Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Arkansas

The Project SEED Fellowship aims to provide high school students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds with hands-on summer research experiences in chemistry and related fields. Over 50 years, it has engaged more than 11,000 students, offering mentorship and support for college readiness. Participants work under the guidance of scientists for 8 to 10 weeks, with opportunities for scholarships and travel grants, thereby fostering interest in STEM careers and promoting diversity in the sciences.

The Sparklight/Cable One Charitable Giving Fund supports local nonprofits and organizations focused on education, food insecurity, and community development. They prioritize impactful partnerships that strengthen communities. The fund welcomes various funding requests, including special projects and capital campaigns, while adhering to specific eligibility requirements such as tax-exempt status. However, they do not fund basic operating expenses, loans, or religious organizations for general support, ensuring that their contributions foster meaningful community growth.

The Foist Family Perseverance Scholarship Fund, established by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, aims to support adult learners and graduating high school seniors from Berkshire County pursuing careers in healthcare and sciences. With a focus on clinical and research fields such as nursing and occupational therapy, this fund seeks to empower individuals in their educational and professional journeys, promoting economic mobility and high quality of life in the community.

Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors. Applications are accepted from mid-November until mid-March. Scholarship award recipients will be announced at the high school awards ceremony. 

Susquehanna Beekeepers Association College Scholarship

Established by the Susquehanna Beekeepers Association to provide college tuition assistance to students from northeastern Pennsylvania who will major in agriculture or biology.

The Vilcek Foundation's 2026 Prizes for Creative Promise in Fashion & Design and Fashion & Culture will award six $50,000 prizes to young immigrant professionals. This initiative recognizes early- and mid-career creatives in fields such as fashion design, writing, and styling, highlighting the vital contributions of immigrants to the arts in the U.S. Eligible applicants must have at least five years of experience and intend to pursue their careers in the country.

About The NRA Foundation

The heart of The NRA Foundation’s mission is preserving the core of our American values and traditions in our steadfast effort to Teach Freedom.

The NRA Foundation Supports Freedom, Family, and the Future of the Shooting Sports

Established in 1990, The NRA Foundation, Inc. (“NRA Foundation”) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that raises tax-deductible contributions in support of a wide range of firearm-related public interest activities of the National Rifle Association of America and other organizations that defend and foster the Second Amendment rights of all law-abiding Americans.

The heart of The NRA Foundation’s mission is preserving the core of our American values and traditions in our steadfast effort to Teach Freedom.

Established in 1990, The NRA Foundation, Inc. (“NRA Foundation”) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that raises tax-deductible contributions in support of a wide range of firearm-related public interest activities of the National Rifle Association of America and other organizations that defend and foster the Second Amendment rights of all law-abiding Americans. These activities are designed to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those participating in the shooting sports, and to educate the general public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context. Funds granted by The NRA Foundation benefit a variety of constituencies throughout the United States including children, youth, women, individuals with physical disabilities, gun collectors, law enforcement officers, hunters and competitive shooters.

Awards

The NRA is proud to recognize the contributions of those who have demonstrated dedication to the promotion of the Second Amendment, significantly impacted the preservation of the shooting sports, advanced the purposes and goals of the NRA and exemplified leadership through public service. Each year, women, youth, clubs, law enforcement officers and NRA Foundation volunteers are awarded for their efforts in pursuit of these principles.

NRA Law Enforcement Officer Of The Year Award

NRA's Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award was established in 1993 and recognizes an exceptional act or service by a law enforcement officer and is administered by the NRA Law Enforcement Division. Nominations are accepted from anyone having knowledge of the nominee's actions. This includes, but is not limited to, the nominee's agency head, other law enforcement officials, elected officials, fellow officers, community leaders, interested citizens, and NRA members.

Holcomb Family Education Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 2008 by the Hall County Optimist Club to honor long-time educators, J.H. Holcomb and his sisters, Margaret, Mildred, and Nell. Applicants must have demonstrated financial need and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. In 2026, one scholarship award of $1,000 will be offered.

The Owen Family Foundation Grant supports charitable organizations primarily in East Texas and the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, focusing on health, education, human services, and religious initiatives. Organizations must have a 501(c)(3) status and past funding is required for Twin Cities applicants. The foundation is committed to promoting philanthropy and ensuring access to funding for eligible charities, while maintaining a non-discriminatory policy.

The Learning Engineering Tools Competition is a significant funding opportunity aimed at fostering educational technology innovations. It seeks to leverage digital tools, big data, and learning science to improve learner outcomes globally. This competition encourages diverse participants, from students to established companies, to develop solutions that can generate valuable learning data. By promoting collaboration among educators, researchers, and tech innovators, the initiative aims to advance the field of learning engineering and enhance educational practices.

Academy Sports + Outdoors, a leading sporting goods retailer, supports community initiatives by providing donations to registered 501(c)(3) organizations. Their focus is on promoting safety and responsibility in sports and outdoor activities. Proposals must foster community engagement and must not be affiliated with religious or political groups. Events should take place in areas with Academy stores, ensuring a positive local impact while encouraging active lifestyles and connection among community members.

Jane Burns DeWitt Baumann Scholarship

Jane Burns DeWitt Baumann was a life-long resident and educator from Columbus. She attended Columbus City Schools from elementary school through graduation from South High School in 1949, subsequently majoring in Fine Arts and Education at Ohio University. She taught English for twenty years at Linden-McKinley high school and influenced hundreds of students with her passion for reading and writing, inspiring many to pursue their college educations despite trying circumstances. She was a committed advocate of public education. This scholarship honors her service and commitment to public education by supporting a future educator who would not otherwise have the means to attend college.

Award Amount:

• $20,000 payable over four years at $5,000 per academic year

The Michael J. Campbell Memorial Scholarship supports high school seniors in vocational programs and college freshmen pursuing degrees in construction-related fields. Established by The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, this scholarship aims to empower students from Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren, and Washington Counties in New York. The program reflects the foundation's commitment to enhancing community quality of life through education and opportunity.

The ENF Community Investments Program - Beacon Grants offers a unique opportunity for Elks Lodges to initiate and lead charitable projects in their local communities. This program encourages Lodges to develop sustainable initiatives, allowing them to address community needs effectively. By fostering collaboration and providing resources, the Beacon Grants enhance the quality of life for residents, including veterans and families. In 2025-26, all Lodges will have the chance to participate, promoting a culture of giving back.

The Limited Competition Small Grant Program under the NCATS CTSA aims to enhance the research capabilities of scholars transitioning to independent academic translational scientists. This program supports diverse clinical and translational science projects, including pilot studies and methodology development. The R03 grants are designed for short-term projects with limited resources that generate preliminary data for future R01 applications, thereby fostering innovation and advancing health research.

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.

MassMutual Scholars Fund

To support graduating high school seniors from Springfield, MA or Enfield, CT interested in pursuing careers in financial services, business or information technology.

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 Bernard Erlin Memorial Scholarship, offered by the ACI Foundation, honors the contributions of Erlin to the concrete industry. It provides financial support of $5,000 to deserving undergraduate or graduate students pursuing degrees related to concrete materials. Recipients will also receive recognition in Concrete International magazine. This scholarship aims to foster the next generation of leaders in the concrete sector, ensuring educational opportunities for passionate individuals committed to innovation in this field.

The 201 Undergraduate Concrete Durability Scholarship, offered by the ACI Foundation, is designed for full-time undergraduate students pursuing degrees in concrete-related fields. This scholarship awards $5,000 for educational expenses while also recognizing recipients in Concrete International magazine and on the Foundation's website. The scholarship aims to support students who demonstrate a keen interest in concrete durability, contributing to the advancement of the concrete industry.

The Richard D. Stehly Memorial Scholarship, offered by the ACI Foundation, supports undergraduate students pursuing degrees in concrete-related fields, particularly in structural design, materials, or construction. Applicants must demonstrate community sustainability efforts in their essays. The scholarship provides a $5,000 educational stipend and recognition in Concrete International magazine. This opportunity is open to international students, and recipients will receive funds in two installments during the award cycle, which spans from fall to spring semester.

Greater Kansas City Community Foundation 

The Greater Kansas City Community Foundation is a nationally respected leader in charitable giving, dedicated to improving quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing philanthropy, educating and connecting donors to community needs, and leading on critical local issues. Founded in 1978 with a simple belief that charitable giving should be accessible to all, the Foundation has grown into one of the largest and most innovative public charities in the country, offering donor advised funds and other giving vehicles that make philanthropy convenient, efficient, and impactful. Today, it manages more than $7 billion in assets, administers over 7,000 charitable funds, and has distributed more than $8 billion in grants, consistently ranking among the top community foundations nationwide.

Kelly Williams Memorial Scholarship Fund

Kelly Williams Memorial Scholarship Fund provides scholarship support to children, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren of current Altec Industries employees who are pursuing an engineering degree at an accredited two year or four year college or university. Eligible applicants must be enrolled or planning to enroll as full time students in an engineering program and meet academic requirements, including a minimum 3.5 high school GPA and qualifying ACT or SAT scores for U.S. students, or an 80 percent honours average for Canadian students. The scholarship supports both U.S. and Canadian applicants who meet eligibility criteria and are preparing for careers in engineering.

The Canfor Good Things Come From Trees Foundation is dedicated to fostering equitable and sustainable community initiatives across Canada and the US. By providing scholarships for students pursuing careers in forestry and sustainability, funding health and well-being projects, and investing in environmental protection, the foundation aims to create lasting impacts. Their commitment ensures future generations are empowered while promoting cultural awareness and resilience through community-driven projects.

The AccessLex Diversity Pathway Intervention Grant Program aims to support initiatives that facilitate the entry of college students from historically underrepresented groups into law school. By providing funding of $200,000 to $300,000 over 12 to 24 months, the program seeks to improve enrollment and success rates for these students. AccessLex Institute emphasizes research-backed strategies and collaborative programs to enhance educational outcomes in legal education.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

Lynne Ruth Lafin Elmore Sucher Scholarship

This opportunity is provided to honor the life and legacy of Lynn Ruth Lafin Elmore Sucher.

The purpose of the Lynn Ruth Lafin Elmore Scholarship program is to provide financial assistance to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native graduate students attending full-time at an accredited institution pursuing mathematics, Medicine, or life sciences are eligible to apply.

This opportunity is a need-based award.

The FY27 Communications and Networking Applied Research program aims to advance technologies essential for Naval operations. This initiative aligns with the Design for Maritime Superiority, focusing on the Naval Tactical Grid (NTG) to ensure seamless connectivity among distributed units. The technologies developed will operate under challenging conditions across multiple domains, enhancing command and control capabilities for effective decision-making in maritime and other operational theaters.

P.U.L.S.E. of Noble County – Senior Scholarship Fund

P.U.L.S.E. of Noble County is a group of service-minded youth who meet monthly to organize community projects that benefit Noble County and grant philanthropic dollars to other organizations making an impact. This scholarship is for Noble County high school seniors who are P.U.L.S.E. members and are pursuing a post high school education.

Awards Per Year:

• 4 scholarships

Applicant High School:

• Any high school in the area

Colleges:

• Any accredited college or university

Areas of Study:

• Any

The Lynn G. Bellenger Engineering Technology Scholarship honors ASHRAE's first woman president and supports qualified female undergraduate engineering technology students. Offered to those with a minimum GPA of 3.0, this one-year scholarship encourages studies in fields related to HVAC&R. The scholarship aligns with ASHRAE's mission to advance sustainable technology and create a healthier built environment. Eligible students must be enrolled in programs with ASHRAE student branches or accredited by recognized boards.

The Gordon V. R. Holness Engineering Technology Scholarship aims to support full-time undergraduate students pursuing degrees in Engineering Technology related to HVAC&R. Established by Gordon Holness, this scholarship highlights the importance of education in sustainable technology. Eligible candidates must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 and meet specific institutional criteria, promoting excellence in the HVAC&R profession and fostering a sustainable built environment for future generations.

The Russell Sage Foundation's Core Research Grants program focuses on Race, Ethnicity, and Immigration, aiming to foster interdisciplinary research on the changing demographics of the U.S. population. This initiative encourages innovative collaboration among social scientists to enhance research quality and support the ideals of a pluralistic society. By building on insights from previous programs, it seeks to address critical questions concerning race and ethnicity within the context of immigration.