Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in District of Columbia

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.

The Melvin L. and Frances E. Tolson Scholarship Trust Fund

The Melvin L. and Frances E. Tolson Scholarship Trust Fund was established to assist students who are residents of Carroll County, Ohio in furthering their education with interests in either aviation, art education or fine and performing arts who are enrolled or accepted at a college, university, technical, or vocational school.

Amount:

• Varies. Minimum $500.

Renewable:

• Yes

About Us

Marshfield Area Community Foundation, Inc. is a public, 501-C-3 charity. There are 30 community foundations in Wisconsin and more than 750 in the nation. The purpose of all community foundations is to accumulate charitable dollars that impact a specific geographic region in areas such as education, the arts, economic development, recreation, environmental protection, health care, and social services. They may be relatively small, as we are (assets of $14 million), or very large, as is the Greater Milwaukee Foundation (assets over $400 million).

Most people are familiar with private foundations, established by individuals, families, or corporations. Typically, in order to establish a private foundation, one has to have considerable wealth. You could say Community Foundations are much more democratic. We are, in a sense, an umbrella foundation containing many small foundations. We call those small foundations “funds.”

Marshfield Area Community Foundation Scholarships

The mission of the Marshfield Area Community Foundation is “Connecting people who care with causes that matter to enrich the quality of life in the Marshfield area”. Education is a valuable tool and a cause that matters to all of us. Through assisting students with financial support to receive an education, not only do students and the families of those students benefit, but also our community benefits, which further allows us to achieve our mission of enriching the quality of life in the Marshfield area.

Kenneth and Ardyce Heiting Scholarship (2025)

The Division 54 Lizette Peterson-Homer Injury Prevention Grant, provided by the American Psychological Foundation, supports innovative research focused on preventing injuries in children and adolescents. This grant aims to enhance understanding of psychological and behavioral factors influencing injury prevention, honoring the legacy of Lizette Peterson-Homer. Open to graduate students and early career psychologists, it encourages diverse applicants committed to improving children's health and safety through impactful research.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Alex Cooper Memorial Scholarship

The Alex Cooper Memorial Scholarship Fund was created in 2017 by Jonathan Culler, his high school classmate and teammate, Andrea Ault, his devoted mother who never left his side, and the River Valley Class of 2017, after he lost a 3-year battle to childhood cancer, osteosarcoma.     

The Cooper Fund supports seniors and graduates from the River Valley Local Schools district. Alex’s scholarship gives special consideration to students active in River Valley athletics, especially football or baseball, and/or music. To honor Alex’s untimely passing, the Cooper Fund seeks to assist students who have been diagnosed with cancer personally, those with an immediate family member with the disease, and those who demonstrate financial need resulting from cancer treatment.

The Vascular Care for the Underserved Project Grants, funded by the Society for Vascular Surgery Foundation, aim to address disparities in vascular care for women. With a grant of $20,000, this initiative focuses on enhancing access, inclusion, and gender-specific research in vascular health. It supports innovative projects that aim to improve care delivery to underserved women and ensure equitable representation in vascular research, ultimately aiming to advance health outcomes and address historical exclusions in clinical studies.

The Holy Cross Lutheran Church Matt 25 Scholarship, funded by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offers a $500 award to one deserving student from Beatrice High School. Established to support education, this needs-based scholarship is applicable for various higher education institutions, including colleges and trade schools. Applications can be obtained from the Student Services Office or the foundation's website. The foundation has been active since 1987, promoting academic excellence and community involvement.

The Jespen, Peter W. Scholarships, managed by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offer two $2,150 scholarships to graduating seniors from Beatrice High School. These scholarships support students pursuing higher education, including vocational training. Recipients are selected based on academic performance, extracurricular involvement, character, and financial need, with a FAFSA Student Aid Report required for need-based consideration. The Foundation has provided substantial financial support to local students since its establishment in 1987.

The James Hantak Scholarship, established by The Columbus Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Columbus City Schools, Upper Arlington High School, or volunteers and athletes from Lancaster Special Olympics with special needs. The scholarship offers $5,000 annually for educational pursuits, with an additional $10,000 scholarship awarded based on financial need. Preference is given to athletes and volunteers from Special Olympics. This initiative aims to enhance opportunities for students in central Ohio, promoting inclusivity and community engagement.

The Howard Mayer Brown Fellowship, administered by the American Musicological Society, supports graduate students from historically underrepresented groups at U.S. or Canadian universities. Established to enhance diversity in musicology, it offers a $25,000 stipend for one year of full-time study. Applicants are expected to have completed at least one year of graduate work and demonstrate academic excellence. The fellowship encourages institutions to provide additional financial support, fostering a vibrant academic community.

The Mary Eleanor Morris Scholarship, established by the estate of Mary Eleanor Leonard Morris, supports educational opportunities for graduating seniors from Logan County, Ohio. This scholarship reflects Morris's enduring commitment to community service, benefiting students from various local high schools. Eligible candidates must not hold significant national scholarships and must plan to attend an accredited educational institution in the U.S. This initiative aims to empower local youth and foster their educational aspirations.

The Ohio Green Beret Support Group Scholarship, administered by The Columbus Foundation, aims to support Green Berets and their families in Ohio. This scholarship provides financial assistance for postsecondary education and training, including degrees and certifications, to those facing hardships due to military service. By honoring the service and sacrifice of these elite soldiers, the scholarship fosters educational opportunities and long-term support for deserving military families.

The Ruth Danley and William Enoch Moore Charitable Fund Grant is a private foundation based in Pittsburgh, established in 1992. It focuses on philanthropy, specifically supporting K-12 education for Native American children living on reservations. The foundation directs its grants primarily to regions preferred by donors, including several states in the Northeast and Midwest, aiming to improve educational opportunities and foster community development in underserved populations.

The American Bach Society Diversity Grant, established in 1972, supports initiatives that enhance diversity in the study and performance of J.S. Bach's music. Grants of up to $2,000 are available for projects that explore diverse perspectives in Bach's history, teaching, and performance. Priority is given to early-career applicants. This grant aims to widen participation and representation in Bach-related scholarship and performance, fostering a more inclusive community around this classical music heritage.

The Rahsaan Roland Kirk Scholarship for the Arts, offered by The Columbus Foundation, honors the legacy of the innovative jazz musician Rahsaan Roland Kirk. This scholarship supports seniors from Columbus City Schools who are pursuing studies in music, music performance, or the arts. With a focus on artistic freedom and excellence, it aims to empower young artists to continue the rich traditions of Black American musical expression while fostering creativity and cultural appreciation in the community.

The National Book Fund (NBF) offers grants to support adult education and literacy programs across the U.S. by providing New Readers Press materials. Grants typically range from $500 to $2,000, with applications considered for higher amounts if justified. Eligible applicants must have a defined project and use materials directly with learners. Priority is given to nonprofit organizations providing free literacy instruction. Note that individuals and lending libraries are not eligible for funding.

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.

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

Gregory Keith Jones Memorial Scholarship

The Gregory Keith Jones Memorial Scholarship was established in remembrance of the creative energy, kindness and passion that embodied his much too short time on this earth. This beautiful soul would spread joy, love, and the gospel through music.

Greg was a 1997 graduate of Saginaw High School and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in project management. Along with his gifts of writing music, singing, and playing keyboard and bass, Greg was also a lover of math and tutored young students who struggled with the subject.

The Gregory Keith Jones Memorial Scholarship was established as an enduring legacy to a kind, loving, humble and giving man. May his spirit continue to live on. 

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 Music Man Foundation invites eligible organizations to apply for Advocacy and Research Grants aimed at supporting systemic change in the arts sector. Organizations must demonstrate their impact on music-related systems, showcase their priorities in the field, and outline their achievements. Grants will assist with research, advocacy training, and cross-sector initiatives to enhance community vitality and promote sustainable solutions, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to fostering positive arts engagement.

The Tim Scott Scholarship, offered by the St. Croix Valley Foundation, supports students from high schools in St. Croix County, WI, and nearby areas who are committed to volunteerism. This scholarship recognizes the importance of giving back to the community and encourages students to engage in meaningful service. With a mission of fostering local generosity, the Foundation connects donors with impactful initiatives that enhance the wellbeing of the St. Croix Valley region.

The American Bach Society offers the Language Study Grant to support Ph.D. students in the US or Canada who need language training for Bach-related research. Grants can cover tuition and ancillary costs, with awards up to $6,000. Applicants must demonstrate that they have sought additional financial aid from their institutions. This initiative aims to encourage diverse research topics and new voices in Bach studies, fostering a deeper appreciation of this important field.

The Cancer Care Specialists of Illinois Scholarship offers financial assistance for tuition to high school seniors and healthcare professionals in oncology/hematology within Central and Southern Illinois. The scholarship supports educational pursuits and professional development in these fields. Applications are accepted monthly, with a deadline for 2025 set for December 1st. Eligible candidates must maintain a GPA of 3.0 and reside in specific counties, ensuring support for local talent in healthcare.

The Sundance Institute's Native Lab Application aims to support emerging filmmakers and episodic creators from U.S.-based Native American, Native Hawaiian, Alaskan Native, and Indigenous communities, as well as Indigenous Canadian artists. This initiative nurtures independent storytelling and creativity, providing vital resources and opportunities for underrepresented voices in film. Eligible applicants must submit a narrative feature or episodic pilot script. The program will accept three U.S.-based projects and one Canada-based project, with activities held virtually and in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

The Undergraduate Development Program Advisor Travel Award, hosted by the Society of Toxicology, enables faculty advisors to attend the Undergraduate Development Program from March 21-23, 2026. This initiative aims to familiarize advisors with toxicology and encourage them to guide students toward careers in biomedical sciences. Recipients of the award will participate in educational sessions, networking opportunities, and receive support for travel-related expenses, fostering diversity and innovation within the field.

The JSF People with Disabilities Grant supports organizations that empower students with disabilities through education and employment opportunities. With a focus on scholarships and mentorship, the Foundation addresses barriers that hinder access to higher education. It has established partnerships with universities and schools, including Gallaudet University, to create impactful programs. Additionally, it funds initiatives that help transition individuals into the workforce, ensuring inclusivity in educational and professional settings.

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia

Our Community Foundation was established in Roanoke in 1988. With our growth, we expanded into the Martinsville/Henry County area in 2005. Today, we administer many hundreds of named endowment funds ranging in size from a minimum of $10,000 to millions of dollars. To date, donors have also committed very significant resources to the Foundation through future estate gifts.

Our Mission:Enabling people who love their community to easily give back.

Scholarships

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, the region’s community foundation, administers a variety of scholarships to reward and assist capable and deserving students based on the criteria established by the fund donors.

Joycelyn “Fudgie” Lee Farrelly Music Education Scholarship Fund

Fund provides higher education scholarship assistance to deserving students who intend to pursue a degree in music or music education.