Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits

Gibson County Community Foundation

Established in 1993, the Gibson County Community Foundation is one of over 800 community foundations in the United States today. The Community Foundation is a charitable resource devoted to our local community. We help people make meaningful gifts that improve life in Gibson County, Indiana today and for generations to come.

We are part of the Community Foundation Alliance (The Alliance), a network of nine community foundations serving counties in southwestern Indiana. The Alliance, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, provides management and administrative expertise to county-wide community foundations, empowering each to promote philanthropy, build endowments, and improve well-being in our local community. 

George and Dorothy Eykamp Scholarship (College Scholarship Award)

Annual, renewable scholarship created by Dorothy M. Eykamp to encourage Gibson County residents and the children of employees of Mid-States Rubber Products to further their education, to recognize academic achievement of those graduating from high school and continuing their education, and to motivate recipients to achieve maximum scholastic and vocational potential.

The Ben Serafin Fund provides scholarships primarily for graduates of Glide High School, although all Douglas County high school graduates can apply. The application process opens in spring, with a deadline typically on the last Thursday in April. Recipients are announced in June and can receive support for up to four years, provided they apply annually. This fund is administered by The Oregon Community Foundation, a private entity dedicated to supporting local students.

Gibson County Community Foundation

Established in 1993, the Gibson County Community Foundation is one of over 800 community foundations in the United States today. The Community Foundation is a charitable resource devoted to our local community. We help people make meaningful gifts that improve life in Gibson County, Indiana today and for generations to come.

We are part of the Community Foundation Alliance (The Alliance), a network of nine community foundations serving counties in southwestern Indiana. The Alliance, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, provides management and administrative expertise to county-wide community foundations, empowering each to promote philanthropy, build endowments, and improve well-being in our local community. 

George and Dorothy Eykamp Scholarship (Junior College or State-Supported Technical College Scholarship Award)

Annual, renewable scholarship created by Dorothy M. Eykamp to encourage Gibson County residents and children of employees of Mid-States Rubber Products to further their education, to recognize academic achievement of those graduating from high school and continuing their education, and to motivate recipients to achieve maximum scholastic and vocational potential.

The Coast Fork Scholarship supports graduates or graduating seniors from Cottage Grove or Al Kennedy Alternative High Schools pursuing higher education across the United States. This scholarship is aimed at those who have demonstrated resilience in overcoming challenges, with a focus on applicants dedicated to helping others or improving their communities.

Atlantis Scholarship for Excellence

Award:

• 4-year award of $5,000 per year. Recipients will be reviewed annually and must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA.

The South Dakota Community Development Block Grants for Urgent Need provide essential funding for local governments to address pressing community issues. This rolling application program, managed by the Governor's Office of Economic Development, focuses on enhancing infrastructure and services that benefit low- and moderate-income residents. Eligible projects aim to improve public health and safety, while fostering economic opportunities through job creation. Applications are continually accepted until funds are fully allocated or the year ends.

The EGLS Student Travel Scholarship, offered by the American Physical Society, provides financial support for eligible undergraduate students attending APS EGLS meetings. Limited to one scholarship per institution, it covers up to $100 of travel costs for students traveling from outside the local area. Applications are reviewed by the Executive Committee based on need, encouraging collaboration among attendees for travel and lodging. Awards are presented in person at the meeting.

Julie H. Shenk Memorial Scholarship

Award:

• One time award of $1,000.

The Higher Foundation Grant provides essential, need-based financial support to college students in Georgia, helping them address critical needs such as food, housing, transportation, healthcare, and educational resources. With a one-time award of $500, recipients are selected randomly each month from September to May, ensuring a fair process. This grant aims to empower students by alleviating financial burdens, allowing them to focus on their studies and career advancement.

Michael J. & Hannah George Koziski College Scholarship

Awards:

4-year award of $10,000 each year, renewable if GPA of 3.0 is maintained

Margaret A. Stafford Nursing Scholarship

Award:

• One time award of $2,000. 

The Champion At Large Scholarship, offered by the Cherokee Nation Foundation, supports Cherokee Nation citizens who are full-time students or graduating high school seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0. This one-year scholarship is specifically for those residing outside the Cherokee Nation jurisdiction and accepted into a two-year or four-year higher education institution. It aims to alleviate student debt and enhance educational opportunities for Cherokee students.

The NAMA Memorial Fellowship, awarded by the Mycological Society of America, recognizes promising graduate students in mycology. Two fellowships are granted annually based on academic merit and research potential. Recipients must be student members of MSA and can use the funds to enhance their studies. Additionally, they are encouraged to contribute to McIlvainea and attend the annual meeting, fostering connections within the mycological community. This initiative supports diversity and inclusion in the field.

The MSA Travel Awards, previously known as the Mentor Student Travel Award, recognize outstanding achievements in mycology by supporting students presenting their research at the Mycological Society of America annual meeting. These awards honor renowned mycologists, fostering a diverse and inclusive environment for future leaders in the field. Eligible candidates include current MSA student members and those presenting their work, ensuring a rewarding experience for all participants.

The MSA Graduate Fellowship, awarded by the Mycological Society of America, recognizes outstanding graduate students in mycology. Annually, two fellowships are granted based on academic merit and research potential. These funds serve as supplementary support for graduate studies, and recipients are encouraged to attend the annual meeting to engage with the mycological community. The fellowship aims to promote diversity and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds, ensuring equal opportunity for emerging mycologists.

Nellie G. Allen Curiosity Shop Scholarship

Award:

• One-time award of $1,000.

Philip L. Bartlett Scholarship

Award:

One time award of $5,000. 

The International MSA Travel Award, offered by the Mycological Society of America, supports current student members and postdocs presenting at the annual meeting. This award recognizes outstanding contributions in mycology and encourages diversity among applicants. It allows recipients to attend and engage with fellow researchers, fostering collaboration and innovation in the field. Previous award winners may reapply, with preference given to those who have not received the award more than twice.

Taylor Family Scholarship

Award:

One time award of $6,000. Student may re-apply if awarded their Junior year

The C.J. Alexopoulos Prize, awarded by the Mycological Society of America, recognizes outstanding early-career mycologists. Candidates must be MSA members and hold a degree obtained within the last ten years. Self-nominations are permitted, and nominees not selected may be reconsidered for two additional years. The award includes a plaque and monetary prize, with a formal presentation at the MSA annual meeting. The prize promotes inclusivity across diverse backgrounds in the mycology field.

The Backus Award, presented by the Mycological Society of America, honors two promising graduate students in mycology each year. Candidates are assessed based on their academic achievements, research potential, and future contributions to the field. This fellowship supports their graduate studies and encourages attendance at the MSA annual meeting, fostering connections within the mycological community. Eligible applicants must be student members of MSA and currently enrolled in a university in Canada or the United States.

The National PLTW Administrator of the Year award recognizes exemplary leadership in education, highlighting administrators who positively impact PLTW schools or districts. One outstanding administrator will be honored for their commitment to expanding STEM access and empowering students with essential skills. The recipient will receive an engraved award, a $1,000 prize, and $2,000 in myPLTW Store credit for their school, along with travel and registration to the PLTW Summit 2026.

The Genung Scholarship

The Genung Scholarship Fund was established as a generous lasting legacy of Normal & Eleanor Genung. The scholarship is intended to support first-generation college students with gaps between their cost of attendance and financial aid package, while attending any public Arizona post-secondary institution. Recipients may be eligible to renew their awards for up to 4 years, if good academic standing is maintained.

South Seattle College Foundation Scholarship

 Scholarship awards are based on financial need, personal history, academic merit, achievement, and/or specific areas of study. The annual application process for student scholarships takes place during spring quarter. A maximum of three quarters of tuition and fees (based on a 15-credit load) may be awarded and can be used as early as summer quarter of the same year.

Scholarship awards for South Seattle College students are made by the South Seattle College Foundation, based on donor specifications and preferences. Unrestricted SSCF scholarship funds are also available. In the Spring 2025 scholarship round, awards were made to 111 students for 311 quarters of scholarship for a total of $498,100 in awards. In the Spring 2024 scholarship round, awards were made to 102 students for 289 quarters of scholarship for a total of $434,000 in awards. In the Spring 2023 scholarship round, awards were made to 96 students for 242 quarters of scholarship totaling $350,000.

The South Seattle College Foundation awards scholarships from money derived from three sources: Endowment Funds, Adopt-A-Student Funds, and the General Scholarship Fund. The South Seattle College Foundation is a separate and distinct entity from the South Seattle College.

Arizona Community Foundation

For more than four decades, the Arizona Community Foundation has worked in tandem with generous individuals, families, and organizations to address some of the biggest challenges facing our state.

Scholarships

In partnership with our generous donors, we award millions of dollars annually to help students achieve their educational goals. Through our online system, students complete one application and are matched with available scholarships, based on their eligibility requirements.

Lake Design Foundation Scholarship

Award-winning interior designer Lawrence Lake, ASID, owner of Lawrence Lake Interiors in downtown Tempe, created the Lake Design Foundation Fund Scholarship to support students majoring in Interior Design who demonstrate outstanding creative potential. Students must be enrolled full time in undergraduate study in Interior Design and planning to pursue a career in interior design. The purpose is to identify students who will become the next generation of talent.

Cherokee Nation Foundation

The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving the Cherokee Nation, a federally recognized tribe of more than 470,000 citizens. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities to Cherokee students so they can reach their full potential. The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Scholarships

Cherokee Nation Foundation offers a diverse range of scholarships to help reverse the trend of rising student debt. Students may receive up to two CNF scholarships per academic year. All opportunities are reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens, unless otherwise noted in the description.

Cherokee Nation Businesses Scholarship

Must be enrolled fulltime with a minimum of 12 hours in an accredited College or University and have a minimum of 48 hours completed and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Recipients must demonstrate a likelihood of providing professional services within the Cherokee Nation Businesses upon graduation and will receive priority review for consideration in the CNB Internship Program. Approved areas of study: Business, Accounting, Finance, Information Technology, Engineering, Human Resources, Marketing, Mass Communications, Museum Studies, Film Studies.

Cherokee Nation Foundation

The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving the Cherokee Nation, a federally recognized tribe of more than 470,000 citizens. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities to Cherokee students so they can reach their full potential. The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Scholarships

Cherokee Nation Foundation offers a diverse range of scholarships to help reverse the trend of rising student debt. Students may receive up to two CNF scholarships per academic year. All opportunities are reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens, unless otherwise noted in the description.

Cherokee Nation Behavioral Health Scholarship

Applicant must be a full-time student with at least 60 credit hours pursuing a degree in a behavioral health field or a doctoral candidate enrolled in an accredited clinical psychology program and maintain a 3.0 GPA. Undergraduate recipients must demonstrate a likelihood of providing professional services within the Cherokee Nation Reservation, and graduate or doctoral recipients must be agreeable to a period of grant payback in service to the Cherokee Nation upon graduation and successful certification. Graduate or doctoral recipients must agree to a period of grant payback in service to the Cherokee Nation for a period that is equal to the number of scholarship years provided while pursuing the behavioral health degree. Such agreement shall be evidenced by a signed agreement for grant payback through service hours. Paid practicums will be available as determined by the review committee for eligible recipients enrolled in an accredited clinical psychology doctoral program. Funding for this scholarship opportunity is made possible thanks to the Public Health and Wellness Fund Act.