Best Grants for Museums in Alaska

The Emily and Frank Smiddy Scholarship Endowment, established by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, offers financial support to graduating seniors from Benzie County high schools pursuing postsecondary education in sciences or STEM fields. This scholarship can be renewed annually for up to four years, helping students achieve their educational goals and contribute to the community's growth and development.

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 Central Lake School District Osborn Scholarship Endowment, established by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Central Lake Public Schools who rank in the top 20 percent of their class and show exemplary academic performance. This initiative reflects the Foundation's commitment to empowering local students and fostering educational excellence within the community. The scholarship aims to provide financial assistance to help deserving students pursue their higher education goals.

Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation began in 1992 when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our region then, now, and forever.

This vision lives on within our organization today as we support the people and places of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians.

Together with our partners, we spark positive change for a variety of local causes, including youth, arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services, across our region.Joe Brisson Memorial Scholarship Endowment (Regional)Available to a graduating senior from Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, or Leelanau County. Applicants must demonstrate adventurous spirit, a passion and zest for life, and will have played in a soccer league, whether school or community related.

The Buckley Schools Marie Guyton Scholarship Endowment, established by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, offers three scholarships annually to graduating seniors from Buckley Community Schools. These include the Marie Guyton Valedictorian Scholarship and the Eleanor Smith Salutatorian Scholarship, both of which require no application, as well as the competitive Marie Guyton Leadership Scholarship. This initiative aims to recognize and support the academic achievements and leadership potential of local students.

Grand Traverse Regional Community FoundationThe Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation began in 1992 when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our region then, now, and forever.This vision lives on within our organization today as we support the people and places of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians.Together with our partners, we spark positive change for a variety of local causes, including youth, arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services, across our region.Jack Edward Allen Memorial Scholarship Endowment (Grand Traverse County)Available to graduating seniors from a Traverse City area high school and who have attained the Eagle Scout ranking from the Boy Scouts of America.

Grand Traverse Regional Community FoundationThe Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation began in 1992 when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our region then, now, and forever.

This vision lives on within our organization today as we support the people and places of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians.

Together with our partners, we spark positive change for a variety of local causes, including youth, arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services, across our region.Home Builders' Association of the GT Area Scholarship Endowment (Regional)Available to residents from Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska or Leelanau Counties who are pursuing continuing education related to the home building industry.

The Benzie Central Legacy Scholarship Endowment, established by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Benzie County Central Schools pursuing postsecondary education. This scholarship emphasizes character, citizenship, and community service, while financial need and academic achievement are considered secondary. It aims to empower students to achieve their educational goals, fostering a spirit of giving back to the community that nurtured them.

The AAUW- TC Minnie Votruba Moore Scholarship Endowment, managed by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, supports women in the Grand Traverse Region seeking to enhance their educational credentials. Eligible applicants must have completed at least two years of college and be enrolled in a minimum of nine credit hours per term in an accredited program. This scholarship empowers local women to achieve their personal and career goals through education.

Brad Keselowskis Checkered Flag Foundation (BKCFF)

Brad Keselowski is a co-owner of Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing, where he drives the #6 Ford Mustang full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series. Off-track, Brad is the sole owner and founder of Keselowski Advanced Manufacturing as well as Brad Keselowskis Checkered Flag Foundation's president and founder. 

In 2009, Brad visited Walter Reed Medical Center, where he became inspired to give back to the men and women that answered the call to serve our country and were injured in the line of duty. Consequently, he founded BKCFF in 2010 with the mission to honor and assist those who serve. Since its founding, BKCFF has raised upright of $3.8 million to serve this mission.  

Brad Keselowskis Checkered Flag Foundation Grant Program

BKCFF was established to support those who are suffering financial, medical, or other hardship resulting from service to the United States or communities within. Funding decisions are made through an equitable and comprehensive application process, with financial support directed to 501(c)(3) public charities that provide services to our target constituents.

The purpose of the grant program is to empower and give hope to our nation’s heroes: military professionals, veterans, first responders, and others who provide courageous service and sacrifice. BKCFF requires all organizations seeking a grant to complete a comprehensive application, which is available on the Foundation’s website or can be requested by contacting the Foundation directly.  

Grand Traverse Regional Community FoundationThe Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation began in 1992 when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our region then, now, and forever.

This vision lives on within our organization today as we support the people and places of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians.

Together with our partners, we spark positive change for a variety of local causes, including youth, arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services, across our region.Giving JAR Scholarship FundAvailable to graduating seniors from Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska or Leelanau Counties that are planning to attend college with a goal of becoming teachers, coaches or other vocations ultimately giving back to youth within the communities they choose to live in. Financial need, academic performance, and community service involvement will be considered.

Michael L. Hamaker Memorial Scholarship

A scholarship awarded to a graduating senior or previous graduate from Marshall, Olivet or the surrounding area seeking a career in engineering, manufacturing or industrial technologies with programs such as, but not limited to, architecture, construction, drafting, electronics, welding and/or other related technologies. Applicants must demonstrate financial need. GPA is not a qualifying factor; however, transcripts and test scores are requested. Students who receive this scholarship are encouraged to apply for further support in subsequent years.

Merrily Jane Lloyd Memorial Scholarship

A scholarship awarded to a graduating senior residing in the greater Albion area with plans to attend a two- or four-year institution as a full-time student. Concord, Homer, Marshall, Marshall Opportunity, Marshall Academy, and Springport High Schools may each nominate one student whom demonstrates the characteristics that Merrily embodied: dignity, class, grace, compassion and selflessness. The committee will then select a recipient from this pool of nominees. Financial need and involvement in co- and extra-curricular activities such as, but not limited to, employment and student organizations, may be determining factors. Personal interview with the committee may be requested.

LaVern Smith Scholarship

Scholarships awarded to members of a 4-H or a FFA chapter within Calhoun County. Applicants must be seniors in high school or enrolled in a technical school or college, and under the age of 19 at the time the application is submitted. GPA is not a determining factor.

The Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation

SIR Foundation is a scientific foundation dedicated to fostering research in interventional radiology for the purposes of advancing scientific knowledge, increasing the number of skilled investigators, and developing innovative therapies that lead to improved patient care and quality of life. The foundation is committed to fostering the development and enhancement of innovative, minimally invasive, image-guided therapies from inception to mature clinical application and to conduct educational programs in the service of its mission.

Giving Circle for the Advancement of Women (GCAW) Award

Provide career development opportunities for women in interventional radiology. GCAW is dedicated to engaging all generations of women in interventional radiology through the power of community philanthropy.

Our Story

Since 1963 when Stark Community Foundation was formed, hundreds of thousands of people’s lives have been changed through the power of philanthropy.

Over the years, the role of the Foundation has grown from a simple grantmaker to a community leader seeking long-term solutions to diverse community challenges.

The Virginia C. Jack and Ralph L. Jack Scholarship Fund

The Virginia C. Jack and Ralph L. Jack Scholarship Fund was established to assist students who are residents of Stark County; admitted to technical school, college or university, or school of nursing (full or part-time); traditional or non-traditional students accepted. Applicants must have attained a GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and demonstrate financial need.

The Coordinating Agricultural Development & Innovation (CADI) initiative fosters trade growth in Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia by removing barriers to U.S. agricultural exports. Funded by the USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service, CADI aims to inject over $622 million into the U.S. economy while preventing potential losses exceeding $50 billion. The awardee will conduct essential research and provide actionable recommendations to support U.S. farmers and enhance trade relationships, ensuring a prosperous agricultural sector.

The Bureau of Land Management's Plant Conservation and Restoration Program (PCRP) aims to enhance the native seed supply chain, crucial for restoring resilient public lands. By collaborating with various partners, PCRP seeks to improve rangeland health, restore wildlife habitats, and create job opportunities. In 2026, the focus will be on local seed collections, supporting farmers entering the native seed market, and developing innovative technologies to ensure effective restoration outcomes and ecological resilience.

The Rural Decentralized Water System Grant Program aims to assist low to moderate-income individuals in financing household water wells and decentralized wastewater systems. This program provides grants to eligible nonprofit organizations to create a revolving fund for loans and sub-grants. Funds can be utilized for constructing, refurbishing, or replacing water well and wastewater systems, ensuring safe and efficient water management for rural communities.

The DOJ's FY 2026 BIDEN Program aims to address immigration-related challenges by providing funding to eligible state and local governments. This initiative focuses on enhancing law enforcement's capacity to apprehend criminal aliens, investigate gang activities, and manage court operations related to crimes committed by aliens. By supporting these critical efforts, the program aims to improve public safety and uphold the rule of law in communities across the nation.

The Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research Centers are offering supplemental funding for Special Interest Projects (SIPs) aimed at enhancing public health practices. These projects will focus on innovative health promotion and disease prevention strategies to mitigate leading health risks in the U.S. The initiative supports ten specific SIPs, including studies on cancer care, alcohol use reduction, and emergency preparedness, thereby fostering research that translates into real-world health improvements.

This funding opportunity aims to establish a U.S. network for active surveillance of pediatric acute respiratory illnesses and gastroenteritis. The initiative will focus on respiratory and enteric viruses, assessing the effectiveness of prevention products such as vaccines. Recipients will follow CDC protocols to enroll patients and confirm viral infections, ultimately reducing hospitalizations and enhancing public health strategies for children's healthcare.

The US Flu Vaccine Effectiveness (VE) Network aims to enhance the effectiveness of vaccines against influenza and other respiratory pathogens, which are significant contributors to morbidity and mortality. This funding opportunity invites proposals for surveillance studies, including annual VE assessments, acute respiratory illness tracking, household transmission research, and immunogenicity studies. Applicants can apply for either Component A or B, with the option to include additional components based on their primary selection.

The INCLUDE Project aims to enhance the health and quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome by generating comprehensive genomic and multi-omics data. This initiative encourages applicants to submit samples to NIH-supported resources, facilitating the exploration of molecular mechanisms related to health conditions associated with Down syndrome. The data will be shared via the INCLUDE Data Hub, promoting collaboration within the research community, though no direct funding is available to applicants.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is set to release a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) aimed at advancing informatics technologies for cancer research. This initiative will support the development of tools that enhance data acquisition, management, and analysis throughout the cancer continuum. By focusing on technologies with proven impact, the NOFO seeks to optimize and sustain resources critical for cancer biology, diagnosis, treatment, and epidemiology.

The National Network of STI Clinical Prevention Training Centers (NNPTC) aims to enhance the education and training of clinicians and disease intervention professionals in STI patient care. This initiative focuses on improving the ability of healthcare providers and systems to effectively diagnose, manage, and counsel individuals at risk for STIs, ultimately reducing morbidity and enhancing public health outcomes on both local and national levels.

The Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program, initiated by the Drug-Free Communities Act of 1997, aims to bolster community coalitions dedicated to preventing youth substance use. Funded by the US HHS's Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), this program focuses on collaboration among various stakeholders, including government and non-profit entities, to effectively reduce substance abuse among youth and promote protective factors within communities.