Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The Cathy E. Harris Good Samaritan Scholarship, established by the Parkview Health Foundation, honors Cathy Harris, a dedicated former Director of Parkview Samaritan. This scholarship supports Parkview co-workers pursuing Basic EMT, Advanced EMT, or Paramedic certification, emphasizing the foundation's commitment to enhancing healthcare education and community service. With a legacy of charitable giving since 1878, the foundation plays a crucial role in improving patient care and experiences in northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio.

The Darryl R. Smith Medical Technical Scholarship, established by the Parkview Health Foundation, honors Dr. Smith, a former Medical Director. This scholarship offers two $1,000 awards to Parkview Med-Tech students: one for the highest GPA and another for the greatest financial need. This initiative supports students in learning vital medical technician skills, ensuring they contribute effectively to patient diagnoses and treatment plans, ultimately enhancing healthcare in northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio.

The William and Lottie Daniel Fund Child Care Scholarship supports licensed nonprofit child care facilities in Santa Barbara County, addressing the critical need for affordable child care. With rising costs, many working families struggle to access quality care. This scholarship prioritizes organizations serving children aged 0-5, aiming to enhance program quality and accessibility. The Santa Barbara Foundation is committed to ensuring that all families can thrive by providing necessary resources for child development and education, especially in light of recent challenges.

The Do Something Great Awards, sponsored by the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation, celebrates individuals making a significant impact through philanthropy and creativity in Macon County. Among these, the Preston Jackson Arts Award honors those who take risks and support the arts, showcasing their contributions to the community. This program has recognized impactful figures for over 22 years, emphasizing dedication and transformative efforts in the local arts scene.

The Do Something Great Awards celebrate individuals who have significantly impacted Macon County through their generosity and dedication. The Ellsworth Dansby Jr. Volunteer Service Award is presented to those who show exceptional leadership and commitment to charitable causes. Nominees should provide detailed accounts of their contributions and community involvement, with the next honorees to be announced in February 2026.

The American Society for Theatre Research (ASTR) David Keller Travel Grants support untenured scholars with terminal degrees in attending the annual ASTR conference. With up to three $800 honorariums and complimentary registration, the grants aim to foster active participation in the organization. Eligible recipients include independent scholars and adjunct faculty, with selection based on their interest and achievements in scholarship and service. This initiative enhances networking and professional development within the theatre research community.

The Do Something Great Awards celebrate young philanthropists under 40 who have made significant contributions to Macon County. Sponsored by the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation for 22 years, this award recognizes individuals or groups demonstrating exceptional commitment through financial support, volunteerism, and leadership. Nominations should highlight the nominee's achievements and community impact, with the 2026 honorees set to be announced in February.

The CFGFW Rising Together Grants: Inspiring Places Program aims to enhance community well-being by providing operational funding for initiatives that create engaging and energizing spaces. This program aligns with the Community Foundation's strategic 'Let’s Rise!' Vision Plan, which focuses on fostering connections among residents and visitors through various sectors such as arts and community development. Funded by the Paul Clarke Endowment and the Community Impact Fund, the grants are designed to support projects that positively impact the quality of life in the community.

The Edwin Troutman Foundation Grants are designed to further the mission work of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Boone, NC. The foundation aims to share God's love by serving the community and responding to its needs. To apply for a grant, applicants must be sponsored by Grace Lutheran Church, and all submissions are accepted digitally. This initiative reflects a commitment to inclusivity and support for all.

The ASTR Thomas Marshall Graduate Student Awards aim to support graduate students researching theatre or performance by assisting with the costs of attending the annual ASTR conference. This grant offers up to three honorariums of $800 each, along with complimentary conference registration. Eligibility is open to any graduate student in relevant fields, with selection based on the applicant’s interest and academic achievements.

The Rural Grants program by the Daniel Foundation of Alabama aims to enhance community well-being by supporting organizations in Tier 1 and Tier 2 counties. Eligible projects must focus on improving quality of life for residents in areas with populations under 50,000 and higher poverty rates. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that foster education and community collaboration, ensuring that funds are dedicated to impactful, localized efforts for sustainable development.

ExxonMobil partners with PLTW Gateway to inspire students in STEM careers by supporting schools in the Greater Houston area. This initiative provides grants for implementing or expanding PLTW programs, empowering middle school students through hands-on learning in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science. By engaging in these activities, students discover diverse career paths and enhance their skills. Grantees are required to offer at least one PLTW unit annually during the grant period, fostering continuous growth in STEM education.

ExxonMobil's partnership with PLTW Gateway aims to enhance K-12 STEM education by expanding programs in four Greater Houston districts. The initiative focuses on engaging middle school students through hands-on learning in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science, fostering exploration and collaboration. Grant funds will support the addition of new units and training of teachers, ensuring a robust STEM curriculum that prepares students for future careers. This program emphasizes diversity and access for economically challenged schools.

ExxonMobil's partnership with PLTW Launch aims to enhance K-12 STEM education by providing grants for program expansion in the Greater Houston area. Schools eligible for funding must be located in specific districts and utilize the funds for expanding PLTW modules, training teachers, and engaging more students in hands-on STEM learning. The initiative supports diverse and economically challenged schools, fostering creative problem-solving and collaboration among students.

The Enterprise Marketing Grant, part of the Maine Tourism Marketing Partnership Program (MTMPP), aims to bolster tourism marketing initiatives that enhance visitor numbers to Maine destinations. With funding ranging from $5,000 to $30,000, the grant supports sustainable growth in the tourism economy. Eligible applicants include municipalities and non-profits based in Maine. The program emphasizes cash matching and requires a focus on attracting visitors from outside the local area to promote regional tourism development.

ExxonMobil collaborates with PLTW to enhance K-12 STEM education, focusing on inspiring students and training teachers. This grant supports schools in the Greater Houston area to implement or expand PLTW Launch programs, offering hands-on modules that foster design thinking and problem-solving skills in students. With a total funding of $15,000, the initiative aims to empower diverse and economically challenged schools, providing critical resources for STEM learning and development.

The Laura C. Stauffer Scholarship, offered by the Tulsa Community Foundation, supports graduate students from the University of Tulsa pursuing a Master of Arts in Museum Science and Management, as well as University of Oklahoma graduate or Ph.D. students in the School of Art and Art History. Established in 1998, the Tulsa Community Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Tulsa and Northeastern Oklahoma through charitable initiatives.

The Michael Darcy Scholarship, offered by The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, supports non-traditional age students who are New York State employees and members of the Public Employees Federation (PEF) Region 8, at Grade 18 or less. Since 1968, the foundation has been dedicated to enhancing community life through meaningful giving opportunities, empowering individuals to achieve their educational goals.

Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque

Since 2003, we have inspired people to give back to their community. We turn this generosity into lasting change across our region, increasing access to resources and opportunities that help all people succeed.

We envision a vibrant and inclusive Dubuque region where everyone can thrive. We believe communities that come together in service of a shared vision achieve great things.

Thomas Determan Classroom Grant

The Thomas Determan Classroom Grant supports classroom activities across any discipline and grade level that prepare students in eastern Iowa to thrive in our rapidly changing world. Teaching global perspectives helps students understand the world beyond their own community. It builds empathy, critical thinking, and helps them become thoughtful citizens. Students learn to appreciate different cultures, adapt to new ideas, and tackle big challenges that affect everyone.

You can incorporate global learning into any subject—reading, science, math, agriculture, economics, art, music, computer science, or shop class. It’s all about helping students see how we’re connected and why that matters. This grant focuses on funding classroom projects, curriculum, professional development, or training for teachers that focus on:

• Building a kind and respectful classroom
  • Help students practice empathy, listen actively, work together, and treat others with kindness.
• Connecting with the local community
  • Involve students in service projects and learning from local leaders.
• Exploring the wider world
  • Teach students about different cultures and global challenges.
• Encouraging active citizenship
  • Help students understand how government works and how they can make a difference.
• Teaching conflict resolution
  • Guide students in solving problems and disagreements peacefully.
• Celebrating diversity
  • Help all students feel seen and valued by including diverse voices and backgrounds in the curriculum.

The ASTRO-ACS Clinician Scientist Development Award aims to support full-time faculty members in radiation oncology who aspire to become independent investigators. Co-funded by the American Cancer Society and the American Society for Radiation Oncology, this grant provides $135,000 per year for 3 to 5 years, along with 8% allowable indirect costs. It encourages applications from underrepresented groups and those with disabilities, fostering diversity in cancer research.

The Idaho Regional Travel and Convention Grant Program supports non-profit organizations focused on tourism promotion through effective marketing strategies. This grant aims to enhance Idaho's appeal by fostering scenic attractions, maximizing return on investment from marketing efforts, and encouraging collaborative initiatives. By leveraging electronic and social media, the program targets a wider audience, ensuring that the beauty and opportunities within Idaho are effectively showcased, driving tourism and economic growth in designated regions.

The ACS-ASTRO Felix Feng, MD Clinician Scientist Development Award supports practicing radiation oncologists engaged in research that enhances health across the cancer continuum. Funded by the American Cancer Society and ASTRO, this award provides $730,000 over three to five years, aiming to advance the field of radiation oncology and improve patient care through innovative research and collaboration.

About Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County.

Individuals, families, businesses and organizations create permanent charitable funds that help our community meet its needs and challenges. The Foundation invests and administers these funds.

Whirlpool Corporation One Power STEM Scholarship

Whirlpool Corporation, in conjunction with One Energy LLC, created a scholarship fund at Marion Community Foundation in 2017 to support education in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). For each wind turbine installed as part of a Wind for Industry® project, Whirlpool/One Energy scholarship partners are giving back to the community with scholarships. These scholarships will impact Marion County high school seniors and graduates pursuing studies in STEM fields.

Annually, this scholarship fund awards one $5,000 scholarship to a student attending any eligible educational institution. An additional $10,000 in scholarships is available to students attending The Ohio State University at Marion, Marion Technical College, or other eligible educational institutions.

GrantED (Education Mini Grant) aims to enhance educational experiences for teachers and students by providing funding of up to $3000 per application. The Parkersburg Area Community Foundation supports this initiative, which allows unlimited applications from schools while limiting each teacher to one request per year. Eligible applicants include teachers, librarians, nurses, and counselors, all of whom must focus on educational support. Note that general supplies and snacks are excluded from funding.

The Louise Bowers Slentz Foundation Endowed Scholarship, offered by the Amarillo Area Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors from specific Texas Panhandle counties. Eligible students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and enroll in an accredited college or university. This scholarship aims to enhance the quality of life for residents by facilitating access to higher education, with a requirement for a cumulative GPA of 2.5 during college to retain eligibility.

The Deaf Smith Electrical Scholarship, provided by the Amarillo Area Foundation, supports students from specific Texas counties pursuing higher education at accredited institutions. Eligible applicants must be members or dependents of the Deaf Smith Electric Cooperative. This scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities and improve the quality of life for residents in the Texas Panhandle, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and support for local students.

The Lloyd P. and Kathryn M. Hayes Scholarship, offered by the Amarillo Area Foundation, supports graduating seniors from select Amarillo high schools who rank in the top 15% of their class. Recipients can pursue any field of study at their chosen institution, provided they maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. This scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities for deserving students in the Texas Panhandle, contributing to their academic and personal growth.