Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

Our Mission

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.

Scholarships

We offer hundreds of different scholarships for students in and around Kansas City.

Hispanic Development Fund (High School Seniors)

For more than 40 years, the Hispanic Development Fund Scholarship Program has encouraged Hispanic/Latinx youth to attend college and accomplish their personal goals by awarding more than 6,539 scholarships totaling over $10 million to Kansas City-area students.

The Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) Program aims to expedite the integration of scientific discoveries into effective health interventions. By providing essential infrastructure and support to academic medical centers, the program fosters innovative research approaches that enhance translational science. The Collaborative and Innovative Acceleration Award under this initiative seeks to promote partnerships that accelerate the development of new treatments, ultimately improving health outcomes for diverse populations.

About

The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region is an independent, public charity established in September 1996 by a steering committee of local civic leaders to gather permanent funds to support our area.

The Foundation’s service area now includes Danville, Pittsylvania and Halifax counties in Virginia as well as Caswell County, NC.

Scholarship Information

Currently, The Community Foundation administers 75 separate endowed scholarship funds. Established by individuals or organizations, these funds help area students achieve their academic and career-oriented goals.

Scholarships through the Community Foundation support individuals of all ages who reside within the Dan River Region – Danville, VA; Pittsylvania and Halifax counties, VA; and Caswell County, NC. In 2025, we awarded more than $370,000 to 152 students.

Adkerson-Dodson Special Education Scholarship

Open applications for Danville/Pittsylvania graduates who are pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree or licensure in special education.

The Inserra Scholarships, provided by the UNICO Foundation, aim to support students of Italian descent pursuing higher education. Two scholarships of $2,500 each are awarded annually to eligible candidates who are U.S. citizens attending accredited colleges or universities full-time. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and continue their studies in the 2026-2027 academic year. This initiative reflects UNICO's commitment to empowering the Italian American community through education.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.

Scholarships

We offer hundreds of different scholarships for students in and around Kansas City.

Jenese Lynn Krysa Scholarship Fund

The purpose of the Jenese Lynn Krysa Scholarship Fund is to provide an annual scholarship to graduating high school seniors, undergraduates or graduate students, who intend to further their education at a two-year or four-year accredited college or university in the state of Missouri, and are pursuing a degree in Accounting, Business or Marketing.

This is a one-time scholarship with no renewal.

The Knights Templar Eye Foundation Career-Starter Research Grant provides up to $90,000 to support the early careers of researchers focused on preventing and curing blinding diseases in children. Eligible candidates must hold an M.D., Ph.D., or equivalent degree. Research areas include amblyopia, congenital cataract, glaucoma, and other hereditary eye diseases. This funding aims to foster innovative solutions in pediatric ophthalmology, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes for infants and children.

The Regional Trail Grant Program aims to enhance trail development outside the seven-county metropolitan area by providing grants to local governments. With funding from "In Lieu Of" lottery proceeds, it supports up to 75% of eligible project costs, requiring a 25% non-state cash match. The anticipated funding of $1.1 million will be allocated across three grant programs, subject to legislative appropriation. This initiative fosters connectivity and promotes regional significance in trail facilities.

Fargo-Moorhead Area Foundation

The FM Area Foundation is a nonprofit community foundation created by and for the people of Cass County, North Dakota, and Clay County, Minnesota. The FM Area Foundation helps people give back to the causes they care about and ensures the community’s needs are addressed now and in the future. Working in partnership with individuals, families, businesses, and professional advisors, the FM Area Foundation manages more than 500 charitable funds and provides grants to qualified nonprofit organizations and causes.

Pipe Organ Grant

A Component Fund of the FM Area Foundation

Orlee Howell of Jamestown, North Dakota, has established the Howell Pipe Organ Fund to support pipe organs in churches throughout North Dakota.

Orlee has always loved the complex choral sound of church pipe organs. She repaired them herself as a young woman. Later, she and her late husband, Vernon, made their shared musical interest a hobby, seeking out and restoring the often-historic instruments. The Howell Pipe Organ Fund was created as a permanent endowment to ensure the continuation of the music Orlee so enjoys.

All churches in North Dakota are eligible to apply for a grant to support their pipe organ instruments. Grants will be awarded for constructing, installing, or refurbishing pipe organs in churches.

About Us

As a tax-exempt, public charity, the SouthCoast Community Foundation offers donors the guidance and flexibility to fulfill their philanthropic goals. We serve a range of charitable individuals, families, and corporations whose main concern is improving the quality of life in our community.

The SouthCoast Community Foundation allocates individual, family, and corporate funds to meet community needs. To date, the organization has distributed over $60 million from more than 200 funds to humanitarian, educational, and cultural organizations in the region.

Scholarship Resources

The SouthCoast Community Foundation is proud to offer scholarship opportunities to students in our community. We manage one of the largest scholarship programs in our area, with more than $800k awarded to local students each year.

Most SouthCoast Community Foundation scholarships are available through our online scholarship portal. Unless otherwise noted, scholarships are available through the Universal Application, which automatically pairs eligible students with all available scholarships.

The Dr. Norbert P. and Elsie R. Fraga Scholarship

The Dr. Norbert P. and Elsie R. Fraga Scholarship Fund provides scholarships to postgraduate students who have: 1. graduated from New Bedford, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, or Westport High school, or Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School, 2. completed pre-dental or pre-medical studies at accredited college, 3. has an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and 4. been accepted into an accredited dental or medical college or university. 

Marshfield Area Community Foundation Scholarships

The mission of the Marshfield Area Community Foundation is “Connecting people who care with causes that matter to enrich the quality of life in the Marshfield area”. Education is a valuable tool and a cause that matters to all of us. Through assisting students with financial support to receive an education, not only do students and the families of those students benefit, but also our community benefits, which further allows us to achieve our mission of enriching the quality of life in the Marshfield area.

Geographical Area

The official geographic service area of Marshfield Area Community Foundation, Inc., beginning to our west and traveling clockwise, includes the following communities in addition to Marshfield (It also includes towns and rural areas between these communities.): Chili, Granton, Neillsville, Loyal, Greenwood, Withee, Owen, Spencer, Unity, Colby, Curtiss, Pittsville, Abbotsford, Dorchester, Stetsonville, Medford, Stratford, Rozellville, Hewitt, Auburndale, Blenker, Milladore, Sherry, Arpin.

Altrusa International of Marshfield Scholarship

This scholarship is for a non-traditional/returning student from the Marshfield area. Applicant must be attending/plan to attend UWSP at Marshfield or Mid-State Technical College pursuing an undergraduate degree. Preference to an applicant showing motivation and character, & past academic performance.

The County Boat and Water Safety Grants aim to support county sheriff's offices in funding boat and water safety programs. This initiative seeks to reduce accidents, injuries, and property damage on state waters. The grants cover up to 100% of eligible costs for various safety activities and have been ongoing since the 1960s. Counties can apply for funding to enhance their patrol and safety measures, ensuring a safer environment for all water users.

The Boating Infrastructure Grant Program (BigP) Tier II provides funding for the construction of facilities that support non-trailerable recreational boats, primarily when these vessels are in transient status. This program focuses on transient mooring facilities for large vessels, defined as 26 feet or longer, allowing stays of 10 days or fewer. The program has two tiers, requiring a 25% match, with Tier II offering up to $1,500,000 for nationwide competitive projects.

The Immigrant-Led Organizations (ILO) Fund offers support to immigrant-led organizations in Maine, promoting the flourishing of immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. With grants of $45,000 over three years, recipients will engage in peer learning and capacity-building activities from August 2025 to August 2028. This initiative encourages diverse immigrant leaders and organizations to collaborate in answering essential questions about welcoming new Mainers and fostering their success in the community.

The Alpha Eta Collaborative Research Grant offers up to $2,000 to active Sigma members in Africa for innovative research projects. This funding, provided by the Alpha Eta Chapter, is specifically intended for new initiatives and does not cover expenses incurred prior to the funding date. Applicants must complete a research application package and agreement online, ensuring project completion within one year of receiving funds.

The ARS New Investigator Research Grant aims to support innovative research in rhinology, including basic, translational, and clinical projects. The funding period is non-renewable and lasts up to 24 months. Eligible candidates include American Rhinologic Society members who have completed residency and lack significant prior funding. The number of grants awarded is contingent upon the merit of applications received, as determined by the ARS Board of Directors. This grant provides a unique opportunity for emerging researchers in the field.

The Travel & Training Fund, established by the Women’s Sports Foundation, has supported over 1,500 female athletes since 1984, including Olympians and national team members. Grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 aim to alleviate financial burdens for women athletes pursuing elite competition. Prioritizing those with a plan to contribute back to women's sports, the fund emphasizes eligibility for U.S. citizens or legal residents, ensuring a significant impact on the recipients' athletic journeys.

The Dr. Patricia L. Austin Family Physicians of Tomorrow Scholarship offers $10,000 in tuition assistance to medical students entering their final year. Sponsored by the AMA Foundation, this program supports a diverse group of students, including those of Eastern European descent and first-generation students. All applicants must be enrolled in accredited U.S. medical schools, ensuring equitable opportunities in pursuing their medical careers, while fostering representation in the field.

Jaden Lauderdale Memorial Scholarship

The Jaden Lauderdale Memorial Scholarship was established in 2017 by Doug and Jessica Lauderdale in memory of their daughter. Jaden was a 14 year old with a huge heart and always thought of others. She was waiting for a heart transplant at Riley. Her family wanted to continue Jaden's giving attitude by presenting an annual scholarship to one Greene County senior seeking a 2 or 4-year degree in the medical field.

The American Fellowships - American Short-Term Research Publication Grants support women in academia by funding the preparation of research manuscripts for publication. Established by the AAUW in 1888, these grants aim to enhance gender equity in higher education, particularly for women pursuing careers in STEM fields. Eligible applicants must hold advanced degrees and demonstrate significant contributions to their fields. This initiative highlights AAUW's long-standing commitment to empowering women through education and research.

The ASH HONORS Award supports emerging hematologists, offering $5,000 for research projects and a $1,000 annual travel allowance for two years. Targeted at first- and second-year medical students and residents, the award encourages ongoing research careers in hematology. Recipients attend an orientation at the ASH annual meeting, gaining insights from experienced professionals. Eligibility includes current ASH membership and a research mentor, while restrictions apply to prior HONORS awardees and those with concurrent funding.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Scholarship Program

Scholarships are available to local students who will attend an accredited post-secondary institution within the United States of America on a full-time basis.

Robert C. & Maureen A. Granger Scholarship Endowment Fund

The Robert C. and Maureen A. Granger Scholarship Endowment Fund was created to assist graduates of East Aurora High School or West Aurora High School who are furthering their studies in a four-year college or university, seeking a degree in chemistry or chemical engineering.

This scholarship fund was established by Maureen Granger to help aspiring chemists earn a degree in the profession that her husband loved.

Robert (Bob) Granger was a graduate of East Aurora High School where he developed a lifelong interest in chemistry. He graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in chemistry.

He worked for the Burlington Railroad as a chemist/chief chemist for fourteen years. He then took a position with Sears Roebuck in Chicago as a chemist/product engineer until he passed away in 1990 at the age of sixty-one.

He and his wife Maureen were married for forty-one years before his passing. They raised their four children in Aurora.

The intent of this scholarship fund is to assist East Aurora and West Aurora High School graduates pursue a professional career in the field of chemistry.

The RI Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP): Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) provides essential support for private landowners and Indian tribes to restore and protect wetlands. This program enhances habitats for wildlife, improves water quality, and offers financial assistance for easement purchases. Eligible participants can apply for permanent, 30-year easements, or contracts for Indian tribe-owned land, ensuring sustainable land management practices that benefit both the environment and local communities.

The RI Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) supports agricultural producers in enhancing their conservation efforts, ensuring sustainable land management. The program offers technical and financial assistance to develop tailored conservation plans that address issues like soil health and wildlife habitats. Participants benefit from annual payments and have opportunities for contract renewals, encouraging ongoing environmental stewardship. By joining CSP, producers can improve resilience to market fluctuations and environmental challenges, making it a vital resource for sustainable farming practices.

The Kansas Teacher Service Scholarship is a merit-based program offering financial assistance to students pursuing bachelor's or master's degrees in hard-to-fill disciplines. Recipients must agree to teach in Kansas for each year of scholarship support, with eligibility extending for up to ten semesters. Priority is given to upperclassmen and renewals, with funding dependent on state allocation. The average GPA of past recipients is 3.50, and the scholarship amount can reach $6,666 per academic year.

The Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Topical PCORI Funding aims to support high-quality, patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER) focusing on individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This funding opportunity recognizes the diversity of conditions under IDD and the varying support needs among individuals. PCORI encourages the use of both person-first and identity-first language, acknowledging the preferences within the disability community, and aims to enhance the quality of healthcare delivery for these populations.

The UNICO Foundation Inc. offers the Cancer Research & Prevention Grant to support vital research projects addressing various types of cancer, including colon, breast, and prostate cancer. Established in 1962, this non-profit organization aims to enhance lives through charitable contributions and educational initiatives. Grants are exclusively for direct research and preventive measures, ensuring that all funds are utilized effectively. This initiative reflects UNICO's commitment to combating cancer and its impact on individuals and families across the United States.

About The Community Foundation of Hancock County

We are a nonprofit, public charity that encourages philanthropy, convenes and leads community initiatives, provides educational support, and supports nonprofit organizations. 

Scholarships for Adults & Non-Traditional Students

The Community Foundation of Hancock County offers educational support for Hancock County, Indiana adults who are seeking post-secondary training or schooling to improve their career prospects. There are also some opportunities provided by specific businesses in the area. 

Cargold Scholarship

This scholarship was established by Dennis and Evelyn Chapman to honor Dennis’ parents and their belief in higher education.