Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Wisconsin

The Nicholas R. Rizzi Foundation Grant aims to assist individuals in financial need who seek to further their education through accredited programs. Established in 2005 to honor Nicholas R. Rizzi, the foundation has awarded over $38,000 in scholarships and grants. Each year, eligible applicants can receive up to $1,000 for tuition and related expenses based on financial need, academic performance, and recommendations. The foundation prioritizes direct payments to educational institutions.

The Northern California DX Foundation Grant supports amateur radio projects that promote education and international goodwill. It provides financial assistance for well-designed DXpeditions to rare locations, especially those generating global interest. Grants are typically awarded to expeditions that align with the foundation's mission, ensuring participants have a financial stake in their initiatives. The foundation emphasizes thorough review of operator qualifications, equipment appropriateness, and operational plans before granting support.

WindSwell Foundation: Scholarship- Additional Licensing

Managed by the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne, this scholarship opportunity is for up to $2,500 per year for any Special Educator seeking additional licensing.

Enhancing the Flavor of Plant-based & Fermentation-derived Proteins

As global demand for protein continues to rise, this funding opportunity can help diversify protein sources, strengthen the sustainability of food and agriculture supply chains and contribute to a safer, more resilient global food system. Improving the functionality and flavor of plant-based and fermentation-derived proteins can increase consumer acceptance, open new markets for crops, create value-added opportunities for farmers and processors, enhance farmland health and support economic growth.

To drive such innovation the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) and the Good Food Institute (GFI) have joined forces to support plant-based and fermentation-enabled protein ingredient optimization.

The long-term success of plant-based and fermentation-enabled protein foods depends not only on sustainability and cost but also on their ability to deliver a compelling eating experience. By advancing research in ingredient design, enrichment methods and formulation strategies, we can accelerate progress toward high-protein foods that meet or exceed consumer sensory expectations.

Flavor, inclusive of both taste and aroma, remains a critical barrier to consumer acceptance. While early innovation has made progress, many products on the market still face challenges with off-flavors or insufficient desirable flavors. Improving flavor emerged as a key recommendation from the joint FFAR-GFI global call for ideas and workshop, summarized in The Priorities for Plant-based and Fermentation-enabled Protein Ingredient Optimization Convening report.

The Earl and Jane Ferguson Scholarship Fund provides financial support to graduates of Klamath County high schools who wish to pursue higher education across the United States. This initiative aims to empower local students by making education more accessible, thereby fostering academic growth and community development. The fund is managed by The Oregon Community Foundation, a private organization dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities for deserving individuals.

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.

Coach Dave Gray Scholarship Fund

The Coach Dave Gray Scholarship Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships for students who plan on pursing post-secondary education. This scholarship fund was established by John and Shana Mackie in 2017 with funds raised through their 2017 “Party for a Purpose”, an annual party for their friends and family with the goal of raising awareness for a different worthy local ministry or cause each year. John and Shana named the fund in honor of Coach Dave Gray who has dedicated his career to working with youth in Western Pennsylvania. Through his classes, camps, training and other activities, Coach Dave impacts the lives of thousands of kids in a positive way. Dave’s programs instill confidence, self-esteem, promote a healthy, active lifestyle and are fun for kids. This scholarship fund will honor Coach Dave’s commitment to the community and help benefit students from Western Pennsylvania for years to come.

Award Type: Single-Year Award

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.

Comptaro, Elden, Lewis Combined Scholarship Funds

The William C. Comptaro Educational Fund, the Laura E. Elden Educational Trust and the Frances L. Lewis Memorial Scholarship Fund were created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships to graduating high school seniors who are residents of Allegheny County, PA planning on pursuing post-secondary education.

Award Type: Single Year Award

The ASNT Foundation's Faculty Grant aims to enhance nondestructive testing (NDT) education at US universities and colleges. By providing $10,000 in funding, this grant supports faculty in revising or developing NDT curricula. Recipients who are not ASNT members receive a complimentary one-year membership. The initiative focuses on improving educational quality in the NDT field, ensuring students receive top-notch instruction, thus paving the way for successful careers in nondestructive testing.

The Founders Concept Development Grants, offered by the Children's Theatre Foundation of America (CTFA), support US non-profit theatres in developing innovative concepts and strategies for engaging young audiences. This initiative emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to enhance the quality of theatre for youth. CTFA encourages artists to explore new ideas while ensuring that all children have access to impactful theatrical experiences. This grant embodies a commitment to fostering creativity and excellence in youth theatre.

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.

Dorothy & Richard Barr Westmoreland County High School Scholarship Fund

The Dorothy and Richard Barr Scholarship Fund was created at The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County to provide scholarship support to Westmoreland County High School students who have demonstrated community leadership and strong academic performance. The applicant must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or above. The applicant must also show community leadership in the form of volunteer activities inside and outside of school.

Award Type: Single-Year Award

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.

Dr. Roy D. Hoffman Scholarship Fund

The Dr. Roy D. Hoffman Scholarship Fund of The Pittsburgh Foundation was created to assist students in Bedford and Fulton Counties, Pennsylvania in acquiring post-secondary education.

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

The Edward J. Ferri Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by The Pittsburgh Foundation, provides financial support to students in Westmoreland County, including employees and their children from Ferri Enterprises. This fund aims to assist graduating seniors from local high schools and has expanded eligibility to include all graduates from Allegheny, Somerset, or Westmoreland County. With a focus on students pursuing vocational, technical or college education, this scholarship emphasizes financial need and community involvement.

The American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

The AAO-HNS is the world’s largest organization representing otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons – physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck.

About the CORE Grants Program

Since 1985, CORE has awarded more than 800 grants and more than $14 million for research projects, research training, and career development to further the specialty of otolaryngology. These grants, ranging in award size from $5,000 to $150,000, have been essential for increasing the research base for otolaryngology.

The CORE program brings greater scale and less fragmentation and overlap to otolaryngology-head and neck surgery research opportunities, reduces the aggregate costs of the individual grant programs, and enables a comprehensive overview of the spectrum of promising otolaryngology and head and neck surgery research/researchers to promote to NIH and other agencies.

CORE Grants Program: AHNS/AAO-HNSF Translational Innovator Award

The purpose of this award is to support contemporary basic or clinical research focused on neoplastic disease by full time academic head and neck surgeons; to promote novel translational research preferably with biomarker ideas. 

Research supported by this award should be specifically directed toward the pathogenesis, pathophysiology, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of head and neck neoplastic disease, and may be either basic or clinical/translational in approach. 

The Brian Morris College Gateway Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports full-time students pursuing a Bachelor's degree at accredited U.S. colleges. This renewable scholarship, available since 1964, is targeted at high school seniors from San Antonio, particularly those with financial need and a GPA of 3.33 or higher. The fund aims to empower students to achieve their educational goals, making a lasting impact on the community.

The Carvajal Educational Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, aims to support current high school seniors from specified Texas counties in their pursuit of higher education. With a focus on Judeo-Christian institutions, this scholarship provides financial assistance for tuition, fees, and books, promoting academic achievement with a minimum GPA requirement of 2.5. Established to foster educational opportunities, the fund emphasizes the importance of community impact and leadership.

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.

Eugenio R. Ricci and Rose DeNapoli Scholarship Fund

The Eugenio R. Ricci and Rose DeNapoli Scholarship Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships for individuals seeking to complete their education or begin their educational journey with extended study. This scholarship is established in loving memory of Eugenio and Rose, both of whom valued training and education and saw education as a necessity, not an expense.

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

The CITGO Distinguished Scholars Program, offered by the San Antonio Area Foundation, is designed for junior high school students in the Alief, Houston, and Spring Branch ISDs. This program supports students planning to enroll in a 2- or 4-year college with funding for tuition, fees, and books. A cumulative GPA of 2.5 is required, and awards are granted to 40 students, empowering them to pursue higher education.

The Wausau Area Builders Association Scholarship provides vital financial support to graduating seniors from high schools in communities served by the WABA. With over $300,000 awarded annually to more than 200 students, this scholarship honors Shirley Kruesel's legacy and encourages community service and involvement. Applicants should have a minimum GPA of 2.5, with a preference for those pursuing careers in the building trades or those with family ties to WABA members.

The Harry K. Wrench Jr. Memorial College Scholarship provides financial support to graduating high school seniors from the Manitowoc and Wausau areas who are pursuing a bachelor's degree. This scholarship honors the legacy of a prominent leader from the Wisconsin Fuel & Light Company. Over $300,000 is awarded annually to more than 200 students across north central Wisconsin, promoting academic excellence and community involvement.

The Community Foundation of Chippewa County offers the Northwestern Bank Mini Grant to support innovative educational projects for 3rd to 8th grade teachers in Chippewa County. This initiative aims to foster creativity and motivation among students through diverse learning activities. By pooling resources and encouraging multigenerational giving, the foundation seeks to enhance the educational landscape and provide lasting benefits to the community. The grants reflect a commitment to nurturing the next generation of learners.

The Resident Clinical Research Award, supported by the ACG Institute and the American College of Gastroenterology, fosters original clinical research by medical residents in gastroenterology and hepatology. This award encourages promising trainees to undertake a mentored research project, with funding for diverse studies and reimbursement for travel to the ACG Annual Scientific meeting. Since 1994, over $31.9 million has been awarded to more than 745 recipients, promoting careers in clinical research.

The Veterans United Foundation Scholarship supports the educational aspirations of military families by providing financial assistance to eligible applicants. This scholarship is open to veterans with service-related disabilities, surviving spouses, and children of deceased servicemembers. Since its inception in 2012, over $1 million has been awarded, making a significant impact on the education of those who serve our country. The application process requires proof of eligibility and documentation to ensure support for education-related expenses.

The Crossroads Hospice Charitable Foundation is committed to enhancing community awareness of hospice and palliative care services. It supports nonprofit organizations that provide end-of-life care and grief recovery resources. Through educational initiatives and financial grants, the Foundation aims to promote excellent hospice care and assist caregivers. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and the Foundation does not fund administrative costs or general funding. Grant applications are accepted once per year.

Community Foundation of the North State

The Community Foundation builds trust through relationship, integrity, and by providing safe places for donors to give their resources.

We are a nonprofit, public charity serving the people of Shasta, Siskiyou and Tehama counties, with a mission to impact the region through the power of giving.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of the North State manages many scholarship funds that are awarded to graduating high school seniors as well as students already in an undergraduate program. Some scholarships were started by families or individuals; others by businesses or organizations. All scholarships share one important focus: helping young people reach their educational goals.

Gustafson Fritz Scholarship for Women

An opportunity for female high school graduates in Shasta or Trinity County who demonstrate attributes of generosity, creativity, exemplary work ethic and kindness.

Patricia “Pat” L. Gustafson was an exceptional woman. She was known for her stewardship, generosity, creativity, exemplary work ethic and kindness. Continuing the legacy gifted to her by Pat, her “daughter”, Lynn E. Fritz, the Guftason Fritz Scholarship for Women honors her by awarding support to other women demonstrating like attributes in their journey of self-discovery, empowerment, education and community service.

Community Foundation of the North State

The Community Foundation builds trust through relationship, integrity, and by providing safe places for donors to give their resources.

We are a nonprofit, public charity serving the people of Shasta, Siskiyou and Tehama counties, with a mission to impact the region through the power of giving.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of the North State manages many scholarship funds that are awarded to graduating high school seniors as well as students already in an undergraduate program. Some scholarships were started by families or individuals; others by businesses or organizations. All scholarships share one important focus: helping young people reach their educational goals.

Jack Schreder Scholarship Fund

The Jack Schreder Scholarship Fund honors Jack’s 65 years of work as an educator with strong interest in education, science and vocational training.

He was a graduate of Michigan State (B.A. – Economics), San Francisco State University (M.A. – School Administration) and Stanford University (Ph.D – Education and Business). He began his career as a high school teacher and coach in Michigan.

The Jack Schreder Scholarship will support scholarships to Shasta County graduating seniors pursuing Education, Science, and/or Vocational Training.

Community Foundation of the North State

The Community Foundation builds trust through relationship, integrity, and by providing safe places for donors to give their resources.

We are a nonprofit, public charity serving the people of Shasta, Siskiyou and Tehama counties, with a mission to impact the region through the power of giving.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of the North State manages many scholarship funds that are awarded to graduating high school seniors as well as students already in an undergraduate program. Some scholarships were started by families or individuals; others by businesses or organizations. All scholarships share one important focus: helping young people reach their educational goals.

Jim Freeman, MD Memorial Scholarship

A long time military man, Dr. Freeman retired as a full colonel from the Army after many years of service active duty and reserves. He was a partner at the Redding Radiological Associates during much of his reserve military career, continuing his craft as an independent contractor at several facilities until his death in 2018.

Much of his career was spent in training other physicians, a task he greatly enjoyed. He was a very strong proponent of education of all kinds and believed all should have access to the education of their choice.

The Jim Freeman, MD Scholarship was established to benefit and support Shasta County students pursuing a degree, certification, or licensing in the medical field focused on direct patient care.

The BISCUITS Grant, offered by Southern Vision Alliance, provides up to $5,000 to organizations with budgets under $300,000 that focus on building power through organizing and collective action. Recipients gain access to a supportive cohort and networking opportunities. Participation in two virtual gatherings and a $500 wellness stipend is included. This grant is aimed at new applicants or those who have submitted their final QMF reports, ensuring support for emerging grassroots organizations.