Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

The Alcon Foundation focuses on enhancing global eye health through charitable monetary donations to 501(c)(3) organizations. Grants aim to support programs that improve access to quality eye care and education, fostering community development. Eligible applicants must demonstrate high-quality services, well-defined goals, and the ability to report outcomes. The foundation does not fund organizations that discriminate or are not 501(c)(3) compliant, ensuring that resources are directed towards impactful initiatives.

About Us

Marshfield Area Community Foundation, Inc. is a public, 501-C-3 charity. There are 30 community foundations in Wisconsin and more than 750 in the nation. The purpose of all community foundations is to accumulate charitable dollars that impact a specific geographic region in areas such as education, the arts, economic development, recreation, environmental protection, health care, and social services. They may be relatively small, as we are (assets of $14 million), or very large, as is the Greater Milwaukee Foundation (assets over $400 million).

Most people are familiar with private foundations, established by individuals, families, or corporations. Typically, in order to establish a private foundation, one has to have considerable wealth. You could say Community Foundations are much more democratic. We are, in a sense, an umbrella foundation containing many small foundations. We call those small foundations “funds.”

Marshfield Area Community Foundation Scholarships

The mission of the Marshfield Area Community Foundation is “Connecting people who care with causes that matter to enrich the quality of life in the Marshfield area”. Education is a valuable tool and a cause that matters to all of us. Through assisting students with financial support to receive an education, not only do students and the families of those students benefit, but also our community benefits, which further allows us to achieve our mission of enriching the quality of life in the Marshfield area.

LaVerne R. Kohs Memorial Scholarship (2025)

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

Mathy Mezey Scholarship

In 2013, the John A. Hartford Foundation, Inc. created a permanent NEF Scholarship for $50,000 in honor of Mathy Mezey, EdD, RN, FAAN, a noted international geriatric expert. Funds from this scholarship will be used to award nurses engaged in graduate geriatric nursing programs.

The Eastern Iowa Angus Association Oliver Hansen Memorial Scholarship, administered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, supports students from specified Iowa counties pursuing education in agriculture. Applicants must be involved with the Angus breed, maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA, and enroll full-time at accredited institutions. Scholarships provide up to $1,000 annually and are renewable for two years, aiding students in achieving their academic and career goals.

The Harry and Myrtle Nabstedt Scholarship, offered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, supports students from Scott County, Iowa, pursuing post-secondary education at accredited institutions. With a maximum award of $8,000 per year, this need-based scholarship is renewable for up to five years, contingent on maintaining eligibility. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and a minimum GPA of 2.00, showcasing merit through community involvement and other activities.

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.”  

Anne Pressly Scholarship

To memorialize the legacy of Anne Pressly and support women who plan to pursue a career in Journalism.

The Simply Organic Giving Fund Grant aims to combat food insecurity in the U.S. and Canada by providing access to nutrient-dense organic food for those in need. Since its inception, the fund has supported various initiatives, including training centers for organic agriculture and community food projects. With a focus on sustainable practices, the grant program seeks to empower communities and improve food access for vulnerable populations, ensuring that healthy, organic options are available to all.

Lakeview Foundation Scholarship

The Lakeview Foundation provides higher education scholarships to college bound students of Eastern Van Buren County, Michigan who are pursuing a healthcare degree.

Lakeview Foundation started in 1985 as a Hospital Authority Foundation. Its existence is solely due to the hospital that was started in Paw Paw in 1939 in a house that was the summer home of David Rose, a former mayor of Milwaukee.

The hospital quickly became Lakeview Municipal Hospital and eventually Lakeview Community Hospital Authority comprising the Villages of Paw Paw, Lawton, Decatur and Mattawan, The City of Gobles, and the Townships of Paw Paw, Pine Grove, Decatur, Antwerp, Almena, Hamilton, Porter and Lawrence.

Shortly after the hospital authority sold the hospital to Bronson Methodist Hospital, Lakeview Foundation became independent and accepted a large donation as part of the sale. Lakeview Foundation enjoys a close bond with Lakeview Bronson Hospital.

The Hilda M. Hill Memorial Scholarship is offered by the Four County Community Foundation to support high school seniors and recent graduates from Capac, Almont, and Imlay City. Eligible students planning to pursue vocational or technical programs may apply, with financial need considered. Recipients will be recognized at the Foundation Scholarship Celebration in May, as well as during high school awards ceremonies. Students can receive up to two awards, promoting continued educational advancement in skilled trades.

The Nugent McGrew Scholarship, provided by the Central Kentucky Community Foundation, aims to support graduating seniors from Grayson or Hardin County who demonstrate financial need and a commitment to their education. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and plan to attend a two or four-year academic or technical school. This scholarship serves as a vital resource to help students achieve their educational goals and contribute positively to their communities.

The Patricia Goodman Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Central Kentucky Community Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors in the CKCF service area, prioritizing Hardin County residents. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75 and intend to pursue a career in nursing or a related medical field. This scholarship aims to empower future healthcare professionals while enriching community life through educational opportunities.

Charmayne Gooch Arts Scholarship

The Charmayne Gooch Arts Scholarship is available to Larimer County students who have the potential to succeed but may not have attained sufficient academic achievement to place them in a position to receive other scholarships. This can include students with a disability or special needs and/or a student who would benefit from a program with less emphasis on academics such as art, writing, music, or visual arts.

Scholarship amount:

• $5,000

Number of awards:

• 3

Scholarship awards are one-time awards. The amount awarded to a selected recipient may be used for the cost of attendance. All scholarships will be paid directly to the recipient’s school and must be used for the upcoming academic year. Award disbursement is contingent upon the outside scholarship policies of a recipient’s college or university.

Jazz Road Tours Grants provide financial support for emerging and mid-career jazz artists to develop tours across communities in the U.S. Grants up to $15,000 facilitate three-to-six site tours, focusing on underserved areas. This program, funded by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and the Mellon Foundation, aims to enhance artists' income opportunities while promoting jazz in diverse venues. Applications are encouraged from individual artists, with deadlines throughout 2024 and 2025 for various tour periods.

The Genentech Foundation supports innovative projects that address systemic inequities in healthcare. They fund tax-exempt organizations, including public charities and governmental entities, located in the U.S. Grant requests must be submitted at least 60 days before the project start date. Notably, projects must align with Genentech's commitment to advancing health equity and diversity in the medical workforce. Applications for funding will be accepted starting January 2, 2026, after a temporary closure.

The AHRF Birtman Grant provides up to $75,000 for one year of research focused on hearing and balance disorders related to the inner ear. This grant encourages both basic and clinical studies, covering direct costs such as staff salaries and research equipment. Applicants must hold relevant advanced degrees and be affiliated with a U.S. university or hospital. An alternative budget option of $50,000 is available, enhancing eligibility for Regular grants if not awarded the Birtman Grant.

The AGA-R. Robert & Sally Funderburg Research Award in Gastric Cancer aims to support established investigators in gastric cancer research. This award focuses on enhancing the understanding of gastric cancer pathobiology and developing strategies for prevention, treatment, and cure. Eligibility includes holding an MD or PhD, with specific experience requirements. The American Gastroenterological Association encourages applications, particularly from underrepresented groups in biomedical research, to foster diversity in the field.

The Turner Family Scholarship Fund, established by Cal Turner Sr. in 1999, supports Dollar General employees and their children in their pursuit of education. This initiative reflects the Turner family's commitment to personal development and community support, fostering a culture of growth and opportunity. With over 30 years of impactful philanthropy, the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee champions this scholarship to enhance educational access, empowering individuals to thrive in their chosen fields.

The Quad City Regional Auto Show Scholarships support local students pursuing higher education. Established by the Quad City Regional Auto Show, these scholarships are available to individuals employed at auto dealerships in the Quad Cities area or their children. With multiple awards up to $5,000 each, this initiative aims to ease the financial burden of college expenses. The program emphasizes community involvement and academic achievement, encouraging students to engage in extracurricular activities.

The St. Baldrick's Foundation offers Infrastructure Awards to support institutions in enhancing their capacity for childhood cancer clinical trials. These grants are aimed at smaller entities lacking necessary resources, enabling them to hire personnel and acquire vital tools to increase participation. Since 2005, the Foundation has invested over $356 million in childhood cancer research, focusing on collaboration and innovation to find cures. Institutions in the U.S. are eligible, promoting broader access to crucial clinical trials.

The Howard and Beverly Murray Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, honors high-achieving students pursuing education in math and science. Eligible applicants must be graduating seniors from Chelan or Douglas high schools with a minimum GPA of 3.4. This scholarship aims to support students who demonstrate a commitment to their academic pursuits in fields like mathematics, physics, and chemistry, ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed in further education.

The Chequamegon Bay Area Community Fund Grant, managed by the Apostle Islands-Chequamegon Bay Advisory Board, supports initiatives in arts, education, environment, economic development, and human services. It prioritizes projects that strengthen community ties, address underlying issues, require start-up funds, or build organizational capacity. Eligible organizations must be classified as charitable under IRS guidelines and operate within specific local boundaries. However, capital requests, ongoing program support, and certain funding activities are typically excluded.

The Marcy Shulman Memorial Organization Grant Program, established by the Colburn-Keenan Foundation, supports organizations improving the lives of individuals with chronic illnesses, particularly within the bleeding disorders community. Proposals should enhance health and quality of life, with examples including educational programs and facility upgrades. Only 501(c)3 organizations are eligible, and they may receive one grant per cycle. Applications must be submitted at least two months prior to the project start date.

The CDC has announced funding for FY 2027 to enhance state capacity in alcohol epidemiology and prevent excessive alcohol use through the NOFO CDC-RFA-DP-27-0072. This initiative aims to equip states with essential tools and knowledge for effective public health measures against excessive alcohol use, a major preventable cause of death in the U.S. The program will also provide expert technical assistance and training on effective prevention strategies over a 5-year performance period.

Community Foundation for Mason County, MI

The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.

Scholarships

If you’re a high school or homeschooled senior, current college student, early college senior, or a student pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree, the Community Foundation for Mason County may have a scholarship for you.

Marlene Schoenberger Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Tamar Schoenberg, who established the Marlene Schoenberger Scholarship Fund of the Community Foundation for Mason County in memory of her mother, Marlene. This scholarship is presented to Mason County students pursuing Fine Arts and Performing Arts.

Who We Are

Founded in 1996, the Community Foundation of South Georgia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to making South Georgia a better place to live through effective philanthropy. We help individuals, families, nonprofit organizations and businesses establish and manage charitable funds that carry out their philanthropic interests. Serving a geographic area of 35 counties in South Georgia, we facilitate our donors’ charitable plans and goals by creating custom designed funds that meet their specific interests and ensure solid financial management and administration for each fund. 

Tucker Baptist Association Scholarship

For a high school graduate who is also a member of a church which is part of the Tucker Baptist Association. The applicant must be enrolled in a seminary, Bible college, or other educational institution where they are training for a Christian gospel ministry vocation. This may include but is not limited to, training as a pastoral minister, youth minister, music minister, educational minister, or foreign or home missionary. The training may be a degree program such as a Masters of Divinity, etc., or the training may be a seminar or educational course related to ministry development.

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.

George F. and Asha W. McMillan Scholarship

This scholarship is to provide financial support to an individual in order for him or her to receive a degree in Christian education or related studies or to advance his or her Christian vocation.