Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The College Women’s Club of Pasadena Scholarship, established in 1921, provides financial assistance to full-time female students in California, particularly those from select local colleges. The scholarship aims to support women who are sophomores or above, with a minimum GPA of 3.0, and who plan to enroll full-time in the upcoming academic year. Managed by the Pasadena Community Foundation since 2016, it has awarded over $1.3 million to help more than 660 women achieve their educational goals.

The Collegiate Community Hub Grant, offered by the United States Tennis Association (USTA) in collaboration with the ITA, provides up to $10,000 to collegiate organizations operating a tennis facility as a new 'Collegiate Community Hub.' This initiative aims to enhance community engagement by offering accessible tennis instruction and playing opportunities for all ages. Eligible facilities must meet specific operational criteria and demonstrate their commitment to serving the local community.

The NCUEA-NEA Urban Grants, funded by the National Education Association Staff Organization, aim to enhance membership growth through focused organizing proposals. These grants specifically support initiatives that promote density growth, bargaining readiness, and the development of new units. By prioritizing these areas, the program seeks to strengthen collective action and empower educators in their bargaining efforts.

The ACS - Fanconi Cancer Foundation Discovery Boost Grant invites innovative proposals for translational cancer research addressing the challenges faced by individuals with Fanconi anemia (FA). This grant supports high-risk, high-reward projects aimed at improving detection, prevention, or treatment of FA-related cancers. With funding of up to $135,000 per year for two years, it encourages research in early detection technologies, prevention mechanisms, and therapeutic strategies tailored to the unique sensitivities of the FA population.

The Community Power Play Grant, funded by the Minnesota Wild and Xcel Energy, awards three $10,000 grants during the 2025-26 NHL season to support Minnesota-based nonprofit organizations. These grants aim to enhance youth and amateur hockey through financial assistance for participation fees, ice time, and rink improvements. This initiative helps foster community engagement and accessibility in hockey, encouraging more children to experience the sport and supporting local facilities.

The National Science Foundation's Engineering Directorate (NSF ENG) promotes groundbreaking research in chemical, bioengineering, energy, and transport systems. Key programs include Chemical Process Systems, Engineering Biological and Biomedical Systems, Energy, Water, and Resource Engineering, and Transport Phenomena. NSF ENG seeks innovative, transformative proposals that push the boundaries of foundational research, regardless of immediate commercial applications, and emphasizes diverse funding opportunities based on availability.

The Cary R. and Lynn A. Spencer Scholarship, established in 2018 by Lincoln Community Foundation, supports students majoring in Physics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens, graduates of Nebraska high schools, and maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA. Preference may be given to those demonstrating financial need. This scholarship can be renewed with satisfactory academic performance and requires a full reapplication, reflecting LCF's commitment to fostering education and philanthropic legacies.

The Dale E. Siefkes Memorial Scholarship, established in 1996 by the Lincoln Community Foundation, supports Nebraska college students passionate about education. Eligible applicants must be juniors or seniors, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.8, and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship honors Dale E. Siefkes, an advocate for education, providing vital support to future educators while fostering a lasting legacy of giving in Nebraska.

The Emergency Medicine Interest Group Grant (EMIG), funded by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Foundation, supports medical student interest groups in enhancing emergency medicine education. Grants of up to $500 are awarded for one year, with potential for renewal. Eligible applicants include established or developing EMIGs at medical schools, focusing on educational initiatives. This grant aims to foster innovation in teaching methodologies and support resources for students pursuing education in emergency medicine.

The Emerging Philanthropist Program Endowment Fund empowers Harrisburg's future leaders through philanthropic education and engagement. Celebrating its 10th year, the program offers monthly sessions from February to November, culminating in a $5,000 grant awarded to a selected nonprofit. Established by EPP alumni in 2014, the Endowment Fund enhances community impact with competitive grants, emphasizing mental health support. To date, over $40,000 has been awarded, fostering local nonprofit capacity and community service.

The Dick and Chris Draper Scholarship, established by the Draper family, supports young individuals from Elgin, Nebraska. This scholarship honors the legacy of Dick and Chris Draper, emphasizing the family’s commitment to education. Applicants must be graduating seniors from Elgin Public High School or Elgin Pope John XXIII Central Catholic High School. This initiative exemplifies the foundation’s dedication to fostering educational opportunities and building strong community ties.

Since 2002, the ACA has partnered with L.L. Bean to sponsor the Club Fostered Stewardship (CFS) Program. The CFS Program provides funding to local and regional paddling clubs and organizations that undertake stewardship projects on waterways in their area. The purpose of the program is to encourage paddling clubs to take an active role in protecting and improving the nation's waterways. 

Many of the stewardship needs of our nation's waters are best addressed at the local and regional level. Paddling clubs and watershed organizations are in an ideal position to lead these efforts. These paddlers are often willing to volunteer their time and assist with local stewardship projects. However, clubs often lack the funds needed to pay project expenses. As a result, they miss an opportunity to leverage dozens and sometimes hundreds of volunteer hours that could improve conditions on their favorite waterway.

CFS Grant Program

That is why L.L. Bean and the ACA have teamed up to sponsor the CFS Program.

CFS grants are available for projects that utilize volunteers in efforts to protect, maintain or restore recreational waterways, to provide for or improve public access, or to enhance safe navigation. 

Grant amounts range from $100-$1,000.

Past projects receiving CFS grants include:

• Removing heavy debris and trash from rivers and bays in numerous locations throughout the U.S.
• Improving access for local paddlers
• Establishing water trails 
• Water quality monitoring 
• Environmentally-sensitive woody debris removal 
• Riparian buffer restoration and improvement 
• Environmental education and outreach programs

ACA also offers additional assistance to clubs and organizations for waterway stewardship projects. Clubs and organizations concerned about liability for injuries that occur during stewardship projects may be able to obtain liability insurance coverage through the ACA. Clubs may request additional assistance using the It is not mandatory to be a paddling club to apply. In the past, grants have been awarded to conservation organizations and watershed groups.

Want to learn more about projects that have been funded through the CFS program? Review reports from past years!

The Spencer Industries Incorporated Scholarship aims to support children of employees at Spencer Industries by encouraging higher education. This annual scholarship is awarded to high school graduates or seniors who demonstrate academic excellence and plan to pursue a baccalaureate degree. Preference is given to students ranked in the upper half of their class, ensuring that deserving candidates are recognized for their scholastic and vocational potential.

The Spencer County Farm Bureau, Inc. Educational Scholarship aims to support local students pursuing post-secondary education. Managed by the Spencer County Community Foundation, this annual scholarship is open to high school seniors and graduates, including those from home-school programs or GED courses. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and participate in an interview. This initiative fosters educational opportunities, empowering students to achieve their academic goals.

The Vascular Research Initiatives Conference Trainee Award, supported by the SVS Foundation, enables trainees to showcase their research at the annual VRIC. This award encourages engagement among emerging vascular surgeons and established researchers, fostering collaboration and innovation in the field of peripheral vascular disease. The 2025 conference will occur from April 22-25 in Baltimore, coinciding with the American Heart Association's Vascular Discovery Conference, promoting a rich exchange of ideas.

The Rockport American Legion Baseball Team Scholarship, established in memory of Bobby “Coach” Snyder, aims to support graduating seniors from Heritage Hills, South Spencer, and Perry County High Schools in their pursuit of higher education. Three awards of $5,000 each are available for students with a minimum 2.0 GPA planning to attend accredited institutions. This initiative reflects the community's commitment to fostering educational opportunities for local youth.

The Randall L. Haaff Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation Alliance, offers two annual awards of $1,260 each to graduating seniors from South Spencer and Heritage Hills High Schools. This scholarship aims to support students pursuing post-secondary education at the University of Southern Indiana, emphasizing academic achievement with a minimum 2.5 GPA. It reflects the community's commitment to fostering educational opportunities and honoring local students' aspirations.

The Raleigh and Thelma Abshier Scholarship is an annual award established by Jeaniece Scheessele to honor her parents. It aims to support graduating seniors from South Spencer High School in their pursuit of post-secondary education. Selection criteria focus on the applicants' resilience in facing challenges, strong work ethic, and commitment to helping others, making it a meaningful opportunity for local students to advance their education.

The Othmar and Virginia Ringeman Family Scholarship, administered by the Community Foundation Alliance, supports Heritage Hills High School graduates pursuing a four-year college education. This annual scholarship aims to empower local students by alleviating financial burdens. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum 2.8 GPA and can reapply, although renewal is not guaranteed. This initiative reflects the foundation's commitment to fostering education and community development in southwestern Indiana.

The Narl and Hazel Conner Scholarship, established by family members as a tribute, supports Heritage Hills High School seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0. This scholarship aims to assist students enrolling in accredited four-year colleges or universities. Selection criteria include academic performance, community involvement, and career aspirations, with a preference for those pursuing education or automotive fields. Renewal applications are welcomed for students maintaining good standing in their studies.

The Equus Veterinary Research Fellowship, established by the Equus Foundation and The Foundation For The Horse, offers a $5,000 scholarship and a $500 travel stipend to support equine research. Open to graduates of AVMA-accredited veterinary schools nearing residency or doctoral completion, this fellowship encourages innovative research in horse health care. Applications are accepted from mid-July to August, promoting the advancement of equine veterinary practices and the training of future researchers.

The Mabel Mason Ryan Memorial Scholarship, established by the estate of Mabel M. Ryan, supports graduating seniors from Spencer County high schools pursuing post-secondary education in nursing and healthcare fields. This annual, renewable scholarship aims to advance education in these critical areas. Selection is based on academic performance, financial need, a required essay, and community involvement. Renewal may be possible for consecutive years, with varying award amounts.

The Jay Lampton Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation Alliance, supports graduating seniors from various Indiana high schools pursuing post-secondary education in auto mechanics. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and have a minimum 2.0 GPA. Selection criteria include academic performance, a letter of recommendation, and a required essay. This scholarship honors Jay Lampton's legacy through education, empowering students to advance their careers in technology.

Wireless Communication Device Policy Implementation Grant Program

In accordance with NMSA § 22-1-17, each school district and charter school must adopt and implement a wireless communication device policy that adheres to minimum requirements issued by the New Mexico Public Education Department (PED).

​Because of the increasing prevalence of wireless communication devices in schools, ensuring that students have access to safe, high-quality education without disruptions from personal wireless communication devices is key.

​Schools across the country have seen success from policies controlling the use of cellphones and other wireless communication devices during instructional hours. In studies conducted nationwide, restricting the use of these devices has been shown to support anti-bullying efforts and promote social emotional health amongst students.

In an effort to support schools implementing their Wireless Communication Device Policy, The Office of Broadband Access & Expansion (OBAE), pursuant to their authority under NMSA §§63-9J-5 – 63 9J-7, may fund projects to control broadband connectivity in school districts and school buildings. School districts and charter schools may apply for grant funding to purchase physical items and/or services necessary to implement their Wireless Communication Device Policy. 

The Stop Trafficking on the Plains Fund, managed by the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation, aims to address unmet charitable needs to combat trafficking primarily in Hall County. Grants of up to $5,000 are available to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations and governmental agencies. Initiatives focus on education, justice, and support for victims. Applications are accepted year-round, with quarterly reviews, encouraging community collaboration and sustainability in addressing trafficking issues.

The Ford Opportunity Scholars Program offers scholarships to parents and adult learners over 25 with financial barriers to education in Oregon and Siskiyou County, California. Annually, up to 90 scholarships are awarded, providing up to $40,000 per year based on need and costs. Support includes financial assistance, academic guidance, and a connection to the Ford Family alumni community, aiming to empower students in their pursuit of an associate or bachelor’s degree.

The Annin Scholarship at Montana State University offers financial assistance to undergraduate students pursuing a degree in Agriculture. This merit-based scholarship supports those with outstanding academic records and demonstrates financial need. The award amount varies, providing opportunities for students to achieve their educational goals. With a commitment to student success, Montana State University aims to enhance accessibility to quality education through such scholarships.