Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a public charitable foundation based in Aurora, Illinois, dedicated to improving quality of life across the Fox River Valley, including the Greater Aurora area and Kane and Kendall counties. The Foundation partners with donors to fulfill philanthropic goals by managing charitable funds and distributing grants and scholarships that address local needs in areas such as education, health and human services, arts and culture, and community development, while ensuring responsible stewardship of resources to create lasting community impact.

Edward & Gladys (Stoddard) Arenkill Nursing & Medical Education Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund was created to assist students pursuing a pre-medical course of study or a degree in the field of nursing. Edward Arenkill (1922-2007) was a lifelong Aurora resident.  He graduated from Aurora East High School. He was a medical corpsman in the United States Navy during World War II.  His four years of active duty included both Normandy and Okinawa. Mr. Arenkill studied pre-medicine at Northwestern University, and later joined his father and brother in their Aurora family business. Gladys Stoddard Arenkill (1923-2004) was born in Nebraska.  She was a graduate of the Copley School of Nursing in Aurora. She was a nurse at Copley Memorial Hospital and a private duty nurse providing care for iron lung patients. Following her career, she contributed over 3,000 hours of volunteer service at Copley Memorial Hospital. Mr. and Mrs. Arenkill were members of Fourth Street Methodist Church. This fund, which was established in 2007, became an endowment in 2008.

The Nimick/Hansen Employee Scholarship Fund, established by the Dollar Bank Foundation at The Pittsburgh Foundation, aims to support children of Dollar Bank employees with scholarships. Eligible applicants must be high school seniors or undergraduate students, demonstrate financial need, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. This fund reflects the Pittsburgh Foundation's commitment to enhancing community welfare and educational opportunities for families affiliated with Dollar Bank.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.

Scholarships

We offer hundreds of different scholarships for students in and around Kansas City.

Parkville Fine Arts Association

The Parkville Fine Arts Association (PFAA) Scholarship Fund provides annual scholarships to graduating seniors of Park Hill School District. The scholarships are intended to assist students who are pursuing higher education in the field of fine arts. Fine arts are defined as music, drama or the visual or performing arts.

Wyoming Department of Workforce Services

At the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services (DWS), we are committed to building stronger communities and empowering Wyoming’s workforce. We uphold legal employment practices, enforce labor laws, and promote safe and healthy working conditions. But our impact goes beyond policies—we support businesses, connect people with opportunities, and serve a diverse range of individuals, including employers, employees, job seekers, individuals with disabilities, veterans, families, healthcare providers, and more.

Our mission: To collaborate to support a thriving workforce and economy.

Workforce Development Training Fund

Unlock the Potential of Your Workforce with the Wyoming Workforce Development Training Fund (WDTF)

The Wyoming Workforce Development Training Fund (WDTF) is here to empower businesses and employees across Wyoming by providing professional development opportunities to enhance skills and foster growth.

The Workforce Development Training Fund (WDTF) is a unique Wyoming-based program that connects employers with professional development opportunities to increase employee skill attainment.

Before You Apply

Please ensure your business meets the following requirements to avoid delays in the registration process. 

Good Standing: Your business must be registered and in good standing with:

• Wyoming Unemployment Insurance (UI)
• Workers’ Compensation (WC)
• Wyoming Secretary of State (SoS)
• Workforce Development Training Fund (WDTF)

HireWyo: Your business must also be registered and in good standing with HireWYO. This process may take an additional 1-2 weeks, especially if your WC or UI accounts need to be updated.

Grant Opportunities Designed for Your Needs: 1) Apprenticeship Training Grants; 2) Business Training Grants; 3) Internship Grants; 4) Pre-Hire Economic Development Grant; 5) Pre-Obligation Grant

Internship Grants

Offer structured learning experiences to individuals to gain experience and knowledge in a new industry or occupation.

• Internship Duration: An internship may be up to 960 hours. A full-time internship (40 hours/week) can run for about 6 months. The internship period may not exceed six months in length. The Start Date on the application must begin at least 15 days from the date of submission.

• Wage Reimbursement: Businesses can receive up to $18/hour for intern wages, with proper documentation. Intern wages should reflect the learning nature of the role, typically at the lower end of the wage scale.

• Internship Limits: Businesses can sponsor up to 6 internships per fiscal year. Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAP) may sponsor up to 10 internships. If awarded internship grants across fiscal years, the business can have only 6 active internships at one time.

• Hiring Timeline: Businesses may hire interns before or after submitting an Internship Grant application. Interns must be hired no earlier than 30 days before submitting the application and no later than 60 days after the start date of the Internship Period identified on the approved application.

• Mentor Assignment: Each intern must have a mentor with relevant experience and education in the field. Mentors can oversee no more than two interns simultaneously.

See more information on the Internship Grants.

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 Environmental Grants program, managed by the Soil and Water Conservation Commission, provides funding to conservation districts aimed at reducing agricultural non-point source pollution. These grants support projects that raise public awareness about pollution and promote effective management practices. Recent initiatives have included fallen animal disposal, metal recycling, and tree planting. This program not only addresses environmental concerns but also encourages sustainable practices within the community.

The Mary Ellen Kowalski Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of Mary Ellen, a dedicated educator and community member. Established by her husband in 2025, this scholarship aims to support graduating high school seniors from Marathon County pursuing post-secondary education. Applicants are evaluated on their academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and personal challenges, ensuring that deserving students receive the financial assistance needed to succeed in their educational endeavors.

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.

The AES Hawaii Scholarship Fund - Maui, established in 2022 by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, aims to provide financial assistance to students pursuing higher education. This initiative supports residents of Maui who demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. Preference is given to students in sustainable energy fields and those who were recipients in the previous year, ensuring ongoing support for eligible candidates.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

The Sampson Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is for a Year 3 or Year 4 veterinary school student or resident committed to Zoological or Wildlife Medicine.

The Hillblom Foundation Fellowship supports post-doctoral research training in two key areas. Eligible candidates must be committed to their research and demonstrate promising prior performance. The host institution must provide necessary infrastructure and mentorship, ensuring the fellow develops independence. The fellowship requires annual reporting and participation in the Hillblom Scientific Meeting. Renewal is contingent on satisfactory progress. This grant prioritizes applicants who have not previously held a fellowship and have recently completed their doctorate.

The Coralville Community Fund Grant supports local 501(c)3 organizations and the City of Coralville, providing up to $10,000 for nonprofit projects that benefit Coralville residents. Launched in 2006, this fund aims to build a sustainable endowment for charitable initiatives. Organizations must apply only once per cycle. Grants will not fund political activities, debt retirement, or projects already completed. More information, including a list of past grants, is available on the Community Foundation's website.

The Thomas J. Sweeney Scholarship, established by the East Bay Community Foundation, honors labor leader Tom Sweeney. It awards $2,000 to graduating high school students accepted into college or university, and $1,000 to post-secondary students in undergraduate or graduate programs. Eligibility requires students to be members or dependents of IBEW Local 595 and maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher. This scholarship supports educational expenses, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to fostering academic success in the community.

The Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Employee Scholarship Grant provides financial support for HCBS provider organizations to fund employee scholarships and repay educational loans. This initiative aims to enhance workforce development in nursing and health care fields, enabling career advancement for employees within the HCBS sector. Eligible nonprofit and for-profit organizations can apply for these grants, facilitating improved service delivery and employee retention in this essential industry.

The Prince George's County Community Resilience Hub Grant Program, funded by the Chesapeake Bay Trust, aims to engage residents in climate change and emergency preparedness initiatives. This program acknowledges the increasing demand for resources during extreme weather events and seeks community-based organizations to establish resilience hubs. These hubs will provide essential services, communication equipment, and foster community support, ultimately enhancing local resilience to climate-related challenges.

The Colorado AAPI Circle Fund, supported by The Denver Foundation, aims to empower Asian, Asian-American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities in Colorado. By increasing resources and enhancing civic engagement, the fund seeks to uplift these communities, particularly those facing significant challenges. Organizations that connect with this mission and meet eligibility requirements, including being a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, are encouraged to apply for funding to further these vital initiatives.

The Art Richards Scholarship Fund of Children In Need, Inc. offers scholarships to graduating clients of Children In Need, empowering them to pursue secondary education in academics or trades. Established in 1998, this fund was inspired by Art Richards' vision to uplift children living in poverty in Washington County, MD. Through local partnerships, the fund supports educational opportunities and honors community values, ensuring every child has the resources needed to thrive.

The Linda Baumann Memorial Scholarship, established by family in memory of Linda Baumann, supports graduating seniors from Kerr County. This scholarship honors Linda's dedication to civic engagement and community service, encouraging applicants who demonstrate strong character, integrity, and leadership. The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country manages this scholarship, which aims to foster a spirit of philanthropy and support the educational aspirations of local students.

The Fred & Harriett Taylor Foundation Grant supports charitable organizations in Hammondsport and Steuben County. This grant aims to enhance community welfare by funding various projects that serve local needs. Interested applicants should ensure they meet eligibility requirements and can find more information about the application process through the foundation's official channels. The grant encourages innovative solutions to address pressing community issues.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a public charitable foundation based in Aurora, Illinois, dedicated to improving quality of life across the Fox River Valley, including the Greater Aurora area and Kane and Kendall counties. The Foundation partners with donors to fulfill philanthropic goals by managing charitable funds and distributing grants and scholarships that address local needs in areas such as education, health and human services, arts and culture, and community development, while ensuring responsible stewardship of resources to create lasting community impact.

Aurora Neighbors Uniting Scholarship Endowment Fund

Aurora Neighbors Uniting was organized in 1974 to promote neighborhood improvement in Aurora through the encouragement of neighborhood groups which work for safe, clean housing and public facilities. The organization also is an advocate for public improvements and community services throughout the City of Aurora. Scholarships from this fund are reserved for students graduating from Aurora Central, East Aurora, West Aurora or Rosary High School for attendance at Waubonsee Community College. The fund was created in 1989 and established as an endowment in 1992.

The Ernest Morgan Memorial Scholarship, managed by CommunityGiving, supports central Minnesota student athletes and leaders to pursue higher education outside their home states. This scholarship aims to expand students' horizons and experiences, with a total award of $5,000 available. Open to high school seniors from specific schools, applicants are encouraged to apply online and demonstrate their leadership or athletic skills. This initiative enhances educational opportunities and fosters personal growth among local youth.

The Public Higher Education Impact Award, offered by the Maine Education Association, recognizes individuals or groups that have significantly improved public higher education in Maine through advocacy and community leadership. This award honors those who support faculty and staff in their efforts to provide quality education. The MEA is committed to ensuring equity and empowering educators, making this award a vital acknowledgment of dedication and impact in the educational landscape.

The Dan Fouquette Scholarship, established by CommunityGiving, honors the legacy of Dan Fouquette, a founder of St. Cloud National Bank. This scholarship aims to support high school graduates pursuing careers in finance or business. Eligible applicants must apply online and have an account with the Scholarship Management System. The scholarship, valued at approximately $500, is available to students from select local high schools, fostering financial literacy and community engagement.

The Historic Preservation Barn Grants, established in 1992, support the rehabilitation of Vermont's historic agricultural buildings. This state-funded program has allocated over $3 million for the preservation of over 360 barns, fostering job creation and enhancing community engagement. Grants up to $15,000 are available for qualifying structures over 50 years old, promoting the adaptive reuse of these vital cultural landmarks. As a reimbursement grant, applicants must cover project costs upfront, with reimbursement following project completion.

Grand Rapids Community Foundation

Connecting people, passion and resources

The Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that connects people, passion and resources. With our partners, the Community Foundation uses the tools of philanthropy to find solutions to pressing issues. We provide grants to support the work of nonprofits, scholarships to local students and other forms of support to communities working to eliminate barriers to opportunity, prosperity and belonging.

Our Mission is to build and manage our community’s permanent endowment and lead the community to strengthen the lives of its people.

We envision a magnetic and interconnected West Michigan community.

Integrity, Excellence, Inclusion, Sustainability and Bold Aspirations

Give and Receive Openly, Build Trust with Each Other, Create Brave and Safe Space, Embrace Vulnerability, Accountability

Our North Star

For West Michigan to grow and prosper, we must make sure that everyone can apply their talents and creativity to fuel our future. It is only by connecting across perspectives and overcoming inequities that we can build and sustain an inclusive economy and thriving community.

Opportunities for students

Apply for scholarships to support your ambitions

Each year Grand Rapids Community Foundation supports hundreds of students on their college or career training journeys. We are excited to remove barriers to academic success so that students like you can pursue what you're passionate about.

Scholarship Fund Details

Support for West Michigan Students

Attending college or trade school increases opportunity and opens doors to careers. Donor partners who establish a scholarship fund give students a boost on their path to higher education. Students who complete the general scholarship application are considered for these scholarships.

Open to students who are residents of Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Ottawa counties or Athens County, Ohio, attending Ohio University full time with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

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 Paula Steinebach Trust Grant aims to provide essential support to underprivileged and deserving children in Philadelphia. Established from the will of Ms. Steinebach, the trust distributes grants to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations focused on care, education, and recreation. With an average grant size ranging from $2,500 to $20,000, the foundation emphasizes equitable support for children of both Jewish and Gentile backgrounds, ensuring a lasting impact in the community.