Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The Jana C. Curtis Nursing Scholarship, provided by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, supports students pursuing a nursing degree at Southeast Community College-Beatrice. Established in 1987, the Foundation aims to enhance educational opportunities in the Beatrice School District. Annually, it awards over $55,000 in scholarships, helping students with a minimum "B" average who are passionate about nursing and dedicated to helping others. This scholarship reflects the Foundation's commitment to fostering future healthcare professionals.

The Cosgove Music Scholarship, offered by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, awards $500 to a graduating senior from the Beatrice area who intends to major in music. Established in 1987, the Foundation supports educational opportunities in the Beatrice School District and manages a $3.8 million Endowment Fund, providing over $55,000 in scholarships annually. Applicants will be required to audition in their specific musical discipline to qualify for this scholarship.

The Cornelius, Diane Scholarship, established by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offers a $350 award to a graduating senior from Beatrice High School who has participated in music. Founded in 1987, the foundation supports educational opportunities and manages a substantial endowment fund. Applicants must be active in school and community service, with a GPA in the top 50% of their class, and preference is given to those pursuing music-related fields.

The Cooper, Dale J. and Cooper, Zella B. Scholarship, managed by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, provides financial support to high school graduates in the Beatrice area. Established in 1987, the Foundation awards over $55,000 annually in scholarships from its $3.8 million Endowment Fund. The scholarship considers need, citizenship, and academic merit, with awards potentially lasting up to four years depending on available trust income.

The Centenary United Methodist Church Scholarship, managed by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offers financial support to members pursuing higher education. Established in 1987, the foundation has awarded over $55,000 annually in scholarships. Recipients must be full-time students and maintain academic standing to receive funding. Proof of registration from their institution is required before disbursement. This scholarship aims to enrich educational opportunities for Beatrice High School graduates.

The Carlson, DR., Scholarship, managed by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, provides financial support to Beatrice High School graduates. Established in 1987, the Foundation aims to enhance educational opportunities in the district. This scholarship rewards students demonstrating initiative and commitment, regardless of their academic standing. It recognizes effort rather than financial need, making it accessible to a broader range of students. Annually, over $55,000 is awarded to support the educational aspirations of deserving candidates.

The Jennie-O Scholarships: Higher Education Scholarship offers a one-time payment of $1,000 to high school seniors who are children of Jennie-O team members or team members themselves. With up to 50 scholarships available, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria, including maintaining at least 10 credits per semester. This initiative aims to support the education of young individuals who will impact their communities positively in the future.

The Jennie-O Scholarships: Golden Excellence Scholarship offers $6,000 to graduating high school seniors who are children of full-time Jennie-O team members in the Supply Chain Operations Division. Eligible students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00 and plan to attend a U.S. four-year college. This scholarship aims to empower young individuals to pursue higher education and contribute positively to their communities. Apply now for an opportunity to secure your educational future.

The Kandiyohi County Farm Bureau Scholarship, offered by CommunityGiving, supports local high school seniors in Kandiyohi County pursuing education in agriculture-related fields. Applicants must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher and plan to enroll full-time in a U.S.-based college. Although Farm Bureau family membership is not required, preference will be given to members. This scholarship aims to empower future leaders in agriculture by providing essential financial support for their education.

The Miller Architects & Builders Industry Scholarship, initiated by CommunityGiving, supports high school seniors from Stearns, Benton, and Sherburne Counties pursuing careers in architecture, construction management, drafting/CAD, and related fields. This scholarship aims to provide financial assistance to students with a GPA of 2.0 or higher, enabling them to attend a two or four-year college in the U.S. It emphasizes the importance of education for the future leaders of our communities.

The St. Cloud Builders Exchange Legacy Scholarship Fund supports local students pursuing careers in construction trades. Established to honor the Builders Exchange, it aims to provide educational opportunities for high school seniors from Benton, Stearns, or Sherburne counties with a minimum GPA of 2.0. Eligible students can apply for full-time enrollment at St. Cloud State University or St. Cloud Technical and Community College, ensuring a brighter future for the building industry.

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. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Alex Family Scholarship

Created in 2007 from the estate of Helen L. Alex, this fund makes annual awards in support of higher education for seniors from Marion Harding High School. The fund honors Helen’s son, Nicholas, a former faculty member at Harding who passed in 2008.

The Alex Family Fund was established by another of Helen’s sons and Nicholas’ brother, James L. Alex. The family, which includes a rich Greek heritage and numerous relatives in Greece, belonged to the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Mansfield, Ohio. 

Recipients of the Alex Family Scholarship must rank in the upper 25th percentile of their graduating class. Those demonstrating excellence in the study of history or pursing a college major in history are given special consideration.

The Community Facilities Grant Program in Washington provides essential funding for the development of vital community facilities in rural areas, including health care, public safety, and educational services. Eligible areas are those with populations under 20,000, with funding based on income levels. Grants can cover up to 75% of project costs, supporting local governments, non-profits, and tribes in enhancing community infrastructure and services year-round.

The Community Facilities Grant Program in Virginia provides essential funding for the development of community facilities in rural areas. This program is designed for public bodies, non-profit organizations, and federally-recognized tribes, offering financial assistance to construct or improve facilities such as healthcare, public safety, and educational services. Eligible areas include rural communities with populations of up to 20,000 residents. Grant assistance is available on a graduated scale based on community income levels.

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. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Alex Masters Memorial Scholarship

Following the unexpected passing of their son, Alex Masters, a memorial scholarship fund was created at the River Valley Education Foundation by Randy and Kathy Masters and Morgan Masters Quickel, Alex’s sister. In 2013, the fund was migrated to Marion Community Foundation and became the Alex Masters Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Alex never knew a stranger and loved to discuss and debate any subject with others. He loved baseball and football, was an avid reader, and was pursuing a career in medicine. But, perhaps his biggest love—outside of his family—was his love for music. It is his family’s hope that his song will live on through this scholarship.

The fund honors Alex’s memory and supports the educational goals of graduating seniors from River Valley High School. According to Kathy, the family created the scholarship with the intention of supporting those who have encountered adversity and to overcome and cope with life’s challenges through education.

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. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Allen “Bus” Augenstein Memorial Scholarship

Originally the Claridon Alumni Association Scholarship Fund, this endowment (created in 2021), was renamed in 2023 to honor the late Allen ‘Bus’ Augenstein. The scholarship supports seniors and graduates of River Valley High School, with special consideration for students who pursue an education in the fields of engineering, health care, or education (especially science education). Awards also favor students active in band, choir, FFA, or school sports, especially golf and cross country.

Allen lived in Marion for more than 90 years. His father, A.B. Augenstein, served as Superintendent of Claridon Schools and River Valley School District, 1960–1965, and is well remembered for, among other accomplishments, starting football (6 man) in the district. His mother, Hazel, taught mathematics at Claridon during World War II.

The Community Facilities Grant Program in West Virginia provides essential funding to develop community facilities in rural areas, benefiting local populations of up to 20,000 residents. Eligible projects can include health care, public safety, and educational facilities. Grants are available for public entities and non-profits, with funding levels depending on community median income to ensure support for the most in-need areas. Contact your local office for application details and assistance.

The Community Facilities Grant Program in Wisconsin provides essential funding to develop community facilities in rural areas. It supports public bodies, non-profits, and tribes in purchasing, constructing, and improving facilities that serve local communities. Projects eligible for funding must be located in areas with populations under 20,000 and meet specific income criteria. The program aims to enhance community services such as healthcare, safety, education, and public utilities, ensuring sustainable development in rural settings.

The Community Facilities Grant Program in Wyoming provides essential funding for community facilities in rural areas, promoting local development without commercial undertakings. Eligible areas are those with populations under 20,000, including Tribal lands. The funds can support the purchase, construction, and improvement of facilities like health care, public safety, and education, ensuring vital services in small communities. Priority is given to low-income areas, enhancing access to resources and infrastructure.

The Flint Hills Resources Discovery Scholarship, offered by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, provides a $1,500 scholarship to a graduating senior from Beatrice High School. Eligible applicants must demonstrate leadership skills and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, with academic success in subjects like math, science, technology, or agriculture. This scholarship is part of the Foundation's mission to enhance educational opportunities for students in the Beatrice School District.

The Scherling, Andrea M. Scholarship, offered by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, provides a $200 scholarship to a graduating senior from an area school. Established in 1987, the foundation supports educational opportunities in the Beatrice School District, awarding over $55,000 annually in scholarships. Selection is based on community service, public speaking, and leadership qualities. This scholarship is not need-based, ensuring all eligible students can apply.

The Schuster, Larry A. and Constance J. Scholarship, offered by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, provides a $10,000 renewable scholarship for undergraduates at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Established in 1987, the Foundation supports educational initiatives in the Beatrice School District, managing a $3.8 million endowment and awarding over $55,000 annually in scholarships. Preference is given to Beatrice High School graduates demonstrating financial need, making this opportunity vital for local students.

The Inspire Possibilities Scholarship aims to support graduating high school seniors from Marathon County who are pursuing education in the mental health field or have been personally impacted by mental health challenges. With over $300,000 available in scholarships, this initiative enhances community well-being and encourages students to follow their passion in mental health services. Eligible applicants must submit an essay detailing their personal experiences with mental health, showcasing the importance of this cause.

The Royce Fugate OMC Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, awards $1,200 to a deserving Certified Nursing Assistant employed at Ozarks Health Care in West Plains, MO. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and submit a FAFSA-SAI form. This scholarship supports individuals entering an LPN program at an accredited college or university, contributing to their educational goals and professional development in the healthcare field.

The Rosie’s Striving for a Better Future Scholarship offers financial support to students in north central Wisconsin, aiming to enhance their educational pursuits at various institutions. With over $300,000 in scholarships available, eligibility includes being a resident of Marathon County and demonstrating community service, leadership, and personal accomplishments. This initiative encourages diverse educational paths, making higher education accessible to all deserving students.

The Neng & Bao Xiong Volvo Scholarship, administered by the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, awards scholarships to deserving graduating high school seniors from the greater Wausau area. The program supports students demonstrating community service and cultural tolerance, with over $300,000 available for more than 200 scholarships. Eligible students must plan to pursue higher education at an accredited college or university in any field of study.

The Mark Foundation & Jane Wiley TLC Scholars Award offers over $300,000 in scholarships to more than 200 students in north central Wisconsin, supporting those pursuing higher education. This award specifically assists graduates with tuition loan repayments, providing up to $4,000 for those who meet eligibility criteria, including residency in Marathon County and acceptance into accredited institutions. The initiative aims to foster academic success and alleviate financial burdens for deserving students.