Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits

The Creative Community Solutions Grant Program, launched by the Bush Foundation in partnership with Strengthen ND, seeks innovative solutions to community challenges in North Dakota. Grants up to $300,000 are available for projects that develop, test, and spread impactful ideas. This initiative empowers diverse local voices through a Grantmaking Committee, ensuring funds are allocated to initiatives that enhance community well-being. Importantly, it focuses on collaborative efforts and does not provide operational support for organizations.

The PLTW Engineering Program Expansion grant, previously offered by Chevron in Mississippi, aimed to enhance educational opportunities in engineering for K-12 students. Since 2009, Chevron has invested over $24 million in PLTW programs across various states, impacting over 411,000 students and 9,500 teachers. Although this grant is no longer available, it played a significant role in fostering STEM education and professional development for teachers in public and charter schools.

The University of Wisconsin Publishing Subvention program, overseen by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, aims to support tenure-track faculty by subsidizing the publication costs of peer-reviewed scholarly monographs. This initiative seeks to lower book prices, enhance the dissemination of research, and bolster the open-access publishing ecosystem in the humanities and social sciences. Funding is directly provided to publishers, ensuring the authors can effectively share their work with a broader audience.

The Nolan Ryan Foundation's 50/50 Raffle Community Grant empowers local 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Central Texas by raising funds through home game raffles. With scholarships up to $40,000 available, the foundation aims to support deserving students and community initiatives. This grant program not only honors baseball legend Willie Wells but also fosters educational opportunities in the region. Eligible organizations can apply for funding, with a two-year limit on consecutive awards, ensuring diverse community support.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

The Waltman - Howard Scholarship Fund

The Waltman – Howard Scholarship Fund was established by Kevin Howard, a 2015 graduate of Harper Creek, in honor of Sharon Waltman’s distinguished teaching career at Harper Creek Community Schools. Mrs. Waltman was Kevin’s 4th-grade teacher at Beadle Lake Elementary. She has made a tremendous impact on his life as she has done for countless other students in our community. Since finishing a successful 4th-grade year, Kevin and Mrs. Waltman have maintained a friendship to this day. Mrs. Waltman’s class helped inspire Kevin’s career in social impact. Mrs. Waltman is within a few years of retirement and is excited to see where the next chapter takes her. This scholarship is intended to recognize and support a Harper Creek student who embodies Mrs. Waltman’s dedication to education and her commitment to making a positive impact in one’s community.

The ASEEES Dissertation Research Grant, named after Maya K. Peterson, supports doctoral research in Eastern Europe and Eurasia across various disciplines, with a maximum stipend of $6,000. This grant is available to graduate students who have achieved PhD candidacy and are ASEEES members. Applications are encouraged to explore diverse environmental studies topics and must commence research travel by January 31 of the following year. Note that funding excludes tuition and fees.

The Micro Grants Program, offered by The Community Foundation of Jackson Hole, provides timely funding to 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities serving Teton County, Wyoming. Applications are accepted from the 1st to the 15th of each month, allowing for project proposals that address immediate community needs. These grants aim to support impactful initiatives, while funds cannot be used for operating expenses or projects already completed. For further details, contact grants@cfjacksonhole.org.

The Energy Efficiency Investment Fund (EEIF) offers Custom Pathway Grants to non-residential facilities in Delaware, promoting energy-efficient upgrades. These grants encourage complex energy improvements beyond standard measures, supporting both retrofit and new construction projects. Eligible projects can receive up to 60% funding, with a maximum award of $250,000 per year. The program aims to enhance energy efficiency, reduce operational costs, and support diverse community sectors, including minority and veteran-owned businesses.

The Mary Josephine Bloder Scholarship Fund, established by a dedicated teacher, supports Lahainaluna High School boarding students who excel in science. This renewable scholarship aims to assist those in financial need while maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.0. Eligible applicants must submit two letters of recommendation, including one from a science teacher at the school, ensuring that past recipients can reapply if they continue to meet the criteria.

The Legal Aid and Service Fund Grant, administered by the Nebraska Commission on Public Advocacy, aims to provide essential legal representation to indigent defendants in serious criminal cases. Established in 1995, the Commission supports public defenders and oversees the Legal Aid and Services Fund to assist those unable to afford civil legal services. The agency ensures that counties comply with constitutional mandates while offering additional assistance based on financial need and service years, enhancing access to justice for vulnerable citizens.

The Graduate Student Conference Support Fund, provided by the American Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies, aims to assist ABDs and recent PhDs in attending the Annual Meeting. This fund offers free or reduced registration for eligible students. Each year, the number of awards depends on contributions to the fund. Membership in ASECS is required for eligibility, and only one award can be granted to each recipient, ensuring broad access to this valuable support.

The Love Your Block Mini-Grant, funded by the City of Newark, aims to enhance community engagement and beautification efforts. This program invites individuals, resident groups, and community organizations to apply for funding to tackle blight through various projects, such as litter reduction and revitalization of public spaces. Grants up to $5,000 will support initiatives that foster pride in neighborhoods and involve local volunteers. Applications are subject to review, ensuring alignment with community needs and city objectives.

Legal Opportunity Scholarship Fund

The American Bar Association (ABA) awards an annual Legal Opportunity Scholarship to first-year law students. The program's mission is committed to enhancing the diversity, equity, and inclusion of the legal profession. The ABA Legal Opportunity Scholarship grants $15,000 of financial aid to 20 - 25 incoming law students over their three years in law school. Since its inception, the ABA Legal Opportunity Scholarship has benefitted more than 400 students from across the country.

The ISF Judicial Internship Scholarship provides a $3,000 stipend for law students interning with judges for a minimum of 8 weeks. It aims to prepare American Muslim students for careers in public interest law by offering real-world courtroom experience. Eligible applicants include first and second-year law students who have received internship offers from judges or are ISF Law Scholarship recipients. Preference may be given to applicants not receiving other funding.

The ISF Law Scholarship Program, established by the Islamic Scholarship Fund, aims to improve access to justice for Muslims in America. Since 2009, it has provided scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 to support students in law and public interest fields. The program seeks to enhance American Muslim representation in policy-making and media, ensuring their voices are heard. Eligible applicants include full-time students or part-time students working in ISF-supported fields, maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0.

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.

Community Foundation of Carroll County

The Community Foundation of Carroll County, Inc. was established in 1994 to ensure financial support for Carroll County not-for-profit organizations. It is governed by a Board of Directors and is a 501c(3) public charity. The Community Foundation of Carroll County is trusted partner for donors and nonprofits. We provide one central place where anyone can create a charitable fund, support what matters most, and leave a legacy of lasting impact.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports more than 75 scholarships. These scholarships vary in the amounts they award and cover a wide variety of student interests. Qualifiers range from academic achievements, sports played, and community service performed, to 4-H and FFA involvement. While the majority are for graduating Carroll County high school seniors, there are several for students in college or technical school, and even opportunities for students attending private primary school. 

Charles and Claudia Lewis STEM Scholarship

The Charles and Claudia Lewis STEM Scholarship was established in 2004 by his family. Mr. Lewis did not have the advantage of monetary funds for college but he strongly believed in the value of education. As a result, during his lifetime, he tried to provide that support to others to help them achieve their educational goals. The purpose of this Fund is to provide a scholarship for a graduating senior of a Carroll County, Maryland, High School who will pursue a college education in Engineering, who has a financial need, who has exhibited academic achievement, and who has demonstrated involvement in his or her community. The student must have been enrolled at a Carroll County High School for his or her entire junior and senior years. Students enrolled in Engineering courses at the Carroll Career and Technology Center will be given special consideration. 

The Global Micro-Residencies Grant, sponsored by the Franco Family Institute for Liberal Arts, supports tenure-line faculty from the College of Arts & Letters in pursuing scholarly micro-residencies abroad. With grants up to $7,000, faculty can engage in international collaboration and enhance their scholarship through prestigious host institutions outside the U.S. Additional funding is available for graduate research assistants. The program emphasizes collaborative scholarly exchange and requires prior arrangement with host institutions.

The Arthur Blanchard Charitable Trust collaborates with PLTW Engineering to enhance K-12 education access in Massachusetts. Grants are provided to support new or expanded PLTW programs in under-resourced schools, covering costs like participation fees and necessary equipment. Schools must offer at least one PLTW Engineering course in the upcoming academic year. This initiative aims to foster STEM education and improve opportunities for students in public and charter schools.

The Kentucky Bar Foundation Grant aims to enhance public understanding of the judicial system and legal profession through grants to law-related organizations. Eligible programs must be tax-exempt and serve the Commonwealth of Kentucky, focusing on law-related purposes. Funding supports initiatives that assist those in need, improve public legal knowledge, and enhance trust in the legal system, fostering justice and community engagement.

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. 

Appalachian Scholarship

High school graduate from Appalachian coal fields enrolling in an engineering program at a technical college or university such as Carnegie Mellon, Georgia Tech, MIT, Cal Tech, Colorado School of Mines, or the engineering schools of Virginia Tech and Texas A&M; Applicants planning to attend engineering schools not listed must contact the BAF office to determine if it is a donor approved program. The recipients are to be selected based on their academic potential.

This scholarship is renewable.

Greater Salina Community Foundation

Our mission is to build permanent endowment funds and meet charitable community needs. The Foundation achieves its mission by:

• Enabling donors to fulfill their charitable desires
• Increasing the capacity of nonprofit organizations to fulfill their individual missions
• Facilitating prudent management and care of funds
• Promoting community philanthropy through education
• Providing affiliate services to neighboring communities
• Meeting needs through grants, scholarships, and pass-through funds

Scholarship Program

The community foundation offers a wide variety of scholarships for students, provided by the generosity of local donors. Whether you are a high school senior, a current college student, or a non-traditional student we work with donors to help you take the next step in your education.

C.L. Clark Scholarship

For graduates of a Saline County, KS, high school attending the University of Kansas School of Law or Washburn University School of Law.

Background

C.L. Clark was a native Kansan. Born in Paxico in 1908, he graduated from Washburn Law School in 1931, and practiced law for 53 years in Salina. He and James P. Mize were the co-founders of the Salina law firm of Clark, Mize & Linville, Chartered. During his career, Mr. Clark was recognized as a leading banking, business, tax, and corporate attorney. He was heavily involved in community activities, serving on the boards of numerous civic organizations, and he also served as Salina’s city attorney in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Mr. Clark passed away in 2004 at the age of 96. He was at one and the same time a very passionate and compassionate man, constantly championing the rights of minorities and the underprivileged. This scholarship is given in the hopes that the recipients will use it to further not only their legal educations, but also the standards of excellence maintained by Mr. Clark on a daily basis for over half a century – legal skills, integrity, character, credibility, ethics, and compassion for the less fortunate.

Geographic Limitations

• Graduates of a Saline County High School attending the University of Kansas School of Law or the Washburn University School of Law

Renewals

• Previous scholarship recipients are eligible to re-apply as part of the total applicant pool as long as they meet the above criteria.

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.

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.

About the Foundation

What is the Foundation?

The Austin Area Foundation has roots dating back to 2001 when the initial idea to maximize community support began. In March of 2003 that idea turned into the organization we have today.

Your Austin Area Foundation builds charitable funds that support community needs and opportunities. The funds, mostly permanent endowments, ensure there is support for the forever good of our city.

They are given to make an impact. Grants from the funds affect people who live here through the work of local not-for-profit agencies, community organizations, and committed citizens.

Your Austin Area Foundation was created by and for the people who live in Austin as a tax-exempt public charity with IRS 501(c)(3) status. We work with you to help you fulfill your charitable interests and goals – easily and effectively. 

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.