Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Connecticut

The St. Baldrick’s Foundation Summer Fellowship Award provides funding for undergraduate, graduate, or medical students to gain hands-on experience in pediatric oncology. With a stipend of $5,000 awarded to the mentor's institution, this fellowship supports the next generation of researchers dedicated to finding cures for childhood cancers. Since its inception, the foundation has mobilized volunteers through various fundraising events, fostering a community committed to transforming lives and advancing cancer research.

The St. Baldrick's Foundation Scholar (Career Development) Award supports early-career researchers dedicated to childhood cancer research. This three-year award, which can be extended for two additional years based on progress, provides up to $110,000 per year. Founded in 2000, the foundation has mobilized volunteers worldwide to raise funds through head-shaving events and various activities, all aimed at finding cures and improving survivors' lives.

The Numotion Foundation Grants aim to enhance the lives of individuals with mobility disabilities by supporting IRS-designated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. By fostering partnerships with various charities, including national and local organizations, the foundation raises awareness and funds for necessary research and support services. Contributions are made for each new wheelchair sold, ensuring a coordinated approach to charitable giving while prioritizing programs that specifically assist those with mobility-related challenges.

The ISF Film Scholarship Program, initiated by the Islamic Scholarship Fund, supports Muslim students pursuing careers in film and media. With scholarships ranging from $3,000 to $5,000, the program aims to enhance Muslim representation in media and counter negative portrayals. Eligible applicants must be full-time students or professionals in relevant fields, maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0. This initiative not only fosters talent but also empowers voices in policy-making and public opinion.

The Helen T. Bianca Nursing Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, supports high school seniors from New Britain and Berlin who are pursuing nursing degrees at accredited institutions. Applicants must show financial need and commitment to community service through volunteer work. A personal essay detailing their dedication to nursing and community impact is required. This scholarship aims to foster future nurses dedicated to improving healthcare in their communities.

The Ultra-Rare Gene-based Therapy (URGenT) Network Resource Access program provides critical support to researchers by offering access to contract research organizations and subject matter experts. This funding opportunity aims to facilitate nonclinical therapeutic development efforts, helping investigators navigate the complexities of manufacturing and planning. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time, with optional Letters of Intent recommended 30 days prior to the proposal deadline.

Columbus Matrix Foundation Scholarship

Since the early days of print journalism, The Association for Women in Communications has evolved to become the overarching professional organization to unite communicators across a vast spectrum of disciplines-from print and broadcast journalism, to graphic design, photography, public relations, advertising, marketing, new media, and much more.

Award Amount:

• Up to four scholarships of $10,000 payable over four years at $2,500 per academic year.

The Amyloidosis Fund, managed by the HealthWell Foundation, provides essential financial assistance to underinsured patients facing treatment costs for Amyloidosis. The program covers prescription copays, insurance premiums, and related expenses, ensuring that patients can access necessary medications without financial strain. With a maximum award of $8,000, the fund aims to alleviate the burden of healthcare costs for those diagnosed with this complex disease, promoting better health outcomes and quality of life for patients across the United States.

The NIA Expanding Research in AD/ADRD Summer Research Education Program supports the recruitment of early-stage investigators and aims to provide hands-on research experiences in Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias. Targeting high school students, undergraduates, and science teachers, the program enhances STEM education through authentic research opportunities and educational activities. By fostering early exposure to research, it aims to stimulate interest in AD/ADRD careers and address workforce shortages in this critical field.

The BIE Special Higher Education Program offers financial assistance to American Indian and Alaska Native graduate and professional students enrolled full-time in accredited institutions across various fields. Awards fluctuate annually based on applicant qualifications and available funding, ensuring support aligns with need-based criteria. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate Tribal affiliation through a Tribal Eligibility Certificate. This initiative aims to empower Indigenous scholars in their academic pursuits.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Helen Schlicht McGeachy & Arthur C. Schlicht Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund provides scholarships to students graduating from Aurora Central, Aurora Christian, East Aurora, Marmion Academy, Rosary or West Aurora High School.

Students entering the field of education, engineering, science, medicine or nursing are eligible to apply for these awards.

This fund was established by Arthur C. Schlicht (1936-2020) in memory of his mother Helen Schlicht McGeachy.

Helen McGeachy (1910-1994) was a graduate of East Aurora High School. An outstanding typist and secretary, she ultimately became secretary to the presidents of CA&E Railway and Walker Process Equipment of Aurora. Arthur Schlicht was vice-president/national sales manager at Walker Process Equipment. He earned a degree in chemical engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology.

This fund was created in 1994 and established as an endowment in 1995.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. The most common scholarship award amount is $1,000 for a single year. Scholarships are designated as non-renewable one-year awards or renewable multi-year awards depending upon the scholarship fund criteria, as established by the donor of the scholarship fund.

The Lighthouse Wealth Management Scholarship is designed for residents of Ashland County who aim to pursue a major in Business or Finance at an accredited college or university. This scholarship welcomes applications from high school seniors, continuing students, and non-traditional students, ensuring that financial support is available for those committed to their education. Prior recipients are eligible to reapply, fostering continued support for their academic journeys.

The Mina Powell Scholarship, offered by the Ashland County Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from any high school who are members of Zion Lutheran Church in Loudonville. This scholarship aims to assist students who have been accepted into accredited two or four-year colleges or universities, providing them with the financial resources needed to pursue their higher education goals.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Kayla’s Hope Foundation Scholarship Fund

Kayla’s Hope Scholarship Fund was created by Hans, Ruthie and Hannah Lehmann of Saint Charles, IL to honor the life of their beautiful daughter and sister, Kayla Brooke Lehmann (April 5, 2003- April 7, 2018). Scholarships from the fund are awarded to graduates of St. Charles East High School, St. Charles North High School, Geneva High School and Batavia High School who will continue their education studying Music, Literature, psychiatry or psychology.   

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. The most common scholarship award amount is $1,000 for a single year. Scholarships are designated as non-renewable one-year awards or renewable multi-year awards depending upon the scholarship fund criteria, as established by the donor of the scholarship fund.

About Legacy Foundation

Legacy Foundation is the community foundation for Lake County, Indiana. We connect people, knowledge, and funding to build an equitable, accessible, and inclusive Lake County, now and for generations to come.

Legacy Foundation is supported by a broad base of individuals, families, and businesses connected by the desire to improve Lake County, Indiana. With a growing portfolio of over 300 funds and approximately $80 million in assets, Legacy Foundation is a trusted source for philanthropic giving in the region.

For over 30 years, Legacy Foundation has been empowering people, providing strategic leadership, and impactful philanthropic support to create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Mission Statement

Transforming Lake County by providing strategic leadership and impactful philanthropic support to ensure equitable opportunity for all communities that we serve.

Vision Statement

Create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Joseph and Marla Dernay Future Teacher Scholarship

Use the chart below to see which scholarships are the best fit for you! You must complete the Legacy Universal Application to apply.

Scholarship eligibility requires students to attend an accredited 2 or 4 year public or private institution of higher learning. All scholarships are for full-time students, unless otherwise noted. Renewable awards are for 4 years of undergraduate study and cannot be used for post graduate coursework; all awards are paid directly to the school or may be used for book reimbursement.

The African-American Community Foundation - Yokley-Gamblin Family Scholarship, established in 2019, aims to support underrepresented ethnic minority students from Montgomery County in their educational journeys. This scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate financial need, excel in community involvement, and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or below. Recipients can use the funds for tuition at accredited institutions, including technical schools and colleges, fostering educational opportunities for deserving candidates.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Mary Virginia Hughes and Wesley C. Hughes Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund was created upon receipt of bequests from the estates of Mary Virginia Hughes and Wesley C. Hughes.

Their parents, Wayne and Sadie Hughes, owned and operated a farm in Newark.

Mary Hughes lived and worked on the family farm her entire life and was a member of the Millbrook United Methodist Church.

It was important to both Mary and Wesley to use their legacies to support the education of local students.

Scholarships from the fund are available to students graduating from a high school located in Kendall County for attendance at an accredited college or university.

These awards are reserved for students pursuing a major in the field of agriculture.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. The most common scholarship award amount is $1,000 for a single year. Scholarships are designated as non-renewable one-year awards or renewable multi-year awards depending upon the scholarship fund criteria, as established by the donor of the scholarship fund.

The Richard "Obie" Oberweiser Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of a dedicated first responder who served as an EMT-I and volunteer firefighter. Established by his family, this scholarship aims to support students pursuing careers in emergency services. Applicants must be current or former graduates of Chelan or Douglas County with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Obie's commitment to healthcare and his passion for helping others continue to inspire future generations.

The Funding the Future of Finance in Indian Country/Johnson Scholarship offers financial support to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native undergraduate students pursuing full-time degrees in business, accounting, or finance. The program aims to enhance diversity in these fields and provides awards of up to $10,000 per academic year based on need. Applicants must demonstrate Tribal affiliation through a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

Ruth Muskrat Bronson Scholarship

This opportunity is provided to honor the life and legacy of Ruth Muskrat Bronson.

The purpose of the Ruth Muskrat Bronson Scholarship program is to provide financial assistance to eligible federally recognized Tribal members of Oklahoma pursuing graduate or professional degrees full-time in Nursing or a health-related field.

This opportunity is a need-based award.

The Helen and Howard Smith Nursing Scholarship, established by The Dayton Foundation in 2002, supports students pursuing LPN or BSN degrees. Eligible applicants must be sophomores or above enrolled in nursing programs within Montgomery or Greene counties and demonstrate financial need. Preference is given to non-traditional students. The Dayton Foundation, a key philanthropic entity since 1921, aims to enhance community welfare through charitable initiatives, focusing on education, health services, and cultural advancement.

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

IUTIS Club Scholarship

Selection based (in order of priority):

• Academic ability, community and school service, and recommendations. Preference given to students who participated in the IUTIS Softball Program.

Awards

• Two $500 scholarships

The Gough Family Scholarship, established in 2021 by The Dayton Foundation, aims to support graduating high school seniors from specific Dayton zip codes who exhibit a strong work ethic and plan to pursue education in a STEM-related field or business. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and have a history of successful employment. This scholarship reflects the Foundation's commitment to fostering education and enhancing opportunities for youth in the community.

The Richard H. and Ann M. Gerken Scholarship, established in 2013 by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, aims to support qualified students pursuing post-secondary education in nursing or medicine. Eligible applicants must be residents of Hilton Head Island, graduating from a local high school with a minimum GPA of 3.0. This scholarship reflects the foundation's commitment to enriching the lives of Lowcountry citizens through education and healthcare.

The Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission (JUSFC) is a federal agency established in 1975 to enhance U.S.-Japan relations through educational and cultural exchanges. JUSFC supports various initiatives in arts, education, and global challenges, focusing on fostering partnerships between U.S. and Japanese organizations. The Commission aims to facilitate dynamic people-to-people exchanges, ensuring a robust understanding between the nations and promoting collaborative projects that enrich both societies.

The Dennis and Barbara Marion Family Charitable Foundation is committed to supporting a wide range of causes including children's well-being, education, the arts, healthcare, and environmental conservation. With a focus on community impact, the foundation empowers organizations to address pressing challenges and create meaningful change. Since its inception, it has funded transformative initiatives that enhance quality of life and uplift communities, reflecting the Marions' legacy of compassion and dedication to service.

The McKnight Brain Research Foundation Innovator Awards aim to support innovative research in cognitive aging and memory loss, offering two 3-year grants of $750,000 each. Targeted at early-career investigators, the program encourages high-risk, high-gain proposals that explore clinical translational research and the biological mechanisms of cognitive aging. By fostering emerging scientific leaders, the initiative seeks to advance transformative discoveries in this critical area of aging research, enhancing understanding and treatment of age-related cognitive decline.