Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Virginia

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Ralph & Alice Kramp Scholarship Endowment Fund in Memory of Randy Kramp

The Ralph and Alice Kramp Scholarship Endowment Fund in Memory of Randy Kramp was created in 2010.

Randy Kramp, a lifelong Auroran, was forty years old when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. After a three-year battle, he died in June of 2010 of complications from the treatment. Mr. Kramp joined Cub Scouts as soon as he reached the age of eligibility and that began a lifelong enjoyment and commitment to the values of scouting. After he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, he assumed the role of adult leadership as a Wood Badger. He remained active in scouting his entire life.

Scholarships from this fund are available to current or former Boy Scouts in the Fox Valley who are pursuing a higher education toward a career in the field of fire service or emergency medical service.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. The most common scholarship award amount is $1,000 for a single year. Scholarships are designated as non-renewable one-year awards or renewable multi-year awards depending upon the scholarship fund criteria, as established by the donor of the scholarship fund.

The Holy Cross Lutheran Church Matt 25 Scholarship, funded by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offers a $500 award to one deserving student from Beatrice High School. Established to support education, this needs-based scholarship is applicable for various higher education institutions, including colleges and trade schools. Applications can be obtained from the Student Services Office or the foundation's website. The foundation has been active since 1987, promoting academic excellence and community involvement.

The RFA-FD-23-001 funding opportunity aims to support clinical trials for orphan products targeting rare diseases. It focuses on evaluating the efficacy and safety of treatments to address unmet medical needs. By promoting innovative and collaborative trial designs, the FDA seeks to enhance the approval rates of effective therapies for rare conditions, ultimately benefiting patients and advancing drug development in this critical area.

About Legacy Foundation

Legacy Foundation is the community foundation for Lake County, Indiana. We connect people, knowledge, and funding to build an equitable, accessible, and inclusive Lake County, now and for generations to come.

Legacy Foundation is supported by a broad base of individuals, families, and businesses connected by the desire to improve Lake County, Indiana. With a growing portfolio of over 300 funds and approximately $80 million in assets, Legacy Foundation is a trusted source for philanthropic giving in the region.

For over 30 years, Legacy Foundation has been empowering people, providing strategic leadership, and impactful philanthropic support to create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Mission Statement

Transforming Lake County by providing strategic leadership and impactful philanthropic support to ensure equitable opportunity for all communities that we serve.

Vision Statement

Create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Joseph and Marla Dernay Future Teacher Scholarship

Use the chart below to see which scholarships are the best fit for you! You must complete the Legacy Universal Application to apply.

Scholarship eligibility requires students to attend an accredited 2 or 4 year public or private institution of higher learning. All scholarships are for full-time students, unless otherwise noted. Renewable awards are for 4 years of undergraduate study and cannot be used for post graduate coursework; all awards are paid directly to the school or may be used for book reimbursement.

The We Rise LGBTQ Scholarship, funded by the Grass Roots Gay Rights Foundation, aims to uplift individuals and the LGBTQ community through educational support. Grants of up to $3,500 for vocational training and $2,500 for higher education will be awarded to applicants dedicated to advancing LGBTQ rights. This initiative encourages diverse candidates, particularly those from underserved backgrounds, to pursue their educational goals and create pathways to financial stability, fostering a brighter future for all.

This funding opportunity aims to enhance the development of medical products in rare diseases through innovative natural history studies. By generating high-quality data, the FDA seeks to bridge critical knowledge gaps and eliminate barriers in rare disease research. The initiative focuses on diseases with unmet needs, fostering significant impacts for those affected and facilitating the development of effective therapeutic solutions.

The Community Foundation Of The Dan River Region

The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region (commonly known as The Foundation) is an independent public charity established in September 1996 by a group of local civic leaders to create permanent charitable resources for the region. Originally named the DPC Community Foundation, it serves areas including Danville, Pittsylvania and Halifax counties in Virginia as well as Caswell County in North Carolina. The Foundation’s mission is to improve and enrich the lives of residents by encouraging and facilitating donations, managing and investing those gifts responsibly, and distributing funds in alignment with donor intentions while addressing community needs. It envisions a region recognized for its generous communities, high quality of life, and support for those in need. The Foundation operates with values of transparency, equity, effective operations, strong community relationships, and celebration of local success stories. It is accredited under national community foundation standards and invests pooled charitable assets to make grants and awards that create lasting impact throughout its service area.

M. Etta Jennings Nursing Scholarship

The M. Etta Jennings Nursing Scholarship provides financial assistance to Danville–Pittsylvania High School graduates who are enrolled in a two-year nursing program. Preference is given to students attending nursing programs located in Danville. The scholarship supports individuals preparing for careers in nursing while honoring the legacy of M. Etta Jennings.

The Thomas J. Sweeney Scholarship, established by the East Bay Community Foundation, honors labor leader Tom Sweeney. It awards $2,000 to graduating high school students accepted into college or university, and $1,000 to post-secondary students in undergraduate or graduate programs. Eligibility requires students to be members or dependents of IBEW Local 595 and maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher. This scholarship supports educational expenses, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to fostering academic success in the community.

The Abbvie Parkinson’s Disease Grant aims to enhance the understanding and management of subcutaneous infusion therapies for advanced Parkinson’s disease. As these therapies become more prevalent, it is crucial for Movement Disorder Specialists and General Neurologists to develop confidence in identifying, mitigating, and managing infusion site events. This grant seeks to provide essential education and resources to support safe and effective treatment options for patients experiencing motor fluctuations.

The Music Teachers of Excellence (MToE) Award, managed by the CMA Foundation, recognizes outstanding public-school music educators. This prestigious award, with a $5,000 prize, aims to support teachers who inspire students and enrich their communities through music education. The application will open on September 3, 2025, allowing full-time music teachers with at least four years of experience to showcase their commitment and impact in the field. Stay tuned for more details!

The Creative Capital Award, established in 1999, provides unrestricted project grants ranging from $15,000 to $50,000 for innovative artistic works in various disciplines. It supports artists in visual arts, performing arts, film, and literature through a democratic, open-call process. Awardees receive professional development resources and mentorship over a five-year relationship. Additionally, recipients are automatically considered for the State of the Art Prize, which offers a $10,000 grant to one artist from each U.S. state.

The Telehealth Nutrition Services Network Grant Program, funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration, aims to enhance access to quality health care through innovative telehealth nutrition services. This program focuses on preventing and managing chronic diseases by leveraging telehealth technology, ensuring that individuals receive essential nutrition guidance remotely. With a commitment to improving health outcomes, this initiative will significantly benefit communities seeking better access to healthcare resources.

Cohen Cares Scholarship

The Cohen Cares Scholarship was created by a family business that believes deeply in the power of community — and in the potential of young people who lead with their hearts. Named to reflect a commitment to caring for others, this award recognizes students who don't just dream of a better world, but actively work to create one.

Whether through volunteering, advocacy, peer support, or quiet acts of service, Cohen Cares recipients are students who have made a meaningful impact on those around them — often while navigating real challenges of their own. This scholarship is MCF's way of saying: your compassion matters, and your future is worth investing in.

What This Scholarship Looks For

• Resilience - Cohen Cares recipients have faced hardship and kept going. This scholarship honors students who have turned personal challenges into fuel for growth and service.
• Compassion - A genuine concern for the well-being of others is at the heart of this award. Recipients are students who show up for their peers, their families, and their community.

• Impact - Cohen Cares students don't just care — they act. This scholarship recognizes those who have taken meaningful steps to make a positive difference, however large or small.

Newman’s Own Foundation is offering the Food Justice for Kids Prize, providing up to $100,000 in grant funding over two years for organizations promoting food justice for children in the U.S. This initiative focuses on Indigenous Food Justice and Nutrition Education, addressing the high rates of food insecurity among children, particularly in marginalized communities. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, public schools, and tribes that serve children under 18. The foundation aims to ensure all kids have access to nutritious food and education on sustainable food systems.

Rita Ildsgaard Dunk Scholarship (Music/Piano)

Amount

• $8000
• Active
• Renewable

This scholarship is for students graduating from high school or the equivalent who are residents of Henderson County and pursuing a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent from an accredited education institution with a focus in music having preference given to piano. Recipient should be seeking a career in piano performance and a desire to instruct others in piano. 

Community Foundation of Henderson County

Individuals, families, organizations and businesses establish funds at the Foundation to carry out their charitable giving now and in the future.

Community Foundation of Henderson County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, public charity, governed by a volunteer board of directors, that has been assisting donors fulfill their philanthropic dreams since 1982.

Our Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.

Scholarships

Community Foundation of Henderson County's Scholarship Program began in 1984. Thanks to the generosity of passionate donors, over 2,000 traditional and non-traditional students have been provided more than $10 million in scholarships to pursue higher education.

William C. Armstrong Scholarship

Applicant must be a citizen and resident of Henderson County and a graduate of a Henderson County high school. Applicant must demonstrate financial need to attend a post-high school institution. 

The schlarship is renewable.

Community Foundation of Henderson County

Community Foundation of Henderson County was incorporated in 1982 by a group of fourteen dedicated and compassionate local leaders with the immediate need to manage two funds - the William C. Armstrong Scholarship Fund and the Charlie Renfrow Scholarship Fund, in addition to providing a permanent vehicle for citizens to give back to their community.

Our Mission is to help people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter. The Community Foundation of Henderson County is a highly visible, philanthropic leader directed by an engaged and committed board, staffed by qualified employees, empowering donors at all levels to invest in professionally managed charitable funds that address community needs.

Jenice Schlein Denning Scholarship

This scholarship is to provide assistance with educational expenses for students who cannot otherwise afford attendance at an institution of higher learning. The applicant must be matriculating to a bachelor degree graduate institution, shown academic potential, and be pursuing a 4 year degree at an accredited two-year or four-year college or university. Financial need should be a major consideration for this award.

The scholarship is renewable.

Community Foundation of Henderson County

Community Foundation of Henderson County was incorporated in 1982 by a group of fourteen dedicated and compassionate local leaders with the immediate need to manage two funds - the William C. Armstrong Scholarship Fund and the Charlie Renfrow Scholarship Fund, in addition to providing a permanent vehicle for citizens to give back to their community.

Our Mission is to help people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter. The Community Foundation of Henderson County is a highly visible, philanthropic leader directed by an engaged and committed board, staffed by qualified employees, empowering donors at all levels to invest in professionally managed charitable funds that address community needs.

Fredrick E. and Mary Meyer Scholarship

Applicant must demonstrate financial need and be pursuing a degree to become a registered nurse (RN). The scholarship is renewable. Recipients must maintain a 3.0 average in order to have their scholarship renewed.

Who We Are

Our Mission

UNCF envisions a nation where all Americans have equal access to a college education that prepares them for rich intellectual lives, competitive and fulfilling careers, engaged citizenship and service to our nation.

UNCF’s mission is to build a robust and nationally-recognized pipeline of under-represented students who, because of UNCF support, become highly-qualified college graduates and to ensure that our network of member institutions is a respected model of best practice in moving students to and through college.

2026-2027 Lincoln Financial Scholars Program

The Lincoln Financial Scholars program provides college students with professional development and scholarship assistance to help prepare them for internships and early career opportunities

The Experience

Through engagement in live webinars and online learning management system, scholars will receive training in the following key areas to prepare for internship opportunities and early career opportunities

• Exploring the True Colors Personality Lens 
• Exploring Transferable Skills: Emotional Intelligence 
• Cultivation of Professional Skills: Networking - Branding - Managing Up 
• Financial Wellness

Each eligible student will be awarded a one-time, scholarship award of up to $3,000.

Richard L. Averitte Memorial Scholarship Fund

Established by the Coming Together Project in memory of Richard L. Averitte, who was a music educator with Akron Public Schools for 31 years before becoming the first executive director of the Coming Together Project. The fund provides scholarships to Akron-area seniors who have participated in a music program.

Amount: Varies

• $500-$1,000

Number of awards:

• Varies

Renewal:

• No

Margot Eiseman Scholarship Fund

Established to carry on Margot Eiseman's legacy as an artist and educator by helping young artists pursue their dreams of an education and career in art.

Amount: Varies

• $1,000-$3,000

Number of awards:

• Varies

Renewal:

• Must reapply annually by submission of a new application.

In 2025, the Community Foundation of Madison & Jefferson County awarded over $233,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors of the county’s public and private high schools. Nearly 50 different students earned money toward their college costs. Scholarships are available for a variety of applicants. Some are specific to schools, majors, need, or interests.

Kenneth E. & Mary Lou Dunbar Scholarship to Honor Perry & Dunbar Employees

Amount:

• $1,500 | 1 scholarship

CFMJC scholarships may be used for tuition and related expenses like fees and required equipment at accredited colleges and universities. Room and board are NOT covered.

Scholarships

Grand Haven Area Community Foundation scholarships are awarded competitively based on criteria set by donors. These criteria could include financial need, the school the applicant is attending, academic achievement, as well as personal or career goals. The Community Foundation has a rigorous internal selection process for each scholarship decision, and each applicant is reviewed in depth, and considered thoroughly.

Our scholarship program is simple. You are able to apply once for all foundation scholarships you may be eligible for. Once your application is submitted, you will be eligible for all those for which you meet the requirement.

Arlyn J. Walt Memorical Scholarship Fund

Arlyn J. Walt was a farmer who worked hard to provide, a husband who loved his wife, Kathy, and a good neighbor - always willing to help a friend. He was a third-generation dairy farmer and was known for his kindness and generosity, his love for God, and his passion for the farm. He was a member of the Farm Bureau and active in the Michigan Milk Producers Association. Kathy hopes to continue to inspire future farmers to enable their work to nourish generations with this scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to students from the Coopersville area interested in studying agriculture.

Scholarships

Grand Haven Area Community Foundation scholarships are awarded competitively based on criteria set by donors. These criteria could include financial need, the school the applicant is attending, academic achievement, as well as personal or career goals. The Community Foundation has a rigorous internal selection process for each scholarship decision, and each applicant is reviewed in depth, and considered thoroughly.

Our scholarship program is simple. You are able to apply once for all foundation scholarships you may be eligible for. Once your application is submitted, you will be eligible for all those for which you meet the requirement.

Charles and Eleanor Rycenga Education Fund

Charles Rycenga and his wife Eleanor were well known in the Tri-Cities area for their philanthropy and community involvement.

In 1991, Mr. and Mrs. Rycenga established this scholarship fund to assist graduates of Grand Haven, Spring Lake, and Western Michigan Christian High Schools to continue their education.

The Pabst Steinmetz Foundation Grant supports innovative projects at the intersection of arts, education, and wellness. It aims to empower organizations that address critical community issues and foster sustainable models for change, particularly in Florida. The foundation encourages collaboration and seeks initiatives that create a ripple effect, enhancing community capacity and promoting impactful solutions. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) entities in the U.S. focusing on community betterment through creative approaches.

The Luck Companies Foundation Grants aim to foster long-term positive impact in communities through values-based leadership and environmental stewardship. Established to support community growth, the foundation matches donations from associates and provides grants to purpose-driven organizations. It collaborates with local leaders and institutions to turn visions into reality, ensuring that their contributions benefit communities for decades. By reviewing requests quarterly, they prioritize initiatives that align with their mission and emphasize sustainable community development.

The Hughes Memorial Foundation, established by John Edward Hughes, focuses on aiding children and youth in Virginia and North Carolina. Originally created as an orphanage, it now awards grants and scholarships to support projects that benefit children in need. Since 2000, it has distributed over $5.1 million to nonprofit organizations, emphasizing prudent stewardship and a commitment to helping those "most in harm's way". The Foundation also encourages matching funds from organizations to amplify their impact.