Best Bridgeport Grants for Nonprofits in Connecticut

The NAACP X Society Awards Scholarship

The NAACP x Society Awards Scholarship is one of many funding opportunities available to students through NAACP's Inspire Initiatives. We offer scholarships to outstanding and qualified students pursuing undergraduate degrees. Through the generosity of our donors, we advance efforts to ensure equity in educational opportunity that prepares students for success in school, work, and life.

Scholarship amount: $1,000 to $5,000

This is a non-renewable scholarship opportunity.

Hubertus W. V. Willems Scholarship

The Hubertus W. V. Willems Scholarship is one of many funding opportunities available to students through NAACP's Inspire Initiatives. We offer scholarships to outstanding and qualified students pursuing undergraduate degrees. Through the generosity of our donors, we advance efforts to ensure equity in educational opportunity that prepares students for success in school, work, and life.

Scholarship amount:

• $3,000

This a non-renewable scholarship opportunity.

About Us

The Elk County Community Foundation was started in the late 1990’s by a group of business and civic leaders, with the support of the Stackpole-Hall Foundation, who recognized the need for creating a perpetual funding stream to support Elk County—now and in the future. The Foundation was incorporated in 2000 and a year later was classified as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

The Foundation provides donors with a simple but powerful and highly personal approach to achieving their philanthropic goals while enhancing the quality of life for the people of Elk County.

The Community Foundation makes it easy for individuals, businesses, and organizations to establish a scholarship fund. Your fund can be created in as little as one meeting, with a short fund agreement, and a single gift. Or your fund can be set up with an initial gift that is added to in the future. We manage all the administrative details of your fund for you.

By establishing a uniquely-named scholarship, you have the ability to designate eligibility requirements including education level, the field of study, geographic area, etc. Many scholarships are established to honor parents, a family member, or someone who influenced your life.

Most scholarship funds at the Foundation are permanent endowments, with the annual earnings used to provide the scholarships

Tyler Bender EMS Scholarship Fund

Tyler Bender recently graduated from the Center for Emergency Medicine, and he felt compelled to give back by starting this scholarship to encourage other individuals to consider the EMS field. There is a constant demand for well-trained and qualified EMS professionals. Tyler hopes that this scholarship fund will help attract individuals to the field and alleviate a shortage of EMS personnel.

Amount: $500 annually

James Weldon Johnson Scholarship

The James Weldon Johnson Scholarship, powered by Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., is one of many funding opportunities available to students through the NAACP's Inspire Initiatives. We offer scholarships to outstanding and qualified students pursuing undergraduate degrees. Through the generosity of our donors, we advance efforts to ensure equity in educational opportunity that prepares students for success in school, work, and life.

The James Weldon Johnson Scholarship is open to first- or second-year male students who will matriculate to full-time enrollment at an accredited academic institution in Fall 2025.

Scholarship amount:

• $1,500

Amount of Scholarships:

• 15

This is a non-renewable scholarship opportunity.

Empowering a Better Tomorrow Scholarship

The Empowering a Better Tomorrow Scholarship, powered by Walmart, is intended to assist in the creation of a pathway for those who desire to further their education as they enter back into society. This scholarship will be available to the formerly incarcerated or those who have recently been convicted and who have completed their sentence. This scholarship will be awarded to individuals who can exhibit qualities of leadership, commitment to change, and desire to give back to their community.

Scholarship amount:

• $5,000

This is a non-renewable scholarship opportunity.

The Staff Sgt. Carl Enis Military Scholarship honors the legacy of Staff Sgt. Carl Enis, a dedicated Air Force Pararescueman who tragically lost his life in service. Established by the Elk County Community Foundation, this scholarship supports high school seniors and adult learners from McKean, Cameron, Potter, or Elk County. Eligible candidates must demonstrate academic merit, community involvement, and enrollment in a post-secondary program, with an annual award amount of approximately $500.

The Marjorie M. Hendricks Environmental Education Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports Tri-Cities area residents pursuing a degree in environmental science. Established in memory of Marjorie Hendricks, a dedicated environmentalist, this scholarship prioritizes students with financial need and those attending GVSU or Aquinas College. Applicants must submit academic transcripts and other required documents to be considered for this competitive award, which honors Marjorie's significant contributions to environmental conservation.

The Marion A. and Ruth K. Sherwood Family Scholarship Fund supports current college students from the Tri-Cities area, promoting academic achievement and community involvement. Funded by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, this scholarship emphasizes financial need and aims to assist students in continuing their education. Applicants must submit transcripts and additional documentation to demonstrate eligibility. This initiative reflects the Sherwoods' commitment to fostering educational opportunities and community betterment.

The Lynne Sherwood Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, aims to support local youth in achieving their educational aspirations. This competitive scholarship considers various factors including financial need and academic achievement. Applicants must reside in West Michigan and submit necessary documents such as transcripts and the Student Aid Report. Lynne Sherwood's legacy as a community leader and educator continues to inspire future generations through this scholarship opportunity.

The Louise Wachter Wickham Scholarship, established in 1997 by Donna Wickham Furth, supports high school seniors pursuing a degree in elementary education. This scholarship is awarded based on financial need and academic performance. Recipients must demonstrate commitment to education and may need to submit additional documents such as transcripts and recommendation letters. The fund honors Louise Wachter Wickham, a dedicated teacher who believed in the transformative power of education.

The Larson-Veneklasen Outdoor Education Scholarship, established by Ken Larson and Diane Veneklasen, supports Tri-Cities residents pursuing outdoor educational experiences. Inspired by the Outward Bound philosophy, it aims to foster character development and self-discovery through adventure. Applicants can access multiple foundation scholarships with a single application. Required documents include transcripts and any additional materials specified for specific scholarships. Notably, financial need is not a priority, and high school seniors are not restricted from applying.

The Kevin Ernst Memorial Scholarship, established in 1995, honors a compassionate young man who aspired to teach mathematics. Offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, this competitive scholarship supports students residing in the Tri-Cities studying mathematics or accounting, with a priority on financial need. Applicants are required to submit academic transcripts and additional documents as needed. This fund reflects the legacy of Kevin Ernst, encouraging future educators to pursue their dreams.

The John L. and Victory E. Frantz Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports Tri-Cities residents pursuing higher education. Established in honor of dedicated educators John and Vicky Frantz, this scholarship aims to empower future generations through education. Eligibility includes financial need and a commitment to academic achievement. Applicants must submit transcripts and relevant documents. The foundation emphasizes a thorough selection process, ensuring that deserving candidates receive the necessary support to achieve their educational goals.

The James W. Junior and Jane T. Brown Scholarship, established by Jane and James Brown in 2006, offers financial support to adult students over 21 in the Tri-Cities. This scholarship aims to ease the financial burdens faced by those returning to education. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and provide necessary documentation, including transcripts and a Student Aid Report. The program encourages recipients to assist others in their educational journeys, fostering a cycle of support in the community.

The Jack Feldt Ambucs Memorial Scholarship, established in 1997, supports students in the Tri-Cities area pursuing a degree in Physical Therapy. Funded by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, this scholarship prioritizes applicants demonstrating financial need. It considers college juniors and graduating high schoolers, reflecting the spirit of community and collaboration championed by Ambucs. Eligible candidates need to provide transcripts and additional required documents to complete their application.

The H. Wayne VanAgtmael Cosmetology Scholarship, established in 2005 by Wayne Van Agtmael's family, honors his legacy in the cosmetology field. This scholarship supports high school graduates from the Tri-Cities pursuing a cosmetology degree, focusing on financial need and academic achievement. Applicants must provide transcripts and additional required documents. The scholarship aims to empower students, particularly those who are the first in their families to succeed beyond high school, in their educational journeys.

The Hofma Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports local high school graduates motivated to pursue college education. This competitive scholarship considers financial need, academic achievement, and personal goals. Applicants can submit a single application for multiple scholarships, simplifying the process. Established by Edward and Elizabeth Hofma, who significantly contributed to the community, the scholarship honors their legacy and commitment to education and environmental efforts.

The Hierholzer-Fojtik Scholarship, established in 2006 by Frances Hierholzer, supports students pursuing a career in law. It is awarded to Grand Haven Area Public Schools graduates with demonstrated financial need. The scholarship offers a streamlined application process for all eligible foundation scholarships. Frances, inspired by her grandson's success with a GHACF scholarship, aims to give back to the community that helped him achieve his educational dreams.

The Herman J. and Helen D. Wyngarden Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports students from Northern Ottawa County or local high schools. Established in memory of dedicated educators, this scholarship encourages academic advancement beyond high school. Eligible applicants should provide transcripts and relevant documents, with preference given to those pursuing economics or medicine. This competitive scholarship aims to honor the legacy of the Wyngardens while empowering future leaders.

The Henry D. and Ruth G. Swartz Family Fund Scholarship, established in 1996, supports high school seniors from North Ottawa County pursuing post-secondary education in engineering, computer science, pre-law, or medicine. Awarded competitively by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, applicants must demonstrate financial need and provide necessary documentation, including transcripts and recommendation letters. This scholarship honors the legacy of local residents Hank and Ruth Swartz, encouraging students to achieve their educational goals.

The Grand Haven Rotary/Lynne Sherwood STRIVE Scholarship supports graduating seniors from Grand Haven Area Public Schools, especially Central High School, who have benefitted from a mentor's guidance while pursuing their diploma or GED. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need and academic achievements, with a thorough selection process by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation. Applicants can submit one application for multiple scholarships, streamlining access to financial support for their educational goals.

The Grand Haven Offshore Challenge Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports students pursuing studies in natural resources, including fisheries and wildlife. This scholarship is available for applicants attending any public or private college or university. The fund was established to honor community contributions towards environmental preservation and is awarded based on academic merit and financial need. Apply once for all scholarships you may qualify for to streamline your application process.

The Grand Haven Area Community Foundation Scholarship, established in 2003, provides financial assistance to local students pursuing education beyond high school. Scholarships are awarded based on criteria such as financial need, academic achievement, and personal goals. Applicants may apply once for all eligible scholarships, and the selection process is thorough, ensuring that exceptional candidates are chosen each year. This initiative reflects the community's commitment to supporting the educational aspirations of its youth.

The Geri Coccodrilli Culinary Scholarship, established by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports high school seniors pursuing careers in culinary arts. Funded through charitable efforts by local community leaders, this scholarship considers financial need and requires applicants to submit transcripts and additional documents. It simplifies the application process by allowing students to apply for multiple scholarships at once, ensuring a fair and thorough selection process.

The Adrienne Asch Memorial Scholarship, offered by the National Federation of the Blind, provides thirty $10,000 merit-based scholarships to legally blind students in the U.S. Selection criteria include academic excellence, community service, and leadership. Finalists attend the national convention in July, where winners are announced. This scholarship emphasizes the belief in the potential of blind individuals to achieve their dreams and contribute to society, making education accessible to all qualified candidates.

Kiwanis Foundation of New England

The Kiwanis Foundation of New England (KFNE) was established in 1953 to be the fundraising arm of the New England District of Kiwanis. Since its inception, KFNE has raised and distributed millions of dollars.The Kiwanis Foundation of New England (KFNE) has as its essential mission “Improving the world one child and one community at a time”. KFNE has a long history of providing a variety of programs and community service projects that benefit the youth of New England.

Kiwanis Foundation of New England Grant Program

• The Kiwanis Foundation of New England (KFNE) Club Grant Program is open to any Kiwanis Club of the New England and Bermuda District in good standing. Requesting clubs should submit a written proposal no more than three pages in length.

• The greatest consideration/weight will be given to those proposals that benefit the largest number of children.

• Additional weight will be assigned to those requests that are original or innovative in nature (i.e. a dream or something the writer/submitter has always wanted to do but was restricted due to financial constraints) vs. those that are for supplies or basic materials.

• Extra weight will be also be assigned to those projects/programs where matching funds would be used to leverage the grant that would be received.

• Awards will be limited to no more than $1,000, although the Committee reserves the right to recommend higher amounts in extraordinary circumstances. No Kiwanis Club may receive more than $1,000 in grants within a three-year period.

• The committee will bring its recommendations to the KFNE Board meeting three times a year.

The Kiwanis Foundation of New England End Hunger Grant supports Kiwanis Divisions and SLP Administrators in their efforts to combat hunger in New England. By contributing $1,500 towards a $4,000 meal packing project, participants can access $2,500 in funding for projects aimed at providing 10,000 meals. This initiative not only fosters community involvement but also ensures that vital resources are allocated to fight hunger effectively.