Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

Overview and General Information

In 1988, the Iowa Legislature established Iowa Code 256A creating the Child Development Coordinating Council (CDCC) and funding the Shared Visions Preschool Programs. The mission of the CDCC is to advocate for Iowa’s children and families and support comprehensive programs for children meeting risk factors and their families. The CDCC advises the Iowa Department of Education (Department) regarding the administration and implementation of state funded at-risk programs for children ages birth to five. The Department administers the Shared Visions Preschool Program which provides comprehensive quality preschool program experiences for children meeting identified risk factors who are ages three to five years. 

The Department is issuing a competitive application to fund Shared Visions Preschool Programs. The purpose is to solicit applications that will enable the CDCC to select grantees who will provide a Shared Visions Preschool Program created in accordance with Iowa Code section 256A, Iowa Code section 279.51, and the rules in 281—Iowa Administrative Code 64.

Shared Visions Programs

Iowa’s Shared Visions Programs are state-funded early childhood initiatives that support the healthy development and early learning success of young children across the state. Through high-quality preschool and parent support services, these programs help build strong foundations for learning, strengthen families and ensure every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Together, these programs represent a vital investment in the future of Iowa’s youngest learners.

The San Antonio Association of Hispanic Journalists Scholarship Fund, administered by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports students pursuing degrees in Journalism or Communications. Eligible applicants include high school seniors and college students from specific Texas counties or those attending schools in San Antonio. The scholarship aims to foster educational opportunities and promote diversity in media, helping students achieve their career goals in the communications field.

The AAUW Manatee County Sylvia Price Nursing Scholarship Fund, managed by the Manatee Community Foundation, aims to support deserving female students from Manatee County pursuing nursing certifications or degrees. This fund emphasizes the importance of community engagement, leadership potential, and financial need, ensuring that qualified candidates can attain their educational goals in nursing. By fostering educational opportunities, the foundation strengthens community health and empowers future healthcare leaders.

The Vanderpool Scholarship Fund, managed by the Manatee Community Foundation, offers financial support for residents of Manatee County pursuing vocational training in medical and health-related fields. This scholarship emphasizes academic excellence, community involvement, and career aspirations. With over 25 years of commitment to philanthropy, the Foundation aims to enhance the quality of life in the community through informed giving and partnerships with various local organizations.

The ENF Community Investments Program offers Gratitude Grants between $3,000 and $5,000 to Elks Lodges that have met the GER’s per-member-giving goal. These grants empower Lodges to enhance community service and foster local engagement, supporting initiatives that promote health, education, and welfare. The program exemplifies the Elks' commitment to charity and community improvement, showcasing their dedication to building stronger neighborhoods and helping those in need.

The Degree Pathway Scholarships, offered by the Nevada Women’s Fund, empower women in northern Nevada by supporting their pursuit of academic degrees such as associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctorate programs. These scholarships aim to strengthen communities and promote self-sufficiency through education. Applicants must be enrolled full-time in accredited institutions and meet specific eligibility criteria, including a minimum GPA of 3.0. Announcements for scholarship awards take place each April, fostering women's educational advancement.

Who We Are

Nevada Women’s Fund is a dedicated nonprofit organization committed to empowering women and strengthening communities across Nevada. Since our founding, we have worked to identify and fund critical initiatives that support women’s education, career development, and personal growth. Through scholarships, grants, and collaborative programs, we aim to break down barriers and create opportunities that foster self-sufficiency and achievement. Our mission is driven by a vision of a Nevada where women can thrive, lead, and make lasting contributions to their families, workplaces, and communities.

"The best way to empower women is to educate them.” ~ Michelle Obama

Scholarship History

Nevada Women's Fund scholarship program was established to empower women in Northern Nevada by supporting their educational pursuits. Since its inception, the program has awarded millions of dollars in scholarships to women across the region, helping them achieve their academic and career goals. Over the years, the program has expanded to include support for students in a variety of fields, with a focus on fostering economic self-sufficiency and professional advancement. Through this commitment, Nevada Women’s Fund continues to invest in the potential of women to drive positive change in their communities.

Workforce Ready Scholarships

These scholarships support individuals pursuing education and training pathways outside of a traditional academic degree program, such as:

• Certificate Programs
• Trade or Vocational Training
• Continuing Education or Professional Development
• Licensing

The Ray Bishop Scholarship Fund, established by Rita Mai Bishop, honors the legacy of Ray Bishop, a beloved farmer from Dickson County. This fund supports students from the area who plan to study agriculture, reflecting the community's commitment to nurturing future generations. With over 30 years of philanthropic leadership, the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee aims to create positive change and inclusivity through collective generosity, ensuring resources are directed where they can do the most good.

The Mitchell Patrick Mielnik Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, honors the legacy of Mitchell Mielnik, a passionate hockey player who exemplified integrity. This scholarship supports scholastic hockey players demonstrating excellence in athletics and academics. By fostering Mitchell's spirit of generosity, the foundation aims to empower young athletes to excel in their personal and professional lives, ensuring a positive impact on the community for years to come.

The Marilyn Potts Memorial Fund, established by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports Communications majors or related fields at South Texas universities. Open to current high school seniors and college students, applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. This fund aims to empower students by providing essential financial support for educational expenses, contributing to their academic and professional growth in the communications field.

The NRF Foundation Rising Stars Scholarship aims to inspire high school students to explore diverse career paths in the retail industry. By encouraging early participation in the NRF Foundation Student Program, the scholarship allows nominated freshmen and sophomores to gain invaluable insights. Eligible students, nominated by university members, receive a $1,000 travel stipend for the program held in New York City from January 8-11, 2026, fostering their academic and professional growth.

The First Bank Richmond Community Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in the communities served by First Bank Richmond. Focused on economic development, education, health and human services, youth programs, and the arts, the foundation supports nonprofit organizations that align with its funding priorities. Grants are awarded annually to foster community growth and investment in the future.

The Christopher Ludwick Foundation, established in 1995, honors the legacy of Christopher Ludwick by providing grants to nonprofit organizations dedicated to the education of underprivileged children in Philadelphia. With an endowment of nearly $6 million and annual grants exceeding $250,000, the foundation focuses on funding projects that enhance educational opportunities for K-12 students. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, targeting children within Philadelphia's city limits.

The Eleanor Friedberg Art Scholarship Fund, established by the Pittsburgh Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors from Pittsburgh Public Schools and nearby areas who aspire to study the arts. With a minimum GPA of 2.4, eligible students can pursue vocational, technical, or college education. This initiative, in collaboration with Manchester Craftsmen's Guild, showcases student talent through the MCG Invitational Arts Exhibition, fostering creativity and community engagement in the visual arts.

The Altrusa Club of Wenatchee Scholarship supports female graduates of Wenatchee Valley College pursuing further education. Funded by the Community Foundation of NCW, this scholarship aims to empower women through financial assistance based on need and academic merit. Eligible recipients must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and demonstrate commitment to their educational goals. This initiative reflects the club's dedication to promoting women's education and ensuring their successful transition to higher learning institutions.

About

Mission, Vision & Values

To enhance our community through philanthropy.

We aspire to co-create diverse, meaningful and innovative charitable giving that yields an exponential positive impact within local communities and beyond.

Masonic Lodge Scholarship

About the fund

These funds are focused on providing scholarships to students and historically underserved youth in Benton County, thereby encouraging them to complete their education at a public institution.

The Kronkosky Charitable Foundation Grant focuses on health issues, funding organizations that provide care and support for mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and cancer. The foundation also prioritizes cultivating vibrant communities and caring for vulnerable populations through various initiatives. Nonprofit agencies in Bandera, Bexar, Comal, and Kendall counties are eligible to apply, enabling them to enhance their services and improve the quality of life for those in need.

The Alice Huffard Richards Fund Grants support music, art, and drama programs in public schools across Carroll, Haralson, and Heard counties. Aimed at state-certified teachers, grants can cover materials and artist services, with funding up to $1,000. This initiative, established by the Community Foundation of West Georgia, seeks to enrich educational experiences for students from Pre-K to 12th grade, fostering creativity and artistic expression in the classroom.

The Community Foundation of NCW is a tax-exempt philanthropic organization that helps individuals, families, businesses, and agencies support charitable causes throughout Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan counties.

Stella Knoebel / Saddlerock Evangelical Presbyterian Church Music Scholarship

Stella Knoebel was a significant part of the music department at First Presbyterian Church of Wenatchee (now called Saddlerock Evangelical Presbyterian Church). To honor her legacy, the church established an endowment fund to provide scholarships to students who are members of the congregation and preference will be given to those who plan to continue their education in the field of music.

The Syracuse Sounds of Music Association Grant aims to enhance the music scene in Central New York by supporting non-profit organizations that provide music programming and education. This initiative focuses on six counties, including Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga, Oneida, and Oswego, fostering community engagement through diverse musical activities. By funding these programs, the association promotes the creation and appreciation of music, ensuring a vibrant cultural landscape for all residents.

The Peter J. King Family Foundation Grant supports organizations dedicated to enhancing children's health, education, and welfare, particularly in economically disadvantaged areas. Priority is given to initiatives in the Saint Paul, Minnesota area, followed by the Twin Cities metro region and Africa. Grants are evaluated based on long-term sustainability and the number of beneficiaries, with a clear emphasis on impactful contributions rather than program funding gifts.

The Teacher Creativity Grants, funded by the Wells County Foundation, aim to support innovative teaching projects that align with Indiana State Standards. These grants empower educators to enhance curriculum through creative initiatives that promote critical thinking and 21st-century skills. Endorsement from school leadership is essential for proposal submission, and public school corporations may apply once annually for funding. This initiative encourages a progressive educational environment, fostering a culture of creativity and excellence among students.

The Butler Family Foundation's Community Grants Program offers two-year grants focusing on arts accessibility in the Twin Cities. It supports 501(c)(3) organizations that provide musical instruction and access to visual arts for low-income residents. With minimum grant sizes of $30,000 for general support or $20,000 for specific projects, this initiative aims to enhance community engagement in the arts, ensuring that diverse audiences can participate in cultural experiences.

Tree Canada's Edible Trees Grant aims to empower communities by reconnecting them with local food sources through the planting of edible trees and shrubs. This initiative addresses food insecurity, which affects approximately 1 in 12 Canadians, promoting access to nutritious food. By partnering with educational institutions, First Nations, and community groups, Tree Canada has successfully completed over 279 projects, planting over 21,900 fruit and nut trees since 2012, fostering healthier environments and enhancing community engagement.

The Climate Service Corps Grant, offered by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), aims to support organizations that provide training and career opportunities in energy efficiency and clean heating for youth ages 18-24, particularly from underserved communities. This grant offers funding of up to $375,000 over two years for implementation and planning of workforce development programs, promoting the growth of the clean energy sector and advancing Massachusetts' climate goals.

The Women’s Service League of North Central Washington Scholarship, established in 2013, aims to support female students from various high schools in the region. This scholarship prioritizes applicants who demonstrate community involvement, leadership skills, and a minimum GPA of 2.75. Special consideration is given to those who have faced significant challenges and to children or grandchildren of League members, fostering a commitment to volunteerism and community improvement.

The Wenatchee Valley Street Rods Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, aims to support students pursuing education in automotive fields or health sciences at Wenatchee Valley College. Eligible applicants include high school seniors from Chelan County or Eastmont School District, as well as current students in medically related programs. Applicants must demonstrate good citizenship and criminal record eligibility. This scholarship can be renewed with reapplication.