Best Financial Assistance Grants in Alabama

The Teacher Professional Development Grant (9-12) supports classroom teachers in grades 9-12 by enhancing their mathematics teaching skills. This initiative, backed by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aims to elevate educational standards and improve student learning outcomes. Eligible applicants include teachers with at least three years of experience in this grade range. The grant focuses on professional development activities completed within a year, fostering a community of proficient mathematics educators.

The Charles Koch Foundation invites innovative proposals for research that aligns with its vision of social progress and mutual benefit. Focused on supporting 501(c)(3) non-profit public charities and universities in the U.S., the Foundation emphasizes original projects of high standards. While it welcomes a broad range of ideas, it typically does not fund for-profit ventures, overhead costs, or certain areas like medical treatment and political activities.

The Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 AmeriCorps State and National Competitive Grants aim to enhance community service and volunteerism across the nation. By providing funding to organizations that engage AmeriCorps members, these grants support evidence-based interventions addressing pressing community challenges. Members receive living allowances and educational awards upon successful completion of their service, reinforcing the value of civic engagement and promoting positive community outcomes.

The WestPoint Fund Grant, established in 2005, supports projects that enhance the educational experiences of K-12 students in LaGrange and WestPoint, Georgia, as well as Lanett, Opelika, and Valley, Alabama. The Fund prioritizes unique, inspirational programs that expand students' worldviews and are not duplicated within the community. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) entities serving these areas, while requests for general operating expenses or capital campaigns are not considered.

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds. 

Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

Helen Hamilton Scholarship Fund

Supporting residents of Franklin, Hampden or Hampshire County pursuing degrees in Social Services, Housing Studies, Urban Design and other related fields with a preference for students who have demonstrated a commitment to community service.

Additional Guidelines

• Students can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships from the Community Foundation.
• Scholarship awards could impact the financial aid offered by a college, and students are advised to check with their college financial aid offices about this.
• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. Some part and/or all the award could be considered taxable income. It is advisable students check with the college or tax accountant regarding this matter.

The Hale Kauai Scholarship in Memory of William Moragne, established in 2015, supports Kauai residents pursuing degrees in agriculture or engineering. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, and be full-time students at accredited colleges in Hawaii or the mainland USA. Preference is given to past recipients who continue to meet the criteria. This scholarship fosters educational advancement within the community, ensuring a brighter future for Kauai's youth.

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.

Frank A. Weidman Fund

The Frank A. Weidman Fund was established at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide funds for graduates of Pittsburgh Public Schools to complete college and university studies in the arts and social sciences.

Award Type: Single-Year Award

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.

General Fred Michel Memorial Scholarship

You are eligible to apply for a scholarship if you:

• provide strong evidence of interest in aviation as a career
• are a senior graduating from a northern Nevada high school, or are enrolled in or accepted to an accredited institution of higher education (2-year, 4-year, trade school, or certificate program)
• are pursuing or plan to pursue a degree in a field related to aviation
• have a minimum 1000 SAT and/or minimum 20 ACT score
• have a minimum 2.75 GPA
• agree to maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA and submit an unofficial copy of transcripts at the end of each semester you are receiving an award

Roy F. Mather Scholarship

Born in 1918, Roy F. Mather, Jr. described himself as the product of the Great Depression. He contributed to his family's livelihood at a young age, caring for his two younger brothers and working a wide range of agriculture-related jobs available in California's San Fernando Valley. During World War II, Roy worked on merchant ships that sailed from northern Chile to Washington's Puget Sound, transporting nitrate for explosives production. After the War, Roy returned to southern California to marry his wife, Geraldine. They had two children and were married 59 years. Roy applied the work ethic developed in his youth to a variety of jobs—as a Fuller Brush dealer and at aeronautical engineering positions at Lockheed and McDonald Douglas. While raising a family and often working more than one job, Roy took classes at night offered through the University of California's extension services – math, science and law. Later, Roy and his wife lived in Latin America which held a special place for them.

Roy retired in 1969, and he and Geraldine moved to the Sierra Nevada Mountains. In his early 60's, Roy could swing a heavy Polanski needed to fight forest fires and later was a spotter for firefighting aircraft. In 1975, Roy and Geraldine moved to Vancouver, Washington.

Roy's character, direction and drive were shaped during times that were much tougher than most of us experience today. In commenting on his hope for his scholarship fund, Roy said, "I want the students to be goal oriented and serious. Earnest, really. I know those are broad terms, but they are ones that helped me throughout my life. I want to reward those students who possess these qualities that will contribute to their future success and life fulfillment."

Award Information

Awards are between $2,000 - $3,500 and are at the discretion of the committee.

The Early Career Research Grant, offered by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, supports innovative research in mathematics education by early career educators and doctoral candidates. This grant encourages projects that enhance teaching practices and contribute to scholarly publications. Proposals should focus on research design, data analysis, and the impact on mathematics learning. Preference is given to those bridging research and practical application, fostering collaboration with preservice teachers.

The Limited Competition K12 Mentored Research Career Development Program aims to support institutions in developing innovative career pathways for later-stage postdoctoral fellows and junior faculty. This initiative encourages applicants from those with existing Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) to foster independent research careers. By creating diverse opportunities across academia, industry, and government, the program enhances engagement in clinical and translational science research, ultimately contributing to significant advancements in health outcomes.

Larimer County Scholarship

The Larimer County Scholarship is designed to support post-secondary pursuits of students throughout the region and is funded through contributions from many community members and legacy gifts. 

The Larimer County scholarship is available to students who have participated in community or philanthropic activities designed to strengthen our community. Activities could include volunteering or fundraising to provide funding to local nonprofits or school-based initiatives.   

This scholarship is available to high school seniors living in Larimer County. The scholarship is open to students pursuing any kind of secondary education including four-year degrees, two-year degrees, trade schools, etc. 

Scholarship amount:

• $4,000

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.

The Classroom Research Grant 7-12, offered by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aims to promote classroom-based research in mathematics education. This grant encourages collaboration between college or university mathematics educators and grades 7-12 teachers, focusing on enhancing curriculum, engaging diverse students, and integrating technology. Successful proposals should address research design, data analysis, and anticipated impacts on student learning, ultimately leading to a publishable article in relevant mathematics education journals.

The Improving Students' Understanding of Geometry Grant, provided by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aims to enhance students' comprehension and application of geometry through innovative activities. Eligible applicants include educators teaching at the Pre-K-8 level, with proposals integrating technology and linking geometry to various fields such as art and science. The grant seeks to foster a deeper appreciation of geometry, ensuring that students achieve a greater understanding of its relevance in everyday contexts.

Our Consortium

ROAR (Rare Organic Acidemias Research) is a multi‑center study that brings together patients, families, clinicians, and researchers to better understand rare organic acidemias such as PA, MMA, GA‑1, IVA, and others. Our goal is to improve lifelong care and future treatment options for the rare disease community.

ROAR works in partnership with patient organizations, clinicians, and research networks to ensure that study findings are shared, accessible, and meaningful. Families play a central role in shaping our questions and informing our direction.

Rare Organic Acidemias Research (ROAR) Consortium Pilot and Feasibility Grants

The overall mission of the ROAR pilot & feasibility grant is to support small projects which advance diagnosis, enhance clinical trial readiness, and improve therapies and outcomes for individuals with organic acidemias. Potential pilot projects may include data-mining of existing data, genotype-phenotype correlations, observational studies, patient-reported outcomes assessments, focus groups with patients and advocacy groups, interventional clinical trials (with prior NIH approval), biomarker studies, ancillary studies to ROAR clinical projects, or other similar projects. Upon completion of funding, we expect that the data generated from ROAR pilot projects will be leveraged for larger grant applications and larger projects within and outside the consortium. Moreover, we expect that the data generated will inform the design of future clinical trials and clinical studies in organic acidemias and ultimately, will impact the lives of individuals with organic acidemias by improving the diagnosis, management, and treatment for these disorders. 

Annual funding of up to $40,000 (total cost, including indirect costs) is available to support one pilot project for a one-year period. The ROAR Consortium intends to fund at least 1 award this cycle starting on October 15, 2026.

The Cottrell IMPACT Award recognizes the significant contributions of Cottrell Scholars and Holland Award recipients in advancing science through leadership and service. It encourages excellence in academic leadership while raising the profile of awardees nationally. The award includes a $5,000 cash prize and highlights recipients at the Cottrell Scholar Conference and in professional journals, fostering a community of innovative researchers committed to impactful science.

In just one application, our Common Scholarship Application provides students access to more than 150 scholarship opportunities with awards ranging from $1,000 to more than $5,000. 

In 2025, San Diego Foundation awarded a record-breaking $5.5 million in scholarships to nearly 1,400 students.

William “Peasy” Johnson Scholarship

Plan to enroll full-time at an accredited four-year university, community college, or licensed career/technical school in the United States in fall.

The Classroom Research Grant PK-6, offered by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aims to foster collaborative research between teachers and mathematics educators in Pre-K-6 classrooms. This grant supports innovative projects focusing on curriculum development, instructional methods for diverse learners, and technology integration in mathematics education. Successful proposals should lead to publishable research articles that demonstrate a significant impact on student learning outcomes.

The Advanced Mathematics Education Course Work Scholarship, offered by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aims to enhance the teaching skills of educators in grades 9-12. This grant provides financial support for advanced courses in mathematics education, emphasizing specific mathematics topics. Eligible applicants must have at least three years of teaching experience and dedicate a significant portion of their day to teaching mathematics. This initiative seeks to foster high-quality mathematics instruction across schools.

The Cottrell STAR Award recognizes exceptional research and educational achievements of Cottrell Scholars and Holland Award recipients. It aims to enhance science education at U.S. and Canadian universities, promoting the Cottrell Scholars' national profile. The award includes a $5,000 cash prize, with applications initiated through nominations. Highlighted at the summer Cottrell Scholar Conference, the award supports a vibrant community of early career faculty committed to innovative research and teaching in the physical sciences.

The Allegheny County Airport Authority Charitable Foundation Scholarship Fund, established by The Pittsburgh Foundation, supports students pursuing careers in aviation. Eligible applicants must reside in specific Pennsylvania counties, demonstrate financial need, and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. Preference is given to military veterans. This initiative reflects the Foundation's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and fostering community engagement within the aviation sector.

The Level 1 Rural Outreach Grant, offered by the National Association of Realtors, aims to enhance REALTORS®' understanding of rural issues. With a maximum award of $3,000, this grant is available once per calendar year to associations. It supports educational efforts and promotes smart growth and diversity in rural communities. Grant recipients are required to complete an evaluation form for the funded activities, ensuring accountability and effectiveness in addressing rural challenges.

The Professor Emeritus John Edward Lillich Endowed Scholarship Program, funded by the United Negro College Fund, aims to provide need-based scholarships to students majoring in engineering at HBCUs, with a preference for those attending North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NCAT). This scholarship honors John Edward Lillich, a WWII veteran and advocate for women in engineering, supporting students in their pursuit of education and leadership roles.

The Otto & Aegun Hensens Educational Fund, established in 2018, supports Hawaii high school graduates pursuing degrees in medicine, science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. To qualify, applicants must be residents of Hawaii, maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher, and demonstrate financial need. Preference is given to previous recipients and members of the Aiea Korean Methodist Church. This fund plays a vital role in fostering future leaders in STEM fields.

In just one application, our Common Scholarship Application provides students access to more than 150 scholarship opportunities with awards ranging from $1,000 to more than $5,000.

In 2025, San Diego Foundation awarded a record-breaking $5.5 million in scholarships to nearly 1,400 students.

Wen Bo Wang Scholarship

Be graduating high school seniors and plan to enroll full-time at an accredited four-year university in the United States in fall.

In just one application, our Common Scholarship Application provides students access to more than 150 scholarship opportunities with awards ranging from $1,000 to more than $5,000.

In 2025, San Diego Foundation awarded a record-breaking $5.5 million in scholarships to nearly 1,400 students.

Rotary Club of San Diego Diana Venable Scholarship

Diana Venable was a successful San Diego entrepreneur who spent much of her adult life devoted to helping financially disadvantaged children and young adults achieve a sense of respect, responsibility, and academic achievement in order to overcome the repeated cycle of poverty. As a member of the Rotary Club of San Diego, Ms. Venable exemplified the Rotary Motto of “Service Above Self” by contributing her time, financial resources, leadership, and enthusiasm to the cause of helping others experience the fulfillment of a more rewarding life through personal and educational achievement. This Scholarship Fund is dedicated to carrying on a small portion of the legacy of Ms. Venable, who, unfortunately, died at an early age.

The purpose of the Diana Venable Scholarship Fund is to enable low to moderate-income students who have a record of academic achievement and personal growth, along with leadership potential for both professional careers and civic contributions, to attend a college program. The primary focus will be on students who have ties to Rotary School Programs at Hoover, San Diego High and Monarch or students who have past Rotary ties through the Club’s other school programs or Club members at large. Recipients will be chosen during the second semester of their junior year and must meet rigorous standards in their senior year including: academic performance, personal growth through extracurricular, community service, and other activities, financial need, a high degree of motivation, and excellent communication skills. Recipients are also expected to actively pursue other sources of financial aid. The Diana Venable Scholarship committee will select one recipient to receive $20,000 over 4-5 years.

This scholarship may be used for tuition, books, fees, room & board, and other educational expenses.

This scholarship may be renewable (depending upon available funds) for up to five consecutive years of undergraduate coursework provided the recipient maintains full-time enrollment, a minimum 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, and good citizenship record.

• Average number of awards: 1-2
• Average amount of award: not to exceed $5000 annually

The Healthcare Auxiliary Scholarship, offered by the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, provides two scholarships of $2,500 each for students pursuing careers in healthcare. Eligible applicants must reside in Canaan, Cornwall, Kent, North Canaan, Salisbury, or Sharon. Preference is given to those who actively volunteer and engage with their community. This initiative aims to support local students in achieving their academic and professional goals in the healthcare sector.