Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Virginia

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.

Virginia Ann Garmon Memorial Scholarship

The Virginia Ann Garmon Memorial Scholarship provides financial support to graduating students of Halifax County High School and George Washington High School who are pursuing postsecondary education. The scholarship is awarded to students majoring in the fields of education, religion, or business, supporting their academic advancement while honoring the legacy of Virginia Ann Garmon.

The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation Scholarships provide financial support for high school seniors in Macon, Moultrie, and Piatt County. Annually, over 70 students benefit from these awards, ranging from $500 to $10,000, to pursue higher education. Funded by generous donors, the program aims to enhance educational outcomes in the community. Eligibility includes being a graduating senior or an existing college student previously awarded a multi-year scholarship. Various criteria may apply to each scholarship.

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.

Woodlawn Academy Scholarship

The Woodlawn Academy Scholarship supports graduating high school students from Danville and Pittsylvania County who are pursuing postsecondary education. Applications are open to eligible graduates, with preference given to former Woodlawn Academy students and immediate family members of former students. The scholarship is intended to help recipients continue their education by reducing financial barriers and honoring the legacy of the Woodlawn Academy community.

The American Italian Cancer Foundation (AICF) offers a prestigious International Post-doc Research Fellowship Program aimed at supporting innovative research in cancer biology and treatment. Open to Italian citizens with advanced degrees obtained within the last three years, the program encourages applications for both basic and clinical research. Typically, applications are accepted from January to February, with fellowships granted for one year, potentially extendable for a second year.

The Community Foundation’s scholarships are for Arkansas students pursuing education at two- or four-year colleges or universities, vocational schools or technical training programs. Each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria. Some scholarships are designated for graduates of a particular high school or those who plan to attend a particular college. Others are based on extracurricular activities or intended college majors.  

The Foundation has a scholarship portal with a quiz to help applicants determine scholarship eligibility. 

“Since 1976, the Community Foundation has partnered with individuals and organizations who want to support our state’s students in their pursuit of higher education,” said Heather Larkin, Community Foundation president and CEO. “These generous people provide the funding and determine the size and eligibility criteria of each scholarship, while we oversee the application and awarding process on their behalf.”  

Alexa Montez Memorial Scholarship

For a graduating senior who demonstrates community involvement, passion, teamwork, leadership, and enthusiasm for achieving group goals.

About the Foundation

There is no health without mental health. The APA Foundation is working in your community to provide the support and resources we all need to prioritize mental wellbeing where you live, learn, work, worship, and play.

Our Mission

Promote the mental health and well-being of individuals and communities.

Our Vision

A mentally healthy nation for all – where we live, learn, work, worship, and play.

Psychiatric Research Fellowship

The Psychiatric Research Fellowship provides funding for an early research career psychiatrist to design and conduct a health services/policy-related research study using national data housed at the APA. The Fellow's research activities will be carried out under the supervision and guidance of a mentor at his/her institution in collaboration with his/her mentor(s) at the APA Division of Research. This vital program will enable the APA and APA Foundation to actively participate in sustaining and strengthening the clinical investigators workforce specifically in psychiatry.

Program Benefits

• Receive funding (up to $45,000 per year) towards a research study that will address a major research topic impacting psychiatric practice.
• Receive mentorship from established researchers in the field of psychiatry in the design and implementation of his/her research study.
• Access to secondary national data (e.g., CMS Claims data; APA Registry data) to carry out his/her research study.
• Present his/her research at one or more APA meetings.
• Opportunity to attend additional meetings that provide further mentorship in psychiatric research (e.g., Early Research Career Breakfast).
• Have access to a lifetime network of APA member experts working in the field of psychiatric research.
• Establish relationships and peer-mentorship with a diverse group of residents and fellows with similar career interests and goals.
• Participate on an assigned APA Council or APAF initiative where organizational decisions are made.
• Gain an understanding of APA Governance through service on an APA Council, Committee or APAF initiative.
• Appear in the APA Convocation of Distinguished Fellows Program Book listings.

Each year, Innovia awards over $400,000 in scholarships to deserving students like you who are college-bound or pursuing vocational or technical training. Single scholarship awards range between $500 and $4,000.

Denny and Thelma Yasuhara Scholarship

Applicants must be high school seniors or graduates from the Inland Northwest who demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of Japanese culture and must be good citizens.

The scholarship committee will consider the applicant’s experience participating in school or community activities and job or volunteer activities, as well as his or her commitment to academic excellence and financial need. Previous recipients of this award are eligible to reapply.

Each year, Innovia awards over $500,000 in scholarships to deserving students like you who are college-bound or pursuing vocational or technical training. Single scholarship awards range between $500 and $10,000.

Don and Mable Nicholls Scholarship

Applicants must be graduating high school seniors who demonstrate financial need, have a minimum GPA of 2.5, and are first generation college students (no parent or guardian has completed a 4-year bachelor's degree). Awardees must plan to enroll in a post-high school program at full-time status.

Previous recipients of this award are eligible to reapply. 

Innovia Foundation

Each year, Innovia awards over $500,000 in scholarships to deserving students like you who are college-bound or pursuing vocational or technical training. Single scholarship awards range between $500 and $10,000.

Doris L. Kenney Memorial Scholarship

Recipients may reapply in subsequent years if they have maintained a 3.5 GPA during the preceding year. Consideration is also given to candidates who have had their schooling interrupted for any of a variety of reasons, and applicants pursuing their academic preparation, making a career change or retraining in a different field of endeavor.

The Carolyn and Bill Franck Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, provides essential financial support for graduating high school seniors from Henry County or Martinsville pursuing post-secondary education in various fields. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of at least 2.5 and demonstrate financial need through the FAFSA. This scholarship aims to empower deserving students by facilitating their educational aspirations in accredited institutions.

About CFHC

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.

Bright Futures Scholarship Fund

Successful candidates should be focused, energetic individuals who demonstrate a high level of personal initiative.

About CFHC

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.

Business & Professional Women's Club

Applicant must be a graduating senior from a school in Henderson County and show strong academic standing with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate financial need. Applicant must be pursuing their undergraduate education in a two- or four-year accredited institution.

Brad Keselowskis Checkered Flag Foundation (BKCFF)

Brad Keselowski is a co-owner of Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing, where he drives the #6 Ford Mustang full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series. Off-track, Brad is the sole owner and founder of Keselowski Advanced Manufacturing as well as Brad Keselowskis Checkered Flag Foundation's president and founder. 

In 2009, Brad visited Walter Reed Medical Center, where he became inspired to give back to the men and women that answered the call to serve our country and were injured in the line of duty. Consequently, he founded BKCFF in 2010 with the mission to honor and assist those who serve. Since its founding, BKCFF has raised upright of $3.8 million to serve this mission.  

Brad Keselowskis Checkered Flag Foundation Grant Program

BKCFF was established to support those who are suffering financial, medical, or other hardship resulting from service to the United States or communities within. Funding decisions are made through an equitable and comprehensive application process, with financial support directed to 501(c)(3) public charities that provide services to our target constituents.

The purpose of the grant program is to empower and give hope to our nation’s heroes: military professionals, veterans, first responders, and others who provide courageous service and sacrifice. BKCFF requires all organizations seeking a grant to complete a comprehensive application, which is available on the Foundation’s website or can be requested by contacting the Foundation directly.  

The Barbara Hodgdon Award, presented by the Shakespeare Association of America (SAA), honors exceptional scholarship in the field of Shakespeare and Performance. Established in memory of Barbara Hodgdon, this award encourages innovative research across various media and time periods related to Shakespeare's work. Eligible submissions must be authored by SAA members and published two years prior to the award presentation. This recognition promotes new discussions and insights within the realm of Shakespearean performance studies.

The Clarence Lee Lester Educational Fund, administered by the Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, provides scholarships to deserving students pursuing higher education. Eligible applicants must be graduating seniors with a minimum 2.5 GPA and a connection to First Baptist Church in Martinsville, VA. This scholarship aims to support capable individuals in their academic journeys, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder their educational aspirations. For more information, contact the Foundation directly.

The Macy Faculty Scholars Program, funded by the Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation, supports early-career educators in medicine and nursing, promoting their development as future leaders. Scholars receive substantial financial support, mentorship, and access to educational resources, including funding for professional development activities and participation in a Harvard Macy Institute course. This initiative aims to enhance the educational landscape by nurturing diverse talent in the healthcare education field.

Merrily Jane Lloyd Memorial Scholarship

A scholarship awarded to a graduating senior residing in the greater Albion area with plans to attend a two- or four-year institution as a full-time student. Concord, Homer, Marshall, Marshall Opportunity, Marshall Academy, and Springport High Schools may each nominate one student whom demonstrates the characteristics that Merrily embodied: dignity, class, grace, compassion and selflessness. The committee will then select a recipient from this pool of nominees. Financial need and involvement in co- and extra-curricular activities such as, but not limited to, employment and student organizations, may be determining factors. Personal interview with the committee may be requested.

About the Chester County Community Foundation

Our Mission

The Chester County Community Foundation connects people who care with the causes that matter, so their philanthropy makes a difference now and forever.

American Association of University Women West Chester – Chester County Affiliate

Mission Statement

The American Association of University Women West Chester – Chester County Affiliate Scholarship was created in 1998 by the AAUW West Chester-Chester County Branch to recognize member Alice Lawson’s commitment to the mission and values of AAUW, the nation’s leading voice promoting education and equity for women and girls. The purpose of this fund is to provide educational scholarships to women from Chester County with special needs and circumstances.

Alice was a lifelong member of AAUW. Wherever she and her husband lived, Alice always joined the local AAUW, knowing she would meet and enjoy the company of other college-educated women. Of the many activities she enjoyed in West Chester, her AAUW book group was probably her favorite.

The award amount may vary from year to year. For the 2026/27 school year, we are awarding two $7,500 scholarships.

The Davis B. and Barbara J. Francis Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, provides educational scholarships to deserving students in the Roanoke Valley. It aims to support graduating seniors or former graduates pursuing careers in technical theatre or performing arts. Applicants must demonstrate significant contributions to their school's theatre arts program and enroll in an accredited college or technical school. Financial need is considered but not the primary criterion.

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.

American Legion, Post 77, Hubert M. Smith Scholarship

The applicant must be the son, daughter, grandson, granddaughter or stepchild of a current member in good standing for 12 months prior to the scholarship deadline, or of a deceased member in good standing at the time of his death, of Hubert M. Smith, Post 77, American Legion. The applicant must be age 23 or less at the time of the application and be a graduating senior or graduate of a public, parochial or private school who intends to enroll in a two-year or four-year degree granting program.

About the Chester County Community Foundation

Our Mission

The Chester County Community Foundation connects people who care with the causes that matter, so their philanthropy makes a difference now and forever.

Charles W. and Michelle Dickinson Scholarship Fund

The purpose of the Charles W. & Michelle Dickinson Scholarship Fund is to support charitable causes, with a particular emphasis on Christian-based organizations and initiatives that serve individuals, families, and communities in need.

In addition, the Fund is committed to investing in the next generation of skilled trades professionals by awarding scholarships to students pursuing careers in vocational and technical fields, including:

• Diesel Mechanics
• Automotive Mechanics
• Welding
• Auto Body Repair
• Collision Repair

Through charitable giving and educational support, the Fund seeks to create opportunities, encourage self-sufficiency, and make a lasting impact in the lives of individuals while honoring the values of faith, hard work, service, and community,

Charles W. Dickinson is the founder of D&D Collision Services, C M D Services Inc & Pottstown Area Rapid Transit.

William D. and Catherine Griffin Fraser Scholarship

In memory of William D. Fraser and Catherine Griffin Fraser. Preference for a graduating senior from Olean High School or Cuba-Rushford Central School, but other graduates from other high schools in Cattaraugus or Allegany counties will be considered; preference for a four-year college, but two-year is eligible; student must be in good academic standing; financial need will be considered; preference for a student interested in a career in the medical field or education, but other majors will be considered. 

About Us

Leadership. Collaboration. Impact.

The Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley helps philanthropists support the causes closest to their heart while connecting local residents to the resources they need for a better quality of life.

Our Mission

To serve as a leader and advocate for strategic philanthropy, partnering with donors to anchor a permanent and growing endowment and making investments in the Mahoning Valley that improve the quality of life for all residents.

Scholarship Opportunities

Your Community, Your Support System

Our community members support hundreds of local students every year through various scholarships facilitated by the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley.

Awarded to Mahoning Valley college students pursuing nursing degrees.

Southern Tier Military Support Group Scholarship

This scholarship fund will honor the work of the Southern Tier Military Support Group. The annual distribution will be available for a scholarship award for nontraditional students who are veterans, or for graduating high school seniors who are the children or dependents of a veteran or who are planning to enroll in an ROTC program during their college education.

Sondra J. Fox Scholarship

Established by Ruth D. Palmquist, Sondra J. Fox and Laurel S. Daise, this fund's purpose is to provide a scholarship for a student from Cattaraugus or McKean County who is pursuing a career in the mental health field with first preference for a student in a master's level program and second preference for an undergraduate college student who will be entering his/her junior or senior year. Major fields include, but are not limited to, counseling, social work and psychiatric nursing.

Pat McGee Nursing Scholarship

Established through the Pat McGee Endowment, named in memory of the former late New York State Senator representing the 57th district, awards are given each year to students, traditional or nontraditional, in the 57th State Senate district (which includes much of Allegany, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties) who are pursuing nursing degrees. Students must maintain at least a C average. Students previously receiving the award also can reapply.

The Dillon Family Scholarship Fund, established by James M. Dillon, provides financial assistance for higher education to deserving students from specific regions in Virginia. Administered by the Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, this scholarship supports students who demonstrate financial need and academic potential. Eligible candidates must be graduating seniors from designated public high schools, enrolling in accredited colleges or trade schools. Preference is given to graduates from Alleghany High School, ensuring targeted support for local students.