Best Grants for 501(c)(3) in District of Columbia

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 Family Scholarship

Created in 2007 from the estate of Helen L. Alex, this fund makes annual awards in support of higher education for seniors from Marion Harding High School. The fund honors Helen’s son, Nicholas, a former faculty member at Harding who passed in 2008.

The Alex Family Fund was established by another of Helen’s sons and Nicholas’ brother, James L. Alex. The family, which includes a rich Greek heritage and numerous relatives in Greece, belonged to the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Mansfield, Ohio. 

Recipients of the Alex Family Scholarship must rank in the upper 25th percentile of their graduating class. Those demonstrating excellence in the study of history or pursing a college major in history are given special consideration.

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 Masters Memorial Scholarship

Following the unexpected passing of their son, Alex Masters, a memorial scholarship fund was created at the River Valley Education Foundation by Randy and Kathy Masters and Morgan Masters Quickel, Alex’s sister. In 2013, the fund was migrated to Marion Community Foundation and became the Alex Masters Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Alex never knew a stranger and loved to discuss and debate any subject with others. He loved baseball and football, was an avid reader, and was pursuing a career in medicine. But, perhaps his biggest love—outside of his family—was his love for music. It is his family’s hope that his song will live on through this scholarship.

The fund honors Alex’s memory and supports the educational goals of graduating seniors from River Valley High School. According to Kathy, the family created the scholarship with the intention of supporting those who have encountered adversity and to overcome and cope with life’s challenges through education.

The BRAIN Initiative seeks to develop innovative tools and approaches for neuroscience research, focusing on cell-specific and circuit-specific processes within the central nervous system. This initiative encourages projects that enhance our understanding of brain architecture and function through novel technologies for characterizing neural components and advancing methods for recording and modulating neural activity. Applications are invited to address significant challenges and promote transformative breakthroughs in neuroscience.

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.

Allen “Bus” Augenstein Memorial Scholarship

Originally the Claridon Alumni Association Scholarship Fund, this endowment (created in 2021), was renamed in 2023 to honor the late Allen ‘Bus’ Augenstein. The scholarship supports seniors and graduates of River Valley High School, with special consideration for students who pursue an education in the fields of engineering, health care, or education (especially science education). Awards also favor students active in band, choir, FFA, or school sports, especially golf and cross country.

Allen lived in Marion for more than 90 years. His father, A.B. Augenstein, served as Superintendent of Claridon Schools and River Valley School District, 1960–1965, and is well remembered for, among other accomplishments, starting football (6 man) in the district. His mother, Hazel, taught mathematics at Claridon during World War II.

The Animal Food Regulatory Program Standards Implementation Development and Maintenance initiative aims to enhance the national animal food safety system. This funding opportunity supports state regulatory programs in achieving and sustaining the Animal Food Regulatory Program Standards (AFRPS) within five years. By fostering collaboration with the FDA and standardizing regulatory processes, this initiative seeks to improve food safety, promote compliance, and mitigate foodborne illnesses, ultimately creating a more integrated food safety framework.

The TIP Office of the US Department of State invites applications for projects aimed at combating human trafficking, adhering to the Trafficking Victims Protection Act. This initiative prioritizes prosecuting traffickers, protecting victims, and preventing trafficking through strategies outlined in the National Security Strategy, executive orders, and the annual Trafficking in Persons Report, while aligning with America First Foreign Policy priorities.

The AUA Boston Scientific Medical Student Innovation Fellowship, funded by the American Urological Association, aims to nurture future urologic researchers. This fellowship offers a $20,000 stipend for a 12-month research project, engaging medical students in innovative urology research under expert mentorship. The initiative addresses the pressing need for skilled professionals in the urologic research field, ensuring a robust pipeline of talent dedicated to advancing patient care and scientific discovery in urology.

The AMVETS Veteran, Active Duty & Guard/Reserve Scholarship provides financial assistance up to $12,000 for qualified U.S. Veterans and active military members pursuing undergraduate degrees. This scholarship is designed to bridge the financial gap after all other federal and state aid has been utilized. Eligibility includes being an honorably discharged veteran or active service member, enrolled in an accredited institution, and demonstrating financial need. AMVETS is dedicated to serving those who have served our country.

The AMVETS Spouse Scholarship offers financial support to the spouses of honorably discharged veterans and active military personnel, including National Guard and Reserves. This scholarship aims to bridge financial gaps after other federal and state resources have been exhausted. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens enrolled in accredited undergraduate programs, demonstrate financial need, and not be in default on federal student loans. AMVETS stands committed to empowering military families through education.

The AMVETS Children/Grandchildren Scholarship supports the educational aspirations of children and grandchildren of honorably discharged U.S. veterans and active military. This scholarship aims to bridge financial gaps after all federal and state assistance has been utilized. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens, high school seniors, and demonstrate financial need while enrolled in accredited four-year universities. Incomplete applications will be disqualified, ensuring that the award goes to deserving candidates committed to their education.

The National Mesothelioma Virtual Bank (NMVB) aims to enhance biomedical research on malignant mesothelioma by expanding its collection of biospecimens, including tumor tissues and blood samples, alongside demographic and clinical data. Established in 2006, the NMVB serves as a crucial resource for researchers, providing access to a diverse library of samples and data, which can help identify disease markers and develop improved treatment options. This initiative is essential for advancing the understanding and treatment of mesothelioma.

The Societies for Pediatric Urology Annual Research Grant offers up to $40,000 for innovative research in pediatric urology. Targeted at junior and mid-level faculty, this grant encourages clinical, translational, and basic science research. Eligible applicants include pediatric urological clinicians and researchers who are SPU members or have sponsorship. This funding aims to foster impactful projects that can secure additional external funding, enhancing the field of pediatric urology.

The Adult Learn-to-Swim Grants, offered by the USA Swimming Foundation in collaboration with U.S. Masters Swimming, aim to enhance swimming safety for adults aged 18 and over. This initiative provides funding to programs that promote swim education, targeting underserved communities. Grants can be used for expenses like pool rentals and scholarships, with a maximum award of $5,000. The goal is to reduce drowning risks and encourage ongoing participation in swimming activities.

The Gibson Foundation, now known as Gibson Gives, is dedicated to enhancing lives through music by supporting 501(c)(3) organizations. Their mission is to inspire and amplify the power of music through guitars for all generations. With a commitment to music education and wellness, Gibson Gives is making a positive impact worldwide, ensuring that music continues to shape the lives of musicians and enrich communities. Donations are reviewed monthly, requiring a minimum of four weeks for processing.

The Sagol Network GerOmic Award for Junior Faculty supports early career investigators in aging research, focusing on -omics studies related to biological aging and age-related diseases. Research areas include genomics, proteomics, and interventions targeting aging. Eligible applicants are independent researchers at U.S. not-for-profit institutions, with 10 years or fewer since their postdoctoral training. The award may cover overhead costs, promoting innovative research in the vital field of gerontology.

The USF Community Impact Grant, established by USA Swimming and the USA Swimming Foundation, aims to enhance competitive opportunities in swimming clubs. Grants of up to $5,000 are available for registered USA Swimming clubs committed to fostering community engagement and collaboration. Eligible clubs can renew their grant for up to three years, promoting diverse access to swimming programs. This initiative particularly supports clubs that partner with educational or public entities and those led by women or minorities.

The James Paul Sutton Medical Research Fund Grant supports non-profit organizations engaged in cancer and medical research, established through a trust by the Sutton family. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt. Preference is given to cancer research initiatives, while grants are not available for individuals, political groups, or for-profit entities. This fund aims to sustain medical research efforts for the long term, continuing the legacy of the Sutton family.

The State Clinical Achievement Awards and the Louis M. DiCarlo Award honor significant accomplishments in clinical practice within audiology and speech-language pathology over the past six years. Nominations are submitted by state associations, selecting individuals who have advanced clinical knowledge. The DiCarlo Award, in memory of Louis M. DiCarlo, provides a plaque and a $2,500 grant to further the recipient's work. Eligible achievements must be specific and well-defined.

The Pelvic Health Research Grant, offered by the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, aims to enhance the health and movement of society through innovative research in physical therapy. With a commitment to addressing health disparities and supporting emerging researchers, this grant provides $40,000 over one or two years. It underscores the foundation's mission to optimize movement and improve health outcomes while fostering a robust pipeline of skilled researchers dedicated to evidence-based practices.

The Paris Patla Physical Therapy Research Grant, funded by the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, aims to enhance the quality of life through innovative physical therapy research. With a commitment to advancing health and addressing disparities, this grant offers $100,000 for one or two years to support emerging and established researchers. By investing in the future of physical therapy, the Foundation strives to improve patient outcomes and solidify the profession's evidence-based practices.

The Alaska Community Foundation

The Alaska Community Foundation connects people who care to the causes that make a difference and matter most to them. We encourage and nurture philanthropy through building and managing permanent endowments, convening stakeholders, working with partners to strengthen Alaskan communities, and providing donors with flexible giving options that are strategic to their philanthropic objectives.

Scholarships at ACF

Each year, more than 60 scholarships are available to Alaska students—and it all starts with one simple application. With one login and one application, you’ll be considered for every scholarship you may be eligible for. Whether you’re taking your first step toward college, training for a career, or continuing your education, these scholarships are here to help carry you forward, backed by donors who believe in Alaska’s students and the futures they’re building. 

Harry H. Hirshik Scholarship Fund

A scholarship fund focused on automobile mechanic education.

The Harry H. Hirshik Scholarship supports Alaskan students pursuing education or training in the field of automotive mechanics. Harry H. Hirshik was military-civil employee-mechanic. He lived in Eagle River and loved Alaska.

Clinical Research Training Scholarship in Autoimmune Neurology

This award recognizes the vital importance of rigorous clinical and translational research and aims to inspire and support early-career investigators pursuing clinical studies in autoimmune neurology — specifically immune-mediated diseases of the nervous system other than multiple sclerosis.

The scope of this award encompasses research on autoimmune neurologic disorders, including neural antibody-associated diseases of the nervous system, autoimmune encephalitis, immune-mediated epilepsy, autoimmune movement disorders, inflammatory myelopathies, NMOSD, MOGAD, paraneoplastic neurological syndromes, neurological complications of cancer immunotherapies, and inborn errors of immunity/autoinflammatory syndromes affecting the nervous system.

This award will consist of a commitment of $65,000 per year for two years, plus a $10,000 per year stipend to support education and research-related costs for a total of $150,000. Supplementation of the award with other grants is permissible, but to be eligible to apply for this award, the other grant source(s) cannot exceed $75,000 annually.

The Graduate Student Scholarship: NSSLHA Scholarship supports CSD graduate students who show academic promise. Open to undergraduate seniors with active NSSLHA memberships, the scholarship emphasizes educational support for tuition and related expenses. Up to three scholarships are available, underwritten by the NSSLHA Scholarship Fund. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a communication sciences and disorders graduate program in the U.S. and commit to full-time study, ensuring a focus on academic achievement.

The Alaska Community Foundation

The Alaska Community Foundation connects people who care to the causes that make a difference and matter most to them. We encourage and nurture philanthropy through building and managing permanent endowments, convening stakeholders, working with partners to strengthen Alaskan communities, and providing donors with flexible giving options that are strategic to their philanthropic objectives.

Scholarships at ACF

Each year, more than 60 scholarships are available to Alaska students—and it all starts with one simple application. With one login and one application, you’ll be considered for every scholarship you may be eligible for. Whether you’re taking your first step toward college, training for a career, or continuing your education, these scholarships are here to help carry you forward, backed by donors who believe in Alaska’s students and the futures they’re building. 

Holly Dick Scholarship Fund

This scholarship fund was created by Holly Dick who learned from her own life experiences how education can change lives.

The Holly Dick Scholarship will provide eligible students with an educational scholarship to support the pursuit of post-high school education, including vocational training that will give them a future career. Scholarships will be awarded based on academic performance, community activities, letters of reference, and leadership activities with a preference for Chinese American students who are the first generation in their family to attend college or Chinese Alaskan students. Students must be enrolled full-time to qualify for a scholarship.

Holly WaiHung Dick left mainland China with her family in 1947 for a better life in Hong Kong. Her life experiences taught her that education changes lives. After completing school in China, Holly was hired by Japan Airlines, where she met her future husband, an American, Mike Dick. Holly and Mike lived in Anchorage, where they loved to fish and enjoy friends, family, and their Alaskan life. Holly loved to help others along their path in life. She volunteered as a translator for immigrants and helped children in daycare settings. 

This scholarship is her legacy fulfilling her hope to help Chinese students increase their experience and skills with education so they can find a job and a career to support their future.

The Shared Instrumentation Grant (SIG) Program supports NIH-funded investigators in acquiring high-cost, specialized instruments, with a minimum award of $50,000 and a maximum of $750,000. Eligible instruments include light microscopes, mass spectrometers, and DNA sequencers, among others. This program aims to enhance research capabilities by enabling the purchase or upgrade of essential equipment for scientific advancement.

The Graduate Student Scholarship: International Student Scholarship supports non-U.S. citizens pursuing graduate studies in communication sciences and disorders in the U.S. Funded by the Kala Singh Memorial Fund, it awards up to three scholarships of $5,000 each. Eligible applicants must be accepted or enrolled in accredited programs and maintain full-time status. The scholarship aims to assist with educational expenses, ensuring that academic achievement and diversity are promoted within the field.

The New Century Scholars Doctoral Scholarship, offered by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation, supports doctoral students who aspire to a teacher-investigator career in communication sciences and disorders in the U.S. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in a research doctoral program and show commitment to higher education. The foundation will award up to 15 scholarships of $10,000 each for the current cycle, fostering the next generation of educators and researchers in this vital field.