Best Education Grants

The Open Grant Cycle: Small Grant Track invites proposals from organizations serving communities within a 74-county area. The initiative prioritizes collaboration, community perspectives, and systemic change to support underserved populations. Eligible organizations must be IRS-recognized nonprofits with a commitment to local service. This streamlined application process aims to enhance access to funding, fostering nonprofit capacity and impactful projects in focus areas like housing, education, and health equity.

The Dane G. Hansen Community Grant supports charitable projects in Northwest Kansas, providing $50,000 annually for community initiatives. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and educational institutions in specified counties. Grants aim to enhance education, healthcare, economic development, and social services while prioritizing community engagement. The program, managed by the Greater Northwest Kansas Community Foundation, will conclude in 2025, encouraging diverse projects that promote local well-being and sustainability.

The Flynn – Barney Flynn Memorial Scholarship, established in memory of Barney Flynn, supports graduating seniors from CCISD, Tuloso-Midway, or Flour Bluff who are active in high school band and plan to enroll full-time in college. Managed by the Coastal Bend Community Foundation, which has awarded over $141 million in grants and scholarships, this scholarship aims to honor Barney's legacy while promoting educational opportunities in the Coastal Bend community.

The Buena Vista County Community Foundation offers large grants over $5,000 to not-for-profit organizations for capital investment projects. Applicants must provide a 50% cash match and achieve a minimum score of 75 points. Grants are awarded to verified organizations with 501.C.3 status. The Foundation encourages projects that benefit the community, focusing on areas such as youth education, arts, health services, and environmental initiatives. Follow their website for funding cycle updates.

The Carol Aulabaugh Excellence in Education Fund, established by Carol Aulabaugh, is dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities for the Parkview School District in Orfordville, Wisconsin. This endowment fund supports grants ranging from $500 to $1,500 for innovative educational programming not covered by tax dollars. Donations are welcomed year-round and are tax-deductible, making it a meaningful way to invest in the future of education for local students.

The Iowa-Grant Educational Foundation Fund (IGEF) supports the Iowa-Grant School District by providing grants for innovative educational programming and scholarships for graduating seniors. Established in 1999 and affiliated with the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, IGEF relies on community donations to enhance educational opportunities beyond the standard budget. Their volunteer board oversees fundraising and grant allocation, ensuring a lasting impact on students and the community in Southern Wisconsin.

The Monticello Excellence in Education Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, supports the Monticello School District through grants awarded annually. This endowment fund enhances educational opportunities by providing resources for programs not typically covered by public funding. Donations are welcome year-round and are tax-deductible, making them a meaningful way to invest in the future of education in Southern Wisconsin.

The New Glarus Excellence in Education Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, supports the New Glarus School District with private resources. This endowment fund enhances educational opportunities beyond the standard budget, ensuring quality education for current and future students. Donations are welcome year-round and are tax-deductible, making a meaningful impact on the community. Grants are awarded annually for special projects that enrich the learning environment.

The Pecatonica Excellence in Education Fund, established in 2010, is an endowment fund managed by the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin. It provides vital resources to support the Pecatonica Area Schools, enhancing educational programs and recognizing student achievements. Grants are awarded annually to fund projects that fall outside the district's budget, ensuring that students receive innovative and quality educational opportunities. This initiative strengthens educational programming not typically covered by tax dollars.

The North Crawford Excellence in Education Fund, managed by The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, aims to enhance educational opportunities in Southern Wisconsin. This fund supports innovative projects and scholarships, ensuring that students can access quality education and resources not typically funded by tax dollars. By fostering community investment in education, the fund helps prepare students for future success and enriches the local community.

The Monroe Excellence in Education Fund, managed by The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, provides vital support to the Monroe School District. With over 700 charitable funds totaling more than $50 million, the foundation enhances the quality of life across nine counties in Southern Wisconsin. This fund plays a crucial role in funding educational programs that are not typically covered by tax revenue, ensuring that students receive a high-quality education for future success.

The Mineral Point Excellence in Education Fund, established in 2016, is dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities within the Mineral Point School District. Managed by a local advisory board, this fund supports programming beyond the school's budget, ensuring students receive quality education. The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin oversees this initiative, emphasizing community investment in education for future generations. Contributions to this fund empower innovative educational experiences that are not typically covered by tax dollars.

The Hillsboro Excellence in Education Fund, established in 2012, provides essential support for educational programming outside the Hillsboro School District's budget. Managed by a local advisory board, this fund enhances educational opportunities for students in the district. It serves as a critical resource, enabling innovative programming that isn't typically covered by tax dollars, thus investing in the future of Southern Wisconsin's youth.

The Black Hawk Excellence in Education Fund, part of the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, enhances educational programming beyond the Belmont school district budget. It addresses state funding cuts, empowering teachers and students to innovate in teaching and learning. By investing in this fund, donors support quality education and ensure resources for programs typically not covered by tax dollars, benefiting current and future generations in Southern Wisconsin.

The Gianforte Family Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations in Montana that empower individuals and families to achieve sustainable improvements in their lives. With a focus on education, family strengthening, and relationship restoration, the foundation encourages projects that directly benefit Montanans. Since its inception in 2004, it has contributed over $130 million to various initiatives. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and reapply annually, as the foundation does not automatically renew grants.

The Philip D. Levesque Memorial Community Award offers two annual grants of $2,000 to local organizations in central Vermont. Established in 1994 by Gifford Health Care in memory of its late president, this award supports projects in arts, health, community development, education, and environment. Applications must be submitted by February 28 and should detail the project, budget, timeline, expected outcomes, and include a 501(c)(3) certificate. Gifford aims to honor community-focused initiatives.

The Courtney S. Turner Charitable Trust, established in 1978, supports public charitable and educational initiatives in the Atchison, Kansas community. Founded by Courtney S. Turner, a prominent local figure, the trust focuses on community improvement, education, health, and human services. It primarily funds 501(c)(3) organizations for specific projects with a one-year grant duration, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on the community.

The Parkview Community Fund, established in 2024 by The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, aims to enhance community life in the Parkview School District area. It serves local residents, donors, and businesses, facilitating charitable contributions that are tax-deductible. The Fund supports various initiatives, including education, health care, and community development, by awarding grants annually based on its earnings. This initiative strengthens local engagement and promotes sustainable development in Southern Wisconsin.

The Lavern Anderson Memorial Scholarship supports students from Janesville Charter Schools, Craig, and Parker High Schools who attended Lincoln Elementary. Eligible candidates should pursue studies in agriculture, education, or health care, and maintain a class ranking in the top 50%. This scholarship is part of the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, which manages over 700 funds to enhance the quality of life across nine counties in the region.

The JAREA-Kathryn Mary Swingle Memorial Scholarship, managed by The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, supports students from various local high schools pursuing careers in education. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of life in Southern Wisconsin by investing in the future of education. The foundation oversees numerous charitable funds, ensuring effective management and disbursement of grants and scholarships to foster educational growth within the community.

The Janesville Multicultural Teachers Scholarship, offered by The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, supports multicultural students who aspire to become educators. Eligible candidates must be graduating high school students from Janesville Charter Schools, Craig High School, or Parker High School, and identify as African American, Latino, Asian, or Native American. Recipients agree to apply for employment in the School District of Janesville after certification and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75 to remain eligible.

The Como Charitable Foundation Grants support various programs in human services and education, prioritizing organizations with proven community service records. Funding is available for projects that demonstrate genuine need and a solid fundraising plan. While operating support is a lower priority, proposals are reviewed year-round. The Foundation particularly favors projects benefiting Franklin Parish and surrounding areas, with a focus on capital projects and human resource improvements that promise broad public benefits.

The McDaniel Scholarship at Adams State University aims to provide full-tuition scholarships to students in junior standing or above, including post-graduate and graduate students. Established by Dr. John E. McDaniel, this scholarship honors past students while supporting the educational aspirations of future scholars. As part of Colorado's premier Hispanic-Serving Institution, this initiative reflects the university’s commitment to equitable access to education and empowering historically underserved populations.

The Manatee Community Foundation offers competitive grants focused on education, aiming to enhance the community through various initiatives. Key areas include early childhood education, literacy, STEM programs, and support for underserved populations. The foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate proven success and strong governance. Since its inception in 1998, it has invested over $65 million in the community, fostering a commitment to philanthropy, education, and service.

The MAGS Excellence in Teaching Award recognizes graduate students at the University of Minnesota who demonstrate exceptional teaching and mentoring skills. One award is designated for a doctoral student and another for a master’s student, highlighting the significance of teaching excellence in graduate education. Eligible candidates must hold a teaching appointment during the 2025 calendar year. This prestigious award aims to prepare graduate students for future roles as educators in higher education.

The Bachenberg, Leona and Henry Educational Trust offers a $5,000 scholarship for graduating seniors from specific high schools in Gage and Pawnee Counties. Applicants must pursue higher education in nursing or health-related fields, demonstrating academic ability and community involvement. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years, contingent upon maintaining a 3.0 GPA and proof of enrollment in the qualifying course of study. Applications must be handwritten and submitted through Student Services.

The Kassing, Margaret, Educational Scholarship, offered by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, provides a $1,000 scholarship to a graduating senior from Beatrice High School aiming to become a teacher. This scholarship emphasizes academic achievement, community involvement, and financial need. Applicants must submit a complete application, including a Student Aid Report from FAFSA, and must not receive excessive scholarship funds that exceed their needs. This initiative supports aspiring educators in their pursuit of higher education.