Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in Alaska

The Norman Foundation Grants aim to empower communities in the U.S. to enhance their economic, environmental, and social well-being. By supporting projects that promote economic justice, prevent toxic waste disposal, and link grassroots efforts to broader reform, the foundation seeks to foster systemic change. It prioritizes organizations with annual budgets under $1 million, ensuring funds are directed to initiatives that resonate with the aspirations of those most affected by social issues.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is offering Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Biology to support innovative research at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Biological Sciences. These fellowships aim to cultivate expertise in both fields, enabling scientists to leverage AI for breakthroughs in biotechnology and bio-system design. The program encourages proposals that utilize existing biological data and infrastructure to enhance discovery and innovation, ultimately benefiting human lives and the U.S. economy.

The BJA FY 2026 Rural Violent Crime Reduction Initiative aims to empower local law enforcement in rural areas to combat violent crime effectively. This funding opportunity provides resources for personnel, technology, and data analytics to enhance crime prevention strategies. Eligible applicants can utilize updated equipment and training to address specific violent crime challenges, ensuring safer communities through innovative approaches and strategic resource allocation. Applications are due by November 6, 2026.

The Ketchikan Community Foundation Grant Program, part of The Alaska Community Foundation, invites applications from 501(c)(3) organizations and equivalents to support community projects in Ketchikan. The new IMPACT GRANT aims to address diverse needs, including health, education, and arts, with funding up to $50,000. Eligible organizations include local nonprofits, faith-based groups, and tribal entities, fostering sustainable community development and lasting impacts.

The Artist in Business Leadership (ABL) Fellowship supports Native artists in building sustainable art-centered businesses. This yearlong program provides $10,000 in funding along with professional development and networking opportunities. Eligible applicants must be 18 years or older, reside in the U.S., and be enrolled in or have lineage from a federally recognized tribe. The fellowship aims to empower artists to thrive within their communities while honoring their cultural heritage.

The Bruce J. Heim Foundation Grant supports organizations that empower young individuals with exceptional potential in academics and the arts. Established in 1986, this private foundation aims to provide financial assistance that fosters skill enhancement and personal growth. The Board evaluates grant requests monthly, assessing the viability and significance of each organization’s project. The Foundation's goal is to inspire recipients to realize their potential and contribute to philanthropic efforts, echoing the support they received.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is launching the PROSPECT Program to enhance education in critical technologies, targeting an investment of up to $100 million. This initiative aims to develop a skilled workforce across the critical minerals and materials sector, supporting the entire value chain from resource extraction to recycling. By fostering collaboration among academia, industry, and national laboratories, the program seeks to strengthen U.S. economic competitiveness and energy security.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from a high school in Lackawanna County who demonstrates academic excellence, good citizenship, participation in athletics, and who is active in a faith or religious-based organization.

The Fred C. Gloeckner Foundation Research Fund Grant, established in 2024, supports innovative floriculture research and education. This partnership between the Gloeckner Foundation and AFE aims to enhance advancements in floriculture through substantial funding. Grants are available for university and college projects, emphasizing significant research importance and public accessibility. Projects can include funding for research assistants and must be accompanied by detailed outlines. Indirect costs and salaries are not covered.

The Value Assessment and Health Outcomes Research Postdoctoral Fellowship, funded by the PhRMA Foundation, offers a $60,000 stipend annually for up to two years. This fellowship supports researchers, both U.S. and non-U.S. citizens, engaged in innovative studies aimed at evaluating the effectiveness and value of healthcare interventions. Applicants must be within five years of postdoctoral study and hold a relevant doctoral degree. This opportunity fosters collaboration and patient engagement in health outcomes research.

The Value Assessment and Health Outcomes Research Predoctoral Fellowship, offered by the PhRMA Foundation, supports promising students in their advanced training and thesis research. This fellowship, aimed at U.S. and non-U.S. citizens, provides $30,000 in annual stipend support for up to two years. It encourages research proposals that address the effectiveness, safety, and value of healthcare interventions, emphasizing patient engagement and health equity in the evaluation process.

The Focused Technology Research and Development (R01) grant supports innovative projects aimed at developing technologies to enhance biomedical research. This funding opportunity emphasizes the creation of laboratory instruments, algorithms, and biological systems that can significantly improve research capabilities. Key deadlines for applications are set for February, June, and October of 2025 through 2027, ensuring ample time for proposal submissions. The initiative is funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), part of the US Department of Health and Human Services.

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region

The Community Foundation is a devoted advocate for the vitality and well-being of the Rappahannock River Region. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages and distributes charitable giving in the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg.

Scholarships

One of The Community Foundation’s strategies for preserving and growing the quality of life in our region is supporting higher education for area students. Generous individuals and families, companies and organizations establish endowed scholarship funds and the proceeds from these funds benefit deserving students. Donors work with foundation staff to determine appropriate criteria for each fund. The Community Foundation currently administers more than fifty scholarship funds.

The Mary E. Berger Scholarship Fund

The Mary E. Berger Scholarship was established with a gift from Mary E. Berger and a future gift by the estate of Mary E. Berger to assist high school students who wish to attend college or university or professional school to pursue studies in art, music, history, political science, English, journalism and related liberal arts subject.

The Oak Advisors Scholarship of Excellence, offered by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, supports southern Beaufort County high school seniors pursuing a major in business, economics, or finance. Established by philanthropic leaders, the scholarship recognizes students for their academic achievements, talents, and community involvement. With a minimum GPA of 3.2 required, this scholarship aims to empower students to make a positive impact in their communities.

About

Central Carolina Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that helps generous people give back to the Midlands of South Carolina in ways that matter. Since 1984, we’ve been a trusted partner, helping individuals, families, and businesses make smart, meaningful contributions that support local nonprofits, scholarships, and community projects.

Easterby Family Scholarship ($7,000)

This renewable scholarship is for students from Laurens County, South Carolina who are pursuing graduate or post-graduate education in the fields of theology or medicine. 

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

JustJane Art Scholarship Fund for Women

Truly unique humans like Jane Marie Ewing do not populate the universe very often, and the JustJane Art Scholarship for Women was created to honor her remarkable spirit.

Jane was an artist at heart, finding joy in countless creative pursuits – whether baking delectable treats, capturing life’s beauty through photography, or expressing her imagination in fashion and digital illustration. Her zest for life was infectious, often bringing laughter through her playful “Jane Pranks”, which will forever live in the hearts of family and friends. Jane shared an inseparable bond with Kyle, each the center of the other’s universe. Tragically, Jane was taken from this world unexpectedly in 2025.

Her vibrant artistic soul touched every aspect of her life – from painting and interior design to crafting costumes for parties and pranks. Though her passion for art wasn’t fully nurtured early on, once she embraced it later in life, creativity flowed freely, illuminating the lives of everyone around her. Jane saw beauty everywhere, and her art became a reflection of that vision.

This scholarship carries forward Jane’s legacy, helping future generations cultivate their own artistic passions. It is a reminder to future generations that art has the power to transform lives.

August Corso Scholarship Fund

Scholarships shall be awarded to residents of Erie County, Ohio pursuing a post-secondary education. Preference shall be given to students pursuing a degree in Horticulture, Environmental Science or Agricultural Business. Financial need is a consideration for the scholarship award.

Scholarships are available for students planning to attend an accredited nonprofit college or university, or planning to receive licensure, accreditation, or a certificate from a nonprofit vocational or apprenticeship program in the United States.

The scholarship may be renewed for a second, third, and fourth year.

Community Foundation of Noble County

At the Community Foundation of Noble County we are passionate about making Noble County an even better place to call home. Since 1991, area residents have been turning to the Community Foundation of Noble County to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible, as we see it as our mission to serve as a catalyst for positive change. The Community Foundation of Noble County is a public charity 501 (c) 3 entity.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Noble County offers a wide range of scholarships to support local students in achieving their academic and career aspirations. 

Kichler, Tony and Gertrude Scholarship Fund

For high school seniors or college students who reside in Green or Noble TOWNSHIPS (not county) in Noble County who are pursuing a college education in music, medicine or religion. One-time payment of $3,500. May reapply.

The Jerome H. & Dr. Elizabeth Emling Post Graduate Fund, established by the Erie Community Foundation, supports Erie County residents pursuing doctorate degrees or advancing master's degrees in Social Service or Education. In 2023, over $800,000 was awarded to more than 500 students for post-secondary education. Priority is given to doctoral candidates already enrolled in relevant fields, ensuring support for those committed to making a difference in their communities.

The Health Workforce Research Center (HWRC) aims to enhance understanding of health workforce needs across various levels of governance. Funded by the US HHS: Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), this initiative supports vital research that informs decision-makers, ensuring effective resource allocation and workforce planning to meet healthcare demands.

The David G. & Jacqueline M. Braithwaite Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating seniors from East Texas planning to major in biology, mathematics, engineering, or related fields. This scholarship aims to empower students pursuing careers in medicine, veterinary medicine, or biotechnology. Financial need is not a consideration, and the scholarship is renewable, reflecting a commitment to education and community development in East Texas.

The David G. & Jacqueline M. Braithwaite Scholarship in Chemistry, offered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating seniors from East Texas counties majoring in chemistry. This renewable scholarship emphasizes the importance of education in achieving dreams, with a preference for chemistry or biochemistry majors. Although financial need is not a consideration, students attending any college in the United States can apply, enabling broader opportunities for aspiring chemists.

The East Texas Estate Planning Council Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating seniors pursuing careers in accounting, law, finance, banking, investments, insurance financial planning, or philanthropic planning. This scholarship reflects a commitment to education and aims to alleviate financial barriers for students in East Texas. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, with FAFSA required, and can attend any college in the United States for one year.

The Intellia Therapeutics UNCF Scholarship Program, in partnership with the United Negro College Fund, aims to support students pursuing careers in life sciences. With a commitment to educational equity, this program offers scholarships to eligible students who demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75. By investing in future leaders, Intellia Therapeutics and UNCF continue to empower individuals and strengthen communities, ensuring that no mind is wasted.

The Emergent Fund Grant, established in 2016, supports BIPOC-led social justice movements through rapid response funding. It addresses urgent community needs by providing low-barrier grants to organizations facing crises such as family separation and systemic oppression. The fund prioritizes initiatives that foster Black liberation, multiracial solidarity, and empower communities to build transformative power. By investing in innovative strategies, the Emergent Fund aims to challenge oppressive structures and advance social justice, ensuring that impacted communities are at the forefront of their own advocacy.

The NEA Foundation's Student Success Grants support educators in creating innovative learning experiences that foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and cultural understanding among students. This initiative encourages project-based and personalized learning, enabling students to engage with real-world challenges. Applicants must be members of the National Education Association and can use grant funds for educational materials and experiences. The focus is on enhancing academic skills, communication, and collaboration, ultimately promoting joy in learning.

Hendrix-Murphy Foundation

Enhancing literature & language at Hendrix College since 1978.

In homage to Bertie Wilson Murphy’s passion for the study and appreciation of literature and language, the Hendrix-Murphy Foundation at Hendrix College was founded in 1978 with an endowment by her son, Charles H. Murphy, Jr., former CEO of Murphy Oil Corporation. Mrs. Murphy was a 1905 graduate of Galloway Women’s College in Searcy, Ark., which merged with Hendrix College in Conway in the 1930s. Charles H. Murphy, Jr., was a member of the Hendrix Board of Trustees and served as chair. 

The Foundation's programs are overseen by a Board of Directors that is headed by the president of the College and includes Murphy family members, the provost, and representatives from the Hendrix Board of Trustees.

The Hendrix-Murphy Book Award

Hendrix is proud to offer the Hendrix-Murphy Book Award to an outstanding high school junior who demonstrates distinguished scholarship or leadership in literary studies (English, creative writing, foreign languages, or drama).

Hendrix-Murphy Book Award recipients will receive a copy of Poems to Read: A New Favorite Poems Anthology, edited by Robert Pinsky and Maggie Dietz.

Students may be nominated by their English, languages, creative writing, or drama teacher or guidance counselor by using the required form.