Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in Alabama

Armstrong County Community Foundation (The Community Foundation Serving the Heart of Western Pennsylvania)

In 1997 Merchants National Bank, an Armstrong County community bank, marked its 100th anniversary. The centennial celebration included a unique expression of gratitude to the community in the form of $100,000 to be used as a seed fund to initiate a community foundation for Armstrong County. The bank challenged the community to keep the principal balance of the endowed funds intact and spend only a portion of the interest earnings to ensure a lasting legacy.

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Kay Detrick Owen Scholarship

The Kay Detrick Owen Scholarship Fund was established in 2007 by The ARC Manor Foundation to support the education of students who plan to major in, or are currently studying for, a degree in human services.

A human services professional is a generic term for people who hold professional and paraprofessional jobs in diverse settings such as group homes, halfway houses, community mental health centers, programs concerned with drugs and alcohol, domestic violence, aging, correctional programs, programs for people with intellectual disabilities, social workers, and probation/parole officials. Human services is a field of study that assists individuals and communities to function as effectively as possible in major domains of living. Its objective is to meet human needs through an applied knowledge base, focusing on prevention as well as remediation of problems, and maintaining a commitment to improving the overall quality of life of service populations.

Suggested (but not limited to) acceptable examples of college majors and human services positions are psychology, sociology, social work, adult education, individual and family guidance counseling, behavioral management, criminal justice, probation officer, rehabilitation, mental health counselor, marriage and family therapist, substance abuse counselor, grief counselor, case manager, child advocate, child life specialist, etc. 

The National PTA Outstanding Advocacy Awards recognize exemplary efforts by state, local, and individual PTA advocates dedicated to improving the education, health, and well-being of children. Established by the National PTA, these awards highlight four categories of advocacy: Outstanding State PTA Advocacy, Outstanding Local PTA Advocacy, Shirley Igo Advocate of the Year, and Outstanding Youth Advocate of the Year. Awardees will be celebrated at the National PTA’s Legislative Conference in March 2026.

The DARPA Tactical Technology Office (TTO) seeks innovative proposals to enhance national security through cutting-edge technology. This initiative focuses on Design/Build/Buy, Surge and Sustain, Long Range Effects, and Disruptive Innovation. By fostering rapid adaptation and sustainable force structures, TTO aims to demonstrate revolutionary systems that are not only effective but also affordable and responsive to emerging challenges.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

John Masus Memorial Scholarship Fund

Originally the Masus Financial Group Scholarship Fund, the fund was renamed the John Masus Memorial Scholarship Fund as a memorial to John Masus at the time of his passing.

The Fund supports scholarships to graduating high school seniors who reside within the 60510 zip code in Kane County. 

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. The most common scholarship award amount is $1,000 for a single year. Scholarships are designated as non-renewable one-year awards or renewable multi-year awards depending upon the scholarship fund criteria, as established by the donor of the scholarship fund.

The FY 2027 DoN HBCU/MI Program aims to enhance the research capabilities of Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Institutions. This initiative promotes innovative solutions to naval science challenges while engaging students and faculty in STEM fields. Key objectives include strengthening research infrastructure and fostering collaborative efforts across institutions. White papers are due by September 18, 2026, and should clearly outline the proposed advancements in naval-relevant science and technology.

About Us

The Wenner-Gren Foundation is a private operating foundation dedicated to providing leadership in support of anthropology and anthropologists worldwide.

Our Mission

The Wenner-Gren Foundation is committed to playing a leadership role in anthropology. We help anthropologists advance anthropological knowledge, build sustainable careers, and amplify the impact of anthropology within the wider world. We dedicate ourselves to broadening the conversation in anthropology to reflect the full diversity of the field.

Fejos Fellowship in Public Media

General

Early career scholars frequently lack the time and resources needed to tell anthropological stories in registers other than print. Through this program, we support projects that will amplify the impact of anthropology through filmmaking, audio production, and other creative multimodal work.

The Foundation has no preference for any methodology, research location, or subfield. We encourage the use of novel approaches to anthropological communication to reach new audiences. Applicants should have proven expertise and a commitment to innovation in the medium in which they work. We encourage new solutions to the challenge of ethically representing diverse communities—for instance, by seeking their permission through public forums, promoting their greater involvement in the conception, production and/or distribution of audio/visual projects, guaranteeing their right to the materials produced, and releasing copyrights to them.

Award Money

Fejos fellowships provide up to $80,000 for a 9-month stipend, toward the completion of a film, video, audio, or other public media project that is based on anthropological research already completed by the applicant. Wenner-Gren awards do not include funds to cover institutional overhead or any fees related to the administration of our grants and fellowships.

About Americans for the Arts

Building Collective Power for the Arts

Americans for the Arts is the nation's leading arts advocacy organization. We mobilize advocates, produce trusted research, and secure bipartisan wins that protect funding and expand arts access nationwide — work we've been doing for more than 65 years.

Americans for the Arts advances the people, organizations, and systems supporting arts and culture across America through advocacy, research, and national convening.

We envision a nation where freedom of creative expression is upheld as a fundamental human right, where arts and culture are woven into the fabric of civic life, resourced in every community, and accessible to everyone.

Request for Proposals (RFP)

Strengthening Leadership Capacity of Local Arts Agencies

Given the essential role of LAAs, and to meet this important moment, AFTA seeks an energized and experienced consulting team with expertise to help it develop a comprehensive strategy to strengthen leadership and field capacity across the LAA ecosystem. This work is not intended to operate in isolation, but rather to complement and build upon existing efforts already underway in the field. The focus is on identifying where AFTA can add value through targeted, strategic support that enhances and aligns with broader sector-wide initiatives. 

This effort will focus on empowering LAA agency leaders—a critical component of AFTA’s strategic direction—to expand their capacity, foster innovation, and advance equity in a rapidly evolving environment. Building on existing efforts across the field, AFTA will invest in strong, effective LAA leadership, broaden cultural access and participation nationwide, and position the field for a more vibrant, resilient, and sustainable future. 

With approximately 2,200 LAAs nationally validated in AFTA’s LAA Wayfinder, the selected consulting team will help AFTA gain a deeper understanding of the gaps, needs and opportunities shaping LAA leadership capacity, with attention to Native, rural, small, midsize, and large communities, and identify where AFTA is uniquely positioned to contribute. These insights will guide AFTA’s future direction in its service to LAAs nationwide and ensure AFTA’s contributions complement—rather than duplicate—the work of other entities, collectively strengthening the broader LAA ecosystem.  

In addition, by intentionally working in partnership with peer organizations and stakeholders across the field—and by understanding gaps in coverage and opportunities for growth—AFTA will be positioned to work with partners to support the expansion of the LAA network in communities where local public cultural infrastructure is limited or absent. This collaborative approach will help ensure more equitable access to arts and culture while reinforcing the role of LAAs as essential community anchors, particularly in underserved regions. 

The JAMS Foundation / NAFCM Mini-Grant Program offers funding to support innovative community mediation programs that foster sustainability and growth. This initiative emphasizes conflict resolution training for local leaders, enabling them to effectively address community issues. Through structured peer interactions, grantees share best practices and insights. Resources generated by the program are freely accessible to enhance the wider community mediation field, ensuring shared knowledge and enhanced practices across the nation.

Weber Specialties Company Scholarship

This scholarship was established by the Weber Specialties Company located in Schoolcraft, Michigan to support students pursuing a certificate or two-year or four-year degree in a manufacturing curriculum.

KZCF scholarships may be applied to any items under your school’s cost of attendance (COA). Each school has a different COA that may include items such as tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, health insurance, etc. Scholarship payments are sent directly to your institution.

This scholarship is a one-time award, meaning that it will not repeat in subsequent years. The money awarded can be applied to your education costs alongside other scholarships or funding that you may receive, and there are no necessary steps once funds are sent.

Scholarship funds are established by local individuals, families, businesses and organizations. They provide tuition assistance and financial support to new and continuing college students, and many offer renewable awards.

Jessica Lynn Herman Memorial Scholarship

Graduating high school senior from the Huntington Beach High School District with a passion for both the sciences and humanities and demonstrated commitment to mentoring or tutoring. 

The Global Technology Industry Association (GTIA) Grant supports nonprofits and schools leveraging technology to enhance lives in under-resourced communities. GTIA provides funding for innovative solutions addressing challenges like broadband access and educational equity. Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply, especially those referred by GTIA members. Key focus areas include educational technology, bridging the digital divide, and workforce initiatives that promote equitable access to resources and opportunities.

The National Leadership Grants for Libraries (NLG-L) program, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, aims to enhance library services across the nation. By supporting projects that promote adult reading, health and financial literacy, and effective use of new technologies, this initiative fosters community prosperity and builds partnerships among libraries, archives, and museums. The grants ensure that libraries can respond effectively to public needs and enhance their contributions to education and information access.

The Mark B. Holzman Scholarship, offered by the Delaware Community Foundation, provides a one-time award of $2,500 to eligible Delaware residents. Applicants must have graduated from an accredited undergraduate institution and been accepted into an accredited graduate program in fields such as medicine, law, or ministry. This scholarship aims to support students pursuing advanced degrees while maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0. For more details, visit delcf.org/scholarships.

The Dave Caldwell Scholarship, sponsored by the American Water Works Association, offers a $5,000 award to exceptional undergraduate or graduate students pursuing engineering degrees in the drinking water field. This competitive scholarship honors Dave Caldwell, co-founder of Brown & Caldwell, emphasizing the importance of fostering future talent in water infrastructure and habitat restoration. Eligible candidates include female and minority students committed to improving water systems and ensuring sustainable practices.

About Us

Making a Difference, Together

The Community Foundation of Monroe County (CFMC) builds a thriving, inclusive community through the power of philanthropy. By connecting generous donors with local causes, we help ensure Monroe County remains a place where everyone can thrive. Since our founding, we’ve been a trusted steward of community resources, fostering impactful collaborations and sustainable solutions to address challenges in education, health, poverty, and community development.

Scholarship Opportunities

Whether you’re heading to college, pursuing a technical career, or furthering your education as an adult, there’s a scholarship for you.

Ahadi Women in Science Scholarship

For female graduating seniors from Monroe County high schools entering a science-related field.

The AIAA Foundation Roger W. Kahn Scholarship honors Roger Kahn's legacy in aviation and jazz. Aimed at high school seniors pursuing engineering, it offers up to four $10,000 scholarships, along with mentorship from AIAA professionals. Eligible students must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 and demonstrate interest in aerospace. This initiative not only supports education but encourages underrepresented students to engage in the aerospace field, reflecting AIAA's commitment to diversity and excellence.

The MOSAIC Postdoctoral Career Transition Award (K99/R00) aims to enhance diversity in the biomedical sciences by supporting early career investigators from diverse backgrounds. This program facilitates the transition from mentored postdoctoral positions to independent faculty roles. Awardees will receive NIH research support and engage in professional development, mentoring, and networking activities to foster their competitive research careers, ultimately contributing to a more diverse scientific workforce in NIH mission areas.

Greater Kansas City Community Foundation 

The Greater Kansas City Community Foundation is a nationally respected leader in charitable giving, dedicated to improving quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing philanthropy, educating and connecting donors to community needs, and leading on critical local issues. Founded in 1978 with a simple belief that charitable giving should be accessible to all, the Foundation has grown into one of the largest and most innovative public charities in the country, offering donor advised funds and other giving vehicles that make philanthropy convenient, efficient, and impactful. Today, it manages more than $7 billion in assets, administers over 7,000 charitable funds, and has distributed more than $8 billion in grants, consistently ranking among the top community foundations nationwide.

Kelly Williams Memorial Scholarship Fund

Kelly Williams Memorial Scholarship Fund provides scholarship support to children, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren of current Altec Industries employees who are pursuing an engineering degree at an accredited two year or four year college or university. Eligible applicants must be enrolled or planning to enroll as full time students in an engineering program and meet academic requirements, including a minimum 3.5 high school GPA and qualifying ACT or SAT scores for U.S. students, or an 80 percent honours average for Canadian students. The scholarship supports both U.S. and Canadian applicants who meet eligibility criteria and are preparing for careers in engineering.

The AWWA Scholarship Program, sponsored by the American Water Works Association, aims to support students pursuing Master's or PhD degrees in water treatment science and engineering. This initiative emphasizes the importance of innovative solutions for water treatment challenges, highlighting AWWA's commitment to the future of the water industry. The Stantec Scholarship specifically aids students enrolled in research-focused programs, fostering the development of forward-thinking water treatment strategies.

The DLA Piper Scholarship Programs - LEAP (Legal Elite Athlete Program) aims to support student athletes and veterans pursuing a legal career. Administered by Scholarship America, this initiative promotes access to legal education for individuals who demonstrate discipline, resilience, and leadership. Eligible candidates must be at least 18 years old, have completed two years of undergraduate study, and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. This program reflects a commitment to breaking down financial barriers in education.

The BRAIN Initiative, led by the NIH, aims to advance neurotechnologies at institutions with limited NIH funding. This funding opportunity encourages collaboration and knowledge transfer to integrate innovative neurotechnologies into research and training programs. While applications are currently not being solicited, potential applicants should start developing partnerships and projects in preparation for future submissions. This initiative will enhance the dissemination of BRAIN technologies and support novel research practices.

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.

MassMutual Scholars Fund

To support graduating high school seniors from Springfield, MA or Enfield, CT interested in pursuing careers in financial services, business or information technology.

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 DLA Piper BRAVO Scholarship Program, managed by Scholarship America, supports veterans and student athletes pursuing legal careers. It aims to remove financial barriers and promote diversity in law by offering scholarships to qualified individuals. Eligible applicants must be 18 or older, have a minimum 3.0 GPA, and plan to enroll in law school within a year. This initiative fosters discipline and resilience in pursuing legal education and careers.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is continuing its support for the NeuroNEXT initiative, which focuses on conducting clinical trials and biomarker validation studies for neurological disorders. This infrastructure aims to foster innovation and enhance the development of effective neurotherapeutics for both adult and pediatric populations. While applications for network clinical research sites are not currently being solicited, this notice allows potential applicants to prepare collaborative and responsive applications.

About the Healthy Soils Program Block Grant

Through the Block Grant model, CDFA's Office of Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability (OARS), partners with regional organizations to administer local grant programs that support farmers and ranchers implementing healthy soils practices.

Block Grant Recipients work directly with producers in their region by providing outreach, technical assistance, and support throughout project implementation. These organizations manage the local application process, recommend projects for funding to CDFA, establish agreements with producers who carry out soil-health practices on their operations, and manage funded on-farm projects.

By working through trusted regional partners, the Block Grant model helps ensure funding reaches producers along with locally informed support and technical expertise, thus expanding the adoption of soil-building practices across California.

The Paul and Helen Lenchuk Engineering Student Scholarship Program, established by the NCMA Education and Research Foundation, aims to support full-time graduate students in engineering fields across the U.S. and Canada. With a focus on innovative uses of concrete masonry, this program awards a non-renewable $5,000 scholarship annually. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrate proficiency in English, ensuring a commitment to advancing the concrete masonry and hardscape industry.

The Curtis Rex Carter Applied Science Scholarship provides a $2,500 award to graduating high school seniors from select schools who are majoring in Electrical, Chemical, Computer Engineering, Chemistry, or Applied Micro-biology. This renewable scholarship supports students maintaining a 2.8 GPA and enrolled in at least 12 credit hours. Applicants must demonstrate financial need by submitting FAFSA-SAI and an essay. The scholarship aims to foster academic excellence and support students in pursuing their educational goals.