Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in District of Columbia

The National Chemical Technician Award, presented by the American Chemical Society (ACS), recognizes outstanding excellence among chemical technology professionals. Winners receive a $1,000 prize and a plaque at the ACS Spring meeting, with travel expenses covered. This award honors the contributions of technicians, operators, and analysts in advancing the field, promoting professionalism and expertise within the community. Nominees must have five years of relevant employment, though ACS membership is not required.

The Outreach Volunteer of the Year Award, presented by the American Chemical Society, recognizes exceptional volunteers from local sections and international chapters who educate the public about chemistry. This award highlights the vital contributions of volunteers to the community and promotes scientific outreach. Awardees receive a certificate and a small gift during events, and their achievements are celebrated at the annual ChemLuminary Awards. This initiative aims to inspire future generations and strengthen the chemistry community.

The East and Inner Asia Council of the AAS offers small grants up to $2,000 for dissertation-level students and scholars focusing on China, Taiwan, or Inner Asia. Eligible projects include short research trips and conference organization. Preference is given to junior scholars and projects that enhance communication and curriculum development. Successful applications will clearly outline research questions and significance, and demonstrate the project's broader impact within the field. For further guidelines, visit the AAS FAQ page.

The AAG Award for Community College Program Excellence honors outstanding non-Ph.D. granting Geography programs in the U.S. It recognizes departments that have significantly enhanced Geography's prominence and reputation. Eligible programs include those offering associate, baccalaureate, or master-level degrees. The award focuses on compelling vision, pedagogical innovation, student mentorship, and promoting diversity. Nominations are carefully evaluated to ensure fair recognition of each program's unique contributions to the discipline.

American Physical Society

The American Physical Society is a nonprofit membership organization working to advance physics by fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and global community dedicated to science and society. APS represents more than 50,000 members, including physicists in academia, national laboratories, and industry in the United States and around the world.

APS Honors recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of the global physics community. Guided by our core values, APS Honors encourages nominations that reflect the full range of talent, distinction, and experience in our field, and supports broad canvassing for professional achievement across diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise.

Edward A. Bouchet Award

This award promotes the participation of underrepresented minorities in physics by identifying and recognizing a distinguished minority physicist who has made significant contributions to physics research and the advancement of underrepresented minority scientists. The program will help publicize the lecturer's work and career development to the physics community, especially among minority physics students. The Lectureship consists of a stipend of $5,000 plus support for travel to an APS meeting where the recipient will receive the award and give a presentation. In addition, the lecturer should arrange to give up to three additional talks at academic institutions where the impact of the visit on minority students would be significant. The purpose of these visits would be to deliver technical lectures or lectures about his/her specialty, to visit classrooms when appropriate, to assist the college/university in pre-college outreach efforts where appropriate, and to talk informally with both faculty and students about research and teaching careers in physics. Financial support will also be provided for travel to these lectures. It will be presented annually.

Award

Deborah Jin Award for Outstanding Doctoral Thesis Research in Atomic, Molecular, or Optical Physics

This award recognizes doctoral thesis research of outstanding quality and achievement in atomic, molecular, or optical physics and encourages effective written and oral presentation of research results. The annual award is presented to one individual and consists of a $2,500 stipend and a certificate.

Finalists are invited to present their research at the annual DAMOP Meeting. All finalists will be reimbursed up to $1,000 for travel expenses.

APS Honors recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of the global physics community. Guided by our core values, APS Honors encourages nominations that reflect the full range of talent, distinction, and experience in our field, and supports broad canvassing for professional achievement across diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise.

Nominees for and holders of APS Honors (prizes, awards, and fellowship) and official leadership positions are expected to meet standards of professional conduct and integrity as described in the APS Ethics Standards. Violations of these standards may disqualify people from consideration or lead to revocation of honors or removal from office.

The Linguistics Program, supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), promotes fundamental research in human language. It covers various areas including syntax, semantics, and phonetics, encouraging interdisciplinary projects that explore language production, comprehension, and social factors influencing language change. The program welcomes proposals from qualified scholars, including those focusing on endangered languages, while emphasizing the importance of basic research over applied methods. For more details, refer to the NSF's guidelines.

The Garden Grant Program by Whole Kids Foundation offers $3,000 to schools and non-profits to create or enhance edible educational gardens. This initiative connects children with food, fostering curiosity and healthy eating habits. Eligible applicants include K-12 schools and organizations that regularly engage at least ten children in gardening activities. The program emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning about food and gardening, aiming to inspire a new generation of healthy eaters.

The Cooperative Education Fund, managed by the Cooperative Development Foundation, offers grants, scholarships, and sponsorships to support cooperative education initiatives. Annually, it allocates between $100,000 and $140,000, providing 10-15 grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. Eligible applicants include cooperatives and related organizations within the U.S. The Fund prioritizes research, educational material development, and sponsorship for educational events, ensuring resources remain accessible and non-proprietary.

The Corporation Associates Local Section & International Chapter Grant, offered by the American Chemical Society (ACS), provides funding up to $1,000 for ACS local sections and international chapters. This grant supports industry-focused events like job fairs, résumé workshops, and networking receptions, aimed at enhancing the professional development of members employed in the chemical industry. By fostering community engagement, ACS helps empower local chapters to champion scientific integrity and advance knowledge.

The Corporation Associates Seed Grant, offered by the American Chemical Society, provides up to $5,000 per year for innovative projects in chemical sciences education, public engagement in the chemical industry, and safety enhancements in chemistry. This grant supports one-time initiatives that align with the goals of the ACS Committee on Corporation Associates. Note that funding excludes research, equipment purchases, travel, and illegal activities, ensuring resources are allocated to impactful educational endeavors.

The Friedrich Katz Prize in Latin American and Caribbean History, awarded by the American Historical Association, honors the best book published in English on Latin America, including the Caribbean, with a prize amount of $1,000. Eligibility includes books bearing a copyright of 2024, and nominations can be submitted by authors or publishers. Winners will be announced on the AHA website in October 2025 and recognized at the January 2026 AHA annual meeting in Chicago.

The Translational Medicine Postdoctoral Fellowship by the PhRMA Foundation supports U.S. and non-U.S. citizens in multidisciplinary research training at accredited U.S. universities. The program aims to enhance credentials in translational medicine, focusing on turning laboratory observations into effective medical interventions. The fellowship includes a stipend of $60,000 per year for 12 to 24 months, promoting innovative research that addresses unmet clinical needs in various scientific disciplines.

The Local Section Member Engagement (LS-MEET) Grant Program, provided by the American Chemical Society, aims to enhance community engagement within local sections. With a funding cap of $2,000, this program supports initiatives that attract new members and strengthen existing communities. Eligible projects may include innovative technology use, targeted events for underrepresented local chemist groups, and activities that promote interaction among members. Applications should align with local section goals and detail specific budgetary needs.

The Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research's Visiting Scholar Awards aim to enhance capacity building in underdeveloped Antarctic research programs. Open to scientists and academics with over five years post-PhD experience, the awards support short-term visits (1-4 weeks) to SCAR member countries for training and mentoring. Awards cover international flights and living expenses, promoting long-term research partnerships while considering virtual applications amidst unforeseen circumstances.

Enhearten Micro Grant supports unseen leaders by providing funding for community-driven projects that embody values of humility, integrity, and love. Grants range from $500 to $1,000 and are awarded after a thorough review process. Enhearten aims to empower these leaders, who often lack access to traditional funding sources, by fostering reparative networks that prioritize equality and justice. This initiative seeks to create opportunities for transformative community engagement and support.

The Lend A Hand Society offers the Book Mission Grant to assist low-income individuals and families by funding the acquisition of books for educational institutions and libraries. This initiative supports various programs focused on emergency assistance and camperships for children. Non-profit organizations across the United States can apply, with grants aimed at enhancing literacy and education. Grantees must provide reports detailing the use of funds and project progress, ensuring transparency and accountability.

The Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education Grant Program, funded by Wild Ones, supports projects that foster an appreciation for nature through native plants and natural landscapes. Since 1977, it has empowered schools and nature centers to create educational gardens that engage students and volunteers. Eligible projects include pollinator and rain gardens, tallgrass prairies, and sensory playgrounds, all designed to enhance ecological understanding. Funding is specifically for the purchase of native plants and seeds, promoting sustainable community involvement.

Wind Creek Hospitality Community Support

Our communities are like family. That’s why Wind Creek is dedicated to giving back and helping others thrive in the places we call home (and beyond). We’re always looking for creative ways to lift up our neighborhoods and make life better for us all.

Sponsorships, Donations and Giveaways

Wind Creek Hospitality Community Relations actively builds partnerships with service organizations, non-profits, educational organizations and more. If you’d like to partner with us, please submit an application at least 90 days before your event or donation is needed.

The NSF National Innovation Corps (I-Corps) Teams program aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and marketable technologies. By providing NSF-funded researchers with entrepreneurial education, mentoring, and funding, it accelerates the transformation of foundational discoveries into viable products and services. Participants engage in hands-on customer discovery and business model assessments, leading to improved product-market fit and strategic partnerships. This initiative fosters collaboration between academia and industry, enhancing the commercialization of deep technologies.

The ARS Women in Rhinology Research Grant, sponsored by Medtronic, offers $25,000 for one year to support innovative research in rhinology. Eligible applicants must be members of the American Rhinologic Society who have completed their residency, with at least one female investigator involved. The award covers legitimate research costs, with a detailed budget required. Results must be presented at an ARS national meeting, acknowledging the grant's support. This initiative fosters women's contributions to rhinology research.

The AHNS Presidential Award supports innovative research focused on understanding treatment resistance in head and neck cancer. With a funding amount of $10,000 for one year, eligible candidates include medical students, residents, and faculty at the associate professor level or below who are AHNS members in good standing. Projects must demonstrate a translational focus and collaboration across disciplines, aiming to yield actionable insights within the award period.

The AHNS Presidential Award supports innovative research targeting novel therapeutic approaches in head and neck cancer. With a funding amount of $15,000 for one year, this grant encourages projects that utilize advanced methodologies such as genomics and immune profiling. Applicants must be AHNS members in good standing and provide letters of support from their institution. The goal is to foster research that can lead to significant advancements in treatment strategies for this challenging disease.

The CORE Funding - AHNS/AAO-HNSF Young Investigator Research Development Award offers $50,000 over two years to support early-career head and neck surgeons in developing research skills in neoplastic disease. This award encourages collaborative projects and requires applicants to submit a detailed budget and letters of support from key personnel. Priority is given to junior faculty and those introducing innovative methodologies. This funding serves as a stepping stone for future NIH grant applications.

Elizabeth Hurlock Beckman Award Trust Grant

The Elizabeth Hurlock Beckman Award Trust was established in 2008 under the Will of Gail McKnight Beckman. Wells Fargo Bank, N. A. serves as the trustee. Gail McKnight Beckman created the award in memory of her mother, Dr. Elizabeth Hurlock Beckman. Dr. Elizabeth Hurlock Beckman was an educator, a renowned author, and a pioneer in the field of Psychology. She was one of the first female Psychology professors at Columbia University and she taught at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Beckman authored nine books and textbooks about child and adolescent Psychology. Dr. Beckman was a champion of gender equality and an advocate for the advancement of women in academia.

A trailblazer in her own right, Gail McKnight Beckman created the Beckman award to benefit teachers who have inspired their former students to make a difference in their communities. The award is given to current or former academic faculty members who have inspired their former students to “create an organization which has demonstrably conferred a benefit on the community at large.” Or, the academic faculty member must have inspired their former students to “establish on a lasting basis a concept, procedure, or movement of comparable benefit to the community at large.”

Types of support

Award recipients will receive $25,000 as a one-time award to be used at their sole discretion (taxable income). 

Population served 

Only United States citizens or permanent resident aliens are eligible.

About AWS

We Move Welding Forward

Founded in 1919, the American Welding Society is a nonprofit organization with a global mission: to advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying.

By fostering knowledge, embracing change, and providing real-world opportunities through scholarships, fellowships, and workforce development, AWS provides the tools to help members succeed—and to inspire future generations of welding professionals.

Outstanding Achievement Awards

The AWS Outstanding Achievement Awards honor exceptional contributions in welding, spanning historical structures, innovative fabrication, safety, and technical advancements across various categories.

Professor Koichi Masubuchi Award

This award is sponsored by the Center for Ocean Engineering at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The award will be given to one individual who has made significant contributions in the advancement of the science and technology of materials joining through research and development. The individual is to be 40 years old or younger and may live in any part of the world. The recipient need not be a member of AWS.

Complete nomination packets may be submitted for consideration to the AWS Awards Committee and must include an introduction letter of support and a complete resume or CV of the individual's qualifications.

The applicant is requested to indicate his/her birth year in the resume to verify that he/she is 40 years old or younger for the year in which the applicant is nominated.

Complete nominations must be received by the deadline of December 31. The award will be presented at the following year's FABTECH show. Submit your nomination to Wei Zhang at zhang.3978@osu.edu or at nationalawards@aws.org.

The Iber Health Education Scholarship, a program of the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin, supports graduate students pursuing health-related studies. With scholarships ranging from $500 to $40,000, the foundation aids students in enhancing their educational opportunities. Applicants must be Portage County residents, demonstrating academic excellence, financial need, and community involvement. Special consideration is given to those likely to return to the area post-graduation. This initiative aims to foster future leaders in healthcare.