Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in Alabama

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. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.

The Central Presbyterian Church - Raisner Family Scholarship Fund

The Central Presbyterian Church-Raisner Family Scholarship Fund assists deserving Stark County students who are active in the church or who are children or dependents of an active member of Central Presbyterian Church who are pursuing first-year post-secondary education. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and demonstrate financial need.

Amount:

• Varies. Minimum $500.

Renewable:

• No

The Mary Ellen Kowalski Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of Mary Ellen, a dedicated educator and community member. Established by her husband in 2025, this scholarship aims to support graduating high school seniors from Marathon County pursuing post-secondary education. Applicants are evaluated on their academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and personal challenges, ensuring that deserving students receive the financial assistance needed to succeed in their educational endeavors.

The Botany in Action Fellowship Program at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is designed for PhD students in plant-based research. It provides $6,000 for research and outreach expenses, an all-expenses paid trip for science outreach training, and opportunities to connect with the public through various outreach initiatives. This program nurtures the next generation of plant scientists committed to impactful research and educational outreach, fostering a deeper understanding of plant science.

The Great Lakes Safety Training Center Scholarship, established by local contractors and businesses, aims to support residents of Gratiot or Saginaw County pursuing careers in trades or construction with a focus on safety. This scholarship is available to individuals enrolled in degree or certification programs at accredited institutions in Michigan, emphasizing the importance of safety in skilled trades. With awards typically ranging from $500 to $4,000, this initiative addresses the growing demand for skilled workers in the community.

The Sundance Institute's Native Lab Application aims to support emerging filmmakers and episodic creators from U.S.-based Native American, Native Hawaiian, Alaskan Native, and Indigenous communities, as well as Indigenous Canadian artists. This initiative nurtures independent storytelling and creativity, providing vital resources and opportunities for underrepresented voices in film. Eligible applicants must submit a narrative feature or episodic pilot script. The program will accept three U.S.-based projects and one Canada-based project, with activities held virtually and in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

The Guadalupe “Lupe” Gomez Memorial Scholarship, established by Lupe's family after her passing in 2009, honors her legacy of dedication and service in education and the community. This scholarship supports students from Saginaw County who demonstrate hard work and self-motivation, particularly those pursuing Career and Technical Education (CTE) or other degrees. With awards ranging from $500 to $4,000, it aims to empower the next generation of skilled workers in various trades.

The Hebert Memorial Scholarship, established by Jacquelyn and Donald Hebert, aims to support Saginaw County residents pursuing higher education. With a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0, this scholarship is available to graduating high school seniors and current college students enrolled full-time. The Heberts, who valued education and community service, created this fund to help students achieve their academic goals, reflecting their commitment to enhancing the lives of local youth.

About Us

The Community Foundation of Dickinson County, Inc. was established in 1999 by a group of civic-minded individuals who cherished their community and wanted to ensure future generations experience the same quality of living they had received in Dickinson County. These visionaries secured the future of the Foundation by establishing an Endowed Founder’s Fund.

Woodrow and Esther Tyrell Scholarship - (2 or more) $20,000

The Woodrow and Esther Tyrell Scholarship honors the lives and legacy of Benjamin Woodrow Tyrell and Esther Tyrell, whose commitment to hard work, service, and education continues to benefit students in Dickinson County. Born in Talmage, Kansas, Woodrow Tyrell served in World War II before returning home to work at the Abilene Flour Mill for 33 years. Esther Tyrell, originally from Longford, Kansas, was a longtime educator in Dickinson County. Married in 1952, the Tyrells shared a strong belief in the importance of education. Through their generous endowment at the Community Foundation of Dickinson County, their legacy continues to support students and foster brighter futures through educational opportunity.

About Us

The Community Foundation of Dickinson County, Inc. was established in 1999 by a group of civic-minded individuals who cherished their community and wanted to ensure future generations experience the same quality of living they had received in Dickinson County. These visionaries secured the future of the Foundation by establishing an Endowed Founder’s Fund.  

Woodrow and Esther Tyrell Technical Scholarship - (Up to 5) $10,000

The Woodrow and Esther Tyrell Technical Scholarship honors the legacy of Benjamin Woodrow Tyrell and Esther Tyrell, whose lives reflected a strong commitment to hard work, service, and education. Born in Talmage, Kansas, Woodrow Tyrell served in World War II before returning to Dickinson County, where he worked for 33 years at the Abilene Flour Mill. Esther Tyrell, originally from Longford, Kansas, dedicated her career to education in Dickinson County. Married in 1952, the Tyrells believed deeply in the value of education and skills-based training. 

Implementing Germline and Somatic Testing for Precision Medicine in Community-Based Prostate Cancer Care 

The intent of this Request for Proposal (RFP) is to invite organizations to submit applications to host a 2.5-to-3 hour medical education program at or nearby the organization, to be led by 1-2 Visiting Professors (VPs) with expertise matched to the organization’s unmet educational and pragmatic needs related to integrating and acting on germline and somatic (tumor and/or ctDNA) testing for patients with prostate cancer. Following the education program, organizations will implement their action plan to incorporate, increase, or improve the use of guideline-concordant germline and somatic testing to improve prostate cancer patient care.

The total budget for the RFP is $250,000 USD, with plans to support 5-7 organizations. Individual project budgets should not exceed $50,000 USD.

The Ohio Children’s Foundation Grant aims to enhance the lives of at-risk children and families through funding for early childhood education programs. With nearly $1 million awarded in grants over three years, the Foundation supports initiatives that promote school readiness, advocate for public policies, and provide resources for parents. Prioritizing children aged 0-5, the Foundation seeks innovative programs that address early brain development and minimize toxic stress, ensuring a brighter future for vulnerable families.

The AOA/AOSA Opportunities in Optometry Grant program aims to promote inclusion within the optometric profession. This program offers $1,500 grants to under-represented minority students who are applying to optometry school. Eligible candidates include U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or DACA recipients who meet specific academic criteria. The initiative seeks to enhance diversity in the field and expand access to primary eye care, supporting the next generation of optometrists.

The Get Out and Get Active Grant by the Anxiety & Depression Initiative supports innovative projects that promote the mental health benefits of physical activity. This funding aims to reduce anxiety and depression through community fitness programs and educational campaigns, emphasizing the intersection of physical activity and mental health. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and academic institutions in the U.S. seeking to enhance well-being and integrate active lifestyles for individuals living with mental illness.

Community Foundation for Mason County, MI

At the Community Foundation for Mason County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues. As a leader in community philanthropy, building a vibrant community with great opportunities for all, we are focused on advancing education, increasing recreation opportunities, and community and economic development.

The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.

Virginia Scott Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Ludington Area School District, which established the Virginia Scott Memorial Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Mason County.

This scholarship is presented to a graduating senior of Ludington High School with a cumulative grade point average of 2.8 or higher on a 4-point scale. The recipient must pursue a degree or certification at any two or four-year accredited college, university, or vocational/technical school.

Community Foundation for Mason County, MI

At the Community Foundation for Mason County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues. As a leader in community philanthropy, building a vibrant community with great opportunities for all, we are focused on advancing education, increasing recreation opportunities, and community and economic development.

The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.

Bethany Lutheran Church Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Bethany Lutheran Church Congregational Council, which established the Bethany Lutheran Church Scholarship Fund of the Community Foundation for Mason County.

In the 1870s, Danish immigrants to the Ludington area met to pursue a dream to worship God, provide Christian education, and support one another through fellowship. In 1878 they established the Danish Evangelical Lutheran Church, which later became Bethany Lutheran Church. Danish language worship services were held into the 1940s. A mural depicting Bethany's longest-serving pastor, The Reverend John Christensen, can be viewed from the parking lot west of the James Street Plaza. The congregation continued to worship and serve the community from its 1101 South Madison location until 2018 when, due to declining membership and financial support, it sold the church building to the Salvation Army and accepted the invitation of Grace Episcopal Church to share its building. Bethany held worship services there until March of 2019. As a memorial to all those who were a part of Bethany's ministry and in support of young people desiring post-high school education, Bethany's last act of service was establishing an endowed scholarship fund through the Community Foundation for Mason County.

The New Haven Scholarship Fund offers financial assistance to New Haven residents graduating from local public high schools with demonstrated need. Scholarships, ranging from $200 to $2900, are awarded for one academic year, covering two semesters. Eligible students must have attended a qualifying high school since senior year and complete a formal application process, including an interview. Reapplication is permitted each year, ensuring continued support for students' educational pursuits.

The Artist’s Palette Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Washington County, MD, supports students pursuing careers in cosmetology, aesthetics, barbering, nail technology, and massage therapy. This fund is designed to assist deserving individuals from Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania in achieving their educational goals. Scholarships are made possible by local families and organizations dedicated to enhancing community welfare and honoring significant contributions to the community. Applications open annually from January to April.

The Art Richards Scholarship Fund of Children In Need, Inc. offers scholarships to graduating clients of Children In Need, empowering them to pursue secondary education in academics or trades. Established in 1998, this fund was inspired by Art Richards' vision to uplift children living in poverty in Washington County, MD. Through local partnerships, the fund supports educational opportunities and honors community values, ensuring every child has the resources needed to thrive.

The Home Depot Foundation's Veteran Housing Grants Program aims to enhance the lives of U.S. veterans by funding the construction or rehabilitation of supportive housing. Grants, ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, are awarded to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with experience in veteran housing. Since 2011, the Foundation has committed over $550 million to veteran causes and seeks to invest an additional $750 million by 2030, focusing on projects in major cities across the U.S.

The Loren Engel Memorial FFA Scholarship, established by Margaret Engle in 2005, honors Loren Engel’s dedication to agriculture and leadership. This $300 scholarship is available for graduating high school students from Dickinson County who have served as FFA chapter officers, demonstrating commitment to agricultural education. The Community Foundation of Dickinson County aims to support local students pursuing technical or vocational education, ensuring future generations can thrive in their community.

The Mark Mayden Scholarship, established in 2006 by the Community Foundation of Dickinson County, honors the legacy of Mark Mayden, a devoted supporter of agribusiness. This $700 scholarship aims to assist hardworking students from Dickinson County in pursuing technical or vocational education, fostering opportunities for future generations. By rewarding initiative and talent, the scholarship reflects Mark's belief in the transformative power of education and hard work, ensuring that deserving students have the support they need to succeed.

About Us

For more than eight decades, this principle has remained at the heart of UNCF, enabling us to raise more than $6 billion and help more than 550,000 students and counting not just attend college, but thrive, graduate and become leaders.

We do this in three ways: By awarding more than 11,000 students scholarships, worth more than $62 million, each year. By providing financial support to 37 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). And by serving as the nation’s leading advocate for the importance of minority education and community engagement.

This three-pronged approach is powerful: Since our founding in 1944, we’ve helped to more than double the number of minorities attending college. The six-year graduation rate for UNCF African American scholarship recipients is 70%. This is 11% higher than the national average and 31% higher than the national average for all African Americans.

Thelma M. Shafran Endowed Scholarship

The Ross Scholarship Fund provides financial support to graduating high school seniors from Franklin County who plan to pursue higher education. Applicants must demonstrate academic achievement (minimum GPA of 2.5) and financial need. The scholarship renews for up to four years, contingent upon maintaining eligibility requirements. Extra consideration is given to students from the Chambersburg Area School District, ensuring that deserving local students receive the support they need to succeed in their higher education endeavors.

This RFP invites proposals that explore the role of maintenance therapy in HER2+ metastatic breast cancer. It aims to enhance understanding of treatment optimization, emphasizing patient quality of life and individualized treatment strategies. Eligible applicants include organizations from the U.S. and select European countries. The focus is on educational projects that improve awareness among healthcare professionals, with a range of formats accepted, including live sessions and online content. Clinical research projects are excluded.

The Book Buddies Program, initiated by The Molina Foundation, aims to combat the lack of access to books in low-income communities. By distributing new, free books to eligible schools and agencies, the program fosters literacy and learning among children. With over 4 million books distributed, it helps create word-rich environments essential for educational success. This initiative supports families in building home libraries and enhances learning spaces, ensuring children have the resources they need to thrive.

The Mary Lou and Dwight Pitman Scholarship supports area public high school students in Sangamon County, excluding Springfield and Chatham districts, who have siblings planning to attend college. Established through the Sangamon County Foundation in 1924, this scholarship honors the legacy of community leaders and aims to empower the next generation by aiding students' educational pursuits. Eligible applicants include graduating high school seniors and current college students who are direct descendants of U.S. Service Members.

The Dr. Marshall H. Layton Memorial Scholarship honors Dr. Rock's dedication to education by supporting graduating seniors from the Harrisburg School District. This one-time award aims to help students with financial need who plan to pursue higher education or trade school. Applicants must demonstrate a desire for success through an essay, reflecting Dr. Rock's lifelong commitment to fostering learning and achievement.