Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Vermont

The Clinician Scientist Development Grant (CSDG) by the American Cancer Society supports full-time faculty aiming to become independent clinician scientists while maintaining clinical practice. Eligible applicants must hold a doctoral degree, an active clinical license, and have clinical care experience. The grant provides funding of $135,000 annually for 3 to 5 years, including allowable indirect costs, to advance cancer research in key priority areas.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) and the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) co-fund the Clinician Scientist Development Grant (CSDG), aimed at advancing the research careers of clinician scientists in radiation oncology. Eligible applicants are full-time faculty members at U.S. institutions with a doctoral degree and an active clinical license. The grant supports research for 3 to 5 years, providing $135,000 annually for direct costs, plus allowable indirect costs, while encouraging diversity in applications.

The Institutional Research Grants (IRG) program by the American Cancer Society provides essential seed funding for newly independent investigators to launch cancer research projects. Aimed at junior faculty, these grants offer $120,000 annually for three years, supporting the development of preliminary results necessary for competing for larger national grants. Eligible applicants must be at US academic institutions and hold the rank of Associate or Full Professor, with a proven track record in research and mentorship.

The Family-to-Family Health Information Centers (F2F HIC) program, funded by the US HHS: Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), aims to empower families of children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN). By providing crucial information, education, and peer support, the program helps families navigate complex health systems to access necessary services, ultimately enhancing the health and well-being of CYSHCN and their families.

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.

Clare Cooke Performing Arts Scholarship

Clare Cooke, the namesake of this fund, has worked as a performer, choreographer, and director for the Marion Palace Theatre since 1977, directing Christmas at the Palace and numerous community theater productions and junior musicals for many years, including The Wizard of Oz, The Will Rogers Follies, Annie, Oliver!, The Music Man, Guys and Dolls, Hairspray, and Oklahoma!

The Clare Cooke Performing Arts Scholarship Fund, created in 2012 through gifts from nearly 100 friends and family members, recognizes her outstanding contributions to the performing arts community and quality of life in Marion.

The Cooke Fund awards scholarships to Marion County high school seniors and graduates pursuing an education in the performing arts. Recipients are high school seniors who rank in the top 50th percentile of their graduating class or graduates with a college GPA of at least 2.5.

Kids’ Chance of Nevada

Kids’ Chance of Nevada, in collaboration with Kids’ Chance of America, was established for the purpose of creating, assisting, and supporting programs that provide educational opportunities and scholarships for the children of injured workers in Nevada who have been seriously injured or who have suffered from a fatality as a result of an on-the-job incident.

Kids' Chance of Nevada Scholarship

Kids’ Chance of Nevada scholarships are for children of workers who have been killed, seriously injured, or experienced a debilitating illness in a work-related incident. Scholarships are awarded once a year and students may apply every year for which they are eligible. Current annual scholarships are determined based on the student’s financial need.

Students between the ages of 16-25 whose parent’s on-the-job death or injury resulted in a substantial decline in family income are eligible to apply. The applicant must meet adequate academic standards set by the selection committee. Scholarships may be used to pay for technical school or undergraduate college tuition, books, housing, meals or transportation.

About 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.

Individuals, families, businesses and organizations create permanent charitable funds that help our community meet its needs and challenges. The Foundation invests and administers these funds.

Marion Academy of Medicine Scholarship

The Marion Academy of Medicine Scholarship was created by physicians of the local medical community in 2008. While the Academy dissolved in 2014, it had existed for decades as an educational organization comprised of physicians in Marion County. Through this fund, its support of future medical students will continue in perpetuity.

Assets from this former organization were donated to create this scholarship at Marion Community Foundation and support the education of local students pursuing degrees and careers in osteopathic medicine. Recipients will be graduates of any high school in Marion County and maintain a college GPA of 3.0 or greater.

About 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.

Individuals, families, businesses and organizations create permanent charitable funds that help our community meet its needs and challenges. The Foundation invests and administers these funds.

American Legion Post 162 Scholarship

Created in 2022 by the membership of Marion’s American Legion Post 162, this fund will support college scholarships for Marion County students who have been local residents for at least two years. Recipients of Post 162’s scholarships will be persons on active duty with any service of the U.S. military, honorably discharged veterans of any U.S. military branch, current or honorably discharged members of the Reserve or National Guard, or relatives (spouse, child, stepchild, grandchild, sibling, first cousin, niece, or nephew) of a person who meets one of these criteria.

About 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.

Individuals, families, businesses and organizations create permanent charitable funds that help our community meet its needs and challenges. The Foundation invests and administers these funds.

Altrusa Club of Marion Scholarship II

Altrusa Club of Marion Scholarship Fund II was created in memory of Ferol Mae Burley. It supports female students from Marion County pursuing a degree in business management.

Brown County Community Foundation

BCCF operates as a 501 (c)(3) corporation. It professionally manages and distributes income from charitable bequests consistent with the donor’s wishes and interests. In other words, BCCF manages charitable funds, making grants to local, nonprofit organizations based on advice from donors. Donors can specify a specific organization or a general area of concern within the community to which their gift be directed.

Scholarships

The Foundation manages several academic scholarship funds, many established expressly for Brown County High School graduates. 

Additionally, through the Foundation’s affiliation with The Lilly Endowment Inc., over forty Brown County residents have received four-year full-tuition scholarships through the Endowment’s Community Scholars Program.

BCCF Scholarships are available to current high school graduates, students currently enrolled in college, past graduates planning to enroll, as well as G.E.D. graduates.

Psi Iota Xi Award

Purpose

To provide education awards to graduating seniors of public or private schools in Brown County pursuing either a four year college degree or a multi-year vocational degree at a trade school or community college.

Awards winners are chosen by Psi Iota Xi using the application process.

Brown County Community Foundation

BCCF operates as a 501 (c)(3) corporation. It professionally manages and distributes income from charitable bequests consistent with the donor’s wishes and interests. In other words, BCCF manages charitable funds, making grants to local, nonprofit organizations based on advice from donors. Donors can specify a specific organization or a general area of concern within the community to which their gift be directed.

Scholarships

The Foundation manages several academic scholarship funds, many established expressly for Brown County High School graduates. 

Additionally, through the Foundation’s affiliation with The Lilly Endowment Inc., over forty Brown County residents have received four-year full-tuition scholarships through the Endowment’s Community Scholars Program.

BCCF Scholarships are available to current high school graduates, students currently enrolled in college, past graduates planning to enroll, as well as G.E.D. graduates.

Norman Family Scholarship

Purpose

To provide support for educational scholarships for students who are accepted into and attend accredited two- or four-year public or private institutions of higher learning, including vocational training programs which prepare students for gainful employment.

Brown County Community Foundation

BCCF operates as a 501 (c)(3) corporation. It professionally manages and distributes income from charitable bequests consistent with the donor’s wishes and interests. In other words, BCCF manages charitable funds, making grants to local, nonprofit organizations based on advice from donors. Donors can specify a specific organization or a general area of concern within the community to which their gift be directed.

Scholarships

The Foundation manages several academic scholarship funds, many established expressly for Brown County High School graduates. 

Additionally, through the Foundation’s affiliation with The Lilly Endowment Inc., over forty Brown County residents have received four-year full-tuition scholarships through the Endowment’s Community Scholars Program.

BCCF Scholarships are available to current high school graduates, students currently enrolled in college, past graduates planning to enroll, as well as G.E.D. graduates.

Lions Club of Brown County Scholarship

Purpose: To provide one-year tuition assistance to five Brown County residents pursuing either a four-year college academic degree or a multi-year vocational degree at a trade school or community college.

Scholarship winners are chosen by the Brown County Lions Club using the application form. The selection committee considers service to the community/school, academic or vocational achievement, character, personal circumstances and financial need. Applicants may state their personal circumstances and financial needs in the section titled Statement of Special Circumstances.

The Dermatology Foundation offers a Research Grant of $25,000 annually to support innovative projects in dermatology and cutaneous biology. This funding is aimed at junior investigators in the early stages of their academic careers who demonstrate a strong commitment to skin research. Eligible applicants must conduct research within ACGME-approved departments in the U.S. and must not have received funding from other sources for the same project.

The Daily Bread Grants, offered by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, aim to support congregations with feeding ministries. Starting from November 1st, organizations can apply for $500 grants to help alleviate hunger in their communities. Priority is given to rural ministries, and applications will be accepted until funds are exhausted or until November 15th. This initiative not only provides immediate assistance but also encourages further financial support for food-based services.

The David Roy Kovacs Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, supports local high school graduates from New Britain who plan to pursue further education at community colleges, trade schools, or vocational schools. This scholarship emphasizes financial need as determined by the FAFSA and is intended to help students acquire the skills necessary for career success and economic independence, fostering a brighter future for the community.

The Cognitive Neuroscience (CogNeuro) Program by the National Science Foundation aims to fund proposals that deepen our understanding of the neural mechanisms of cognition and behavior. Successful applications will connect physiology, cognition, and behavior while also promoting outreach and mentoring within the field. Research topics include action, perception, memory, and decision-making. The program encourages broader impacts such as STEM outreach and public engagement in research, with a focus on diverse communities.

The Mary Means Leadership Award, introduced by Main Street America in 2019, celebrates outstanding leaders in local Main Street organizations. This annual award recognizes the vital role of leadership in revitalizing historic downtowns and enhancing community life. Nominees must be active members of Main Street America, showcasing their commitment to community, innovation, and collaboration. The award highlights the importance of diverse leadership in advancing local economic development and preserving cultural heritage across the nation.

The Ann and Reno Arsego Medical Scholarship, offered by the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, supports Torrington or Litchfield residents pursuing careers in the medical field. With an average award of $15,000, this scholarship is designed for students accepted into a college or university with a pre-medical program. Recipients can only receive the scholarship once in their lifetime, making it a valuable opportunity for aspiring healthcare professionals.

The BURGER KING Scholars: James W. McLamore WHOPPER® Scholarship provides financial support to deserving students across North America. With a focus on leadership and financial need, up to three scholarships of $60,000 are awarded annually. Eligibility extends to high school seniors and employees of Burger King, promoting empowerment through education. The program, administered by Scholarship America, has awarded nearly $64 million to over 55,000 students, emphasizing the importance of education in achieving one’s potential.

The NIDCD Cooperative Agreement for Clinical Trials in Communication Disorders (U01) aims to support clinical trials focused on effective interventions for communication disorders. This funding opportunity encourages collaboration between researchers and NIDCD Project Scientists to evaluate treatments that may require FDA oversight or are designed to establish efficacy, ensuring safety for participants. Letters of Intent are recommended 30 days before the proposal deadline, with applications due by 5:00 PM local time.

The AGA Research Scholar Award offers $100,000 per year for three years to early-career faculty in digestive disease research. Applicants must hold an MD or PhD and be in a full-time faculty position in North America. The award fosters scientific independence by requiring a minimum of 50% research effort. AGA membership is mandatory, and applicants are encouraged to self-assign their proposals to specific research categories. This award aims to support promising junior researchers in their pursuit of independent research careers.

Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation

The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation began in 1992 when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our region then, now, and forever.

This vision lives on within our organization today as we support the people and places of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians.

Together with our partners, we spark positive change for a variety of local causes, including youth, arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services, across our region.

Community Partner Scholarships

In addition to Community Foundation scholarships, college-going and college-bound students may be eligible for scholarship opportunities available across the region from our community partners.

Kurt Gamelin STEM Scholarship

Community Partner: Cone Drive, Traverse City, Michigan

The Kurt Gamelin STEM Scholarship celebrates the vision and dedication of our recently retired President, Kurt Gamelin. Throughout his career, Kurt championed STEM education and believed strongly in investing in the next generation of problem solvers and innovators. At Cone Drive, STEM is at the core of what we do every day, driving the engineering, innovation, and precision manufacturing that have defined our company for over 100 years.

Each year, one student will receive a $5,000 scholarship to pursue a college degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, continuing Kurt’s commitment to opportunity, growth, and excellence.

About Us

The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation began in 1992 when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our region then, now, and forever.

This vision lives on within our organization today as we support the people and places of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians.

Together with our partners, we spark positive change for a variety of local causes, including youth, arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services, across our region.

USS Indianapolis/Gwinn "Angel" Scholarship

Available to descendants of family members who are directly linked to USS Indianapolis, such as a final crew member (Survivor or Lost at Sea), rescue crew, or honorary survivor. Other unique affiliations with the ship's legacy will be considered by the board of review.  

About 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.

Individuals, families, businesses and organizations create permanent charitable funds that help our community meet its needs and challenges. The Foundation invests and administers these funds.

John & Jackie Watkins Scholarship

This scholarship recognizes the long history of Marion County as an agricultural area and the importance of farming in our community. John and Jackie Watkins both grew up in Delaware County and attended Radnor schools. They knew the value of education and its lifelong benefits.

Following Jackie’s passing in 1998, the family established the John & Jackie Watkins Scholarship Fund in her memory to assist the youth of Marion County to attend college—specifically to study agriculture. The Watkins Fund makes awards to graduating seniors from any high school in Marion County who are pursuing an education in agriculture, with special consideration given to those who have participated in FFA.

The Everett C. Fox, MD, Memorial Lectureship honors a distinguished dermatologist and offers a $10,000 award to the selected lecturer, who will present a 30-minute lecture at the AAD's Innovation Academy. Nominations are open until June 15 for the upcoming selection cycle, with entries held for five years. Candidates must be practicing clinical dermatologists with proven communication skills, ensuring the recognition of expertise within the field.

The Gage County Agricultural Society Evie Crawford Scholarship, managed by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offers a $500 scholarship to a graduating senior pursuing higher education at a two- or four-year college. Applications are available at local offices or online. The scholarship emphasizes integrity, requiring that applicants complete their applications personally and without using handwritten methods. This initiative supports academic excellence and civic involvement among students, contributing to the Foundation's mission of enriching educational opportunities.

The Guitar Center Music Foundation is an independent 501c3 organization. Through instrument grants and donations, we help ensure schools and music education programs get the resources they need to keep music alive and accessible. We believe in a world in which music is cherished and respected for the immense value it brings to humanity, where every person who seeks to pursue music has the means to do so.

Our mission is to give everyone the power to create and express themselves through music. Since 2005, we have supported hundreds of music education and therapy programs and reached over 300,000 people. With your generous support, we aim to assist many more.

Guitar Center Music Foundation Grants

The Guitar Center Music Foundation awards musical instruments and equipment in-kind to public schools and music programs in need. 

Instrument grants range from up to $1,000 to $5,000 based upon need.