Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The Sonoma County Law Student Scholarship Fund, established in 2024 by the Sonoma County Bar Association, offers financial support to law students from Sonoma County or its high school graduates enrolled in accredited law schools in California. This initiative aims to empower local students to pursue their legal education while strengthening community ties. Applicants are evaluated based on financial need, academic achievement, community involvement, and other relevant circumstances.

The PLTW Engineering program, in partnership with Phillips 66, aims to expand access to quality STEM education in underserved communities. With a total grant of $10,000 available for the 2026-2027 academic year, the initiative focuses on middle and high school programs that foster student engagement in engineering and computer science. Priority will be given to schools with high-needs student populations, ensuring equitable educational opportunities and workforce preparedness for future generations.

The David M. Dolan Scholarship, offered by the International Association for Great Lakes Research, supports master's and Ph.D. students engaged in applied environmental statistics and modeling related to the Great Lakes. The scholarship provides a $3,000 award, complimentary conference registration, and IAGLR membership. Recipients must present their research at the annual IAGLR conference. Eligibility is limited to those whose research aligns with Dr. Dolan's work, and previous awardees are not eligible.

The Bloomfield Greater Together Community Fund Grant, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, aims to empower local organizations by providing financial support for projects that benefit Bloomfield residents. Eligible organizations must be classified as 501c3 or have a fiscal sponsor. The fund seeks to foster community ownership, encourage civic engagement, and strengthen the Hartford Foundation's presence in the town. This initiative is vital for building inclusive and vibrant communities in Greater Hartford.

The Streicker Fund for Student Research at Yale University offers financial support for academic projects requiring international travel, primarily aimed at students conducting research under faculty supervision. These projects may include field research and interviews, and must occur during school breaks. The fund targets various destinations based on expense levels, ensuring accessibility for a broad range of students. This initiative emphasizes the importance of educational travel while maintaining academic commitments.

The Hoʻākoakoa Lāhui Event Sponsorship Program aims to support nonprofit organizations in Hawaiʻi by providing funding for events that benefit the Native Hawaiian community. With a maximum budget request of $15,000, the program encourages events that promote cultural practices, community engagement, and public resources. Eligible events include award ceremonies, community gatherings, and fundraisers, ensuring they align with the mission of enhancing the lifestyle and entitlements of Native Hawaiians.

The R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed funding opportunity invites innovative research to develop and enhance research models and biological materials vital for studying human health and diseases. It emphasizes the need for new approach methodologies (NAMs) to improve the identification of confounding factors in biomedical research. Projects should have broad applicability across multiple NIH Institutes, focusing on various body systems and disease categories, ensuring relevance to a wide range of health issues.

Our mission is to improve the quality of life in North East by building charitable endowments and philanthropic partnerships that fuel transformative change.

Scholarships

Through the generosity of members of the community, The North East Community Foundation has been helping make students’ dreams come true. Scholarships are awarded annually, in varying amounts.

James R. Meehl Memorial Scholarship

James Meehl was a lifelong resident of North East, owner of Eureka Electrical Products, and a founding member of Lakeview Country Club. He excelled in academics and graduated from Cornell University with a degree in mechanical engineering.

This scholarship is renewable for four years.

Community Foundation of Washington County Maryland

We are one of more than 750 similar tax-exempt public charities throughout the United States that work to make their community a better place to live. We are a local organization staffed by residents of the community and led by a board of trustees who have an in-depth knowledge of the issues that shape our County.

This Community Foundation was created by and for the people of Washington County MD, and exists to improve the quality of life for all of our citizens, now and for generations to come, by building community endowments, addressing needs through grant making and providing leadership on key community issues.

Bar Association of Washington County MD Endowment Fund

Provides scholarships to qualifying high school, home school, private school, parochial school, college, or technical school students that plan to pursue, or are pursuing, a legal or paralegal certificate or degree. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of academic success and a commitment to community service. Graduate students may apply.

The Thomas D. Buckley Trust Grant, established by Thomas D. Buckley, supports nonprofit organizations focusing on education, religion, and community programs primarily in the Western Panhandle of Nebraska and Northeast Colorado. Following Buckley's passing in 1979, the Trust was formed and has since provided grants to tax-exempt organizations that demonstrate sound financial management and adhere to eligibility requirements, with monthly reviews of grant requests.

AmeriCorps improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. AmeriCorps brings people together to tackle some of the country’s most pressing challenges through national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps members serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities and those serving

About JoCo Bar

The Johnson County Bar Association has served the legal community since 1938. Through leadership, member services, professional development, and community engagement, JoCo Bar supports attorneys, judges, and legal professionals throughout Johnson County.

Johnson County Bar Annual Awards

Each year, JoCo Bar recognizes outstanding service, professionalism, leadership, and dedication within our legal community.

Earl E. O'Connor Civility Award

Presented to a JoCo Bar member who demonstrates a commitment to civility in the practice of law through professionalism, honor, integrity, preparation, and advocacy.

The Texas Law Postgraduate Public Interest Fellowships, established by the William Wayne Justice Center in 2023, support graduating students to engage in public interest legal work for 12 months post-graduation. This program aims to empower students committed to serving underrepresented communities through legal services. Up to two fellowships will be awarded for full-time positions with public interest organizations starting in Spring 2026, fostering hands-on legal experience and enhancing access to justice.

The Mike A. Myers Fellowship in Public Interest Law, supported by the William Wayne Justice Center, aims to enhance access to justice for underserved communities. This one-year fellowship funds a Texas Law graduate or judicial clerk to work with a nonprofit focusing on legal services for victims of domestic violence or sexual assault. Preference is given to candidates proposing to work with Texas Advocacy Project. The fellowship emphasizes collaboration with host organizations to ensure effective project supervision.

Continental Resources is dedicated to supporting the communities where it operates by investing in health, education, and industry advocacy. Their charitable donations focus on initiatives that promote healthy lifestyles, enhance educational programs, and advocate for the oil and gas industry, which is vital for job creation and energy security. By standing alongside their industry peers, they aim to educate the public about the benefits of oil and natural gas, fostering a brighter future for all.

The Sylvia Shugrue Award for Elementary School Teachers recognizes outstanding educators who create interdisciplinary, inquiry-based lesson plans. This prestigious award, funded by the National Science Teachers Association, includes a $1,000 grant and additional funding for attending the NSTA National Conference on Science Education. Eligible applicants must be full-time elementary teachers with a minimum of five years of experience and must be NSTA members in good standing. This initiative aims to enhance science education in elementary schools.

About JoCo Bar

The Johnson County Bar Association has served the legal community since 1938. Through leadership, member services, professional development, and community engagement, JoCo Bar supports attorneys, judges, and legal professionals throughout Johnson County.

Johnson County Bar Annual Awards

Each year, JoCo Bar recognizes outstanding service, professionalism, leadership, and dedication within our legal community.

Pro Bono Award

The award recognizes extraordinary contributions of time, resources, and talent to pro bono efforts.

The Shell Science Teaching Award, a collaboration between Shell USA, Inc. and the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA), honors an exceptional K-12 classroom teacher who significantly influences students, their school, and the community through outstanding science education. The award offers a $10,000 prize and includes an expense-paid trip to the NSTA National Conference on Science Education for the recipient and finalists, along with certificates for semifinalists.

About JoCo Bar

The Johnson County Bar Association has served the legal community since 1938. Through leadership, member services, professional development, and community engagement, JoCo Bar supports attorneys, judges, and legal professionals throughout Johnson County.

Johnson County Bar Annual Awards

Each year, JoCo Bar recognizes outstanding service, professionalism, leadership, and dedication within our legal community.

Justinian Award for Lifetime Achievement & Professional Excellence

The recipient will have made a significant legal impact within the community, demonstrated exemplary ethical standards, and consistently shown integrity, warmth, friendliness, and camaraderie.

The Robert E. Yager Exemplary Teaching Award honors K-12 science educators who demonstrate innovative teaching practices in science education. Funded by the National Science Teachers Association, this award recognizes six exemplary teachers annually, providing them with financial support for travel and a plaque. Awardees are expected to present at the NSTA National Conference, showcasing their innovative approaches and contributing to the advancement of science education for future generations.

About JoCo Bar

The Johnson County Bar Association has served the legal community since 1938. Through leadership, member services, professional development, and community engagement, JoCo Bar supports attorneys, judges, and legal professionals throughout Johnson County.

Johnson County Bar Annual Awards

Each year, JoCo Bar recognizes outstanding service, professionalism, leadership, and dedication within our legal community.

Rising Star of the Bar Award

This award recognizes a JoCo Bar young lawyer who has provided meritorious service to the legal profession, the community, or JoCo Bar.

About JoCo Bar

The Johnson County Bar Association has served the legal community since 1938. Through leadership, member services, professional development, and community engagement, JoCo Bar supports attorneys, judges, and legal professionals throughout Johnson County.

Johnson County Bar Annual Awards

Each year, JoCo Bar recognizes outstanding service, professionalism, leadership, and dedication within our legal community.

The Don Miler "Spirit" Award

In 2009, the JoCo Bar Board of Directors created the Don Miller “Spirit” Award. Named for Don Miller, a longtime friend, colleague, and honorary member of JoCo Bar, the award recognizes the optimistic spirit he demonstrated throughout his life and the way he inspired and encouraged others.

The award is presented to a current or honorary JoCo Bar member who maintains an optimistic spirit that inspires and encourages others through their professional and personal life. The recipient also demonstrates the warmth and friendliness of a loyal friend and colleague.

The Maitland P. Simmons Memorial Award for New Teachers supports K-12 educators in their first five years of teaching by providing up to $1,000 for attending the National Conference on Science Education. Selected recipients, up to 25, will receive mentorship and opportunities for ongoing engagement with NSTA. Eligible applicants must be NSTA members and have taught for less than five years. Priority is given to established NSTA Student Chapters. This award fosters professional growth and community involvement.

The Julius Glickman Fellowship in Public Interest Law, supported by the William Wayne Justice Center, aims to enhance access to justice by funding an exceptional Texas Law graduate or judicial clerk to work with a public interest organization. This one-year, full-time fellowship is designed to empower new attorneys to provide vital legal services to underrepresented individuals or groups, focusing on civil legal services, and fostering a commitment to public interest lawyering.

Parish America 250 Program Mini Grants

In commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, the America 250 Louisiana State Commission, the Louisiana Office of the Lieutenant Governor, and the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities will be accepting letters of intent (LOIs) for the Parish America 250 Program Mini Grant. Grants of up to $1,500 will be available to support public humanities programming proposals that engage local audiences with Louisiana’s significant contributions to the founding and development of the United States.

The Louisiana America 250 Commission is dedicated to commemorating the 250th anniversary of our nation and Louisiana’s role in its establishment. The Parish America 250 Mini Grant program supports projects that engage with Louisiana’s significant contributions to the founding and development of the United States. 

Programs should engage local audiences with Louisiana history, foodways, folkways, music, and culture as they relate to the larger themes of the American Revolutionary era. All viable programs are encouraged to include the participation of qualified humanities scholar(s) where applicable. Programs must be free and open to the public.  

 LEH aims to reach all areas of the state and support organizations of all sizes and communities of benefit. 

The A. Montgomery Ward Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations that enhance educational and cultural programs in Chicago and surrounding areas. Established in 1959, it aims to empower local communities through quality programming. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, focusing on arts, culture, and education. Grants typically last for one year, with a commitment to fostering community growth and development.

The SCCF Emergency Assistance Grant, offered by the Sanilac County Community Foundation, provides crucial support to local non-profits responding to the coronavirus pandemic. Established in 1994, the Foundation aims to enhance community philanthropy and ensures that all funds raised will be utilized locally without administrative fees. This grant is designed to assist organizations serving vulnerable populations, facilitating relief efforts throughout the ongoing crisis.