Best Education Grants

The Kelly Carman Memorial Scholarship supports full-time junior, senior, or graduate students at Western Michigan University College of Education and Human Development, particularly those pursuing early childhood or elementary education. Eligible candidates must be U.S. residents, enrolled full-time, and can renew the scholarship for a maximum of two consecutive years. Special consideration is given to non-traditional students, ensuring diverse applicants benefit from this scholarship opportunity.

The Bess L. Stinson Scholarship supports students enrolled in any program within the College of Education and Human Development at Western Michigan University. Candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, although a GPA of 2.5 may be accepted with a faculty recommendation. This scholarship may be renewed upon reapplication, provided that the eligibility requirements are still met and funding is available.

The Gesa Local Heroes Grant empowers organizations that support essential community workers, including firefighters, healthcare professionals, law enforcement, educators, and veterans. Through the Local Heroes affinity debit card, Gesa members contribute funds that are distributed as grants. The amount awarded is determined by the funds raised in the previous year, with grants given annually in October. This program fosters community support and recognition for those who serve.

The Mary E. Bivins Foundation Community Grant offers financial support to nonprofit organizations in the Texas Panhandle, focusing on basic human needs, education, human services, and youth development. Since 1949, the foundation has distributed over $30 million for charitable purposes. Organizations can apply for grants starting at $5,000 to address specific community needs. The foundation prioritizes proposals that align with its mission to enrich the quality of life in the region.

The Ed & Mildred Schroeder Scholarship, offered by the Coastal Bend Community Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life in the Coastal Bend through educational support. This scholarship is available to graduating seniors or current college students pursuing a degree in education, demonstrating financial need, and enrolled in at least 12 credit hours. By providing effective grants and scholarships, the foundation fosters community philanthropy and addresses local educational needs.

The Sandra Trudgen Dawson Award, established by the Coordinating Council for Women in History, commemorates the legacy of a remarkable scholar and leader. This award supports individuals in research, teaching, and service within women's and gender history, allowing recipients to cover costs for travel, materials, and projects that honor Sandra's commitment to collaboration and support in the field. It aims to foster connections among scholars and promote the advancement of women's history.

The Cape Royal Community Foundation (CRCF) Grant, established in 2002, aims to enhance the lives of Lee County residents through philanthropic efforts. With a focus on local humanitarian organizations and educational initiatives, the CRCF has allocated approximately $700,000 in grants and scholarships. Managed by dedicated volunteers, the foundation serves as a vital resource for community support, fostering generosity among residents and partners in the Lee County area.

The AES Hawaiʻi Foundation Grant supports communities near AES Hawaiʻi’s renewable energy projects, focusing on social justice, education, environmental stewardship, and community health. Preference is given to nonprofit organizations in these areas, but statewide entities may also apply. Successful projects should align with the Foundation’s impact pillars, demonstrate measurable community benefits, and address unmet needs, ensuring long-term positive effects on the local community.

The Hamilton Education Foundation (HEF) supports educational enrichment for students and educators in the Hamilton School District through various grants. Among these are New Horizons Grants for innovative classroom projects, Excel Grants for cultural and educational initiatives, and Technology Grants for tech-related projects. Additional funding is available for arts programs and educator enrichment opportunities. Established in 1991, HEF has raised over $2.5 million to inspire creativity and academic excellence within the community.

The Dwane & Velma Wallace Foundation Grant supports charitable organizations in Wichita, Kansas, focusing on areas such as arts, education, community development, social services, and quality of life. Grants are available to entities that enhance community welfare, but requests for fundraising events, operating deficits, and individual scholarships are not eligible. The foundation aims to empower local organizations to create a positive impact, reflecting the legacy of Dwane and Velma Wallace.

The Service Club of Manatee County Grant Program is dedicated to improving the lives of underprivileged children in Manatee County, Florida. This organization raises funds through donations and their annual 'Boots & Bling' Gala. In 2024, they distributed $165,000 to 35 agencies focused on providing essential services such as food, shelter, and education to local children. Only programs specifically benefiting children aged 0-17 are eligible for funding, excluding administrative costs.

The Karpus Family Foundation Grants provide support to organizations focused on helping people and animals in need. With a commitment to education and community welfare, the foundation funds various initiatives, including assistance for disabled veterans, prevention of domestic abuse, and animal welfare. Organizations operating in the Greater Rochester area, Florida, and Cleveland are prioritized, and grants are awarded to 501(c)(3) entities that align with these goals. Applications are accepted year-round, with specific cycles for full proposals.

The Jewell Schweitzer Quality of Life Grant Program, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, aims to support nonprofit organizations and government entities addressing pressing issues in Springfield-Greene County. With $120,000 available and individual awards up to $30,000, the program encourages innovative proposals without a matching requirement. Partnerships are welcomed, and all applicants must affirm non-discrimination in service provision, ensuring equitable access for all communities in need.

The Donors Choose Teacher Mini Grants program offers financial support for innovative classroom projects initiated by teachers in selected South Carolina counties. These grants aim to encourage creative educational approaches and enhance learning experiences. Applications are processed through Donors Choose, a platform that facilitates community support for classrooms in need. This initiative not only addresses immediate educational requirements but also fosters long-term community engagement and empowerment.

The Rogers Family Foundation Fund supports nonprofit organizations focused on education, health, human services, community development, and the arts in Massachusetts' Merrimack Valley and North Shore, as well as Southeastern New Hampshire. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt under 501(c)(3) and not classified as private foundations. Proposal deadlines are March 1 and September 1, with specific funding interests prioritized for program support.

The Zimmerman, Edward and Beverly Memorial Scholarship Fund offers $1,000 to West Noble High School seniors pursuing higher education at a college or university, with priority given to those demonstrating community service and maintaining a GPA between 2.50 and 3.00. Preference is also given to students studying agriculture, education, social work, or accounting. This scholarship reflects the values of its donors, Edward and Beverly, who were dedicated community members and supporters of local education.

The CCLF Gold Grant, offered by the Cherokee County Legacy Foundation, supports non-profit organizations and local governmental entities with funding requests ranging from $10,001 to $25,000. Applicants must submit a Letter of Intent by November 15, detailing the organization, project description, funding sources, and community impact. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations or local governments, with a focus on enhancing quality of life in Cherokee County through innovative projects.

The CCLF Bronze Grant provides funding up to $3,000 for non-profit organizations and local governmental entities in Cherokee County to enhance quality of life through various projects. The Cherokee County Legacy Foundation prioritizes innovative economic development, cultural activities, and health services. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) non-profits or local governments, while ongoing operational expenses and religious activities are not funded. This grant aims to support impactful community initiatives.

The Stinson Foundation Grant supports charitable organizations focused on children, families, arts, and education. Founded with a philosophy of optimism, the foundation offers grants ranging from $2,000 to $10,000, with an application deadline of May 15. Each year, approximately 10 awards are given to foster projects that embody the spirit of Sue Stinson's commitment to uplifting communities through creativity and support.

The Zyne Family Foundation Grant aims to enhance and support Catholic faith-based organizations and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits dedicated to education, medical research, and family values. The foundation's mission focuses on making a direct impact on individuals' daily lives, ensuring that these initiatives can thrive both now and in the future, promoting community well-being and development.

The Mr. & Mrs. William Foulds Family Foundation Grant aims to support charitable interests in Manchester, CT, focusing on public, recreational, cultural, and educational purposes. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $5,000, with an average of $1,500. Applications are prioritized based on diversity and alignment with the Foundation's goals. Note that capital project requests are not eligible, and agencies receiving funding for three consecutive years may face lower priority for future grants.

The Shelby County Foundation Grant, managed by the Omaha Community Foundation, supports projects enhancing the quality of life in Shelby County. With two application cycles each year, this grant aims to fund initiatives in civic engagement, culture, health, education, and social services. It invites proposals for capital support and program support, ensuring a lasting impact on community needs. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. CST on the specified deadlines.

Our Story

The IBMA Foundation was created by the International Bluegrass Music Association in 2007 with a bequest from the Richard Barnhart estate. Mr. Barnhart was a musician from northern Virginia who loved bluegrass and wanted to support educational programs for children. Since the beginning, our goal has been to support bluegrass-music-related educational, literary, artistic and historic preservation activities.

In our early years we produced Discover Bluegrass, an educational video that has been used in thousands of classrooms and libraries around the world. We have hosted dozens of teacher workshops and artist trainings. We created a bluegrass lesson plan competition and provided a network for leaders of after-school bluegrass programs.

Our project grants, which now total $25,000 a year, support bluegrass-related initiatives throughout the world. We also fund Bluegrass in the Schools Mini-grants ($7,000/year) which help schools to hire bluegrass bands for school programs. The Rosenberg Bluegrass Scholar Award recognizes excellence in academic research. Six college scholarships are granted for students working in various areas of the bluegrass music industry. The Arnold Shultz Fund supports increased participation of people of color in bluegrass music with grants that total $30,000/ year. Fletcher Bright Memorial Grants for Young Musicians (age 18 and younger) help young people go to bluegrass music camps and workshops, take lessons, and purchase educational materials.

IBMA  Foundation Project Grants

The IBMA Foundation awards project grants each year, usually in amounts between $1,000 and $2,500. The deadline to apply is December 2. Projects must align with the Foundation’s mission in one of the following areas

• Arts & culture
• Education
• Literary or academic programs
• History preservation

The Vatterott Foundation offers grants to organizations in the Greater St. Louis Metropolitan Area focusing on four key areas: alleviating poverty, enhancing education, promoting public welfare, and supporting religious advancement. Applications are accepted yearly with specific deadlines. Eligible organizations must align with the Foundation's goals and practices, ensuring their proposals are for general operations, capital campaigns, or program support. Note that grants are not available for individuals.

The Marion Gardner Jackson Charitable Trust supports organizations in Quincy, Illinois, and surrounding areas with grants for capital projects and program/operating support. Organizations with budgets under $10 million can request between $10,000 and $50,000 for operating support, with restrictions on yearly requests. Eligible applicants may submit one application annually, while individuals and multi-year awardees are typically ineligible for additional funding until their grant cycle ends.

The L&L Nippert Charitable Foundation Grant supports organizations that enhance the lives of residents in the Tri-State Area through cultural arts, education, environment, or health initiatives. Established in 1981, the foundation is committed to continuing the philanthropic legacy of Louis and Louise Nippert. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities and demonstrate a clear benefit to the community. This grant aims to foster opportunities that align with the foundation's mission.

Strengthening Our Community Through Powerful Partnerships

We believe in the importance of listening, the impact of diversity, and the effectiveness of giving. The long-standing relationships the Foundation has built with nonprofits, local leaders, our fundholders, and our neighbors enable us to inspire change and achieve results.

Who We Are

Our vision is a connected community of passionate philanthropists, strong nonprofits, and thriving residents. We work to make this vision a reality every day through intentional planning, building strategic partnerships, facilitating meaningful dialogue with all our partners and fundholders, and ensuring we have a lot of fun along the way.

Page County Community Foundation Grant

The Page County Community Foundation, working in partnership with the Clarinda Foundation and the Greater Shenandoah Foundation, aims to improve the quality of life in Page County by supporting community needs in the areas of civic engagement, culture, health, education, and social services. The objective of its grant programs is to fund projects that will have a permanent impact on, and in, Page County. As an affiliate of the Omaha Community Foundation, the Page County Community Foundation was established in 2004.