Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The Vets Serving Vets Scholarship, established by North Central Washington Vets Serving Vets through the Community Foundation of NCW, supports residents of Chelan and Douglas counties who have been honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces. This scholarship is aimed at individuals pursuing full-time college education, helping them achieve their academic goals while honoring their service. Since its inception in 2017, it has played a vital role in assisting veterans in their educational journeys.

The Thomas J Nelson Sr Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, honors the legacy of Tom Nelson, a dedicated community member. This scholarship is available to graduating seniors or past graduates from Chelan, Douglas, or Okanogan counties, who demonstrate financial need and plan to pursue higher education. Eligible students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 for four-year programs or 2.5 for community colleges and trade schools, reflecting Tom's commitment to educational support.

The ASCA Workshop Grants provide funding for unique arts-related activities in Alaska, enabling community participation in disciplines like visual arts, music, and theater. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, schools, and local government agencies. Workshops must be open to the public and held by June 30 following the award. Grants cover instructor fees and travel expenses, with a match requirement of 50% of total costs. This opportunity aims to foster cultural heritage and support Alaskan artists.

The Pay for Performance Operating Grant Program by Empire State Development aims to support innovative workforce development initiatives in New York State. This grant facilitates funding for new or expanded programs focused on in-demand skills training, allowing applicants to cover various operational costs like curricula development and technology. The program emphasizes sustainable and impactful solutions that foster job creation and economic growth while addressing the needs of local industries and trainees.

The Cancer Care Specialists of Illinois Scholarship offers financial assistance for tuition to high school seniors and healthcare professionals in oncology/hematology within Central and Southern Illinois. The scholarship supports educational pursuits and professional development in these fields. Applications are accepted monthly, with a deadline for 2025 set for December 1st. Eligible candidates must maintain a GPA of 3.0 and reside in specific counties, ensuring support for local talent in healthcare.

Who We Are

The Community Foundation of Central Illinois will make a sustainable philanthropic impact in our community through visible leadership in connecting people who care with causes that matter.

Jean M. Brown Nursing Scholarship Fund 

Jean M. Brown graduated from the St. Francis School of Nursing in 1938. She went on to become Caterpillar’s first Industrial Nurse, a role she deeply valued. Inspired by her career, she wanted to help others pursue nursing as well.

Through her will, Ms. Brown established an endowed scholarship to support nursing students with financial need, with preference given to those pursuing a career in Occupational Nursing. The scholarship fund was created following her passing in October 2000.

The Malouf and Iris Abraham Scholarship, offered by the Amarillo Area Foundation, supports high school seniors from select Texas Panhandle counties who are pursuing a degree in Agriculture at West Texas A&M University. This scholarship is designed to foster educational opportunities for local students, encouraging community involvement and agricultural studies. If no eligible applicants majoring in Agriculture apply, other majors may also be considered, ensuring broader access to educational funding.

The Malouf and Iris Abraham Scholarship, offered by the Amarillo Area Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors from six counties in the Texas Panhandle who are pursuing an Agriculture major at Texas Tech University. This scholarship aims to empower local students by enhancing their educational opportunities in agricultural studies. If no eligible applicants majoring in Agriculture apply, students from other majors will also be considered, ensuring broader access to this valuable support.

The Malouf and Iris Abraham Scholarship, offered by the Amarillo Area Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors from specific counties in the Texas Panhandle who plan to attend Oklahoma Panhandle State University. While preference is given to students majoring in Agriculture, other majors may also be considered if no eligible candidates meet the criteria. This initiative aims to nurture local talent and contribute to the region's agricultural sector.

The Malouf and Iris Abraham Scholarship, offered by the Amarillo Area Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors from select counties in the Texas Panhandle who plan to attend Clarendon College. While a preference is given to students majoring in Agriculture, other majors may be considered if no eligible applicants meet this criterion. This scholarship fosters educational opportunities in a community-focused environment.

The Malouf and Iris Abraham Scholarship, administered by the Amarillo Area Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors from Wheeler, Roberts, Gray, Hemphill, Ochiltree, and Lipscomb counties in the Texas Panhandle. Eligible students must plan to attend Amarillo College and can major in any field. This scholarship aims to assist local youth in furthering their education and fulfilling their academic aspirations, contributing to the community's growth and development.

Elias Eade Jr. Scholarship

This scholarship was created in honor and memory of Elias Eade Jr. by his children. Elias Eade Jr. was a lifetime resident of Olean who faithfully served God, his country, his family and the Olean community. Mr. Eade was a graduate of Olean High School and St. Bonaventure University and a member of the Olean business community for many years. Mr. Eade was an entrepreneur, leader and a man of great strength and integrity with an unprecedented work ethic. Candidates must be a graduating senior of a high school in Cattaraugus County with good academic standing and leadership skills and who plan to continue their education at a trade school or 2- or 4-year college or university. Candidates must answer an essay prompt of their choice from the three prompts provided by the fund advisors.

MH253024 - Aging in Place Pilot Western New York Region

The Office of Mental Health announces enhanced annual operating funding and up to $2 million in capital funding to develop one (1) Pilot Program for aging adults residing in the CR-SRO level of care.

The funding is for programs in OMH's Western New York Region.

The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) announces the availability of enhanced annual operating funding and up to $2 million in capital funding to develop one (1) Pilot Program for adults who are aging and are currently, or could be with enhanced supports, residing in the CR-SRO level of care. This pilot program will be developed within an existing CR-SRO program already operated by the applicant. The expectation is for an agency to set aside 20-25 existing units within the CR-SRO program to support long-term care services for older adults and medically complex individuals. Agencies with multiple CR-SROs within 30 minutes travel time of each other may propose to utilize these enhanced services across multiple programs.

Capital funds up to $2 million for minor renovations and/or environmental modifications will also be available. It is OMH’s expectation that this pilot program will prioritize 20 to 25 older adults that require enhanced supports to avoid the need for transfer to a higher level of care such as hospitalization, assisted living residences, and/or nursing homes.

OMH intends to fund one (1) existing CR-SRO program, in OMH’s Western New York region, that can demonstrate an ability to provide appropriate need-based housing services for those aging in the community. Applicants also need to demonstrate their ability to undertake minor renovations and/or environmental modifications to eliminate physical barriers impeding aging and medically complex residents and allow them to remain in their current setting. The capital award will not exceed $2 million dollars. Project scope and budget will be developed by the selected applicant in conjunction with the OMH Bureau of Housing Development and Support after further analysis of the project. Capital and enhanced operating funding will be subject to approval by the New York State Division of the Budget (DOB).

The Amber Huber Memorial Scholarship honors a dedicated athlete from Byron High School, supporting students who embody hard work and competitive spirit. This scholarship is available to students striving to achieve their athletic goals, reflecting Amber's legacy. It is renewable for four years, ensuring continued support for those who meet the criteria. Academic performance will be moderately considered in the selection process, fostering the development of future leaders in athletics.

The Harold & Pauline Obrecht Agricultural Scholarship, established in 1997 by the Ashland County Community Foundation, supports Ashland County high school seniors pursuing higher education in Agriculture. This initiative honors Harold Obrecht, a retired livestock farmer, and his wife Pauline, a dedicated public school teacher. The scholarship aims to encourage students to explore promising careers in Agriculture, ensuring that they receive the necessary training for a successful future in this vital field.

The Winston-Salem Foundation's Women's Fund Grants focus on enhancing economic security for women and girls in Forsyth County, where less than 7% of philanthropic funding targets their needs. This initiative aims to address systemic barriers, improve educational and health outcomes, and foster overall well-being. With the program's priorities including support for organizations led by women of color and those actively involving their community, the Women's Fund is dedicated to building an inclusive economy and empowering marginalized voices.

Target Range Grant Program

The Target Range Grant Program supports the development of safe, public, and accessible shooting facilities in Louisiana to provide and promote:

• Additional recreational shooting and archery opportunities to the citizens of Louisiana
• Safe and responsible firearms ownership and use
• Shooting sports participation
• Locations for recreational shooters, hunters, and archers to practice their skills within reasonable proximity to their homes.

This program is administered through the Wildlife Restoration Program Fund in Louisiana through the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act. This federal program receives funding from federal excise tax generated by sales of certain firearms and archery equipment. 

Florida Cancer Innovation Fund

The Florida Legislature created the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund in 2024 within the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program, with oversight by the Florida Cancer Connect Collaborative, to support innovative cancer research and treatment models, including emerging trends that may serve as catalysts for further research and treatments.

In fiscal year 2026-27, a total of $70 million is available for Florida cancer innovation research.

This year’s grant funding represents an expanded commitment to comprehensive cancer prevention and treatment innovation, including dedicated support for clinical trials, nutrition-based prevention research, and generic drug repurposing initiatives.

The purpose of this effort is to energize collaborations between oncologists, cutting edge researchers and cancer facilities and to provide a plausible route for expedited funding to bolster competitiveness for extramural cancer research funding. The aim is to provide opportunities to break down longstanding silos between researchers, cancer facilities, and medical providers to improve cancer research and treatment through rapid (12-month) innovative approaches to cancer research.

This opportunity supports groundbreaking research and innovative approaches aimed at combating cancer and improving patient outcomes across Florida. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the next wave of cancer innovation.

Creative Youth Grant

Created and reviewed by the Arizona Commission on the Arts’ AZ Youth Arts Council, the Creative Youth Grant is a funding opportunity for young artists ages 12 -17.  

What Is It?

A grant is a form of financial assistance. The State of Arizona sets aside a certain amount of money to invest in projects that have strong potential for public benefit.

Through Creative Youth Grants (CYGs) the State of Arizona invests in one of its greatest resources: creative young people.

CYGs provide funding support to young artists as they develop new skills or advance their artistic practice outside the traditional school day. This may include private lessons, attending a workshop, or buying supplies and equipment.

Award Amount

Individuals can request between $250 and $500 based on eligible expenses. 

The Hamilton Rotary Club Community Grant supports local charitable organizations, particularly those focused on youth initiatives. Established in 1919, the club is part of Rotary International, promoting humanitarian efforts and ethical standards. Grants require detailed applications outlining project goals, objectives, and funding needs. However, grants typically exclude capital campaigns and annual events. This initiative aims to foster community betterment through measurable outcomes, aligning with the club's mission of goodwill and service.

The Lavern Anderson Memorial Scholarship supports students from Janesville Charter Schools, Craig, and Parker High Schools who attended Lincoln Elementary. Eligible candidates should pursue studies in agriculture, education, or health care, and maintain a class ranking in the top 50%. This scholarship is part of the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, which manages over 700 funds to enhance the quality of life across nine counties in the region.

The Henry L. & Ruth O. Elmer Scholarship, managed by The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, supports students from Janesville Craig, Janesville Parker, and Milton High Schools pursuing nursing careers at accredited institutions. This scholarship aims to enhance education accessibility, particularly for those demonstrating financial need. The foundation oversees numerous charitable funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in Southern Wisconsin, benefiting communities across nine counties.

The Mary H. Rice Scholarship Fund for Native Students, established in honor of the beloved community leader, supports eligible Native American students pursuing higher education. This scholarship, ranging from $2,000 to $3,000 per year for up to four years, is available to enrolled members of several Chippewa bands who have graduated high school or earned a GED. It reflects Mary H. Rice's commitment to education and community enrichment in the Chequamegon Bay area.

The J.L. Bedsole Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for citizens in Southwest Alabama by supporting educational opportunities, cultural initiatives, and community development. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that propose projects addressing education, health, arts, and community needs. The foundation prioritizes collaborations and projects that yield lasting benefits for underserved populations, while avoiding political activities and grants to individuals or out-of-state entities.

NIFA requests applications for grants under the RCDG program for FY 2025 to improve the economic condition of rural areas by helping nonprofit organizations who in turn provide technical assistance to start, expand, or improve cooperatives and mutually owned businesses in rural areas. This notice is being issued to allow applicants sufficient time to leverage financing and prepare and submit their applications. This notice identifies the goals and objectives, eligibility criteria, and application forms and instructions.

The purpose of the RCDG program is to enable nonprofit institutions to establish and operate centers for rural cooperative development (Center). The primary objective of the program is to improve the economic condition of rural areas by helping nonprofit organizations who in turn provide technical assistance to start, expand, or improve cooperatives and mutually owned businesses in rural areas.

The goals of a Center funded under this subsection shall be to facilitate the creation of jobs in rural areas through the development of new rural cooperatives, value added processing, and rural businesses.

The Illinois Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Safety Programs and Engineering (BSPE) is actively working to meet the goal of zero fatalities on Illinois roadways. In order to make this goal a reality, BSPE offers grant opportunities for funding to state and local agencies and qualified organizations. Due to the size, population, and high traffic volume on Illinois roadways, BSPE partners with state and local agencies and qualified organizations to make this goal a reality.

28-0343-02 State Agency Non-Enforcement Program (SANEP)

I. INTRODUCTION

To aid communities in reducing deaths and injuries on Illinois roads, the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (IDOT) Bureau of Safety Programs and Engineering (BSPE) established the State Agency Non-Enforcement Program (SANEP) grant program. This program is designed to: enable state agencies to increase public awareness and knowledge about highway safety issues; promote safe and healthy driving behavior among underage and adult individuals; provide law enforcement, prosecutorial, and judicial education and training; and/or increase the awareness of the consequences associated with a driving arrest and other sanctions.

II. PROJECT GOAL

The goal of SANEP is to develop and implement effective highway safety programs in Illinois using the strategies of prevention, education, training, outreach, and public awareness.

III. GRANT PROPOSAL GUIDANCE

The SANEP offers grant funds for state agencies to address highway safety issues. The program's main emphasis should be on the education, prevention, training, outreach, and public awareness of highway safety issues to reduce serious injuries and fatalities.

Program applicants must provide clear data supporting the need for the program. Applicants must demonstrate specific ways this program will improve the established problem and how the project will help BSPE meet the performance measures established in the 3HSP and, if necessary, the SHSP. All expenses must be justified and thoroughly explained in the budget narrative.

MBSYEP Pathways to STEM Grant

DOES connects District of Columbia (District) residents, job seekers, and employers to opportunities and resources that empower fair, safe, and effective working communities. DOES provides a range of programs and services to jobseekers, including job development, job search assistance, self-directed job search, vocational training, apprenticeship, unemployment insurance, transitional employment, and referrals to supportive services and educational programs.

The Office of Youth Programs (OYP) develops and administers workforce development programs for District youth. OYP provides occupational skills training, work experience, academic enrichment and life skills training to facilitate the development of work habits and skills that are essential for success in the workplace.

DOES, through OYP, is seeking applications for the District’s Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP) Youth Pathways to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) Grant. The MBSYEP Youth Pathways to STEM Grant will provide District youth who are interested in becoming STEM professionals with a 6-week learning experience that includes 5-weeks of in-person career exploration and five (5) days must be dedicated to visiting colleges and universities across the country to experience student life in a STEM-related major.

Up to $150,000.00 is available in total for awards through this RFA.