Best Grants for Charities in District of Columbia

The Dr. A. Jean Ayres Doctoral Candidate Scholarship, funded by The American Occupational Therapy Foundation, supports emerging OT scientists focusing on sensory integration and processing research. This $5,000 scholarship aids doctoral candidates in conducting impactful studies, contributing to the field of occupational therapy and enhancing care delivery. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a doctoral program, have defended their dissertation proposal, and conduct research at a US institution. The scholarship emphasizes the importance of evidence-based practices for underserved communities.

Grand Rapids Community Foundation

The Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that connects people, passion and resources. With our partners, the Community Foundation uses the tools of philanthropy to find solutions to pressing issues. We provide grants to support the work of nonprofits, scholarships to local students and other forms of support to communities working to eliminate barriers to opportunity, prosperity and belonging.

Scholarships

Each year Grand Rapids Community Foundation supports hundreds of students on their college or career training journeys. We are excited to remove barriers to academic success so that students like you can pursue what you're passionate about.

Jacob R. & Mary M. VanLoo & Lenore K. VanLoo Scholarship

Open to undergraduate students who are residents of Kent County.

Grand Rapids Community Foundation

The Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that connects people, passion and resources. With our partners, the Community Foundation uses the tools of philanthropy to find solutions to pressing issues. We provide grants to support the work of nonprofits, scholarships to local students and other forms of support to communities working to eliminate barriers to opportunity, prosperity and belonging.

Scholarships

Each year Grand Rapids Community Foundation supports hundreds of students on their college or career training journeys. We are excited to remove barriers to academic success so that students like you can pursue what you're passionate about.

Josephine Ringold Scholarship

Open to students who are residents of Kent County. Preference to Challenge Scholar students through 2032.

Grand Rapids Community Foundation

The Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that connects people, passion and resources. With our partners, the Community Foundation uses the tools of philanthropy to find solutions to pressing issues. We provide grants to support the work of nonprofits, scholarships to local students and other forms of support to communities working to eliminate barriers to opportunity, prosperity and belonging.

Scholarships

Each year Grand Rapids Community Foundation supports hundreds of students on their college or career training journeys. We are excited to remove barriers to academic success so that students like you can pursue what you're passionate about.

Kenneth Vonk Scholarship

Open to students who are residents of Kent County. Preference to Challenge Scholar students through 2032.

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.

Madison Faith “Maddy” Bennett and Amy Bennett Memorial Scholarship

Eligibility

Raleigh County students; Evidence of merit and need; Must have attended Park Middle School for a minimum of 2 years; Individuals having served on the Park Middle School cheer squad will be given preference.

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.

Orrie & Dorothy Cassada Scholarship

Open to students who are residents of Kent County. 

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.

Norm & Marilyn Leven Challenge Scholars Scholarship

Preference for Challenge Scholar students through 2032.

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.

Margery J. Seeger Scholarship

Open to students who are residents of Kent County. 

The Backus Award, presented by the Mycological Society of America, honors two promising graduate students in mycology each year. Candidates are assessed based on their academic achievements, research potential, and future contributions to the field. This fellowship supports their graduate studies and encourages attendance at the MSA annual meeting, fostering connections within the mycological community. Eligible applicants must be student members of MSA and currently enrolled in a university in Canada or the United States.

The Bear Paw Resort Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, supports graduating seniors from White Lake High School who plan to pursue post-secondary education. With over $2 million available for scholarships in 2025, this initiative aims to empower students in their educational journeys. The scholarship is designed to assist with tuition costs, payable after the completion of the first semester, thereby encouraging academic success and community development.

The Charles and Louis Lincoln Scholarship, awarded by the Erie Community Foundation, provides financial assistance to Erie High School students who are first- or second-generation Americans. This scholarship supports those with demonstrated scholastic ability and financial need, helping them pursue higher education. In 2023, over $800,000 was awarded to more than 500 students, reflecting the foundation's commitment to educational access and support for diverse communities.

The Spanos Family Memorial Scholarship, funded by the Erie Community Foundation, offers financial support to outstanding students who are active members of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Erie. In 2023, over $800,000 in scholarships were awarded to more than 500 students pursuing higher education. Applications are evaluated based on merit, academic performance, financial need, and community involvement, ensuring that deserving individuals receive the assistance they need to succeed in their educational endeavors.

The ENF Community Investments Program - Freedom Grants will award $1,000 grants to 1,000 Lodges for projects focused on veterans and active-duty military families in 2025-26. Eligible projects must address five key areas: employment, homelessness, current military members and their families, health, and educational support. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of life for service members and their families, ensuring that local needs are met through community-driven efforts.

The Marine Trades Scholarship, offered by the National Marine Representatives Association (NMRA), supports students pursuing education in marine trades. Since 2008, NMRA has facilitated annual scholarships funded by members and affiliates. This initiative not only encourages academic growth but also fosters professional development through networking events, industry insights, and advocacy support. Applications are accepted each spring, with recipients chosen in the summer, promoting a brighter future for the marine industry.

The Bring Back the Trades Scholarship is dedicated to addressing the skilled trades shortage by providing $1,500 monthly scholarships to students enrolled in post-secondary skilled trades programs across the United States. Founded by a seasoned business owner, the initiative aims to raise awareness and reshape perceptions of trade careers, ensuring that students have the resources to succeed in vital roles that contribute to the nation's future.

The Live Your Dream Awards, sponsored by Soroptimist International of the Americas, empower women by providing vital monetary assistance for their education and training. Each year, over $3 million is awarded to more than 2,300 women who are the primary financial support for their families. This initiative supports those overcoming significant challenges like poverty and domestic violence, ensuring they have the resources to achieve their dreams and live fulfilling lives.

The Berkshire Woodworkers Guild Scholarship offers financial support to aspiring professional woodworkers and designers. Established in 1998, this scholarship is funded through generous donations and proceeds from an annual silent auction. Recipients are encouraged to engage with the Guild and showcase their work at events. Preference is given to applicants pursuing comprehensive woodworking programs that lead to certification or degrees, but other professional development opportunities may also be considered.

The DTA Foundation: Dental Hygiene Scholarship, in partnership with the Benco Family Foundation, provides up to $10,000 to dental hygiene students from underrepresented backgrounds. This initiative honors Lawrence and Sally Cohen's contributions to the field. With a generous $1M endowment, the scholarship aims to support aspiring dental hygienists, ensuring increased accessibility to the profession and recognizing those who demonstrate passion and commitment to dental care.

The Aging Services Leadership Fellowship, offered by the United Negro College Fund, is a one-year non-clinical program for recent master's graduates or mid-career professionals with at least five years of experience. The program emphasizes cohort learning, community building, and skill development in aging services. Participants engage in specialized training, networking events, and mentorship opportunities designed to foster leadership and cultural humility, ultimately preparing them to lead in the aging services sector.

The Excellence in Medicine Awards, presented by the AMA Foundation, honor exemplary physicians and medical advocates committed to volunteerism, community engagement, and leadership. Since 2005, this prestigious program has celebrated over 100 honorees, recognizing their vital contributions to underserved populations. Awardees receive a $2,500 grant honorarium to support a nonprofit health organization of their choice, collectively awarding over $250,000 to enhance community health and promote equitable care across the nation.

The ADEAGies Foundation Grant supports oral health innovations and the development of future leaders in academic dentistry. Funded by the ADEAGies Foundation, the program offers annual grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 for various dental programs and initiatives. The Board of Trustees evaluates proposals each March, aiming to fully fund as many projects as possible while reserving the right to offer partial funding. Grants are awarded annually to qualifying organizations.

About Decatur County Community Foundation

Decatur County Community Foundation connects people who care with causes that matter. 

Our Mission

To inspire the generosity of our community to create a lasting impact.

​We help visionary donors practice highly effective charitable giving; award grants to not-for-profits doing good in the community; award scholarships to ease the financial burden of education for students; provide leadership to make Decatur County a better community.

Online Scholarships

The following scholarships are managed by the Decatur County Community Foundation. Complete details for each scholarship are available on the individual online scholarship application.

Don and Barb Horan Memorial Scholarship

The mission of this scholarship is to help a student residing in Decatur County that will graduate from Oldenburg Academy.

The Alford Family Golf Scholarship

This scholarship is given in honor of the Alford Family and provides scholarship support to one male and one female varsity golfer who will continue to play at the NCAA Division II or III level.  

Consideration is given to the following verifiable and documented criteria:

• GPA and Class Rank.- Quality of reference letters.- Examples of an applicant's ways of giving back to the game of golf besides playing the game.- Leadership qualities with examples applicable to the applicant's team and as an individual.- Examples of sportsmanship as a player and integrity as a person 

Awards

• 2 , $1000

Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society

Alpha Omega Alpha, founded in 1902, is the national medical honor society. Its mission is:

Alpha Omega Alpha — dedicated to the belief that in the profession of medicine we will improve care for all by:

• recognizing high educational achievement;
• honoring gifted teaching;
• encouraging the development of leaders in academia and the community;
• supporting the ideals of humanism; and
• promoting service to others.

Robert J. Glaser Distinguished Teacher Award

The Alpha Omega Alpha (AΩA) Robert J. Glaser Distinguished Teacher Awards were established by the AΩA Honor Medical Society in partnership with the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) in 1988 to provide national recognition to medical school faculty who have distinguished themselves in medical student education.

The award annually recognizes four faculty members -basic science and preclinical and clinical disciplines- at LCME-accredited medical schools. Each year, in collaboration with the Association of American Medical Colleges, AΩA presents this award to four outstanding teachers nominated from medical schools in the United States and Canada. 

Past recipients of the award have developed medical education programs and materials widely adopted in medical school curricula. 

The recipients are recognized at an annual virtual AAMC Awards Recognition Event.

The Award

Recipients each receive a $7,500 award. Each recipient’s nominating institution will receive $2,500 for teaching activities. If a school has an AΩA Chapter, $1,000 will be awarded to the Chapter.

For 30 years, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation has served as a partner in philanthropy to credit unions, with a mission to empower and inspire credit unions in the Carolinas through collaborative opportunities to enrich our communities. A great example of this collaborative philanthropy is our scholarship program. 

More than 20 credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina have active managed funds at the Foundation. The generosity of these credit unions helps hundreds of high school seniors as well as undergraduate and graduate students receive scholarship funds each year.

As a member of any of the following credit unions, you may apply for a scholarship. 

Family Trust Federal Credit Union: The Penny Pratt Scholarship

Family Trust is committed to supporting future leaders in our community. The Penny Pratt Scholarships are opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students through Family Trust.

The PIDS Summer Research Scholars Award, established by the PIDS Foundation, supports students in pediatric infectious disease research. Open to undergraduate and graduate students, this award promotes impactful summer research projects across various disciplines, including basic science and clinical studies. Funded partially by Sanofi, it encourages mentorship by PIDS members, aiming to enhance scholarship and practical contributions to the field of pediatric infectious diseases.

The Global Support Fund offers up to $6,000 for First-Year/Direct admits at Northeastern University, enabling them to participate in various approved global experiences. Eligible students must complete the GSF Request Form after acceptance into a program, ensuring they meet deadlines. The funding can cover program fees, airfare, housing, meals, and required course materials, but cannot be used for tuition or personal travel. This initiative encourages exploration and cultural immersion for students.