Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in Connecticut

The George S. Souten Performing Arts Scholarship, offered by the Four County Community Foundation, supports high school seniors from Armada, Capac, Imlay City, and Romeo who plan to major or minor in performing arts. Applicants must demonstrate a strong background in the arts and submit an essay. Awardees will be recognized during the Foundation's Scholarship Celebration in May and at their respective high school awards events.

The Central States Manufacturing Scholarship Program, managed by the Tulsa Community Foundation, offers education scholarships to dependents of full-time Central States employees. This initiative encourages high school seniors and college students to pursue their educational goals by providing financial assistance for undergraduate studies. Established in 1998, the Tulsa Community Foundation supports charitable giving to enhance opportunities for the community and ensure future generations can meet their philanthropic needs.

The Pichichero Family Foundation Research Development Award supports innovative research in pediatric infectious diseases, focusing on vaccine development and pathogenesis. Established in 2016, it encourages both new and established investigators to apply for grants of one to two years. Eligible applicants must be members of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society (PIDS) and should aim to create novel insights into vaccine and therapeutic advancements, avoiding overlap with existing funding sources.

The John R. Kiley Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, provides need-based financial assistance of up to $1,500 for students pursuing a Bachelor's Degree. Applicants must have a GPA of at least 3.25 and be enrolled or planning to enroll in college. Iowa residents can attend any institution, while Illinois residents may attend colleges in Iowa only. This scholarship emphasizes financial need, leadership, and academic merit.

The Jane & Clem Werner Scholarship, funded by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, awards $5,000 annually to five deserving seniors from specific local high schools. It is aimed at students with financial need who have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or are in the top third of their class, and who plan to enroll full-time in a college program. Preference is given to those attending private liberal arts schools outside a 150-mile radius of Arsenal Island.

The James W. Victor Scholarship, administered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, offers up to $10,000 annually to graduating seniors from Davenport, Iowa, who demonstrate financial need and academic ability. This renewable scholarship can be maintained for up to four years, provided recipients uphold a minimum GPA of 2.5. With nearly $600,000 awarded yearly, it aims to support students pursuing higher education at various institutions.

The Horsley Opportunity Scholarship Fund, administered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, provides need-based scholarships of up to $1,000 for Scott County, Iowa high school graduates. With a GPA requirement between 2.0 and 3.5, the scholarship especially encourages applications from nontraditional students and veterans. This initiative supports students in pursuing post-secondary education at community colleges, trade schools, or four-year institutions, contributing to over $600,000 awarded annually in scholarships.

The Dr. & Mrs. Yang Ho Rhee Scholarship, established in 2000, aims to support students of Korean heritage in the Quad Cities region. This scholarship provides up to $2,500 to graduating seniors who demonstrate financial need and have a minimum GPA of 3.0. It honors the Rhee family's commitment to education, ensuring that opportunities are available for local students to pursue higher education and achieve their academic goals.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Helen M. Thew Memorial Scholarship

Dorothy Ellen Thew, a lifelong member of the Marion community, left, as part of her legacy, a gift to create three scholarship funds at Marion Community Foundation. Dorothy, a noteworthy person in her own right, designated that three scholarship funds be created from her estate to honor beloved members of her family. The Helen M. Thew Memorial Scholarship honors her sister’s love of music and dedication to education.

Well educated, Dorothy was a 1936 graduate of Marion Harding High School and attended Hunter College, and Indiana, East Carolina, and Toledo universities. She enlisted in the U.S. Navy Waves in 1943 and had a naval career which spanned 30 years. Dorothy worked at the selective service board from 1943-1955 and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Marion Depot until its closing in 1961. She retired from the Columbus Defense Supply Center in 1979.

Her civic involvements mirrored her military career. She was a lifetime member of the American Legion and a Plank-Owner of the Navy Lone Sailor Memorial Association and Fleet Reserve Association, as well as the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, American Association for Retired Persons, the American and Marion County Historical societies, Marion Senior Citizens and Central Christian Church of Marion.

The Charles and Marjorie Quickle Scholarship, administered by the Crown Point Community Foundation, supports South Lake County residents pursuing degrees in divinity, theology, or religious ministry. This scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors, college students, and adult learners, with the ability to reapply annually. It aims to enhance educational opportunities while fostering community growth and engagement.

The Corky Kress Golf Scholarship, administered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from specific high schools in Iowa who are members of their golf teams. This scholarship, which is need-based and offers up to $2,500, aims to assist students in covering college costs for two-year or four-year programs. Financial need is a primary criterion for selection, emphasizing the importance of academic performance and commitment to the sport.

The ASH-Roland B. Scott Award, presented by the American Society of Hematology, honors outstanding research on Sickle Cell Disease by a resident. This prestigious award includes a $16,000 honorarium, $2,000 for mentor research supplies, and $2,000 for travel to the annual meeting. It recognizes the legacy of Dr. Roland B. Scott, emphasizing the importance of innovative research in improving patient outcomes in hematology.

The Michael Jackson Scholarship, provided by the United Negro College Fund, offers up to $4,000 in financial assistance for Communication and Performing Arts students at UNCF-member colleges during the 2025-26 academic year. This one-time award aims to support students with financial needs, reflecting UNCF's commitment to enhancing minority education and fostering future leaders. With a history of over $5 billion in scholarships, UNCF continues to champion educational opportunities for thousands of students.

The Crown Point Community Foundation Scholarships support graduating high school seniors, college students, and adult learners from Crown Point, Winfield, Cedar Lake, or Lowell. With over 80 scholarship funds established by local donors, the foundation ensures financial assistance is tailored to community needs. Eligible applicants may attend colleges, universities, or vocational schools, but the scholarships are non-renewable. This initiative enriches the quality of life in South Lake County by maximizing charitable giving.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

A.B. & Hazel Augenstein Scholarship

The A.B. & Hazel Augenstein Scholarship Fund is Marion Community Foundation’s first multi-year scholarship.

Created in 2009 by a gift from the Hazel & A.B. Augenstein Scholarship Foundation Trust, it supports students from River Valley. The trust was created by the Claridon Alumni Association to honor and memorialize the significance of A.B. Augenstein’s role in the Claridon School community. The Claridon Alumni Association continues to be the main supporter of this endowment fund.

The Immunology and Immunotherapy SMRT Grant by Pacific Biosciences aims to enhance research through advanced sequencing technologies. This grant offers free sequencing to support innovative projects in immunology and immunotherapy, encouraging researchers to apply their findings to better understand the immune system and develop new therapies. With the opportunity to utilize highly accurate long-read sequencing, winners will gain access to state-of-the-art technology that can accommodate multiple libraries, enhancing their research outcomes significantly.

The National Geographic Content Scholarship, offered by the United Negro College Fund, supports juniors and seniors from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Recipients receive a $10,000 award and participate in a one-week immersion program with National Geographic, gaining valuable industry experience and mentorship. This program seeks passionate individuals interested in creative storytelling and environmental advocacy, promoting diversity and inclusion within the media field.

The Crown Point Youth Baseball Scholarship, administered by the Crown Point Community Foundation, supports graduating high school students from Crown Point who have a minimum GPA of 2.75 and have participated in Crown Point Cal Ripken Baseball for at least three years. This scholarship aims to provide financial assistance to enhance educational opportunities for local youth, fostering community engagement and growth through sports participation and academic achievement.

The Etta Gray Memorial Scholarship Program, established by the United Negro College Fund, aims to support students from Upstate South Carolina pursuing technical certification. This initiative honors Etta Gray's legacy and assists financially disadvantaged individuals by facilitating access to education at local technical colleges. Eligible applicants must maintain a 2.5 GPA, enroll full-time, and complete the FAFSA to demonstrate financial need. This program empowers young professionals to enhance their career prospects and income potential.

The J.D. Fletcher Family Scholarship Award, established by the Tulsa Community Foundation in 1998, supports graduating seniors from Creek County, Oklahoma. Eligible applicants must plan to attend an accredited four-year college or university and pursue a bachelor's degree in science. This scholarship aims to foster education and empower local students to achieve their academic goals, contributing to a vibrant community and a brighter future.

The Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training (ARRT) Program, funded by the US HHS: Administration for Community Living, aims to enhance the skills of researchers in the field of disability and rehabilitation. By providing advanced training over a three-year period, this program focuses on improving community living and participation outcomes for individuals with disabilities. It seeks to equip scholars with the necessary tools to conduct high-quality, multidisciplinary research, ultimately benefiting the disability community.

The Joyce Bright Scholarship Award, established by the Tulsa Community Foundation in 1998, aims to provide financial assistance for higher education to deserving students. Eligible applicants are high school graduates from Tulsa County, Oklahoma, who have demonstrated academic excellence by ranking in the top 3% of their class. This scholarship reflects the Foundation's commitment to empowering local communities and supporting educational aspirations.

The Arnold D. Ducanes, MD Scholarship, administered by the Decatur County Community Foundation, supports Greensburg Community High School graduates pursuing post-secondary education in Allied Health. The scholarship aims to ease educational financial burdens while fostering community health professionals. If no qualified applicants are found, it may extend to deserving Decatur County residents already enrolled in the field. Notably, members of the Ducanes family are ineligible for this award.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Marion Rotary Club’s Robert E. Kibbey Scholarship

The Marion Rotary Club was chartered in 1922, as club number 1051, with 23 charter members led by Fred Guthery, the first president. The Marion Rotary Club, along with the Marion Rotary Foundation, which was incorporated in 1959, has contributed to many organizations and scholarships over the years.

The Marion Rotary Club Robert E. Kibbey Scholarship migrated to Marion Community Foundation in 2017. It honors the late Bob Kibbey and provides financial support for Marion County graduating seniors. Recipients will have been a resident of Marion County for at least two full years and maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher based on a 4.0 scale.

Special consideration will be given to applicants who intend to pursue an education and career in or related to business, management, or the hospitality or food industry.

The Adapted PE/Activity Graduate Student of the Year Award recognizes outstanding graduate students in adapted physical education and physical activity who have made significant contributions to the lives of individuals with disabilities. Sponsored by the Society of Health and Physical Educators, this award emphasizes leadership, dedication, and commitment to inclusive practices in physical education. It aims to inspire future professionals in the field while promoting excellence in adapted physical activity and disability sport.

The U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation presents the Young Alumni Excellence Award to honor recent graduates who exemplify leadership, service, and excellence. This award recognizes individuals who have made significant professional or philanthropic contributions within 0 to 15 years of graduation. Nominees must maintain high standards of integrity and character, reflecting the prestigious values of the Air Force Academy while positively impacting their communities.

The Victoria E. & Randal D. Miller Scholarship is a need-based scholarship awarded every four years, with the next award scheduled for 2026. It offers up to $1,000 annually and is renewable for up to four years contingent on maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and preference is given to students affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.