Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The Shyaam Bachman Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, honors a dedicated science teacher and supports Black/African American males from the Greater Hartford area. This fund assists students with financial need who are graduating high school and planning to pursue a degree in a science-related field. With a history of awarding nearly $30 million in scholarships since 1945, the foundation continues to empower local students in their educational journeys.

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.

Zoeller Company Scholarship

The Zoeller Company Scholarship awards scholarships for career training expenses, undergraduate, or graduate level college or university expenses of children, between the ages of 17-24, whose parent or guardian is a current full-time or part-time employee of the Zoeller Company or any of its subsidiaries at the time of application.

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.

Women's Second Chance College Scholarship

The Women's Second Chance College Scholarship was established by Ms. Ruth Ann Tillman to provide assistance, through financial grants and mentoring, to women 25-40 years of age who have the determination and discipline to obtain a bachelor’s degree.

The South Asian Bar Association Endowed Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, supports summer public interest fellowships for law students of South Asian descent or those committed to serving the South Asian community. Eligible applicants must be enrolled at select law schools and demonstrate financial need. This initiative enhances opportunities for underrepresented students while fostering community engagement and legal advocacy within the South Asian community.

The Stanley D. and Hinda N. Fisher Scholarship Fund, established by the Fisher Family Foundation, supports local students from the Greater Hartford area pursuing a four-year college degree. As part of the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving's Scholarship Program, it aims to foster academic achievement and community involvement. Since 1945, the program has awarded nearly $30 million in scholarships to help students access higher education opportunities. One award is available for eligible candidates.

The Sylvia Parkinson Fund, established in 1975, supports medical students at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine who plan to practice in the Hartford area. Administered by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, this fund awards 4 to 8 scholarships annually, contributing to the education of deserving students pursuing careers in medicine. The Hartford Foundation has a long-standing commitment to supporting higher education, having awarded nearly $30 million since 1945.

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.

William J. Kircher Memorial Scholarship

The William J. Kircher Scholarship was established to provide scholarship assistance in the form of grants to help defray college or university expenses to students who are graduating from a Jefferson County Public School and plan to attend Bellarmine University, Transylvania University, University of Kentucky, or the University of Louisville.

The Middlebury Fund, established in 1942 by Austin L. Adams, provides scholarships for students from Middlebury, CT. Administered by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, it aims to support worthy and intelligent young individuals with financial need. Each year, the fund awards between 5 to 10 scholarships, helping local students pursue higher education opportunities. With a strong legacy since 1945, the Hartford Foundation has invested nearly $30 million in Connecticut college-bound students.

The Walter S. Kapala Scholarship Trust, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, offers financial support to high-achieving students from public high schools in Hartford or West Hartford. Since 1945, the foundation has awarded nearly $30 million in scholarships, assisting local students in pursuing higher education. This scholarship aims to help 1 to 2 deserving students each year who require financial assistance to achieve their academic goals.

The Tim and Gerri Sullivan Scholarship Fund, administered by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, provides financial support to graduating high school seniors from Hartford attending public schools in Connecticut. This scholarship aims to assist students entering 2-year, 4-year, or vocational colleges on a full-time basis, demonstrating academic achievement and financial need. With a history of over $30 million awarded since 1945, this fund continues to empower local students towards higher education.

The Town and County Club Fund, established by members of the Town and County Club in Hartford, aims to support adult women pursuing higher education. This initiative is part of the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving's Scholarship Program, which has granted nearly $30 million since 1945. Eligible applicants must be female, 25 years or older, residents of the Hartford area, and enrolled in specific Connecticut colleges with a minimum GPA of 2.5.

The Women’s Shelters Grant, provided by the AKC Humane Fund, offers financial assistance to domestic abuse shelters that accommodate pets. This grant aims to empower shelters to break the cycle of domestic violence by allowing women to keep their beloved pets during difficult times. By supporting organizations that facilitate this, the AKC Humane Fund fosters a community where both women and animals can find safety and solace together.

The United Nations Association of Connecticut Scholarship Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, supports students with financial need who are interested in international issues and foreign language studies. Since 1945, the program has awarded nearly $30 million to students pursuing higher education. This scholarship specifically targets those who have demonstrated academic excellence and participation in Model UN or similar programs, offering one award annually to eligible applicants from the Greater Hartford region.

The Villano-ebbo Scholarship Fund, managed by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, supports local students from the Greater Hartford region pursuing higher education in technology or entrepreneurship. Established by entrepreneur Vin Villano, this fund is dedicated to aiding one graduating high school senior with a strong academic record and financial need. The Hartford Foundation has a rich history of providing scholarships, contributing nearly $30 million since 1945 to foster educational opportunities for students.

The PLTW Launch Program Expansion in Indiana offers a $5,000 grant for the 2026-2027 academic year to enhance existing PLTW programs or introduce new ones. Eligible activities include expanding module offerings, reaching more students, and teacher training. All Indiana schools can apply, but funds must be used specifically for program expansion, excluding salaries and certain equipment costs. This initiative supports STEM education by improving access to quality learning resources.

The PLTW Launch program in Indiana offers grants of $20,000 to support the implementation of new PLTW programs in schools for the 2026-2027 academic year. Grantees must provide at least one PLTW Launch module in the first year and an additional module in the following year. Eligible applicants include public, private, and charter schools in Indiana. Funding can cover participation fees, necessary equipment, and training costs, while excluding salaries and other specified expenses.

The PLTW Gateway Program Expansion in Indiana aims to enhance STEM education by providing grants for schools to implement or expand existing PLTW programs during the 2026-2027 academic year. Grants of $15,000 are available to support activities such as adding new units, increasing class periods, and training teachers. All Indiana schools are eligible, fostering inclusive access to innovative learning opportunities for students across various educational settings.

The PLTW Gateway program in Indiana aims to enhance STEM education by allowing schools to implement new PLTW programs or expand existing ones for the 2026-2027 academic year. Eligible schools can receive up to $30,000 over two years, with the requirement to offer at least two different PLTW Gateway units. This initiative supports public, private, and charter schools, fostering innovative learning environments in Indiana.

Summer Youth Work Experience Program (SYWEP)

 The FY 2026 Summer Youth Work Experience Program (SYWEP) is being funded to provide in-school and out-of-school youth, ages 16-24, with valuable summer work experiences in order to help them successfully transition to the world of work.

Start Date and End Date of Grant Program:

• April 1, 2026 - October 31, 2026

Funding Amount:

• $8,000,000

Applications must not exceed a maximum cost per participant of $4,160. The cost-per participant is calculated as the total grant funds requested (including administrative costs) divided by the proposed number of participants to be enrolled. Further detail regarding allowable costs can be found in Section H.8.

Final awards are contingent upon State allocation of funds. The applicant’s budget must be well considered, necessary for the implementation of the program, and within the funding parameters. Final amounts will be determined at the time of pre-contract revisions. Ineligible, inappropriate or undocumented costs will be removed from the funding request. SYWEP programs may be considered for a continuance of up to an additional year, contingent upon successful performance of the program/grantees and upon the availability of funds.

The Professional Development Partnerships for Early Childhood Education program, managed by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance the skills of early childhood trainers and instructional coaches. It offers extensive training and support through professional development opportunities, micro-credentials, and facilitated learning communities. This initiative seeks to ensure high-quality instruction for practicing early childhood educators, ultimately benefiting the educational outcomes of young learners across the state.

The Pat Ostrander 4-Star Collection Quartet Scholarship, established by Sweet Adelines International, offers $1,600 to two quartets to attend the 2026 A Cappella Academy or the Sweet Adelines International Convention. To qualify, quartet members must be active Sweet Adelines members and submit three recommendations, demonstrating their commitment. This initiative celebrates barbershop harmony and empowers quartets to enhance their skills through structured educational events, fostering a vibrant community of singers.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) is inviting research applications focusing on mind and body interventions like mindfulness meditation and yoga that promote emotional well-being and whole person health. This initiative supports innovative studies that validate mechanisms of emotional well-being, utilizing a phased funding approach (R61/R33) to ensure rigorous clinical trials. Preliminary data comparable to R01 applications are required, emphasizing the importance of research quality.

The Wayne Yohe Memorial Scholarship, established by the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Harrisburg, provides financial assistance to students graduating from career or technology centers in Dauphin, Cumberland, or Perry counties. This scholarship aims to support those pursuing post-secondary education in technical fields, particularly in the Building and Construction Industry. Annually, 5-10 scholarships of up to $2000 are awarded based on academic performance and career goals, encouraging youth to prepare for future careers.

The DustinLenker Memorial Scholarship, established by the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Harrisburg, offers $2000 scholarships to graduates from Dauphin County Technical School or The Millersburg School District. This scholarship prioritizes students entering Visual Arts or Construction fields, particularly those with ties to Lenkerville Elementary. The program recognizes academic excellence and career aspirations, supporting youth in the Building Industry as they prepare for future workforce opportunities.

The Foundation for Financial Planning provides grants to nonprofit organizations that connect volunteer financial planners with underserved individuals in need of financial guidance. Focused on scalable and sustainable programs, the grants support both established and new initiatives that foster one-on-one relationships between planners and clients. Eligible applicants must be U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits and engage Certified Financial Planner professionals to ensure quality advice is accessible to those facing financial crises.

The Cuesta Foundation, established in 1962, focuses on funding organizations that create a lasting impact in the Tulsa, Oklahoma community. Their mission emphasizes support for Arts and Humanities, Education, Social Services, and Community Needs. Preference is given to organizations that demonstrate a commitment to helping those in need and fostering self-improvement. This grants program seeks to uplift communities through charitable contributions that align with its philanthropic vision.

The Phoebus Criminal Justice Initiative Grant, provided by the Bread & Roses Community Fund, supports organizations engaged in community organizing for criminal justice reform. It aims to address pressing issues such as police accountability and racially biased sentencing. By fostering collective action among marginalized communities, the initiative empowers groups to create sustainable change within the criminal legal system. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to justice and community leadership, ensuring long-term impact and engagement.