Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Connecticut

The Brinson Prize Fellowship Program, in partnership with The Brinson Foundation, offers support for early career astrophysicists and cosmologists pursuing innovative research in observational cosmology. This program emphasizes the importance of connecting science with society and provides up to three years of funding, including a stipend for independent research. Applicants must hold a PhD in relevant fields and can apply for fellowships starting in 2026, which include professional development opportunities.

The Inspire the Future Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, aims to support graduating high school seniors from Calumet County who have experienced foster care. Eligible students must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA and demonstrate a commitment to personal growth and academic success. This scholarship not only alleviates financial burdens for college or vocational training but also fosters a supportive community environment for those in need.

The RNomics Molecular Standards initiative, supported by the NIH Common Fund, aims to enhance research on RNA molecules by developing standardized references. This program will facilitate the creation, testing, and distribution of RNA molecular reference standards, which are crucial for ensuring consistency and reliability in RNA research. By providing guidance on best practices and planning for long-term availability, RNomics will help advance technologies that analyze RNA sequences and functions, ultimately improving health and disease understanding.

The John and Rheba Myers Scholarship, established by the Communities Foundation of Texas, offers financial assistance for up to full tuition and fees to graduating high school seniors or residents from Kaufman, Van Zandt, Wood, and Smith Counties. Eligible candidates must maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher and meet SAT or ACT score requirements. This scholarship supports academic pursuits at any accredited institution in the U.S., with no restrictions on fields of study.

The Dr. Frank and Florence Marino Scholarship Fund, established in 1994, honors Dr. Marino, an obstetrician/gynecologist. This fund supports Connecticut-educated students attending medical school, contributing to the Hartford Foundation's mission of granting nearly $30 million to local students since 1945. With 2-3 awards available, it aims to assist dedicated individuals pursuing their medical education, ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed in their studies.

The Elizabeth Anne Ala Scholarship, established by Communities Foundation of Texas, offers a $2,000 scholarship to a graduating senior from any Garland ISD high school who has excelled in a bilingual studies/ESL program. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 overall and a 3.5 in bilingual/ESL classes, and must be U.S. citizens or documented residents. This initiative aims to support students in pursuing higher education.

The Simon Greenstone Panatier Scholarship, offered by the Communities Foundation of Texas, provides annual scholarships totaling $50,000 for students affected by cancer. Eligible applicants include high school seniors from Dallas County or previous SGP recipients, who have a personal or familial cancer diagnosis. With a minimum GPA of 3.0 and SAT/ACT score requirements, this scholarship aims to support educational pursuits at accredited institutions across the U.S.

The Texas DPS Scholarship, offered by the Communities Foundation of Texas, provides financial assistance to current or retired Texas Department of Public Safety employees and their immediate family members. Eligible applicants must be Texas high school graduates or foreign nationals residing in Texas for a year, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and standardized test scores. Scholarships can be applied at accredited colleges or universities in the U.S., fostering educational opportunities for those who serve the community.

The Northwood Woman’s Club Scholarship offers one-year scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 for female students pursuing education at accredited institutions in the U.S. Established in 1953, the scholarship aims to support women in their academic endeavors without restrictions on the field of study. Eligible applicants must be female residents of Dallas or Collin County, Texas, with a minimum GPA of 2.5. This initiative fosters educational growth and community development.

The Horticulture Printers Scholarship, established in memory of Harold & Beky Vanberg, offers up to $5,000 for dependents of Veritiv employees. This one-year scholarship can be applied at any accredited U.S. college or university. Selection criteria include academic achievement, SAT/ACT scores, civic involvement, and financial need. Since 1953, Communities Foundation of Texas has partnered with donors to support educational opportunities, fostering thriving communities through accessible scholarship programs.

The Duluth Building & Construction Trades Council Scholarship Fund provides $2,500 for one year to eligible applicants. To qualify, students must have a parent or legal guardian who is a member of one of the 17 unions affiliated with the council and must be graduates of any school within the DSACF service area with a GPA of 2.75 or higher. Preference is given to those pursuing careers in healthcare, but all career paths are encouraged to apply.

The Om & Shanti Scholarship, funded by the Communities Foundation of Texas, offers four-year awards of up to $6,000 annually for graduating high school seniors from public high schools in Dallas or Collin Counties. Applicants are required to have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and preference is given to those pursuing a degree at an accredited Texas institution. This initiative aims to support local students in their educational aspirations.

The Jonathan E. Clark Scholarship Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, aims to support students pursuing trades through community colleges or technical schools. The fund awards scholarships to eligible high school seniors and adult learners in the Greater Hartford area, particularly those in need of financial aid. Since 1945, the Hartford Foundation has awarded nearly $30 million to local students, fostering higher education and career readiness in vocational fields.

The Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages LLC Scholarship, offered by Communities Foundation of Texas, awards up to $5,000 to dependents of full-time Coca-Cola employees pursuing higher education in the U.S. Eligible applicants include high school seniors, college students, and graduate students with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Scholarships can be renewed annually for up to four years, providing ongoing support for education. Note that dependents of Executive Leadership Team members are not eligible.

The Carol & Joseph Tafelski Memorial Scholarship, awarded by the Erie Community Foundation, supports Erie High School students pursuing degrees in healthcare or medical research. With a total of over $800,000 in scholarships given in 2023, applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.25 and be accepted into an accredited four-year college or university. This initiative aims to empower students to achieve their educational goals and contribute positively to the community.

The RAE Family Community Scholarship, established by the Tulsa Community Foundation, supports high school graduates from Mayes County, Oklahoma, seeking to enroll in undergraduate programs. Since its inception in 1998, the Tulsa Community Foundation has been dedicated to enhancing the community through charitable efforts and grants, ensuring that all individuals and families can thrive. This scholarship is a vital resource for students aiming to further their education and make a positive impact in their communities.

The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile Jr. Scholarship Program, established by the Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile Jr. Foundation in partnership with UNCF, supports students attending UNCF member institutions, HBCUs, or other accredited four-year colleges. This renewable merit-based scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities for residents of specific counties in Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana, particularly focusing on those majoring in education or STEM fields.

The African-American Community Foundation - Hazel Carter Scott Scholarship, established in 2006 by The Dayton Foundation, aims to support graduating high school African-American students from Montgomery County. It provides scholarships to those planning to attend a four-year post-secondary institution full-time. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and achieve at least a 21 on the ACT or its SAT equivalent, while also demonstrating financial need.

The African-American Community Foundation's Deloris L. Winslow Scholarship for Community Excellence, established in 2013 by The Dayton Foundation, supports minority students from Clark and Montgomery Counties pursuing degrees in social work, political science, counseling, psychology, or addiction treatment. The Dayton Foundation, established in 1921, aims to enhance community welfare through philanthropy, focusing on education, health, arts, and urgent regional needs. This scholarship reflects its commitment to fostering equitable opportunities and community service.

The Terry Hessong Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Tulsa Community Foundation, supports students graduating from high school in Nowata County, Oklahoma. Established in 1998, the Tulsa Community Foundation is dedicated to enhancing communities through charitable initiatives. This scholarship exemplifies their commitment to investing in local education and empowering the next generation. By providing financial assistance, the foundation aims to foster academic achievement and enrich the lives of students in the region.

The Lou & Carol Calcagno Memorial Scholarship offers a $1,000 award for students pursuing degrees in agriculture, Political Science, History, Marine Biology, Wildlife Management, or Culinary Arts. To be eligible, applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and reside in Santa Cruz or Monterey County, or be members of the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau. The scholarship is awarded upon proof of college enrollment.

The African-American Community Foundation - Charles and Pat Meadows Scholarship, established by The Dayton Foundation, supports underrepresented students from Dayton Public, Jefferson Township, or Trotwood Public Schools. This scholarship aims to honor Charles Meadows' belief in education as a pathway to success. Eligible applicants must be high school seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA, accepted to an accredited college, demonstrate financial need, and show participation in extracurricular activities. It fosters educational opportunities for deserving students.

The Teague-Gaudin OTA/SOMOS Active-Duty Military Traveling Fellowship supports early-career military orthopaedic trauma surgeons by providing immersive experiences in leading trauma centers. With a focus on education and mentorship, this fellowship enhances skills in advanced trauma care and fosters military-civilian collaboration. Funded by a generous $150,000 donation, it aims to empower surgeons through exposure to high-volume trauma systems, ultimately improving patient care in the orthopaedic trauma community.

The BETA Scholarship Fund, managed by the Brown County Community Foundation, provides financial support to residents of Brown County, Indiana, under the age of 25. This scholarship is designed for individuals pursuing education or certification at vocational, trade, or skills schools. Since its inception, the Foundation has focused on enhancing educational opportunities for local youth, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder their academic aspirations.

The Adam Broock Scholarship, established by The Dayton Foundation, honors the memory of Adam Broock, a compassionate Oakwood High School graduate. This scholarship supports college students from Montgomery County, Ohio, who demonstrate financial need and academic success. The Dayton Foundation, founded in 1921, is dedicated to enhancing community welfare through philanthropic services and strategic grantmaking, focusing on workforce development and equitable opportunities.

The Tulsa Achievement Investment Scholarship of Kappa Alpha Psi, established by the Tulsa Community Foundation, supports collegiate members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. This scholarship targets students who graduated from Tulsa County high schools and plan to attend accredited colleges in the U.S. Founded in 1998, TCF is dedicated to enhancing community welfare through philanthropic efforts, investing in educational opportunities to foster growth and development in Tulsa and beyond.

The Dunkirk Community Funds: Ella & Irene Cunningham Scholarship, established in 1995, provides financial support to students residing within Dunkirk, IN, particularly those pursuing higher education in business or education. Preference is given to female applicants. The fund transitioned to The Portland Foundation in 2023, following the merger with The Dunkirk Foundation, continuing its mission to empower local students through educational opportunities and promote community growth.