Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits

The Shenoy Undergraduate Research Fellowship in Neuroscience (SURFiN) by the Simons Foundation aims to engage undergraduate students from underrepresented backgrounds in neuroscience research. The program offers paid research assistantships at various labs across the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Selected fellows will gain hands-on experience and mentorship during the 2024-2025 academic year, fostering diversity and innovation in scientific research. This initiative supports students in their academic journey while promoting inclusivity in the scientific community.

State Homeless Assistance Program

The State Homeless Assistance Program helps meet the emergency needs of homeless Oregonians by providing operational support for emergency shelters and supportive services to shelter residents. 

SHAP funds can pay for:

• Emergency shelter facilities operations and maintenance
• Financial assistance
• Case management and program delivery
• Shelter facilities rehabilitation, renovation or conversion

The MT Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP): Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) supports private and tribal landowners in protecting croplands and grasslands by limiting non-agricultural land uses. Through financial assistance, NRCS helps maintain agricultural viability and environmental quality, enhancing historic preservation and wildlife habitats. The program prioritizes contiguous agricultural land and leverages local partnerships, ensuring sustainable stewardship. Applications are accepted continuously, with specific ranking dates for funding cycles.

The MT Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) offers Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) to help landowners restore and enhance degraded wetlands. Through this program, NRCS provides funding for permanent and temporary easements, ensuring protection for wildlife and improved water quality. The application process is open year-round, but specific ranking dates are set for evaluation. This initiative not only supports biodiversity but also aids in climate resilience and offers educational opportunities.

The Montana Specialty Crop Block Grant (SCBG) Program aims to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in Montana, including fruits, vegetables, and horticulture. This initiative supports food safety, research, and development of new seed varieties while promoting sustainability and efficiency in distribution. By addressing key industry challenges, the SCBG empowers local farmers and processors to improve their practices and increase the consumption of specialty crops among the community, thus fostering agricultural growth in the state.

The Alfalfa Seed Research & Market Development Grant aims to enhance the alfalfa seed industry in Montana through innovative research and development. Established by the Montana Alfalfa Seed Committee, it supports efforts to improve cultivation practices and pest control measures for pollinators. Eligible applicants include public and private organizations, businesses, educational institutions, local governments, and individuals, all dedicated to advancing this vital agricultural sector.

The Idaho Community Foundation invites proposals from accredited colleges and universities in Idaho for the Statewide Student Loan Fund. This fund provides financial assistance to students facing unexpected financial challenges within one year of graduation. Each grant recipient will receive a minimum of $5,000 to help cover essential costs such as tuition, housing, and medical expenses. The program aims to support students in completing their education despite unforeseen circumstances.

The DEWALT Trades Scholarship, offered by the SkillPointe Foundation, aims to support individuals pursuing education in high-demand trades such as construction, manufacturing, and technology. This scholarship assists with essential costs, including tuition, tools, and transportation. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a post-secondary program and at least 17 years old. The initiative fosters skill development to help bridge the workforce gap in various industries across Canada.

The DEWALT Trades Scholarship, offered by the SkillPointe Foundation, supports individuals pursuing education in high-demand trade fields such as construction, manufacturing, and mechanics. This scholarship covers essential costs like tuition, tools, and transportation. Open to applicants 17 years and older who are enrolled in accredited programs, it aims to bridge the skills gap in the U.S. and create opportunities for a diverse range of students seeking to enhance their careers.

Perry's Foundation Scholarships support students aged 17-19 from Olney, TX, and surrounding areas. Established in 2017, the foundation prioritizes applicants demonstrating financial need and offers scholarships for tuition, books, and other essential school expenses. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and attend accredited four-year institutions. Family members of the board are ineligible. The foundation aims to strengthen communities by empowering service-driven individuals through education.

The Hubbard County Coalition of Lake Associations Grant, funded by the Northwest Minnesota Foundation, supports projects that promote environmentally sustainable practices for local lakes and watersheds. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and community groups within Hubbard County. Projects can involve invasive species prevention, water quality research, and educational initiatives. A matched funding requirement ensures community engagement, making it a vital resource for preserving local natural resources and enhancing community resilience.

The Mearl K. Gable II Memorial Grant, established by the Handweavers Guild of America, Inc., supports fiber artists by providing grants of $100 or more for non-accredited programs. Since 2000, the grant honors Mearl K. Gable II and promotes educational opportunities for all skill levels. Recipients must report their findings within six months, ensuring accountability and continued support for the fiber arts community.

The Museum Grant Program, established under California Assembly Bill 716, aims to support museums through competitive grants for projects focused on exhibits, education, and outreach, particularly benefiting historically underserved communities and students. Following the impacts of COVID-19, funding is prioritized for museums significantly affected by the pandemic. This initiative enhances access to cultural resources and promotes the preservation of California's historical and cultural heritage.

The UHCCF Medical Grant provides financial assistance to families with children under 16 years old who need access to medical services not fully covered by insurance. The grant offers up to $5,000 per year, with a lifetime maximum of $10,000. Families can apply regardless of their insurance provider, and the grant covers a wide range of medical expenses, ensuring children receive essential health care. Applicants must meet specific income and eligibility criteria to qualify for funding.

The Boyertown Area Charitable Grant Program, managed by the Berks County Community Foundation, offers funding to enhance the quality of life for residents within the Boyertown Area School District. This program distributes grants from the Boyertown Area Community Fund and the Boyer Foundation Fund, which supports various health, social, recreational, and safety initiatives. Established by local leaders, these funds aim to empower community-focused projects and foster positive change in the region.

The Diann Bomkamp Leadership Scholarship, offered by the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA), supports students pursuing an Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene in Missouri. Eligible applicants are required to demonstrate leadership within their Student ADHA Chapter and show active community volunteerism. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is necessary, along with enrollment in an accredited dental hygiene program, ensuring students have the resources to excel in their education and future careers.

The David Dupps Scholarship, established in 2017, supports students pursuing careers in trade-related fields such as welding and machining. This scholarship is available for those enrolled at the Miami Valley Career Technology Center or the Hobart School of Welding, aiming for degrees or certificates in machining, welding, robotics, or automation. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and be accepted into the respective programs.

The Conservation Equity Fund, established by the Berks County Community Foundation, aims to protect and conserve open spaces, environmentally sensitive lands, and historic properties across Berks County, including farmland. This fund plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable land use and preserving the natural heritage of the region, ensuring that future generations can enjoy and benefit from these valuable resources. Supporting local initiatives, it strengthens community ties while enhancing the quality of life for residents.

The Dr. Esther Wilkins Scholarship, offered by the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA), supports students pursuing advanced degrees in dental hygiene education. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited program and have completed at least one year of study. The scholarship awards $2,000 annually and emphasizes the importance of professional membership in ADHA. This initiative fosters career development and enhances educational opportunities for future dental hygiene educators.

The Crest Oral-B Laboratories Dental Hygiene Scholarships, sponsored by Procter & Gamble, support students enrolled in accredited dental hygiene programs in the U.S. These scholarships aim to promote professional excellence and quality research in dental hygiene. Applicants should have completed at least one year of their curriculum and be a member of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA). Award amounts are typically $1,000, with the number of awards varying annually.

About OFIC

he Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC) was founded in 1950 as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization representing higher education in Ohio.

OFIC believes all students who enroll at a member campus deserve the opportunity to complete their college education. Every day we connect and partner with corporations and foundations to make this dream possible by helping to keep education affordable through scholarships, internships and career opportunities. Our goal is to facilitate an exceptional appreciation of independent higher education and its impact on the state of Ohio’s citizens, economy, and culture. Through OFIC’s Scholarship Management Resources, we create national scholarship opportunities by partnering with organizations in Ohio and beyond.

Ohio Scholars Program

Welcome to The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges (OFIC) Ohio Scholars Program homepage! OFIC partners with private, liberal arts institutions around the state to offer scholarships to students like you, as well as to sponsor campus initiatives that together can make an impact in the great state of Ohio. The scholarships we offer students are funded by a variety of donors who earnestly desire to support students by enabling them to further their education. More information about OFIC can be found here. 

OFIC launched the OSP application in the 2023-2024 academic year as one way to practice good stewardship of the funds received by our donors to select students who meet complex criteria and to supplement established best practices gained from decades of scholarship experience. We are seeking to do the same for the 2027-2028 academic year to find the best qualified students for the available scholarships we have to offer. 

The Food Access Emergency Grant by the Chaffee County Community Foundation aims to support food providers in Chaffee County as they respond to increasing food insecurity and delays in SNAP benefits. With $50,000 available for funding, eligible organizations can apply for up to $5,000 to enhance their food access programs. This initiative reflects CCCF's commitment to philanthropy and community resilience, ensuring that all residents have access to essential resources.

The WNY Forward Fund: Strategic Alliances & Nonprofit Resiliency Grant aims to support local nonprofits in Western New York as they pursue partnerships and innovative collaborations. Grants ranging from $2,500 to $25,000 will assist organizations in adapting to funding shifts and enhancing community resilience. This multi-year initiative focuses on strategic alliances, civic health, and impactful storytelling, fostering long-term sustainability and responsive service delivery in the nonprofit sector.

Lignite Research, Development and Marketing Program

North Dakota's Lignite Research, Development and Marketing Program is a multi-million dollar state/industry partnership that concentrates on near term, practical research and development projects that provide the opportunity to preserve and enhance development of our state's abundant lignite resources.

The Program is funded from several sources including the coal severance tax, coal conversion tax, and oil and gas tax revenues with approximately $7.5 million available each year for the Research, Development and Marketing Program.

Since inception in 1987 program grants have been used to:

• Help diversify the Great Plains Synfuels Plant;
• Improve methods for more efficient and cost-effective reclamation;
• Find cleaner ways to burn lignite in existing boilers;
• Identify new market opportunities; and
• Meet new challenges from proposed environmental regulations.

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) in Hawaii offers vital funding to enhance the safety of nonprofits at risk of terrorist attacks, allocating $90 million for target hardening and security improvements. In 2025, up to $1,962,987 will be available, split between urban and state applicants. This initiative aims to fortify security measures, address vulnerability gaps, and strengthen partnerships for community preparedness. Interested organizations are encouraged to attend informational briefings for application guidance.

The Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program - Education in California aims to support community-based initiatives that enhance public awareness about alcohol and drug-impaired driving. With approximately $2 million in funding available, these projects will focus on innovative educational strategies that inform communities about driving laws and the risks associated with impaired driving. The program encourages unique proposals that directly address the dangers of driving under the influence of substances, including cannabis.

Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation

Our mission is to empower our donors, affiliates and charitable partners through education, stewardship and regional collaboration, to create thriving communities and impact present and future generations.

Sheridan County Childcare Fund

Created in early 2024 by the SCCF Board of Directors, this fund supports childcare initiatives across Sheridan County.