Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in South Dakota

The G. Scott Ransom Scholarship Fund, established by Team Duluth and the Duluth/Superior Alpine Club, supports youth athletes aged 5 to 19 in Northeastern Minnesota and Northwestern Wisconsin. This scholarship, honoring Coach Scott "Race" Ransom, helps cover team fee costs for competitive skiing experiences. By participating, young athletes not only enhance their skiing skills but also gain valuable life skills for future success. Award amounts vary based on individual needs.

The Innovative Project Award by the American Heart Association supports groundbreaking research in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular fields, with a focus on innovative ideas that do not require preliminary data. Awarding up to $200,000 over two years, it encourages proposals that challenge existing paradigms and explore new avenues of investigation. Eligibility is open to qualified researchers holding advanced degrees, emphasizing the importance of a well-justified budget and innovative project design without overlaps with existing funding.

The American Heart Association's International Visiting Professorship Award aims to enhance global research experiences by bringing international scientists to the U.S. for one week. This initiative promotes scientific exchange and collaboration, aligning with the AHA's mission. With a budget of up to $10,000, the program supports various travel-related expenses, fostering valuable connections and advancing research in critical medical fields.

The Generation of Environmental Leaders Program (GELP) invites youth aged 18-35 from Canada, Mexico, and the United States to propose innovative solutions to environmental challenges. This initiative not only empowers young leaders through mentorship and networking but also provides seed funding to support impactful projects. By encouraging collaboration and sustainable practices, GELP aims to foster long-term benefits for communities and the environment, ultimately preserving shared natural resources.

The AKC Canine Health Foundation's Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency Program aims to train veterinary specialists focused on canine athletes and working dogs. This program supports applicants from U.S. training programs accredited by the ACVSMR, promoting initiatives in canine health, fitness, and recovery. The funding of up to $300,000, including indirect costs, encourages innovative research and mentorship to enhance the quality of life for dogs. Applications are invited for three-year resident training programs.

The Small Animal Theriogenology Residency Program Grant, supported by the American Kennel Club (AKC), AKC Canine Health Foundation, and Theriogenology Foundation, invites proposals from accredited veterinary schools in the U.S. to fund residency positions in canine reproductive health. With funding up to $150,000, the program aims to advance training in clinical genetics and prepare candidates for board certification, ultimately enhancing the health of purebred and purpose-bred dogs.

The Scholarships for Careers Endowment, established by a local family in connection with the Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains, aims to support graduates of Elk Lake School District and the Susquehanna County Career & Technology Center. This scholarship prioritizes students with financial need and promise for future success, assisting them in pursuing vocational, technical, academic, or other post-secondary programs. Additionally, it contributes to special projects within the school district and community.

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

Medical & Health Professions Scholarship

Applicants must be pursuing a certificate or an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree in medical and associated health professions.

Selection based upon (in order of priority):

• Financial need, academic ability, community and school service, and recommendations.

Awards

• Two $1,500 scholarships

Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains

Our mission at the Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains is to improve the region’s quality of life through the power of philanthropy. We do this by offering individuals, families, and businesses the most effective charitable giving tools available in the marketplace today. Founded in 1998, the Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains is honored to work with hundreds of donors, nonprofits, advisors, and civic leaders to achieve dreams for making the Endless Mountains region of Northeastern Pennsylvania an even better place to live for everyone.

Scholarships

Many generous individuals, families, and businesses have established scholarship funds to provide support to graduates in our region. Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors.

Thomas Conaty Memorial Scholarship

Established by the family of Mr. Conaty to provide a college or post-secondary degree program scholarship to a student from Blue Ridge, Elk Lake or Montrose Area School Districts, including home schooled students from those districts. Preference will be given to a student who will pursue a degree in business or a related field.

The First Book Grant for Scholars of Color (FBG) offers up to $55,000 to support early-career, pre-tenured scholars of color in completing significant research projects related to Christian faith and life, religious trends, and social issues. This grant aims to facilitate the publication of their first book, enhancing the connection between academic scholarship and the church in North America, while prioritizing projects that are already underway.

The OREF Multimodal Musculoskeletal Perioperative Pain Management Grant invites research proposals aimed at enhancing perioperative pain management strategies. This funding opportunity emphasizes opioid-sparing techniques and effective regional anesthesia methods to improve patient outcomes in orthopedic surgeries. Eligible applicants include Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) in collaboration with PhDs or MDs, fostering a diverse range of expertise in pain management research.

Taos Community Foundation

Taos Community Foundation is dedicated to serving the unique needs of the communities of Taos and western Colfax counties. Our philanthropic efforts support and enrich the lives and opportunities of citizens and protect the environment that sustains us. Our initiatives amplify donor investments, which directly and powerfully support growth in our community.

Edgar Meyer Scholarship

The Edgar F. Meyer Scholarship was established in 2022 by his family. Edgar F. Meyer was a distinguished biochemist, creative scientist and passionate educator who died in 2015. This scholarship is awarded in E.F. Meyer’s memory to students who are planning to study and build a career in the fields of healthcare and /or education and who show creativity, drive, and the ability to overcome hardship in pursuing their dreams.

The scholarship will be available to seniors graduating from Taos County High Schools who plan to pursue advanced studies by attending a 4 year college or university. The Scholarship will also consider those applying to 2 year vocational or trade schools.

The award is up to $4,000 paid out at $1,000 per year for up to 4 years for those students attending a 4 year institution or up to $2,000 paid out at $1,000 per year for 2 years for those students attending a 2 year institution if a 2.5 GPA is maintained and all other requirements are met.

The Darlene Hooley Scholarship for Oregon Veterans supports military veterans who served in the post-9/11 conflict, prioritizing those in the Oregon National Guard and Reservists. This scholarship is designed for students enrolling in higher education institutions across the United States, providing financial assistance to those who have bravely served their country.

Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains

Our mission at the Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains is to improve the region’s quality of life through the power of philanthropy. We do this by offering individuals, families, and businesses the most effective charitable giving tools available in the marketplace today. Founded in 1998, the Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains is honored to work with hundreds of donors, nonprofits, advisors, and civic leaders to achieve dreams for making the Endless Mountains region of Northeastern Pennsylvania an even better place to live for everyone.

Scholarships

Many generous individuals, families, and businesses have established scholarship funds to provide support to graduates in our region. Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors.

Borislav Dumitrov Memorial Scholarship

Established by the family of Mr. Dumitrov to provide tuition assistance for a graduating senior from any of the High Schools in Susquehanna County who will matriculate at a trade school or post-secondary degree program.

The Chevron Changing the Face of Golf Scholarship, awarded by the LPGA Foundation, aims to empower female high school seniors from minority backgrounds pursuing STEM studies. Established in 2022, this scholarship promotes diversity in golf and education, honoring Dinah Shore's legacy. By supporting young women, the LPGA Foundation continues its mission to change the face of golf and provide educational opportunities, enhancing representation in both golf and STEM fields.

EverGreen Dreams

“Empowering young Black women to achieve educational excellence and unlock their limitless potential.”

Today, EverGreen Dreams is a community rooted in hope, equity, and empowerment. Our work centers on providing the resources, mentorship, and opportunities Black women need to thrive. We believe education is more than a pathway to success—it’s a tool for liberation and a foundation for transformation. By investing in the education and development of Black women, we’re dismantling systemic barriers and planting seeds of possibility that will grow for generations.

Building Opportunities for Sistas to Shine (B.O.S.S.) Scholarship

Introduction

Black women navigate systemic barriers in education and the workplace every day. EverGreen Dreams exists to change that narrative. As an organization founded by a Black woman and championed by advocates deeply rooted in our communities, we're committed to creating pathways to success for the next generation of Black female scholars. Through the Building Opportunities for Sistas to Shine (B.O.S.S.) Scholarship, we provide financial support to two graduating high school seniors, awarding each at least $1,000 to help them pursue their educational dreams with one less obstacle in their way.

Description

The Building Opportunities for Sistas to Shine Scholarship (B.O.S.S.) aims to make racial equality a reality by helping outstanding Black cis or transgendered women high school students achieve their dreams to continue their education. 

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Allen “Bus” Augenstein Memorial Scholarship

Originally the Claridon Alumni Association Scholarship Fund, this endowment (created in 2021), was renamed in 2023 to honor the late Allen ‘Bus’ Augenstein. The scholarship supports seniors and graduates of River Valley High School, with special consideration for students who pursue an education in the fields of engineering, health care, or education (especially science education). Awards also favor students active in band, choir, FFA, or school sports, especially golf and cross country.

Allen lived in Marion for more than 90 years. His father, A.B. Augenstein, served as Superintendent of Claridon Schools and River Valley School District, 1960–1965, and is well remembered for, among other accomplishments, starting football (6 man) in the district. His mother, Hazel, taught mathematics at Claridon during World War II.

The Dr. Ralph and Marian Falk Medical Research Trust offers the Falk Transformational Awards to provide critical bridge funding for successful Catalyst Award recipients. These awards, which can be up to $1M for a period of 2-3 years, aim to advance healthcare innovations, overcome scientific challenges, and promote new treatment avenues. Managed by Health Resources in Action, the program emphasizes improving medical treatments and finding cures for diseases that currently lack definitive solutions.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating female from Scranton or West Scranton High School who is a resident of Lackawanna County.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from Scranton or West Scranton High School who demonstrates an interest in the arts.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to either a graduating senior pursuing a post-secondary degree, or a currently matriculating student already so enrolled, who lives in Lackawanna or Wayne county and who is pursuing a degree or certificate in environmental science or a related field.

The Louisville Institute's Dissertation Fellowship provides $35,000 to Ph.D. and Th.D. students in the final year of dissertation writing, focusing on Christian faith and related disciplines. It encourages projects that bridge the church and academia, fostering new knowledge for the church's enrichment. Recipients must attend a mandatory Winter Seminar in Louisville, KY, for collaboration and sharing of ideas. Applicants should complete their dissertations within the following year, adhering to specific eligibility criteria.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Alex Family Scholarship

Created in 2007 from the estate of Helen L. Alex, this fund makes annual awards in support of higher education for seniors from Marion Harding High School. The fund honors Helen’s son, Nicholas, a former faculty member at Harding who passed in 2008.

The Alex Family Fund was established by another of Helen’s sons and Nicholas’ brother, James L. Alex. The family, which includes a rich Greek heritage and numerous relatives in Greece, belonged to the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Mansfield, Ohio. 

Recipients of the Alex Family Scholarship must rank in the upper 25th percentile of their graduating class. Those demonstrating excellence in the study of history or pursing a college major in history are given special consideration.

The Louisville Institute's Pastoral Study Project Grant supports clergy and lay leaders with grants up to $20,000 for independent studies on Christian life. It aims to provide leaders with time and resources to explore meaningful questions in ministry and faith. The program encourages innovative research and community engagement, ultimately enriching the vitality of North American Christianity. Eligible candidates include those with theological training employed in diverse ministry contexts across the U.S. and Canada.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.

Scholarships

We offer hundreds of different scholarships for students in and around Kansas City.

Todd Epsten Memorial Scholarship

This opportunity was established in 2014 in honor of Major Brands’ third-generation leader, Todd H. Epsten, who lost his brave battle with brain cancer in 2012. The scholarship provides aid to several students each year, whose academic efforts and community involvement reflect Todd’s commitment to “building our business by building the communities we serve.” Students must be a current full-time employee or spouse/domestic partner, child or grandchild of a current full-time employee of Clever Little Girl, LLC; Clever Little Girl Foundation; or Eagle Brands Sales who will be or are attending a community college, professional program, undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate program at an accredited college.

Community Foundation of the North State

The Community Foundation builds trust through relationship, integrity, and by providing safe places for donors to give their resources.

We are a nonprofit, public charity serving the people of Shasta, Siskiyou and Tehama counties, with a mission to impact the region through the power of giving.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of the North State manages many scholarship funds that are awarded to graduating high school seniors as well as students already in an undergraduate program. Some scholarships were started by families or individuals; others by businesses or organizations. All scholarships share one important focus: helping young people reach their educational goals.

Jim Freeman, MD Memorial Scholarship

A long time military man, Dr. Freeman retired as a full colonel from the Army after many years of service active duty and reserves. He was a partner at the Redding Radiological Associates during much of his reserve military career, continuing his craft as an independent contractor at several facilities until his death in 2018.

Much of his career was spent in training other physicians, a task he greatly enjoyed. He was a very strong proponent of education of all kinds and believed all should have access to the education of their choice.

The Jim Freeman, MD Scholarship was established to benefit and support Shasta County students pursuing a degree, certification, or licensing in the medical field focused on direct patient care.

EEF Undergraduate College Scholarship

These scholarships are awarded to college students to support their programs in environmentally-related fields of study. Prior EEF HS winners are encouraged to apply for continued financial support.

The EEF Undergraduate College scholarship award can be as much as $4,000 for a student's sophomore, junior, or senior year. The Foundation generally awards four Undergraduate College Scholarships each year.​ These scholarships were established to benefit students from the Geneva Lake area.