Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The Arts Education Project Support grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission aims to enhance arts education by funding hands-on projects that foster creativity and learning among Tennesseans. This competitive grant supports initiatives led by professional artists or instructors, focusing on measurable outcomes in community-based arts learning, educator training, and youth programs. Projects must start after July 1, 2026, and conclude by June 15, 2027, with specific application guidelines to ensure clarity and focus.

The Harrington Cancer and Health Foundation Community Health Grant supports initiatives focused on cancer care, prevention, detection, supportive services, and survivorship. Established in 2013 with $40 million from the sale of the BSA Health System, the foundation aims to enhance health outcomes in the Texas Panhandle. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations or governmental entities serving the region's 26 northernmost counties, while individuals are not eligible for funding.

The State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grant, administered by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, assists small businesses in expanding internationally by funding essential business development activities. This grant offsets costs associated with international expansion, providing up to $10,000 per year for activities such as attending trade shows, conducting market research, and updating marketing materials. The program aims to enhance Colorado's economic growth and global presence.

The J.J. Crosetti, Jr. Memorial Scholarship offers a $1,500 award to students majoring in agriculture. To qualify, applicants must either reside in Santa Cruz County or be members of the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau. The scholarship is awarded upon proof of college enrollment, making it an excellent opportunity for aspiring agricultural professionals to receive financial support for their education.

The Advanced Industries Export Grant, offered by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, supports small to medium-sized advanced technology businesses in Colorado seeking to export. Eligible businesses can receive up to $15,000 to reimburse international marketing and business development costs. The program also provides access to the Global Consultant Network for consulting services that assist in expanding into international markets, ensuring businesses are export-ready and compliant with regulations.

The Volcanic and Magmatic Studies Group is offering Student Bursaries of up to £500 for doctoral researchers. These funds support travel to conferences, fieldwork, or laboratory facilities. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in a UK or Irish PhD program, have presented at a VMSG meeting, and not have previously received a bursary. The initiative aims to assist those facing unexpected challenges in their research funding or seeking to expand their studies beyond original projects.

The Laura Brown Memorial Scholarship offers a $4,000 award to students pursuing degrees in agriculture or culinary arts. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of at least 3.5 and reside in Santa Cruz County or Pajaro Valley. The scholarship is awarded upon proof of college enrollment and can be distributed over a maximum of four years. Preference is given to students who have participated in 4-H programs, supporting their educational journey in these fields.

About Us

We are one of over 900 community foundations in the US. We serve the 7 county Pee Dee region of South Carolina. Our mission is to improve the quality of life in our area of the state.

Who We Are

Eastern Carolina Community Foundation, founded in 2006, is the newest community foundation in South Carolina. We have a permanent endowment to meet the changing needs of the Pee Dee.

• We foster philanthropy.
• We build resources for nonprofits.
• We support our local communities.

South East Express Scholarship

In 2019, to commemorate its 25th anniversary, South East Express, Inc. in Timmonsville, SC, established a permanent endowed scholarship at Eastern Carolina Community Foundation. The award is designated for a graduating senior from Florence One High Schools in Florence County, SC where the company is located. In addition, South East Express also plans to sponsor a paid summer internship for the winning applicant to learn more about the company and how it impacts the quality of life in Florence County.

The Georgeann Cowles Eiskamp Memorial Scholarship offers a $2,000 award to a female student who has graduated from a high school within the PVUSD boundaries. Eligible candidates must be majoring in an agriculture-related field and have completed at least two semesters of college. Preference is given to those who have participated in 4-H or FFA or have relevant internships. The scholarship is awarded upon proof of college enrollment.

The Evelyn Dunbar and Ruth Dunbar Davee Fellowship, established in 1887 by The Newberry Library, supports scholars in music research related to the Newberry’s extensive collections. This long-term fellowship allows recipients to immerse themselves in innovative projects for four to nine months, fostering new interpretations and advancements in scholarship. Open to scholars with a PhD or equivalent degree, the fellowship encourages applications that effectively utilize the library's resources, enhancing the understanding of historical music scholarship.

The Francophone Community Grants Program (FCGP) enhances the Franco-Ontarian community by funding non-profits and businesses that provide French-language services. It offers two streams: Community and Culture, supporting organizations with a focus on Francophones, and Economic Development, aimed at businesses fostering economic growth in Francophone areas. Eligible applicants must be incorporated and operational for at least two years by January 2025. The program covers up to 80% and 50% of project expenses for the respective streams.

Lois Roth Foundation

The Lois Roth Foundation honors the life and work of Lois Wersba Roth. Since 1987, it has sought to promote and encourage dialogue across national, linguistic and cultural boundaries, with an emphasis on the humanities, arts and social sciences. Foundation programs are conducted in collaboration with a range of partners and focused on three domains: Fulbright & Academic Collaborations, Cultural Diplomacy, and Literature & Translation.

Cultural Diplomacy

In recollection of Lois Roth’s efforts to promote cross‐cultural understanding and cooperation as a US Foreign Service Officer, the Roth Foundation partners with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) (US State Department), to provide the department’s four awards honoring excellence in the field of cultural and educational diplomacy.

The types of qualities displayed by recipients of Roth Foundation cultural diplomacy awards include:

• Cross‐cultural sensitivity and understanding for all—regardless of age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin or disability—and the courage and intellectual integrity to bring alternate facts and opinions into open conversation
• Ingenuity and imagination in creating projects, programs and products to deepen the contact between foreign intellectuals, artists and professionals and their US counterparts
• Familiarity with global affairs and foreign languages, to deepen substantive discussion between US and foreign intellectuals, scholars and professionals
• Patience, wisdom and generosity in helping new colleagues, both international and US, develop their careers
• Special skill in promoting collaborations between US and foreign institutions and high‐quality exchange opportunities with the civil sector.

Lois Roth Award For Cultural Diplomacy

The Lois Roth Award is presented every year to a Foreign Service Officer who has made significant contributions to the field of US cultural and educational diplomacy. It honors those who exhibit cross-cultural sensitivity in all aspects of their work and show patience, wisdom and generosity in helping new colleagues—international and American—to pursue and develop their skills and careers. Displaying familiarity with different areas of the world, global affairs and foreign languages, winners of this award hold substantive discussion with US and foreign scholars, artists and professionals, while exemplifying Lois Roth’s personal legacy of superior creativity and human warmth in their work with others.

Nomination Process

Every spring, the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs will internally circulate details regarding nominations for the four Lois Roth Foundation Awards. State Department supervisors are invited to submit nominations in all four categories.

The Crest Oral-B Laboratories Dental Hygiene Scholarships, sponsored by Procter & Gamble, support students enrolled in accredited dental hygiene programs in the U.S. These scholarships aim to promote professional excellence and quality research in dental hygiene. Applicants should have completed at least one year of their curriculum and be a member of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA). Award amounts are typically $1,000, with the number of awards varying annually.

The Dr. Esther Wilkins Scholarship, offered by the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA), supports students pursuing advanced degrees in dental hygiene education. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited program and have completed at least one year of study. The scholarship awards $2,000 annually and emphasizes the importance of professional membership in ADHA. This initiative fosters career development and enhances educational opportunities for future dental hygiene educators.

The Robert McCune Endowment Grants support cancer patients in Ottumwa and Wapello County by providing financial assistance for medical treatment, facility improvements, and educational opportunities for healthcare professionals. This endowment, honoring Robert McCune's compassionate legacy, encourages applications from underinsured or uninsured patients, ensuring they receive necessary care while promoting cancer awareness and support programs.

The CDC's initiative focuses on developing clinical decision support (CDS) tools for cancer screening and management, specifically for cervical, breast, and colorectal cancers. The project aims to enhance guideline-concordant screening and improve management processes through rigorous implementation and evaluation within large health systems. By integrating these tools into electronic health records, the initiative seeks to support clinicians in making evidence-based decisions at the point of care, ultimately improving patient outcomes in cancer care.

The SVS Student Research Fellowship, offered by the Society for Vascular Surgery Foundation, supports undergraduate and medical students in the U.S. and Canada conducting vascular research. The fellowship emphasizes hypothesis-driven projects, providing a $3,000 award and a complimentary Journal of Vascular Surgery subscription. It aims to enhance students' education while fostering innovative solutions in vascular health, ensuring inclusivity and diversity in applicant eligibility.

The Diann Bomkamp Leadership Scholarship, offered by the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA), supports students pursuing an Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene in Missouri. Eligible applicants are required to demonstrate leadership within their Student ADHA Chapter and show active community volunteerism. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is necessary, along with enrollment in an accredited dental hygiene program, ensuring students have the resources to excel in their education and future careers.

Kate Lieberth Lytton Education in Dance Fund

Established by David Lieberth and Alec Lytton in memory of Kate Lieberth Lytton to provide scholarships for Summer Study to aspiring young male and female dancers from Summit County.

Amount:

• Varies

Number of awards

• Varies

The Dr. Frank N. Nelson Scholarship at Montana State University supports students enrolled in the Pre-Veterinary Program or those planning to attend an accredited School of Veterinary Medicine. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.2 and demonstrate a commitment to the veterinary profession in Montana. This scholarship aims to foster future veterinarians who will contribute positively to the agricultural and health sectors in the state.

The Victoria S. and Bradley L. Geist Foundation Capacity Building Grant aims to enhance the capabilities of nonprofit organizations serving foster children and their caregivers in Hawaii. By focusing on governance, strategic relationships, and staff training, this grant supports projects that strengthen service delivery and improve outcomes for youth transitioning from foster care. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations that directly benefit foster children, ensuring their critical needs are met effectively.

The Rural Business Development Grants in Kentucky aim to provide essential technical assistance and training to small rural businesses, defined as those with fewer than 50 employees and under $1 million in gross revenue. Funding is prioritized for smaller requests, and grants must support projects that benefit rural communities outside urban areas. Eligible recipients include public entities, nonprofit corporations, and institutions of higher education, among others, focusing on fostering economic development and job training.

The Rural Business Development Grants in Louisiana aim to support small rural businesses through technical assistance and training. Eligible projects must benefit rural areas, with a focus on those outside urbanized regions. The program prioritizes smaller funding requests with no maximum grant limit, allowing for diverse uses including training, land acquisition, and community development. This initiative is open to various rural public entities, fostering economic growth and sustainability in Louisiana's rural communities.

The Jane Schieber Laskowski Kickstart Scholarship, offered by the Erie Community Foundation, supports students in Erie County pursuing two-year programs. In 2023, over $800,000 was awarded to 500 students for post-secondary education. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum of six credit hours and a ‘C’ average. Preference is given to applicants aged 21 and older who work part-time, ensuring that the scholarship aids those who are balancing education with employment.

The USTA Player Development Excellence Grant supports aspiring U.S. tennis players by providing financial assistance based on performance and potential. Grants of up to $12,000 are awarded to players who meet specific criteria, encouraging their development into top 100 professionals. By utilizing USTA facilities and coaching, players can maximize their growth. The program aims to nurture young talent and ensure they have the resources necessary to succeed in competitive tennis.

The SPFFA Educational Scholarship provides financial support of $5000 for university candidates aiming to teach French in primary and secondary schools. To be eligible, applicants must be American citizens or resident aliens, preferably enrolled in a School of Education and pursuing a Master in Teaching with a focus on French. Additionally, applicants need to maintain a GPA above 3.00, ensuring commitment to their educational goals.

The Dance Workforce Resilience (DWR) Fund, established by Dance/NYC, provides one-time grants of $1,000 to support freelance dancers in the NYC area. With a total of $324,000 available, this fund aims to assist over 320 dancers who have completed contracted work between January 1, 2025, and April 30, 2026. Eligibility includes being 18 or older and residing in the metropolitan NYC area. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until March 2026.