Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Oregon

The ARL Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowships offer early career researchers a chance to engage in independent research aligned with the Army Research Laboratory's mission. Candidates should demonstrate exceptional scientific abilities and a potential for leadership, having addressed significant scientific or engineering challenges during their doctoral studies. Fellowships provide a stipend of $115,000 per year, along with health insurance and other benefits. Applicants must have completed their Ph.D. by October 1, 2025, and are required to undergo a Department of Defense clearance.

Sky Lakes Medical Center Foundation

The Sky Lakes Medical Center Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to advancing the mission of Sky Lakes Medical Center through philanthropy—raising, managing, and distributing funds to support the hospital’s programs, capital equipment needs, patient assistance and community health initiatives. 

Since its founding in 1985, the Foundation has relied on the generosity of hundreds of donors—from former patients to local businesses—to help maintain high-quality, patient-focused care for the region.

The Linkville IPA Fund Scholarship

The Linkville IPA Scholarship Fund provides awards of up to $10,000 per year to support medical students enrolled full-time in an accredited or certified medical school. The program prioritizes applicants from the Klamath Basin, those planning to enter primary care fields such as family medicine, pediatrics, or internal medicine, and those intending to return to practice in the Klamath Basin or other rural or underserved areas. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0, be in good academic standing, and funds are distributed only upon verification of full-time medical school enrollment and eligibility documentation.

The Northeast Asia Council Japan Studies Grants provide funding for small scholarly conferences on Japanese studies in the U.S. These grants, up to $5,000, support events that foster collaboration among scholars, focusing on cutting-edge research. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or Japanese nationals and current AAS members. Priority is given to those securing matching funds and for projects not previously funded by NEAC. Ineligible costs include stipends for organizers and travel to unrelated seminars.

Mission

The Social Science Research Council (SSRC) is an independent, international, nonprofit organization founded in 1923. The Council fosters innovative research, nurtures new generations of social scientists, deepens how inquiry is practiced within and across disciplines, and mobilizes necessary knowledge on important public issues.

SSRC-JF Next Gen Japan Study Tour Grants

The SSRC-JF Next Generation Japan Studies Development Program invites faculty at US colleges and universities to apply for funding of up to $32,500 maximum for institutional study tour grants. These grants are designed to provide travel funds to bring undergraduate and master’s degree students to Japan for immersive learning experiences. This program is supported by the Japan Foundation.

Background

At the core of the Next Gen Japan programming is the idea that international experience, research engagement, and collaboration are central to effectively addressing the pressing concerns facing societies today. Japan Study Tour Grants offer students the opportunity to gain a nuanced and balanced understanding of Japan while sparking an enduring interest in the country and a broader, international perspective.

Prioritie

Priority will be given to the following applications:

• Applications from the liberal arts colleges, research universities, and community colleges located in the US South and Midwest.
• Applications with travel itineraries appropriately planned to enhance the course syllabus.
• Applications with travel itineraries highlighting close collaboration with Japanese counterparts.
• Applications that demonstrate the study tour would be open to students from a variety of disciplines ranging from the humanities and social sciences to the natural sciences.

Stealth Biotherapeutics is dedicated to supporting innovative programs that enhance disease awareness and therapeutic management. Their charitable contributions focus on accredited institutions, promoting educational initiatives for health care providers and patient communities. Funding is prioritized for unique and cost-effective projects that align with their therapeutic interests, including rare genetic disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and ophthalmic conditions. By fostering community awareness, they aim to make a significant impact in the healthcare landscape.

The GCA: Catherine H. Beattie Fellowship in Conservation Horticulture, provided by the Garden Club of America, offers an annual research grant of up to $4,500 for graduate students in biology or horticulture. This fellowship aims to promote the conservation of rare and endangered flora in the U.S., particularly focusing on the southeastern region. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in a U.S.-based institution, with preference given to those studying plants native to the Carolinas.

The Geospace Cluster (GC) supports research focused on the Earth's near-space environment, advancing knowledge of the Sun-Earth system and its societal impacts, including space weather and climate change. The GC facilitates studies in aeronomy, magnetospheric physics, and solar-terrestrial interactions, utilizing both ground-based and space-based observational facilities. Proposals are accepted year-round, with specific solicitations available for targeted research efforts. For detailed information, visit the NSF's website.

The Ford Philanthropy Scholarship, offered by the LULAC National Educational Service Centers (LNESC), supports students pursuing STEM careers in the automotive and mobility sectors. It covers tuition, fees, and essential resources, enabling students to thrive academically. Applicants must major in relevant fields such as Computer Science or Engineering and maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher. This initiative enhances educational access and fosters leadership, preparing students for future success.

The JAMS Foundation / NAFCM Mini-Grant Program offers funding to support innovative community mediation programs that foster sustainability and growth. This initiative emphasizes conflict resolution training for local leaders, enabling them to effectively address community issues. Through structured peer interactions, grantees share best practices and insights. Resources generated by the program are freely accessible to enhance the wider community mediation field, ensuring shared knowledge and enhanced practices across the nation.

The ISF Narrative Film Grant, established by the Islamic Scholarship Fund, supports emerging Muslim filmmakers by providing funding for narrative films in production or post-production stages. With a focus on compelling storytelling and positive portrayals of the Muslim community, the grant offers mentorship and networking opportunities to enhance the filmmakers' projects. Since its inception in 2014, it has awarded $625,000 to over 111 filmmakers, promoting diverse narratives that resonate with audiences.

The Detter Family Foundation Education Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, aims to support residents of Allendale Charter Township pursuing post-secondary education. This competitive scholarship considers various criteria including financial need, academic achievement, and personal goals. Applicants can apply just once to be eligible for all applicable foundation scholarships, ensuring a streamlined process for securing educational funding.

About AWS

We Move Welding Forward

Founded in 1919, the American Welding Society is a nonprofit organization with a global mission: to advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying.

By fostering knowledge, embracing change, and providing real-world opportunities through scholarships, fellowships, and workforce development, AWS provides the tools to help members succeed—and to inspire future generations of welding professionals.

Welding Educator Professional Development Scholarships

AWS Foundation Welding Educator Professional Development Scholarships provide funding for welding educators to advance their skills and impact in teaching. Aimed at current educators in welding-related fields, these scholarships demonstrate AWS's dedication to enriching welding education.

District Educator Scholarships

Each of AWS’s 22 Districts awards educator scholarships worth $500 to $2,000.

To see which District your school is in, view the AWS District and Section Directory.

Funds are paid directly to the educational institution or organization providing the training.

The AWS Educator Professional Development Scholarships are awarded annually in May or June.

The Robert Glenn Rapp Foundation, established in 1951 in Oklahoma, aims to support charitable organizations across the U.S., with a focus on education and local initiatives. Grants are awarded to qualified 501(C)(3) organizations, prioritizing projects that align with the foundation's mission in areas such as education, health, arts, and literacy. Interested applicants must submit a Letter of Inquiry before applying for funding, ensuring alignment with the foundation's priorities.

The ISF Policy Scholarship Program offers financial assistance ranging from $3,000 to $5,000 for scholars dedicated to improving Muslim representation in media and government. Since 2009, ISF has awarded 747 scholarships to students in fields that influence public policy and opinion, such as political science and international relations. With a commitment to mentorship and real-world experience, ISF aims to foster positive narratives about American Muslims and encourage their involvement in the policymaking process.

This funding opportunity aims to advance mechanistic research for precision probiotic therapies. It invites R33 applications focused on characterizing individual differences in probiotic responses, identifying responder subgroups, and enhancing clinical outcomes. The goal is to develop strategies addressing barriers to effective probiotic use, accounting for human variability. Proposals should include innovative studies using animal models or human subjects, supported by preliminary data to test biological patterns and their effects on health outcomes.

About Americans for the Arts

Building Collective Power for the Arts

Americans for the Arts is the nation's leading arts advocacy organization. We mobilize advocates, produce trusted research, and secure bipartisan wins that protect funding and expand arts access nationwide — work we've been doing for more than 65 years.

Americans for the Arts advances the people, organizations, and systems supporting arts and culture across America through advocacy, research, and national convening.

We envision a nation where freedom of creative expression is upheld as a fundamental human right, where arts and culture are woven into the fabric of civic life, resourced in every community, and accessible to everyone.

Request for Proposals (RFP)

Strengthening Leadership Capacity of Local Arts Agencies

Given the essential role of LAAs, and to meet this important moment, AFTA seeks an energized and experienced consulting team with expertise to help it develop a comprehensive strategy to strengthen leadership and field capacity across the LAA ecosystem. This work is not intended to operate in isolation, but rather to complement and build upon existing efforts already underway in the field. The focus is on identifying where AFTA can add value through targeted, strategic support that enhances and aligns with broader sector-wide initiatives. 

This effort will focus on empowering LAA agency leaders—a critical component of AFTA’s strategic direction—to expand their capacity, foster innovation, and advance equity in a rapidly evolving environment. Building on existing efforts across the field, AFTA will invest in strong, effective LAA leadership, broaden cultural access and participation nationwide, and position the field for a more vibrant, resilient, and sustainable future. 

With approximately 2,200 LAAs nationally validated in AFTA’s LAA Wayfinder, the selected consulting team will help AFTA gain a deeper understanding of the gaps, needs and opportunities shaping LAA leadership capacity, with attention to Native, rural, small, midsize, and large communities, and identify where AFTA is uniquely positioned to contribute. These insights will guide AFTA’s future direction in its service to LAAs nationwide and ensure AFTA’s contributions complement—rather than duplicate—the work of other entities, collectively strengthening the broader LAA ecosystem.  

In addition, by intentionally working in partnership with peer organizations and stakeholders across the field—and by understanding gaps in coverage and opportunities for growth—AFTA will be positioned to work with partners to support the expansion of the LAA network in communities where local public cultural infrastructure is limited or absent. This collaborative approach will help ensure more equitable access to arts and culture while reinforcing the role of LAAs as essential community anchors, particularly in underserved regions. 

The Foist Family Perseverance Scholarship Fund, established by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, aims to support adult learners and graduating high school seniors from Berkshire County pursuing careers in healthcare and sciences. With a focus on clinical and research fields such as nursing and occupational therapy, this fund seeks to empower individuals in their educational and professional journeys, promoting economic mobility and high quality of life in the community.

The Kretler Scholarship offers up to $1,000 to high school seniors from selected schools in Noble County pursuing degrees in Tool and Die or Mechanical Engineering. This scholarship aims to support students in achieving their educational goals, reflecting the commitment of its donors to invest in local talent. Eligible candidates must maintain a GPA of 3.00 and can reapply in subsequent years, fostering continued academic success in their chosen fields.

Leadership through Scholarship Fellowship

The yearlong Leadership through Scholarship Fellowship offers training and mentorship for early-career and mid-career faculty with a focus on developing scholarly writing skills for academic advancement and leadership.

Mid-Career Fellows

Mid-career fellows will benefit from tailored mentorship and guidance to reach the next milestone in their careers, including:

• Receive 1:1 mentorship specific to their challenges or roadblocks to promotion or leadership
• Participate in a detailed CV review to determine edits for promotion
• Work as a group with mentor faculty on challenges in scholarship to move forward with stuck projects
• Learn how to navigate mid-career leadership challenges

The tuition cost for fellows is $1200. A limited number of scholarships are available to cover the fellowship tuition due to a generous gift from Drs Marjorie Bowman and Robert Choplin.

Benefits of the Fellowship

The Northwest Neighborhoods Parks & Recreation Fund Grant, managed by the Oregon Community Foundation, supports the capital development and renovation of parks and recreation facilities in northwest Portland. This initiative prioritizes projects within the Northwest District Association, Northwest Industrial Neighborhood Association, and Hillside Neighborhood Association. Grants typically range from $3,500 to $35,000, focusing on enhancing community recreation and fostering public/private collaboration.

The National PTA Outstanding Advocacy Awards recognize exemplary efforts by state, local, and individual PTA advocates dedicated to improving the education, health, and well-being of children. Established by the National PTA, these awards highlight four categories of advocacy: Outstanding State PTA Advocacy, Outstanding Local PTA Advocacy, Shirley Igo Advocate of the Year, and Outstanding Youth Advocate of the Year. Awardees will be celebrated at the National PTA’s Legislative Conference in March 2026.

The Damon Runyon Physician-Scientist Training Award aims to address the shortage of physician-scientists by supporting U.S. Specialty Board eligible physicians in cancer research. This award provides funding for up to four years, enabling awardees to dedicate 80% of their time to research while maintaining clinical skills. The program seeks to eliminate financial barriers, allowing talented clinicians to transform into leading researchers capable of advancing cancer treatment and prevention.

The Vilcek Foundation's 2026 Prizes for Creative Promise in Fashion & Design and Fashion & Culture will award six $50,000 prizes to young immigrant professionals. This initiative recognizes early- and mid-career creatives in fields such as fashion design, writing, and styling, highlighting the vital contributions of immigrants to the arts in the U.S. Eligible applicants must have at least five years of experience and intend to pursue their careers in the country.

About AWS

We Move Welding Forward

Founded in 1919, the American Welding Society is a nonprofit organization with a global mission: to advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying.

By fostering knowledge, embracing change, and providing real-world opportunities through scholarships, fellowships, and workforce development, AWS provides the tools to help members succeed—and to inspire future generations of welding professionals.

Welding Educator Professional Development Scholarships

AWS Foundation Welding Educator Professional Development Scholarships provide funding for welding educators to advance their skills and impact in teaching. Aimed at current educators in welding-related fields, these scholarships demonstrate AWS's dedication to enriching welding education.

National Educator Scholarships

Five donor-funded scholarships worth $1,000 to $5,000

• Bechtel Group Foundation Educator Scholarship
• Earl C. Lipphardt Educator Scholarship
• Jackson Safety Educator Scholarship
• Tim Turner Educator Scholarship
• William Kielhorn Educator Scholarship

Funds are paid directly to the educational institution or organization providing the training.

The AWS Educator Professional Development Scholarships are awarded annually in May or June.

The Michael J. Campbell Memorial Scholarship supports high school seniors in vocational programs and college freshmen pursuing degrees in construction-related fields. Established by The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, this scholarship aims to empower students from Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren, and Washington Counties in New York. The program reflects the foundation's commitment to enhancing community quality of life through education and opportunity.

The Leadership through Scholarship Fellowship is a yearlong program designed for early-career and mid-career faculty to enhance their scholarly writing and leadership skills. Participants will receive mentorship and training to develop personalized career roadmaps, navigate challenges, and create impactful research questions. The fellowship, costing $1200, also offers limited scholarships thanks to generous donations. It equips fellows with vital skills for academic advancement, promoting their potential for leadership roles in their institutions.

The Damon Runyon Scholars Program for Advancing Research and Knowledge (SPARK) aims to empower exceptional college seniors and recent graduates to excel in cancer research. This year-long program provides hands-on training in research labs, mentorship from Damon Runyon scientists, and support for graduate school applications. SPARK particularly encourages applicants from underrepresented backgrounds, fostering inclusivity in science and preparing future leaders in the fight against cancer. Through SPARK, young talents gain the skills and networks needed for successful careers in biomedical research.