Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in Alabama

The Step Into Swim initiative aims to increase swimming participation among underserved communities by providing learn-to-swim programs. With over 300,000 swim lessons delivered, the program partners with various organizations to ensure children learn vital water safety skills. Funding is strictly for swim lessons, with a focus on developing safe swimmers who understand essential safety rules. Grants will prioritize facilities with certified pool operators, ensuring quality instruction and community engagement in aquatic activities.

The Foundation for Financial Planning provides grants to nonprofit organizations that connect volunteer financial planners with underserved individuals in need of financial guidance. Focused on scalable and sustainable programs, the grants support both established and new initiatives that foster one-on-one relationships between planners and clients. Eligible applicants must be U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits and engage Certified Financial Planner professionals to ensure quality advice is accessible to those facing financial crises.

Earl Haas Scholarship

The Earl Haas Scholarship was established through a bequest from the estate of Earl Haas. The purpose of the fund is to provide financial assistance for Kalamazoo County residents or persons who have graduated from a school within Kalamazoo County.

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.

Jean Hunse Scholarship

Jean Hunse became a certified public accountant in 1943, started and later served as president of the American Association of Women CPA's, and opened her own accounting firm in Kalamazoo in 1977. This scholarship was established in her honor and provides financial assistance to students studying business at Western Michigan University.

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.

George K. & Lois D. Stegman Scholarship Fund

The George K. and Lois D. Stegman Scholarship was established to invest in the higher education of residents of Kalamazoo County or students graduating from a high school within Kalamazoo County.

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.

Kreager Family Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 2001 by the Kreager family to provide financial assistance to college-bound graduating high school seniors that have suffered the loss of a parent or parents through death or abandonment after infancy.

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

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.

Melissa Wroblewski Scholarship

The Melissa Wroblewski Memorial Scholarship was established in loving memory of Melissa Wroblewski, a graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School. This award is presented annually to a graduating senior from Kalamazoo Central or Loy Norrix High School who desires to pursue studies in the visual arts.

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.

Stark Community Foundation

Since 1963, Stark Community Foundation has been helping individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits like you support the causes you care about.

In addition to personalized donor services, we manage a competitive grantmaking program and award grants to address local needs. Today, the Foundation stewards over 1,000 charitable funds totaling $485 million in assets and has granted more than $300 million to nonprofits in our community and beyond.

Scholarships

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties.

The Louise Nader Khourey Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Louise Nader Khourey Memorial Scholarship Fund assists graduating high school seniors planning careers in foreign language education OR senior-level undergraduate or graduate foreign language students who have met the criteria for student teaching in a licensure program. 

This scholarship is renewable.

Wade & Clio Van Valkenburg Scholarship

The honorable Wade Van Valkenburg was a Circuit Court judge in Kalamazoo for six years. He was concerned about the youth in this community, especially those who have had to overcome circumstances or obstacles that may otherwise hinder them from seeking training or higher education. This scholarship fund was established in 2004 through the Wade Van Valkenburg Trust to provide educational scholarships for Kalamazoo County students facing financial hardship or challenges in their education due to past legal issues or accusations. Additional application materials are required for this scholarship.

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.

Kalamazoo Community Foundation

Fueling Equity & Racial Justice Since 1925

KZCF is dedicated to our mission to create a thriving community where people, resources and expertise are mobilized to advance racial, social and economic justice in Kalamazoo County.

Scholarships & Education Grants

For All Levels of Education After High School

Kalamazoo Community Foundation is dedicated to creating pathways to higher education so students can thrive in their academic pursuits and for a lifetime. We oversee more than 60 scholarships and education grants (many of which are multiyear awards) for college, graduate school, career training and more.

Jerry A. & M. Christine Walker Scholarship

The Jerry A. and M. Christine Walker Scholarship was established in 2019 by Christine Walker. The purpose of the fund is to provide financial assistance for Kalamazoo County residents or persons who have graduated from a school within Kalamazoo County to help them reach their goals of increased financial independence through employment. Additional application materials are required for this scholarship.

Multiyear Award; Renews Annually

Kalamazoo Community Foundation

Fueling Equity & Racial Justice Since 1925

KZCF is dedicated to our mission to create a thriving community where people, resources and expertise are mobilized to advance racial, social and economic justice in Kalamazoo County.

Scholarships & Education Grants

For All Levels of Education After High School

Kalamazoo Community Foundation is dedicated to creating pathways to higher education so students can thrive in their academic pursuits and for a lifetime. We oversee more than 60 scholarships and education grants (many of which are multiyear awards) for college, graduate school, career training and more.

High on Heroes Scholarship

The High on Heroes Scholarship was established in 1993 by High on Heroes Inc. (a local air show) to provide scholarship assistance for post-high school education for family members of law enforcement, firefighters, public safety, and emergency personnel employed in Kalamazoo County. Special consideration will be given to applicants who are related to persons who died while employed by a qualifying agency. Even greater consideration may be given to applicants related to an employee who died in the line of duty. Additional application materials are required for this scholarship.

Multiyear Award; Renews Annually

Kalamazoo Community Foundation

Fueling Equity & Racial Justice Since 1925

KZCF is dedicated to our mission to create a thriving community where people, resources and expertise are mobilized to advance racial, social and economic justice in Kalamazoo County.

Scholarships & Education Grants

For All Levels of Education After High School

Kalamazoo Community Foundation is dedicated to creating pathways to higher education so students can thrive in their academic pursuits and for a lifetime. We oversee more than 60 scholarships and education grants (many of which are multiyear awards) for college, graduate school, career training and more.

Glen C. Smith Jr./KCC Caddie Scholarship

The Glen C. Smith Jr./KCC Caddie Scholarship was established at the Kalamazoo Community Foundation in 1985 by the Kalamazoo Country Club Caddie Committee in honor of Glen Smith, Jr. The purpose of the scholarship is to provide scholarship assistance to young people in qualified caddie programs at member clubs of the Golf Association of Michigan and the Western Golf Association.

Multiyear Award; Renews Annually

The James & Ursula Williams Teacher Grants Program : Field Trip Grants

As a born native of Vallejo, James was generationally admired for his enduring work ethic and was lovingly embraced for his dedication and support to family, friends, and community. Ursula’s self-motivation, persistence, and quest for excellence brought her professional recognition. As a community activist, she shared her leadership organizational skills as a member of community and political organizations who made positive contributions to the community.

In life, they created and took advantage of all opportunities presented to them. Both recognized the important role that education made in creating healthy, happy, and productive lives for themselves, their children, and their grandchildren. The Williams Family hopes to continue their legacy through The James & Ursula Williams Family Fund.

Field Trip Grants:

Grants of up to $1,000 are available to fund 1-day excursions; field trips should have an academic component that supplements your classroom curriculum. Funds can cover the cost of transportation, and admission fees. Examples: Vallejo Flood and Water District, the Exploratorium, etc. The purpose of this program is to bring learning outside of the classroom and provide hands-on experiences to students.

Tulsa Community Foundation

TCF is among the nation’s largest community foundations, managing over $6 billion in assets and distributing $300 million or more each year to charities across northeastern Oklahoma and the United States. Established in 1998, TCF assists nonprofit agencies, corporations, individuals and families with flexible charitable giving solutions. TCF delivers easy, low-cost solutions to benefit the community and region.   

Scholarships

Tulsa Community Foundation maintains more than forty scholarship funds, assisting students locally and nationally. The diversity of eligibility criteria for each fund reflects the variety of donor motivations to create or support scholarship funds.

Annually, TCF distributes funds to assist hundreds of students with educational expenses at colleges, universities, vocational-technical schools, and primary and secondary schools.

Invited Scholars Fund

The Invited Scholars Award supports students enrolled in undergraduate, trade or vocational programs at U.S. institutions. 

The Jim Henson Foundation offers annual grants for innovative contemporary puppet theater works, with three categories: Workshop Grants ($3,000), Production Grants ($7,000), and Family Grants ($4,000). These grants support puppet creation and performance, encouraging artistic excellence. Eligibility is primarily for IRS tax-exempt organizations, with individual artists needing a fiscal sponsor. International collaborations are welcome if the primary artist is a U.S. citizen. Grants are not available for projects based outside the U.S. or for non-puppet related activities.

Women's Education Coalition Grant

This multiyear grant helps women who are unemployed or struggling to support themselves and their families. This scholarship supports tuition, college expenses, and helps build a better future for you and your family. 

This education grant was established by a coalition of four member organizations: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, YWCA Kalamazoo and the former Kalamazoo Network.

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 is a multiyear scholarship, meaning that it is eligible to repeat annually up to the degree/program completion.

The NIDCR Dentist Scientist Career Transition Award (K22) supports dentists transitioning from NIH postdoctoral roles to tenure-track faculty positions. It provides two years of mentored research training in the NIH Intramural Research Program, followed by three years of independent research funding at an extramural institution. Key deadlines for grant applications include February 12, 2025, and subsequent dates in June and October 2025, with additional deadlines for renewal and AIDS-related applications.

Ann N. MacGregor Scholarship

This fund was established in 2007, through a gift from the estate of Ann N. MacGregor, to provide scholarship assistance for incoming freshmen, undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in a visual arts curriculum. Demonstrating financial need is not required, but preferred. Additional application materials are required for this scholarship.

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.

Greater Salina Community Foundation

Our mission is to build permanent endowment funds and meet charitable community needs. The Foundation achieves its mission by:

• Enabling donors to fulfill their charitable desires
• Increasing the capacity of nonprofit organizations to fulfill their individual missions
• Facilitating prudent management and care of funds
• Promoting community philanthropy through education
• Providing affiliate services to neighboring communities
• Meeting needs through grants, scholarships, and pass-through funds

Washington County Community Foundation

The Washington County Community Foundation is an affiliate of the Greater Salina Community Foundation which manages scholarships for itself and other affiliate foundations.

Scholarship Program

The community foundation offers a wide variety of scholarships for students, provided by the generosity of local donors. Whether you are a high school senior, a current college student, or a non-traditional student we work with donors to help you take the next step in your education.

M.C. Hess and Margaret Hess Boyle Educational Fund for Washington County Scholarship

For graduates or students in good standing qualifying for graduation from Washington County, Kansas. Preference shall be given to applicants from Mahaska, Haddam, and Morrowville areas, but it is not a requirement. 

Renewals

• Scholarship recipients are eligible to reapply as part of the total applicant pool, so long as they continue to meet the scholarship criteria. 

The Fiscal Year 2027 Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP) by the Department of Defense aims to enhance research capabilities at U.S. higher education institutions. It provides funding for the acquisition of essential research equipment to support education in fields critical to national defense. This initiative specifically excludes for-profit organizations, ensuring that the resources are directed towards accredited educational institutions committed to advancing scientific knowledge and engineering expertise.

The Fiscal Year 2027 Department of War Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP) aims to enhance the capabilities of U.S. higher education institutions by providing funding for essential research equipment. This initiative supports the education of scientists and engineers in fields critical to national defense. However, for-profit organizations are not eligible for participation, ensuring that funds are directed towards accredited educational institutions.

Gamma Mu Foundation

The Gamma Mu Foundation provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that serve clients and communities, particularly in rural and underserved areas across the United States. The Foundation awards grants for initiatives focused on community support services, public education and research, and HIV and health programs benefiting the LGBTQ+ community.

Additionally, the Foundation offers academic scholarships to LGBTQ+ individuals facing financial hardship and the impacts of discrimination. These scholarships are designed for those who actively support their local LGBTQ+ communities and demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing their education or vocational training. The Gamma Mu Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Scholarships

The Gamma Mu Foundation is committed to supporting the academic aspirations of gay men and LGBTQ+ students through our annual scholarship program. Scholarships provide financial assistance for a wide range of educational paths, including vocational training, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and graduate or professional programs.

Scholarships are awarded exclusively for full-time study at accredited institutions or programs chosen by the student.

Students attending community colleges or accredited vocational programs are encouraged to apply.

Applicants must select one scholarship category that reflects both their academic status for the upcoming fall term and identity. Categories include:

• Gay Male First-Year Student – For students entering college or technical school directly from high school.
• Gay Male Undergraduate Student – For current, returning, or adult undergraduate students enrolled in a college or technical school.
• Gay Male Graduate Student – For students pursuing graduate or professional degrees.
• LGBTQ+ Undergraduate Student – Open to undergraduate students of all LGBTQ+ identities.
• LGBTQ+ Graduate Student – Open to graduate and professional students of all LGBTQ+ identities.

Submitting multiple applications or applying in a category that does not align with your academic status or identity may lead to disqualification. 

Use of Scholarship

Scholarships may be used to cover tuition, books, fees, and other college-related expenses at accredited colleges, universities, vocational, or professional schools. All scholarship funds are disbursed directly to the institution and must be applied to the fall or spring term following the award. The scholarship is a one-time grant, and continued financial support beyond the initial award is not implied. Please see FAQ section.

Award Duration

• Scholarships are awarded for one year only.
• Recipients must reapply each year for funding consideration.
• The Foundation does not offer multi-year scholarships.

Applications are assessed based on the following criteria:

• Financial need
• Experience overcoming discrimination or marginalization
• Leadership in promoting diversity and inclusion
• Demonstrated LGBTQ+ community involvement
• Educational and career goals
• Extracurricular activities
• Academic and professional achievements

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 EEFF Educational Leadership Grant, initiated in 2008 by the Edward E. Ford Foundation, supports innovative proposals from independent schools that aim to impact educational practices nationally. Schools can apply without prior invitations, and grants are awarded based on proposal quality. Eligibility includes serving grades 9-12, having a diverse mission, and a head of school in their third year. The program encourages original thinking and partnerships beyond the school community, aiming for significant, replicable change.

Scholarships for High School Seniors

Mid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.

Talbot Co. Public Schools Career and Technology Scholarship

Awarded to students graduating from Talbot County Public Schools, who are planning to attend a vocational, trade, or career school.

Beckley Area Foundation

Beckley Area Foundation was established in January 1985 by ten community-minded citizens. It began with a gift of $1.1 million from the Dr. Thomas Walker Memorial Health Foundation as “seed” money for this Raleigh County project. BAF assets have grown to over $70 million with over 500 different funds managed by our three trustee banks. Today, Beckley Area Foundation is one of West Virginia’s largest community foundations.

Since its inception, BAF has distributed over $23 million to charities and other worthy projects in the fields of education, public recreation, health & human services, the arts, animal services and beautification.

Scholarships

The Beckley Area Foundation proudly manages scholarship funds established by individuals, businesses, and organizations dedicated to helping students pursue higher education. Many of these scholarships are tailored for specific schools, fields of study, or graduates from local high schools, while others offer broader opportunities. No matter the path, our scholarships aim to support students from our region as they work toward achieving their educational goals.

Most of these scholarships must be awarded to students from our geographic area or at least preference given to such students. While the majority of scholarships benefit Raleigh County applicants there are others designated for Fayette, Summers, Webster, and Wyoming students. 

Mary Louise Klaus Scholarship

A need and merit based scholarship; for Raleigh County, WV high school graduates continuing their education at any accredited vocational school, college or university.

This scholarship is renewable.

The Edward E. Ford Foundation offers Traditional Grants to independent schools in the U.S. for projects that enhance educational opportunities. With over $118 million granted since its inception, the Foundation emphasizes the importance of matching funds, requiring a dollar-for-dollar commitment from schools. Eligible institutions must serve grades 9-12, be NAIS members, and have a qualified Head of School. Applications are considered during the June and November Agendas, supporting diverse educational initiatives.