Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Alabama

The Ed and Nessa Laing Scholarship Endowment supports graduating seniors pursuing post-secondary education in trade or technical fields. Established by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, it prioritizes students from Suttons Bay Public Schools, followed by those from Leelanau County and surrounding areas. Financial need and community involvement are key considerations for applicants, ensuring that those who demonstrate leadership and commitment to their communities receive assistance in their educational pursuits.

The Virginia Randolph Scholarship, established in 1963, honors the legacy of a pioneering educator in Henrico County. Managed by The Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond, this scholarship supports graduating high school seniors who demonstrate academic promise, community service, and financial need. It ensures a lasting tribute to Virginia Randolph’s commitment to education and helps empower the next generation of leaders in the region. Eligible students can receive tuition assistance for higher education pursuits.

The Marion A. and Ruth K. Sherwood Family Scholarship Fund supports current college students from the Tri-Cities area, promoting academic achievement and community involvement. Funded by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, this scholarship emphasizes financial need and aims to assist students in continuing their education. Applicants must submit transcripts and additional documentation to demonstrate eligibility. This initiative reflects the Sherwoods' commitment to fostering educational opportunities and community betterment.

Grand Rapids Community Foundation

Connecting people, passion and resources

The Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that connects people, passion and resources. With our partners, the Community Foundation uses the tools of philanthropy to find solutions to pressing issues. We provide grants to support the work of nonprofits, scholarships to local students and other forms of support to communities working to eliminate barriers to opportunity, prosperity and belonging.

Our Mission is to build and manage our community’s permanent endowment and lead the community to strengthen the lives of its people.

We envision a magnetic and interconnected West Michigan community.

Integrity, Excellence, Inclusion, Sustainability and Bold Aspirations

Give and Receive Openly, Build Trust with Each Other, Create Brave and Safe Space, Embrace Vulnerability, Accountability

Our North Star

For West Michigan to grow and prosper, we must make sure that everyone can apply their talents and creativity to fuel our future. It is only by connecting across perspectives and overcoming inequities that we can build and sustain an inclusive economy and thriving community.

Opportunities for students

Apply for scholarships to support your ambitions

Each year Grand Rapids Community Foundation supports hundreds of students on their college or career training journeys. We are excited to remove barriers to academic success so that students like you can pursue what you're passionate about.

Scholarship Fund Details

Support for West Michigan Students

Attending college or trade school increases opportunity and opens doors to careers. Donor partners who establish a scholarship fund give students a boost on their path to higher education. Students who complete the general scholarship application are considered for these scholarships.

Open to students who are residents of Kent County. Preference to Challenge Scholar students through 2032.

The J.L. Bedsole Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for citizens in Southwest Alabama by supporting educational opportunities, cultural initiatives, and community development. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that propose projects addressing education, health, arts, and community needs. The foundation prioritizes collaborations and projects that yield lasting benefits for underserved populations, while avoiding political activities and grants to individuals or out-of-state entities.

The Johnson & Johnson Scholarship offers $5,000 merit-based scholarships to New Jersey residents pursuing degrees in nursing or health sciences. Applicants must be juniors or seniors enrolled at accredited UNCF Member Institutions or other four-year institutions, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. This initiative supports the mission of UNCF, which has raised over $6 billion to help minority students thrive in higher education, advocating for the importance of education and community engagement.

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

IUTIS Club Scholarship

Selection based (in order of priority):

• Academic ability, community and school service, and recommendations. Preference given to students who participated in the IUTIS Softball Program.

Awards

• Two $500 scholarships

The Intervention Research to Improve Native American Health (R21 Clinical Trials Optional) aims to support exploratory studies focused on enhancing health outcomes within Native American populations. This initiative encourages research that addresses critical health disparities, tests new interventions, and develops culturally appropriate solutions to improve health and well-being. Applications are encouraged to include community-driven research, addressing unique sociopolitical and environmental challenges faced by these populations, ultimately aiming to reduce morbidity and mortality.

The Adrienne Asch Memorial Scholarship, offered by the National Federation of the Blind, provides thirty $10,000 merit-based scholarships to legally blind students in the U.S. Selection criteria include academic excellence, community service, and leadership. Finalists attend the national convention in July, where winners are announced. This scholarship emphasizes the belief in the potential of blind individuals to achieve their dreams and contribute to society, making education accessible to all qualified candidates.

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.

Dr. Samuel R. Black, Twila L. Black, and Samuel J. Black Medical Arts Scholarship

The Dr. Samuel R. Black, Twila L. Black, and Samuel J. Black Medical Arts Scholarship Fund was established to honor the life and work of Dr. Samuel R. Black. The scholarship is available to graduates of Armstrong County High Schools including Lenape Vo-tech who wish to pursue a career in the Medical Arts. The scholarship criteria includes students who are interested in veterinary medicine.

The James Hantak Scholarship, established by The Columbus Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Columbus City Schools, Upper Arlington High School, or volunteers and athletes from Lancaster Special Olympics with special needs. The scholarship offers $5,000 annually for educational pursuits, with an additional $10,000 scholarship awarded based on financial need. Preference is given to athletes and volunteers from Special Olympics. This initiative aims to enhance opportunities for students in central Ohio, promoting inclusivity and community engagement.

About Us

Who We Are

The National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded in 1940 and currently headquartered in Baltimore, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in all fifty states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.

What We Do

Through our network of blind members, we coordinate many programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Americans, provide information and support to blind children and adults, and build a community that creates a future full of opportunities.

What We Believe

We are the only organization that believes in the full capacity of blind people and has the power to transform our dreams into reality. We believe in blind people because we are blind people—from our democratically elected leaders to our diverse nationwide membership.

Scholarship Program

Thanks to our generous partners, there are thirty $10,000 merit-based scholarships currently available. All scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, community service, and leadership. The finalists are announced every spring. They then attend our national convention in July when the winners of each individual scholarship are selected. 

JAWS for Windows Scholarship

Vispero is proud to once again sponsor the JAWS for Windows scholarship. For over three decades, JAWS, the world’s most widely used screen reader, has helped expand educational and employment opportunities for people who are blind through speech and Braille access. This scholarship reflects Vispero’s continued commitment to innovation in assistive technology and to supporting the next generation of blind and low vision students and future leaders. “We are honored to give back by supporting scholarships that empower blind students to pursue their educational and professional aspirations and help them achieve their goals.” Each scholarship winner will receive a five-year JAWS, ZoomText, or Fusion Access license of their choice.

Mission Statement

Beckley Area Foundation exists to inspire and facilitate generous charitable giving that advances our community.

The Beckley Area Foundation is committed to enriching lives and strengthening communities across Southern West Virginia.

Scholarship

Supporting Student Success

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.

The Christie H. Meadows Family Scholarship

Eligibility

Need based scholarship for Raleigh County graduates, Member of FFA (Future Farmers of America) and/or 4Hclub, Required documentation of participation in FFA and/or 4H club, and preference given to students who have submitted an FFA and/or 4H project to the West Virginia State Fair.

The Graduate Student Scholarship: Student With a Disability Scholarship, offered by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation, supports graduate students with disabilities pursuing degrees in communication sciences and disorders. Eligible applicants must be enrolled full-time in an accredited program. This scholarship aims to foster academic achievement and provide financial assistance for educational expenses. Applicants may also consider additional scholarship categories but can only receive one award. Up to 15 scholarships of $5,000 are available.

The Jacquilyn Billey Memorial Scholarship, offered by the National Federation of the Blind, provides thirty merit-based scholarships of $10,000 each to legally blind students pursuing post-secondary education in the U.S. The scholarship emphasizes academic excellence, community service, and leadership. Finalists are selected in spring and must attend the NFB National Convention in July for the award announcement. This initiative empowers blind individuals to pursue their educational and career aspirations, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and opportunity.

The Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship, offered by the National Federation of the Blind, honors the legacy of Jacquilyn Billey, a dedicated advocate for the blind. With thirty merit-based scholarships of $10,000 each available, applicants must be legally blind, reside in the U.S., and plan to pursue full-time post-secondary education. Awards are based on academic excellence, community service, and leadership, with finalists attending the NFB National Convention in July for selection.

Mary Jo DeVleeschower Scholarship

Mary Jo DeVleeschower was a native of South Bend, Indiana, born January 14th, 1941. She graduated in 1968 from Andrew Jackson High School in South Bend, and graduated from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana in 1972 with a degree in “special education.” Mary Jo taught at the Alexander Graham Bell School beginning in 1972 working with students who were hearing impaired. She attended the University of Southern California (John Tracy Clinic) and received her Master’s degree in 1978 from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. As a teacher at the Alexander Graham Bell School, Mary Jo worked through a grant with Gallaudet University in Washington D.C. for the Wole Language Program for the hearing impaired, publishing a related article in a national magazine. Mary Jo DeVleeschower loved the children with whom she worked, and poured her whole heart into her work. She had a special relationship with her students, demonstrated on the day of her memorial when some shared a tribute to her in American Sign Language. She further demonstrated her love and support for her students through the creation of the scholarship through her will.

Award Amount:

• Minimum $500

The FY27 Brownfields Job Training Grants, provided by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, aim to empower local communities by funding programs that train unemployed and underemployed individuals for careers in the environmental sector. These grants focus on developing skills necessary for jobs related to the assessment and cleanup of brownfields, enhancing local workforce capabilities, and fostering community revitalization efforts through targeted training in various environmental disciplines.

The Hematology Inclusion Pathway Resident Award supports underrepresented medical residents in hematology in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Participants receive $5,000 for research, mentorship from ASH members, and funding for the ASH annual meeting. Eligible candidates are in internal medicine or pediatric residencies, self-identify as underserved, and must conduct research with an ASH mentor. This program aims to enhance diversity and support crucial blood science research.

Gainesville Symphony Orchestra Scholarship

This scholarship is for graduating seniors at public, private or homeschools in Hall County. Applicants must reside in Hall County and must play a musical instrument. In 2026, one scholarship award of $1,500 will be offered.

The Hofma Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports local high school graduates motivated to pursue college education. This competitive scholarship considers financial need, academic achievement, and personal goals. Applicants can submit a single application for multiple scholarships, simplifying the process. Established by Edward and Elizabeth Hofma, who significantly contributed to the community, the scholarship honors their legacy and commitment to education and environmental efforts.

The Fishel Scholarship Fund, managed by The Columbus Foundation, offers financial assistance to children of active Teammates pursuing higher education. This initiative aims to alleviate college-related expenses, thus supporting families and encouraging academic achievement. As one of the largest community foundations, The Columbus Foundation is dedicated to enriching the quality of life in the Columbus, Ohio region through impactful philanthropic efforts.

L’Oréal Paris Celebrates 20 Years of Women of Worth

For 20 years, L’Oréal Paris has honored women who uplift their communities through service. These non-profit leaders, our Women of Worth, each receive $25,000 to support their causes, mentorship from the L’Oréal Paris network and a national platform to share their stories.

The National Book Fund (NBF) offers grants to support adult education and literacy programs across the U.S. by providing New Readers Press materials. Grants typically range from $500 to $2,000, with applications considered for higher amounts if justified. Eligible applicants must have a defined project and use materials directly with learners. Priority is given to nonprofit organizations providing free literacy instruction. Note that individuals and lending libraries are not eligible for funding.

Gainesville Chicken Scholarship

This scholarship supports college students pursuing a degree in poultry science or a related agricultural degree. Applicants should be graduating high school seniors or current college students pursuing a career in the poultry industry, majoring in Agricultural Business, Poultry Science, Food Science, Animal Science, Food Marketing, Agricultural Economics, etc. In 2026, one $2,000 scholarship will be offered.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.