Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Florida

Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge

The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge is a charitable organization that has served the independent cities of Staunton and Waynesboro, and the counties of Augusta, Highland and Nelson since 1992. 

Martin Lightsey Scholarship for Technical Education

The Martin Lightsey Scholarship for Technical Education was established to honor Martin Lightsey and all he achieved in the creation and subsequent success of Specialty Blades, Inc. (Cadence, Inc.), upon his stepping down as CEO of the company in 2002.

Description

The Martin Lightsey Scholarship for Technical Education was established in 2002 to provide funds for college scholarships to seniors residing in Staunton, Waynesboro and Augusta County, who intend to pursue or are currently pursuing technical education at a two-year or four-year college. Examples of technical education include but are not limited to degrees in engineering, math, chemistry, physics, computer sciences, statistics, and architecture and associate studies in areas such as quality control, process technology, manufacturing technology, machining, electrical and mechanical operations, and information technology.

Cadence, Inc. and the honoree of this scholarship, Martin Lightsey, value the many possible choices in the pursuit of technical education and careers. Many professional roles in the manufacturing sector require highly-specialized training, much of which can be obtained through community colleges. As such, Cadence Inc. and Mr. Lightsey welcome scholarship applications from students pursuing specific industry credentials, associate degrees, and bachelor degrees.

Selection Criteria Used by the Selection Committee

• Academic Merit
• Financial need
• Community service activities
• Leadership ability

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Helen Montgomery Musician Fund

The purpose of this fund is to support local minority artists that need assistance in order to pursue musical endeavors/expand their talent through programs associated with schools, church and nonprofit entities with a focus on music.

The Radiation Oncology-Biology Integration Network (ROBIN) Centers, funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), aims to enhance national radiation oncology infrastructure through collaborative research. This initiative supports studies on biological responses to radiation treatment in cancer patients, focusing on understanding tumor and tissue changes. By integrating various scientific disciplines and collecting comprehensive data, ROBIN intends to improve cancer care, optimize treatment strategies, and accelerate translational discoveries to enhance patient outcomes.

The NHGRI's Analysis, Visualization, and Informatics Lab-space (AnVIL) program is set for a limited competition renewal to enhance a cloud-based platform that supports genomic research. With over 5 petabytes of data accessible to researchers, AnVIL fosters collaboration and innovation while adhering to FAIR principles. The renewed focus will include improved scalability, interoperability, and robust security measures. Additionally, training initiatives will ensure researchers maximize the potential of AnVIL's multimodal datasets. The funding opportunity is expected in 2027.

The ACS Professor Award, presented by the American Cancer Society, recognizes full professors who have significantly advanced cancer research. This honorific award aims to support innovative pursuits in cancer research with a budget of up to $80,000 per year for five years. Applicants are expected to demonstrate impactful contributions and leadership in the field, along with a commitment to mentorship and community engagement. The award highlights the importance of ongoing advocacy and research in improving cancer treatment and prevention.

Bold Foundation

Our Mission: Fighting Student Debt

The average student today will graduate more than $30,000 in debt and is far less likely to start small businesses, seek the highest impact careers, buy homes, or start families. At Bold.org®, we believe that’s a problem worth solving.

New Beginnings Immigrant Scholarship

Immigrating to a new home takes resilience, determination, and a strong commitment to achieving one’s aspirations.

Many immigrants have overcome extraordinary challenges and obstacles to continue their academic journeys and pursue their dreams. As a result of these hurdles, many students from immigrant backgrounds have limited financial resources which can make higher education inaccessible.

This scholarship seeks to support immigrant students so they can continue working toward their educational goals.

To apply, tell us about your experience as an immigrant and your career aspirations.

Florida Kiwanis Foundation

The Florida Kiwanis Foundation was created in 1971 by Former Kiwanis Governor Robert Thal. Since 1971, Florida Kiwanis Foundation has been supporting Kiwanis Clubs, Divisions, and students make a real impact in the state of Florida.

Our Purpose: To leave a legacy for the children. We are dedicated to supporting Florida Youth to ensure a brighter future and leave a legacy for the children.

Mission: Help children in need. To enable caring individuals, clubs, and divisions to combine their resources of time, talent, and funds to create a greater impact on the needs of children and families in Florida.

Maria Mychaniuk Kiwanis Scholarship

The Maria Mychaniuk Scholarship is dedicated in memory of a quiet, dignified member of the Flagler County community. Ms Mychaniuk believed that students who have a sincere desire to succeed by furthering their education needed to be assisted in doing so and requested that the focus of this scholarship would be to provide an opportunity to those students that may have difficulty qualifying for other awards.

She was a firm believer in community service and in such, asked the Kiwanis Club of Flagler County, through the Florida Kiwanis Foundation, to select a worthy student whose principles of community awareness, service, and commitment to making the area a better place to live would benefit by her generosity. On behalf of Maria Mychaniuk, the Kiwanis Club of Flagler County and The Florida Kiwanis Foundation are pleased to offer this scholarship.

Florida Kiwanis Foundation

The Florida Kiwanis Foundation was created in 1971 by Former Kiwanis Governor Robert Thal. Since 1971, Florida Kiwanis Foundation has been supporting Kiwanis Clubs, Divisions, and students make a real impact in the state of Florida.

Our Purpose: To leave a legacy for the children. We are dedicated to supporting Florida Youth to ensure a brighter future and leave a legacy for the children.

Mission: Help children in need. To enable caring individuals, clubs, and divisions to combine their resources of time, talent, and funds to create a greater impact on the needs of children and families in Florida.

George & Ann Langguth Scholarship

George Langguth joined Kiwanis in 1967. He served as a Distinguished President in 3 clubs and as a Distinguished Lieutenant Governor in 1973-74. He served as Key Club District Administrator of the Wisconsin-Upper Michigan District from 1974-1981. He was a member of Kiwanis International’s professional staff, serving as Director of Key Club International programs from 1981-1988 in Chicago, Illinois and Indianapolis, Indiana. He has received the highest honor Key Club can bestow on an individual in 8 Districts in North America.

On February 1, 1988, he became Florida District Secretary and held the position of District Secretary and Executive Director for 24 years, longer than anyone in Florida District history. During his tenure, George coordinated all Florida District Conferences and Conventions and provided guidance and support to the District’s 300+ clubs. He is widely recognized as one of the most knowledgeable authorities on Kiwanis history and administration.

Langguth has been Distinguished District Secretary numerous times. He holds life membership in Kiwanis International and the Florida District of Kiwanis. He is a Ralph Davis Fellow of the Florida Kiwanis Foundation. He holds a Tablet of Honor, a Diamond Level 15 George F. Hixson medal, and he is also a member of the Kiwanis International Legacy Society. In his 46 years of Kiwanis membership, he has personally sponsored over 300 men and women into Kiwanis clubs to which he has belonged.

He married his wife, Ann, in 1971. He and Ann have a son, Michael, and a daughter, Kathryn. Ann served as the Florida Kiwanis Administrative Secretary alongside George for 20 years. She holds numerous Kiwanis and Kiwanis Foundation honors.

Florida Kiwanis Foundation

The Florida Kiwanis Foundation was created in 1971 by Former Kiwanis Governor Robert Thal. Since 1971, Florida Kiwanis Foundation has been supporting Kiwanis Clubs, Divisions, and students make a real impact in the state of Florida.

Our Purpose: To leave a legacy for the children. We are dedicated to supporting Florida Youth to ensure a brighter future and leave a legacy for the children.

Mission: Help children in need. To enable caring individuals, clubs, and divisions to combine their resources of time, talent, and funds to create a greater impact on the needs of children and families in Florida.

Broster Joe & Jan Schroeder Kiwanis Scholarship

Your Florida Kiwanis Foundation is honored to recognize the establishment of the Broster Joe & Jan Schroeder Kiwanis Scholarship. Created in memory of Lt. Col. Joe Schroeder’s distinguished military service, including 122 combat missions in Vietnam, five Air Medals, and the Distinguished Service Cross, and his and Jan’s lifelong commitment to community and Kiwanis, this scholarship carries forward their legacy of service. Beginning in 2026, the scholarship awards $1,600 annually for up to four consecutive years to a deserving graduating high school senior from Florida.

Alger Regional Community FoundationThe Alger Regional Community Foundation (ARCF) is a locally based 501(C)(3) nonprofit corporation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Alger County through grants and scholarships.ARCF is a unique institution. It is a permanent, yet flexible, collection of endowment funds contributed by people from all walks of life who want to make a difference in our community.Clarence A. Thunander Endowment Scholarship FundGiven to an Alger County graduate who is continuing his/her education at an institution of higher learning in the medical-related field. The student receiving this award will be required to have completed 50 hours of satisfactory college credit with 10 hours in a medical-related field and provide college transcripts. They must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale. They must be attending an accredited college and pursuing a minimum of a 4-year degree in a medical-related field.

About The Community Foundation of Hancock County

We are a nonprofit, public charity that encourages philanthropy, convenes and leads community initiatives, provides educational support, and supports nonprofit organizations. 

Scholarships for Adults & Non-Traditional Students

The Community Foundation of Hancock County offers educational support for Hancock County, Indiana adults who are seeking post-secondary training or schooling to improve their career prospects. There are also some opportunities provided by specific businesses in the area. 

William W. Weil Good Citizen Scholarship

William W. Weil was born and raised in Greenfield, Indiana. After serving in the Korean War as an Aviation Engineer, he returned to Greenfield and became a respected local businessman as manager of the Broadway Lumber Company and the Weil Theatre. Bill was best known as a member of the Greenfield Banking Company Board of Directors for over 53 years. This scholarship was established to reward good citizenship.

About The Community Foundation of Hancock County

We are a nonprofit, public charity that encourages philanthropy, convenes and leads community initiatives, provides educational support, and supports nonprofit organizations. 

Scholarships for Adults & Non-Traditional Students

The Community Foundation of Hancock County offers educational support for Hancock County, Indiana adults who are seeking post-secondary training or schooling to improve their career prospects. There are also some opportunities provided by specific businesses in the area. 

Cargold Scholarship

This scholarship was established by Dennis and Evelyn Chapman to honor Dennis’ parents and their belief in higher education.

Witness To Win Inc

Witness to Win, Inc. is a product of the Mathena family’s deep commitment to honoring God and God’s mission as stated in Matthew 28:19-20. These legacy values of giving and sharing were not only taught but were caught by the Mathena children. Many times, foundations are created to honor people and their legacy; however, Gary, Teresa, David, Melissa and John’s desire is to glorify the person of Jesus Christ and make Him known to all peoples. Therefore, the Mathena children unanimously decided to create the Witness to Win Foundation in 2017.

Over the past 10 years, the Mathena Family has given over $80M through their tithes and offerings to their local churches and to charitable organizations whose sole purpose is to share the love and message of Jesus Christ. 

Witness to Win Grant Program

To encourage and support charitable 501(c)(3) organizations who have as among their primary purpose to share and spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to the nations. These organizations will directly fulfill this purpose through Christian religious education and qualified Christian ministries. These charitable organizations must all be headquartered in the United States and must adhere to Christian, moral, and conservative standards of belief and conduct as specified in our Statements of Belief.

Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation

The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation began in 1992 when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our region then, now, and forever.

This vision lives on within our organization today as we support the people and places of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians.

Together with our partners, we spark positive change for a variety of local causes, including youth, arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services, across our region.

Regional Scholarships

We believe that post-secondary education is key to healthy, resilient, and thriving communities and are pleased to partner with generous community donors to create and offer a variety of scholarship opportunities for local students across the region.

Ragland Bloem Scholarship Fund (Antrim and Kalkaska Counties)

Available to graduating seniors from Antrim or Kalkaska Counties who are planning to pursue education in environmental or related studies.

The ACS - Fanconi Cancer Foundation Discovery Boost Grant invites innovative proposals for translational cancer research addressing the challenges faced by individuals with Fanconi anemia (FA). This grant supports high-risk, high-reward projects aimed at improving detection, prevention, or treatment of FA-related cancers. With funding of up to $135,000 per year for two years, it encourages research in early detection technologies, prevention mechanisms, and therapeutic strategies tailored to the unique sensitivities of the FA population.

The Angela and Reginald Goins Endowed Scholarship, offered by the United Negro College Fund, provides vital financial support to full-time undergraduate students attending four-year historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). This need-based scholarship aims to assist students who possess a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate unmet financial need, fostering academic success and leadership among minority students in major urban areas like New York City, Chicago, and Detroit.

The Harry C. Moore Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Four County Community Foundation, supports high school seniors who have earned a varsity letter in any sport, including Quiz Bowl, and maintain a GPA of 3.00 or higher. Awardees will be honored at the Foundation Scholarship Celebration in May and recognized at their respective high school awards events. This scholarship exemplifies the Foundation's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for local students.

The James J. and Margaret M. Kerrigan Endowed Scholarship, funded by the United Negro College Fund, provides essential financial support for juniors and seniors pursuing degrees in art and education at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. This scholarship aims to empower students with a minimum GPA of 2.5 who demonstrate unmet financial needs, contributing to a more equitable education landscape and fostering future leaders in these vital fields.

The International Association of Minister's Wives & Widows Scholarship Program, supported by the United Negro College Fund, provides need-based scholarships to eligible students attending accredited four-year Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This initiative aims to empower deserving students, ensuring they have the financial support necessary to pursue their education and achieve their academic goals. By fostering educational opportunities, the program continues the legacy of advocating for minority education and community engagement.

The Billye Suber Aaron Legacy Scholarship, supported by the United Negro College Fund, provides renewable, need-based scholarships for full-time undergraduate students at select HBCUs. Eligible students must have a minimum GPA of 2.5, be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and demonstrate financial need. This initiative aims to empower minority students and promote educational attainment, reflecting UNCF's commitment to supporting academic excellence and leadership within the community.

The Niagara Cares SkillPointe Scholarship offers $1,000 to $3,000 for individuals pursuing high-demand careers in manufacturing. Administered by the SkillPointe Foundation, this initiative addresses the skills gap by funding vocational training for candidates enrolled in post-secondary institutions. With over 1,000 scholarships awarded and a 97% employment rate among recipients, this program empowers workers and strengthens the economy by promoting essential skills without requiring a four-year degree.

The Reeves Foundation supports research aimed at understanding and treating macular degeneration, a condition that has personally affected the founder's family. Established in 1997, the foundation allocates 50% of its grants to research and the other half to local charities in Columbus, Indiana. Nonprofit organizations exempt under IRS code 501(c)(3) are eligible to apply, but funds cannot be used for administrative costs. The foundation prioritizes equipment purchases and partnerships with other funding sources.

The nccPA Health Foundation offers the Oral Health - Research Integration Grant to support PAs in integrating oral health into their curriculum or clinical practice. With grants of up to $3,000 available, this initiative aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of PAs, ensuring that oral health is recognized as a critical component of overall health care. Applications are accepted year-round, encouraging innovative strategies to improve access and reduce disparities in oral health.

The nccPA Health Foundation's Oral Health - Community Outreach Grant offers up to $2,500 for PA-led initiatives that enhance oral health awareness and treatment. Open to certified PAs, PA students, and organizations, this grant aims to empower applicants to bridge healthcare gaps in oral health. Applications are accepted year-round, promoting continuous engagement in advancing community health. This initiative highlights the vital role of PAs in enhancing access to oral healthcare services.

The nccPA Health Foundation's Mental Health - Community Outreach Grant supports innovative PA-led projects aimed at improving mental health awareness and reducing stigma in communities. With funding up to $2,500, this grant encourages collaboration among PAs, PA students, and organizations to address the mental health needs of vulnerable populations. Applications are accepted year-round, promoting ongoing community engagement and systemic change through education, prevention, and treatment initiatives.

The AFM Local 802 Musicians’ Emergency Relief Fund provides emergency financial assistance to eligible performing arts and entertainment professionals facing unexpected critical needs. This fund supports basic living expenses, including healthcare, housing, and utilities, to help prevent eviction or shut-offs. To qualify, applicants must be current members in good standing and demonstrate financial need. However, the fund does not cover expenses such as credit cards, personal loans, and tuition.

The American Guild of Musical Artists Relief Fund provides emergency financial assistance to eligible performing arts professionals facing unexpected critical needs. This support aids in covering essential living expenses, including housing, healthcare, and utilities, to help prevent eviction or utility shut-offs. Applicants must be current members in good standing and provide necessary documentation to confirm their eligibility. This fund aims to ensure the well-being of artists during challenging times.