Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in District of Columbia

The SETAC North America Student Meeting Attendance Grant supports student participation in annual meetings, emphasizing inclusivity and excellence. This program provides waived registration and stipends for costs such as travel and dependent care. Eligible students can apply during abstract submission from March to May, with grants available for each degree program. The initiative encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds, particularly those from indigenous communities and minority-serving institutions, enhancing representation within the environmental sciences.

The EMF/Fisher and Paykel High Flow Therapy Research aims to explore the use of high flow therapy as a first-line respiratory support in emergency departments. This research seeks to assess the number of patients with acute respiratory failure who may benefit from this therapy, understand the characteristics of EMS services, and identify patient outcomes. By analyzing these factors, the study intends to enhance patient care and inform effective health policies in emergency medicine.

Innovia Foundation

Each year, Innovia awards over $500,000 in scholarships to deserving students like you who are college-bound or pursuing vocational or technical training. Single scholarship awards range between $500 and $10,000.

Spokane Area Swimming Adam England Memorial Scholarship

Graduating high school seniors in all counties served by the Foundation are eligible to apply. Applicants must have participated in competitive swimming meets while in high school and must submit a letter of recommendation from a coach confirming participation in these swimming meets. Applicants must have a minimum 3.5 GPA and plan to enroll in post-high school program at full-time status.

The Gunner Lee Thomason Autism Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, provides a $700 grant to a graduating high school senior or undergraduate student dedicated to working with autistic individuals and their families. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate financial need. Preference is given to those from the Truman Lake area. The application requires a transcript, essay, letter of recommendation, and a description of community service and work experience.

The Teddy Lee Drumm Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by Ted and Buena Drumm in memory of their son, supports Sharon residents pursuing post-secondary education. It aims to assist motivated students whose financial needs will be significantly impacted by the award. Managed by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, the fund embodies its mission of strengthening communities through philanthropy, ensuring local youth have opportunities for academic success and economic mobility.

The Eastern Iowa Angus Association Oliver Hansen Memorial Scholarship, administered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, supports students from specified Iowa counties pursuing education in agriculture. Applicants must be involved with the Angus breed, maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA, and enroll full-time at accredited institutions. Scholarships provide up to $1,000 annually and are renewable for two years, aiding students in achieving their academic and career goals.

The BJA FY 2026 National Center for Veterans Justice aims to enhance support for veterans in the criminal justice system. By providing specialized training and resources to law enforcement and service providers, the center will address critical gaps in veteran identification and coordination among agencies. This initiative seeks to improve outcomes for veterans experiencing issues like PTSD and military sexual trauma, ultimately strengthening public safety and ensuring effective responses to their unique needs.

The Samuel R. and Anna Barone Scholarship, established by the Erie County Community Foundation, supports Erie County, Ohio graduating seniors who are first-generation college-bound students. This scholarship aims to assist students demonstrating financial need and academic achievement, with a requirement of a minimum 3.0 GPA. Since 1995, the foundation has been committed to empowering local youth and enhancing community quality of life through education.

The OJJDP FY 2026 Community and Schools Youth Drug Prevention Program aims to combat youth substance use through comprehensive prevention strategies. This initiative invites applications from states, local governments, and nonprofit organizations to develop programs that educate and support youth in schools and community settings. By fostering collaboration with law enforcement and community coalitions, the program seeks to build capacity and implement effective interventions to protect the well-being of American youth.

The Elroy Webster Cooperative Studies Scholarships support graduate and law students in agricultural cooperative programs. Up to two EWCS Fellows can receive $2,500 each year, while up to three EWCS Scholars may receive $1,000. Applicants must demonstrate how their studies benefit the agricultural cooperative industry. The program promotes inclusivity, welcoming candidates without regard to race or background, and encourages attendance at related events to enhance networking and recognition.

United Institute for Theatre Technology

The United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) connects performing arts design and technology communities to ensure a vibrant dialog among practitioners, educators, and students.

Driven by our core values of inclusion, excellence, and responsibility, we provide mentorship programs, exhibit opportunities, grant funding, awards, and other opportunities for our members and for the entertainment industry. 

Emerging Digital Design Showcase

USITT is seeking expressions of interest from students and early-career creatives to participate in the Emerging Digital Design Showcase during the USITT26 Annual Conference & Stage Expo. Presented on the main USITT Awards Stage, this curated showcase highlights the next generation of digital and graphic designers working in performance, live events, and immersive environments.

This year’s showcase is inspired by the ocean, coastal environments, and the world beneath the surface — reflecting both the Long Beach location and the ideas of depth, motion, and interconnectedness inherent in live performance. Designers are encouraged to interpret the theme broadly rather than literally.

This showcase is not a competition; rather, it is intended as a platform for visibility, mentorship, and the celebration of emerging voices within the USITT community.

The Joey Johnson Memorial Scholarship, established in 2019 by the East Texas Communities Foundation, honors Joey Johnson's caring spirit. This scholarship is available for graduating seniors from Gladewater, Sabine, West Rusk, or Overton High Schools, supporting students pursuing any field of study at colleges across the U.S. Financial need is considered, and recipients can renew the scholarship for up to three years by maintaining a 3.0 GPA and full-time status.

Manuel And Fillie Garcia Hispanic Scholarship

The Manuel & Fillie Garcia Hispanic Scholarship was established as a permanent fund of Taos Community Foundation in 2011.

The award is available to graduating seniors in Taos and western Colfax counties with preference to Hispanic students pursuing advancement of higher education. The scholarship is available to those applying to 4 year colleges and universities as well as 2 year vocational/trade schools.

The award amount will be determined at the time of committee review. This award is typically renewable for up to three years if a 2.5 GPA is maintained and all required paperwork is returned in accordance with the Scholarship Agreement.

Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation Inc

The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation is the only nonprofit charity organization dedicated to ending mesothelioma, and the suffering caused by this cancer, by:

• funding research to improve treatment options;
• providing treatment support and education for patients and their families;
• and advocating for federal funding of research.

The mission of the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation spans across four distinct areas: through research, education, support, and advocacy the Foundation seeks to eradicate the vicious effects of mesothelioma. Led by the Board of Directors, our team works collaboratively to develop and administer our programs, and to fundraise to pay for those programs (the Foundation is funded by private individual and corporate contributions only — it does not receive any government funding).

Bret A. Rosenthal Patient Assistance Fund

Patients diagnosed with cancer at a younger age often face greater financial burdens. This is a time in a patient’s life when they are raising a family, starting a career, or have not accumulated savings. For patients 49 and under, the Foundation administers the Bret A. Rosenthal Patient Assistance Fund grant program. This program is made possible by the generosity of the Rosenthal family.

The A Woman’s Work Founders Scholarship, provided by the Longmont Community Foundation, supports women in the Longmont and St. Vrain Valley area who demonstrate financial need and a commitment to their education. With awards ranging from $500 to $5,000, this scholarship prioritizes applicants who have shown resilience in overcoming challenges. By empowering women, the scholarship aims to foster individual achievement and strengthen the community, creating pathways to sustainable futures.

The Springfield Area Foundation for Architecture Scholarship aims to support undergraduate students in their third, fourth, or fifth year majoring in Architecture. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a GPA of 3.0 or above, and be residents of specific counties. A portfolio and essay are required for submission, ensuring that the scholarship empowers talented individuals to pursue their architectural studies and contribute to the community.

The AEESP Award for Outstanding Contribution to Environmental Engineering & Science Education recognizes exceptional teaching and educational initiatives in the field. Annually awarded by the AEESP Foundation, recipients receive a plaque, a cash prize of $500, and a $750 travel allotment for the awards ceremony. Nominations are open to all ranks, encouraging contributions that enhance student learning and improve engineering education practices.

The AEESP Award for Outstanding Teaching in Environmental Engineering & Science recognizes exceptional professors dedicated to teaching in environmental engineering. It honors those who demonstrate excellence in classroom engagement, innovative teaching practices, and mentorship. Open to nominations from all ranks, this award includes a plaque, a $500 cash prize, and a $750 travel allowance for the awards ceremony. Past winners are ineligible, ensuring fresh talent is acknowledged annually.

The AEESP Master’s Thesis Awards recognize outstanding M.S. theses that advance environmental science and engineering. Each year, two exceptional theses are honored with a plaque and $500 for the student, alongside a plaque for the faculty advisor. Additionally, winners receive $750 for travel to the awards ceremony. Nominations are limited to one per faculty advisor, and the theses must be from the previous calendar year, emphasizing the importance of current and impactful research in the field.

The Myasthenia Gravis Network (MGNet) Scholar Program is designed to enhance research capabilities in myasthenia gravis through individualized training and mentorship. Funded by the Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network (RDCRN), this program supports scholars with up to $75,000 for salary and research costs, aiming to prepare them for independent careers in clinical and translational research. Eligible candidates include MDs, PhDs, and mid-career faculty committed to advancing MG research.

The AEESP Outstanding Publication Award honors landmark papers in environmental engineering and science that have significantly influenced the field. It is awarded annually to living authors of eligible papers, with nominations made by non-authors. Recipients receive a plaque, a $500 cash prize, and a $750 travel allowance for the ceremony. Nominations must adhere to specific guidelines and are valid for three years. Previous winners are ineligible for re-nomination during this period.

The Schilling Technical Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, provides four scholarships of $2,000 each to graduating seniors from select high schools. It is renewable for an additional year if a 2.5 GPA is maintained while enrolled in at least 12 credit hours. Eligible students must demonstrate financial need and submit a FAFSA-SAI, along with a transcript and an essay. This scholarship aims to support students pursuing vocational or two-year accredited education.

The Charles R. O'Melia AEESP Distinguished Educator Award recognizes exceptional contributions to environmental engineering education. Awarded annually, it honors professors with outstanding teaching records, significant research achievements, and impactful mentoring. Recipients receive a plaque, a cash prize of $1500, and a $750 travel allotment for the awards ceremony. For nomination details, visit the AEESP Foundation's website.

The William J. Newton Memorial Scholarship Fund, managed by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, honors Bill J. Newton's legacy by supporting Berkshire County residents pursuing post-secondary training in trade and industrial fields. Established in 2006, this fund aims to enhance economic mobility and quality of life through education in vocational programs. With a commitment to community impact and innovation, it seeks to empower local individuals to achieve their career aspirations and contribute positively to their communities.

The Southwest Missouri Resource Conservation and Development Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, provides a $1,000 scholarship for graduating high school seniors from select Missouri counties. Eligible applicants must major in Agriculture, Natural Resources, or related fields, maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher, and submit an essay along with two letters of recommendation, one from school personnel. This scholarship aims to support students dedicated to community service and leadership.

The Antoinette Lierman Medlin Scholarship, administered by the Geological Society of America, supports graduate students in coal science. It offers two awards: $2000 for laboratory research and $1500 for fieldwork. This scholarship aims to recognize and assist students in completing their research projects successfully. Contributions from personal and corporate sponsors help sustain this valuable fund, encouraging commitment to advancing knowledge in energy geology.

The Field Initiated Projects Program aims to foster new research and develop solutions that enhance the inclusion and independence of individuals with disabilities. This initiative focuses on generating scientific knowledge and understanding critical issues faced by these populations, particularly those with significant support needs. With a total of 16 grants available over a 36-month period, this program encourages innovative approaches that support employment, living arrangements, and caregiver involvement.