Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

The Career Women’s Network Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, empowers non-traditional female students aged 25 and older to pursue higher education. This scholarship promotes leadership and personal development for women in the community, offering varying amounts each year. Recipients may renew their awards for up to four years, contingent on meeting eligibility criteria. The fund honors Katherine Walters, who valued education and aimed to assist women in achieving their academic goals.

Timothy S.Y. Lam Foundation

The mission of the Timothy S.Y. Lam Foundation is to support research, education, and training within the hospitality industry by bestowing scholarships and grants to those seeking careers or advancement in the hospitality industry; funding education programs that promote the hospitality industry; and awarding research grants to those interested in blending academia with practical industry know-how. 

Primary Goals: To support the professional development and academic advancement of the hospitality industry by continuing to support the foundation’s current programs, promote recipients, maintain positive working relationships with associations, and provide support to underserved communities with individuals pursuing hospitality education, training, and job advancement. 

In 2024, TSYLF introduced new initiatives to support and empower underserved communities and underprivileged and underemployed individuals. We invite all hospitality associations, students, research teams, and professionals to explore how the Timothy S.Y. Lam Foundation can support your educational and professional endeavors in the field of hospitality. 

Research Grants

Grantmaking Focus

The foundation supports programs that are practical and directly benefit the hospitality industry. Of particular interest are efforts that apply rigorous academic research to solve practical hospitality issues. All grants are measured on the direct results of improved efficiency and efficacy for the hospitality industry. The Foundation emphasizes activities in the following areas and organizations that work in the following areas:

• Research programs that improve employment possibilities and career advancement for those entering or incumbents in the hospitality industry.
• Research programs that enhance efficiency in the hospitality industry.
• Articles or textbooks that contribute to the comprehensive body of knowledge and/or promote industry practices, standards, and ethics.
• Practical and applicable research projects with immediate benefit to the hospitality industry.

Grants are payable to the organization or institution and not to an individual.

Grant funding is dispersed in two payments. One payment will be made upon award approval and the second will be made once the research grant report has been submitted.

Research Grant funding should be used for the following:

• TSYLF funds should be used for research facility overhead and general maintenance.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable software, computer systems or programs to organize, track and store data.
• TSYLF funds can be used for tangible research items such printed documents, writing utensils, books, office supplies or related tools and materials needed to document research and practical observations.
• TSYLF will fund equipment or materials used for hands-on training such as cleaning, and sanitation supplies, safety items or other personal protection, furnishings found in hotels, restaurants or other hospitality related facilities being used to observe applicable productivity or conditions.
• TSYLF funds can be used to obtain proper permits for conducting research or staging a practical observation or production space.
• TSYLF funds can be used be used for creating resource material and related distribution costs to hospitality professionals, businesses and educators.
• TSYLF funds can be used for support materials or services for hosting focus groups, interviews or other activities related to the research topic.
• TSYLF funds should be used wisely for reasonable and cost-effective accommodations for staff, research team and subjects such as meals, travel or lodging.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable mileage or transportation fees for research subjects, team and special advisors.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable travel accommodations related to research topic data collection.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable compensation to the research team for their time in collecting, analyzing and organizing data related to the funded research topic.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable compensation to the research subjects.
• TSYLF funds can be used for expenses related to community engagement.
• TSYLF funds can be used for fees related to attending a hospitality event that aligns with the funded research topic.

Pray4Gray Foundation

The Pray4Gray Foundation was created to honor Grayson Pope’s courageous journey following a traumatic brain injury sustained under circumstances beyond his control. Grayson’s resilience, optimism, and unwavering spirit continue to inspire all who know him.

As Grayson works toward recovery with a smile and a strong heart, our mission is to provide prayer, support, resources, and education to families of young people facing similar challenges. We aim to build a community rooted in hope, faith, and resilience—empowering youth and their families to navigate brain injury recovery with strength and purpose.

Grayson looks forward to giving back as others did for him—sharing his story and spirit to help others heal. Through our programs and services, we are committed to walking alongside families in crisis and helping young people thrive beyond adversity. 

Grant

If you or a loved one has been impacted by a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), we’re here for you.

Our foundation is dedicated to walking alongside families of young adults recovering from TBI by offering support, resources, prayer, and education. Whether you're navigating the early stages of recovery or continuing a long-term journey, you don’t have to do it alone.

We invite you to apply for assistance through our foundation. Support may include financial aid, educational materials, access to community resources, and spiritual encouragement tailored to your family’s needs.

The ILA Exemplary Reading Program Award, presented by the International Literacy Association, recognizes exceptional reading and language arts programs across all grade levels in Canada and the United States. This award aims to highlight outstanding educational efforts that promote literacy improvement and excellence among school staff. Eligible programs must submit comprehensive applications showcasing their entire reading initiatives, serving as models for others. Winning schools gain recognition while contributing to the advancement of literacy education.

Cherokee Nation Foundation

The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving the Cherokee Nation, a federally recognized tribe of more than 470,000 citizens. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities to Cherokee students so they can reach their full potential. The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Scholarships

Cherokee Nation Foundation offers a diverse range of scholarships to help reverse the trend of rising student debt. Students may receive up to two CNF scholarships per academic year. All opportunities are reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens, unless otherwise noted in the description.

Charles Alan Beauchamp Scholarship

Applicant must be an undergraduate student majoring in an approved environmental field with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicant must have completed different areas of volunteer service. This is a one-year scholarship reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens residing within the Cherokee Nation jurisdictional area.

Lois Roth Foundation

The Lois Roth Foundation honors the life and work of Lois Wersba Roth. Since 1987, it has sought to promote and encourage dialogue across national, linguistic and cultural boundaries, with an emphasis on the humanities, arts and social sciences. Foundation programs are conducted in collaboration with a range of partners and focused on three domains: Fulbright & Academic Collaborations, Cultural Diplomacy, and Literature & Translation.

Cultural Diplomacy

In recollection of Lois Roth’s efforts to promote cross‐cultural understanding and cooperation as a US Foreign Service Officer, the Roth Foundation partners with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) (US State Department), to provide the department’s four awards honoring excellence in the field of cultural and educational diplomacy.

The types of qualities displayed by recipients of Roth Foundation cultural diplomacy awards include:

• Cross‐cultural sensitivity and understanding for all—regardless of age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin or disability—and the courage and intellectual integrity to bring alternate facts and opinions into open conversation
• Ingenuity and imagination in creating projects, programs and products to deepen the contact between foreign intellectuals, artists and professionals and their US counterparts
• Familiarity with global affairs and foreign languages, to deepen substantive discussion between US and foreign intellectuals, scholars and professionals
• Patience, wisdom and generosity in helping new colleagues, both international and US, develop their careers
• Special skill in promoting collaborations between US and foreign institutions and high‐quality exchange opportunities with the civil sector.

Lois Roth Award For Cultural Diplomacy

The Lois Roth Award is presented every year to a Foreign Service Officer who has made significant contributions to the field of US cultural and educational diplomacy. It honors those who exhibit cross-cultural sensitivity in all aspects of their work and show patience, wisdom and generosity in helping new colleagues—international and American—to pursue and develop their skills and careers. Displaying familiarity with different areas of the world, global affairs and foreign languages, winners of this award hold substantive discussion with US and foreign scholars, artists and professionals, while exemplifying Lois Roth’s personal legacy of superior creativity and human warmth in their work with others.

Nomination Process

Every spring, the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs will internally circulate details regarding nominations for the four Lois Roth Foundation Awards. State Department supervisors are invited to submit nominations in all four categories.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

Theodore Satter Memorial Scholarship Fund

• Must major in business, banking, or finance.
• Not based on financial need.

The Established Investigator Bridge Funding Award, supported by the ACG Institute for Clinical Research and Education and the American College of Gastroenterology, offers $300,000 in funding over two years for established researchers facing funding gaps. Designed for clinical gastroenterology and hepatology, this grant aims to sustain impactful research programs during federal funding lapses. Eligible applicants must be ACG members and have at least eight years of experience post-training, along with a proven track record of federal funding in relevant fields.

The Philanthropic Impact Fund (PIF) by Vanguard Charitable aims to strengthen nonprofit organizations and philanthropic infrastructure. It focuses on integrating AI, educating donors, and enhancing the narrative around the nonprofit sector. Grants typically range from $50,000 to $100,000, with larger requests considered. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) registered nonprofits to apply. This funding is a strategic investment in resilience and sustainability, addressing critical needs in the sector.

The Junior Faculty Development Award, funded by the American College of Gastroenterology, offers $450,000 over three years to support junior researchers in gastroenterology or hepatology. Aimed at ACG members, this award allows recipients to dedicate 50% of their time to clinical research, enhancing their skills and advancing their careers. Eligible candidates include those within seven years post-fellowship who can guarantee protected research time. The initiative fosters novel research that directly impacts gastrointestinal health.

Lois Roth Foundation

The Lois Roth Foundation honors the life and work of Lois Wersba Roth. Since 1987, it has sought to promote and encourage dialogue across national, linguistic and cultural boundaries, with an emphasis on the humanities, arts and social sciences. Foundation programs are conducted in collaboration with a range of partners and focused on three domains: Fulbright & Academic Collaborations, Cultural Diplomacy, and Literature & Translation.

Cultural Diplomacy

In recollection of Lois Roth’s efforts to promote cross‐cultural understanding and cooperation as a US Foreign Service Officer, the Roth Foundation partners with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) (US State Department), to provide the department’s four awards honoring excellence in the field of cultural and educational diplomacy.

The types of qualities displayed by recipients of Roth Foundation cultural diplomacy awards include:

• Cross‐cultural sensitivity and understanding for all—regardless of age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin or disability—and the courage and intellectual integrity to bring alternate facts and opinions into open conversation
• Ingenuity and imagination in creating projects, programs and products to deepen the contact between foreign intellectuals, artists and professionals and their US counterparts
• Familiarity with global affairs and foreign languages, to deepen substantive discussion between US and foreign intellectuals, scholars and professionals
• Patience, wisdom and generosity in helping new colleagues, both international and US, develop their careers
• Special skill in promoting collaborations between US and foreign institutions and high‐quality exchange opportunities with the civil sector.

Jodie Lewinsohn Career Achievement Award

The Jodie Lewinsohn Career Achievement Award honors the most accomplished and longest-serving Locally Employed Staff members, particularly those who are nearing retirement. It is named for a distinguished U.S. Information Agency Foreign Service Officer who was a close friend and mentor to Lois Roth and who also served as the head of the Public Affairs Section at the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa, when Gill Jacot-Guillarmod was working there. In 2022, Jodie left a legacy in her will to endow this award in perpetuity. This award recognizes those who are nearing the end of their careers for long-standing dedication to their work and their success in what Gill described as “helping the United States while helping your own country.” 

Nomination Process

Every spring, the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs will internally circulate details regarding nominations for the four Lois Roth Foundation Awards. State Department supervisors are invited to submit nominations in all four categories.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is inviting applications for the Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPOREs) in Human Cancers for 2027-2029. This funding opportunity supports innovative translational research aimed at improving prevention, detection, and treatment of organ-specific cancers. Eligible projects may address related cancer types from the same organ system or focus on common biological mechanisms. The program emphasizes research that translates findings into clinical applications, with the goal of achieving a human endpoint during the grant period.

The Margaret L. Richey Scholarship, offered by the Delaware Community Foundation, provides a one-time award of $50,000 to support students from Delaware who are accepted into accredited medical school programs in the U.S. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be considered for continued support. This scholarship is part of DCF's commitment to enhance educational opportunities and promote equity in the community.

Lois Roth Foundation

The Lois Roth Foundation honors the life and work of Lois Wersba Roth. Since 1987, it has sought to promote and encourage dialogue across national, linguistic and cultural boundaries, with an emphasis on the humanities, arts and social sciences. Foundation programs are conducted in collaboration with a range of partners and focused on three domains: Fulbright & Academic Collaborations, Cultural Diplomacy, and Literature & Translation.

Cultural Diplomacy

In recollection of Lois Roth’s efforts to promote cross‐cultural understanding and cooperation as a US Foreign Service Officer, the Roth Foundation partners with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) (US State Department), to provide the department’s four awards honoring excellence in the field of cultural and educational diplomacy.

The types of qualities displayed by recipients of Roth Foundation cultural diplomacy awards include:

• Cross‐cultural sensitivity and understanding for all—regardless of age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin or disability—and the courage and intellectual integrity to bring alternate facts and opinions into open conversation
• Ingenuity and imagination in creating projects, programs and products to deepen the contact between foreign intellectuals, artists and professionals and their US counterparts
• Familiarity with global affairs and foreign languages, to deepen substantive discussion between US and foreign intellectuals, scholars and professionals
• Patience, wisdom and generosity in helping new colleagues, both international and US, develop their careers
• Special skill in promoting collaborations between US and foreign institutions and high‐quality exchange opportunities with the civil sector.

Gill Jacot-Guillarmod Award

Established in 2013, Gill Jacot-Guillarmod Award is named in honor of Gillian (Gill) Jacot-Guillarmod, who served for 35 years at the U.S. Mission, then Embassy in South Africa, spanning the apartheid period to the emergence of democracy. The award recognizes mid-career, locally-employed staff members at U.S. embassies and consulates who have made outstanding contributions in educational and cultural diplomacy.

Nomination Process

Every spring, the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs will internally circulate details regarding nominations for the four Lois Roth Foundation Awards. State Department supervisors are invited to submit nominations in all four categories.

Gray for Glioblastoma Society

A 501 (c) 3 created to raise awareness for and funds to support Glioblastoma Multiforme research by accepting donations and donating to cancer care and research facilities. Our organization has gifted over $275,000 to support GBM research projects at renowned cancer centers including The Ty Miller Lab at Case Western Reserve University, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Children’s Hospital LA/Saban Research Institute and The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke. We accomplish this while simultaneously creating a hopeful and positive space and providing resources and a space of community through our social media and events.

Gray for Glioblastoma Grant

Gray for Glioblastoma Society (GFG) is dedicated to funding projects that advance glioblastoma (GBM) research and move the needle forward in care and quality of life. We invite proposals that align with our mission and demonstrate meaningful impact in the GBM space.

The State Clinical Achievement Awards and the Louis M. DiCarlo Award honor significant accomplishments in clinical practice within audiology and speech-language pathology over the past six years. Nominations are submitted by state associations, selecting individuals who have advanced clinical knowledge. The DiCarlo Award, in memory of Louis M. DiCarlo, provides a plaque and a $2,500 grant to further the recipient's work. Eligible achievements must be specific and well-defined.

The Japanese-Language Learners Event Grant, offered by the Japan Foundation, Los Angeles, provides financial support of up to $1,000 for events that promote Japanese language education across various educational levels. This grant aims to motivate learners through contests and presentations, encouraging participation from multiple schools in the region. Eligible expenses include judge fees, venue costs, and production materials, while closed events for single schools are not supported.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

Frances F. Bourque Scholarship Fund Endowment established by Old School Square Center for the Arts

This scholarship honors Frances Bourque’s extraordinary legacy by nurturing the next generation of arts visionaries. It exists to ignite in young people the same passion for creative expression and cultural preservation that has defined Frances’s remarkable life of service.

The Small Instruments and Modern Equipment program invites shared-use biomedical research facilities to apply for funding to purchase small instruments or scientific equipment. These resources, which may include core facilities and biorepositories, aim to enhance operational efficiency and support the use of innovative technologies. Funding is specifically targeted for instruments that produce outputs beyond traditional digital data, excluding highly specialized or building-level infrastructure equipment.

The Crop Science Graduate Student Scholarship, supported by the Gerald O. Mott family, offers financial assistance to outstanding graduate students pursuing M.S. or Ph.D. degrees in crop science. Candidates must demonstrate leadership potential and be enrolled in U.S. institutions, while also being members of CSSA or ASA. Self-nominations are allowed, but former recipients and members of the CSSA Awards Committee are ineligible. This scholarship aims to promote excellence in agronomic education.

Community Foundation for Muskegon County

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

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

Our scholarship funds seek to empower and encourage Muskegon County residents to pursue their dreams, hone in their gifts, and give back to our community.

If you’re a high school or homeschooled senior, current college student, early college senior, or adult learner, the Community Foundation for Muskegon County may have a scholarship for you. We manage one of the largest scholarship programs in our area, with over $1 million committed to students in over 500 new and renewed scholarships awarded each year.

Dr. Philip H. and Esther J. Frandsen Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Esther Frandsen, who established the Dr. Philip H. and Esther J. Frandsen Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Esther Frandsen created the Dr. Philip H. and Esther J. Frandsen Scholarship Fund to provide scholarships for students from the Muskegon area who wish to train for careers in medicine or a medical related field. Mrs. Frandsen established the fund to honor the memory of her husband, Philip, who contributed so much to this community as a surgeon, and who worked tirelessly to improve the health of his patients through his surgical skills.

Community Foundation for Muskegon County

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

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

Our scholarship funds seek to empower and encourage Muskegon County residents to pursue their dreams, hone in their gifts, and give back to our community.

If you’re a high school or homeschooled senior, current college student, early college senior, or adult learner, the Community Foundation for Muskegon County may have a scholarship for you. We manage one of the largest scholarship programs in our area, with over $1 million committed to students in over 500 new and renewed scholarships awarded each year.

Dorothy Creason Tyler English Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Tyler Family, who established the Dorothy Creason-Tyler English Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. This scholarship is intended for graduating seniors from North Muskegon High School, who have an aptitude and passion for English. The scholarship will be awarded to a student who has demonstrated overall academic achievement with a special interest in and passion for reading, writing and discussing the ideas generated from great literature.

The NCI Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00) supports talented postdoctoral researchers in transitioning to independent faculty positions. This program provides essential NCI research funding to facilitate the development of competitive, independent research careers. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant's organization, emphasizing the importance of timely submissions for prospective awardees.

The James McKeen Cattell Sabbatical Grant, provided by the James McKeen Cattell Fund, offers supplementary financial support for psychologists' sabbaticals. This grant is designed for faculty members at U.S. and Canadian institutions who meet specific eligibility criteria, including tenure status and recent leave history. The maximum award is capped at $40,000 or half the recipient's salary, ensuring that recipients can extend their research time effectively.

The Gilead Research Scholars Program in Oncology supports innovative research from emerging investigators worldwide, focusing on scientific understanding and progress in cancer treatment. Launched in 2008, it offers financial support of up to $180,000 over two years to junior faculty who meet eligibility criteria. The program emphasizes diversity and aims to reduce barriers for underrepresented groups in research, fostering a more inclusive landscape in addressing unmet medical needs.

The Graduate Student Scholarship: NSSLHA Scholarship supports CSD graduate students who show academic promise. Open to undergraduate seniors with active NSSLHA memberships, the scholarship emphasizes educational support for tuition and related expenses. Up to three scholarships are available, underwritten by the NSSLHA Scholarship Fund. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a communication sciences and disorders graduate program in the U.S. and commit to full-time study, ensuring a focus on academic achievement.

The Paris Patla Physical Therapy Research Grant, funded by the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, aims to enhance the quality of life through innovative physical therapy research. With a commitment to advancing health and addressing disparities, this grant offers $100,000 for one or two years to support emerging and established researchers. By investing in the future of physical therapy, the Foundation strives to improve patient outcomes and solidify the profession's evidence-based practices.