Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits

The Ethel Cushing Gardner Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, provides scholarships for Eastford, Connecticut students with musical talent who are intent on pursuing music studies. This fund, part of a broader scholarship program that has awarded nearly $30 million since 1945, aims to support local students in their post-secondary education endeavors. Typically, 1 to 3 awards are granted each year, making a significant impact on aspiring musicians in the community.

The Farmington UNICO Scholarship Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, supports local students from Farmington and nearby areas pursuing higher education. As part of a broader scholarship program that has awarded nearly $30 million since 1945, this fund aims to aid students demonstrating financial need and academic success. Each year, 3-4 scholarships are awarded, reflecting UNICO's commitment to community and opportunity.

The Folabomi & Olusegun Akinbajo Endowed Scholarship Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, aims to empower local students from the Greater Hartford region. Supporting graduates and current college students of Black/African American or Latino/Latina descent, this scholarship promotes higher education as a key to achieving social mobility. With a commitment to education, the fund honors the legacy of its founders by offering 1-2 awards annually, ensuring financial assistance to those in need.

The Gerard Thomas Lynch Fund, established by New England Asset Management, Inc., honors founder Jerry Lynch. As part of the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, this scholarship program supports local students from Hartford and its surrounding areas. Since 1945, nearly $30 million has been awarded to help students pursue higher education. Eligibility criteria include participation in Boys and Girls Clubs, maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and demonstrating financial need.

The Hartford Whalers Booster Club Scholarship Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, honors the legacy of the Whalers hockey team. Since 1945, the foundation has awarded nearly $30 million in scholarships to support Connecticut students. This fund specifically recognizes high school seniors excelling in academics and hockey, helping them pursue higher education at four-year institutions with hockey programs. It continues to celebrate the spirit of community and sportsmanship in Greater Hartford.

CultureSource

CultureSource is a member association for non-profit arts and cultural organizations in Southeast Michigan serving Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Livingston, Monroe and St. Clair counties. As a regional service organization, we do this work through hosting professional development workshops that grow creative and leadership capacities, presenting programs that provide space for exchanging ideas about arts and culture, and leading initiatives that bring together stakeholders interested in the public accessing creative expression.

Our MISSION is to advance and cultivate creative and cultural expression in Southeast Michigan.

The Spector Craft Prize for Emerging Artists

The Spector Craft Prize (the “Prize”) is an annual initiative launched in 2025 to champion excellence in American craft. Founded by Abigail Klem Spector and Warren Spector through the Spector Family Foundation, the program supports craft artists at pivotal moments in their careers through awards, mentorship, and community-building.

In an era dominated by rapid technological advancement, the Spector Craft Prize stands as a vital counterbalance by preserving material connections in an increasingly virtual world, supporting creative expression amid declining public funding for arts education, and reconnecting makers and the public to our shared heritage of craft. By championing craft artists at pivotal moments in their careers, the Spector Family Foundation aims to strengthen the role of craft in contemporary American culture.

Aim of the Prize

The Spector Craft Prize for Emerging Artists seeks to identify and support exceptional emerging craft artists whose work demonstrates technical mastery, innovative vision, and deep engagement with American culture. The Prize aims to recognize artists who show significant potential for contributing to the field and who would benefit from the comprehensive support provided by the program.

Selected artists represent the future of American craft and demonstrate a commitment to strengthening craft's role in contemporary American culture through their practice, community engagement, and artistic vision. 

The Jack Maerz and Mary Rago Future of Healthcare Scholarship Fund, established by Rich Rago and Beth Maerz, supports Hartford students pursuing healthcare degrees amid a critical nursing shortage. This fund honors their families' legacies and strives to provide educational opportunities for all, regardless of financial background. With a focus on equity in education, the fund aims to empower the next generation of healthcare professionals. Annually, 1-2 scholarships are awarded to deserving candidates.

The Jackson-Batchelder Family Scholarship Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, supports Hartford high school students with financial needs pursuing full-time education at a public four-year college or university. Since 1945, the Hartford Foundation has awarded nearly $30 million in scholarships, assisting hundreds of local students each year to achieve their post-secondary academic goals, thereby enhancing educational opportunities within the community.

The John Bell and Lawrence Thornton Scholarship Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, supports students from the Greater Hartford region attending Hampton University. This fund honors the friendship of its namesakes and aims to provide financial assistance to those in need. Since 1945, the Foundation has awarded nearly $30 million in scholarships, helping local students pursue higher education opportunities. This initiative reflects the Foundation's commitment to empowering youth in the community.

The Peter T. Steinwedell Scholarship Fund, established by Kathy Steinwedell, honors her late husband and supports graduate students in education. Funded by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, this scholarship targets residents of Greater Hartford attending programs at local universities. With a long history of awarding scholarships, the fund aims to empower future educators by providing financial assistance to those committed to teaching careers and academic excellence.

The Your Chance Scholarship Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, supports students from the Greater Hartford area, particularly those in Bloomfield. This fund prioritizes high school graduates who have faced interruptions in their college education due to family or financial challenges. With 1-2 awards available, this scholarship aims to assist individuals in pursuing their educational goals at accredited colleges or vocational schools.

The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation (CWF) offers grants to nonprofit organizations dedicated to enhancing the welfare of children across the United States. Established in 1954, CWF prioritizes projects that address the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs of youth. Grants are available annually from May 1st to July 15th, supporting initiatives that demonstrate a broad geographical impact. This foundation seeks to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children facing various challenges.

The Community Foundation of NCW is a tax-exempt philanthropic organization that helps individuals, families, businesses, and agencies support charitable causes throughout Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan counties.

Nursing Scholarship for NCW

This scholarship is awarded to students attending Wenatchee Valley College and pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree.

Community Foundation of Louisville

Founded in 1984, the Community Foundation of Louisville mobilizes people, networks, and capital to spark meaningful change in and beyond Louisville. Just as our name signifies, here, community comes first. With over $874 million in assets, over 2,200 charitable funds, and collaborations with hundreds of local partners, we connect real investments with relevant causes. The Foundation has addressed and continues to address a wide range of community needs. The key priorities of the Foundation’s mission are to remove barriers to accessing capital and resources and to open opportunities for all. Working with neighbors, changemakers, and community investors, we’re inspiring greater generosity to move us all forward.

Scholarships

Since 1984, the Community Foundation of Louisville has provided tens of millions of dollars in scholarships to support students with their educational goals. We assist donors in establishing scholarship funds so that a quality education can be available for everyone.

National Lincoln Institute Alumni Scholarship

The National Lincoln Institute Alumni Scholarship, established with the Community Foundation of Louisville, provides scholarship assistance in the form of grants to help defray African-American students' college, university, or vocational school expenses. Preference is given to students who are family members of Lincoln Institute Alumni.

The Lincoln Institute, or the Lincoln Ridge Kentucky Historical High School Institution for African Americans, was a school in Simpsonville, Kentucky, that operated from 1912-1966. Its alum created and administered the predecessor to this scholarship, enabling scores of young people to pursue higher education before ultimately establishing this Scholarship Fund with the Community Foundation of Louisville. Please be aware that this Fund is not connected with or controlled by Lincoln Foundation.

The Excellence in Education Initiative Grants aim to foster innovative teaching methods within the Sioux Falls area. These grants support creative classroom projects designed by educators, enhancing educational experiences for students. Eligible applicants include teachers from various educational backgrounds who implement projects that can be completed by the end of the school year. By investing in local educators, the initiative contributes to building a brighter future for the community.

A Place to Perform Grants, offered by the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, supports nonprofit literary and performing arts organizations in the Atlanta region. The initiative provides funding for access to performance venues, covering costs such as space rental and technician fees. This grant aims to expand venue options for organizations, rather than cover general operational expenses or artistic production costs. Eligible projects must focus solely on direct venue-related needs.

Community Foundation of Louisville

Founded in 1984, the Community Foundation of Louisville mobilizes people, networks, and capital to spark meaningful change in and beyond Louisville. Just as our name signifies, here, community comes first. With over $874 million in assets, over 2,200 charitable funds, and collaborations with hundreds of local partners, we connect real investments with relevant causes. The Foundation has addressed and continues to address a wide range of community needs. The key priorities of the Foundation’s mission are to remove barriers to accessing capital and resources and to open opportunities for all. Working with neighbors, changemakers, and community investors, we’re inspiring greater generosity to move us all forward.

Scholarships

Since 1984, the Community Foundation of Louisville has provided tens of millions of dollars in scholarships to support students with their educational goals. We assist donors in establishing scholarship funds so that a quality education can be available for everyone.

Major Allen Broussard Scholarship

The Major Allen Broussard Scholarship was established in honor of Major Allen Broussard, who served as the Senior Marine Instructor of the Fern Creek High School Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps for over 18 years. The fund was founded by a group of Fern Creek High School graduates for whom Major Broussard was not just a teacher but a mentor. The fund is designed to provide scholarship assistance in the form of grants to help defray vocational, trade, college, or university expenses of Fern Creek High School graduates who have participated in the Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (“JROTC”) and demonstrated exceptional leadership and citizenship qualities.

The David Wiitanen and Slim McLean Memorial Youth Hockey Fund aims to promote youth ice hockey programs in the Copper Country region. Established in memory of Sheriff Slim McLean, the fund supports initiatives that enhance skills and opportunities for young players. Grants are awarded to nonprofits, schools, and municipalities for various purposes including facility maintenance, equipment assistance, and youth participation in tournaments, ensuring inclusivity and non-discrimination in its funding processes.

Community Foundation of Louisville

Founded in 1984, the Community Foundation of Louisville mobilizes people, networks, and capital to spark meaningful change in and beyond Louisville. Just as our name signifies, here, community comes first. With over $874 million in assets, over 2,200 charitable funds, and collaborations with hundreds of local partners, we connect real investments with relevant causes. The Foundation has addressed and continues to address a wide range of community needs. The key priorities of the Foundation’s mission are to remove barriers to accessing capital and resources and to open opportunities for all. Working with neighbors, changemakers, and community investors, we’re inspiring greater generosity to move us all forward.

Scholarships

Since 1984, the Community Foundation of Louisville has provided tens of millions of dollars in scholarships to support students with their educational goals. We assist donors in establishing scholarship funds so that a quality education can be available for everyone.

Joshua A. Sterling Scholarship

The Joshua A. Sterling Scholarship was designed to provide scholarship assistance in the form of grants to help defray expenses of any two-year or four-year college or university located in Kentucky, or any trade or vocational school located in Kentucky, of graduating seniors from Nelson County, Kentucky.

Scholarship awards are not automatically renewable. Students must reapply each year to be considered for renewal, although preference will be given to students who have received a grant in previous years. Students applying for renewal must show proof of part time work, including work study or unpaid internships, to qualify for renewal of a scholarship award.

Community Foundation of Louisville

Founded in 1984, the Community Foundation of Louisville mobilizes people, networks, and capital to spark meaningful change in and beyond Louisville. Just as our name signifies, here, community comes first. With over $874 million in assets, over 2,200 charitable funds, and collaborations with hundreds of local partners, we connect real investments with relevant causes. The Foundation has addressed and continues to address a wide range of community needs. The key priorities of the Foundation’s mission are to remove barriers to accessing capital and resources and to open opportunities for all. Working with neighbors, changemakers, and community investors, we’re inspiring greater generosity to move us all forward.

Scholarships

Since 1984, the Community Foundation of Louisville has provided tens of millions of dollars in scholarships to support students with their educational goals. We assist donors in establishing scholarship funds so that a quality education can be available for everyone.

Helen "Heidi" Badgett Scholarship

The Helen "Heidi" Badgett Scholarship was established to provide financial assistance to re-entry adults who are returning to college after a period away from school or students graduating from high school or college seeking to further their academic, professional, or career training. Grants will be awarded to applicants with limited financial means who have a strong desire to further their education and demonstrate sufficient academic promise to complete their course of study.

The Generation of Environmental Leaders Program (GELP) invites youth aged 18-35 from Canada, Mexico, and the United States to propose innovative solutions to environmental challenges. This initiative not only empowers young leaders through mentorship and networking but also provides seed funding to support impactful projects. By encouraging collaboration and sustainable practices, GELP aims to foster long-term benefits for communities and the environment, ultimately preserving shared natural resources.

Community Foundation of Louisville

Founded in 1984, the Community Foundation of Louisville mobilizes people, networks, and capital to spark meaningful change in and beyond Louisville. Just as our name signifies, here, community comes first. With over $874 million in assets, over 2,200 charitable funds, and collaborations with hundreds of local partners, we connect real investments with relevant causes. The Foundation has addressed and continues to address a wide range of community needs. The key priorities of the Foundation’s mission are to remove barriers to accessing capital and resources and to open opportunities for all. Working with neighbors, changemakers, and community investors, we’re inspiring greater generosity to move us all forward.

Scholarships

Since 1984, the Community Foundation of Louisville has provided tens of millions of dollars in scholarships to support students with their educational goals. We assist donors in establishing scholarship funds so that a quality education can be available for everyone.

Harold & Mary Snook Scholarship

The Harold & Mary Snook Scholarship was established to provide scholarship assistance to help defray technical or trade school, college or university expenses of students in financial need who are pursuing studies in education or any medical field, with preference to those studying nursing. Students who do not have a GPA or test score that are believed to be reflective of their skills and ability are asked to provide an explanation in the form of an essay.

Community Foundation of Louisville

Founded in 1984, the Community Foundation of Louisville mobilizes people, networks, and capital to spark meaningful change in and beyond Louisville. Just as our name signifies, here, community comes first. With over $874 million in assets, over 2,200 charitable funds, and collaborations with hundreds of local partners, we connect real investments with relevant causes. The Foundation has addressed and continues to address a wide range of community needs. The key priorities of the Foundation’s mission are to remove barriers to accessing capital and resources and to open opportunities for all. Working with neighbors, changemakers, and community investors, we’re inspiring greater generosity to move us all forward.

Scholarships

Since 1984, the Community Foundation of Louisville has provided tens of millions of dollars in scholarships to support students with their educational goals. We assist donors in establishing scholarship funds so that a quality education can be available for everyone.

Harland Scholarship

The Harland Scholarship was established to provide scholarship assistance to help defray college or university expenses of Jefferson County, KY students from underserved populations and first-generation college students.

The Community Firearm Violence Intervention and Prevention Grants (CFVIP) by the Washington State Department of Commerce aim to enhance public safety through targeted initiatives in communities disproportionately affected by gun violence. The program prioritizes youth and young adults at high risk, encouraging evidence-based, culturally relevant strategies. With a funding cap of $8 million, grants range from $400,000 for single organizations to $800,000 for collaborative efforts, fostering community-led solutions to reduce firearm violence.

The Riedford Health Professions Scholarship, established by anonymous donors, honors Bernard Riedford, a dedicated teacher who introduced Mount Vernon High School students to health care professions. This renewable scholarship supports graduating seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.2 pursuing healthcare-related degrees at accredited institutions in Indiana and Western Kentucky. Recipients must maintain full-time status and a 3.0 GPA, demonstrating commitment to their healthcare studies for continued eligibility.

The New Harmony Alumni Scholarship, established by the New Harmony Alumni Association, supports graduating high school seniors or graduates from Harmony Township. Eligible applicants must be alumni of New Harmony School or direct descendants of alumni, and they should be pursuing post-secondary education at any accredited institution. This scholarship is part of the Community Scholarship Program, managed by the Posey County Community Foundation, which connects local donors with students to promote educational advancement.

The Community Foundation of NCW is a tax-exempt philanthropic organization that helps individuals, families, businesses, and agencies support charitable causes throughout Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan counties.

Douglas County Waste Management Environmental Studies College Scholarship

The Douglas County Waste Management Environmental Studies College Scholarship was established in 2005 to support Douglas County students seeking further education in environmental engineering or the area of environmental sciences. The committee seeks to award students who plan to major in one of these fields at an accredited educational program in the United States.