Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The Fishel Scholarship Fund, managed by The Columbus Foundation, offers financial assistance to children of active Teammates pursuing higher education. This initiative aims to alleviate college-related expenses, thus supporting families and encouraging academic achievement. As one of the largest community foundations, The Columbus Foundation is dedicated to enriching the quality of life in the Columbus, Ohio region through impactful philanthropic efforts.

The F.A. and R.A.M Scholarship, established by The Columbus Foundation, supports post-secondary education for students with physical or developmental disabilities in Columbus, Ohio. This scholarship aims to enhance access to higher education and foster inclusive opportunities for these students as they pursue academic or vocational training. By addressing barriers and promoting educational equity, the scholarship contributes to the community's commitment to empowering individuals and transforming lives through education.

The Dorrin and Ruth Ross Scholarship, established by the Columbus Foundation, aims to support educational opportunities for rural students from specific high schools in Kentucky and Ohio. This scholarship honors the legacy of Dorrin and Ruth Ross, who were deeply committed to community service and education, inspired by personal experiences during the Great Depression. By providing financial assistance, it helps students pursue post-secondary education and fosters long-term opportunities for those from rural backgrounds.

Implementing Germline and Somatic Testing for Precision Medicine in Community-Based Prostate Cancer Care 

The intent of this Request for Proposal (RFP) is to invite organizations to submit applications to host a 2.5-to-3 hour medical education program at or nearby the organization, to be led by 1-2 Visiting Professors (VPs) with expertise matched to the organization’s unmet educational and pragmatic needs related to integrating and acting on germline and somatic (tumor and/or ctDNA) testing for patients with prostate cancer. Following the education program, organizations will implement their action plan to incorporate, increase, or improve the use of guideline-concordant germline and somatic testing to improve prostate cancer patient care.

The total budget for the RFP is $250,000 USD, with plans to support 5-7 organizations. Individual project budgets should not exceed $50,000 USD.

About Us

For more than eight decades, this principle has remained at the heart of UNCF, enabling us to raise more than $6 billion and help more than 550,000 students and counting not just attend college, but thrive, graduate and become leaders.

We do this in three ways: By awarding more than 11,000 students scholarships, worth more than $62 million, each year. By providing financial support to 37 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). And by serving as the nation’s leading advocate for the importance of minority education and community engagement.

This three-pronged approach is powerful: Since our founding in 1944, we’ve helped to more than double the number of minorities attending college. The six-year graduation rate for UNCF African American scholarship recipients is 70%. This is 11% higher than the national average and 31% higher than the national average for all African Americans.

Thelma M. Shafran Endowed Scholarship

Summary

The Connecticut Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services (DMHAS) is the primary funding entity for Supported Education (SEd) services for adults with mental health disorders, or co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. DMHAS seeks to continue providing a highquality statewide network of SEd services. The goals of SEd are to increase integrated educational support for the target population described above.

Purpose

To continue to provide a statewide network of SEd services to assist adults with mental health disorders or co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders to pursue educational goals

The David and Minnie Berk Foundation, established in 1961, provides grants to charitable organizations in the arts, education, and social services, focusing on youth, the elderly, and the needy. With a maximum grant of $10,000, they support innovative ideas and pilot programs. Eligible recipients must be 501(c)(3) organizations located in the greater New York metropolitan area, while ineligible organizations include those with budgets exceeding $3,000,000 and individual projects.

llinois Department on Aging

The MISSION of the Illinois Department on Aging is to serve and advocate for older Illinoisans and their caregivers by administering quality and culturally appropriate programs that promote partnerships and encourage independence, dignity, and quality of life.

Rural Support

The Connecting Rural Older Illinoisans Grant opportunity directs funds to organizations to address rural area specific service issues, including transportation, technology, volunteer force development, and workforce development, that create barriers to older adults meeting their full potential.

The Rural Support Older Illinoisans Grant funds are to be used for one of the following activities:

• Develop and fund a stop-gap transportation program that will mitigate barriers to accessing programs and services leading to quality health outcomes and a reduction in social isolation and loneliness.
• Increase access to broadband and internet for older adults to partner with technology and virtual programs provided through Title III.
• Increase community connectivity through increasing the number of volunteers in the aging network. Activities can include outreach, recruitment, volunteer training, and/or volunteer recognition activities.
• Improve workforce recruitment and retention within the aging network. Activities can include increasing financial compensation (salary, bonuses), increasing training opportunities, and facilitating employee recognition.

The exact nature of the activities and the staff time required for the activities will vary based on identified community needs and priorities. AAAs may conduct the activities and opportunities through direct provision, partnership and/or contract with another organization, or utilization of a combination of the above.

The Building Healthy Futures Fund aims to enhance the health and academic success of school-age youth by improving access to quality healthcare. This initiative prioritizes collaboration among community stakeholders to address healthcare needs, focusing on mental health and overall wellness. With a minimum grant size of $50,000, the program supports innovative projects that foster health access, and promote student well-being, while ensuring all children thrive in their educational environments.

The Pettus Foundation Grants focus on enhancing self-reliance and productivity in underserved communities through targeted funding in St. Louis. They support nonprofit initiatives in workforce development, youth development, and education, with a keen interest in early childhood education and job training programs. Applications are by invitation only, facilitated by the St. Louis Community Foundation, emphasizing robust governance and collaboration with multiple funding partners. Typical grants range from $5,000 to $25,000.

The Mary Lou and Dwight Pitman Scholarship supports area public high school students in Sangamon County, excluding Springfield and Chatham districts, who have siblings planning to attend college. Established through the Sangamon County Foundation in 1924, this scholarship honors the legacy of community leaders and aims to empower the next generation by aiding students' educational pursuits. Eligible applicants include graduating high school seniors and current college students who are direct descendants of U.S. Service Members.

The Roland Machinery Scholarship supports students pursuing degrees in construction, mechanical engineering, or related trades. Open to graduating high school seniors from Sangamon, Christian, Montgomery, Macoupin, Scott, Morgan, Cass, Menard, Mason, and Logan counties, this scholarship aims to empower the next generation of skilled professionals. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to their education and meet eligibility criteria, including being a direct descendant of a U.S. Service Member. This initiative fosters education and career opportunities in vital industries.

Donald and Mary Frink Scholarship

The scholarship provides support for students who are hearing impaired.

Award Amount:

• Minimum $1,000

The Edward & Ellen Roche Relief Foundation Grants support nonprofits that assist disadvantaged women and children in New York City. Established in 1953, the foundation prioritizes funding for programs that promote the well-being and self-sufficiency of low-income women and their families, particularly those that focus on job training and placement for unemployed or underemployed women. This targeted approach aims to empower vulnerable populations and foster economic independence.

The SAHBA Construction/Robert E. von Behren Memorial Scholarship supports students pursuing careers in the building industry across several Illinois counties. Established by the Sangamon County Foundation in 1924, it aims to provide financial assistance to high school seniors and college students who are descendants of U.S. Service Members. This scholarship reflects the foundation's commitment to community development and educational opportunities in the region.

The Sgt. John R. Dalhaus Memorial Vocational Scholarship supports graduating students from Litchfield High School and surrounding areas pursuing vocational degrees. Funded by the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln, this scholarship honors the memory of Sgt. Dalhaus while encouraging local youth to engage in vocational training and education. Applicants must be descendants of U.S. Service Members and reside in specific Illinois counties, promoting workforce development in the region.

The Walter and Polly Roesch Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Illinois Scholarship supports current and former members of the Boys and Girls Club who are pursuing higher education. Eligible applicants must be full-time students who graduated from a high school within the BGCCIL service area in the last two years. This scholarship reflects a commitment to empowering youth in Central Illinois through educational opportunities.

The First Horizon Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations in Middle Tennessee, focusing on areas such as arts, education, environment, financial literacy, and health. The foundation aims to improve community well-being, invest in future leaders, and promote sustainability. Grants are available to eligible nonprofits in cities like Nashville and Murfreesboro. However, corporate contributions do not support individuals, trips, or political organizations, ensuring funds are directed towards impactful community initiatives.

The World War II Illinois Descendants Statewide Scholarship supports high school seniors and college students who are direct descendants of WWII veterans. Applicants must maintain a 4.0 GPA on a non-weighted scale or be the projected valedictorian or salutatorian. This scholarship aims to honor the legacy of veterans by providing educational opportunities to their descendants within specific Illinois counties.

About Us

The South Carolina Developmental Disabilities Council was established in 1971 by Executive Order of the Governor and was reauthorized in 2010 and again in 2015. Not less than 60% of the total Council membership is consumers and family members. Additional members come from state agencies, DD Act partners and non-governmental organizations.

The Council is federally funded under the Developmental Disabilities Act. The Council engages in activities that contribute to a coordinated, consumer and family centered and directed, comprehensive system that includes needed community services, individualized supports and other forms of assistance that promote self-determination for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

DD Council Small Grants

Small Grant Funding is awarded to evidence-based,organized activities that enhance knowledge and skills in priority areas outlined in our Five-Year State Plan, specifically Community Supports, Employment, and Self-Advocacy.

Organizations are limited to one small grant per program year, from July 1 to June 30.

The Whitehorse Foundation supports nonprofit organizations in Snohomish County, Washington, focusing on enhancing the lives of children, youth, and families. Through a two-step application process, the foundation seeks projects that address early risk factors, promote accessible programs, and foster community partnerships. Preference is given to initiatives demonstrating community support and a clear funding plan. The foundation aims to empower families and ensure sustainable self-sufficiency for future generations.

The Nexus Fund: Regional Regranting Program, supported by the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, seeks innovative project proposals from individual artists or collaborations in the Metro Atlanta region. The fund emphasizes risk-taking and experimentation, awarding ten grants of $6,000 each, totaling $60,000. Projects must benefit local communities, adhere to public health guidelines, and be completed by September 30, 2025. Preference is given to multi-disciplinary and socially engaging proposals that address diverse audiences.

About

The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region is an independent, public charity established in September 1996 by a steering committee of local civic leaders to gather permanent funds to support our area.

The Foundation’s service area now includes Danville, Pittsylvania and Halifax counties in Virginia as well as Caswell County, NC.

Scholarship Information

Currently, The Community Foundation administers 75 separate endowed scholarship funds. Established by individuals or organizations, these funds help area students achieve their academic and career-oriented goals.

Scholarships through the Community Foundation support individuals of all ages who reside within the Dan River Region – Danville, VA; Pittsylvania and Halifax counties, VA; and Caswell County, NC. In 2025, we awarded more than $370,000 to 152 students.

Susan L. Edwards Memorial Scholarship

Open applications for students who are pursuing the field of radiologic technology, and if no applicants for radiologic technology, then nursing school applicants will be considered. 

The Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) by the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board aims to enhance the capacity of rural communities and working lands businesses to secure federal funding. Rather than direct project funding, REDI assists in hiring grant writers, conducting feasibility studies, and developing fundraising strategies. Priority areas include community infrastructure, outdoor recreation, and historic preservation, ultimately fostering sustainable economic development in communities with populations under 5,000.

The John and Sally Mielke Early Years Fund supports innovative programs for children from birth to age five in the Fox Valley Region. This fund, established to honor the Mielkes' commitment to community welfare, prioritizes grants that enhance early childhood experiences through direct services, advocacy, and education. Eligible organizations include public charities and government units, with a focus on collaborative and preventative solutions. Applications are accepted biannually, fostering impactful initiatives for families and caregivers.

The Lola Wright Foundation Grant, established in 1954, focuses on supporting organizations within a 50-mile radius of Austin, Texas, in areas such as children and youth, public health, education, and arts. The Foundation funds qualified public charities (501(c)(3) status) and has specific eligibility criteria, including geographic restrictions. Notably, grants are not available for individual requests or daily operating costs, ensuring funds are directed towards impactful community services.

The WIOA, Title II: Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA) grant provides supplemental funds over a 4 year grant cycle for adult education to:

• assist adults to become literate and obtain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment and economic self-sufficiency;
• assist adults who are parents or family members to obtain education and skills;
• assist adults in attaining a secondary school diploma and postsecondary education and training, including through career pathways;
• assist immigrants and other individuals who are English language learners.