Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Connecticut

The PhRMA Foundation offers a Drug Delivery Postdoctoral Fellowship aimed at fostering biopharmaceutical innovation and enhancing research capabilities in drug delivery. This fellowship supports both U.S. and non-U.S. citizens who are involved in collaborative research training at accredited U.S. universities. Awardees receive a stipend of $60,000 per year for 12 to 24 months, with funding contingent on ongoing employment in the postdoctoral program. Ideal candidates are encouraged to expand their skills in new research environments.

The Drug Delivery Predoctoral Fellowship by the PhRMA Foundation supports promising PhD candidates in drug delivery research at accredited U.S. universities. It provides $30,000 per year for 12 to 24 months, aimed at enhancing the understanding of drug formulation and delivery technologies. The fellowship emphasizes innovative research that leads to improved patient outcomes and fosters collaboration among diverse research teams, ensuring that all individuals have access to groundbreaking medicines.

The Dr. David R. Barkmeier Top Research Universities Scholarship, offered by the Marshall County Community Foundation, provides funding for students attending prestigious universities, including those in the Association of American Universities. This scholarship supports graduates from Marshall County high schools who can demonstrate residency and is renewable for previous recipients who meet eligibility criteria. It aims to foster academic excellence and assist local students in achieving higher education.

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We’re Here to Serve You

Partnering with Donors and Community Leaders to Make a Lasting Impact

Our mission is to strengthen our community through philanthropy.

Scholarships for High School and College Students

Lawrence Spraragen Memorial Scholarship 

Established to the child or grandchild of a current, active member if IBEW Local 236 or the child or grandchild of the management or staff of a signatory contractor to IBEW Local 236.

The Tailored for Troops Grant Program, initiated by the Disabled Veterans National Foundation, provides essential business attire to veterans seeking employment. This initiative addresses the unique challenges veterans face in the job market, including unemployment and the need for proper attire. By partnering with organizations that offer employment services, the program ensures that veterans receive necessary support in their transition to civilian careers, ultimately aiding in reducing homelessness among veterans.

The G. Ernest and Bernadine Rightley Scholarship, administered by the Marshall County Community Foundation, aims to support graduating seniors from Marshall County schools. This scholarship is designed for local residents who are entering their first year of study at an accredited college or university. The foundation is committed to fostering philanthropy and providing opportunities for students to pursue higher education, thereby investing in the future of the community.

Arizona Community Foundation

For more than four decades, the Arizona Community Foundation has worked in tandem with generous individuals, families, and organizations to address some of the biggest challenges facing our state.

Scholarships

In partnership with our generous donors, we award millions of dollars annually to help students achieve their educational goals. Through our online system, students complete one application and are matched with available scholarships, based on their eligibility requirements.

AAUW of East Mesa (AZ) Branch Scholarship

Recipients of this award receive mentorship from members of the AAUW of East Mesa (AZ) Branch and are required to maintain communication with their mentor throughout the year. This scholarship is renewable for 4 or more years if the required criteria is met.

Arizona Community Foundation

For more than four decades, the Arizona Community Foundation has worked in tandem with generous individuals, families, and organizations to address some of the biggest challenges facing our state.

Scholarships

In partnership with our generous donors, we award millions of dollars annually to help students achieve their educational goals. Through our online system, students complete one application and are matched with available scholarships, based on their eligibility requirements.

ACF Memorial Scholarship

This memorial scholarship supports current or former foster care youth and first generation students in Arizona. 

Arizona Community Foundation

For more than four decades, the Arizona Community Foundation has worked in tandem with generous individuals, families, and organizations to address some of the biggest challenges facing our state.

Scholarships

In partnership with our generous donors, we award millions of dollars annually to help students achieve their educational goals. Through our online system, students complete one application and are matched with available scholarships, based on their eligibility requirements.

Andrews and Esser Scholarship

This scholarship was set up in memory of Marvin A. Andrews and Charles A. Esser. In addition to the monetary award, the Andrews and Esser Scholarship recipient will be given the opportunity for a paid internship stipend. The Andrews Scholarship/Internship is open to a part-time Masters of Public Administration student who is currently working in local government. Scholarship is not renewable.

Arizona Community Foundation

For more than four decades, the Arizona Community Foundation has worked in tandem with generous individuals, families, and organizations to address some of the biggest challenges facing our state.

Scholarships

In partnership with our generous donors, we award millions of dollars annually to help students achieve their educational goals. Through our online system, students complete one application and are matched with available scholarships, based on their eligibility requirements.

Bishop Henry L. Barnwell Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Committee will award scholarships to students attending an accredited higher learning institution in financial need. Eligible students must show how they promoted the principles of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through their participation in school, community, and/or faith-based events within the last year.

Key Club Scholarship

An opportunity offered by Redding Kiwanis to graduating seniors from Enterprise and Shasta High schools who are dues paying members of their high school Key Club.

The Key Club Scholarship was established by the Redding Kiwanis to fund Key Club Scholarships for graduating seniors from Enterprise and Shasta High schools. Key Club International is the high school organization sponsored by Kiwanis International. Key Clubs assist Kiwanis in carrying out its mission to serve the children of the world. This scholarship is centered around active service to their school and community. Students must be an active, due paying member of their high school Key Club.

The Polaris Trails Grants Program, launched in January 2006, supports off-road and snow clubs across the U.S. and Canada. This pioneering initiative funds projects that promote safe riding, trail preservation, and environmental protection. Organizations can receive up to $10,000 for trail development, safety initiatives, and maintaining land access. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(7) organizations, while funds are not available for politically or religiously affiliated programs.

The Pittsburgh Conference Memorial National College Grant (PCMNCG) supports small college science departments by providing grants for scientific equipment, teaching aids, and library materials. With a maximum funding of $10,000, this initiative promotes excellence in science education and encourages proposals that demonstrate effective integration of requested resources into curricula. Eligible institutions must have fewer than 5,000 students, ensuring that funds significantly impact undergraduate science education across diverse fields.

The Children’s Relief Fund 

The Children’s Relief Fund (CRF) is a non-profit organization founded in 1991 by Rose and Frank Fotia. Their son Gregory had multiple disabilities and was the inspiration behind CRF. Our group consists of volunteers who raise money to help fund therapy, equipment, summer programs and other group activities for disabled children in the Hilton Head Island and Bluffton area.

Dr. Robert Bokat Humanitarian Scholarship

This scholarship is available to high school students and home-schooled students.

Career Fields applicable: Humanities/Education/Medical. The committee's decision is based heavily on volunteerism. 

Service Area: All Hilton Head/Bluffton High Schools

Number of Awards: One

Duration/Renewal: One year

Financial Need: No

Criteria: A completed online application form and 250-word essay describing education and career choices. Two character references.

The Children’s Relief Fund 

The Children’s Relief Fund (CRF) is a non-profit organization founded in 1991 by Rose and Frank Fotia. Their son Gregory had multiple disabilities and was the inspiration behind CRF. Our group consists of volunteers who raise money to help fund therapy, equipment, summer programs and other group activities for disabled children in the Hilton Head Island and Bluffton area.

Gregory Fotia Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is available to high school students and home-schooled students.

Career Fields applicable: Career field that benefits special needs children (e.g. Special Education, Pediatrics, Various Therapies)  

Service Area: All Hilton Head/Bluffton High Schools

Number of Awards: One or two

Duration/Renewal: One year

Financial Need: No

Criteria: A completed online application form and 250-word essay describing education and career choices.  Two character references.

The Housing for Everyone Grant Competition, part of the 2026 Initiative, aims to support eviction prevention in low-to moderate-income communities. This 20th annual initiative recognizes the destabilizing impact of eviction and displacement on families, which leads to job loss, school disruptions, and health issues. By funding innovative organizations, the competition seeks to provide stability for renters, enabling them to stay in their homes and communities.

Ella C. White Memorial Scholarship Fund 

The Ella C. White Memorial Scholarship Fund is committed to empowering students in our community to pursue their dreams through higher education. Since its inception in 1972, the fund has awarded 913 scholarships, totaling an impressive $828,200, to deserving students.

​Focused on supporting graduating seniors from Hilton Head Island High School, Bluffton High School, and May River High School, the fund also offers the potential for continued support throughout college. Scholarship recipients are selected based on financial need, academic achievement, and their commitment to building a brighter future.

Our Scholarships

The Scholarship Committee will consider these criteria in making their selection:

• Academic achievement: Copy of your most recent high school transcript, reflecting last 3 years
• Financial need: Must provide proof of parent(s) income
• Letters of recommendations: one from your guidance counselor and one from a current teacher
• A copy of your award letter from the institution you will be attending.

Scholarship Renewals

The Ella C. White Memorial Scholarship is a renewable scholarship. Students may apply for scholarships for two additional years or up to the third year of college. Students are not eligible to receive scholarships for their final year or senior term of college. To be considered for additional assistance, students must provide their most recent college GPA and demonstrate financial need.

The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region

Empowering generous people with meaningful giving opportunities.

Since 1968, The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region (CFGCR) has been dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Greater Capital Region. We work with — and for — all our neighbors across the community because together, we are stronger.

Ron Jones Memorial Scholarship 

Established to honor the memory of beloved coach and teacher Ron Jones. This is not an athletic award, rather, it was established to recognize students who have demonstrated a devotion to the community of Hoosick Falls through compassion, action, respect and excellence.

Community Foundation of the Lowcountry

With more than $125 million invested in the Lowcountry area since 1994, Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is the largest source of unrestricted philanthropic resources dedicated to Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties. Throughout our history, we have expanded our services, undertaken important initiatives and altered our course to ensure we’re serving the needs of the Lowcountry. We provide donors and nonprofits the steadfast philanthropic leadership to transform, empower and enhance the communities we serve.

Scholarships

Since 1995, we’ve been a resource for students and parents who are looking for a way to offset the cost of tuition while bypassing the use of student loans.

Heritage Classic Foundation Scholarships

Every year we award Heritage Scholarships to 11 high school seniors who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, community service and leadership skills. Since the program began in 1993, we’ve distributed $5.75 million in scholarships to 408 students from Beaufort and Jasper Counties.

Spinoso Masters Scholarship

Created through the generosity of John and Vivian Spinoso, this Pass Through Fund provides scholarship support for up to $10,000 to deserving students to cover tuition costs of post-undergraduate studies. Eligible applicants must have graduated from a DeKalb County high school but do not need to currently live in DeKalb County, IL.

Scholarship amounts vary depending on the scholarship applied for. Applicants are encouraged to apply for as many awards as they are eligible to increase the likelihood of receiving one or more awards.

Scholarships can be used for cost of attendance, direct education expenses, including tuition, books, and/or other school-related fees.

If you receive an award, be sure to complete your scholarship acceptance form (online portal). Scholarship awards are paid directly to the academic institution by the end of August.

Renaissance Education Scholarship Fund

This Fund was created in 2007 by retired Sycamore teacher Yvonne Johnson and provides scholarship support to an individual who has been in the work force and desires to return to the academic world in pursuit of a college degree. The award is renewable up to three consecutive years following the initial award and can be used for tuition at any accredited university or community college for expenses associated with undergraduate study. The recipient can seek a degree in any field of study, but must demonstrate evidence of interest in the chosen field. This scholarship is administered by the Community Foundation.

Excellence in Welding Awards

The Excellence in Welding Awards recognize outstanding individuals whose contributions have advanced the welding industry. Nominees are put forward by their peers, and winners are selected by the Excellence in Welding Committee based on their impact, leadership, and dedication to the profession.

Award recipients are celebrated during the Excellence in Welding Awards Ceremony at FABTECH, an event open to all FABTECH attendees.

The AWS Outstanding Achievement Awards honor exceptional contributions in welding, spanning historical structures, innovative fabrication, safety, and technical advancements across various categories.

Kenneth L. Brown Memorial Safety and Health Award

This award, sponsored by AWS and selected by the Safety and Health Committee, is presented annually to an individual who best encourages the advancement of welding safety and health through conducting research, education activities, development of safe practices, or the dissemination of knowledge through publications or other means; thereby, fostering public awareness, welfare and education.

The nominee is selected at least 10 months in advance of FABTECH.

Developing Deuel County 

Deuel County has faced the challenges of continued development, sustained job growth, population growth and quality housing for quite some time. These challenges seem to be inherent in the rural areas of our country and demand continued attention if the communities are to hold their own in today’s economy. 

To that end, there have been a number of development organizations through the years that have done their best to promote growth. Some have been based at the city level and some at the county level. Without giving a history lesson listing all the development organizations of the past, it should be sufficient to note that Deuel Area Development, Inc. (DADI) is the current group working to develop business and housing in Deuel County. 

You have probably also heard of the Deuel County Community Foundation (DCCF). The foundation is another ‘development’ organization but it works not with business and housing, but rather with others in Deuel County to offer quality-of-life enhancements to the area.  

Deuel County Community Foundation Scholarship

• $500.00 Scholarships will be awarded during second semester of first year.

Grays Harbor Community Foundation

Established in 1994, Grays Harbor Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that is known in our community for giving grants to other nonprofits in Grays Harbor County and for scholarships for Grays Harbor youth, but that is not our business.

Our real business is helping people, families, groups, and businesses be philanthropic or charitable. We provide the administrative and investment management services that make it easy for donors to be involved at whatever level they wish, and to accomplish their charitable goals with their tax deductible donations that improve the quality of life in Grays Harbor.

Scholarships

The Grays Harbor Community Foundation awards scholarships to local students for education after high school. The emphasis is on undergraduate studies at any two or four year college or university and vocational/technical programs leading to a license or certification.

Students submit only one application. When selected, the recipient is matched to the criteria of an individual scholarship by the scholarship review committee.

L. George Pauze Scholarship

The L. George Pauze Scholarship is new to the Community Foundation, but has been in existence since the 1970s. In January of 1970, Pauze announced the L. George Pauze Scholarship for a graduate of Hoquiam High School he had established with the help of his friends and attorneys, Omar Parker and George G. Wandel. Mr. Pauze came from Montreal to Grays Harbor in 1907. After years of hard work and ingenuity, he was able to maneuver himself into the ownership of a thriving lumber mill. George said: “You know, I didn’t have a chance to go to college, and I always missed it…I might have done even better if I’d had the opportunity to go. Actually, education is much more important now than in my day.” The law firm of Parker, Johnson, Parker (now Parker, Winkelman) has administered the Trust established that day, awarding at least one scholarship each year. The Gray Harbor Community Foundation is proud to now administer the scholarship to continue this tradition in perpetuity, and honor this “true gentleman.”

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.

Eleanor Polley Women's Golf Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Dennis Sruba and Joanne Polley, who established the Eleanor Polley Women's Golf Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County in memory of Eleanor Polley. Eleanor Polley was Executive Director of the White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce when she died suddenly in 1995 at the age of 49. She was an untiring booster of the White Lake area and Muskegon County as a whole. She was also an avid promoter of women's golf. The Eleanor Polley Women's Golf Scholarship Fund was established in Eleanor's memory as part of the White Lake Community Fund by her family, her many friends, and the White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. It will provide scholarships to women college students who are also avid golfers.

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.

Foundation for MCC - Edward H. & Wilma Kyvig Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Kyvig family, who established the Edward H. & Wilma Kyvig Scholarship of the Foundation for Muskegon Community College. The Kyvig family established this scholarship to honor their parents, Edward and Wilma who both were instructors at Muskegon Community College. Edward and Wilma were very passionate about education and the importance of students obtaining a college degree. This scholarship was established to assist a student of good academic standing who shows potential and who is deserving of financial assistance.