Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in Florida

The NHLBI is set to release a NOFO aimed at enhancing an international research platform for cardiac surgery. This initiative will integrate various research areas, including mechanistic science and implementation science, to advance innovative techniques and improve health outcomes for adults with cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, the platform will serve to train future clinical trialists. Potential applicants are encouraged to start forming collaborations and preparing their proposals, as applications are not yet being solicited.

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.

Eddie Shelton Agricultural Scholarship

The Eddie Shelton Agricultural Scholarship was created in 2011 by M. Joan Shelton to memorialize her late husband, Eddie (1938-2010). Born in Kentucky, Eddie moved to Marion in the early 1940s. Following his graduation from Harding High School, he worked for the National Cash Register Company and Ohio Edison, as well as served in Army, before finding his true passion in farming.

In 1967, he married Joan, having met on a blind date, and helped work his father-in-law’s farm. This “city boy turned farmer” raised livestock and grain and the couple became the first family in Marion County to join the Ohio Farmland Preservation Act, ensuring that their farm could only be used for agricultural purposes.

Eddie was an enthusiast of Model A Fords and John Deere tractors. He loved travel, golfing, hunting, fishing, and “most everything” about farming and the outdoors. His scholarship supports students from any Marion area high school pursuing a career in agriculture.

American Brain Foundation

The American Brain Foundation funds research across the spectrum of the brain and nervous system, because it is our best hope for improving treatments, advancing prevention strategies, and discovering cures. Brain diseases, disorders, and injuries are interconnected. When we cure one, we will cure many.

Next Generation Research Grants

The American Brain Foundation’s Next Generation Research Grants (NGRGs) support early career investigators conducting high-quality research aimed at better understanding, treating, and curing brain diseases. These grants are offered in collaboration with disease-focused partner organizations and reflect ABF’s Cure One, Cure Many research philosophy: the belief that breakthroughs in one area of research accelerate progress across many others.

McKnight Clinical Translational Research Scholarship in Cognitive Aging and Age-Related Memory Loss

This award aims to support young investigators in clinical studies relevant to age-related cognitive decline and memory loss. The award also recognizes the importance of rigorous training in clinical research and encourages young investigators to seek opportunities to establish future careers in the area of human cognitive aging.

Please Note: The focus should NOT be on a neurodegenerative dementia (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease); however, proposals that focus on the combined study of cognitive aging and neurodegenerative cognitive changes may be considered.

For the purpose of this scholarship, research is defined as patient-oriented research conducted with human participants, or translational research specifically designed to develop treatments or enhance identification of age-related cognitive decline and memory changes. These may include epidemiologic or behavioral studies, clinical trials, studies of disease mechanisms, the development of new technologies, and health outcomes research. Disease-related studies not directly involving humans are also encouraged if the primary goal is the development of therapies, diagnostic tests, or tools to mitigate age-related cognitive decline and memory loss.

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.

Lo Family Scholarship

The Lo Family Scholarship Fund was established in 2024 by Frank Lo, second generation owner of long-standing popular Marion restaurant House of Hunan. The Lo Family has been a part of the Marion community for almost 40 years.

The Lo Scholarship supports students who, like them, are first generation Americans and immigrants to the United States. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident. This scholarship is open to students who have attended a high school in Marion County for at least two years and maintained a GPA or 2.5 or greater.

Special consideration is given to applicants pursuing a career in the fields of hospitality, culinary, or nursing and health care.

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.

Alex Cooper Memorial Scholarship

The Alex Cooper Memorial Scholarship Fund was created in 2017 by Jonathan Culler, his high school classmate and teammate, Andrea Ault, his devoted mother who never left his side, and the River Valley Class of 2017, after he lost a 3-year battle to childhood cancer, osteosarcoma.     

The Cooper Fund supports seniors and graduates from the River Valley Local Schools district. Alex’s scholarship gives special consideration to students active in River Valley athletics, especially football or baseball, and/or music. To honor Alex’s untimely passing, the Cooper Fund seeks to assist students who have been diagnosed with cancer personally, those with an immediate family member with the disease, and those who demonstrate financial need resulting from cancer treatment.

Gainesville Chicken Scholarship

This scholarship supports college students pursuing a degree in poultry science or a related agricultural degree. Applicants should be graduating high school seniors or current college students pursuing a career in the poultry industry, majoring in Agricultural Business, Poultry Science, Food Science, Animal Science, Food Marketing, Agricultural Economics, etc. In 2026, one $2,000 scholarship will be offered.

The Craig Zadan Pathway for Equity in the Arts Grant aims to enhance high school theatre programs in underserved communities. By providing $10,000 grants, this initiative fosters collaboration between students and industry professionals, while promoting performances that address diverse perspectives. The grant encourages schools to select plays that spark important conversations, ensuring inclusivity and representation in the arts. Ultimately, it seeks to inspire students and open doors to future careers in theatre.

The Book Buddies Program, initiated by The Molina Foundation, aims to combat the lack of access to books in low-income communities. By distributing new, free books to eligible schools and agencies, the program fosters literacy and learning among children. With over 4 million books distributed, it helps create word-rich environments essential for educational success. This initiative supports families in building home libraries and enhances learning spaces, ensuring children have the resources they need to thrive.

This RFP invites proposals that explore the role of maintenance therapy in HER2+ metastatic breast cancer. It aims to enhance understanding of treatment optimization, emphasizing patient quality of life and individualized treatment strategies. Eligible applicants include organizations from the U.S. and select European countries. The focus is on educational projects that improve awareness among healthcare professionals, with a range of formats accepted, including live sessions and online content. Clinical research projects are excluded.

About

Our Story: Women Deserve More

At Women Founders Grant we are catalyzing a no BS movement for women to truly attain Financial Agency.

Women Founders Grant

If you have a dream, we want to support it. We are here to level the playing field and give you the guidance you need to turn that dream into a reality.

Our Grants

• $5,000 Grants on a rolling basis.
• No strings attached.
• This is our biggest differentiator. We know first hand how the folks who have the funds make you jump through unnecessary hoops. No hoops here.
• An Entrepreneur Business Yoda to mentor and coach you.
• GTM support to help you grow and get paying customers.
• On demand resources that guide you through your entrepreneur journey.

• Simply answer two questions on the application page.
• At the heart of our grants, there's no limit to your business dream. From pioneering scientists to artisan bakers, we encourage diverse passions and pursuits.
• So what truly matters is you—the woman or women driving the business forward. We value authenticity over corporate jargon; past winners have simply shared their stories - real passion and vision can’t be faked - so let your’s shine.
• We seek not only business acumen but also the fiery passion that fuels your entrepreneurial journey.

The NExT AI Hubs initiative by the NICHD aims to explore innovative applications of AI technologies in enhancing developmental outcomes for children at risk of learning disabilities. This program will focus on high-risk research topics, fostering advancements in understanding how AI can support learning in reading, writing, and mathematics. The initiative is backed by various public health laws, ensuring a comprehensive approach to child health and education.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's Program for Adult Care Excellence (PACE) aims to enhance adult care for cystic fibrosis patients by recruiting and training physicians. With an increasing life expectancy for CF patients, the program addresses the need for specialized adult caregivers. Physicians can apply for funding up to $38,435 per year for three years, enabling them to develop expertise in adult CF care. This initiative supports both the medical community and the CF population significantly.

About Us

Who We Are

The National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded in 1940 and currently headquartered in Baltimore, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in all fifty states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.

What We Do

Through our network of blind members, we coordinate many programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Americans, provide information and support to blind children and adults, and build a community that creates a future full of opportunities.

What We Believe

We are the only organization that believes in the full capacity of blind people and has the power to transform our dreams into reality. We believe in blind people because we are blind people—from our democratically elected leaders to our diverse nationwide membership.

Scholarship Program

Thanks to our generous partners, there are thirty $10,000 merit-based scholarships currently available. All scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, community service, and leadership. The finalists are announced every spring. They then attend our national convention in July when the winners of each individual scholarship are selected. 

Kurzweil Foundation and Ray Kurzweil

The Kurzweil Foundation and Ray Kurzweil contribute to each recipient’s award, and provide each finalist with a commemorative plaque in both print and Braille. Ray Kurzweil is a long-time friend of the Federation and deserves our special recognition.

The Fugazzotto Scholarship Fund for Visual Arts Students, established by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports Tri-Cities residents pursuing careers in visual arts. This scholarship honors Barbara Fugazzotto's legacy as an art educator, encouraging students to explore their creativity in drawing, painting, ceramics, and graphic design. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. The scholarship aims to nurture future artists who contribute to the cultural landscape.

Gainesville Symphony Orchestra Scholarship

This scholarship is for graduating seniors at public, private or homeschools in Hall County. Applicants must reside in Hall County and must play a musical instrument. In 2026, one scholarship award of $1,500 will be offered.

The LUNGevity VA Research Scholar Award supports innovative lung cancer research within the Department of Veterans Affairs, with a focus on early detection and treatment methods relevant to veterans. The maximum award is $100,000, distributed over two years, contingent upon satisfactory progress. Applications are now open for the 2025 cycle, with funding aimed at improving outcomes and developing individualized treatment strategies, including targeted therapies and immunotherapies.

The NIA Postdoctoral Fellowship Award aims to enhance diversity in the translational research workforce for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD). This fellowship supports promising candidates from diverse backgrounds in developing essential translational research skills. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to treatment, prevention, and early detection of AD/ADRD while providing research experience under the guidance of mentors in clinical trials, fostering a diverse and effective research community.

The NIA Predoctoral Fellowship Award aims to enhance diversity in the translational research workforce focusing on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. This funding opportunity supports promising predoctoral candidates from underrepresented backgrounds, fostering their research training and skills in various aspects of AD/ADRD. By encouraging interdisciplinary teamwork, the program seeks to develop a diverse workforce capable of contributing significantly to the prevention, treatment, and management of these conditions.

The Kelley Hritz Memorial Arts Scholarship, established in memory of Kelley Hritz, supports high school seniors from Elk, McKean, and Cameron Counties, as well as Chestnut Ridge High School, pursuing post-secondary education in an art-related field. Applicants must be active in school and community activities and submit two pieces of artwork. This scholarship, valued at $1,000 annually, aims to inspire future artists to create and share their passion for the arts.

About Us

Who We Are

The National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded in 1940 and currently headquartered in Baltimore, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in all fifty states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.

What We Do

Through our network of blind members, we coordinate many programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Americans, provide information and support to blind children and adults, and build a community that creates a future full of opportunities.

What We Believe

We are the only organization that believes in the full capacity of blind people and has the power to transform our dreams into reality. We believe in blind people because we are blind people—from our democratically elected leaders to our diverse nationwide membership.

Scholarship Program

Thanks to our generous partners, there are thirty $10,000 merit-based scholarships currently available. All scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, community service, and leadership. The finalists are announced every spring. They then attend our national convention in July when the winners of each individual scholarship are selected. 

Charles and Betty Allen Scholarship

The Charles and Betty Allen Scholarship, funded by Charles and Betty before their passing, is a reflection of their commitment to education. Charlie, who was extremely successful, left school at an early age to care for his family, but retained a strong belief in higher education.

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.

Clifford & Frances Strine Family Scholarship

While still in high school himself, Josh Strine chose to use a Christmas gift honor his great grandparents and family legacy with a permanent scholarship fund at Marion Community Foundation, created in 2017.

The Strine Scholarship supports graduating seniors from any high school located in Marion County, including home and e-school students, who have lived in the Marion area throughout their high school experience and who are active in either 4-H or FFA. Recipients must have maintained a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or higher and intend to pursue an education in the field of agriculture or education.

Special consideration is given to applicants who demonstrate financial need, as well as academic achievement, academic potential, community service, school citizenship, and communication skills.

The Adrienne Asch Memorial Scholarship, offered by the National Federation of the Blind, provides thirty $10,000 merit-based scholarships to legally blind students in the U.S. Selection criteria include academic excellence, community service, and leadership. Finalists attend the national convention in July, where winners are announced. This scholarship emphasizes the belief in the potential of blind individuals to achieve their dreams and contribute to society, making education accessible to all qualified candidates.

The Get Out and Get Active Grant by the Anxiety & Depression Initiative supports innovative projects that promote the mental health benefits of physical activity. This funding aims to reduce anxiety and depression through community fitness programs and educational campaigns, emphasizing the intersection of physical activity and mental health. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and academic institutions in the U.S. seeking to enhance well-being and integrate active lifestyles for individuals living with mental illness.

Scholarships

Grand Haven Area Community Foundation scholarships are awarded competitively based on criteria set by donors. These criteria could include financial need, the school the applicant is attending, academic achievement, as well as personal or career goals. The Community Foundation has a rigorous internal selection process for each scholarship decision, and each applicant is reviewed in depth, and considered thoroughly.

Our scholarship program is simple. You are able to apply once for all foundation scholarships you may be eligible for. Once your application is submitted, you will be eligible for all those for which you meet the requirement.

Charles and Eleanor Rycenga Education Fund

Charles Rycenga and his wife Eleanor were well known in the Tri-Cities area for their philanthropy and community involvement.

In 1991, Mr. and Mrs. Rycenga established this scholarship fund to assist graduates of Grand Haven, Spring Lake, and Western Michigan Christian High Schools to continue their education.

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.

Three Sisters Nursing Scholarship

Marion Community Foundation has had a scholarship program for students of the Marion area since 2000. The Foundation provides approximately a quarter of a million dollars a year in scholarship awards to support the college aspirations of local scholars. Building on this long-standing scholarship effort, in 2016, a group of donors chose to anonymously support students from the Marion area who wish to pursue a career in nursing; thus, the Three Sisters Nursing Scholarship Fund was created. 

While wishing to remain anonymous, the donors of this scholarship expressed great respect for the medical profession and have had nurses, midwives, doctors, and other medical professionals among their family members for generations. This scholarship is their way to both give back for the blessings of their own careers and to provide a path for a future generation dedicated to helping others.

Recipients of this scholarship award may be high school seniors or graduates from any school in Marion County who have lived in the Marion area for two or more years and are pursuing, or intending to pursue, an education in the field of nursing that will result in an associate degree or above and qualify for a license as a Registered Nurse.

The Intervention Research to Improve Native American Health initiative aims to enhance health outcomes in Native American communities through innovative research. This program supports studies focused on health promotion, disease prevention, and culturally informed treatment strategies. Key deadlines for grant applications are October 21, 2025, and January 7, 2026. By addressing health disparities and leveraging community strengths, the initiative fosters sustainable interventions tailored to specific cultural contexts.

CRST Wicozani Wiwokiaye Oyate Scholarship for Nursing

To provide financial support to Native American students pursuing a registered nursing degree.

For a Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe (CRST) member aiming to earn a nursing degree, if there are no eligible CRST candidates, the scholarship will be accessible to another tribal member. Proof of tribal enrollment is required for both applicants. This scholarship is available to students in their second through fifth years who have sustained a GPA of 2.0 or above. When applying for this scholarship, articulate how your nursing education will contribute to enhancing the health outcomes of Native American communities.

(Pronunciation is: Wee-Cho-Zan-Ee, Wee-Woke-Ee-Eye-Aye, Oh-Yah-Tay. Which is Lakota for "Health Helpers Society")