Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

Scholarship amounts vary depending on the scholarship applied for. Applicants are encouraged to apply for as many awards as they are eligible to increase the likelihood of receiving one or more awards.

Scholarships can be used for cost of attendance, direct education expenses, including tuition, books, and/or other school-related fees.

If you receive an award, be sure to complete your scholarship acceptance form (online portal). Scholarship awards are paid directly to the academic institution by the end of August.

Esther Mae Nesbitt Medical Student Scholarship Fund

This scholarship supports past or current Illinois residents who are either accepted for enrollment or currently enrolled as a full-time student at an approved college of medicine. Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Preference is given to female applicants and current or former residents of DeKalb County, IL.

The Laurel High School Alumni Association Scholarships, managed by the Delaware Community Foundation, provide vital financial assistance to graduating seniors whose parents have been active members for at least three years. These scholarships can be applied to both two-year and four-year colleges or trade schools, supporting students with a minimum GPA of 2.50. For the 2024-2025 school year, a record $850,000 was awarded to 245 students, showcasing the foundation's commitment to advancing educational opportunities.

Cherokee Nation Foundation

The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving the Cherokee Nation, a federally recognized tribe of more than 470,000 citizens. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities to Cherokee students so they can reach their full potential. The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Scholarships

Cherokee Nation Foundation offers a diverse range of scholarships to help reverse the trend of rising student debt. Students may receive up to two CNF scholarships per academic year. All opportunities are reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens, unless otherwise noted in the description.

Susan B. Agnew Leoser Scholarship

Applicant must be a graduating high school senior or undergraduate student with a minimum 2.0 GPA. This is a one-year scholarship reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens residing outside of the Cherokee Nation jurisdictional area and attending a junior college, community college or technical school. Preference is given to students who show a history of volunteer service.

Cherokee Nation Foundation

The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving the Cherokee Nation, a federally recognized tribe of more than 470,000 citizens. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities to Cherokee students so they can reach their full potential. The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Scholarships

Cherokee Nation Foundation offers a diverse range of scholarships to help reverse the trend of rising student debt. Students may receive up to two CNF scholarships per academic year. All opportunities are reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens, unless otherwise noted in the description.

Luke Horton & Justin Phillips Memorial Scholarship

Applicant must be a Cherokee Nation citizen living inside or outside of the Cherokee Nation reservation. This scholarship is for general education with an emphasis on Information Technology and requires a minimum GPA of 2.0. It is for full-time students in undergraduate or graduate school or students going to vo-tech school.

Cherokee Nation Foundation

The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving the Cherokee Nation, a federally recognized tribe of more than 470,000 citizens. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities to Cherokee students so they can reach their full potential. The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Scholarships

Cherokee Nation Foundation offers a diverse range of scholarships to help reverse the trend of rising student debt. Students may receive up to two CNF scholarships per academic year. All opportunities are reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens, unless otherwise noted in the description.

Charles Alan Beauchamp Scholarship

Applicant must be an undergraduate student majoring in an approved environmental field with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicant must have completed different areas of volunteer service. This is a one-year scholarship reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens residing within the Cherokee Nation jurisdictional area.

The Atlantis Scholarship for Excellence in Medicine, offered by the Delaware Community Foundation, provides a four-year award of up to $50,000 annually for students committed to pursuing medical degrees. Eligible applicants include graduates of Indian River High School and the University of Delaware DIMER Medical Program. Recipients must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0. This initiative aims to support aspiring medical professionals in Delaware, fostering equity and opportunity in education.

The Margaret L. Richey Scholarship, offered by the Delaware Community Foundation, provides a one-time award of $50,000 to support students from Delaware who are accepted into accredited medical school programs in the U.S. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be considered for continued support. This scholarship is part of DCF's commitment to enhance educational opportunities and promote equity in the community.

Who We Are

The Delaware Community Foundation (DCF) is a nonprofit organization focused on partnering with donors to build opportunity and advance equity in Delaware.

Our mission is to strengthen Delaware by maximizing community-based philanthropy.

Our vision is a Delaware where generosity expands opportunities for all.

Looking for some financial help this school year

The DCF awarded scholarships totaling a record-breaking $850,000 to 245 students for the 2024-2025 school year.

Section 2: Scholarships for Postgraduate Degrees (Masters/Doctorates)

Apply for all of these scholarships simultaneously by completing the DCF’s online General Application under POSTGRADUATE DEGREES APPLICATION at delcf.org/scholarships. 

Award: One-time award of $1,500.

The Dallas Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) provides approximately $190,000 annually to support homeless services in Dallas County. These funds are allocated to nonprofit organizations that deliver essential assistance and support to individuals experiencing homelessness. Services include emergency night shelter, transitional housing, and health support. For more information, please contact local partners such as The Bridge Homeless Recovery Center and Housing Forward NTX for resources and assistance.

The Maine Craft Apprenticeship Program (CAP) connects aspiring artisans with experienced mentors for 100 hours of hands-on training over seven months. This initiative fosters skill development, encourages creative entrepreneurship, and promotes sustainable craft practices in Maine and New Hampshire. By facilitating strong mentor-apprentice relationships, CAP aims to enhance the craft sector's resilience, support professional growth, and provide alternative funding avenues, ultimately enriching the local craft community.

The Arts and Culture Grants Program's Artists to Work initiative supports Phoenix artists in creating and presenting original artistic work. Applicants must be Phoenix residents and 18 or older, with a project focused on art. The application process occurs in two stages, ensuring thorough evaluation. This program is funded by the federal American Rescue Plan Act through the Phoenix City Council, aiming to enhance cultural engagement within the community.

The Philadelphia Storm Water Grants program, offered by the Philadelphia Water Department, provides financial incentives for property owners and developers to enhance stormwater management. This initiative supports the design and construction of stormwater retrofit projects on non-residential properties, promoting improved landscaping and drainage solutions. By completing these projects, participants can qualify for reduced stormwater charges through the Stormwater Credits Program, contributing to a cleaner environment and aiding in the reduction of stormwater pollution in local waterways.

The WAEF Scholarships - Double Diamond program offers financial support to children of Double Diamond Fruit employees and their growers' employees. Funded by contributions from the tree fruit industry, over 300 students will receive more than $1 million in scholarships this year. Eligible applicants include current high school seniors and college students with direct ties to Washington’s tree fruit industry. This opportunity allows recipients to pursue their educational goals at accredited institutions throughout Washington state.

The WAEF Scholarships provided by the Washington Apple Education Foundation support over 300 students this year with more than $1 million in educational awards. Open to high school seniors and college students with ties to the Washington tree fruit industry, these scholarships can be renewed for a second year if qualifications are met. Recipients can pursue various degrees at accredited institutions, promoting education in tree fruit-related fields.

The Scanlan Foundation Grant supports the Roman Catholic Church in Texas by fostering a culture of vocations to the priesthood and holy families. It provides funding across key areas: Marriage, Catholic Education, Evangelization, and Human Dignity. The foundation aims to strengthen vocations through education, community support, and by enhancing access to faith-based resources for dioceses, organizations, and ministries, ensuring a robust future for the Church and its mission.

The Scanlan Foundation Grant aims to foster a culture of vocations within the Catholic Church in Texas by supporting initiatives that promote priesthood, religious life, and strong families. Through strategic funding, the foundation prioritizes education, marriage preparation, and community support to enhance the spiritual growth of individuals and families. This grants program is a vital resource for organizations committed to nurturing faith and service, ensuring that the values of the Catholic faith continue to thrive in the community.

The Scanlan Foundation Grant for Higher Education aims to enhance Catholic education and promote a culture of vocations in Texas. By supporting Catholic 501(c)(3) organizations, the foundation focuses on fostering vocations to the priesthood and religious life, encouraging sacramental marriages, and improving educational access. This grant is part of a broader effort to strengthen the Catholic community and ensure that future generations grow in faith and service, making a significant impact on society.

The USF Community Impact Grant, established by USA Swimming and the USA Swimming Foundation, aims to enhance competitive opportunities in swimming clubs. Grants of up to $5,000 are available for registered USA Swimming clubs committed to fostering community engagement and collaboration. Eligible clubs can renew their grant for up to three years, promoting diverse access to swimming programs. This initiative particularly supports clubs that partner with educational or public entities and those led by women or minorities.

The Youth Arts Grant, provided by the City of Seattle: Office of Arts & Culture, aims to enhance arts access for middle and high school youth. This two-year program supports diverse artists and organizations that facilitate after-school arts education. With a total funding of $12,000, priority is given to projects serving underrepresented communities. Eligible applicants include individual artists and cultural organizations committed to fostering creative opportunities for youth facing social inequities.

The Adult Learn-to-Swim Grants, offered by the USA Swimming Foundation in collaboration with U.S. Masters Swimming, aim to enhance swimming safety for adults aged 18 and over. This initiative provides funding to programs that promote swim education, targeting underserved communities. Grants can be used for expenses like pool rentals and scholarships, with a maximum award of $5,000. The goal is to reduce drowning risks and encourage ongoing participation in swimming activities.

The Millstone Fund aims to foster a vibrant, equitable community in Greater Cincinnati by supporting nonprofit organizations focused on health, education, and arts. The fund prioritizes initiatives that promote innovation, capacity building, and collaborative efforts among organizations. Grants typically range from $20,000 to $50,000, with a commitment to inclusion and equity. Requests exceeding $50,000 require prior approval. The fund seeks to invest in organizations that demonstrate a clear plan for sustainability and impactful services.

The CHRF: Seed Grants program supports organizations in British Columbia focused on caribou habitat restoration. With funding of up to $10,000, applicants can develop comprehensive proposals to address anthropogenic disturbances affecting high-value caribou habitats. This initiative aims to enhance ecological restoration efforts, ensuring the long-term sustainability of priority herds identified by the Province of BC. The CHRF emphasizes functional restoration methods to improve caribou habitats effectively.

The WHAS Crusade for Children Grant supports organizations, schools, and hospitals that assist children with special needs up to age 18 in Kentucky and southern Indiana. Grants are aimed at direct services, specific programs, and equipment that benefit these children. Applicants must be in good IRS standing, and grants cannot fund administrative costs or be awarded to individuals. Since 1954, the Crusade has distributed over $217 million to further this mission.

The WHAS Crusade for Children Grant supports non-profit agencies, schools, and hospitals in Kentucky and southern Indiana that assist children with special needs. Since 1954, over $217 million has been awarded to improve the lives of these children. The grants focus on direct services and specific programs or equipment, excluding administrative costs and personal items. Eligible organizations must have IRS standing and county financial support before applying.

The Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities (Section 5310) program aims to improve transportation options for seniors and individuals with disabilities by removing barriers to access. It provides federal funds for necessary services, including vehicle purchases for paratransit. Eligible applicants include private nonprofits and local authorities approved to coordinate such services. This initiative enhances mobility for essential activities like employment, medical appointments, and grocery shopping, ultimately supporting community integration and independence.

The Martha Lee Cain Tranby Music Enrichment Fund provides grants to 501(c)(3) organizations in the greater Kansas City area, aimed at enhancing local music and cultural experiences. Grants, ranging from $500 to $5,000, support public performances and specific projects, not exceeding 25% of an organization's budget. The Fund favors applications that reach diverse audiences and demonstrate high-quality performances. It does not fund capital campaigns, construction, or music education primarily focused on workshops.

The Youth in Philanthropy (YIP) program empowers local teenagers to engage in philanthropic activities by providing them with funding, mentorship, and hands-on experience in grant-making. Participants learn valuable leadership skills while addressing community issues such as homelessness and mental health. By collaborating with peers and adult mentors, students develop critical thinking and budgeting skills. Weekly meetings from mid-August to mid-October foster commitment and flexibility, allowing youth to take an active role in shaping their communities through informed decision-making.