Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The Bee Grant Program, offered by the Whole Kids Foundation, supports K-12 schools and non-profits in enhancing or establishing bee programs with live bees. The Traditional Bee Grant provides up to $1,500 or equipment for new initiatives, while the Renewal Bee Grant offers $500 to previously funded projects. Eligible applicants must ensure strong support from their organization and have a knowledgeable beekeeper as a mentor. This initiative emphasizes bee education and conservation, fostering awareness among students.

The James Madison Graduate Fellowship supports U.S. citizens pursuing master's degrees focused on the Constitution, enhancing their constitutional knowledge for teaching. Fellows are required to teach American history, government, or civics at the secondary level for one year per funding year. Financially, the fellowship awards up to $24,000, covering tuition and fees, and must be repaid if fellowship conditions are unmet. This program ensures future educators embody constitutional principles in their teaching.

Washington County Community Foundation

The Washington County Community Foundation seeks to improve the quality of life in Washington County by promoting and facilitating philanthropy. We accomplish this by assuming four philanthropic roles of Grantmaker, Donor Service Organization, Fundraiser, and Community Leader. Fostering philanthropy by offering charitable gifting opportunities to donors on an individualized basis and at reasonable fees, we make charitable giving easier, more satisfying, and more effective. 

The Foundation is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation organized under the laws of Pennsylvania, which is registered with the Pennsylvania Charities Bureau and annually files the Federal Form 990.

Scholarships for Post-Secondary (Undergraduate) School

The Foundation provides both need-based and merit-based scholarships to students in Washington County, with a few scholarships also available to students in Greene County. All scholarships are made payable to the educational institution the student is attending. 

Chapman Family Scholarship Fund

For current year graduating seniors of any Washington County or Greene County high school who demonstrate financial need. Preference will be given to certificate, trade, or technical school applicants. Awardees may be eligible for up to three subsequent-year scholarships, provided they maintain eligibility.

The Outdoor Recreation Grant Program offers matching grants to local governments for up to 50% of the costs related to acquiring, developing, or redeveloping local parks and recreation areas. Applicants can submit multiple proposals, but only one application per park is allowed. Funding sources include federal and state funds, with at least $2.5 million expected for FY 2026 from the Land and Water Conservation Fund and additional state funding subject to legislative approval.

The USTA: Adult Social Play Grant aims to enhance adult participation in tennis through social programming that promotes fun and inclusivity. It supports various drop-in events, leagues, and creative venues, encouraging both new and seasoned players to engage with the sport. By fostering a welcoming environment, this grant helps instill a love for tennis in future generations, increasing the number of social leagues and events across communities.

Family Medicine Cares USA offers grants up to $25,000 to support the establishment of new free clinics. Eligible applicants must either have opened or plan to open within six months of the application deadline and hold the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics Seal of Excellence. Priority is given to clinics with an AAFP member as medical director and those engaging Family Medicine residents or medical students as volunteers. Applications are accepted annually from March 15 to July 15.

The AO North America VET Preceptorships Program offers surgical residents from the American College of Veterinary Surgeons the chance to enhance their skills in Veterinary Trauma and Orthopedics through a structured training experience. Participants can receive up to four weeks of advanced training in AO techniques at designated surgical centers, with funding available for housing and travel expenses, totaling up to $2,750. This initiative aims to foster professional development and improve patient care outcomes.

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds aim to support cultural and historic assets and enhance long-term arts education for youth, particularly in under-resourced communities. Managed by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, these grants focus on localized projects that align with Mr. Wilson's vision for impactful change. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Erie County, with a preference for initiatives that restore significant historic sites or increase access to arts instruction for children.

The Victory Project - Emerging Sports Leaders Scholarship Fund

Five (5) Emerging Sports Leaders Scholarships will provide financial assistance to students whose lives have been impacted by the sport of soccer. This scholarship is available for high school seniors with post-secondary education plans at a university, college, trade, or vocational school. Participation in collegiate soccer is not required. Payment will be made directly to the school.

Award

• $5,000.00

The Jeremiah Lucey Grant Program, managed by the Leary Firefighters Foundation, supports paid and volunteer fire departments across the US, focusing on training, equipment, and technology enhancements. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $25,000, with larger amounts occasionally available. Departments must demonstrate proactive problem-solving efforts. The Foundation prioritizes partnerships aimed at achieving impactful results, particularly in response to emergencies caused by natural or man-made disasters.

The INL STEM Impact Grant, honoring former Governor C.L. “Butch” and First Lady Lori Otter, offers $15,000 to support innovative STEM projects in Idaho. This initiative encourages collaboration among educators, businesses, and community partners to enhance K-12 education. The grant aims to foster a sustainable STEM culture and empower future generations by integrating STEM concepts into schools, ultimately impacting students' educational experiences and career paths.

The K-12 Education Grants offered by Idaho National Laboratory aim to enhance STEM education in Idaho. These grants support innovative, student-centered projects to improve learning experiences in the classroom. With a maximum award of $2,000, the funding can be utilized for project materials and equipment, fostering a strong foundation for the future STEM workforce. INL's initiative encourages teachers and administrators to create impactful educational opportunities that inspire students and promote engagement in science and technology.

Community Foundation of Louisville

Founded in 1984, the Community Foundation of Louisville mobilizes people, networks, and capital to spark meaningful change in and beyond Louisville. Just as our name signifies, here, community comes first. With over $874 million in assets, over 2,200 charitable funds, and collaborations with hundreds of local partners, we connect real investments with relevant causes. The Foundation has addressed and continues to address a wide range of community needs. The key priorities of the Foundation’s mission are to remove barriers to accessing capital and resources and to open opportunities for all. Working with neighbors, changemakers, and community investors, we’re inspiring greater generosity to move us all forward.

Scholarships

Since 1984, the Community Foundation of Louisville has provided tens of millions of dollars in scholarships to support students with their educational goals. We assist donors in establishing scholarship funds so that a quality education can be available for everyone.

Harland Scholarship

The Harland Scholarship was established to provide scholarship assistance to help defray college or university expenses of Jefferson County, KY students from underserved populations and first-generation college students.

Community Foundation of Louisville

Founded in 1984, the Community Foundation of Louisville mobilizes people, networks, and capital to spark meaningful change in and beyond Louisville. Just as our name signifies, here, community comes first. With over $874 million in assets, over 2,200 charitable funds, and collaborations with hundreds of local partners, we connect real investments with relevant causes. The Foundation has addressed and continues to address a wide range of community needs. The key priorities of the Foundation’s mission are to remove barriers to accessing capital and resources and to open opportunities for all. Working with neighbors, changemakers, and community investors, we’re inspiring greater generosity to move us all forward.

Scholarships

Since 1984, the Community Foundation of Louisville has provided tens of millions of dollars in scholarships to support students with their educational goals. We assist donors in establishing scholarship funds so that a quality education can be available for everyone.

Harold & Mary Snook Scholarship

The Harold & Mary Snook Scholarship was established to provide scholarship assistance to help defray technical or trade school, college or university expenses of students in financial need who are pursuing studies in education or any medical field, with preference to those studying nursing. Students who do not have a GPA or test score that are believed to be reflective of their skills and ability are asked to provide an explanation in the form of an essay.

The AFS Travel Grant, offered by the Austin Film Society, supports Texas-based filmmakers by covering travel costs to competitive film festivals worldwide. Since its inception, the grant has provided crucial financial assistance, enabling filmmakers to gain exposure and foster industry connections. Eligible applicants can receive up to $1,500 for travel, helping them navigate the financial challenges of festival participation. This initiative strengthens the local creative community and promotes diverse storytelling in the film industry.

Definition

A Focused Investment Partnership is an OWEB investment that:

• Addresses a board-identified Focused Investment Priority of significance to the state; 
• Works towards achieving clear and measurable ecological outcomes;
• Uses integrated, results-oriented approaches as identified through a strategic action plan; and 
• Is implemented by a high-performing partnership.

Implementation Grants

Implementation funding supports partnerships with up to $12 million over 3 biennia (6 years). Initiatives must demonstrate clear and measurable restoration outputs and ecological outcomes that support limiting factors outlined in a federal recovery and/or state conservation plan(s).

Strategic Action Plan

Partnerships applying for FIP Implementation funding must have a strategic action plan (SAP) that addresses all components detailed in OWEB's Strategic Action Plan Guidance. A SAP defines the geographic extent, timeframe, and range of strategies and actions that will lead to the long-term goals of a partnership. The scope of an Implementation conservation initiative is determined by the partnership and constitutes the portion of the SAP that the partnership believes it can accomplish in the proposed timeframe with the proposed funding.

The Delaware Division of the Arts offers a variety of grants for Delaware Pre-K through 12 public, charter, private, and parochial schools that offer arts activities and programming.

Grants for Schools: TranspARTation Grants

Grants that support transportation costs (up to $500) for schools to bring students to Delaware arts and cultural institutions and venues in order to attend arts performances, events, and exhibits. 

The Delaware Division of the Arts recognizes the importance of connecting schools with cultural institutions to promote creative learning experiences critical to a child’s academic development and a well-rounded curriculum.

Live arts performances and exhibitions provide opportunities for learning in the arts that foster creativity and innovation. In many cases, a school field trip may be the first time a student is provided with such an experience.

This grant program is designed to subsidize transportation costs that schools incur so that students can attend arts and cultural events throughout the state. Additionally, as venues engage new audiences to cultivate awareness and future participation from the next generation, there is a positive impact on Delaware’s creative economy.

Schools may receive only one TranspARTation grant per school year. Title I schools may be considered for more than one TranspARTation grant per school year if funding is available.

The Texas Specialty Crop Block Grant Program aims to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops through marketing, research, and development efforts. The program supports projects addressing food safety, nutrition, plant health, and expanding access to these crops. By funding proposals that demonstrate measurable impacts on the specialty crop industry and the public, this initiative seeks to foster growth and adaptability in a challenging agricultural landscape.

The Implementation Awards by PCORI aim to fund projects that translate patient-centered research into real-world practices. With budgets up to $2.5 million for implementation projects lasting up to 48 months, applicants must present a clear plan for broad evidence uptake. Additionally, those proposing implementation projects need an accepted Draft Final Research Report related to their original PCORI-funded research to qualify for funding.

The Rural Business Development Grants in Puerto Rico aim to enhance small rural businesses through technical assistance and training. With no maximum grant amount, priority is given to smaller requests, and funds can be utilized for various projects including training, land development, and pollution control. Eligible applicants include rural public entities and nonprofits that serve communities outside urban centers. This initiative fosters economic growth and innovation in underserved areas, ensuring sustainable development for local businesses.

The Smallwood Young Investigator Fellowship, established in memory of Craig Smallwood, PhD, RRT, supports emerging researchers in pediatric respiratory therapy. It provides funding up to $5,000 to help candidates gain mentorship, hands-on experience, and essential resources to launch their research projects. Ideal applicants are members of the American Association for Respiratory Care, either at the thesis phase of their education or recently graduated. This initiative aims to foster growth in the field of respiratory health.

Career Education Scholarships

Frederick County residents studying to enter career education fields may apply to receive scholarships that help pay for training at an accredited trade or technical school, certification exams, tools, and other necessary supplies for study and work in the trade.

Scholarship awards can be used for tuition/training, certification exams, tools and other necessary supplies associated with the upcoming school year. Scholarships are paid directly to a school or vendor. These are the funds that are awarding, however, only one application needs to be submitted.

Our Scholarships

Since 1986, the Community Foundation has been the leading source for post-secondary scholarship funding in Frederick County, and in more recent years, has provided significant scholarship support for students in Carroll County.

Our program supports nearly every area of study imaginable, with scholarships funded by generous donors who believe in the value of education. Some donors want to support students aspiring to careers similar to theirs; other donors want to give back to the community that has generously given to them. Others wish to honor the legacies of their loved ones, both living and deceased.

Mary Alice and R. David Stup Scholarship Fund

This special fund was created through Mary Alice Stup’s estate which stated that the Community Foundation was to create a ‘second chance’ scholarship fund to uplift students who have lived-experiences of harm or past legal challenges, so they can have a second chance.

The Community Foundation partnered with the nonprofit, legal, educational, and government agency community to award this scholarship for the first time for the 2025-2026 academic year. The scholarship application will be open again in early 2026, with the scholarship monies to be used between July 1, 2026, and August 15, 2027. 

The Trauma-Informed Practice Fund Grant supports organizations working directly with children to adopt trauma-informed practices. Grants of up to $5,000 can be requested for various training-related expenses, including travel and trainer fees. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations and demonstrate commitment to serving diverse youth populations. Priority is given to communities like Hartford, New Britain, and Middletown. Collaborative applications are encouraged to enhance training effectiveness and sustainability.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

PNM Pueblo Relief Scholarship

Native Forward Scholars Fund, in partnership with PNM, established the Pueblo Student Relief Scholarship to assist Pueblo students who are facing financial hardships and challenges by providing them with a one-time relief scholarship. The fund will be utilized to help support students in emergency situations that include, but is not limited to – food insecurity, emergency travel costs, emergency housing costs, emergency healthcare costs, educational technology or technology-related resources, childcare costs, or other educational expenses.

The AACAP Educational Outreach Program for General Psychiatry Residents offers a unique opportunity for residents to gain insights into child and adolescent psychiatry. Participants will network with mentors and peers, attend the 71st AACAP Annual Meeting from October 14-19, 2024, and receive a stipend of up to $1,200 post-meeting. This program prioritizes first-time applicants, ensuring a valuable experience in a supportive environment while expanding professional connections.

The TX Forest Legacy Program, managed by the Texas A&M Forest Service, protects vital forests at risk of conversion. It promotes voluntary conservation easements among private landowners, preserving forestland while allowing land ownership and sustainable practices. The program operates annually, accepting submissions from January to June for review, with funding support covering 75% of easement costs. Applications are competitively selected, ensuring the most promising conservation projects are prioritized.