Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Connecticut

The Transition to Aging Research Award for Predoctoral Students, funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), invites exceptional graduate students to pursue aging-related postdoctoral training. This two-phase award supports late-stage doctoral candidates in completing dissertation projects across diverse research areas. It aims to facilitate smooth transitions into competitive aging-focused postdoctoral roles, fostering the development of future investigators in aging research. This initiative is designed to enhance collaboration and impactful research in the field of aging.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Lillian A. Jones Scholarship Fund

This fund was established in memory of Lillian A. Jones to support academic scholarships for graduate students who are Calhoun County residents. "Often times students finish their undergraduate degree and are in debt or just don't have the funds to continue on to higher degrees," said Lillian speaking about her fund, "There is a real need for these students too."

The PLTW Launch program, supported by Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance student engagement in STEM education within eligible communities. This initiative will provide grants to schools that implement at least one PLTW Launch module in the 2025-2026 academic year, followed by another module in subsequent years. The program is designed to empower students with hands-on learning experiences that connect real-world challenges to essential skills, fostering a stronger future in STEM fields.

The Canine Healthcare Fund Grant provides vital medical coverage for SDF-trained canines throughout their lives, ensuring they receive top-notch veterinary care at no expense to their handlers or agencies. Additionally, it extends support to non-SDF-trained handlers of active and retired disaster search canines, covering veterinary costs for wellness, illness, and injury not funded by their organizations. Each handler may receive up to $1,000 annually to help manage these essential healthcare expenses.

Good Sports is a national non-profit organization dedicated to donating new sports equipment, footwear, and apparel to schools and youth organizations across the U.S. This program allows approved organizations to receive up to eight donations over two years. Eligibility includes serving youth aged 3-18 in high poverty areas and ensuring access to physical activity. Organizations must also adhere to specific requirements, including shipping fees and evaluations after each donation.

The ASPO Research Grant, offered by the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology, provides $20,000 for innovative research in pediatric otolaryngology. This non-renewable grant is available for projects completed within one year, with two grants awarded annually. Eligible applicants include researchers (MD, PhD, DMD) and institutions meeting 501(c)(3) status. Applications from ineligible principal investigators will not be reviewed, and funds cannot be used for travel or salaries.

The Petco Love Canine Cancer Fund Grant supports active and retired working canines diagnosed with cancer. Established in 2012 through a partnership with Petco Love, Blue Buffalo, and the Search Dog Foundation, this grant alleviates financial burdens for handlers, ensuring their canine partners receive necessary treatments. Funding is allocated on a case-by-case basis, allowing many working dog teams facing cancer to benefit each year. This initiative emphasizes the importance of preserving the quality of life for these heroic animals.

The AAPD Foundation provides Access to Care Grants aimed at ensuring dental care is accessible for all children. As the largest dentist-led charity, it supports community programs that deliver essential dental services. With a focus on innovative ideas and effective grant utilization, the foundation works tirelessly to promote healthy smiles for every child. By partnering with pediatric dentists, it strives to make a meaningful impact in communities nationwide.

Pediatric Hidradenitis Suppurativa Challenge Grant

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a devastating chronic inflammatory disease that manifests as recurrent painful nodules under the skin in the intertriginous areas of the body. It is associated with significant impacts on quality of life, psychosocial well-being, and long-term health outcomes of patients as well as consequences for families and caregivers. HS is prevalent, affecting between 1 and 4% of the population beginning in adolescence and persisting into adulthood. Despite the impact of HS, it remains underdiagnosed, undertreated, and understudied particularly in the pediatric and adolescent populations. Contributing to this dynamic are unknowns related to a complex disease etiology, stigma associated with HS symptoms (e.g., sweating, itching, and scarring commonly in the genital region), and limited treatment options to date with even fewer available for children under the age of 12.

To address the needs of children and adolescents living with HS, the Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance (PeDRA), HS Connect, and the HS Foundation are offering the 2026 Pediatric HS Challenge Grant to support an early-to-mid career investigator for a one-year project focused on a high-priority, patient-centric research topic.

Focus

Proposals should address one or more of the following high-priority research topics:

• Predicting treatment effectiveness and risk utilizing real world evidence and/or experience
• Early disease and factors involved in severe disease development
• Optimizing surgical and procedural approaches to minimize pain, shorten healing time, and reduce recurrence
• Improving recruitment of diverse and representative populations for clinical studies, trials and advanced therapeutics

Funding:

• Up to $50,000 to support one year of research
• One award anticipated for this funding cycle

The Infinite Hero Foundation Grant Program supports military personnel and their families by funding innovative treatment programs for service-related injuries. Since 2012, it has awarded over $5.7 million to 51 organizations focused on physical rehabilitation, mental health, leadership development, family support, and suicide prevention. Grants up to $100,000 are available for programs that align with the foundation's mission, ensuring that funds directly support program costs and not administrative expenses.

Community Foundation for Muskegon County

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.

Scholarships

Our scholarship funds seek to empower and encourage Muskegon County residents to pursue their dreams, hone in their gifts, and give back to our community.

If you’re a high school or homeschooled senior, current college student, early college senior, or adult learner, the Community Foundation for Muskegon County may have a scholarship for you. We manage one of the largest scholarship programs in our area, with over $1 million committed to students in over 500 new and renewed scholarships awarded each year.

Hispanic Community Services Coaltion Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Hispanic Community Services Coalition, who established the Hispanic Community Services Coalition Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. The Mission of the Hispanic Services Coalition of Muskegon County is to serve the Hispanic community through education, health information and services as an instrument in improving their quality of life. HCSC promotes the Hispanic culture within Muskegon County and acts as a cultural reference. This scholarship is for a Hispanic or Latino graduating seniors who are residents of and/or attend high school in Muskegon County.

The Kahiau Scholarship Fund, established in 2007, aims to support students in Hawaii by providing scholarships based on financial need and academic performance. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and demonstrate community involvement related to the spirit of kahiau, meaning generous giving without expectation. Preference is given to previous recipients who continue to meet eligibility requirements. This fund fosters educational opportunities and community spirit among Hawaii's youth.

Wayne Hawkins Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship benefits students who are children of employed or independent, exclusive sales representatives or insurance agents of Alfa Mutual Insurance Company or its insurance affiliates or subsidiaries. Awarding is based on academic achievement.

Application Requirements:

• High School Transcript

Wyndall Ivey Scholarship

The scholarship has been established in memory of Attorney Wyndall Ivey, a 1992 graduate of Sidney Lanier High School (Lanier Academic Motivational Program), the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Washington and Lee University School of Law. Eligible applicants must have a minimum 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale and plan to attend an accredited two-year or four-year college or university. Two $500 scholarships will be awarded.

Application Requirements:

• High School Transcript, Essay and References

The McElhattan Foundation focuses on innovative solutions to end workplace fatalities by 2050. It invites proposals that develop new technologies, particularly those that eliminate dangerous tasks at work. The foundation partners with the National Safety Council’s Work to Zero program to enhance safety practices. Organizations seeking funding should be established non-profits with a history of successful collaboration, and grants typically start at $50,000. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, fostering impactful initiatives.

DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation

Mission – The Foundation’s mission is to broaden awareness and understanding of agriculture through outreach and education.

Scholarships

The DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture is proud to offer numerous scholarships for high school seniors and college students. Preference will be given to applicants of Farm Bureau members or their children with certain eligibility requirements.

College Students Scholarships 

The DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation endeavors to recognize students for their academic, school and community performance while in college. The recognition is in the form of a scholarship to the student’s school of choice. The scholarship award will be sent directly to the recipient’s school to be applied toward college costs. 

Arden & Dorothy Baie Scholarship

This scholarship was established in memory of Arden and Dorothy Baie. The Baie Scholarship is available to college sophomores, juniors and seniors pursuing any field of study. One, $2,400 will be awarded to a deserving student.

National Academy of Construction

Purpose: The purpose of the Academy is to establish a body of acknowledged construction industry leaders and to provide them recognition through election to the National Academy of Construction. It also offers their collective experience and expertise for the improvement of the industry. The Academy shows recognition to fresh and novel industry achievement with appropriate awards programs. Another important purpose of the Academy is to provide a network system of linkage between past and present participants in the construction industry.

NAC Scholarship

• Members of the National Academy of Construction (NAC) established this scholarship to provide funding for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in construction or a closely related field and who intend to pursue a career in the construction industry.
• NAC’s mission is to recognize and honor individuals from all disciplines in the industry for their distinguished contributions to the industry and to share this reservoir of expertise as a service to the nation, including service contributions. It is one of the nation’s esteemed construction industry institutions, characterized by its extensive and diverse expertise, proven leadership, and trusted judgment.
• NAC is committed to diversity and inclusiveness in the construction industry. The intent of this scholarship is to provide financial support for two semesters for deserving students who plan to pursue careers in the construction industry, thus giving back to the profession some of the benefits that its members have received.

Since the scholarship program’s inception in 2020, NAC has awarded 36 scholarships worth over $203,000 to students from across the country.

Only one applicant is permitted from each university. There are no exceptions to this requirement. If more than one application is received from a university, the university will be notified and asked to choose one applicant.

Scholarship recipients will be invited to attend the NAC Annual Meeting. NAC will cover registration for this event and work with the recipients, their universities and others to identify sources of funding to cover travel expenses to attend. Attendance at the Annual Meeting is not required.

John L. and Linda D. Bohnel Scholarship Fund

Must be attending a college or university that partners with Upswing.

Awards

• (5) $1,000.00

The Hew-Shinn Scholarship Fund honors A.K. Hew's parents and emphasizes education's importance. This scholarship is available to Maui County residents enrolled in accredited vocational programs, with a minimum GPA of 2.0 required. Preference is given to previous recipients who continue to meet eligibility criteria. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and submit a letter of recommendation. The application deadline aligns with the pre-proposal deadline, ensuring timely consideration for interested students.

Bruce E. Hepke Memorial Scholarship

Mission Statement

The Bruce E. Hepke Memorial Scholarship was established in 2021 to commemorate the life of a very special husband, father, and friend.

Devoted husband to wife Sue, and father to sons Darren and Connor, Bruce was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2016. He fought the disease bravely, until tragically, it took its final toll on February 18, 2021. The support that Bruce received from his family during this period, as well as his own personal courage and perseverance to live life to its fullest, were exceptionally inspirational.

A true gentleman, in every sense of the word, this memorial scholarship will be awarded each year to a college-bound candidate that demonstrates the characteristics that made Bruce such a remarkable and outstanding person-

Perseverance, Integrity, Leadership and Sportsmanship.

About the Scholarship

An avid golfer his entire life, Bruce loved the mental and physical challenges of the sport, the camaraderie, the competition, and the pure fun in traveling and playing on different courses. In 1998 he joined the West Chester Golf and Country Club, where he found a wonderful group of people with whom to socialize and play golf. Bruce was a true “renaissance man” with an incredibly wide range of interests but playing golf and being an active member of his Club were at the top of his list. This scholarship is intended to reflect his love for both the sport and his Club. It will be awarded annually to a high school senior and will be chosen from a candidate pool that includes the West Chester Golf and Country Club’s Ambassador Golf program as well as six surrounding high schools that have special meaning to the Hepke family. (The six high schools are Great Valley, Malvern Preparatory School, Marple Newtown, West Chester Bayard Rustin, West Chester East and West Chester Henderson.)

Community Foundation for Muskegon County

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.

Scholarships

Our scholarship funds seek to empower and encourage Muskegon County residents to pursue their dreams, hone in their gifts, and give back to our community.

If you’re a high school or homeschooled senior, current college student, early college senior, or adult learner, the Community Foundation for Muskegon County may have a scholarship for you. We manage one of the largest scholarship programs in our area, with over $1 million committed to students in over 500 new and renewed scholarships awarded each year.

Jackson-Merkey Contractors Educational Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Steve Jackson and Gary Merkey, who established the Jackson-Merkey Contractors Educational Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Steve Jackson and Gary Merkey have been friends since high school and business partners for many years now. They were really excited to start this find and wish they had thought of it long ago. This scholarship will benefit Muskegon County high school graduates working toward any degree but with a preference given to students pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering or Constuction Management.

Coast Guard Foundation

Founded in 1969, we’re a vital partner to the U.S. Coast Guard—tackling the toughest challenges confronting our heroes.

We’re there for members from enlistment to long after retirement, and our work strengthens the entire community. Through close collaboration with Coast Guard leadership, we’re able to respond to new and emerging needs effectively. Our investments support families, bolster unit morale, honor the Coast Guard’s mission at the national level, and more. Every day, Coast Guard members risk their lives to protect our country. When we stand together and show them our appreciation, we can ensure they remain always ready—no matter what.

Coast Guard Foundation Captain Ernest W. Fox Perpetual Scholarship

Brief Description

This application is intended for qualified active duty Coast Guard, civil service employee personnel or their dependents (child or spouse) at the CG Aviation Logistic Center (ALC)

The scholarship will be used for preparatory, collegiate, postgraduate, professional and vocational education, formal or informal training which develops the talents and potential of the beneficiary.

The Fox family established this annual Perpetual Scholarship to honor the memory of their late son/brother Captain Ernest W. Fox, and as a means of expressing their appreciation to the men and women who work at the CG Aviation Logistic Center (previously Aircraft Repair & Supply Center).

The Guy Marshall Scholarship Fund, established in 2008 by the advisors of the Cecil G. Marshall Fund, aims to support students from Hawaii pursuing their undergraduate education in the continental U.S. This scholarship emphasizes financial need and requires a minimum GPA of 3.0. Eligible applicants must be high school seniors or entering freshmen from Hawaii and intend to maintain support throughout their four years of study.

Our Mission

We strengthen our community for current and future generations by helping people make a difference in the lives of all.

We believe in our community’s lasting goodness. In fact, making sure our community is always a special place for us to live is why we’re here.

Scholarships

Through the generosity of our donors, we have more than $2 million in scholarships available in 2025 to students from more than 60 high schools. We offer scholarships to high school seniors, college and nontraditional students, and K-12 art and music camps and lessons.

The Academy Martial Arts Leadership Scholarship

Background

The Academy Martial Arts Leadership has been serving families in the Fox Cities since 1995. As the founders/owners, Jeff & Amanda Denu have been passionate about making our community stronger one Black Belt at a time teaching martial arts, while reinforcing respect, self-discipline, integrity, and excellence. Their passion with community involvement and creating a positive learning environment inspires others to be their personal best, and to make a difference every day.

The James P. Jackson Scholarship, provided by the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, aims to support graduating seniors from Muskegon County High Schools pursuing an Accounting degree. Established by the Jackson family in memory of James P. Jackson, this scholarship reflects a commitment to empowering students to achieve their educational goals. The Community Foundation manages an extensive scholarship program, offering over $1 million annually to help students realize their dreams and contribute to the community.

The Pharmacy Residency Excellence Award: Preceptor Award recognizes exceptional pharmacy residency preceptors with over ten years of contributions in training and mentoring. Established in 2006, this award promotes innovation and excellence in pharmacy education. Recipients are acknowledged at the ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting, highlighting their achievements and serving as role models for future preceptors. This award aims to inspire others in the pharmacy field to enhance resident training and support optimal medication use.

The Pharmacy Residency Excellence Award: New Preceptor Award aims to honor preceptors in their first 3-5 years of residency training who demonstrate excellence and innovation. Established in 2006, the award recognizes individuals who contribute significantly to residency education and serve as role models. Recipients are acknowledged at the ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting, promoting their achievements widely. This award is part of ASHP's commitment to enhancing pharmacy education and practice.