication after funding. This ensures a broad and impactful reach for community development.

The DCF Capital Project Grants aim to enhance nonprofit facilities through capital improvements, helping organizations in Delaware operate more effectively. These grants support projects that not only renovate but also empower nonprofits to better serve their communities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 organizations within Delaware or those benefiting Delawareans. The initiative excludes funding for individuals, certain nonprofits, and specific operational expenses, ensuring support focuses on impactful community enhancements.

The Boschee Engineering Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, supports students pursuing a degree in Chemical Engineering. Eligible applicants must be Montana high school graduates and undergraduate students with a minimum 3.25 GPA. This scholarship aims to promote diversity by giving preference to American Indian students who are enrolled members of federally recognized tribes. The award amount varies, providing essential financial assistance to deserving students in the field of engineering.

The Odessa and Henry Kahrs Trust Grant provides funding for charitable, religious, scientific, literary, and educational purposes in southern New Jersey, particularly Atlantic County. Established in 1970, this private trust aims to support qualified 501(c)(3) organizations. Eligible applicants must be located within the specified region, and preference is given to those within Atlantic County. Applications are accepted year-round, making it an accessible funding source for local nonprofits.

The Central Fund of the Finnish Cultural Foundation offers grants to support scientific and artistic projects, emphasizing cultural development in Finland. Applications are accepted for Eminentia grants aimed at senior researchers and artists, and for the Art for Institutions initiative focused on enhancing cultural rights for vulnerable populations. Eligible applicants include Finnish nationals and those with strong ties to Finland. The Foundation also funds various projects in arts, sciences, and cultural areas, ensuring a broad impact on society.

The PLTW Engineering Program Expansion grant, funded by Project Lead The Way Inc, offers $10,000 to public schools in specific districts across several states, including Arkansas, Georgia, and Virginia. This grant aims to enhance existing PLTW Engineering courses or add new ones, alongside teacher training for the 2025-2026 academic year. Grantees are required to submit annual reports and assist in collecting surveys to aid in program improvement and stakeholder engagement.

The PLTW Engineering grant supports public schools in implementing at least one PLTW Engineering course in the 2025-2026 academic year, with a total funding of $30,000 over two years. Eligible districts include those in Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Maine, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Grantees are required to submit annual reports and assist in collecting surveys to enhance program effectiveness and share results with stakeholders.

The Truman C. Kuehn Charities Grant supports a variety of charitable causes primarily in San Diego County, California. With an average grant size of $6,000 to $10,000, the charity typically awards four grants each year, totaling between $12,000 and $16,000 in annual giving. Eligible organizations must qualify as 501(c)(3) exempt entities and be located in San Diego County. The foundation focuses on arts, education, health, and human services.

About the Foundation

The MxCC Foundation Supports CT State Middlesex and Meriden Campuses

The purpose of the Middlesex Community College Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) public charity incorporated in Connecticut, is twofold:

• To support the college and its students by receiving, managing, and distributing funds for scholarships and other educational purposes, and
• To generate and strengthen communication and collaboration between the college and the Foundation and business, industry, professional, civic, and educational leaders in the communities served by the college—all of Middlesex County, Meriden and Wallingford in New Haven County, and Rocky Hill in Hartford County.

Removing financial obstacles that bar or inhibit student access to education is the Foundation’s driving force. Scholarships address not only the growing need for financial assistance, but also our perennial wish to celebrate student achievement.

The MxCC Foundation’s charge is to develop external resources that contribute support to student and academic programs, as well as efforts that foster student success.

Mayor’s Scholarship for Middletown

The Mayor’s Scholarship is funded by the Office of the Mayor, City of Middletown.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Daniel R. Miller (Fretts) Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Daniel R. Miller (Fretts) Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to provide scholarship assistance for vocational and higher educational opportunities for Scottdale Borough/East Huntingdon Twp. youth. The fund was endowed by Daniel R. (Bob) Miller’s daughter Karen to honor the memory of her father and the Miller & Fretts families of the Scottdale Area. Bob Miller, for whom this scholarship is named, was born and raised in Scottdale. He believed that the core values instilled in him by his immediate Miller and Fretts relatives in the Scottdale area were a contributing factor to his later successful business career and other lifetime experiences.

The purpose of the scholarship is to provide scholarship assistance to a graduating senior from Southmoreland High School who wishes to pursue a career in a traditional trade or modern equivalent (engineering, architecture, design etc.).

Award Type: Single Year Award. Previous recipients are encouraged to re-apply.

The John and Margaret Post Foundation Grant supports charitable organizations that enhance the quality of life for families in northwest New Jersey and northeast Pennsylvania. Focused on arts, education, environment, health, and human services, the foundation prioritizes grants for capital needs and specific programs. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and primarily serve the designated geographic areas. This grant represents an opportunity for impactful projects that align with the foundation's mission.

The Shelton Hardaway Short, Jr. Trust Grant, established in 1974, supports charitable organizations primarily in Central and Southern Virginia. Grants, typically between $10,000 and $50,000, are given as memorials to Mr. Short's family members. The foundation prioritizes various program areas including arts, education, health, and human services, and aims to enhance the community's welfare. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) entities, with no geographic limitations, although local organizations are favored.

The Benjamin H. Smyser Foundation, established by Fort Wayne resident Benjamin H. Smyser, focuses on supporting various charitable causes primarily within the Fort Wayne area. The foundation, operational since 1968, emphasizes arts, education, environmental efforts, health, human services, and religious initiatives. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) compliant to qualify for funding, with a preference for local beneficiaries. While there are no strict geographic limitations, preference is given to those serving Indiana residents.