Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The Donald L. Rasmussen – Paul J. Kaufman Memorial Scholarship, administered by the Beckley Area Foundation, offers financial support to current or former coal miners and their descendants from southern West Virginia, particularly those from Raleigh County. This renewable scholarship prioritizes applicants pursuing education in medical fields, including nursing and therapy, to enhance educational opportunities within the coal mining community. The Beckley Area Foundation, established in 1985, is dedicated to charitable initiatives that strengthen local communities.

The Windows of Hope Foundation supports various non-profit organizations in Pierce County, Washington, with grants ranging from $1,000 to $50,000. The foundation prioritizes funding for social services, senior and youth programs, homelessness, health, and education. There is no deadline for submitting a Letter of Intent (LOI), but applicants should expect a response within 12-16 weeks. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt under the Internal Revenue Code.

About the Department

The Nevada Department of Education (NDE or Department) leads and collaborates with Nevada's 17 school districts and the State Public Charter School Authority to advance educational equity Statewide. With offices in Nevada's capital, Carson City, and Las Vegas, NDE oversees all pre-K-12 education in the State with mission of improving student achievement and educator effectiveness by ensuring opportunities, facilitating learning, and promoting excellence. Under the leadership of the State Board of Education and the Executive Team, NDE impacts the achievement of nearly half a million children and 30,000 educators.

Open Enrollment Transportation Support Grant

Assembly Bill 533 (AB533) and Senate Bill 460 (SB460), passed during the 2025 Legislative Session, allocated $7M to support transportation services for students residing in the zone of attendance of a 1- or 2-star school who enroll in a program of open enrollment to attend a school outside of their zone of attendance and have attested to requiring financial assistance. The Nevada Department of Education (NDE or Department) is tasked with establishing a program to award grants of money to school districts and organizations so that they may develop a program to provide transportation directly to pupils, provide reimbursement to the parents or legal guardians of students for the cost of transportation, or to identify the need and eligibility of students for a program of transportation assistance. Please note that details regarding this funding are explicated through regulatory amendments to the Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) and are currently in draft as R076-25RP3. As these regulations have not yet been approved, excerpts of draft regulatory language are included in this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). 

The Benjamin Asbell Youth Award, presented by the Jewish Community Foundation, recognizes outstanding Jewish youth in high school who demonstrate leadership and serve as role models within their communities. Open to members of Jewish congregational youth groups, this award aims to inspire recipients to engage in Jewish communal life and promote the continuity of Jewish identity among peers. Nominations must be submitted by a youth group advisor or rabbi, supporting the development of future leaders.

The Branfman Family Scholarship Award, offered by the Jewish Community Foundation, supports students of all faiths from Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester Counties pursuing post-high school education. Eligible candidates, including graduating seniors and undergraduates, must have a minimum GPA of 2.5. Awards can be used for tuition, books, and living expenses, ensuring vital financial assistance for students. This initiative highlights the Foundation's commitment to community support and educational access.

The Leonard Jay Hirschfeld Memorial Endowment Fund awards a graduating high school student from Burlington, Camden, or Gloucester Counties to purchase a laptop, software, or training in computer sciences. Applicants must demonstrate leadership abilities and submit two letters of recommendation. This award encourages local youth to pursue educational opportunities in technology, fostering skills essential for future success. Open to all eligible students in the specified counties, this fund aims to support their educational journey.

The Student Opportunity Scholarship Award honors the memory of Arthur & Eleanor Klein and David Rivkin, established by the Jewish Community Foundation to support Jewish students from Burlington, Camden, or Gloucester Counties. This award aims to assist those pursuing higher education or degree-related programs, focusing on applicants who demonstrate financial need. Eligible students may apply for various awards, ensuring access to educational opportunities and community support through this valued initiative.

The Stuart & Marylee Alperin Jewish Communal Service Professional Development Award supports individuals pursuing a career in Jewish Communal Service. Applicants must be residents of Burlington, Camden, or Gloucester County in New Jersey, or reside elsewhere in Southern New Jersey. Awards can cover tuition, professional development, and related expenses. This initiative aims to nurture strong Jewish community institutions by supporting competent Jewish professionals, reflecting the founders' commitment to the creative survival of the Jewish people.

The Mildred Soefer Scholarship Fund Award offers financial support to Jewish students from Burlington, Camden, or Gloucester Counties who are pursuing higher education or vocational training. Applicants are required to have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and demonstrate financial need. The scholarship may cover tuition, books, and living expenses. This fund aims to foster educational growth within the community and encourages applicants to apply for multiple awards they may qualify for.

The St. Joseph Foundation Grants, administered by the Community Foundation for the Central Savannah River Area, aim to support nonprofit organizations addressing the evolving healthcare needs of individuals in the CSRA. With a commitment to enhancing community health, the foundation prioritizes initiatives related to health service education, medical uninsured populations, and hospice care. Grants are awarded based on a competitive process, ensuring that resources effectively meet local challenges.

The Small and Rural Hospital Relief Grant Program, administered by the California Department of Health Care Access and Information, aims to assist eligible small, rural, and Critical Access hospitals facing financial burdens due to seismic safety retrofit requirements. Funded by a portion of the state's electronic cigarette excise tax, this program prioritizes projects that demonstrate community need and financial viability, ensuring hospitals can remain operational and accessible to underserved populations.

The Rodger H. Baker Scholarship, managed by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Fauquier County Public Schools pursuing health careers at 2- or 4-year institutions. Ideal candidates excel academically, demonstrate leadership, have community service experience, and show commitment to their field of study. Financial need is considered, with preference given to nursing students, although all health disciplines are welcome. This scholarship reflects the Foundation's dedication to enhancing local educational opportunities.

The RMD Music Scholarship, managed by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, offers a $12,000 renewable scholarship for graduating seniors from Fauquier or Rappahannock County public schools pursuing a music degree at an accredited institution. Eligible students must demonstrate leadership and motivation, and must audition in their senior year while providing proof of acceptance into a university music program. Renewal depends on maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.7.

The ALACRITY Research Centers, funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, aim to enhance the effectiveness of mental health interventions for youth and adults. This initiative supports interdisciplinary research to develop innovative approaches for optimizing mental health care access and quality. By fostering collaborations across various fields such as behavioral science and health systems engineering, the program seeks to transform clinical practices and improve outcomes for individuals facing mental health challenges.

Madeline Mellers Memorial Girls Golf Scholarship

Madeline started playing golf at a young age with her father, Ed Mellers, in Missouri. After moving to Colorado with her mother and stepfather, Chris and Ann Bush in 4th grade, she continued to play and started competing in CJGA events around the state. When she started as a freshman at Rye High School in 1990-91, there was no girls’ golf team at Rye High School so CHSAA said she could try out for the boys’ team, and she made it! Her junior year, Madeline along with her coach, Greg Bailey and Hollydot Professional, Prim Ivan, approached CHSAA again to see if Mad’s scores from Boys golf in fall could qualify her for the Girls State golf tournament the next spring, and CHSAA decided yes! She qualified and played in her 1st state tournament the next spring, placing 10th. In those days, the girls competed against girls from every size of high school in the state 1A to 6A.

During her Junior and Senior years, Madeline was also working with Dana Smith, a well known teaching professional from the Mike McGetrick Golf Academy in Denver. Dana took Madeline’s golf to the next level and is now graciously helping with her scholarship. He was chosen as the best teacher in Colorado by Golf digest and has several articles on golf published by Golf digest and Golf Illustrated. He is currently one of the staff at Trent Wearner Golf in Denver.

Her senior year, we were able to field a team made up of girls from various Southern Colorado small high schools and they played in girls’ season, 11 tournaments in all. Madeline was medalist in all 11 tournaments. She went on to become the Pueblo Ladies City Champion 3 times in 1994, 1995, and 1996. She was the youngest girl to win the Ladies championship at 17 years old!

Madeline was awarded a golf and academic scholarship to Stetson University, a division 1 school in Florida, where she attended and played golf for 4 years graduating in 1998. Denver University Law School was her next stop, and she graduated with her Juris Doctorate in 2002, passed the bar and started her law career with a private firm in Denver.

Tragically, we lost Madeline at 41 years old to colon cancer after a courageous 5-year battle. At the time of her death, she was a Senior Asst. Attorney General for the state of Colorado and very actively involved as a fundraiser for the Colon Cancer Alliance of Colorado. Madeline Ann Mellers played golf all of her life and was President of the Denver Businesswomen’s golf league. 

Description of the award

• We will be awarding two $2,500.00 scholarships
• Payment will be made to the institution directly
• Both in-state and out-of-state institutions are accepted
• Applicants must maintain a 3.0 or above GPA while maintaining the scholarship

Eugene Frank Sommerlatte Endowment Fund

Majoring in Transportation Technology and enrolling in following semester.

Awards

• (1) $3,000.00

About Bartol

Bartol Foundation funds accessible, culturally relevant, and inclusive arts education that is community-rooted; centering joy, connection, and creative expression.

We believe in the transformative power of the arts and the teaching artists who bring inspiration to life in schools, shelters, prisons, sacred spaces, and community centers across Philadelphia. Through grants, training, and advocacy, we invest in artists, organizations, and practices that reflect the creativity and diversity of our city.

Bartol Arts Education Grant

Bartol Foundation funds small Philadelphia arts organizations that are actively advancing racial, gender and disability justice through community-led arts education. We support programs that provide equitable access to inclusive, culturally connected art-making and creative skill building led by teaching artists in deep relationship with the communities they serve.

We support small arts organizations with grants that:

• Provide ongoing, in-depth, hands-on creative learning opportunities in any art discipline in Philadelphia
• Create healing-centered, supportive spaces that advance equitable access to education for participants of any age
• Build intentional, long-term relationships with the communities you serve
• Engage board members, staff, and teaching artists whose lived experiences aligns with your community
• Reflect and respect the cultures and identities of participants in your approach to learning
• Have an average annual budget of $500,000 or under

Small organizations with average annual revenue marginally over $500,000 may still be invited to apply if they meet all our other criteria regarding arts education programming.

Alaska Community Foundation

The Alaska Community Foundation connects people who care to the causes that make a difference and matter most to them. We encourage and nurture philanthropy through building and managing permanent endowments, convening stakeholders, working with partners to strengthen Alaskan communities, and providing donors with flexible giving options that are strategic to their philanthropic objectives. ACF also manages the Pick.Click.Give. program.

Sitka Legacy Foundation Grants

As an Affiliate of The Alaska Community Foundation, Sitka Legacy Foundation’s goal is to support projects that enhance the quality of life for residents of Sitka and surrounding rural communities, addressing immediate needs while working toward long-term improvements. 

We use proceeds from our growing permanent endowment to award grants that fund charitable organizations and programs. We seek projects that have the potential to impact a broad range of residents and show collaboration with other organizations.

Sitka Legacy Foundation’s Local Food Security Grant Program

Sitka Legacy Foundation is offering a special, one-time grant opportunity aimed at strengthening food security in our community. A total of $15,000 in funding is available to support projects that increase access to healthy, local food. This opportunity is made possible through a generous double match from the Alaska Community Foundation’s Nourished Communities program. We are accepting applications for projects that support local food security needs and programs in Sitka and Port Alexander.

The Whidbey Island Garden Tour Grant supports local causes and nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving and maintaining Whidbey Island's natural habitats. Established in 1996, this all-volunteer initiative has raised over $500,000 for more than sixty projects. Each year, the WIGT board reviews applications in May, awarding funds in July, encouraging community engagement through marketing the tour, and fostering awareness of the island's natural beauty.

The IEN-WMAN Mini-Grant Program provides crucial financial support to Indigenous communities and grassroots organizations impacted by mining in the U.S. and Canada. With over $200,000 distributed annually in $4,000 grants, the program aims to address mining-related environmental and health issues. Priority is given to proposals that demonstrate a direct impact on affected communities, particularly Indigenous-led initiatives, ensuring that financial assistance is directed where it is most needed.

The Arthritis Foundation is seeking research proposals focused on Patient Reported Outcomes (PROs) to enhance shared decision-making in arthritis care. Projects should aim to deepen the understanding of patient treatment goals, monitor disease activity, and improve communication of PRO data. Research can span various arthritis types, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and should last up to two years. This initiative emphasizes the integration of patient perspectives to elevate care quality.

The Elevance Health Foundation's Maternal and Child Health Grant supports community-based nonprofit organizations aiming to enhance maternal and infant health outcomes. The foundation prioritizes funding programs that address disparities, improve care access, and promote health throughout the pregnancy journey. Focus areas include reducing pre-term birth rates and severe maternal morbidity. This initiative encourages scalable solutions for measurable impact across various states, ensuring comprehensive support for mothers and infants alike.

The Rosendin Foundation Emergency Grant provides financial support for unplanned expenses due to unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters. Grants up to $5,000 are available for community-focused non-profit organizations in states where Rosendin and MPS operate. The foundation prioritizes emotional, occupational, and nutritional health initiatives, aiming to positively impact communities and empower individuals through financial support and volunteer efforts.

The DC Great Streets Retail Grant Program aims to enhance commercial corridors by supporting projects that promote sustainability, create jobs, and improve essential services. Designed for brick-and-mortar businesses and select non-profits, the program offers up to $85,000 in funding, including a $20,000 innovation top-up for creative business expansions. This initiative encourages local businesses to innovate and adapt, ensuring vital retail areas thrive in the community.

The DC Emerging Retail Initiative Grant Program supports emerging businesses by activating vacant spaces, enhancing economic activity, and providing essential goods in underserved areas. This program encourages innovative temporary-use models, allowing businesses to test concepts in low-risk environments, create jobs, and deliver necessary amenities. With a maximum request of $20,000, it aims to foster sustainable growth and community-focused retail development, bridging the gap between shared spaces and permanent establishments.

The Disaster Grants Program by LSC provides vital funding to organizations aiding survivors of government-declared emergencies. It empowers legal aid groups to deliver essential services to low-income disaster survivors, ensuring access to legal assistance during crises. The program also educates communities on disaster legal services and prepares them for future emergencies, enhancing resilience and response capabilities. By supporting various grant types, the initiative addresses immediate needs and fosters long-term recovery strategies.

The Samuel "Eric" Storm Memorial Scholarship Fund offers $2,500 to students pursuing advanced degrees in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or Speech Therapy. Established in honor of Eric Storm, a dedicated physical therapist, the fund aims to support students in accredited programs. Eric's legacy includes his commitment to mentorship and community service, reflecting his belief in health care as a calling. This scholarship honors his impact on many lives and encourages future health professionals to follow in his footsteps.