Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Florida

The Cushing Scholarship was created in 2014. According to Marsha, “We are not as interested in a student’s financial status as we are on how they look at life.”

Mission: To continually improve the Marion Area community through philanthropy, leadership and civic engagement. Rocco Nicolosi Memorial ScholarshipIndividuals selected for the Nicolosi Scholarship must have attended a high school located in Marion County throughout his or her entire high school experience and have ranked in the upper 25th percentile of his or her high school senior class.To preserve Rocco’s memory and discourage future tragedies, applicants must write an essay on the topic of “Why Young People in Marion Need to be Drug, Alcohol, and Substance Free.”

The SOT Science Policy Leadership Award honors elected officials who advocate for scientific research that protects health and the environment. By recognizing individuals who support public policy that advances safety for people and animals, this award promotes the importance of science in decision-making processes. The Society of Toxicology aims to highlight the contributions of leaders in science policy, encouraging further advancements in health and safety research while fostering a collaborative relationship between science and government.

The NARMS Cooperative Agreement Program aims to enhance antibiotic resistance surveillance in retail food specimens. Funded by the FDA, this initiative strengthens the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System established in 1996. By improving detection methods and expanding sampling sites, the program seeks to protect public health and align with NARMS objectives, ultimately combating the growing threat of antibiotic resistance in food commodities.

About Decatur County Community Foundation

Decatur County Community Foundation connects people who care with causes that matter. 

Our Mission

To inspire the generosity of our community to create a lasting impact.

​We help visionary donors practice highly effective charitable giving; award grants to not-for-profits doing good in the community; award scholarships to ease the financial burden of education for students; provide leadership to make Decatur County a better community.

Online Scholarships

The following scholarships are managed by the Decatur County Community Foundation. Complete details for each scholarship are available on the individual online scholarship application.

Colleen Bray Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is for students seeking certification in dog grooming, vet tech, or any secondary education in animal sciences. 

The Diane Ober and Kevin Hubbard Memorial Blue Sky Fund, established by the Maine Community Foundation, supports residents of Islesboro and graduates of Islesboro Central School who are 23 or older. It encourages projects and studies that nurture individual passions, honoring the adventurous spirits of Diane Ober and Kevin Hubbard. Preference is given to applicants who have shown resilience, kindness, and a desire to learn. This fund aims to foster personal growth and community development.

The Denmark Lions Scholarship Fund, established by the Maine Community Foundation, offers financial assistance to deserving high school graduates from Denmark. This initiative supports local students pursuing post-secondary education and those with a history of community service. Since its inception 30 years ago, the fund has aimed to empower individuals and strengthen the community through education, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder academic aspirations.

The LaRue Ottaway Scholarship, offered by the Union City Community Foundation, provides financial support to 15-20 graduating seniors each year pursuing degrees in the medical field. With an average funding of $20,000 annually, this scholarship emphasizes academic excellence, requiring a minimum GPA of 3.0. Recipients are chosen based on criteria set by the donor, ensuring a fair selection process that highlights deserving candidates from the Union City Area.

The NCI Worta McCaskill-Stevens Career Development Award supports new clinicians committed to research in community oncology and cancer prevention. This funding aims to facilitate their transition to independent research careers and advanced funding mechanisms. Scholars can lead independent community-based clinical trials, conduct ancillary studies, or gain valuable research experience, specifically targeting underserved communities. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant's organization.

The FPR Financial Assistance for Events grant, provided by the City of Orlando's Office of Community Affairs, offers up to $1,800 to local nonprofit organizations. This funding is aimed at supporting events that are of public interest and promote community building, diverse cultures, and social awareness within the city limits. Eligible events must be free, non-partisan, and accessible to all residents of Central Florida, fostering good health and social engagement.

This grant opportunity aims to reduce sleep health disparities through non-pharmacological interventions. It supports research that examines sleep as a modifiable factor influencing health outcomes among populations facing health disparities. The initiative highlights the importance of promoting sleep health in various communities, ensuring equitable access to resources and interventions. Deadlines for applications span from October 2024 to June 2027, allowing multiple opportunities for researchers to apply and contribute to this vital area of health research.

The Gerald & Sybil Cohen Family Foundation Scholarship aims to ease the financial burden of college costs for students pursuing education in STEM fields. Open to U.S. citizens aged 18 and older with a minimum GPA of 3.5, the scholarship is available for public colleges and universities. Preference is given to dependents of former employees of Information Builders, Inc. Awards are not guaranteed and may vary in amount.

The Carolyn Lewis Scholarship Fund, established by Barrett Lewis's estate, supports residents of Lubec in pursuing post-secondary education. Managed by the Maine Community Foundation, which has been serving Maine since 1983, this fund aims to empower local students through financial assistance for college or community college. With a focus on strategic giving and community leadership, the foundation ensures that resources are effectively utilized to foster educational opportunities in the region.

The Cad and Dorothy Kelley Scholarship Fund, established by the Maine Community Foundation in 1983, supports two graduating seniors residing in Lubec to pursue post-secondary education. This initiative reflects the foundation's commitment to strategic giving and community leadership, offering personalized service and deep local expertise. By facilitating educational opportunities, the fund aims to empower young individuals and contribute to the development of their community in Maine.

Mission: To continually improve the Marion Area community through philanthropy, leadership and civic engagement. Marion Elks Lodge No. 32 ScholarshipThe Benevolent & Protective Order of the Elks is a fraternal service organization with more than 600 members in Marion. The Marion Lodge, the second in Ohio, was instituted in 1885 and recognizes former U.S. President Warren G. Harding as a member.

The Elks Scholarship at Marion Community Foundation was established in 2004 and grows annually with regular contributions from Lodge members. It makes awards to students from Marion and contiguous counties who are in the upper 40th percentile of their graduating class and maintain a GPA of 2.5 or better. Recipients are determined based on an essay which demonstrates their understanding of the ideals and mission of the Benevolent & Protective Order of the Elks and a commitment to the social values embodied by members of the Elks.

The Four Directions Scholarship Fund for Native Students, created by Penny Gill, aims to support Ojibwe students through higher education. With a total award of $10,000 distributed over four years, the scholarship is available to enrolled members of specific Chippewa tribes who demonstrate financial need. It reflects Gill's commitment to sharing educational opportunities with her community on Madeline Island, honoring the original caretakers of the land.

The James F. Densler Award, presented by the American Pediatric Surgical Association, recognizes individuals who promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in pediatric surgery. This prestigious award celebrates those who have made significant contributions to diverse care delivery and team dynamics, fostering an inclusive environment within the surgical community. Nominees should exemplify dedication to enhancing the lives of underserved populations through their work in pediatric surgery.

The Allen C. & Leurene F. Hodgkins Scholarship Fund, established by the Maine Community Foundation, offers renewable scholarships for high school seniors or recent graduates from Lamoine, Maine. This fund supports those pursuing post-secondary education, prioritizing academic achievement and financial need. Founded in 1983, the Maine Community Foundation connects resources to enhance community well-being, ensuring that students from Lamoine can access the education they need to succeed.

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.

Mission: To continually improve the Marion Area community through philanthropy, leadership and civic engagement. Kaufman Family Memorial ScholarshipThe Kaufman Family Memorial Scholarship Fund was created in 2019 to honor the adventurous spirit of Martin T. Kaufman II. 

Mission: To continually improve the Marion Area community through philanthropy, leadership and civic engagement. Harris ScholarshipThe Harris Scholarship Fund was created in 2017 by the LaRue United Methodist Church to honor the generosity of the late Everett and Elvida Harris and to support students active with the church.In addition to being a current and active member of the LaRue Methodist Church, recipients of the Harris Scholarship will be a high school senior, graduate, or candidate for graduation from any high school in Marion County with a GPA of 2.0 or greater.

The Mary Katherine "Katy" Williamson Scholarship Fund honors the memory of Katy Williamson, established by her family after her passing in 2005. This scholarship supports students pursuing degrees in healthcare, both human and animal, at accredited institutions in the U.S. Recipients may renew the award annually for up to four years, contingent on maintaining eligibility. The fund reflects Katy's love for animals and nature, aiming to empower future generations to contribute positively to society.

The Meritorious Award, presented by the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association, honors firefighters or fire departments that exceed normal duties to save lives. Nominations must come from Association members, approved by a fire chief or designee. Candidates are recognized for their vigilance and professionalism, while any safety standards violations disqualify nominations. This award reflects our commitment to recognizing extraordinary bravery within the fire service community.

The Maude MacKenzie Scholarship, offered by the General Federation of Women’s Clubs in Maine, provides $1,000 annually to a deserving student who has graduated from an accredited high school in Maine, demonstrating academic achievement, leadership, and community service. Applicants must be residents of Maine and accepted into a college or university. This scholarship aims to support students in their pursuit of higher education while promoting the values of commitment and service within the community.

The Outdoor Fund - Local Impact Grant supports local organizations and projects that enhance community engagement and align with conservation goals. With grants up to $5,000, eligible projects include youth fishing clinics and trail maintenance. Funded by Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s, this initiative exemplifies their commitment to wildlife conservation and connecting communities to the outdoors. Eligible applicants include municipalities and registered nonprofits in the U.S. and Canada, focusing on specific conservation efforts.