Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in American Samoa

The Allen C. & Leurene F. Hodgkins Scholarship Fund, established by the Maine Community Foundation, offers renewable scholarships for high school seniors or recent graduates from Lamoine, Maine. This fund supports those pursuing post-secondary education, prioritizing academic achievement and financial need. Founded in 1983, the Maine Community Foundation connects resources to enhance community well-being, ensuring that students from Lamoine can access the education they need to succeed.

The National Ataxia Foundation (NAF) offers a Pre-doctoral Fellowship to Promote Diversity in Ataxia Research, a competitive, non-renewable award aimed at enhancing the training of students in health professional programs. This fellowship provides partial funding of $50,000 over two years for research related to ataxia. Applicants must identify as underrepresented minorities and aim for careers in research or clinical science. The fellowship promotes diversity and supports innovative research in the field.

The Four Directions Scholarship Fund for Native Students, created by Penny Gill, aims to support Ojibwe students through higher education. With a total award of $10,000 distributed over four years, the scholarship is available to enrolled members of specific Chippewa tribes who demonstrate financial need. It reflects Gill's commitment to sharing educational opportunities with her community on Madeline Island, honoring the original caretakers of the land.

The Jack and Mary Rowe Memorial Scholarship Fund honors the legacy of Jack and Mary Rowe by supporting high school graduates in Duluth, Hermantown, or Proctor who are pursuing engineering studies. This scholarship, valued at $4,500 for one year, recognizes academic excellence without considering financial need, encouraging students with a GPA of 3.9 or higher, or 3.5 in honors courses, to apply and engage in extracurricular activities.

Dominique's Musician Corner Scholarship, established in 2016 in memory of Dominique Williams, supports students from Beaufort or Jasper Counties in South Carolina and Chatham County in Georgia pursuing post-secondary education in performing arts. This merit-based scholarship does not require financial information and focuses on specific eligibility criteria to ensure the most deserving candidates receive assistance in their artistic endeavors.

The Iron River Lions Club Marie Larson Scholarship Fund offers $2,000 to graduating high school seniors from public or private schools in the Iron River area. Established by Marie Larson, this fund supports students pursuing higher education, with its origins tracing back to a golf tournament begun in 2008. The scholarship honors Larson's legacy and her commitment to the community, encouraging local youth to achieve their educational goals.

The Lawrence E. and Mabel Jackson Rudberg Scholarship Fund supports graduating seniors from Two Harbors Senior High School and Duluth area high schools. This scholarship, established by educators Lawrence and Mabel Rudberg, aims to promote access to higher education. Eligible students must demonstrate financial need and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Awards can reach up to $20,000 over four years, helping students achieve their college aspirations.

The Northwoods Educational Opportunities Fund offers financial aid to high school seniors and graduates from Mercer and Chequamegon (Park Falls) schools, as well as residents of the Town of Sherman. Awards can reach up to $20,000 over four years. Eligible applicants must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher and demonstrate financial need, community service, and leadership engagement. This initiative aims to support students in pursuing vocational or post-secondary educational programs.

The Riley Burnell Criminal Justice Memorial Scholarship Fund provides financial support to a Koochiching County resident pursuing a career in criminal justice. Established in memory of Riley Burnell, this scholarship awards $2,500 for one year to students demonstrating financial need and maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Eligible applicants must show good citizenship and community involvement while aiming for fields such as law enforcement, conservation, or border patrol.

The Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis Fellowship, supported by Pfizer, Inc., aims to enhance training for healthcare professionals in recognizing and managing ATTR cardiac amyloidosis. This competitive program focuses on clinical practice, research, and education, fostering a deeper understanding of the condition. It specifically targets fellowship programs for Cardiologists and Advanced Practice Providers in Heart Failure, ensuring a strong emphasis on advancing knowledge and care in this critical area of cardiology.

The Lemieux-Lovejoy Youth Scholarship, provided by the BPW/Maine Futurama Foundation, supports Maine women pursuing higher education. Established in 1962, this scholarship honors Rachel E. Lemieux and Arline Andrews Lovejoy, who were instrumental in its founding. Applicants must be Maine residents graduating high school and demonstrate financial need. This initiative aims to empower women and promote economic self-sufficiency, enabling them to achieve their educational goals and contribute positively to the community.

The Wilhelm Family Foundation Grants aim to enhance access to artistic resources by funding diverse nonprofit arts organizations. Prioritizing projects that engage with environmental and climate issues, the foundation seeks to support creative expression and collaboration in underserved communities. Emphasizing equality and sustainability, it fosters artistic practices that empower individuals and promote cultural dialogue. Grants are typically awarded to small organizations, focusing on community engagement and longevity in the arts sector.

The BPW/Maine Futurama Foundation offers the Career Advancement Scholarship, a $3000 award aimed at women aged 30 and above residing in Maine. This scholarship supports those enrolled in accredited colleges or training programs, covering both full-time and part-time studies. It assists women in improving their skills for career advancement, whether entering a new field or re-entering the job market. Since 1962, the foundation has empowered women towards economic self-sufficiency.

The Maude MacKenzie Scholarship, offered by the General Federation of Women’s Clubs in Maine, provides $1,000 annually to a deserving student who has graduated from an accredited high school in Maine, demonstrating academic achievement, leadership, and community service. Applicants must be residents of Maine and accepted into a college or university. This scholarship aims to support students in their pursuit of higher education while promoting the values of commitment and service within the community.

The Albert H. Roffers Athletic Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance to graduating senior athletes from Ashland High School. Award amounts range from $1,000 to $1,500 for one year and can be used at accredited educational institutions. This scholarship honors Albert H. Roffers, a dedicated community member who supported local sports programs. Eligible applicants must have participated in two varsity sports, maintained a GPA of 2.0 or higher, and demonstrated both character and financial need.

The James Henry Smith & Gladys Manning Smith Scholarship Fund aims to support students with financial need and strong character, helping them achieve a college education. This renewable scholarship offers annual funding, covering tuition, fees, housing, and books, with awards between $6,000 and $7,000. Eligible applicants must be graduating seniors from Muscogee County, Georgia, maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher, and demonstrate community service. The scholarship reflects the Smiths' commitment to service and education.

The Helene Stoller Scholarship, established in September 2023 by Dr. Helene Stoller, aims to support students pursuing degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math. This merit and need-based scholarship targets those with strong financial needs and academic excellence. Managed by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, it covers various educational expenses, ensuring equitable access regardless of race, gender, or background. Applications are reviewed by a dedicated committee to select deserving recipients.

Uta Landy Complex Family Planning Scholars

Complex family planning subspecialists, with their focus on providing care for people with complex abortion and contraception needs, are well-positioned to produce abortion and contraception research that ultimately shapes clinical practice and medical education. As members of a subspecialty, they hold the potential to leverage the resources of academic medicine in service of research primed for impact.

As one of its core strategies, the Society of Family Planning seeks to convene a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and multidisciplinary community of all engaged in the science and medicine of abortion and contraception. Providing early-career research support to fellows currently training in complex family planning is an important step toward actualizing this strategy. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support fellows currently in training at Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) accredited Complex Family Planning sites in developing independent research portfolios. The grant deliverable is the completion of a publishable scholarly research project.

Funds and duration

The maximum grant award is $7,500. Funds may be used to support expenses that are directly related to research (eg, statistical support, translation services, equipment, participant reimbursement, and travel directly associated with conducting research). No indirect costs are permitted for this award. The duration of the award period is 12 months. Funds will be available for immediate use, contingent on receipt of a signed award agreement and documentation of IRB approval or exemption for project activities. Up to 20% of the requested award amount may be used as stipends to support time or to present findings at an academic conference. We encourage scholars to submit their work for presentation at a broad array of conferences. We anticipate supporting up to ten scholars via this funding opportunity.

The Amelia and Emanuel Nessell Family Scholarship Fund supports students in financial need, prioritizing Jewish applicants. Established in 1997 in memory of Amelia and Emanuel Nessell, this scholarship reflects the family's commitment to education. Eligible candidates must be Duluth public or private school graduates with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and active in extracurriculars. Award amounts range from $1,250 to $1,500 per year, totaling $2,500 to $3,000 over two years.

The Swans Island Education Achievement Trust Fund, established in 1997 by the Maine Community Foundation, offers scholarship support to non-traditional residents of Swans Island pursuing further education beyond high school. This fund aims to assist those seeking college, vocational, or technical training, focusing on individual achievement, community service, and financial need. Scholarships may be renewable for up to four years, promoting educational advancement and community growth.

The Bernard B. and Mary L. Brusin Scholarship Fund offers financial support to Jewish and Roman Catholic students from specific Duluth-area high schools. Established in 1987, this scholarship honors the Brusins' commitment to education and community service. Award amounts range from $5,000 to $10,000 annually, with a total potential of $40,000 over four years. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and a dedication to community involvement.

The M. Alton French Scholarship Fund, established by the Maine Community Foundation in 1983, offers renewable scholarships to residents of Lincolnville, Camden, Hope, Appleton, Rockport, Northport, and Islesboro pursuing post-secondary education. Awards are based on financial need, academic performance, and leadership potential. New applicants must participate in an interview in June. This initiative reflects the Foundation's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and fostering community development in Maine.

The Jane and Peter Weil Scholarship Fund, established by the Maine Community Foundation in 1983, supports graduating seniors from Washington County, particularly first-generation college students. This fund exemplifies strategic giving and community leadership, providing essential resources for students to pursue higher education. With a focus on personalized service and local expertise, the Maine Community Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals and families across the region through impactful charitable initiatives.

The Ira Cobe Scholarship Fund, established by the estate of Ira M. Cobe, supports educational expenses for Waldo County residents under 23. With a maximum award of $500, the fund promotes curriculum-based opportunities, including class trips and educational supplies. Eligible students must share costs and preference is given to those who haven't received funding this year. Proposals are reviewed on a rolling basis to ensure timely support for educational pursuits.

The Ira Cobe Scholarship Fund, established by the Maine Community Foundation, supports Waldo County residents under 23 pursuing post-secondary education. Founded in 1983, this fund honors Ira M. Cobe's legacy, providing financial assistance for students in their second to fourth years of study. It aims to help those who may lack access to traditional scholarships and encourages local youth to achieve their educational goals.

The Read Across America State Affiliate Event Grant supports NEA state affiliates in enhancing coordinated events that celebrate diverse reading. This grant encourages proposals aimed at providing students with access to diverse books, addressing challenges such as curriculum bans. Activities may include guest readings, establishing diverse book clubs, and promoting literacy through community engagement. Applications are open only to state affiliates, with a strong emphasis on year-round reading awareness.

The Gracie Fund, established by the Maine Community Foundation, aims to support natives of Washington County in their pursuit of post-secondary education and community service. Offering tuition reimbursement and school loan repayment awards up to $5,000, the fund encourages graduates to return to their roots and contribute to local development. Applicants must commit to living and working in Washington County for at least two years while fulfilling community service obligations, fostering a strong connection to their home.