Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Arizona

The Barbara A. Cooley Master’s Scholarship, offered by SHAPE America, is a $1,000 annual award for master's level students enrolled in accredited health education programs in the U.S. Recipients can use the funds as they wish and receive a complimentary one-year student membership with SHAPE America. The scholarship aims to support future educators and enhance the quality of health education, promoting research and professional practice in the field.

The Military-Civilian Charitable Foundation Scholarship aims to support children of active or retired military personnel in the San Antonio area by providing scholarships for higher education. Established in 1954, this foundation integrates military and civilian communities, emphasizing the importance of education for military families facing unique challenges. Scholarships are available to high school seniors across all military branches, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to fostering patriotism and community support.

The Pride Foundation Scholarship is designed to support LGBTQ+ students who demonstrate leadership in their communities and fields of study. Open to residents of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington, applicants must pursue post-secondary education in the 2025-2026 school year. The scholarship prioritizes those facing systemic barriers, including discrimination and financial need, ensuring resources reach LGBTQ+ students who need them most.

Dale and Tillie Jessup Scholarship

The Dale and Tillie Jessup Scholarship is intended for graduating high school seniors who have attended a Greene County high school for all four years and have been a resident of Greene County or Clay County for those four years. Applicant must be planning to major, on a full-time basis, in agriculture or an agriculture-related field. Dale and Tillie Jessup established a unique scholarship fund for Greene County high school graduating seniors. The Jessup’s donated 100 acres of farm land to the Foundation. The land is leased for farming and the proceeds are used to provide scholarships to students in financial need. Students awarded the Jessup scholarship as a graduating high school senior may re-apply in subsequent years for additional awards.

The Helen Elbert Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating seniors planning to major in music, particularly piano. Established in 1989, the Foundation has a strong commitment to education and community support. This scholarship is not based on financial need and will provide one year of assistance to students attending any college in the United States. It aims to empower young musicians to pursue their educational dreams.

About

Community Foundation of Greenville bridges philanthropy and purpose in Greenville County, helping people make their charitable giving simpler and more powerful for 70 years. We strategically match diverse needs and opportunities in Greenville County with philanthropic resources.

Vision:

Community Foundation of Greenville will be the leading catalyst for developing assets and unlocking potential to meet the needs of an inclusive and equitable community.

Mission:

Community Foundation of Greenville improves the lives of Greenville County residents through strategic philanthropy, community investment, and collaborative leadership.

The Pioneer Scholarship Fund

Purpose:

This Scholarship Fund was established to provide financial assistance for higher education attainment to first generation need-based students residing in Greenville County.

Criteria:

• Applicants must be residents of Greenville County, South Carolina.
• Applicants must be first-generation college students.
• Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 (un-weighted) scale in high school.
• Applicants must be a rising first-year college student.
• Applicants must be accepted to an institution of higher learning prior to applying.
• Applicants must demonstrate financial need (economically disadvantaged).

Preference will be given to African American applicants who meet the outlined criteria, demonstrate financial need, and reside in a single-earner household. However, the final decision will be based on how well applicants meet the overall scholarship requirements, including past academic achievements and future goals.

The Lora Dawson Davisson Memorial Scholarship, established by the Muskingum County Community Foundation, honors a 1982 graduate of Sheridan High School. This scholarship supports Perry County residents enrolled in vocational or degreed nursing programs (LPN, RN) who have completed their first semester. It aims to enhance educational opportunities and nurture future healthcare professionals in the community.

Our Story

The IBMA Foundation was created by the International Bluegrass Music Association in 2007 with a bequest from the Richard Barnhart estate. Mr. Barnhart was a musician from northern Virginia who loved bluegrass and wanted to support educational programs for children. Since the beginning, our goal has been to support bluegrass-music-related educational, literary, artistic and historic preservation activities.

In our early years we produced Discover Bluegrass, an educational video that has been used in thousands of classrooms and libraries around the world. We have hosted dozens of teacher workshops and artist trainings. We created a bluegrass lesson plan competition and provided a network for leaders of after-school bluegrass programs.

Our project grants, which now total $25,000 a year, support bluegrass-related initiatives throughout the world. We also fund Bluegrass in the Schools Mini-grants ($7,000/year) which help schools to hire bluegrass bands for school programs. The Rosenberg Bluegrass Scholar Award recognizes excellence in academic research. Six college scholarships are granted for students working in various areas of the bluegrass music industry. The Arnold Shultz Fund supports increased participation of people of color in bluegrass music with grants that total $30,000/ year. Fletcher Bright Memorial Grants for Young Musicians (age 18 and younger) help young people go to bluegrass music camps and workshops, take lessons, and purchase educational materials. 

Bill Breen Bluegrass Youth Education Fund

The Bill Breen Bluegrass Youth Education Fund was initially financed by friend and colleague, Susie Stephenson. The fund is an option for donors who want to help young people experience and learn to play bluegrass music. Instead of funding a specific scholarship or grant, the Breen Fund will be used by the IBMA Foundation where needed most, in a variety of ways that benefit individuals age 21 and younger. Based in Chicago, Illinois, Bill was an Associate Professor and Professor of Finance at the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University from 1971-2002, going on to serve as Chairman of the Finance Department and Head of Doctoral Studies for the Kellogg School. In addition to playing the banjo, Bill was an avid sailor and fly fisherman, and he never met a dog he didn’t like. His friends and family say it’s fitting that a man so passionate about the banjo, bluegrass music, and education is memorialize with a bluegrass youth education fund.

The ABC Law Centers: Birth Injury Lawyers Cerebral Palsy Scholarship awards $1,000 annually to a deserving student with cerebral palsy. This scholarship aims to raise awareness about cerebral palsy and celebrate the accomplishments of individuals affected by it. Applicants must be enrolled in a U.S. higher education institution and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. The scholarship reflects ABC Law Centers' commitment to supporting those impacted by birth injuries and ensuring their futures are secure.

Gabby's Dream Scholarship honors the memory of Gabriella Garven, who tragically passed away but chose to be an organ donor, saving five lives. This scholarship aims to support Muskingum County high school seniors pursuing higher education. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher and demonstrate involvement in extracurricular activities. By providing financial assistance, this scholarship helps students achieve their dreams, reflecting Gabby's spirit of kindness and generosity, and empowering them to make a positive impact in their communities.

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.

Gregory Keith Jones Memorial Scholarship

The Gregory Keith Jones Memorial Scholarship was established in remembrance of the creative energy, kindness and passion that embodied his much too short time on this earth. This beautiful soul would spread joy, love, and the gospel through music.

Greg was a 1997 graduate of Saginaw High School and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in project management. Along with his gifts of writing music, singing, and playing keyboard and bass, Greg was also a lover of math and tutored young students who struggled with the subject.

The Gregory Keith Jones Memorial Scholarship was established as an enduring legacy to a kind, loving, humble and giving man. May his spirit continue to live on. 

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.

Geographical Area

The official geographic service area of Marshfield Area Community Foundation, Inc., beginning to our west and traveling clockwise, includes the following communities in addition to Marshfield (It also includes towns and rural areas between these communities.): Chili, Granton, Neillsville, Loyal, Greenwood, Withee, Owen, Spencer, Unity, Colby, Curtiss, Pittsville, Abbotsford, Dorchester, Stetsonville, Medford, Stratford, Rozellville, Hewitt, Auburndale, Blenker, Milladore, Sherry, Arpin.

Adam D. Steiner Legacy Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is for a student within the Marshfield Area Community Foundation service area who will be majoring in agriculture, dairy science or industry, or veterinarian and attending school fulltime. Preference to students who grew up on a dairy farm.

The Music Teachers of Excellence (MToE) Award, managed by the CMA Foundation, recognizes outstanding public-school music educators. This prestigious award, with a $5,000 prize, aims to support teachers who inspire students and enrich their communities through music education. The application will open on September 3, 2025, allowing full-time music teachers with at least four years of experience to showcase their commitment and impact in the field. Stay tuned for more details!

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.

Kenneth and Ardyce Heiting Scholarship (2025)

The Vascular Care for the Underserved Project Grants, funded by the Society for Vascular Surgery Foundation, aim to address disparities in vascular care for women. With a grant of $20,000, this initiative focuses on enhancing access, inclusion, and gender-specific research in vascular health. It supports innovative projects that aim to improve care delivery to underserved women and ensure equitable representation in vascular research, ultimately aiming to advance health outcomes and address historical exclusions in clinical studies.

The Lighthouse Wealth Management Scholarship is designed for residents of Ashland County who aim to pursue a major in Business or Finance at an accredited college or university. This scholarship welcomes applications from high school seniors, continuing students, and non-traditional students, ensuring that financial support is available for those committed to their education. Prior recipients are eligible to reapply, fostering continued support for their academic journeys.

The Mina Powell Scholarship, offered by the Ashland County Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from any high school who are members of Zion Lutheran Church in Loudonville. This scholarship aims to assist students who have been accepted into accredited two or four-year colleges or universities, providing them with the financial resources needed to pursue their higher education goals.

The Tower Family Foundation Scholarship offers merit-based financial assistance to employees and dependents of NATE Member Companies, including those affected by severe injuries or disabilities. Valued up to $5,000 annually for full-time students, this scholarship supports tuition and related expenses. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 2.5 and can renew their scholarships for up to four years. Applications are evaluated based on academic achievement and written essays.

The Richard "Obie" Oberweiser Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of a dedicated first responder who served as an EMT-I and volunteer firefighter. Established by his family, this scholarship aims to support students pursuing careers in emergency services. Applicants must be current or former graduates of Chelan or Douglas County with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Obie's commitment to healthcare and his passion for helping others continue to inspire future generations.

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia

Our Community Foundation was established in Roanoke in 1988. With our growth, we expanded into the Martinsville/Henry County area in 2005. Today, we administer many hundreds of named endowment funds ranging in size from a minimum of $10,000 to millions of dollars. To date, donors have also committed very significant resources to the Foundation through future estate gifts.

Our Mission:Enabling people who love their community to easily give back.

Scholarships

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, the region’s community foundation, administers a variety of scholarships to reward and assist capable and deserving students based on the criteria established by the fund donors.

Joycelyn “Fudgie” Lee Farrelly Music Education Scholarship Fund

Fund provides higher education scholarship assistance to deserving students who intend to pursue a degree in music or music education.

The Music's Future Scholarship, provided by the Music Performance Trust Fund, aims to enhance music education by offering financial support to students enrolled in music degree programs. The scholarship requires applicants to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, submit a letter of reference, a resume, a personal statement, and a prior semester transcript. This initiative not only encourages academic excellence but also addresses the importance of music in education, fostering opportunities for students to discuss improvements in music education.

The ISF Film Scholarship Program, initiated by the Islamic Scholarship Fund, supports Muslim students pursuing careers in film and media. With scholarships ranging from $3,000 to $5,000, the program aims to enhance Muslim representation in media and counter negative portrayals. Eligible applicants must be full-time students or professionals in relevant fields, maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0. This initiative not only fosters talent but also empowers voices in policy-making and public opinion.

The Sam J. Lucas Jr. Scholarship, administered by the Greater Houston Community Foundation, offers multiple awards of $5,000 for employees and dependents of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. This one-time award is intended for students pursuing higher education in accredited institutions and requires a minimum GPA of 2.5. Recipients must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours and submit enrollment information to facilitate the scholarship's direct payment to their college.

Washington County Community Foundation

The Washington County Community Foundation seeks to improve the quality of life in Washington County by promoting and facilitating philanthropy. We accomplish this by assuming four philanthropic roles of Grantmaker, Donor Service Organization, Fundraiser, and Community Leader. Fostering philanthropy by offering charitable gifting opportunities to donors on an individualized basis and at reasonable fees, we make charitable giving easier, more satisfying, and more effective. 

The Foundation is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation organized under the laws of Pennsylvania, which is registered with the Pennsylvania Charities Bureau and annually files the Federal Form 990.

Scholarships for Post-Secondary (Undergraduate) School

The Foundation provides both need-based and merit-based scholarships to students in Washington County, with a few scholarships also available to students in Greene County. All scholarships are made payable to the educational institution the student is attending. 

Curtis Wachter Scholarship Fund

For a current year graduating senior who resides within the boundaries of any Washington County or Greene County school district, who intends to study photography, photojournalism, or a related discipline.

The Craig Zadan Pathway for Equity in the Arts Grant aims to enhance high school theatre programs in underserved communities. By providing $10,000 grants, this initiative fosters collaboration between students and industry professionals, while promoting performances that address diverse perspectives. The grant encourages schools to select plays that spark important conversations, ensuring inclusivity and representation in the arts. Ultimately, it seeks to inspire students and open doors to future careers in theatre.

The Thunderbirds Scholars Program, established by the Arizona Community Foundation in 2019, offers a four-year, renewable scholarship for Arizona high school graduates with a minimum GPA of 3.5. This scholarship covers tuition, fees, and room and board at ASU, NAU, or U of A, and includes mentoring support. Students can also seek opportunities for study abroad and internships, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience.

The Koch, Delvin Dee Scholarship, funded by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offers a $500 scholarship to a deserving Beatrice High School senior. Established in 1987, the foundation supports students with financial need who demonstrate good citizenship and a commitment to education. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and provide a Student Aid Report from FAFSA. This initiative promotes academic success and civic involvement within the community.