Best Grants for Community Centers in Arkansas

The Tree City USA Growth Award, presented by the National Arbor Day Foundation, recognizes communities that demonstrate exceptional tree care and engagement. Eligible communities, including towns and cities, must document at least 10 points from various sustainable forestry activities to qualify. This award not only celebrates current efforts but also encourages ongoing commitment to enhancing urban green spaces, ensuring healthier and vibrant environments for future generations.

The Kids’ Chance of America: Emergency Grant Program aims to provide essential support to state organizations facing unexpected challenges in funding scholarships for children of injured workers. This initiative ensures that these children can continue their education despite unforeseen financial hardships. Grants can be utilized for scholarships, room, board, and educational fees, emphasizing the importance of maintaining educational support for deserving students during the 2023-2024 academic year.

The Beaufort Jasper Water & Sewer Authority Scholarship, established in 2024, offers financial support to students from Beaufort and Jasper Counties, South Carolina. This scholarship is both merit-based and need-based, aiming to assist deserving students in pursuing their post-secondary education. Funded by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, it reflects a commitment to fostering educational opportunities in the region.

The RPAC Fundraising Grants, offered by the National Association of Realtors, support state and local associations in organizing fundraising events aimed at boosting RPAC contributions. These grants require a fundraising goal three times the amount requested, ensuring tangible results. The initiative emphasizes developing detailed fundraising plans that comply with state laws regarding corporate treasury funds. This program is vital for enhancing RPAC participation and advancing property ownership advocacy.

The John A. Kilpatrick Memorial Scholarship, established in 2016 by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, supports qualified recipients pursuing post-secondary education. This scholarship is specifically for current or former members of the U.S. Marine Corps who have been stationed at Parris Island, SC, with a preference for applicants who have lived in New Jersey. The foundation has dedicated over $125 million to enhance the Lowcountry community since its inception.

The Alaska Community Foundation

The Alaska Community Foundation connects people who care to the causes that make a difference and matter most to them. We encourage and nurture philanthropy through building and managing permanent endowments, convening stakeholders, working with partners to strengthen Alaskan communities, and providing donors with flexible giving options that are strategic to their philanthropic objectives.

Scholarships at ACF

Each year, more than 60 scholarships are available to Alaska students—and it all starts with one simple application. With one login and one application, you’ll be considered for every scholarship you may be eligible for. Whether you’re taking your first step toward college, training for a career, or continuing your education, these scholarships are here to help carry you forward, backed by donors who believe in Alaska’s students and the futures they’re building. 

Briggs Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Briggs Memorial Scholarship Fund provides scholarships to residents of Chugiak and Eagle River who demonstrate financial need.

The Briggs’s had a long affiliation with Chugiak High School and its graduates. During the early 1970’s, the Briggs family provided financial assistance to Chugiak graduates who, without their assistance, would not have had an opportunity to earn a college education. The only request attached to the “scholarship” was a Christmas card report on their progress and achievements. The intent of this scholarship is to provide assistance where there is definite financial need.

The Pathways to Enable Secure Open-Source Ecosystems (PESOSE) program, funded by the National Science Foundation, aims to transform open-source research into sustainable ecosystems that tackle national and societal challenges. This initiative promotes innovation across various sectors, including AI and cybersecurity, by fostering strong governance and broad user engagement. PESOSE invites proposals to establish and enhance open-source ecosystems, ensuring their safety, security, and effectiveness in meeting emergent needs.

The Interfaith Leadership & Religious Literacy Grant aims to enhance religious literacy by fostering multi-faith dialogues and collaborations. It targets 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S. that educate leaders across various sectors, promoting mutual respect for diverse beliefs. Funding ranges from $100,000 to $300,000, supporting initiatives like digital media projects and campus collaborations that bridge differences. The grant encourages innovative proposals while excluding scholarships and individual grants.

About CKCF

Our Mission

Central Kentucky Community Foundation is the philanthropic focal point in the region, serving as a resource, leader and catalyst to people who wish to improve life in their community.

Available Scholarships

2026 Patrick Eldon Bergman Memorial Scholarship

The Rep. Steve Bratcher 25th District Scholarship, offered by the Central Kentucky Community Foundation, aims to support students from Hardin County with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. This scholarship encourages local residents to pursue higher education by providing financial assistance, helping to foster community development and educational advancement in the region.

Spinoso Masters Scholarship

Created through the generosity of John and Vivian Spinoso, this Pass Through Fund provides scholarship support for up to $10,000 to deserving students to cover tuition costs of post-undergraduate studies. Eligible applicants must have graduated from a DeKalb County high school but do not need to currently live in DeKalb County, IL.

The Society of Family Planning aims to document the efficacy, safety, and acceptability of medication abortion up to 97 days, addressing a critical gap in abortion care. With medication abortion comprising 63% of all abortions in the U.S. in 2023, this funding opportunity seeks to generate vital data beyond the FDA's 70-day approval, promoting evidence-informed and person-centered clinical practices for those needing abortion care later in pregnancy.

The Feed the Hungry COVID-19 Fund, launched by American Humane, addresses the urgent needs of animal shelters struggling during the pandemic. With many animals abandoned and facilities facing shortages, this fund aims to provide essential resources for food and supplies. American Humane, a leader in animal welfare for over a century, seeks to support shelters and rescue organizations fighting to maintain operations amid the crisis, ensuring the safety and care of vulnerable animals across the nation.

The John H. Emery Rail Heritage Trust Grant aims to preserve the intercity rail passenger experience from 1920 to 1960. This private foundation supports projects that restore historic rail equipment and enhance passenger service. With an emphasis on operational railroads, the Trust encourages inclusive practices and the involvement of young people in rail heritage. Grant requests can reach up to $50,000, fostering opportunities for multiple annual awards to eligible organizations dedicated to rail heritage.

Agility Grants, initiated by the National Council on Problem Gambling, aim to minimize gambling-related harm through funding nonprofit organizations for innovative prevention programs. These grants focus on addressing gaps in services and enhancing existing initiatives. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations, with priority given to projects targeting at-risk populations. The program emphasizes community impact and requires evaluations to assess effectiveness, fostering collaboration and awareness within diverse communities affected by gambling.

The STEM Innovation Grant by Colocation America supports innovative STEM programs for K-12 students, offering up to $7,500 in funding. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and schools with STEM-specific programming. The grant aims to inspire youth through unique learning approaches and real-world applications of STEM knowledge. Interested parties must attend a mandatory informational call, with funding available for tools, curriculum development, and professional training.

Community Foundation of Randolph County

Our mission is to bring people and resources together to strengthen the quality of life, both now and in the future, for the residents of Randolph County.

The Community Foundation’s work falls into three major categories: grant-making, donor service, and community convening. Our most visible activities are the grants and scholarships we award each year. Most of these awards come from income earned from permanently endowed funds. Scholarships and other grants come from funds that donors have established for specific purposes.

Winchester Athena Club Students Scholarship

The Athena Club was founded in 1982 as an organization where women in local businesses and professions could meet to network with one another and to learn more about the greater Winchester community. The weekly luncheon meetings were open to all working and retired women. Named for the Greek goddess of knowledge and wisdom, the club’s purpose was to gain knowledge from the weekly speakers, to promote the role of women as leaders in our community, and to contribute to the knowledge of others by giving of themselves so that others might learn. The club has provided leadership to a variety of community organizations and has given financial support to young people who wished to take advantage of educational opportunities. The Athena Club scholarship is awarded each year to a senior from one of the five Randolph County high schools. The club disbanded in 2022, but the scholarship continues to support the club’s focus on education and leadership.

Community Foundation of Randolph County

Our mission is to bring people and resources together to strengthen the quality of life, both now and in the future, for the residents of Randolph County.

The Community Foundation’s work falls into three major categories: grant-making, donor service, and community convening. Our most visible activities are the grants and scholarships we award each year. Most of these awards come from income earned from permanently endowed funds. Scholarships and other grants come from funds that donors have established for specific purposes.

U & C Scholarship

Given to students who have been accepted into a 2 or 4 year public or private institution of higher learning and are family members of vendors, business associates or children of company employees of B & F Plastics.

Community Foundation of Randolph County

Our mission is to bring people and resources together to strengthen the quality of life, both now and in the future, for the residents of Randolph County.

The Community Foundation’s work falls into three major categories: grant-making, donor service, and community convening. Our most visible activities are the grants and scholarships we award each year. Most of these awards come from income earned from permanently endowed funds. Scholarships and other grants come from funds that donors have established for specific purposes.

Joe & Elizabethe Gardner Scholarship

This scholarship is open to a graduating senior who has applied and been accepted into a University, College, Junior College, or Technical School. Their proposed field of study must be in the area of 1) Home Economics Education, 2) Home Economics Specialty (i.e. dietetics, textiles, etc.), or 3) Home Economics related Health Occupation (listed as nursing, dental assistant, etc.).

The Alaska Community Foundation

The Alaska Community Foundation connects people who care to the causes that make a difference and matter most to them. We encourage and nurture philanthropy through building and managing permanent endowments, convening stakeholders, working with partners to strengthen Alaskan communities, and providing donors with flexible giving options that are strategic to their philanthropic objectives.

Scholarships at ACF

Each year, more than 60 scholarships are available to Alaska students—and it all starts with one simple application. With one login and one application, you’ll be considered for every scholarship you may be eligible for. Whether you’re taking your first step toward college, training for a career, or continuing your education, these scholarships are here to help carry you forward, backed by donors who believe in Alaska’s students and the futures they’re building. 

Donald Giles Vocational Scholarship Fund

A scholarship fund created by Donald Giles to provide a scholarship to an eligible student residing in Petersburg, Seward or Homer Communities pursuing training, certification or a degree in vocational or trade studies.

Don Giles, the Former CEO of Icicle Seafoods got his start working the summers in Seward in the 1970’s and spent lots of time in Seward, Homer and Petersburg over the years. All three communities were very supportive and instrumental to the success of Icicle over the years. In speaking with Mr. Giles he stated, "I’m glad to be able to give something back to these wonderful communities There is a need and shortage of skilled vocational trade people in Alaska and hopefully this Scholarship will help jump start some young Alaskans into successful jobs and careers that are desperately needed in Alaska."

The Community Foundation of Marquette County distributes over $130,000 annually in scholarships to benefit aspiring students in Marquette County.

Coach Dion Brown Memorial Scholarship

Be a graduating senior of Gwinn Area Community Schools pursuing higher education, and who demonstrates school and/or community leadership through involvement in extracurricular activities (not limited to athletic).

Distribution Process

• CFMC scholarship recipients will be contacted in June requesting student enrollment verification
• Scholarships can only be distributed once student’s information is received
• Scholarships will be distributed to the college/school/university indicated by student
• The scholarship must be used for tuition and fees required for the enrollment or attendance of the student at a qualifying educational institution; fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for courses of instruction at such an educational institution; and room and board, within the first semester of first year of students enrollment
• That year’s recipient must claim the scholarship within that fiscal year to be distributed (by 12/31/xx)

Scholarship amounts vary depending on the scholarship applied for. Applicants are encouraged to apply for as many awards as they are eligible to increase the likelihood of receiving one or more awards.

Scholarships can be used for cost of attendance, direct education expenses, including tuition, books, and/or other school-related fees.

If you receive an award, be sure to complete your scholarship acceptance form (online portal). Scholarship awards are paid directly to the academic institution by the end of August.

Renaissance Education Scholarship Fund

This Fund was created in 2007 by retired Sycamore teacher Yvonne Johnson and provides scholarship support to an individual who has been in the work force and desires to return to the academic world in pursuit of a college degree. The award is renewable up to three consecutive years following the initial award and can be used for tuition at any accredited university or community college for expenses associated with undergraduate study. The recipient can seek a degree in any field of study, but must demonstrate evidence of interest in the chosen field. This scholarship is administered by the Community Foundation.

Community Foundation of Randolph County

Our mission is to bring people and resources together to strengthen the quality of life, both now and in the future, for the residents of Randolph County.

The Community Foundation’s work falls into three major categories: grant-making, donor service, and community convening. Our most visible activities are the grants and scholarships we award each year. Most of these awards come from income earned from permanently endowed funds. Scholarships and other grants come from funds that donors have established for specific purposes.

Ethan Cheesman Memorial Scholarship

Ethan Taylor Cheesman, a promising young athlete and student at Union Jr./Sr. High School, went to heaven on May 6, 2009 at the age of 15. Born in Muncie to Gregory D. and Paula K. (Clevenger) Cheesman, Ethan was a well-rounded individual with a passion for sports, music, and animals. He was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Losantville and excelled in various extracurricular activities, including track and field, basketball, cross-country, student council, and baseball. He was also a member of the band, playing both trumpet and French horn. Ethan’s kind and gentle nature, coupled with his great sense of humor, made him beloved by his friends and family. This scholarship honors his memory and supports students who embody his spirit and dedication.

The Primarily Undergraduate Institution (PUI) Section Travel Award, offered by the American Society of Plant Biologists, aims to enhance the participation of early-career faculty from PUIs at the annual Plant Biology meeting. This award provides essential financial support to those in need, promoting greater inclusivity and representation within the scientific community. By facilitating attendance, the award encourages networking and knowledge sharing among emerging plant scientists, ultimately fostering advancements in plant biology research.

The AKC Rescue Grant, offered by the AKC Humane Fund, provides essential financial support to nonprofit organizations focused on canine rescue and welfare. Grants cover significant expenses such as veterinary care, spaying, and essential supplies. Eligible applicants include AKC Parent Clubs and 501(c)(3) organizations dedicated to dog rescue. This grant aims to facilitate specific projects and operational needs while ensuring compliance with reporting requirements for awarded funds.

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds. 

Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

MacIntyre Family Scholarship Fund

To support residents of Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire Counties

Additional Guidelines

• Students can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships from the Community Foundation.
• Scholarship awards could impact the financial aid offered by a college, and students are advised to check with their college financial aid offices about this.
• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. Some part and/or all the award could be considered taxable income. It is advisable students check with the college or tax accountant regarding this matter.

The Oleta Lambert Scholarship, established by the Rotary Club of Sacramento Foundation, aims to promote higher education and the spirit of Rotary. This annual scholarship honors long-time Rotarian Oleta Lambert and is open to high school students from Sacramento County pursuing studies at accredited universities or community colleges. By supporting local students, the Rotary Club reinforces its commitment to service and community enrichment, fostering educational opportunities and ethical standards.