Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in District of Columbia

The Aden, Jane and Roger Scholarship, offered by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, provides a $500 financial award to Beatrice High School graduating seniors actively involved in a Christian church. With a focus on financial need, applicants must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA. Established in 1987, the Foundation supports educational opportunities within the Beatrice School District, managing a $3.8 million Endowment Fund and providing over $55,000 in scholarships annually.

The Lung Cancer Discovery Award, offered by the American Lung Association, supports innovative research aimed at improving outcomes for lung cancer patients. With funding of $100,000 per year for up to two years, this award encourages groundbreaking projects that enhance diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, investigate genetic forms of lung cancer, and develop novel screening methods. The initiative is a vital step towards reducing lung cancer morbidity and mortality, ultimately improving patient care and saving lives.

The Hasting Innovation Award for Interstitial Lung Disease, offered by the American Lung Association, provides $75,000 annually for up to two years to support early-career researchers. This award targets investigators with proven excellence and a track record of accomplishment, aiming to advance lung disease science. Successful candidates must have held a K or R type award within the last three to five years, fostering innovation and discovery in lung health.

The Coco Gauff Tennis Scholarship

The Coco Gauff Tennis Scholarship will provide a need-based scholarship of up to $8,500 to eligible HBCU student-athletes competing on their intercollegiate tennis teams. Awards will be issued in the 2026-2027 academic year.

The Donald & Ruby Branson Foundation Grant aims to promote environmental, educational, and social progress in America. Established by the Branson family, it seeks to instill values of community involvement and charitable responsibility in future generations. The foundation primarily supports tax-exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) and emphasizes the importance of education and environmental stewardship, ensuring a cleaner and more attractive world for all.

The Alliance Global Partners Scholarship, established in August 2022 by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, offers post-secondary financial aid to graduating students from southern Beaufort County high schools. This scholarship aims to support those pursuing business education at accredited institutions. With a commitment to enhancing educational opportunities, this initiative reflects the foundation's mission to empower local communities and ensure that students can thrive in their academic and professional pursuits.

Early Career Talent Development General Application

The UNCF Student Professional Development Programs (SPDP) Department works closely with some of the nation’s leading corporations and foundations to shape and execute internship programs, including both stand-alone internship programs and internship-and-scholarship programs

The UNCF Student Professional Development Programs (SPDP) Department works closely with some of the nation’s leading corporations and foundations to shape and execute internship programs, including both stand-alone internship programs and internship-and-scholarship programs with two goals – 

• To help companies build a more diverse workforce; 
• To provide diverse students with the preparation they need to succeed in college, familiarize themselves with professional career paths, and prepare to be competitive candidates for internships and future employers after graduation.

UNCF’s SPDP partners include The Walt Disney Company, Toyota, Papa Johns, United Health Foundation, Wells Fargo, and the Walton Family Foundation. We currently serve over 1500 students annually through internship, leadership, and professional development services.

The UNCF Student Professional Development Programs (SPDP) offer career readiness, success coaching, and paid summer and semester internships to college students. Students participating in SPDP will be exposed to career pathways and opportunities and have access to leadership and personal development training. 

SPDP students will:

• Prepare to navigate from college to early-stage careers
• Enhance professional experiences through meaningful internships
• Develop stronger project management skills
• Improve networking and communication skills
• Strengthen interviewing techniques 

Currently, the SPDP is sourcing candidates to fill for summer 2026 internships!! The Early Career Talent Development General Application is used to establish an applicant pool of potentially eligible students for these ongoing internship/student professional development opportunities that are published/unpublished. Internship or professional development opportunities using the Early Career Talent Development General Application, are restricted to students who are enrolled full time at an accredited institution within the U.S. during the 2025-2026 academic year. 

The OJJDP FY 2026 Second Chance Act Youth Reentry Program aims to provide critical support for moderate- to high-risk youth transitioning back into their communities after confinement. This funding opportunity encourages collaboration among state agencies, local governments, Tribes, and community organizations to deliver comprehensive reentry services and assist youth in overcoming challenges related to recidivism. Applications are due by November 9, 2026, at 8:59 p.m. ET.

Medina County Women's Scholarship FundOriginally established by the American Association of University Women of Medina County to award scholarships to nontraditional female students. A nontraditional student is a woman whose undergraduate education has been interrupted or delayed.Amount:

• Varies

Number of awards:

• Varies

Renewal:

• Must reapply annually by submission of a new application; however, any applicant cannot be selected more than twice for this scholarship.

The Lipsky-Whittaker LGBTQ Scholarship, established by the SouthCoast Community Foundation, provides financial support to graduates from New Bedford area high schools who identify as LGBTQ+. Applicants must be under 24 years old and enrolled in or accepted to an accredited college. This scholarship aims to empower students committed to addressing LGBTQ+ issues in their communities, contributing to a more inclusive society.

Robert and Margaret Pulliam Scholarship

This scholarship was established to encourage and reward academic excellence and community service.

Award Information

6 scholarships are awarded each year. Awards will likely be between $1,400-$1,600.

Dr. Jeffrey Hanson Memorial Scholarship

To support those pursuing careers in medicine, particularly primary care. 

Number and Size of Awards

One award of $2,750; paid in one lump sum in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.  

Allowed Use of Award

Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education.

Brothers Helping Brothers is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to providing essential tools and equipment to small and rural fire departments. Founded in 2014 after a tragic loss, the organization has raised over $20,000 to support fire services. They grant financial assistance to eligible fire and EMS organizations across the U.S. with a focus on enhancing safety and operational capability. Their mission continues to grow as they research and address the pressing needs of emergency services.

Jacqueline Hall Minet Travel Award for Cross-Cultural Understanding

To provide financial assistance to a Brighton High School student or a Rochester City School District high school student so that he or she can participate in a travel experience that offers significant opportunities for involvement in a foreign-language culture.

Number and Size of Awards

Number of recipients and award amounts vary; maximum $2,000.

Allowed Use of Award

Awards may be used for expenses associated with travel abroad programs.

The Palmetto Bluff Inspiring The Arts Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, aims to support talented high school seniors from Beaufort, Jasper, or Chatham County in pursuing post-secondary education in the arts. With a minimum GPA requirement of 3.5, this scholarship encourages students dedicated to artistic fields to further their education and career aspirations, empowering them to make a significant impact in the creative community.

Phoenix Scholarship Fund

Award Amount

Several scholarships in the range between $2,000 - $5,000 may be awarded at the scholarship committee's discretion.

The Sarah Creech Performing Arts Scholarship, established in 2013 by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, honors the memory of Sarah Creech. This scholarship aims to support high school seniors and college students from Beaufort County pursuing post-secondary education in the performing arts. With a mission to strengthen community ties and provide educational opportunities, the foundation plays a vital role in enhancing the lives of Lowcountry residents through philanthropic leadership.

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) aims to support innovative research for validating therapeutic targets in Alzheimer's Disease-Related Dementias (ADRD). This initiative focuses on overcoming barriers in treatment development by ensuring well-validated targets linked to disease mechanisms. By employing a phased award mechanism, NINDS seeks to enhance the rigor of target validation, facilitating the transition from basic discoveries to clinical applications, ultimately accelerating the development of effective therapeutic strategies.

Anne K. Petry Scholarship Fund

Established by Summit Education Partnership Foundation to provide scholarships for Akron Public Schools students studying special education.

Amount:

• $1,000

Number of awards:

• 1

Renewal:

• No

Pacific Northwest Gold Star Scholarship

This scholarship was established by the Community Military Appreciation Committee (CMAC), which connects veteran advocacy organizations in and around southwest Washington.

Award Information

Awards from this fund are $2,500. 

The NIA Genetics of Alzheimer’s Disease Data Storage Site (NIAGADS) aims to create a secure, scalable cloud platform for genetic data related to Alzheimer’s disease. This initiative will enhance data accessibility, promote interoperability, and support rigorous research practices. By facilitating collaboration and providing robust analytical tools, the platform will maximize the scientific impact of AD/ADRD research, aligning with NIH goals for transparent and reproducible science, while addressing recommendations for broad access to high-value datasets.

The Glaucoma Foundation: Advancing the Treatment of Glaucoma

The Glaucoma Foundation (TGF) is dedicated to accelerating breakthrough glaucoma research and helping move promising discoveries toward patients. By supporting innovative, next-generation research and connecting leading scientists and clinicians, TGF drives progress toward better understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of glaucoma, with the ultimate goal of finding a cure.

Exfoliation Syndrome and Exfoliation Glaucoma, Pressure Independent Mechanisms of Glaucoma, Neuroprotection, and the Genetics of Glaucomas that affect people under the age of 40

The Glaucoma Foundation offers grants to researchers striving to improve the lives of glaucoma patients through novel innovations and scientific advances. The areas of current focus for TGF’s Grant Research program are Exfoliation Syndrome and Exfoliation Glaucoma, Pressure Independent Mechanisms of Glaucoma, Neuroprotection, and Genetics of Glaucomas that affect people under the age of 40 years. Examples of research that may be considered range from basic science to clinical interventions, such as genetics and genomic medicine, disease modeling, assessment of ocular perfusion, artificial intelligence, and clinical research. A priority will be given to novel proposals with a viable study hypothesis leading to impactful results that are fundable at the NIH level. Initial grant funding for one year is for up to $75,000; a grantee is permitted to apply for a grant renewal of up to $75,000. A renewal grant is a one-year grant based on research findings from the initial research.

George Sherman Scholarship

Applicants must be pursuing a two- or four- year degree or advanced education and/or training in the skilled trades and show evidence of involvement in co or extra-curricular activities or volunteerism related to the applicant’s field of interest. Transcripts and scores are requested, but not necessarily a determining factor.

Alpha Chapter Controlling Corp. of the Delta Theta Sigma Fraternity Scholarship Fund

The purpose of the fund is to provide scholarship awards to deserving high school students who plan to attend an accredited college or university and undertake studies in marketing, communications, journalism, or advertising.

Award Amount:

• The Gene “Duke” Perry Scholarship - $3,000.00
• The Founders Scholarship - $1,500.00
• The Founders Scholarship - $1,500.00

MetroWest Health Foundation

The MetroWest Health Foundation is an independent health philanthropy whose mission is to improve the health status of the community, its individuals, and families through informed and innovative leadership.

The foundation meets the health needs of our region's residents by supporting community-based and community driven programs. We encourage and foster leadership on critical health issues. We are a grantmaker, convener and facilitator, working to provide resources, information, ideas and advocacy for community change. Since its inception in 1999, the foundation has provided more than $50 million in financial support that helps residents and their families lead healthier lives.

MetroWest Health Foundation: Nursing Scholarship

Scholarships are provided to students who are residents of one of the 25 towns in our MetroWest service area. Students must be accepted into an eligible nursing program at an accredited academic institution.

Tuition scholarships are awarded for a maximum of up to $4,000 per academic year. Students can receive a maximum of 4 scholarships. Applicants are eligible to reapply on an annual basis.

The St. Baldrick's Foundation offers Infrastructure Awards to support institutions in enhancing their capacity for childhood cancer clinical trials. These grants are aimed at smaller entities lacking necessary resources, enabling them to hire personnel and acquire vital tools to increase participation. Since 2005, the Foundation has invested over $356 million in childhood cancer research, focusing on collaboration and innovation to find cures. Institutions in the U.S. are eligible, promoting broader access to crucial clinical trials.

The NCCIH Natural Product Early Phase Clinical Trial Phased Innovation Award (R61/R33) invites research proposals for early phase clinical trials of natural products, including botanicals and dietary supplements, emphasizing scientific validity for further testing. Applicants may receive up to three years of funding for pharmacokinetics and bioavailability studies, with potential for an additional three years to evaluate clinical outcomes. This initiative aims to optimize natural product delivery through innovative study designs.