Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in District of Columbia

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Carnegie-Collier Rotary Scholarship Fund

The Carnegie-Collier Rotary Scholarship Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships to students entering post-secondary education programs from the Carnegie-Collier area.

Award Type: Single Year Award. Previous recipients are encouraged to re-apply in consecutive years provided they maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5.

The Hillman Emergent Innovation Grant supports innovative, nursing-driven solutions aimed at enhancing health equity for marginalized groups, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others facing healthcare barriers. This program encourages transformative proposals that challenge traditional care strategies, demonstrate best-in-class potential, and showcase scalability. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, government entities, and faith-based organizations that adhere to inclusive practices. Priority is given to proposals fostering community engagement and measurable outcomes.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

American Advertising Federation Pittsburgh Scholarship Fund

The Pittsburgh Advertising Federation Scholarship Fund was created to provide scholarships for undergraduate students who are pursuing a curriculum suited for careers in communication, marketing or advertising.

Award Type: Single Year. Previous recipients are encouraged to re-apply in consecutive years.

The HEAL Initiative: Pain Research Enhancement Program (PREP) aims to support R15-eligible Principal Investigators in conducting rigorous pain research. This initiative promotes interdisciplinary partnerships and enhances the research environment for health professional trainees. Key deadlines include October 28, 2025, and October 27, 2026, for standard applications, and November 24, 2025, and November 23, 2026, for AIDS-related applications. Letters of Intent are encouraged 30 days prior to the due date.

The 14th Quartermaster/Operation Desert Storm Scholarship Fund, established by The Pittsburgh Foundation, supports Westmoreland County High School students pursuing military careers or whose parents are veterans. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and articulate the impact of military service on their family dynamics. This scholarship does not consider financial need, but applicants are encouraged to provide financial information. It aims to foster academic growth and honor military service within the community.

Excellence in Medicine Awards

The AMA Foundation’s Excellence in Medicine Awards honor physicians and medical advocates who exemplify the highest values of the profession—volunteerism, community engagement, leadership, and service to underserved populations. Each recipient is recognized at a ceremony during the AMA Annual Meeting in Chicago and receives a $2,500 grant honorarium directed to a nonprofit health organization of their choice. Since 2005, more than 100 honorees have been celebrated through this program, with over $250,000 awarded to strengthen community health and advance equitable care nationwide. 

Jack B. McConnell, MD, Award for Excellence in Volunteerism

Honors senior physicians (55+ years old) who are committed to providing medical care to those without access to health care in the U.S.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Spenser Flowers Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Spenser Flowers Memorial Scholarship Fund was established at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships for traditional and non-traditional students to assist with expenses for college, university or trade school to any youth member or youth who participates in church senior high youth activities (or has participated within the past 7 years) of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Allison Park, Pennsylvania.

Award Type: Single-Year Award

The AFM Local 802 Musicians’ Emergency Relief Fund provides emergency financial assistance to eligible performing arts and entertainment professionals facing unexpected critical needs. This fund supports basic living expenses, including healthcare, housing, and utilities, to help prevent eviction or shut-offs. To qualify, applicants must be current members in good standing and demonstrate financial need. However, the fund does not cover expenses such as credit cards, personal loans, and tuition.

The National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) plans to publish a funding opportunity announcement for Community-Partnered Nursing Research Centers (P20 Clinical Trial Optional). This initiative aims to strengthen nursing-led programs that foster community-partnered research addressing significant health issues. By enhancing interdisciplinary research capacities, the program will establish centralized resources in nursing schools, build expertise in community partnerships, and support nurse-led teams in developing, implementing, and evaluating impactful research projects.

The Grey Muzzle Organization offers grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 to improve the lives of at-risk senior dogs across the U.S. Since 2008, they have awarded over $2.5 million to shelters and nonprofits focused on senior dog welfare. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations and demonstrate measurable outcomes. The initiative aims to ensure that every senior dog thrives, providing support for foster care, hospice services, and adoption programs.

The R Accelerated Award Grants by Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation aim to support innovative pediatric oncology research. These grants are designed for early-career scientists focused on developing less toxic therapies for childhood cancers. Eligible applicants must be first-time principal investigators with a strong institutional backing and a commitment to pediatric cancer research. The program emphasizes the importance of scientific rigor and aims to accelerate the discovery of effective treatments, thereby improving outcomes for children with cancer.

Excellence in Medicine Awards

The AMA Foundation’s Excellence in Medicine Awards honor physicians and medical advocates who exemplify the highest values of the profession—volunteerism, community engagement, leadership, and service to underserved populations. Each recipient is recognized at a ceremony during the AMA Annual Meeting in Chicago and receives a $2,500 grant honorarium directed to a nonprofit health organization of their choice. Since 2005, more than 100 honorees have been celebrated through this program, with over $250,000 awarded to strengthen community health and advance equitable care nationwide. 

Excellence in Medicine Awards- Dr. Jacqueline A. Bello Friend of the AMA Foundation Award

Honors volunteers, AMA staff and donors for their active engagement and unwavering support of the AMA Foundation. Recipients are those who inspire hopefulness and encourage others to join them in giving their time and personal resources to further advance the Foundation’s mission.

The Elks National Foundation's Legacy Awards provide $4,000 scholarships for children and grandchildren of Elks members. Eligible applicants must be high school seniors and can apply online. The program supports educational pursuits at accredited U.S. institutions, ensuring that the legacy of community service and support continues. With criteria focusing on family connections to the Elks and a commitment to education, these awards promote opportunities for future generations to thrive and contribute to society.

The Spotlight Fund: Arts Grants support K-12 educators by providing funding for essential tools and materials to enhance art education. With grants ranging from $500 to $1,000 per educator, the program prioritizes educators in high-needs schools, fostering creativity and reducing dropout rates among at-risk youth. By engaging children in various art forms, the initiative enriches their educational experience and opens up future possibilities. This targeted support is vital for cultivating a new generation of artists and creative thinkers.

The Spotlight Fund Grants, specifically the STEM Fund, provide essential funding for K-12 educators to enhance their curriculum with necessary tools and materials for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math education. Aimed at supporting under-served communities, these grants typically range from $500 to $1,000 per educator, with a cap of $5,000 per school. Priority is given to educators from high-needs schools, ensuring equitable access to quality STEM education.

The Kwan Fong Scholarship, offered by Harvard University, provides financial support for one course each fall and spring term to candidates enrolled in the ALM in management or finance program. To be considered, applicants must complete all required financial aid application materials by the priority deadline. This scholarship aims to promote accessibility to Harvard's educational offerings, helping students achieve their academic goals in a flexible and affordable manner.

The Brookreson Trust Grant aims to support financing homes for the blind and organizations that assist them. This grant is targeted towards 501(c)(3) exempt organizations across all states. The program focuses on key areas such as education, health, and human services, ensuring that vital resources are directed towards enhancing the quality of life for the visually impaired community. Grants are specifically intended for initiatives that facilitate housing and support services.

The Researcher Connection Program by Uplifting Athletes Inc. supports travel expenses for rare disease researchers and doctoral students, fostering connections within the rare disease community. It emphasizes health equity by reserving at least 20% of funding for underrepresented researchers. Qualified applicants can receive up to $1,450 for travel costs related to attending relevant conferences and events, enhancing collaboration and awareness in the rare disease field.

The Whataburger Family Foundation Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports individuals pursuing higher education. It is open to U.S. citizens or legal residents with a minimum 2.5 GPA, who are employed or have family ties to Whataburger employees. This scholarship is available for various fields of study and can be applied to both full-time and part-time enrollment in accredited institutions across the USA. It aims to enhance educational opportunities and community growth.

The Walter and Hannelore Schwindt Trust, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports students pursuing degrees in various scientific and technical fields. Eligible applicants include current high school seniors and college students from specific Texas counties, with a minimum GPA requirement. This renewable scholarship covers tuition and living expenses for full-time students, emphasizing academic excellence and commitment to fields such as astronomy, medical research, and biochemistry.

The Vikki Carr Scholarship Foundation, part of the San Antonio Area Foundation, offers financial assistance to high school seniors from Bexar County pursuing higher education. Students of Mexican-American descent, especially those who are bilingual, are given preference. This scholarship aims to empower youth by alleviating educational costs for various degrees, ensuring that students with financial need can continue their studies and contribute positively to the community.

Nebraska Community Foundation

Nebraska Community Foundation was established in 1994 by a group of visionaries determined to empower communities throughout the state to grow and prosper. They believed that with the right tools and resources, people could build the hometowns of their dreams.

Through philanthropy, our team helps communities develop strong local economies, high quality of life, and abundant leadership and volunteer opportunities. We empower local leaders to identify community assets, invest in their own resources, and bring about their own positive change. 

BCAFF Scholarships

The Butler County Area Foundation Fund is offering three scholarships to graduating seniors who meet individual scholarship criteria. These scholarships are the Butler County Clinic Scholarship (medical field major); Charles O. & Grace M. Stoops Scholarship in Agricultural or Environmental Studies; and Butler County Area Foundation Fund Scholarship.

Butler County Clinic Scholarship

Funding for the following scholarships through the Butler County Area Foundation Fund has been provided by the Butler County Clinic, P.C.

• Two $2,000 scholarships will be awarded annually. Graduates of Aquinas High School, David City High School, and East Butler High School may apply. Only one scholarship per school will be awarded. Each applicant may be an entering freshman or an upperclassman enrolled for post-secondary education at an accredited school of higher education in a medically-related major.

• One half of the scholarship funds ($1,000) will be paid directly to the school after the student has successfully completed the first semester and achieved a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. The remaining half of the scholarship funds ($1,000) will be paid directly to the school after the student has successfully completed the first academic year with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and has declared a major within a medically-related major.

• Upperclassman recipient funds will be paid in full ($2,000) directly to the school after the student has successfully completed a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher and has declared a major within the area of medicinal studies.

The Victor J. Ferrari Memorial Scholarship Fund, administered by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports students pursuing degrees in Education. Open to high school seniors and current college students, it aims to alleviate financial barriers to education. Eligible candidates must maintain a 3.0 GPA and demonstrate a commitment to the teaching profession. This renewable scholarship provides funding for tuition, fees, and books, ensuring that future educators can focus on their studies and contribute positively to the community.

The Valero Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, offers financial support to dependent children of full-time Valero employees. This fund aims to empower students pursuing an Associate or Bachelor's Degree by covering tuition, fees, books, and room and board. With the potential for renewal over three years, applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and demonstrate involvement in extracurricular activities. Since 1964, the foundation has significantly impacted the community through scholarships and grants.

Parkview Health Foundation

The Parkview Health Foundation plays a vital role in supporting Parkview Health and its ability to provide expert, specialized healthcare to our entire region. As the area’s largest health system, Parkview Health serves a population of more than 1.3 million in northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio.

Since 1878, charitable giving has been an important part of Parkview’s ability to deliver excellent care for every person, every day. The Parkview Health Foundation helps ensure philanthropic donations are used to support Parkview patients and the community at large by enhancing the patient experience through comfort and healing.

Scholarships

Helping train and educate the next generation of Parkview caregivers is an important part of our purpose. Through the generosity of donors, we are able to offer scholarships to Parkview co-workers and area students who are pursuing their nursing degrees or EMT certifications — helping ensure the excellence in care continues.

Parkview LaGrange Hospital Scholarship

The Parkview LaGrange Hospital Scholarship was established upon the recommendation of hospital volunteers as a way to give back to the community with the funds raised from the hospital’s gift shop and Parkview Health Foundation donors. The scholarship is open to students and adults who reside in LaGrange County and who are pursuing a degree in healthcare-related field. 

The Pat Shinobu Scholarship Fund, established in 2015 by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, aims to support students from Hawai‘i pursuing higher education. Eligible applicants must be full-time undergraduate students with a minimum GPA of 2.7, demonstrate financial need, and provide a recommendation letter. Preference is given to public high school graduates from Hawai'i Island and previous recipients who maintain eligibility. This fund fosters educational opportunities and equity within the community.

The NLN Steve Cerame Nurse Educator Scholarship Award supports aspiring nurse educators by providing up to $8,000 annually for master's or doctoral students. This award honors the legacy of NLN's former CFO and aims to facilitate the education of future nursing faculty. Eligible candidates must be NLN members and have completed at least one year of their program. The scholarship focuses on enhancing the nursing workforce and advancing educational excellence in nursing.