Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in Delaware

The Riding for Focus Grants program supports public middle schools serving low-income students, providing them with bicycles, helmets, and educational resources to promote cycling. Through this program, schools can enhance their students' cognitive, physical, and socio-emotional well-being. The curriculum consists of 14 lessons focused on rider safety and skills, designed to be delivered over 6-8 weeks. Eligible schools can apply for grants or purchase the program to access these invaluable resources.

The Rocky Talkie Search and Rescue Award, sponsored by the American Alpine Club, provides $75,000 annually to support underfunded Search and Rescue (SAR) teams in the U.S. and Canada. The initiative aims to enhance community awareness of the vital contributions made by volunteer SAR members. Grants include $10,000 for five selected teams and a special $25,000 award for the Featured Rescue of the Year, spotlighting exceptional volunteer-led rescue operations and their impact on mountain safety.

The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts Grant supports innovative visual arts projects through a diverse grantmaking program. It funds artists and organizations that challenge the status quo and promote inclusivity in the contemporary art landscape. Grants are available for curatorial research, exhibitions, and public programs, encouraging creativity and exploration. The foundation prioritizes projects that reflect the diverse population of the United States and reject bigotry, fostering an environment of free expression and artistic growth.

The FWW Research Awards support short-term studies focused on critical women’s health issues such as cardiovascular disease, female cancers, and hormonal influences on health. Eligible applicants include MDs or PhDs affiliated with accredited institutions. Research proposals must align with FWW's priority areas, and financial support must be confirmed to ensure project completion. Note that sociological studies are not funded, and only one application per Principal Investigator is allowed.

The Jean Y. and Robert W. Fish Memorial Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, offers financial support to high school seniors from Bexar County pursuing higher education. This renewable scholarship covers tuition, fees, and books for students enrolled full-time in accredited colleges or universities. Applicants must demonstrate good citizenship and financial need, with a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0 for renewal. Since 1964, this fund has helped many students achieve their educational goals.

Dissertation Grants

With support from the National Science Foundation, the American Educational Research Association (AERA) Grants Program seeks proposals for Dissertation Grants. The AERA Grants Program provides advanced graduate students with research funding and professional development and training. The program supports highly competitive dissertation research using rigorous quantitative methods to examine large-scale, education-related data. The aim of the program is to advance fundamental knowledge of relevance to STEM education policy, foster significant science using education data, promote equity in STEM, and build research capacity in education and learning. Since 1991, this AERA Program has been vital to both research and training at early career stages.

The Grants Program encourages the use of major data sets from multiple and diverse sources. It emphasizes the advanced statistical analysis of data sets from the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and other federal agencies. The program also supports studies using large-scale international data systems (e.g., PISA, PIRLS, or TIMMS) that benefit from U.S. federal government support. In addition, statewide longitudinal administrative data systems (SLDS) enhanced through federal grants are also eligible for consideration. The inclusion of federal or state administrative information that further expands the analytic capacity of the research is permissible. The thrust of the analysis needs to be generalizable to a national, state, or population or a subgroup within the sample that the dataset represents.

The Grants Program is open to field-initiated research and welcomes proposals that:

• develop or benefit from advanced statistical or innovative quantitative methods or measures;
• analyze more than one large-scale national or international federally funded data set, or more than one statewide longitudinal data system (SLDS) or incorporate other data enhancements;
• integrate, link, or blend multiple large-scale data sources; or
• undertake replication research of major findings or major studies using large-scale, federally supported or enhanced data.

The Grants Program encourages proposals across the life span and contexts of education and learning of relevance to STEM policy and practice. The research may focus on a wide range of topics, including but not limited to such issues as student achievement in STEM, analysis of STEM education policies, contextual factors in education, educational participation and persistence (pre-kindergarten through graduate school), early childhood education and development, postsecondary education, and the STEM workforce and transitions. Studies that examine issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion across STEM topics and/or for specific racial and ethnic groups, social classes, genders, or persons with disabilities are encouraged.

Award

• Award Component 1 - $27,500 Stipend
• Award Component 2 - AERA Research and Training Conference
• Award Component 3- AERA Annual Meeting Capstone Research Institute

The budget must include funds to attend the AERA Annual Meeting. The funds can be used for research-related expenses such as tuition, living expenses, travel to secure data enclaves or scholarly conferences, books, computer equipment, and other expenses directly related to conducting this research. AERA encourages cost sharing from universities in the form of tuition assistance, office space, university fees, and other expenses.

The Robert Lehman Foundation Grant supports visual arts initiatives, including exhibitions, art education programs, scholarly publications, and lectureships. It aims to enhance the role of visual arts in culture, particularly for underserved communities lacking access to art education. The Foundation also funds capital projects that advance cultural programming and broaden audience engagement. By promoting these endeavors, the Foundation seeks to improve lives through artistic access and education.

The Disaster Relief and Resilience Scholarship supports residents of western North Carolina whose education funding has been affected by Hurricane Helene. Offered by the North Carolina Community Foundation, this scholarship is available for undergraduate and graduate students attending two- or four-year colleges. The minimum award is $1,000, aimed at helping students overcome financial hardships caused by the disaster and continue their educational pursuits.

The Fred Jones Family Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations in central Oklahoma, focusing on education, arts, and beautification projects. The foundation meets every 90 days to evaluate new donation requests. Eligible applicants must adhere to specific guidelines, including submitting a Board of Directors list with at least six members. The foundation prioritizes projects that enhance the quality of life and foster cultural growth in the region.

The USA Football Grant Program offers funding for youth organizations, middle schools, and girls flag football programs to improve operational standards and enhance athlete experiences. Spring Grants are available to help teams acquire necessary equipment and reduce barriers to play, while Fall Grants assist in future planning and increasing participation. Applications for Spring Grants are accepted until March 17, 2025, supporting the mission of #FootballForAll.

The Charlotte Cushman Foundation Grant supports qualified non-profit theaters in the Greater Philadelphia area, providing funding for actors' salaries in specific staged productions. Organizations must hold 501(c)(3) status and can only receive funding for one production per calendar year. Proposals are due two months prior to the performance date, ensuring timely support for innovative theater projects, especially those adapting to new performance venues due to circumstances like the COVID-19 pandemic.

The BMC Expedition Grant supports British climbers for international expeditions, prioritizing those who have been BMC members for at least two years. Grants are aimed at younger climbers and under-represented groups, promoting sustainable practices in expedition planning. Eligible teams must demonstrate a commitment to climbing and innovative objectives, while ineligible projects include commercial expeditions and those failing to adhere to grant conditions. This funding aims to foster significant personal development and environmentally conscious climbing.

The Jimmy and Ethel Harper Scholarship Fund, administered by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports students pursuing any area of study in the USA. Eligible applicants include full-time high school seniors, college students, and graduate students from Bexar County, who demonstrate good citizenship and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. The scholarship is renewable for up to three years and covers tuition, books, and supplies, ensuring that financial need is considered but not a determining factor.

The Shubert Foundation is the largest funder in the U.S. providing unrestricted grants to not-for-profit theatres and dance companies. It focuses on supporting professional dance organizations that demonstrate artistic activity, community service, and fiscal responsibility. The foundation emphasizes equity, diversity, and inclusion in its grant-making process, with a commitment to evaluating organizations based on their impact and contributions to the field. Funding is limited to U.S. organizations with established track records.

The Shubert Foundation offers grants to not-for-profit professional theatre and dance companies in the U.S., focusing on general operating support rather than project-specific funding. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and a proven track record in artistic and administrative excellence. Evaluations consider artistic achievement, community service, fiscal responsibility, and commitment to diversity and inclusion, ensuring support reaches those making significant contributions to the arts community.

The G. Scott Ransom Scholarship Fund, established by Team Duluth and the Duluth/Superior Alpine Club, supports youth athletes aged 5 to 19 in Northeastern Minnesota and Northwestern Wisconsin. This scholarship, honoring Coach Scott "Race" Ransom, helps cover team fee costs for competitive skiing experiences. By participating, young athletes not only enhance their skiing skills but also gain valuable life skills for future success. Award amounts vary based on individual needs.

The William S. Pollitzer Student Travel Awards, named after a prominent Human Biologist, support AABA student members in attending annual meetings. This initiative not only alleviates financial burdens but also encourages participation from underrepresented groups. By engaging in biological anthropology discussions, students can showcase the relevance of their research amidst shifting political landscapes, emphasizing how bioanthropological insights contribute to societal well-being and warrant continued funding.

The Diekemper Sofia Scholarship, established by Mrs. Lou Dunn Diekemper, supports students aged 40 and older enrolled in the global program at Sofia University in Palo Alto, California. This initiative, part of the Community Foundation of West Texas, aims to create a lasting impact on students' lives through educational opportunities. By fostering personal growth and development, the scholarship helps build a stronger future for individuals and the community as a whole.

Arnold Ventures invites proposals for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate social programs and policies. Focused on evidence-based solutions, this RFP aims to fund rigorous research that identifies effective interventions for pressing social issues. By supporting RCTs, Arnold Ventures seeks to enhance the understanding of what works in policy implementation, thereby informing decision-makers and improving resource allocation. Proposals exceeding $500,000 may require additional approval time.

The U.S. Western Digital STEM Scholarships aim to support underrepresented and underserved youth in pursuing STEM degrees. Offered by Western Digital and administered by Scholarship America, this program provides a $5,000 award to students transferring from community colleges to four-year universities. Eligibility includes a minimum GPA of 2.7 and demonstrated financial need. Preference is given to first-generation college students and those from historically underrepresented backgrounds, fostering diversity in STEM fields.

The SAGES Education & Research Foundation Grants promote advancements in minimally invasive surgical techniques aiming to reduce patient trauma and recovery time. They offer competitive funding ranging from $1,000 to $100,000, with a total allocation of $500,000 to $600,000 this year. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) organizations aligned with the Foundation's mission. Grants are awarded annually, requiring reapplication for multi-year support.

The Warren MacKenzie Advancement Award supports students and emerging ceramic artists in the U.S. to enhance their skills and knowledge through research and education for up to twelve months. Eligible applicants include current students and recent graduates in ceramics. The award offers a maximum of $2,000 for travel, education, or research, enabling recipients to explore new techniques, collaborate with mentors, and attend workshops, thereby fostering professional growth in the field of ceramics.

Edward E. Ford Foundation

The Edward E. Ford Foundation seeks to improve secondary education by supporting U.S. independent schools and encouraging promising practices. 

• We make Traditional Grants to eligible schools and Associations to help them grow and develop in pursuit of their own missions.
• We make Educational Leadership Grants to eligible schools or groups of schools that consist of larger dollar awards to fewer recipients.
• We encourage collaboration with others in both grant cycles.
• Occasionally, we may make larger, multi-­year Collaborative Innovation Grants in support of projects that have the potential to influence secondary education more broadly and positively affect our democratic society.
• Beyond grant-making, we share what we learn, sponsor strategic meetings, and work with others to identify and respond to the most pressing challenges facing the field of secondary education.

Traditional Grant for Associations

These grants are made in response to requests that can range from $25,000 to $100,000 and that must be matched by additional funds raised by the association at least 1:1.

Associations seeking placement on a Traditional Grant Agenda should be prepared to specify the anticipated dollar value of their proposal when they request placement. This can be months in advance of the date the final version of the proposal will be due, depending on the length of the queue. 

Traditional Grants are awarded based on the quality of the proposal and other considerations in terms of the association’s operation, but it does not identify certain areas of independent school work as favored. That is, you can seek guidance as to what sort of proposals have been funded in the past but association should identify their own greatest institutional need that they think the Foundation can help address.

Step-by-Step Process

• Request Agenda Placement — Please fill out the Agenda Placement form to tell the Foundation a bit more about your association and to help us determine if it is eligible for EE Ford funding.

• Agenda Placement Phone Call — If your association is eligible for Agenda Placement, we will schedule a phone call between your association’s Executive Director and the Executive Director of the EE Ford Foundation. This phone call will serve as an informal introduction and it will determine if Agenda placement is right for your association. No proposal can be considered from associations that have not reserved a place on an upcoming Agenda. If your association is placed on an Agenda, you will receive an Agenda Placement Confirmation email with further instruction.

• Executive Director Meeting — Schedule a 2-3 hour meeting between your association’s Executive Director and our foundation’s Executive Director to be held in our Brooklyn office. The Preliminary Materials will be due one week prior to this meeting (see “Preliminary Materials” under "Required Materials"). 

• Final Submission — Deadline for submission of final materials is January 30 for the April Agenda or April 1 for the June Agenda. When the Board makes its decision about a proposal, the Executive Director communicates this decision within days.

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.

Sidney High School Alumni Scholarship

Selection based upon:

• Financial need; academic ability; community, religious, and school service; recommendations.

Must be enrolling in a trade school or pursuing a two-year or four-year degree.

Awards

• One $2,000 scholarship

The National Science Foundation's Engineering Directorate (NSF ENG) promotes groundbreaking research in chemical, bioengineering, energy, and transport systems. Key programs include Chemical Process Systems, Engineering Biological and Biomedical Systems, Energy, Water, and Resource Engineering, and Transport Phenomena. NSF ENG seeks innovative, transformative proposals that push the boundaries of foundational research, regardless of immediate commercial applications, and emphasizes diverse funding opportunities based on availability.

The MPS Astronomical Sciences Research Programs, funded by the National Science Foundation, support innovative research in astronomical sciences. These initiatives aim to enhance our understanding of the universe through core research, technological advancements, and instrumentation. Topics include solar storm prediction, the discovery of exoplanets, and the study of black holes. Proposals should reflect ambitious, transformative ideas that may not require immediate practical outcomes, fostering long-term scientific exploration.

The Researcher–Practitioner Collaboration Grant, offered by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation, supports collaborations between researchers and practitioners focused on improving services for individuals with communication disorders. Grants of $35,000 are available for studies that address clinical problems and enhance evidence-based practices. This funding opportunity encourages partnerships aimed at translating research into practical applications, thereby fostering innovative solutions in communication sciences and disorders within healthcare and educational settings.