Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in Florida

The Wilcox-Ware Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, provides financial assistance to graduating seniors from Buckland, Colrain, or Shelburne. Eligible students can utilize the funds to cover tuition, fees, and other educational expenses. The program supports both full-time and part-time students, ensuring access to higher education for those in need. This scholarship is part of a broader initiative aimed at enriching the community by promoting educational opportunities.

The Mentored Clinician Scientist Grant, funded by the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation, supports the career development of clinician scientists by providing dedicated research time for up to five years. Eligible applicants must have a proven track record in research, evidenced by receiving NIH K08 or K23 funding. This grant is renewable annually based on scientific progress and available funding, fostering a strong future in academic surgery.

Greater Salina Community Foundation

Our mission is to build permanent endowment funds and meet charitable community needs. The Foundation achieves its mission by:

• Enabling donors to fulfill their charitable desires
• Increasing the capacity of nonprofit organizations to fulfill their individual missions
• Facilitating prudent management and care of funds
• Promoting community philanthropy through education
• Providing affiliate services to neighboring communities
• Meeting needs through grants, scholarships, and pass-through funds

Scholarship Program

The community foundation offers a wide variety of scholarships for students, provided by the generosity of local donors. Whether you are a high school senior, a current college student, or a non-traditional student we work with donors to help you take the next step in your education.

Frances E. Curtis NAACP Scholarship

For graduating high school seniors or a graduate from a high school located in Dickinson, Ottawa, or Saline Counties, with ties to NAACP-Salina

Background

The Frances E. Curtis NAACP Scholarship was established to assist students with ties to the NAACP-Salina.

Renewals

• This award is not renewable.

The OREF Resident Clinician Scientist Training Grant aims to prepare residents for research-intensive careers in orthopaedic surgery. Grants up to $20,000 are available for one year, covering research expenses without salary. Projects must demonstrate clinical relevance and be feasible for residents as independent studies. Both laboratory and clinical research are encouraged, with potential for publication. Progress reports and annual reviews are required to ensure funding compliance.

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds. 

Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

Clarence H. Matteson Scholarship Fund, Bank of America, Trustee

To support residents of Greenfield.

Additional Guidelines

• Students can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships from the Community Foundation.
• Scholarship awards could impact the financial aid offered by a college, and students are advised to check with their college financial aid offices about this.
• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. Some part and/or all the award could be considered taxable income. It is advisable students check with the college or tax accountant regarding this matter.

The Resident Research Project Grant, offered by the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation, provides crucial funding for orthopaedic surgery residents in ACGME-accredited programs across the U.S. This grant supports innovative research initiatives, enhancing the educational and professional development of residents. Eligible applicants include domestic non-profit and private educational institutions, ensuring a wide reach for impactful research. With a limit of one submission per individual annually, this grant fosters focused research contributions in the orthopaedic field.

The Dr. David R. Barkmeier Top Research Universities Scholarship, offered by the Marshall County Community Foundation, provides funding for students attending prestigious universities, including those in the Association of American Universities. This scholarship supports graduates from Marshall County high schools who can demonstrate residency and is renewable for previous recipients who meet eligibility criteria. It aims to foster academic excellence and assist local students in achieving higher education.

L3Harris Technologies is collaborating with PLTW to enhance STEM education for PreK-12 students. This initiative supports schools in expanding PLTW Gateway programs starting in the 2025-2026 academic year, with a total grant award of $10,000. Eligible schools are located in specific counties across several states, focusing on diverse and economically challenged communities. The program aims to inspire students and develop essential skills in technology and engineering, aligning with L3Harris's commitment to community engagement.

Ella C. White Memorial Scholarship Fund 

The Ella C. White Memorial Scholarship Fund is committed to empowering students in our community to pursue their dreams through higher education. Since its inception in 1972, the fund has awarded 913 scholarships, totaling an impressive $828,200, to deserving students.

​Focused on supporting graduating seniors from Hilton Head Island High School, Bluffton High School, and May River High School, the fund also offers the potential for continued support throughout college. Scholarship recipients are selected based on financial need, academic achievement, and their commitment to building a brighter future.

Our Scholarships

The Scholarship Committee will consider these criteria in making their selection:

• Academic achievement: Copy of your most recent high school transcript, reflecting last 3 years
• Financial need: Must provide proof of parent(s) income
• Letters of recommendations: one from your guidance counselor and one from a current teacher
• A copy of your award letter from the institution you will be attending.

Scholarship Renewals

The Ella C. White Memorial Scholarship is a renewable scholarship. Students may apply for scholarships for two additional years or up to the third year of college. Students are not eligible to receive scholarships for their final year or senior term of college. To be considered for additional assistance, students must provide their most recent college GPA and demonstrate financial need.

The Bear Paw Resort Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, supports graduating seniors from White Lake High School who plan to pursue post-secondary education. With over $2 million available for scholarships in 2025, this initiative aims to empower students in their educational journeys. The scholarship is designed to assist with tuition costs, payable after the completion of the first semester, thereby encouraging academic success and community development.

Community Foundation of the Lowcountry

With more than $125 million invested in the Lowcountry area since 1994, Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is the largest source of unrestricted philanthropic resources dedicated to Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties. Throughout our history, we have expanded our services, undertaken important initiatives and altered our course to ensure we’re serving the needs of the Lowcountry. We provide donors and nonprofits the steadfast philanthropic leadership to transform, empower and enhance the communities we serve.

Scholarships

Since 1995, we’ve been a resource for students and parents who are looking for a way to offset the cost of tuition while bypassing the use of student loans.

Heritage Classic Foundation Scholarships

Every year we award Heritage Scholarships to 11 high school seniors who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, community service and leadership skills. Since the program began in 1993, we’ve distributed $5.75 million in scholarships to 408 students from Beaufort and Jasper Counties.

About Us

Midlands Community Foundation (MCF) is here to serve and add value to donors’ philanthropic needs by providing them an opportunity to “invest in the power of community.” It is our goal to identify current and emerging issues, channel resources to address community needs, and help prepare for the future.

MCF Mission

The mission of Midlands Community Foundation is to be a catalyst for lasting impact in Sarpy and Cass counties and to give opportunities to organizations and individuals to pursue their charitable goals.

Scholarships Through MCF

Midlands Community Foundation is committed to the futures of communities in Sarpy and Cass Counties, and across the country. Supporting higher education of students is a direct investment in the futures of these communities.

Alex Shives Scholarship Application Guidelines

The purpose of the Fund is to distribute scholarships to assist qualified recipients in their pursuit of higher education who have graduated or will be a graduating senior from either Papillion LaVista or Papillion LaVista South High School and who have participated on the boys or girls golf team at either high school.

The Fund shall annually distribute one (1) scholarship in the total amount of $2,500, split evenly per semester (i.e., $1,250 Fall Semester, and $1,250 Spring Semester).

Ron Brown Scholar Fund

The Ron Brown Scholar Fund is a public 501c3 charity and administers the Ron Brown Scholar Program (RBSP). Established in 1996 by Anthony M. Pilaro to honor the late Secretary of Commerce, RBSP is a college scholarship and leadership program for African American students. Our three initiatives support young people who share Ron Brown’s dedication to individual excellence, leadership, and public service

Ron Brown Signature Scholarship

The Ron Brown Scholarship honors the legacy of Ronald H. Brown through a selective scholarship program that advances higher education for community-minded and intellectually gifted African Americans.

RBSP competitively awards 20 four-year $40,000 scholarships ($10,000 each year) to the most talented and economically-challenged high school seniors who demonstrate a keen interest in public service, community engagement, business entrepreneurship and global citizenship – the four pillars of the late Ronald H. Brown’s mission to uplift people of all races, cultures and ethnicities – especially our disadvantaged youth.

Recipients may use the renewable scholarships to attend an accredited four-year college or university of their choice within the United States. Ron Brown scholarships are not limited to any specific field or career objective and may be used to pursue any academic discipline. Since the Program’s inception in 1996, 683 students have been designated as Ron Brown Scholars.

Mission and Vision

The Mission of the Foundation is to improve the quality of life in the Coastal Bend by building community endowment and addressing social, educational, environmental, and cultural needs through the awarding of grants and scholarships.

The Foundation’s Vision is to provide the Coastal Bend with:

• Efficient gift options to meet donors’ charitable wishes
• Effective grants to charitable organizations and scholarships to students
• Ethical leadership to promote and enhance area philanthropy

Scholarships

The CBCF scholarship is open each year. Scholarships awarded will be for the following academic year. Scholarships are available only to students who graduated from a high school in one of the counties in the CBCF Service Area: Aransas, Bee, Jim Wells, Kleberg, Nueces, Refugio and San Patricio. Thanks to our generous donors, the Coastal Bend Community Foundation (CBCF) offers scholarships to students from over 100 funds. 

Flinn - Dorothy and John Flinn Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is exclusively available to a Sinton or Taft ISD graduating senior, with a minimum 2.0 GPA, and the student must complete an essay on the applicant’s community service.

L3Harris Technologies collaborates with Project Lead The Way (PLTW) to ignite interest in STEM among PreK-12 students. This initiative provides grants for schools to implement PLTW Gateway programs starting in the 2025-2026 academic year. Eligible public and charter schools in specific counties will receive a total of $20,000 over two years to support the development of innovative educational programs. This partnership aims to empower future generations and foster skills essential for the aerospace and defense industries.

L3Harris Technologies has partnered with Project Lead The Way (PLTW) to inspire PreK-12 students in STEM fields, providing $20,000 in grants for schools to launch and expand PLTW programs starting in the 2025-2026 academic year. The initiative focuses on public and charter schools in specific counties, aiming to enhance educational opportunities and support diverse, economically challenged communities through STEM education.

L3Harris Technologies is collaborating with Project Lead The Way (PLTW) to expand STEM education for PreK-12 students. This initiative aims to inspire young learners through enhanced PLTW programs starting in the 2025-2026 academic year. Eligible schools, including public and charter institutions in specified counties, can receive grants of $5,000 to support program expansion. The focus is on providing resources for new modules, teacher training, and ensuring access for diverse and economically challenged communities.

The Coupling, Energetics, and Dynamics of Atmospheric Regions (CEDAR) program, funded by the National Science Foundation, aims to enhance our understanding of atmospheric behaviors from the middle atmosphere to the exosphere. It supports research into coupling, energetics, and dynamics, particularly how lower atmospheric perturbations and solar inputs affect the upper atmosphere. The program encourages innovative approaches, including AI and machine learning, to advance observational and theoretical studies in this critical area of atmospheric science.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is offering grants to schools across the US for the implementation of the PLTW Gateway program in the 2025-2026 academic year. Eligible institutions include public, private, and charter schools, especially those serving low-income and minority populations. The grant covers participation fees and training costs, with a total award of $9,100, distributed over three years. Schools are encouraged to apply for this opportunity to enhance their STEM education offerings.

The Children’s Relief Fund 

The Children’s Relief Fund (CRF) is a non-profit organization founded in 1991 by Rose and Frank Fotia. Their son Gregory had multiple disabilities and was the inspiration behind CRF. Our group consists of volunteers who raise money to help fund therapy, equipment, summer programs and other group activities for disabled children in the Hilton Head Island and Bluffton area.

Gregory Fotia Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is available to high school students and home-schooled students.

Career Fields applicable: Career field that benefits special needs children (e.g. Special Education, Pediatrics, Various Therapies)  

Service Area: All Hilton Head/Bluffton High Schools

Number of Awards: One or two

Duration/Renewal: One year

Financial Need: No

Criteria: A completed online application form and 250-word essay describing education and career choices.  Two character references.

The Alice McCaffrey Scholarship Fund, established in 2013 by Saints John and Paul parishioners, honors Father Joseph McCaffrey on his 25th priestly anniversary. Named after his mother, Alice, the fund supports seminarians pursuing pastoral experiences beyond seminary training. Over the past four years, it has awarded $69,000 to nine seminarians, enriching their training by engaging in mission work across Brazil and Mexico. Applicants will be notified of their awards in April to plan their summers accordingly.

This scholarship was established to honor the memory of John F. Burt of Neshoba County. Mr. Burt was raised during the depression and as a result he was resilient, a hard worker and resourceful. He learned the importance of sharing with those in need. He served in the US Navy during WWII where he strengthened his beliefs about patriotism, commitment and service. After the war, he and his wife opened a grocery store where he continued to be in service of others. God, family, and fellowship were priorities of Mr. Burt’s; he was always willing to be of service to anyone he considered family and at times to complete strangers. Obviously, Mr. Burt’s experiences shaped his moral code and guided the compass of his life.  Scholarship funds to be used towards fees for tuition and/or books only.

Grays Harbor Community Foundation

Established in 1994, Grays Harbor Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that is known in our community for giving grants to other nonprofits in Grays Harbor County and for scholarships for Grays Harbor youth, but that is not our business.

Our real business is helping people, families, groups, and businesses be philanthropic or charitable. We provide the administrative and investment management services that make it easy for donors to be involved at whatever level they wish, and to accomplish their charitable goals with their tax deductible donations that improve the quality of life in Grays Harbor.

Scholarships

The Grays Harbor Community Foundation awards scholarships to local students for education after high school. The emphasis is on undergraduate studies at any two or four year college or university and vocational/technical programs leading to a license or certification.

Students submit only one application. When selected, the recipient is matched to the criteria of an individual scholarship by the scholarship review committee.

L. George Pauze Scholarship

The L. George Pauze Scholarship is new to the Community Foundation, but has been in existence since the 1970s. In January of 1970, Pauze announced the L. George Pauze Scholarship for a graduate of Hoquiam High School he had established with the help of his friends and attorneys, Omar Parker and George G. Wandel. Mr. Pauze came from Montreal to Grays Harbor in 1907. After years of hard work and ingenuity, he was able to maneuver himself into the ownership of a thriving lumber mill. George said: “You know, I didn’t have a chance to go to college, and I always missed it…I might have done even better if I’d had the opportunity to go. Actually, education is much more important now than in my day.” The law firm of Parker, Johnson, Parker (now Parker, Winkelman) has administered the Trust established that day, awarding at least one scholarship each year. The Gray Harbor Community Foundation is proud to now administer the scholarship to continue this tradition in perpetuity, and honor this “true gentleman.”

The Charles and Louis Lincoln Scholarship, awarded by the Erie Community Foundation, provides financial assistance to Erie High School students who are first- or second-generation Americans. This scholarship supports those with demonstrated scholastic ability and financial need, helping them pursue higher education. In 2023, over $800,000 was awarded to more than 500 students, reflecting the foundation's commitment to educational access and support for diverse communities.

The Spanos Family Memorial Scholarship, funded by the Erie Community Foundation, offers financial support to outstanding students who are active members of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Erie. In 2023, over $800,000 in scholarships were awarded to more than 500 students pursuing higher education. Applications are evaluated based on merit, academic performance, financial need, and community involvement, ensuring that deserving individuals receive the assistance they need to succeed in their educational endeavors.

Community Foundation of East Mississippi

With over 40 years of dedicated service, the Community Foundation of East Mississippi (CFEM) is committed to fostering charitable giving that connects generous individuals, families, and businesses to meaningful causes.

Mission: A catalyst for charitable giving where civic-minded individuals, families, and businesses achieve philanthropic goals. We bridge resources and needs to enhance the dynamic communities we serve.

Otis Dreams of Books Scholarship

This scholarship was established to honor the memory of Otis Douglas, who had a lifelong love of reading and learning. Many nights, Otis would fall asleep reading his daughter’s schoolbooks. He was unable to finish his own high school education, and this gave him the deepest appreciation for learning. Our hope for this scholarship is to honor his legacy by fostering a love of learning and reading in students pursuing their college education. 

The Learning & Leadership Grants support educators in enhancing their professional development and leadership skills. With funding up to $5,000, these grants are available for individual educators or groups pursuing high-quality learning experiences such as conferences and seminars. Eligible applicants must be current members of the National Education Association. These grants aim to empower educators to implement innovative practices in their classrooms, ultimately benefiting students and the educational community.