Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Virginia

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Bradley “Ace” Schaffner Scholarship Fund

The Bradley “Ace” Schaffner Scholarship Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation in honor of Ace by his parents to provide scholarships for students living in Southwestern Pennsylvania who are pursing a 4-year liberal arts degree.

Award Type: Single Year. Previous recipients are encouraged to re-apply in consecutive years.

The AARP Community Challenge Grant supports innovative projects that enhance community livability for people aged 50 and older. Funded by the AARP Foundation, these demonstration grants range from $10,000 to $25,000 and aim to improve pedestrian safety, expand broadband access, and reconnect divided communities. Since 2017, AARP has awarded over $20 million in grants, fostering immediate improvements and long-term progress across the United States, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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.

Regional Scholarships

We believe that post-secondary education is key to healthy, resilient, and thriving communities and are pleased to partner with generous community donors to create and offer a variety of scholarship opportunities for local students across the region.

LGBTQ Pride Scholarship Fund (Regional)

Available to LGBTQ+ students and students who see themselves as LGBTQ+ allies that are pursuing post-secondary education. Graduating seniors from a public high school within Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Leelanau Counties are eligible to apply.

The Justin J. Watt Foundation Grant supports after-school athletic opportunities for middle school children, focusing on programs that promote teamwork, leadership, and perseverance. Applications are accepted at specific times throughout the year, depending on the sport. Funding is available for essential uniforms and equipment but excludes non-essential items. Organizations must meet specific eligibility criteria, ensuring they serve students in need and provide safe environments for athletic activities.

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.

Regional Scholarships

We believe that post-secondary education is key to healthy, resilient, and thriving communities and are pleased to partner with generous community donors to create and offer a variety of scholarship opportunities for local students across the region.

Katie Bigelow NP Memorial Scholarship (Regional)

Available to support single mothers who are enrolled in a post-secondary degree program and reside in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, or Leelanau County. Preference is given to those pursuing programs in the medical or health care field.

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.

Regional Scholarships

We believe that post-secondary education is key to healthy, resilient, and thriving communities and are pleased to partner with generous community donors to create and offer a variety of scholarship opportunities for local students across the region.

Kalee Bruce Memorial Scholarship Endowment (Benzie County)

Available to graduating seniors from Benzie or Frankfort High Schools who are planning to pursue post-secondary education.

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.

Regional Scholarships

We believe that post-secondary education is key to healthy, resilient, and thriving communities and are pleased to partner with generous community donors to create and offer a variety of scholarship opportunities for local students across the region.

John S.E. Dieckman Husky Scholarship Endowment (Benzie County)

Available to graduating seniors from Benzie County Central Schools planning to pursue postsecondary education including a certificate or degree program at an accredited school. Emphasis is placed on character, citizenship, and service to the school and community. Financial need is also a consideration.

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.

Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) Scholarships

The Community Foundation is home to a variety of scholarships designated to benefit a graduating senior from Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS). 

Jim Ooley Scholarship Fund (Central, West)

When Jim Ooley retired in 1993 after 39 years of teaching and coaching, it was his desire to establish a scholarship fund to recognize an outstanding senior student athlete whose dedication and leadership exemplifies the ideals for which Jim Ooley stood.

One scholarship is awarded annually at each Central and West.

Southern California Kids to Parks Grants Program

National Park Trust is thrilled to offer the 2026 Southern California Kids to Parks Grants Program. Open to Title I schools (40% of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch) based in the Southern California Edison service area (Map of Eligible Locations) for grades 3 through 12, this grant program provides classrooms with up to $1,500 for in-park experiences. While grant requests for all types of park visits are welcome, applicants are encouraged to consider trips to historical sites in honor of the celebration of our country's 250th birthday in 2026.

Funding can be used towards program fees, transportation costs, stewardship supplies, and any other materials needed for a robust learning experience.

This grant is designed to be student-driven, and student-teacher collaboration is a must. All applications must include a stewardship element and a park-themed educational component that focuses on either outdoor recreation and healthy lifestyles, environmental education/science, or history.

Teachers may submit the application on behalf of their class, but direct student involvement in the application is required.

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.

Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) Scholarships

The Community Foundation is home to a variety of scholarships designated to benefit a graduating senior from Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS). 

Achievement of Excellence Award (Central, West)

Available to a graduating senior who has distinguished him/herself through academic achievement, leadership, and proven skills in the adult roles of: Citizen, Healthy & Fit Individual, Family Life Member, Life-Long Learner, and Worker.

The NEA Big Read Grant, managed by Arts Midwest, aims to foster community engagement through shared reading experiences. This initiative funds nonprofit organizations to host diverse reading programs, encouraging cross-cultural understanding and creativity. With grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000, organizations can conduct book discussions, workshops, and creative events to strengthen community ties and promote civic engagement. The program highlights local voices and invites participation from various audiences, creating a vibrant literary culture.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Sophie M. and John F. Yoney Scholarship Fund

The Sophie M. and John F. Yoney Scholarship Fund was established at The Pittsburgh Foundation by the late Mr. John F. Yoney, to provide to graduates from Chartiers-Houston High School, Peters Township High School and Canon McMillan High School.

Award Type: Single-Year Award

The ASHP Foundation Compounded Sterile Preparations (CSP) Training Awards Program supports pharmacists engaged in CSP responsibilities by providing educational sessions and training opportunities. It aims to enhance competency through the ASHP Sterile Compounding Designated Person Training, which includes immersive experiences and practical sessions. Funded by the Lawrence A. Trissel Pharmacy Legacy Fund, the program offers full-meeting registration, training registration, and travel stipends to two deserving recipients, fostering professional growth and excellence in pharmacy practice.

The NAMA Memorial Fellowship, awarded by the Mycological Society of America, recognizes promising graduate students in mycology. Two fellowships are granted annually based on academic merit and research potential. Recipients must be student members of MSA and can use the funds to enhance their studies. Additionally, they are encouraged to contribute to McIlvainea and attend the annual meeting, fostering connections within the mycological community. This initiative supports diversity and inclusion in the field.

The MSA Graduate Fellowship, awarded by the Mycological Society of America, recognizes outstanding graduate students in mycology. Annually, two fellowships are granted based on academic merit and research potential. These funds serve as supplementary support for graduate studies, and recipients are encouraged to attend the annual meeting to engage with the mycological community. The fellowship aims to promote diversity and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds, ensuring equal opportunity for emerging mycologists.

The Backus Award, presented by the Mycological Society of America, honors two promising graduate students in mycology each year. Candidates are assessed based on their academic achievements, research potential, and future contributions to the field. This fellowship supports their graduate studies and encourages attendance at the MSA annual meeting, fostering connections within the mycological community. Eligible applicants must be student members of MSA and currently enrolled in a university in Canada or the United States.

Community Foundation of Northern Nevada

Established in 1998 as a Nevada nonprofit 501(c) 3 Corporation, the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada has distributed more than $200 million in grants and scholarships from over 300 charitable funds to strengthen our Nevada home. 

Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Northern Nevada’s Scholarship Program is intended to help students cover the ever-increasing cost of tuition. Some of our scholarships are based on financial need, but others represent an award for achievement. These scholarships typically go to students who have excelled in an academic area or have shown they can balance academics, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities. There are also scholarships designated for students who have overcome adversity, students pursuing degrees in high-need areas, and adult learners outside the traditional college age group. Community Foundation scholarships can help cover tuition, books, and on-campus housing.

Reno and Gloria Quilici Scholarship

The Reno & Gloria Quilici Scholarship is designed for students who may not qualify for other scholarships based on GPA but demonstrates commitment, passion, and drive.

The Reno & Gloria Quilici Scholarship is designed for students who are graduating seniors and Churchill residents, and may think college is out of reach, but who show potential, have drive, and are likely to succeed. Students must agree to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and stay enrolled full-time.

The Dr. A. Jean Ayres Doctoral Candidate Scholarship, funded by The American Occupational Therapy Foundation, supports emerging OT scientists focusing on sensory integration and processing research. This $5,000 scholarship aids doctoral candidates in conducting impactful studies, contributing to the field of occupational therapy and enhancing care delivery. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a doctoral program, have defended their dissertation proposal, and conduct research at a US institution. The scholarship emphasizes the importance of evidence-based practices for underserved communities.

National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) CMH

This scholarship was established to assist dependents of an active member of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, Columbus, Ohio Chapter.

Award Amount:

• $1,500

The Dr. Carolyn Baum Cognitive Function in Daily Life Mentor Award, funded by the American Occupational Therapy Foundation, supports mid-to senior-level occupational therapy researchers mentoring assistant professors or post-doctoral fellows. This $10,000 stipend aims to enhance understanding of cognition's role in daily life through research. Dr. Carolyn Baum, a pioneer in the field, inspires this initiative, promoting the advancement of functional cognition in occupational therapy.

William and Eleanor Cleveland Scholarship

The scholarship provides assistance to dependent children of members of Columbus Division of Fire.

Award Amount:

• Minimum $1,000

United Negro College Fund

“A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”®

For more than seven decades, this principle has remained at the heart of UNCF, enabling us to raise more than $5 billion and help more than 500,000 students and counting not just attend college, but thrive, graduate and become leaders.

We do this in three ways: By awarding more than 12,000 students scholarships, worth more than $65 million, each year. By providing financial support to 37 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). And by serving as the nation’s leading advocate for the importance of minority education and community engagement.

Richard F. Freeman Scholarship Fund

The Richard F. Freeman Scholarship Fund is designed to provide financial assistance for deserving students from Southeast Michigan who are afforded the opportunity to earn a college degree. 

The Columbus Foundation

In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Bopp-Busch Manufacturing Scholarship

Bopp Busch Manufacturing Company established this scholarship to honor its founding families, August and Eva Bopp and Chester and Betty Busch. The scholarship was created to give back to the residents of the area that made the business possible, and to encourage post-secondary education in general and more specifically in the skilled trades.

The Learning & Leadership Grants support educators in enhancing their professional development and leadership skills. With funding up to $5,000, these grants are available for individual educators or groups pursuing high-quality learning experiences such as conferences and seminars. Eligible applicants must be current members of the National Education Association. These grants aim to empower educators to implement innovative practices in their classrooms, ultimately benefiting students and the educational community.

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.” 

Lillian McGillicuddy Republican Party of Arkansas Scholarship

For students involved in the Young Republicans organization.

The Columbus Foundation

In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Medical Mutual Scholarship Fund for Customer Schools

Education encourages ingenuity, fosters creativity, and inspires us to reach for new horizons. Medical Mutual is honored to play a role in helping prepare the young people of Ohio for a bright future. Medical Mutual is the oldest and largest health insurer based in Ohio. For 80 years, we have been serving our members and the Ohio communities where they live and work. We strive to be the health insurance choice of Ohioans and help make Ohio the best it can be.

Seattle Foundation

Seattle Foundation is an agent of change, igniting powerful, rewarding philanthropy to make Greater Seattle a stronger, more vibrant community for all.

At Seattle Foundation, we believe that community is more than a place. It’s the shared understanding that our joy and well-being are tied to one another. Every day we work with nonprofits, philanthropists, and partners like you to strengthen community by igniting powerful philanthropy and advancing long-term solutions. Because it takes all of us to create a joyful region where every person can thrive.

The Stanley Ann Dunham Scholarship

These $5,000 college scholarships are awarded annually to female-identifying students in the graduating senior class at Mercer Island High School (MIHS), Chief Sealth International High School (CSIHS), and Rainier Beach High School (RBHS). Students should demonstrate commitment to the values and goals embodied in the life and work of Dr. Stanley Ann Dunham, a 1960 Mercer Island High School graduate, anthropologist, and mother of the 44th President of the United States, Barack H. Obama, and Dr. Maya Soetoro-Ng.