Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in Connecticut

Scott Elliott Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Scott Elliott Memorial Scholarship was established in 2019 by the family and friends of Scott Elliott after he lost his courageous battle against cancer. As a way to honor his legacy, the Scott Elliott Memorial Scholarship incorporates Scott’s life-long passion and commitment to swimming and education. He swam competitively for most of his life, and eventually would go on to become a swimming coach and mentor for 20 years at various clubs and programs around West Chester.

Scott’s impact on the West Chester swimming community is unmatchable. He was able to transform a pool deck into a magical place for so many people—a place where the strongest friendships were formed, the most intimidating obstacles were overcome, and new realizations of one’s potential began to take hold. The lessons Scott taught will not be forgotten, the memories he forged will not diminish.

The level of dedication Scott showed for swimming was only exceeded by his devotion to his wife and two children, Trevor and Piper. Scott was a very involved, loving parent and partner. He led by example through his commitment to bettering the community, his charismatic and approachable personality, his dedication to the sport of swimming, and his ever-relenting ability to persevere given any circumstance. Along with the many memories Scott’s friends and family will share along the way, the Scott Elliott Memorial Scholarship Fund will serve as a constant reminder of their father’s giving nature and very beloved personality.

In Scott’s tenure as a coach and mentor, he encouraged positive development among his swimmers both in and out of the pool. This scholarship embodies Scott’s commitment to helping others become the best version of themselves.

In addition to the Scott Elliott Memorial Scholarship Fund, supporters can remember and honor Scott by participating in the Annual Run to Find a Way #ScottStrong. The most recent run was held on June 4th, 2022. Visit the Run Sign Up Website by clicking here to register for this event.

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.

Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge

The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge is a charitable organization that has served the independent cities of Staunton and Waynesboro, and the counties of Augusta, Highland and Nelson since 1992. 

Kenny W. Rodeffer Scholarship

Established by the Rockingham Feeder Cattle Association, this scholarship honors the memory of Kenny Rodeffer, a Virginia Department of Agriculture Livestock Grader and farmer in Bridgewater, VA who was an avid supporter of improved livestock production and agriculture.

Description

The Kenny W. Rodeffer Scholarship supports graduating high school seniors from the counties of Augusta, Highland, Rockbridge, and Rockingham, who are pursuing a two- or four-year degree in an agricultural related field.

Selection Criteria Used by the Selection Committee

• Academic/scholastic achievement
• Involvement in agricultural youth programs such as 4-H clubs and FFA chapters
• Other extracurricular activities

About Us

Making a Difference, Together

The Community Foundation of Monroe County (CFMC) builds a thriving, inclusive community through the power of philanthropy. By connecting generous donors with local causes, we help ensure Monroe County remains a place where everyone can thrive. Since our founding, we’ve been a trusted steward of community resources, fostering impactful collaborations and sustainable solutions to address challenges in education, health, poverty, and community development.

Scholarship Opportunities

Whether you’re heading to college, pursuing a technical career, or furthering your education as an adult, there’s a scholarship for you.

Grattan and Stephen T. Gray Scholarship

Awarded to Monroe County high school graduates entering the field of journalism.

Compeer Financial's High School Senior Scholarship Program offers 105 scholarships of $2,000 each to graduating seniors in its 144-county territory. Eligible candidates must demonstrate academic achievement, community involvement, and a passion for agriculture. Special consideration is given to dependents of Compeer clients and students from metropolitan areas. This competitive program aims to support the future leaders of agriculture and rural America, with awards paid directly to the recipients' colleges.

The Gates Scholarship (TGS) is a prestigious last-dollar scholarship launched by the Gates Foundation in 2017, aimed at empowering high school seniors from low-income backgrounds. By covering financial barriers, it supports exceptional student leaders in pursuing their college education. The program not only provides funding but also engages scholars with resources and services throughout their academic journey, fostering their growth into future leaders. TGS exemplifies the Foundation's commitment to educational equity and student success.

Bold Foundation

Our Mission: Fighting Student Debt

The average student today will graduate more than $30,000 in debt and is far less likely to start small businesses, seek the highest impact careers, buy homes, or start families. At Bold.org®, we believe that’s a problem worth solving.

Fishers of Men-tal Health Scholarship

The Fishers of Men-tal Health Scholarship honors the life and legacy of Dima Kapelkin—a beloved brother, son, and friend who loved fishing, Jesus, and serving those in need.

Today, mental health and addiction are among the most pressing challenges facing individuals and families. Each struggle is difficult on its own, and yet they often coexist—nearly 50% of people with severe mental illness also experience substance abuse. To support those on the path to healing, we need compassionate, well-equipped professionals who are called to this work.

To apply, please share how your personal experiences with mental health have shaped your beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations.

"Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Matthew 4:19

The Robert (Driz) Young Scholarship, offered by the Ashland County Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Canton/McKinley High School with a GPA of 2.0 or higher. This scholarship is designed for students who have been accepted into accredited two- or four-year colleges or universities, providing essential financial assistance to help them achieve their academic goals and pursue higher education.

The Robert & Joyce Stokes Family Scholarship, provided by the Ashland County Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Ashland County high schools with a GPA of 2.75 or above and at least two varsity letters. This scholarship honors the Stokes' commitment to education and service. Recipients can renew the scholarship for up to three years by maintaining full-time enrollment and a GPA of 2.75, ensuring ongoing support for their educational journey.

Greene County Foundation

Founded as a public charity in 1997, the Greene County Foundation is a vital and sustainable organization that serves the Greene County community. A volunteer Board of Directors, whose makeup reflects the diversity of the communities it serves, governs the Foundation. The Foundation annually awards over a quarter million dollars in grants through fund payouts, competitive grants, and student scholarships and has made an impact in every school, town, city, and informal community in Greene County.

Sarah D. Bailey Nursing Scholarship

The Sarah D. Bailey Nursing Scholarship is intended for any Greene County resident pursuing a degree in nursing. Dr. Roger and Pam Bailey established a nursing school scholarship in memory of his grandmother, Sarah D. Bailey. Roger indicated his grandmother was the singular reason he returned to Linton in 1991 after completing his residency. Sarah was an RN, and in addition to working as a nurse, raised her 4 children and later in life worked as a volunteer RN at Glenburn Nursing Home. As the oldest of the grandchildren, Roger noticed the wide recognition in honor of his grandfather’s medical practice, but he also recognized the sacrifices his grandmother made to keep the household running smoothly. Her contributions were largely unrecognized at the time, but significant. Through this scholarship, Roger and Pam are pleased to support upcoming nurses while also remembering the one dearest to his heart.

This is a scholarship for current college students & non-traditional students.

The Shanna Stoffer Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Ashland County Community Foundation, aims to support Ashland County residents pursuing degrees in Education. Eligible applicants include graduating high school seniors, continuing college students, and non-traditional students with a minimum GPA of 2.5. This scholarship provides financial assistance to those enrolled or planning to enroll in two or four-year colleges or graduate programs, fostering educational advancement in the community.

Bedford Community Health Foundation

Our Mission: The Bedford Community Health Foundation:

• Works to identify and address community health needs;
• Awards scholarships for nursing programs and allied health education;
• Makes grants to non-profit organizations providing direct health services;
• Encourages community involvement through donations and service;
• Serves as a community health information resource.

Scholarships

The Bedford Community Health Foundation offers a variety of scholarships for individuals pursuing certification, degrees, and advanced degrees in health-related fields. Students can be full-time nursing students, employed nurses seeking additional education, full-time allied health students, employed health providers wanting to specialize and high school students enrolled in the Governor’s Health Academy at Susie G. Gibson Science & Technology Center.

David W. and Sandra L.R. Boyes Physician Education Scholarship

The David W. and Sandra L. R. Boyes Physician Education Scholarship is for health professionals and specialists who seek continuing education in the field of gerontology. It is the only scholarship that does not require graduates to pursue employment in the Town or County of Bedford. This scholarship is open to specialists of all kinds including Chiropractors, Physical Therapists, Physicians Assistants, Osteopaths and Registered Nurses.

David and Sandra Boyes promoted health and healthy living throughout their careers and in volunteer roles during their retirements. David held a BA Degree in Math and Chemistry. He worked at Owens Corning and at Piedmont Label in Bedford. Sandra, in addition to her BSN degree, held a Ph.D. in Education which enabled her to actively pursue her two passions – education and medicine. In Bedford, she taught in the Bedford Memorial Hospital LPN school of Nursing from 1969 to 1986. She taught in Bedford County schools from 1986 to 1990. David was killed in a tragic accident in 2006. Sandra continued their shared vision of impacting health care for seniors through the creation of this scholarship.

The Solomon Scholarship, offered by the Ashland County Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Ashland County high schools, especially Hillsdale students. Candidates must major in Elementary Education, maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and be accepted to a four-year accredited college. Established in honor of Lee Solomon and Jane Welsh, this scholarship aims to foster future educators and promote a love for teaching in the community.

The Theodore S. and Kathy Smith Smetzer Scholarship, offered by the Ashland County Community Foundation, aims to support single parents, widowed individuals, and non-traditional students in furthering their education. Eligible applicants must have graduated from an Ashland County high school with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and have been accepted to an accredited institution. The scholarship considers work experience, financial need, and unusual circumstances, making it a vital resource for those facing financial hardships.

The Ordóñez Family Scholarship aims to support graduates from Detroit Public Schools or accredited private high schools in southwest Detroit. This renewable scholarship offers $1,250 annually for up to four years, totaling $5,000. Applicants must have resided in southwest Detroit throughout high school and maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA in college. Renewal is contingent upon reapplication and meeting academic criteria, ensuring continued support for eligible students.

The Common Ground Scholarship, awarded by the Foundation for Rural Service, supports high school seniors from rural communities across America with two $9,000 scholarships. Preference is given to students pursuing studies in environmental sustainability, social justice, telecommunications, or economic development. This initiative has provided over $1 million in scholarships, empowering rural students to enhance their communities with vital skills and experiences, thus fostering future leaders in various fields.

This grant opportunity from the NIH aims to enhance mechanistic research on precision probiotic therapies through a biphasic R61/R33 award mechanism. It encourages innovative studies to identify specific biological factors influencing probiotic responses, thereby improving clinical outcomes. The program supports up to five years of research, with the initial phase focused on discovering unique host characteristics and the second phase assessing improvements in probiotic efficacy through rigorous studies.

Scholarship Overview

Since 1980, the Northern New York Community Foundation has awarded more than $28 million in scholarships to students from Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.

Rotary Purple Heart Scholarship

The Community Foundation administers the Rotary Purple Heart Scholarship. This is available to Jefferson, Lewis or St. Lawrence County residents who were awarded a Purple Heart by the U.S. armed forces or are a dependent — spouse or child, or grandchild — of a U.S. military member or veteran who was awarded the Purple Heart. Purple Heart Scholarship applications are reviewed throughout the year until all available funds for the academic year are awarded.

The TW and Marjorie Smith Scholarship, established by the Ashland County Community Foundation, aims to support graduating seniors from any Ashland County high school who are pursuing a degree in Agriculture or a related field. This scholarship not only provides financial assistance for education at accredited colleges or universities but also honors the Smiths' commitment to benefiting their local community.

The William and Marlene Rose Scholarship, offered by the Ashland County Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Ashland County high schools who plan to major in Pre-Med or Nursing. Eligible students must have a GPA of 3.5 or higher and be accepted to an accredited four-year college or university. This scholarship aims to assist deserving students in pursuing their education in the medical field.

The William K. Wiley Scholarship, offered by the Ashland County Community Foundation, supports high school seniors and non-traditional students from Ashland County who are pursuing degrees in History or related fields. Established in memory of William K. Wiley, this scholarship honors his contributions to the community. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.25 and complete a 20-hour internship at the Historical Society, fostering a commitment to preserving local history.

The Betsy & Ryan Colwell Mentorship Scholarships for Women in Thoracic Surgery support early-career female cardiothoracic surgeons by facilitating mentor relationships and networking opportunities at the WTS Annual Conference. Each scholarship, valued at $2,500, covers conference registration, lodging, and travel expenses. Two scholarships will be awarded annually starting in 2025, aiming to empower women in a specialty where they are underrepresented and help them navigate their challenging career path.

Jefferson County Sons of the American Legion Brian A. L'Huillier Memorial Scholarship

The Jefferson County Sons of the American Legion offers a scholarship of $500 to qualified high school graduates. The scholarships will be announced at graduation. Entry into college must occur by the second semester after high school graduation. The first $250 will be awarded at the time of high school graduation and the remainder of $250 will be contingent upon the recipient submitting_a transcript of their 1st semester college grades, which indicates a minimum average of "C", or a 2.0 cumulative index. If a "C" or 2.0 index is not obtained, then the remainder of the award is forfeited. Each candidate is required to complete a minimum of 12 semester credit hours per semester in order to receive this award.

The nccPA Health Foundation: Kathy J. Pedersen Grant aims to promote equitable health care by providing up to $5,000 for innovative projects that address health disparities. This grant honors Kathy J. Pedersen's legacy and encourages applicants to develop actionable strategies that foster cultural humility, advocate for underserved populations, and improve public health. Grantees are expected to demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and social accountability in their proposed initiatives.

The nccPA Health Foundation: Equitable Care - Be the Change Grant supports PAs and PA students in implementing projects that improve health access and promote equity in their communities. With a focus on addressing health disparities, applicants can receive up to $2,500 to fund innovative initiatives. Applications are accepted year-round, enabling ongoing support for transformative health solutions aimed at fostering equitable care for underserved populations.

The Extramural Discovery Science Accelerator Award supports the commercialization of ongoing cancer research projects, focusing on experiments that facilitate technology validation and de-risking. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with a budget of up to $75,000 for one year. This award encourages independent investigators at any career stage to advance their technologies, with a strong emphasis on commercial viability and collaboration within a learning community.

The nccPA Health Foundation's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - PAs STEP Up Grant aims to empower PAs and PA students to create initiatives that enhance diversity and foster inclusive practices within the PA profession. With funding up to $2,500, this grant encourages projects that raise awareness of the PA profession among underrepresented groups, ultimately striving to reduce health disparities and promote equity. Applications are accepted year-round, providing ongoing support for impactful community-driven efforts.