Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The James W. Cooper Fellows program, established by the Connecticut Bar Foundation, invites nominations for outstanding Connecticut lawyers, judges, and law educators to enhance understanding of the legal profession and justice administration. Selected nominees commit to a $2,500 pledge over ten years. The program aims to improve civil justice through various grants and initiatives, reinforcing the foundation's mission of equitable legal access and education in Connecticut.

The Denver Foundation

For 100 years, The Denver Foundation has been building a stronger, thriving Metro Denver, Colorado, and beyond. We’ve received $2.1 billion from generous donors and given $1.6 billion in grants to support community initiatives. We’re the foundation of Denver, connecting and collaborating to address the current and future challenges of our community.  

The Study Group Scholarship for Women in Law

The Study Group Scholarship for Women in Law is a three-year, renewable scholarship for women students attending the University of Denver’s (DU) Sturm College of Law.

The Study Group Scholarship invests in women who will be equipped to shape a more just and equitable legal system – amplifying the voices and impact of women who continue to face inequalities in the practice of law. By supporting women in law today, we are strengthening advocacy, leadership, and systemic equity for generations to come.

Recipients of The Study Group Scholarship for Women in Law will be known as the Study Group Scholars.

This scholarship was created in 2026 by Debra Lappin, Rosemary Collyer, and Kris Hoeltgren, with a philosophy and commitment to women in law driven by their experience with their own “study group” at the DU Sturm College of Law.

Award amounts may be used toward the recipient’s tuition, fees, books, and supplies. Award must be used for the upcoming academic year.

The Amgen Foundation, established in 1990, focuses on enhancing science education and strengthening communities. It supports nonprofit organizations that align with its mission, emphasizing teacher development and hands-on science experiences. Grants are awarded annually, with a commitment of $180 million to impactful programs. Eligible organizations include public schools and libraries, while ineligible requests involve individual support, religious organizations, and political activities. This approach aims to inspire the next generation of innovators through quality educational opportunities.

The Courageous Innovation Award, presented by the Santa Fe Community Foundation, celebrates nonprofits that utilize bold and innovative strategies to tackle persistent issues in northern New Mexico. Nominations are open to all community members, including nonprofit staff and volunteers, until May 8, 2026. This prestigious award reflects the Foundation's commitment to fostering positive change and supporting organizations that align with its funding priorities, such as Arts, Education, and Health.

The Book Festival Grants, offered by Florida Humanities, support public humanities programs at various book festivals across Florida. Since 2022, these grants have facilitated literary events that promote reading and engage communities through author talks, workshops, and family activities. Eligible Florida-based nonprofits and governments can apply for funding up to $10,000 to enhance audience reach and accessibility via diverse programming. This initiative celebrates Florida's literary heritage while fostering connections between authors and readers.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Kevin P. Rimmell Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Kevin P. Rimmell Memorial Scholarship Fund of The Pittsburgh Foundation was created to honor the memory of Kevin Rimmell who died tragically at the age of 34. He loved his work in the field of electronics and always credited his education at Pittsburgh Technical College as having prepared him to achieve great things. This scholarship is intended to provide financial support for a student of high academic achievement who has financial need.

Award Type: Renewable Award (subject to committee recommendation). 

Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors. Applications are accepted from mid-November until mid-March. Scholarship award recipients will be announced at the high school awards ceremony. 

Wyoming-Sullivan Counties Bar Association Scholarship

Established by the Bar Association of Wyoming and Sullivan Counties to provide college assistance to a High School graduate from those two counties who will major in the legal profession.

The Wyoming/Sullivan County Bar Association created its annual scholarship in 2020 to provide assistance to a deserving high school graduating from those two counties who plans on majoring in the areas of pre-law, criminal justice or sociology. The intent is to encourage the graduate to pursue a career in these fields and to return to their home county upon attaining their graduate or post-graduate degree in order to provide these needed services to their local community.

The McMahon Surovik Suttle, P.C. Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Abilene, provides financial support to Big Country area students pursuing a law degree. Eligible applicants must be full-time students with a minimum GPA of 3.5 and must have been admitted to an accredited Texas law school. This scholarship honors the legacy of retired partners Stephen Suttle and Bob Surovik, promoting legal education in West Texas.

Montana’s CDBG Economic Development Program is designed to stimulate economic development activity by assisting Montana’s private sector to create or retain jobs for low and moderate-income LMI Montanans. The goal is to help communities provide decent housing, suitable living environments, and expanded economic opportunities. 

The Bank of New Hampshire Corporate Giving initiative focuses on community support through donations and sponsorships, particularly emphasizing affordable housing in 2025. The Contributions Committee meets quarterly to review applications, prioritizing organizations aligned with their focus and those with banking relationships. This approach highlights the bank's commitment to actively engage in local communities, ensuring that their contributions make a meaningful impact in the lives of residents.

Community Planning Technical Assistance Program (C-TAP)

Overview The Community Planning Technical Assistance Program (C-TAP) helps local and county governments, along with municipal partner organizations, plan, prepare, and implement strategies that support long-term growth and development. 

The Community Planning Technical Assistance Program (C-TAP) helps local and county governments, along with municipal partner organizations, plan, prepare, and implement strategies that support long-term growth and development. Whether updating ordinances, scoping a larger study, or moving a completed plan into action, eligible applicants receive hands-on, tailored support from experienced planners. C-TAP helps communities move confidently from idea to implementation, with up to 400 hours of technical assistance available per project.

Funding

This program does not provide funding. C-TAP helps communities move confidently from idea to implementation, with up to 400 hours of technical assistance available per project.

The Center for Rural Ministry Rural Impact Fund Grant, offered by Bridge Builders Community Foundations, provides $2,500 micro-grants to Christian congregations in rural areas. This initiative supports churches as community hubs, enhancing outreach and collaboration with nonprofits. Projects in partnership with separate organizations may receive up to $4,000. The grants are intended for one-time use over two years, aiming to strengthen community engagement and sustainability in underserved regions.

The Midland Area Community Foundation offers the Midland County Youth Action Council Grants, designed to empower local youth through funding requests up to $10,000. This initiative supports projects that directly enhance the lives of young people in Midland County. Eligible applicants include 501c3 nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities that serve local residents. The foundation emphasizes community improvement, fostering collaboration, and creating lasting legacies that make a significant impact.

The Emergency Readiness Grants, offered by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, aim to support cultural organizations in Louisiana in preparing for and responding to emergencies, such as hurricanes and floods. With funding up to $5,000 available, these grants help organizations develop strategies to mitigate the impact of future disasters, thereby strengthening the resilience of Louisiana's cultural infrastructure.

The PCCF Annual Community Grants provide essential funding to support local nonprofits and public entities in Park County. These grants aim to enhance community projects focused on arts, health, education, and more, directly benefiting local residents. Priority areas include landscapes, housing affordability, health and safety, rural lifestyle, and economic performance. Eligible organizations must be based in Park County or serve its residents. This funding reflects the community's vision and priorities, fostering a positive impact on the region.

The PLTW Engineering grant, funded by PPG Industries, aims to support schools in implementing PLTW Engineering programs for the 2025-2026 academic year. Eligible schools in Huntsville, AL, Greensboro, NC, and Cleveland, OH can apply for a total award of $20,000, distributed over two years. Schools must offer one PLTW course in the first year and another in the following year, ensuring a commitment to enhancing STEM education in their communities.

Beckley Area Foundation

Beckley Area Foundation was established in January 1985 by ten community-minded citizens. It began with a gift of $1.1 million from the Dr. Thomas Walker Memorial Health Foundation as “seed” money for this Raleigh County project. BAF assets have grown to over $70 million with over 500 different funds managed by our three trustee banks. Today, Beckley Area Foundation is one of West Virginia’s largest community foundations.

Since its inception, BAF has distributed over $23 million to charities and other worthy projects in the fields of education, public recreation, health & human services, the arts, animal services and beautification.

Scholarships

The Beckley Area Foundation proudly manages scholarship funds established by individuals, businesses, and organizations dedicated to helping students pursue higher education. Many of these scholarships are tailored for specific schools, fields of study, or graduates from local high schools, while others offer broader opportunities. No matter the path, our scholarships aim to support students from our region as they work toward achieving their educational goals.

Most of these scholarships must be awarded to students from our geographic area or at least preference given to such students. While the majority of scholarships benefit Raleigh County applicants there are others designated for Fayette, Summers, Webster, and Wyoming students. 

Brown Wesley Payne Fellowship Scholarship

Provides scholarship aid to disadvantaged and minority West Virginians who will attend law school to prepare for a legal practice in the State of West Virginia; Applicants must demonstrate outstanding contribution to organizations and programs in the human rights field.

This scholarship is not renewable.

Stark Community Foundation

Since 1963, Stark Community Foundation has been helping individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits like you support the causes you care about.

In addition to personalized donor services, we manage a competitive grantmaking program and award grants to address local needs. Today, the Foundation stewards over 1,000 charitable funds totaling $485 million in assets and has granted more than $300 million to nonprofits in our community and beyond.

Scholarships

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties.

The Judge and Mrs. Robert D. Horowitz Legal Scholarship Fund

The Judge and Mrs. Robert D. Horowitz Legal Scholarship Fund was established to assist high school graduates in Stark, Columbiana, Carroll, Tuscarawas, Wayne or Holmes County, Ohio. 

This scholarship is renewable.

The Herchel Smith Undergraduate Science Research Grant Program at Harvard University supports undergraduate students in conducting independent summer research in STEM fields. This competitive award provides a stipend, travel funds, and coverage for research presentation expenses. Applicants must commit to a 10-week full-time project and maintain good academic standing. Preference is given to those pursuing science concentrations and who have not previously received this fellowship, ensuring a rich research experience that may lead to publication.

Women Investing in Shepherd (WISH) offers two community nonprofit grants to support projects addressing urgent needs, bold ventures, or new solutions to ongoing challenges. With each grant award set at $36,250, eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in specific counties of WV, VA, and MD can apply. WISH is committed to fostering women's philanthropy and creating impactful change within the community and Shepherd University. The funding promotes accessibility and innovation in nonprofit initiatives.

The Maximizing Investigators’ Research Award (MIRA) for Early Stage Investigators (ESI) by NIGMS aims to enhance research productivity and flexibility for early career scientists. This program consolidates funding into a single award, allowing investigators to pursue ambitious projects while reducing administrative burdens. By supporting diverse research initiatives, MIRA helps cultivate a new generation of innovative researchers, ensuring essential breakthroughs in fundamental science.

The Convention Inclusion Travel Grant, provided by the Association for Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies (ASEEES), aims to promote diversity in the field of Slavic and East European studies. It supports BA, MA, and PhD students from diverse backgrounds to attend the ASEEES Annual Convention, fostering understanding of racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ community members, and individuals with disabilities in Eastern Europe and Eurasia.

The Saw Island Foundation offers grants focusing on education, science, and health, primarily targeting nonprofit organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area. Their education grants support scholarships and program partnerships, while science and health grants aim to enhance life experiences through improved health outcomes. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, and the foundation emphasizes innovative collaborations that demonstrate measurable impact in their communities.

The C. Warren Barry Perpetual Foundation Grant supports charitable, educational, and religious causes, primarily within Lake County, Florida. Established in the late 1970s by Mr. Barry, the foundation exclusively funds organizations recognized under IRS Section 501(c)(3). Types of support include program funding, general operating expenses, and scholarships. However, it does not provide grants for capital improvements, ensuring that resources are directed towards immediate community needs.

The San Juan Island Community Foundation is dedicated to enhancing community well-being through strategic grants over $3,500. They focus on projects that address emerging needs, strengthen resilience, and support underserved groups. Applicants must discuss their projects beforehand, ensuring alignment with the foundation's mission. The foundation does not fund projects benefiting individuals directly or those that are political or religious in nature. Collaboration and sustainability are key priorities for successful applications.

The Martha Trescott Prize, awarded by the Society for the History of Technology, honors outstanding published essays on the social responsibility of engineers in history during odd-numbered years. Established in 2020, it includes a $500 award and a certificate. Nominations are open to essays published in the four years prior, and submissions must be made through the SHOT website. This prize recognizes the contributions of Martha Trescott to Women in Technological History.

The PCF Impact Grant, offered by the Pella Community Foundation, aims to enhance community life in Pella through significant funding for impactful projects. Grants up to $25,000 are awarded annually to charitable organizations or governmental agencies addressing key local initiatives. The foundation seeks applications that demonstrate community need, collaboration, and sustainability, ensuring long-term benefits. This initiative not only preserves Pella's heritage but also engages the entire community, fostering a vibrant and inclusive environment.