Best Esmeralda County Grants for Nonprofits in Nevada

City of Chicago's UNCF Workplace Campaign Scholarship

The City of Chicago's UNCF Workplace Campaign Scholarship will provide a one-time, merit-based scholarship of $5,000 for students of any classification who have a parent or guardian employed by the City of Chicago and its affiliate agencies. Students must be enrolled full time at any U.S. four-year, accredited college or university in the 2026-2027 school year.

The City of Chicago’s UNCF Workplace Campaign Scholarship was created in partnership with the City of Chicago and UNCF to ensure that dependents of City of Chicago employees can earn a college degree.

This merit-based scholarship is open to full-time, four-year university students of any classification who have a parent or guardian employed by the City of Chicago and its affiliate agencies.

Chris & Gene Smith "Get and Education" Memorial

To provide financial support to graduates who reside in Hand County.

Chris and Gene were born and raised in Hand County. They encouraged their children with what could be referred to as their family motto, “get an education” as that is something that cannot be taken away from you. As a result, all their children and grandchildren have received post-secondary educations.

Jerald W. Peterson Memorial Scholarship

To provide financial support to graduates of Groton, Webster, and Langford high schools.

About the Department

The Nevada Department of Education (NDE or Department) leads and collaborates with Nevada's 17 school districts and the State Public Charter School Authority to advance educational equity Statewide. With offices in Nevada's capital, Carson City, and Las Vegas, NDE oversees all pre-K-12 education in the State with mission of improving student achievement and educator effectiveness by ensuring opportunities, facilitating learning, and promoting excellence. Under the leadership of the State Board of Education and the Executive Team, NDE impacts the achievement of nearly half a million children and 30,000 educators.

Early Childhood Education Facilities Expansion Grant Funding Opportunity

Goals and Priorities

The primary goal of this grant is to expand equitable access to high-quality early childhood education in Nevada by funding facilities projects that directly support the expansion of facilities for early childhood education in areas of Nevada where access to high-quality early childhood education is limited. In alignment with SB460 (2025) and Nevada’s broader early learning goals, this initiative supports capital investments that address physical space limitations and promotes longterm access to licensed, developmentally appropriate early childhood education programs for Nevada’s young learners, particularly those in underserved and high-need communities.

The Department of Education shall disburse not more than $150,000 for each 800 square feet of expansion.

About the Department

The Nevada Department of Education (NDE or Department) leads and collaborates with Nevada's 17 school districts and the State Public Charter School Authority to advance educational equity Statewide. With offices in Nevada's capital, Carson City, and Las Vegas, NDE oversees all pre-K-12 education in the State with mission of improving student achievement and educator effectiveness by ensuring opportunities, facilitating learning, and promoting excellence. Under the leadership of the State Board of Education and the Executive Team, NDE impacts the achievement of nearly half a million children and 30,000 educators.

Early Childhood Literacy & Readiness Programs Grant

The Early Childhood Literacy & Readiness Programs Grant was established with the passage of Senate Bill (SB) 460 in June 2025 during the 83rd session of the Nevada Legislature. These funds are intended to establish an innovative new program or to expand an existing early literacy program that supports children less than the age of six years old, their families, and early childhood professionals. 

Funds awarded through the competitive application process must supplement and not supplant existing state or federal funds

Goals and Priorities

Priority will be given to applicants who:

• Have demonstrated sustained success in improving the literacy and readiness for entering kindergarten of children less than 6 years of age; OR
• Provide services to geographical areas with higher proportion of children entering kindergarten who have demonstrated a deficit across early learning domains during the immediately preceding two years. 

Participation and Evaluation

Each program supported by a grant awarded must:

• Serve children who are less than 6 years of age;
• Be evidence-based;
• Provide appropriate individualized accommodations and supports for children with disabilities;
• Include a plan of reporting accountability for the performance of the program; and
• Include an implementation plan which is financially sound and proposes to use all funds awarded within FY27.

About the Department

The Nevada Department of Education (NDE or Department) leads and collaborates with Nevada's 17 school districts and the State Public Charter School Authority to advance educational equity Statewide. With offices in Nevada's capital, Carson City, and Las Vegas, NDE oversees all pre-K-12 education in the State with mission of improving student achievement and educator effectiveness by ensuring opportunities, facilitating learning, and promoting excellence. Under the leadership of the State Board of Education and the Executive Team, NDE impacts the achievement of nearly half a million children and 30,000 educators.

ESSA Title III Immigrant Children and Youth Competitive Grant

To better support Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) in creating high-quality, impactful programs, the Nevada Department of Education (NDE or Department) is shifting to a competitive model for Title III Immigrant Children and Youth funding. This change allows NDE to award fewer, larger grants of sufficient size and scope to help recently immigrated students acclimate to U.S. schools, master English, and achieve challenging State academic standards.

For the purposes of this grant, “Immigrant Children and Youth” are defined by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) §3201(5) as individuals who:

• Are aged 3 through 21;
• Were not born in any State (defined as the 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico); and
• Have not been attending one or more schools in any one or more States for more than three full academic years.

About the Department

The Nevada Department of Education (NDE or Department) leads and collaborates with Nevada's 17 school districts and the State Public Charter School Authority to advance educational equity Statewide. With offices in Nevada's capital, Carson City, and Las Vegas, NDE oversees all pre-K-12 education in the State with mission of improving student achievement and educator effectiveness by ensuring opportunities, facilitating learning, and promoting excellence. Under the leadership of the State Board of Education and the Executive Team, NDE impacts the achievement of nearly half a million children and 30,000 educators.

Open Enrollment Transportation Support Grant

Assembly Bill 533 (AB533) and Senate Bill 460 (SB460), passed during the 2025 Legislative Session, allocated $7M to support transportation services for students residing in the zone of attendance of a 1- or 2-star school who enroll in a program of open enrollment to attend a school outside of their zone of attendance and have attested to requiring financial assistance. The Nevada Department of Education (NDE or Department) is tasked with establishing a program to award grants of money to school districts and organizations so that they may develop a program to provide transportation directly to pupils, provide reimbursement to the parents or legal guardians of students for the cost of transportation, or to identify the need and eligibility of students for a program of transportation assistance. Please note that details regarding this funding are explicated through regulatory amendments to the Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) and are currently in draft as R076-25RP3. As these regulations have not yet been approved, excerpts of draft regulatory language are included in this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). 

About the Department

The Nevada Department of Education (NDE or Department) leads and collaborates with Nevada's 17 school districts and the State Public Charter School Authority to advance educational equity Statewide. With offices in Nevada's capital, Carson City, and Las Vegas, NDE oversees all pre-K-12 education in the State with mission of improving student achievement and educator effectiveness by ensuring opportunities, facilitating learning, and promoting excellence. Under the leadership of the State Board of Education and the Executive Team, NDE impacts the achievement of nearly half a million children and 30,000 educators.

K-3 STEM and ELA Integration Pilot Grant Notice of Funding Opportunity

Goals and Priorities

The Nevada Department of Education is committed to expanding high-quality educational opportunities that ensure all students reach reading proficiency by the end of third grade. The K-3 STEM and ELA Integration Pilot Program, established under SB 460 (2025) pursuant to Section 33.93, reflects this commitment by integrating STEM into foundational English language arts instruction through the implementation of highquality curricula, evidence-based teaching strategies, and educational innovation.

By utilizing scientifically based reading research and STEM-based texts, this initiative strengthens explicit, phonics-based instruction while pioneering new instructional models that bridge literacy and STEM concepts to prepare early learners for academic success. The results of this pilot will be used by the State Board to determine whether the statewide model curriculum for English language arts should be revised to include this integrated approach.

In determining whether to approve an application for a grant, the Department shall consider:

• The quality of the proposed curricula for a program that integrates texts related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics into instruction in literacy in kindergarten and grades 1, 2 and 3 that uses scientifically based reading research;
• The proposed instructional strategies; and
• The extent to which the approach to instruction is innovative.

About the Department

The Nevada Department of Education (NDE or Department) leads and collaborates with Nevada's 17 school districts and the State Public Charter School Authority to advance educational equity Statewide. With offices in Nevada's capital, Carson City, and Las Vegas, NDE oversees all pre-K-12 education in the State with mission of improving student achievement and educator effectiveness by ensuring opportunities, facilitating learning, and promoting excellence. Under the leadership of the State Board of Education and the Executive Team, NDE impacts the achievement of nearly half a million children and 30,000 educators.

School Garden Grant

Overview of the School Garden Grant Program

Senate Bill (SB) 104, passed during the 83rd Nevada Legislative Session (2025), appropriates funds to the Nevada Department of Education (NDE) for allocation to nonprofit organizations to implement school garden programs in public schools. The purpose of this funding is to support the creation and maintenance of school gardens, including hydroponic systems, as part of a comprehensive K-12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) curriculum. These gardens are intended to promote project-based learning, healthy eating, and community involvement in Nevada’s unique desert environment.

Programs funded through this grant must meet the specific criteria outlined in SB 104 and align with Nevada’s academic standards in science, with curriculum tailored to grade levels and the desert climate.

About the Department

The Nevada Department of Education (NDE or Department) leads and collaborates with Nevada's 17 school districts and the State Public Charter School Authority to advance educational equity Statewide. With offices in Nevada's capital, Carson City, and Las Vegas, NDE oversees all pre-K-12 education in the State with mission of improving student achievement and educator effectiveness by ensuring opportunities, facilitating learning, and promoting excellence. Under the leadership of the State Board of Education and the Executive Team, NDE impacts the achievement of nearly half a million children and 30,000 educators.

Literacy Interventionists and Tutoring Programs Grant

Goals and Priorities

The primary goal of this grant is to increase literacy proficiency through direct, in-person and/or on campus interventions and tutoring for K-5 pupils. Pursuant to SB 460 Sec. 78.4(2), priority in awarding grants will be given to applicants providing access for pupils attending public schools designated as a 1-star school under the Nevada School Performance Framework.

Please note that while SB460 identifies priority for schools designated as “Focus”, “Center Focus”, or “Priority Growth”, no such schools will be eligible for such designation in fiscal year 2026-27 (FY27) and are null for the purposes of this funding opportunity. 

Bill and Maria Hoekstra Dental Scholarship

Graduating senior, graduating early college student, or current college student who permanently resides and attended high school, including home school, within the Foundation’s greater service area, including Fennville, Hamilton, Hudsonville, Saugatuck, and CTC students from any district.

Bernard and Jerene Lemmen Memorial Scholarship

Allegan or Ottawa County graduating senior, graduating early college student, current college student, or adult returning to school.

Benjamin H. Van Andel Promise of Excellence Scholarship

This scholarship recognizes and supports exceptionally talented students in any field who exhibit the gifts and passion to be world class leaders, performers, or artists in their area of giftedness.

The Wilma Jean Fynewever Scholarship, established by Mary Keeton in memory of her mother, supports graduating seniors and non-traditional students from the Tri-Cities, Newaygo, or Muskegon County pursuing nursing careers. This scholarship prioritizes financial need and aims to encourage students to achieve their professional goals in healthcare. The application process is straightforward, allowing candidates to apply for multiple scholarships at once, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of their qualifications and needs.

The West Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association Scholarship, established in 2001, supports students from Ottawa, Oceana, Newaygo, Muskegon, or Allegan County pursuing careers in horticulture or the green industry. Administered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, awards consider financial need and academic achievement. Applicants, including high school seniors and college students, must submit transcripts and additional required documents. This scholarship aims to foster education and partnerships within West Michigan's green industry.

The Wallace K. and Jane Ewing Scholarship, funded by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports high school seniors from the Tri-Cities pursuing studies in English. This scholarship considers financial need and involvement in arts and humanities activities, aiming to empower local students to achieve their educational goals. Applicants must submit transcripts and relevant documents, ensuring a comprehensive review process. This initiative reflects the commitment of Wally and Jane to positively impact student futures in the community.

The VFW Post 2326 Ward-Goff Memorial Scholarship, established by Mr. and Mrs. Elgin Ward and Mr. and Mrs. Richard Goff, honors their sons who served in the Vietnam War. This scholarship provides financial assistance to children and grandchildren of active military personnel and veterans. Applicants must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and submit necessary documents, including transcripts. The scholarship emphasizes financial need and aims to support outstanding students pursuing their educational goals.

The Terry Linda Potter Scholarship, awarded by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports students from Northwest Ottawa County pursuing health-related degrees. Established in memory of Terry Linda Potter, this scholarship prioritizes financial need and academic performance. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to further education and submit necessary documentation, including transcripts and recommendation letters. This fund honors Terry's legacy, providing vital financial assistance to aspiring healthcare professionals in the Tri-Cities area.

Zeeland Rotary – Donald Morgan Memorial Scholarship

Graduating senior who resides in the Zeeland Public School District (student does not have to attend Zeeland Public Schools to be eligible).

The St. Patrick's and St. Anthony's Church Scholarship, provided by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, aims to support high school seniors from Northern Ottawa County. This scholarship emphasizes academic achievement, financial need, and personal goals. Applicants must demonstrate their connection to the church and submit a transcript along with other required documents. This initiative reflects the foundation's commitment to fostering educational opportunities within the community.

Batts Family Scholarship

Graduating senior or graduating early college student who attends public, private, or home school in the primary service area of the Community Foundation.

The Scott A. Flahive Memorial Scholarship, established by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, honors a dedicated law enforcement officer who tragically lost his life in the line of duty. This scholarship supports local high school graduates pursuing degrees in criminal justice or law enforcement, with eligibility based on residency, academic performance, and intent to serve in the field. Applicants must submit transcripts and relevant documentation to be considered for this meaningful opportunity.

The Runschke Family Scholarship, established by Gernot and Anne Runschke, supports students from Northwest Ottawa County pursuing vocational or trades programs. It aims to empower local youth by easing educational costs, while emphasizing community involvement and academic potential. Financial need is not a primary consideration, allowing a diverse range of applicants to qualify. This scholarship reflects the Runschke family's commitment to enhancing education and workforce development in their community.

The Ray and Sue Barrett Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports high school seniors in the Tri-Cities pursuing higher education in law, criminal justice, mental health, social work, or psychology. Established in honor of Ray and Sue Barrett, who valued education and mental health, this scholarship considers financial need and requires a minimum 2.5 GPA. Applicants must submit transcripts and relevant documents to qualify.

The P.E.O. Chapter DS Scholarship supports female students from the Tri-Cities area pursuing higher education. Established by the P.E.O. Sisterhood in 2005, it emphasizes academic achievement, financial need, and community involvement. Eligible candidates include graduating high school seniors and non-traditional students. The scholarship prioritizes applicants with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and those intending to attend Cottey College. The application process is straightforward, allowing candidates to apply for multiple scholarships with one submission.

The Paul J. Laninga Memorial Scholarship, established by Tamara Laninga in memory of her husband, supports graduating seniors from Northwest Ottawa County pursuing careers in accounting or business. This competitive scholarship prioritizes students demonstrating financial need and academic excellence, while encouraging applications from those planning to attend public universities. It aims to honor Paul's zest for life and create positive opportunities for future leaders in business.

The H. Wayne VanAgtmael Cosmetology Scholarship, established in 2005 by Wayne Van Agtmael's family, honors his legacy in the cosmetology field. This scholarship supports high school graduates from the Tri-Cities pursuing a cosmetology degree, focusing on financial need and academic achievement. Applicants must provide transcripts and additional required documents. The scholarship aims to empower students, particularly those who are the first in their families to succeed beyond high school, in their educational journeys.