Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in Connecticut

The Gretchen Miller Bowker Scholarship, offered by the Central Indiana Community Foundation, provides financial assistance to women pursuing education in STEM fields. Designed to support tuition, room and board, and related fees, this scholarship aims to empower women in their educational journeys. Eligibility includes demonstrating financial need and enrollment in a qualifying program. With a commitment to building a community of opportunity, this scholarship is a vital resource for aspiring female STEM students.

The Steven Berkeley Marine Conservation Fellowship, established by the American Fisheries Society in 2007, honors a dedicated fisheries scientist. This $15,000 award supports graduate students engaged in thesis research on marine conservation topics. Applicants must be enrolled in a North American university's M.S. or Ph.D. program and be AFS members in good standing. The fellowship encourages innovative research addressing various conservation issues, not limited to fisheries.

The Newtown Savings Bank Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations that aid families and individuals in financial need. Established in 1998, the Foundation disburses funds quarterly and prioritizes programs focused on affordable housing, economic development, and vocational training. Annually, it awards at least one college scholarship and donations to community service agencies, including food banks. Since 2005, over $650,000 has been granted to various educational and charitable initiatives within the bank's market area.

The Debra Slater Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Ashland County Community Foundation, assists graduating seniors from Hillsdale High School and continuing college students pursuing accredited two or four-year degrees. Eligible applicants must major in Agriculture or Animal Sciences and maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher, with preference given to current or former members of FFA or 4-H. This scholarship aims to support future leaders in agriculture and contribute to the community's growth.

The Dashanna K. McNeil Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of a dedicated nursing professional who inspired many through her passion for healthcare. This scholarship encourages aspiring nurses at various educational levels to pursue their dreams in nursing. It supports individuals planning to attend accredited nursing institutions, fostering a new generation of compassionate caregivers, just as Dashanna did throughout her impactful career.

Who We Are

Our Mission

UNCF envisions a nation where all Americans have equal access to a college education that prepares them for rich intellectual lives, competitive and fulfilling careers, engaged citizenship and service to our nation.

UNCF’s mission is to build a robust and nationally-recognized pipeline of under-represented students who, because of UNCF support, become highly-qualified college graduates and to ensure that our network of member institutions is a respected model of best practice in moving students to and through college.

UNCF’s North Star is to increase the total annual number of African American college graduates by focusing on activities that ensure more students are college-ready, enroll in college and persist to graduation. This is done through a three-pillar strategy. Positioning member institutions as a viable college option for students and investing in institutional capacity to improve student outcomes; creating transformational support programs to ensure students are enrolling and persisting through college completion; building awareness of educational attainment and cultivating college-going behaviors within the African American community.

For Students

UNCF is more than just scholarships. We’re the nation’s leading minority education organization and our goal is to help you get to and through college.

Our support takes many different forms. From merit scholarships to financial assistance, on-campus assistance to professional development, emergency financial aid to community support, UNCF is committed to getting more students like you to and through college.

2026-2027 The Edward and Sandra Meyer Family Scholarship

The Edward and Sandra Meyer Family Scholarship is directed towards current talented high school seniors within the Class of 2026 from the state of New York, who will be enrolling at any accredited UNCF member institution or other accredited Historically Black College/University.

The Edward and Sandra Meyer Family Scholarship is directed towards academically achieving high school seniors, who are seeking enrollment at any accredited UNCF member institution or other Historically Black College/University. 

The Edward and Sandra Meyer Foundation, Inc. is a social impactful philanthropic organization based in New York. The foundation actively focuses on funding critical initiatives in the arts and culture, education, health and religion.

The Edward and Sandra Meyer Foundation, Inc. has partnered with UNCF to establish the Edward and Sandra Meyer Family Scholarship. This scholarship is focused on providing vital financial assistance to ensure that high school seniors within the state of New York have access to a quality college education.

The candidates will have the opportunity to enroll in any accredited field of study at their selected institution. The candidates must be enrolled as first-time freshman within the 2026-27 Academic year. The eligible candidates must have maintained a cumulative grade point average of 2.50 throughout the entire application process. 

The selected recipients will be eligible for renewal awards upon their continual adherence to the program guidelines and have established financial need by their institution each year.

The Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Research Network aims to enhance the lives of children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) and their families. By establishing a robust research infrastructure, the program will generate evidence-based solutions to foster well-being and community engagement. It focuses on identifying effective interventions and measures that can be integrated into essential services and supports, ultimately helping CYSHCN thrive throughout their lives.

The Rotary Works Foundation Grant supports charitable projects primarily focused on children, youth, and families, emphasizing active Rotarian involvement. Grants range from $500 to $5,000, awarded prior to events. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(1) organizations. Preference is given to projects engaging Rotarians. The application deadline is the 2nd Wednesday of each month, and all grantees must report outcomes post-project.

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.

Peter V. Westhaysen Medical Education Scholarship

Scholarships are available for post-secondary undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate students pursuing a degree to become a physician or nurse at an accredited university. The purpose of the scholarship is to assist the student with the costs of tuition, fees, and books. The Advisory Committee consider two basic criteria: academic achievement and financial need.

The PERF: CNS Bridge Grant Program aims to support emerging child neurology researchers by providing essential bridge funding while they seek independent research grants from NIH or CIHR. Established by the Pediatric Epilepsy Research Foundation in collaboration with the Child Neurology Society, this initiative seeks to retain talented investigators in the field of pediatric neurology. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded over $18 million to advance pediatric epilepsy research and related conditions.

The Judith Heavenrich Memorial Scholarship, established in memory of Judith Heavenrich, aims to support single, low-income mothers in Saginaw County as they pursue higher education or vocational training. Judith, a lifelong advocate for education and environmental issues, faced numerous challenges in her life but remained dedicated to her community. This scholarship reflects her spirit and commitment to empowering women to achieve their educational goals, with awards typically ranging from $500 to $4,000.

About Levitt

The Levitt Family Foundation exists to strengthen the social fabric of America. We partner with communities to activate underused outdoor spaces, creating welcoming, inclusive destinations where the power of free, live music brings people together and invigorates community life.

Festival Grants

The Levitt Foundation is offering grants of up to $5,000 to U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits presenting free outdoor music festivals in 2026. 

Mission Statement

Beckley Area Foundation exists to inspire and facilitate generous charitable giving that advances our community.

The Beckley Area Foundation is committed to enriching lives and strengthening communities across Southern West Virginia.

Scholarship

Supporting Student Success

The Beckley Area Foundation proudly manages scholarship funds established by individuals, businesses, and organizations dedicated to helping students pursue higher education. Many of these scholarships are tailored for specific schools, fields of study, or graduates from local high schools, while others offer broader opportunities. No matter the path, our scholarships aim to support students from our region as they work toward achieving their educational goals.

Surayria T. Hasan Scholarship

Eligibility

Both need and merit will be considered in selecting applicants; Must be a minority student from Raleigh County, West Virginia; Pursuing either a masters in nursing degree, a nurse practitioner degree, or physician’s assistant degree at a West Virginia school, preferably in Raleigh County.

The Glick Education Award, offered by the Central Indiana Community Foundation, supports educational opportunities for dependents of Gene B. Glick Company employees. Eligible applicants include high school seniors and current post-secondary students. Selection criteria focus on academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, work experience, and financial need. Awards cover tuition, fees, and other educational expenses at accredited institutions. This initiative aims to foster educational attainment within the community, promoting access regardless of race or identity.

The EMF EMRA Resident Research Grant, funded by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Foundation, aims to enhance research in emergency medicine by providing up to $10,000 for residents in accredited programs. This grant promotes the development of future researchers, improves patient care, and supports effective health policy through rigorous scientific inquiry. Eligible applicants must be ACGME-approved residents and secure a faculty preceptor's support, ensuring a robust educational experience in research methodologies.

About UNCF

Who We Are

For more than eight decades, this principle has remained at the heart of UNCF, enabling us to raise more than $6 billion and help more than 550,000 students and counting not just attend college, but thrive, graduate and become leaders.

We do this in three ways: By awarding more than 11,000 students scholarships, worth more than $62 million, each year. By providing financial support to 37 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). And by serving as the nation’s leading advocate for the importance of minority education and community engagement.

This three-pronged approach is powerful: Since our founding in 1944, we’ve helped to more than double the number of minorities attending college. The six-year graduation rate for UNCF African American scholarship recipients is 70%. This is 11% higher than the national average and 31% higher than the national average for all African Americans.

2026-2027 Associates Scholars Empowerment Program

Daughters of Charity Inc., in partnership with UNCF, created the Associates Scholars Empowerment Program to assist students receiving certificates and two-year degrees.

The Associates Scholars Empowerment Program is a renewable need-based scholarship open to students receiving certificates and two-year degrees.

Students who do not meet the renewal criteria will be placed on probation and given a one semester grace period, while funded, to come into compliance.

Generally the Community Foundation's scholarships are awarded to applicants who have high financial need. Applicants with household income exceeding $100,000 are less likely to be awarded, but applying will allow you to be considered for targeted scholarships.

Llewellyn L. Cayvan String Instrument Scholarship

Open to students studying music with concentration in viola, violin, violincello, or bass viol.

Elisa B. Hughey Scholarship for the Arts

Scholarships will be awarded annually from this fund for college-bound students from any Cattaraugus County High School committed to advancing their skills in any aspect of the arts. Preference will be for graduating seniors of Ellicottville, Cattaraugus-Little Valley, West Valley, Salamanca or Franklinville/Ten-Broeck Academy high schools. First preference will be for students pursuing the fine arts, with second preference for students pursuing performing arts fields. This award is not limited to students majoring in art.

This grant aims to enhance global polio eradication efforts through innovative modeling approaches. It focuses on developing effective strategies for cVDPV2 outbreak response and optimizing surveillance following global WPV eradication. The initiative also seeks to build a skilled public health workforce in statistical and mathematical modeling, assess economic impacts of response strategies, and foster capacity among students to address polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

A. Wlock and E. Woodruff Scholarship

The A. Wlock and E. Woodruff Scholarship was created by Emilee Woodruff and Autumn Wlock’s family and the W2 Foundation in loving memory of Emilee and Autumn. Emilee and Autumn passed away in February 2020 when a fire destroyed their home. Emilee was diagnosed with epilepsy as a preteen. Autumn was Emilee’s first child and love of her life. Emilee was a great mother and Autumn was a happy baby. This scholarship is aimed to help students attend college that have been affected by a fire or who have been diagnosed with epilepsy.  

The A.D. and Peggy Hewlett and Colonel David R. Inman Medical Scholarship, established by Steve Hewlett, Pam Inman, and Faye Houston, honors their parents' commitment to education and healthcare. This scholarship supports students pursuing nursing, pharmacy, or physical therapy, prioritizing applicants from Hancock, Ohio, or Daviess County, Kentucky. Applicants must demonstrate academic potential and compassion through relevant experiences. The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee administers this fund to foster a more inclusive and thriving community.

The Stark County Medical Society Auxiliary Scholarship Fund, established in 1963, supports Stark County residents or graduates from local high schools who are pursuing accredited health care programs. This fund aims to assist students who have completed at least one year of their program, with a preference for those entering their final year of study. By investing in local students, the fund contributes to the development of future health care professionals in Ohio.

The Virtual Living Room Grant Program aims to create welcoming spaces for veterans in rural communities, providing access to advanced medical technologies via telehealth. By establishing these rooms in accessible locations, veterans can connect with VA resources without the burden of travel, ensuring they receive essential care in a comfortable environment. This initiative not only supports health access but also fosters community engagement and enhances the quality of life for our nation's heroes.

The Wallach Scholarship Fund, managed by the Central Indiana Community Foundation, provides financial assistance to high school students and those with equivalent credentials from Marion, Hamilton, Hancock, and Henry counties. This fund aims to support individuals facing financial need or barriers to education, enabling them to pursue post-secondary credentials. Awards cover educational expenses such as tuition and fees, with a preference for applicants maintaining a 3.0 GPA. The initiative fosters educational opportunity for all.

The US Acute Care Solutions Scholarship Fund, established by Stark Community Foundation, supports the dependent children of non-physician employees of US Acute Care Solutions and its affiliates. Eligible applicants must be accepted into or attending a college, university, nursing school, or vocational program, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. This initiative highlights the Foundation's commitment to empowering future generations through education and community service involvement.

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

Martha Rodriguez Scholarship Fund

Martha Rodriguez Memorial Scholarship was initiated in 2025 by Lisa Ackerman, close friend and then Director of the Columbus Citizens Foundation. Raised in Gary, Indiana and a true New Yorker, Martha died as the result of traumatic head injuries from a tragic accident just outside her NYC apartment. Martha Rodriguez gave in life, working as a nurse helping patients navigate the trauma of breast cancer at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. In her death, she was lauded by the President of LiveOnNY, an organization that coordinates and oversees organ donations, for her last selfless act of giving. Martha donated organs that gave life and hope and helped three people lead better lives. Her zest for life was contagious, and her dedication, compassion, and expertise left an indelible mark on the lives of countless MSKCC patients and caregivers. She was a friend and mentor to many. She loved being a nurse at MSKCC and worked for more than 28 years as a nurse practitioner and for the last 15 years of her life dealing with breast cancer patients. This scholarship is awarded to nurses studying in master's or doctoral programs who are dedicated to oncology care, or women’s health, or are Latinx nurses.