Best Grants for BIPOC in Florida

About Community Foundation of South Alabama

Since its inception, the Community Foundation has grown to over 500 funds and awarded over $98 million in grants and scholarships throughout the eight counties of southwest Alabama, improving the lives of many residents in our corner of the world.

We amplify the gifts from generous donors through wise investment, support others in efforts to enhance our community, and lead and collaborate on initiatives which have a broad impact.

Scholarships

The more than 40 scholarship funds at the Foundation were created by generous donors who wanted to help the students in our community achieve a brighter future. We are committed to assisting the most promising students with scholarships for professional certificate programs, two and four-year undergraduate degrees and graduate school. The scholarship funds at the Foundation award grants to high school, community college and university students to be used for tuition, books, and fees.

Michael Malone Memorial Scholarship

For a resident of Baldwin County, AL. Graduate of any accredited high school including public schools, private schools, parochial schools and home schools. The student must be the son or daughter of a parent(s) who is an employed member of a Law Enforcement Agency that operates within Baldwin County or a student who plans to major in a Law Enforcement field, i.e., Forensic Science, Criminal Justice, etc. Students must have academic achievements necessary for entry into an accredited college or university. Students’ need, academic performance and community service will all be considered in the selection process.

For 30 years, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation has served as a partner in philanthropy to credit unions, with a mission to empower and inspire credit unions in the Carolinas through collaborative opportunities to enrich our communities. A great example of this collaborative philanthropy is our scholarship program. 

More than 20 credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina have active managed funds at the Foundation. The generosity of these credit unions helps hundreds of high school seniors as well as undergraduate and graduate students receive scholarship funds each year.

As a member of any of the following credit unions, you may apply for a scholarship. 

Summit Credit Union’s Elizabeth Hamilton Scholarship Fund

At Summit Credit Union, we believe that higher education is important - and that academic achievement should be rewarded. Each year, we give out a number of scholarships to deserving students from the region.

Sondra J. Fox Scholarship

Established by Ruth D. Palmquist, Sondra J. Fox and Laurel S. Daise, this fund's purpose is to provide a scholarship for a student from Cattaraugus or McKean County who is pursuing a career in the mental health field with first preference for a student in a master's level program and second preference for an undergraduate college student who will be entering his/her junior or senior year. Major fields include, but are not limited to, counseling, social work and psychiatric nursing.

About Community Foundation of South Alabama

Since its inception, the Community Foundation has grown to over 500 funds and awarded over $98 million in grants and scholarships throughout the eight counties of southwest Alabama, improving the lives of many residents in our corner of the world.

We amplify the gifts from generous donors through wise investment, support others in efforts to enhance our community, and lead and collaborate on initiatives which have a broad impact.

Scholarships

The more than 40 scholarship funds at the Foundation were created by generous donors who wanted to help the students in our community achieve a brighter future. We are committed to assisting the most promising students with scholarships for professional certificate programs, two and four-year undergraduate degrees and graduate school. The scholarship funds at the Foundation award grants to high school, community college and university students to be used for tuition, books, and fees.

Harry & Lula McCarn Nurses’ Scholarship

For a student living in Mobile or Baldwin Counties and pursuing a master’s degree in Nursing Administration or other fields of nursing at USA. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA. 

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

Williamson Pioneer Fund

Must demonstrate community involvement and show financial need.

In 2025, the Community Foundation of Madison & Jefferson County awarded over $233,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors of the county’s public and private high schools. Nearly 50 different students earned money toward their college costs. Scholarships are available for a variety of applicants. Some are specific to schools, majors, need, or interests.

CFMJC scholarships may be used for tuition and related expenses like fees and required equipment at accredited colleges and universities. Room and board are not covered.

Carolyn Bruce Spicer & Gene E. Spicer Nursing Scholarship (Adult Learner)

Criteria evaluated:

• Academic performance, work history, and financial need

Required materials:

• FAFSA SAI PDF upload

Scholarship amount:

• $1,100 | 1 scholarship

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Merrie Schmiege 4-H Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the family of Merrie Schmiege, who established the Merrie Schmiege Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. This scholarship has been established by Maxine and Don Schmiege in memory of their daughter, Merrie, who died in a tragic automobile accident. Merrie was an active member of 4-H, received many local and state equestrian awards, taught horseback riding, and owned many horses. On account of her enthusiasm for equestrian activities and the programs of 4-H, Mr. and Mrs. Schmiege chose to create a Scholarship that provides financial support to young men and women who actively participate in these excellent programs. To the credit of the Schmiege's, Merrie's zeal and love of life will endure through the lasting gift of education.

Who We Are

Founded in 1996, the Community Foundation of South Georgia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to making South Georgia a better place to live through effective philanthropy. We help individuals, families, nonprofit organizations and businesses establish and manage charitable funds that carry out their philanthropic interests. Serving a geographic area of 35 counties in South Georgia, we facilitate our donors’ charitable plans and goals by creating custom designed funds that meet their specific interests and ensure solid financial management and administration for each fund. 

Mary Smith Gay Scholarship

For a graduating senior from a public high school located in Albany, GA or a member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church located in Albany, GA. All applicants must have a minimum high school GPA of 2.50. The award is based on Academics, Leadership Qualities, Extracurricular School Activities, Character, Community Service, Personal Integrity, and Financial Need. Special consideration will be given to members of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. This scholarship is given by the family of Caroline Cobey Goodwin, in loving memory of Ms. Mary Smith Gay. 

The Benny Summerlin Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, offers financial assistance to deserving students from Franklin County High School pursuing undergraduate degrees. Established to support capable individuals, this scholarship emphasizes academic potential and financial need. The foundation, active since 1988, administers various scholarships to uplift the educational aspirations of local youth. For more information on eligibility and application processes, interested students should contact the foundation directly.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Marion Rotary Club’s John C. Keggan Scholarship

The Marion Rotary Club John C. Keggan Scholarship was created in 2024. It honors the late John Keggan (1931-2023), philanthropist and businessman. John was the long-time owner and operator of the Marion Flower Shop and a realtor in Marion for 20 years. He was a Palace Guard, one of a group of local men who helped to save and restore the Marion Palace Theatre. He was an Air Force veteran and an avid Ohio State fan and alum.

His scholarship provides financial support for Marion County graduating seniors. Recipients will have been a resident of Marion County for at least two full years and maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher based on a 4.0 scale.

Special consideration will be given to applicants who attend The Ohio State University regional campus in Marion, Ohio.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

PNM Pueblo Education Endowment Scholarship

The purpose of the PNM Pueblo Education Endowment Scholarship is to provide financial assistance to students from one of the nineteen Pueblo Nations of New Mexico who are pursuing a certificate, vocational trade, or degree.

This program will award 15 scholarships per academic year. This opportunity is a merit-based award.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

KuuKuupa In Memoriam Endowed Fund

“In honor of William Daniel Ray and all our loved ones who we have lost.”

Willie had a huge heart and unconditionally loved his family – those he was given and those he chose. No matter how little he had, he was always willing to lend a hand to family and even a stranger in need. To honor him and the care and compassion he had for those around him, his family started the Kuukuupa Fund. To celebrate and honor Willie’s spirit and the person he was, his family hopes the Kuukuupa Fund can be a way for others to honor loved ones who have journeyed home by supporting Native students in their educational pursuits to achieve their dreams.

The KuuKuupa In Memoriam Endowed Fund was established to assist Native students who are facing financial hardships and challenges by providing them with a one-time relief award. The fund provides emergency support scholarships directly to students in need of assistance for emergency situations that includes, but is not limited to, food insecurity, emergency housing and utility costs, educational technology or technology-related resources, or other difficult choices that will benefit the student and their families in the hopes that some of those needs can be met.

Unless noted otherwise in the scholarship description and criteria statement, applicants can attend accredited schools of their choice within the United States.

CFNJ scholarships awards vary. On average, awards range from $500 to $2,500. However, the award could be larger based on the number of qualified applicants and the parameters set by donors who have established the funds. 

Vincent P. Arabia Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating high school senior or undergraduate student who is blind/visually impaired or has a permanent physical disability that impedes their mobility. The opportunity is open statewide, with preference given to South Jersey students (particular emphasis on Burlington County). Students will be evaluated on academic performance and unmet financial need.

Cumberland Community Foundation ("CCF") manages more than 60 scholarship endowment funds created by local individuals, families, civic organizations, and corporations who want to provide a path to higher education for future generations. 

Each year, Cumberland Community Foundation announces more than $1,000,000 in college scholarships to students from southeastern North Carolina.

Carter Ray Nimocks and Barbara Deville Nimocks Scholarship

Any high school in Cumberland County.

Unless noted otherwise in the scholarship description and criteria statement, applicants can attend accredited schools of their choice within the United States.

CFNJ scholarships awards vary. On average, awards range from $500 to $2,500. However, the award could be larger based on the number of qualified applicants and the parameters set by donors who have established the funds. 

ETV: Linda D. Murphy Village Strivers Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a Black/African-American graduating high school senior from Morristown or Morris Township who has demonstrated consistent academic improvement throughout high school. Applicants will be evaluated on their engagement through activities or programs that support the local community (community service, church engagement, or paid or unpaid work experience) and unmet financial need.

The Rural Residency Planning and Development (RRPD) Program enhances rural healthcare access by establishing sustainable residency programs for physicians. Focused on training in accredited rural settings, the program addresses physician shortages by providing start-up funding for various medical specialties, including family medicine and psychiatry. This initiative aims to ensure long-term sustainability through stable funding sources like Medicare and Medicaid, ultimately preparing physicians to serve rural communities effectively.

Unless noted otherwise in the scholarship description and criteria statement, applicants can attend accredited schools of their choice within the United States.

CFNJ scholarships awards vary. On average, awards range from $500 to $2,500. However, the award could be larger based on the number of qualified applicants and the parameters set by donors who have established the funds. 

R.D. Hinsch Scholarship

This scholarship will be awarded to a college-bound graduating senior or a current undergraduate student who demonstrates an active and continued interest in sailing. Applicants will be evaluated on academic performance, extracurricular activities, and community service work (paid or unpaid).

Robin V. Jensen Memorial Scholarship Fund

Robin Virginia Jensen was born on January 9, 1986, in Corvallis, Oregon to Ronald and Deborah Jensen. She was an honor roll student at Crescent Valley High School, where she excelled in volleyball, track and field, and swimming. Robin worked as a lifeguard at Osborn Aquatic center, and in her free-time enjoyed riding her bike. Robin started taking classes at Oregon State University the summer after she graduated from Crescent Valley and was enrolled to begin full-time studies at OSU in the fall. She planned to pursue a degree in forensic science and dreamed of a career in criminal justice. She had been a cadet for three years at the Corvallis Police Department.

On the evening of August 10, 2004, Robin was riding her bicycle home from work and was struck by a car. She died the next day at age 18.

Robin’s mother, Debbie Jensen, helped organize the annual Ride of Silence in Robin’s memory. The event is a silent bike ride through Corvallis meant to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured by motorists. In 2006, Robin’s parents created this scholarship fund to further honor the memory of their daughter. The scholarship provides tuition for a Benton County high school student pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree at an institution of higher education with an emphasis in Forensic Science or Criminal Justice. It also benefits the City of Corvallis Police Cadet program and supports bicycle safety programs in Benton County.

This scholarship is renewable.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

The Alcus Family Scholarship Fund

• Demonstrate Financial Need.
• Student must continue to meet the Foundation’s renewal requirements.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Leonard and Edna K. Blomdahl Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Edna Blomdahl, who established the Leonard and Edna K. Blomdahl Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Through all their years together, both Leonard and Edna were known for their countless acts of hospitality, citizenship and service. Late in 1998, she established the fund, designating that it be used for scholarships to graduating seniors from the White Lake area of Muskegon County.

Founded in 2016, this program supports nonfiction filmmakers or filmmaking teams working on their first or second feature-length documentary.

In this year-long program, 9 filmmakers will receive:

• $40,000 USD in grant funding for the production of their feature-length film
• Mentorship with Chicken & Egg Films team members
• Two creative retreats focused on career building and creative development
• Travel stipend for director and producer upon acceptance to a forum or market during program year
• Tailored industry meetings and funder connections
• Peer support from their cohort

You do not need a fiscal sponsor to apply for the (Egg)celerator Lab. However, if you are selected for the Lab, you must secure a US fiscal sponsor, or be a 501(c)(3), to receive the funds. If granted, we can help advise on finding a fiscal sponsor. 

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

Thomas F. Kearney Memorial Scholarship Fund

Not based on financial need.

Community Foundation for Northern Virginia

Founded in 1978, the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia is a tax-exempt trusted public charity that advances equity through philanthropy and community leadership. Its work is guided by a strategic plan that advances four key priorities for the region:

• Social and Economic Mobility
• Opportunities for All
• Inclusive Systems of Economic Growth
• Community Resilience

Leslie Richardson Memorial Swan & Sparrow Scholarship Fund

The Leslie Richardson Memorial Swan & Sparrow Scholarship Fund provides scholarships to benefit students studying musical performance, jazz studies or choral conducting at a historically or predominantly black college or university (HBCU).

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

NextEra Energy (NEE) Foundation Scholarship

The purpose of the NextEra Energy (NEE) Foundation scholarship, in partnership with NextEra Energy Foundation, is to provide financial assistance to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native undergraduate and graduate students enrolled full-time at an accredited institution and pursuing degrees with a focus in environment, energy, cultural sustainability, or a major in a STEM or STEM-related discipline. Native American students pursuing degrees that prepare them for the renewable energy workforce are encouraged to apply. 

This program will award 16 scholarships in the amount of $5,000 per academic year. This opportunity is a need-based award.

St. Julian and Adrienne Simpkins Book Award

To provide book awards to students pursuing higher education.

Number and Size of Awards

Up to five awards of $500 each; paid in one lump sum in the Fall semester.

Allowed Use of Award

Awards may be used for college textbook expenses.

Reineman Family Scholarship

This scholarship recognizes and provides financial support to graduating high school students who participate in Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection.

Number and Size of Awards

• One award of $6,000; paid as $1,500 per year for up to four consecutive years of undergraduate study. Award paid in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.

Allowed Use of Award

• Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education.

William D. and Catherine Griffin Fraser Scholarship

In memory of William D. Fraser and Catherine Griffin Fraser. Preference for a graduating senior from Olean High School or Cuba-Rushford Central School, but other graduates from other high schools in Cattaraugus or Allegany counties will be considered; preference for a four-year college, but two-year is eligible; student must be in good academic standing; financial need will be considered; preference for a student interested in a career in the medical field or education, but other majors will be considered.