Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in Alaska

The ISF Documentary Film Grant supports emerging Muslim filmmakers creating impactful narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. Established in 2014, this grant has allocated $625,000 to over 111 filmmakers, focusing on projects in production or post-production. It offers funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities, emphasizing journalistic integrity and originality. Eligible projects must depict American Muslim themes and be consistent with ISF's mission of using art to influence public policy and opinion.

The Stranahan Foundation’s Early Childhood Education grant program aims to enhance access to high-quality early education for low-income children. Funding up to $1.5 million is available for innovative proposals that improve professional development for early educators. Key priorities include scalable coaching models, leadership development for under-resourced communities, and community-wide substitute teacher pools. This initiative is designed to tackle significant gaps identified in early childhood education and support effective learning environments.

The AAAE Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Scholarship, provided by the AAAE Foundation, supports ethnic diversity students pursuing aviation studies in the U.S. or Canada. With two awards of $5,000 each, recipients are chosen based on their academic achievements, financial need, and community involvement. Eligible applicants include college juniors, seniors, or graduate students with a minimum GPA of 3.0. This scholarship aims to foster future leaders in the aviation industry, enhancing diversity and inclusion.

About Us

Marshfield Area Community Foundation, Inc. is a public, 501-C-3 charity. There are 30 community foundations in Wisconsin and more than 750 in the nation. The purpose of all community foundations is to accumulate charitable dollars that impact a specific geographic region in areas such as education, the arts, economic development, recreation, environmental protection, health care, and social services. They may be relatively small, as we are (assets of $14 million), or very large, as is the Greater Milwaukee Foundation (assets over $400 million).

Most people are familiar with private foundations, established by individuals, families, or corporations. Typically, in order to establish a private foundation, one has to have considerable wealth. You could say Community Foundations are much more democratic. We are, in a sense, an umbrella foundation containing many small foundations. We call those small foundations “funds.”

Marshfield Area Community Foundation Scholarships

The mission of the Marshfield Area Community Foundation is “Connecting people who care with causes that matter to enrich the quality of life in the Marshfield area”. Education is a valuable tool and a cause that matters to all of us. Through assisting students with financial support to receive an education, not only do students and the families of those students benefit, but also our community benefits, which further allows us to achieve our mission of enriching the quality of life in the Marshfield area.

Sophia Smrz Memorial Scholarship (2025)

Don and Bern Holcomb Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was created in memory of Don and Bern Holcomb and is for high school students from any school in Cattaraugus or Allegany county who plans to attend an accredited post-secondary institution, with a preference for a student majoring in an agricultural or conservation-related field or a female pursuing an engineering degree.

Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians

The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians is a sovereign nation and has three main branches of government – Judicial, Executive, and Legislative. One of our most important resources is our people.

Education

The Confederated Tribes of Siletz seeks to provide opportunities for Tribal members to reach potential, establish independence and improve quality of life through lifelong learning and education.

Cathern Tufts Memorial Scholarship

Cathern Tufts, affectionately known as “Cat” in the offices of the CTSI administrative offices and Tribal elder woodcuts, was the Tribal Attorney for fourteen and a half years until she passed in 2018 following a short illness. She was a Siletz Tribal member who graduated from Arizona State University School of Law. She served an internship in Washington D.C. prior to going to work as an attorney. Her parents and friends wished to honor her life and achievements through this memorial scholarship. This scholarship is for students in pre-law, law, or in a natural resource field.

Driving University Impact: Expanding the Public Exchange Network Grant

How the Public Exchange Network Works

No single university – even a large R1 – has enough faculty expertise available to meet the needs of every partner. The Public Exchange Network was designed to help universities work together seamlessly to build robust partnerships and generate more collective impact. Universities joining the network are independent but affiliated members, with full control over their own program and project portfolios. As a national network with local, on-the-ground capacity, Public Exchange Network members can also share approaches that work, scale solutions to common problems, and build cross-regional partnerships together. 

As an institutional partner in the Public Exchange Network, universities will build capacity to develop, test and implement solutions to the most urgent problems in their regions and beyond. Universities joining the Public Exchange Network get:

• The tools, templates and training they need to start right away;
• A shared brand they can plug into on day one;
• A network of faculty, past and potential partners and philanthropic relationships, benefitting everyone in the network. 

Public Exchange Network Expansion grants will cover 75-80% of the minimum estimated annual costs for two years to launch a new Public Exchange. To launch a Public Exchange, universities must have the following in place: (1) a staff executive director with experience launching and leading social impact partnerships, (2) a project seed fund, and (3) a modest operations budget. We also recommend some in-kind project management support from an existing university staff member. The grant includes a two-year Public Exchange Executive Director (ED) compensation subsidy of $300,000 to launch the Public Exchange on campus, and a 2-year license to use the Public Exchange brand. New Public Exchange Network members will also receive ongoing support and guidance from current Public Exchange leadership and staff at USC and WashU, including recruitment support and intensive training for hiring and onboarding an executive director, a sub-site on the Public Exchange website, incubation and project management support from current Public Exchange staff, and a suite of tools for developing and implementing Public Exchange projects.

The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Research Fellowship supports innovative and fundamental research by early-career scientists across various fields. This prestigious two-year fellowship offers $75,000 in a lump sum, allowing recipients to allocate funds towards research-related expenses. Eligible candidates must hold a Ph.D. and be tenure-track faculty at U.S. or Canadian institutions. The fellowship aims to nurture the next generation of leaders in research and academia.

The Armando "Frank" Quaglia Veteran's Scholarship, offered by the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, supports full-time graduate or upper-level undergraduate students from Kent or Ionia County pursuing healthcare or engineering degrees. With a minimum 3.0 GPA, preference is given to veterans and their families. This scholarship aims to eliminate barriers to education, fostering academic success and connecting students to opportunities in West Michigan's inclusive community.

The Tribal Institutional Review Board Establishment and Enhancement (TIRBEE) award aims to assist federally recognized AI/AN Tribes, Tribal colleges and universities, and Tribal health organizations in creating or enhancing Institutional Review Boards (IRBs). This initiative is crucial for ensuring ethical research practices within Tribal communities, fostering cultural sensitivity in research, and protecting the rights of AI/AN participants. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization.

Elisa B. Hughey Scholarship for the Arts

Scholarships will be awarded annually from this fund for college-bound students from any Cattaraugus County High School committed to advancing their skills in any aspect of the arts. Preference will be for graduating seniors of Ellicottville, Cattaraugus-Little Valley, West Valley, Salamanca or Franklinville/Ten-Broeck Academy high schools. First preference will be for students pursuing the fine arts, with second preference for students pursuing performing arts fields. This award is not limited to students majoring in art.

Hogg Foundation for Mental Health

The Hogg Foundation for Mental Health was established in 1940 at The University of Texas at Austin by the children of Texas Governor James Hogg. For over a quarter of a century, the Hogg Foundation was guided by the passion and insight of the Governor’s daughter, Miss Ima Hogg, who actively promoted the foundation and encouraged its staff to pursue a bold, new vision. Today the Hogg Foundation is based at The University of Texas at Austin Steve Hicks School of Social Work and is funded through an endowment created by gifts from the Hogg family and managed by The University of Texas/Texas A&M Investment Management Company.

The Hogg Foundation is inspired by Ima Hogg’s vision for a Texas that supports and promotes mental health, resilience, and well-being. Miss Ima was ahead of her time in believing that mental health was just as important as physical health. She believed all people should have access to community-based resources to support mental well-being and live fulfilling lives, and she championed supports in everyday environments like schools, workplaces, places of worship, and homes.

Stephany June Bryan: Bold Spirit of Achievement Scholarship

The Hogg Foundation for Mental Health is offering ten $5,000 scholarships in honor of Stephany June Bryan to individuals facing personal and financial barriers to achieving their educational or career goals due to the impact of living with a mental health challenge and/or supporting a loved one with a mental health challenge.

You do not need to be enrolled in a program at the time you submit your application. However, you will need to provide enrollment verification and/or a certificate of completion when/if it is awarded.

This funding opportunity aims to enhance health outcomes by tackling healthcare disparities in non-communicable and chronic diseases across Latin America. It encourages interdisciplinary research teams to collaborate with Latin American institutions, focusing on innovative clinical and community-based interventions. Applications are accepted for various deadlines between 2025 and 2027, with a particular emphasis on addressing significant health burdens experienced by U.S. Hispanics/Latinos. This initiative seeks to foster meaningful partnerships to improve health equity.

The ASSP Foundation Career Development Grant supports individuals in the environmental health and safety field by providing financial assistance for certification and professional development activities. Since its inception in 1990, the foundation has awarded over $6 million in grants and scholarships, aiming to enhance the skills and careers of safety professionals. Preference is given to applicants who have not previously received a grant, promoting a sustainable talent pipeline within the industry.

The Musicians Foundation Grant provides financial assistance to professional musicians in need, covering medical and dental bills, living expenses, and other essential costs during emergencies. Applicants must demonstrate at least five years of professional experience and apply for reasons beyond loss of work. The grants are issued as vendorized checks to ensure immediate support. This program is not designed for COVID-19 assistance or general income support, focusing instead on urgent hardship cases.

The Periodic Paralysis Grant, offered by the Patient Advocate Foundation, assists individuals diagnosed with periodic paralysis in managing out-of-pocket healthcare costs. Eligible applicants must be in treatment or planning to begin treatment for this rare muscle disease. The fund covers various expenses, including medication copays and insurance premiums, ensuring that patients can afford essential care. With a mission to empower and support patients, this grant plays a crucial role in navigating healthcare challenges.

About Patient Advocate Foundation

Patient Advocate Foundation is the nation’s most comprehensive nonprofit dedicated to helping patients navigate, access, and afford the care they need—while improving the healthcare system for all.

Who we are and our impact

Patient Advocate Foundation provides financial assistance to help patients afford treatment and cost of living needs, personalized case management to navigate complex healthcare and social needs challenges, and a wide array of resources to empower people to take charge of their health. Since our founding in 1996—and joining forces with the PAN Foundation in 2026—we have helped 3.8 million patients navigate and access care, granted over $7 billion in financial assistance, served 350,000 people through personalized case management and elevated the patient’s voice to drive improvements in the healthcare system.

Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH)

Help with healthcare costs for Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH)

This TotalAssist fund helps you pay for out-of-pocket healthcare costs, including medication copays, coinsurance, and deductibles, health insurance premiums, and other expenses.

About the disease

Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH), also known as Marchiafava– Micheli syndrome, is a rare disease that is characterized by impaired bone marrow function and destruction of red blood cells. PNH is a rare disease that affects the circulatory system.

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 Randy and Tina Harris Family Scholarship Fund

The Randy and Tina Harris Family Scholarship Fund is responsive to workforce readiness needs. This scholarship will be available on a rolling basis, students may apply at any time. Randy, a member of the Board of Governors at The Community Foundation starting in June 2022, owned two businesses in the area until 2021, Ultimate Subaru and Ultimate Buick GMC. As an active businessperson, philanthropist and retiree, he seeks to give back to the community he calls home. Tina and Randy have been friends to the foundation through leadership and participation, also contributing to the Virginia Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credits and through the Randy and Tina Harris Family Charitable Fund. 

Apply for a Scholarship

While it is common for students to go to college after high school, earning a college degree isn’t the only option after high school, nor is it the right option for everyone.

The trades are vital, though often underappreciated, career fields that are essential for the functioning of society. Skilled trades are the backbone of our society and can be lucrative, stable career opportunities. In areas like construction, manufacturing, technology and medicine there are trades where people are able to make significant contributions to our world.

African Americans are very underrepresented in these fields. To ensure the brightest future possible, it’s crucial for African Americans interested in the trades to have the financial resources necessary to further their education.

Randy’s father, James Harris, had a successful career as a machinist and welder. He demonstrated that a college degree was not a necessity for a successful career. This scholarship was created for those African American students like James Harris, who are inspired to develop their talents in trades or taking non-traditional paths to further their education.

The Hyperkalemia Grant, provided by the Patient Advocate Foundation, offers crucial financial assistance to patients struggling with hyperkalemia. This grant covers out-of-pocket healthcare costs, including medication copays and health insurance premiums. Eligible applicants must have a confirmed diagnosis and meet specific income and residency requirements. Since its inception, the foundation has supported millions of patients, ensuring they can access the necessary treatment and resources for their health needs.

The Sonny Greenwood Calzaretta Scholarship, offered by the Pride Foundation, supports LGBTQ+ students from rural communities facing isolation and limited access to resources. Established to honor the legacy of Brian M. Day, this scholarship aims to empower students pursuing post-secondary education while addressing systemic barriers. It prioritizes those demonstrating a commitment to justice and who have experienced challenges such as family rejection or economic hardship. The scholarship is part of a broader initiative to uplift diverse voices within the LGBTQ+ community.

The Hypercholesterolemia Grant by the Patient Advocate Foundation offers financial assistance to individuals diagnosed with hypercholesterolemia, helping cover out-of-pocket healthcare costs such as medication copays and insurance premiums. This nonprofit aims to improve patient access to necessary care while supporting over 3.8 million patients since its inception. Eligible applicants must have health insurance and meet specific income requirements to receive assistance in managing their healthcare expenses effectively.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

The Weitz Company Scholarship Fund

Can go to college or vocational school with a major or emphasis in one of the following fields of study:

• Architecture
• Civil Engineering
• Construction Management
• Interior Design
• Other Construction-related fields (e.g., construction project management, mechanical/electrical engineering and trades).

The Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) aims to combat discriminatory housing practices through funding provided to various organizations. Established by Congress in 1988 and made permanent in 1992, FHIP supports entities that educate the public and enforce fair housing rights. The program offers competitive grants across four initiatives, including the Private Enforcement Initiative, which enables national non-profit organizations to investigate violations and uphold fair housing laws effectively.

National Community Care Corps Grant

Community Care Corps encourages organizations across the country to apply for 18-month grants ($30,000–$200,000) to develop and scale innovative volunteer programs that provide nonmedical assistance to older adults, adults age 18 and older with disabilities and family caregivers.

Projects funded through this initiative will increase the number of community-based volunteer programs available to provide nonmedical assistance while decreasing the number of older adults, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers who need assistance in maintaining independence in the community but are unable to obtain help. In doing so, the initiative will strengthen community-based supports that help people maintain independence, reduce unmet needs, and improve overall well-being.

Focus Areas

Proposals must include one or more of the following focus areas:

• Integrate principles of the National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers
• Support grandparent/kinship-led households
• Use off-the-shelf materials. Off-the-shelf materials are products, components, or resources that are readily available for purchase and immediate use, without the need for custom development, modification, or special ordering
• Engage college students/interns for intergenerational connections
• Expand virtual or low-tech access
• Provide volunteer chaperone programs for non-emergency medical appointments
• Increase access to respite programs
• Build opportunities for volunteer skill-building

Ben & Rose Schwabenbauer Educational Scholarship

Established by Ben and Rose Schwabenbauer, former long-time teachers in the Olean City School District, this fund awards scholarships for graduating seniors from Olean High School, Otto-Eldred High School, Portville Central School or Bradford Area High School who will be attending a 4-year college with a preference for students majoring in education, particularly elementary education; criminal justice or a law enforcement-related field; or healthcare-related fields of study. 

LSW Architects Legacy Scholarship

The LSW Architects Legacy Scholarship Fund was established in honor of LSW Architects' founding leaders and their ability to imagine and build in creative space. 

Number and Size of Awards:

The number and size of awards may vary and are determined by the selection committee. Minimum award amount is $2,500.

Number of Awards: 4

Total Amount Awarded: $10,000

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship

Advancing the science and practice of supporting children to thrive

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship is a global initiative supporting researchers working to deepen our understanding of how children thrive. Spanning disciplines from education and psychology to public health, data science, and humanitarian studies, the fellowship brings together early- and mid-career scholars whose work has the potential to generate evidence that matters for children’s lives.

Fellows receive three years of flexible support to pursue rigorous, practically relevant research, and join a cohort of peers working across the fellowship’s themes. In addition to funding research, the program fosters a community of scholars engaged in meaningful exchange with one another and with research, policy, and practice audiences.

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship is developed in partnership with the LEGO Foundation, and administered by SSRC as part of its commitment to supporting scholars whose work bridges research and real-world impact.

Research themes

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship welcomes research proposals that advance understanding of children’s thriving through one of the following three themes: the youngest children in crisis and conflict settings; inclusion and wellbeing of neurodivergent children; and children’s learning and development in an AI-enabled world. Applicants may explore the role of play where it is relevant to the research question. The consideration of play is optional and not a condition of eligibility.