Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Florida

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund for Historic Interiors, established by George P. Mitchell in 1997, supports the preservation of historic interiors through grants ranging from $2,500 to $15,000. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits, while individuals may apply if their project involves a National Historic Landmark. The competitive selection process typically concludes within three months, with grant recipients required to match funds dollar-for-dollar. This initiative promotes education and planning activities crucial for maintaining historic interior integrity.

The PEN/Robert J. Dau Short Story Prize for Emerging Writers, awarded by PEN America, recognizes twelve emerging writers annually for their debut short story published in a literary outlet. Each winner receives a $2,000 cash prize, and their stories are published in an anthology by Catapult. The prize aims to foster new voices in fiction, inspired by Robert J. Dau's legacy, highlighting the importance of literary excellence and encouraging the next generation of writers.

The PEN/Robert W. Bingham Prize for Debut Short Story Collection recognizes an outstanding debut collection of short stories by a talented fiction writer. Awarded by PEN America, this prize highlights the literary achievements of new voices in fiction and offers a $25,000 cash prize to support the winner's future work. Established in memory of Robert W. Bingham, it honors his commitment to nurturing young writers and their contributions to literature.

The Hart Family Fund for Small Towns offers grants between $2,500 and $15,000 to support preservation projects in towns with populations of 10,000 or less. These funds aim to encourage local preservation efforts, enhance public discussion, and build technical expertise among community groups. The application process is competitive, with a review period of approximately three months. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits, with a cash match required. Projects must start within six months of receiving funding.

The John A. Kilpatrick Memorial Scholarship, established in 2016 by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, supports qualified recipients pursuing post-secondary education. This scholarship is specifically for current or former members of the U.S. Marine Corps who have been stationed at Parris Island, SC, with a preference for applicants who have lived in New Jersey. The foundation has dedicated over $125 million to enhance the Lowcountry community since its inception.

AAYHF's Harvest Scholars Scholarship Program Fund

Attending four-year university or two-year college.

Amount

• (2) $1,500.00

The Jacobs Research Funds (JRF) provide grants for research on aboriginal peoples of the Americas, supporting projects that focus on endangered cultures and languages, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. Grants range from $3,000 to $9,000, and applicants must submit all required documents, including support letters, by February 15. JRF prioritizes new data collection and does not fund proprietary or non-aboriginal research. Eligible researchers must typically hold a Master's degree or have a designated Sponsor.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:

• Encouraging philanthropy
• Developing a perpetual, flexible endowment
• Assessing and responding to emerging and changing needs
• Serving as a resource, catalyst, and coordinator for charitable activities
• Promoting efficiency in the management of charitable funds

The Scholarship Program

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 may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. 
• Most scholarships are for students who live in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties. However, some are also available to students who live in Berkshire County and Hartford County in Connecticut.
• We offer scholarships to those who attend on either a full-time or part-time basis. 
• Any student who plans to enroll for the upcoming fall semester, in any year of college as an undergraduate or graduate student and who will attend an accredited post-secondary school in the United States may apply.
• 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.

Roland C. Packard Memorial Scholarship Fund

To support students who will attend community college and are the first generation to attend college, as defined by the Foundation.

The Limited Competition grant supports High Impact Specialized Innovation Programs to enhance clinical and translational science capabilities at UM1 CTSA Program Hubs. Eligible applicants include primary UM1 CTSA hub organizations, aiming to address significant gaps in research and development. Successful proposals will foster foundational innovations for broader dissemination among CTSA hubs, paving the way for future advancements in clinical practices and research methodologies.

Aimee Melissa Davis Memorial Scholarship Fund

Graduating senior from a high school within Travis, Williamson or Hays counties.

Awards

• (1) $5,000.0

The Sarah Scaife Foundation Grant supports public policy initiatives that tackle significant domestic and international challenges. This grant is intended for publicly-supported non-profit organizations and does not extend to individuals or national fundraising groups. Proposals related to event sponsorships, capital campaigns, or organizations reliant on government funding are typically declined. The focus remains on impactful projects that align with the Foundation's mission.

Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship

The Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship is one of many funding opportunities available to students through NAACP's Inspire Initiatives. We offer scholarships to outstanding and qualified students pursuing undergraduate degrees. Through the generosity of our donors, we advance efforts to ensure equity in educational opportunity that prepares students for success in school, work, and life.

The Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship honors the late Agnes Jones Jackson who was a long-time NAACP member from the San Francisco branch.

Scholarship amount:

• $2,000

This is a non-renewable scholarship opportunity.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. Scholarship award amounts range from $1,000 - $5,000 for a single year.

GIAR Grandmother’s First-Generation Scholarship

This scholarship is established in the memory and honor of Gramie Georgina, Grandma Isabella, Grandmother Ann, and Grannie Ruth, all first-generation women who were never able to attend college. This scholarship is only accepting renewal applications for 2026.

Helps First-Generation Young Women living in Nevada or Hawaii.

The scholarship funds the undergraduate or graduate college education of first-generation young women of Portuguese, Mexican, Central American or South American ancestry, under the age of 25. The term first-generation is defined here as a young woman who has immigrated to the United States of America and become a naturalized citizen or the daughter of an immigrant of Portuguese, Mexican, Central American and South American Ancestry. The student must be a resident of Nevada or Hawaii.

This scholarship is a one-time award of up to $5,000 based on need (which will be verified through your attached FAFSA and Financial Aid documents). One scholarship may be awarded to cover the full cost of attendance at UNR (up to $25,000), also based on need. All awards have the potential to be renewed with reapplication.

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

Reverend Moses J. Jones Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Reverend Moses J. Jones, who established the Reverend Moses J. Jones Endowment Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Born in 1898, Reverend Moses J. Jones was one of Muskegon's most beloved ministers. The Pastor of John Wesley A.M.E. Zion Church of Muskegon for 36 years, he founded the Urban League of Muskegon and received numerous honors including the Ambassador of Goodwill Award. Reverend Jones committed his life to building racial harmony in Muskegon. He helped establish this Scholarship in 1982 to make awards to deserving youths based on their contributions to their community, school, and church. Through this, Reverend Moses J. Jones continues to support the values of community awareness and harmony by granting the lasting gift of education to Muskegon-area youth. Reverend Jones died in 1989. His legacy lives on through this fund.

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

Ravenna Community Educational Foundation Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of many people in the Ravenna Community, who established the Ravenna Community Educational Foundation Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Dolores E. (Dee) Swanson gave the initial gift to start this back in December 2006. At that time it was a Build A Fund, but a gift from Rudolph and Ruth Lonnee put it over the top late in 2007. The Ravenna Community Educational Foundation intends to use it to enhance the quality of education through educational opportunities by generating and distributing financial and other resources for the benefit of the students and staff of the Ravenna Community Schools.

The Aging Research Dissertation Awards aim to enhance diversity in the scientific workforce by funding research on aging and related health conditions. The program encourages applicants from underrepresented backgrounds to apply for dissertation awards that align with the National Institutes of Health's strategic priorities. Key deadlines for applications include February 16, June 16, and October 16 for the years 2024 through 2026.

The Trade Show Participation Grant (ND) supports North Dakota agriculture companies in entering domestic wholesale markets by facilitating participation in trade shows outside the state. This grant is beneficial for both new and experienced exhibitors, aiding in sales growth, networking, and market diversification. Eligible expenses include booth rentals, promotional materials, and travel costs, making it a valuable resource for companies seeking to expand their reach.

James Weldon Johnson Scholarship

The James Weldon Johnson Scholarship, powered by Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., is one of many funding opportunities available to students through the NAACP's Inspire Initiatives. We offer scholarships to outstanding and qualified students pursuing undergraduate degrees. Through the generosity of our donors, we advance efforts to ensure equity in educational opportunity that prepares students for success in school, work, and life.

The James Weldon Johnson Scholarship is open to first- or second-year male students who will matriculate to full-time enrollment at an accredited academic institution in Fall 2025.

Scholarship amount:

• $1,500

Amount of Scholarships:

• 15

This is a non-renewable scholarship opportunity.

The Society of Family Planning aims to document the efficacy, safety, and acceptability of medication abortion up to 97 days, addressing a critical gap in abortion care. With medication abortion comprising 63% of all abortions in the U.S. in 2023, this funding opportunity seeks to generate vital data beyond the FDA's 70-day approval, promoting evidence-informed and person-centered clinical practices for those needing abortion care later in pregnancy.

The Bob Woodruff Foundation Grants aim to support veterans and their families facing challenges after military service. By raising awareness and providing funding, the foundation focuses on improving health and well-being through direct service programs. Key criteria include enhancing access to healthcare, promoting healthy lifestyles, and fostering sustainability in organizations serving this community. This initiative plays a crucial role in helping veterans thrive post-service.

The Limited Competition Small Grant Program supports NCATS CTSA Program KL2 scholars, enhancing their transition to independent academic translational scientists. This R03 funding facilitates various research projects, including pilot studies and methodology development, aimed at generating preliminary data for future R01 applications. The program is designed for short-term projects utilizing limited resources, promoting innovative research in clinical and translational science.

The Sustainable Disaster-Relief Fund, established by Vanguard Charitable in 2006, aims to support communities affected by natural disasters. By providing funding for rebuilding efforts and necessary infrastructure, this initiative helps ensure that affected areas are better prepared for future disasters. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations in good standing, focusing on charitable purposes like operating expenses and specific projects. The fund plays a critical role in enhancing community resilience and promoting effective disaster recovery.

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

Nan Riekse Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Nan Riekse, who established the Nan Riekse Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Nan Riekse has a lofty dream; it is her desire to inspire. By establishing the Nan Riekse Scholarship and the Nan Riekse Donor Advised Funds, she has taken an important step toward realizing her dream. Her Scholarship will support non-traditional students attending Muskegon Community College who have financial need. Her scholarships will target adult women who may be attending school after raising their children or perhaps rebuilding their lives following a divorce. The Donor Advised Fund will be used to benefit local churches and a senior care center. Nan is an outstanding example of the "Power of One".

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. Scholarship award amounts range from $1,000 - $5,000 for a single year.

Caesars Nevada Team Member Scholarship

This year, Caesars Entertainment is partnering with Phil and Jennifer Satre to match the scholarship funding.

Paid work, internships, and volunteerism will be a weighted selection tool used by the committee. This is a one-time award; awards may be single- or multi-year.

The Simons Postdoctoral Fellowships in Plant Biology, offered by the Simons Foundation, aim to support early-career researchers pursuing fundamental studies in plant biology. Candidates with diverse backgrounds, including engineering and computational modeling, are encouraged to apply. This flexible program enables collaborations between disciplines, fostering innovative approaches to plant science. Eligible applicants should have obtained their Ph.D. within the last three years and may include both U.S. citizens and foreign researchers. Awards will be granted to nonprofit research institutions.

The Golden Trowel Award, presented by the Archaeological Institute of America, recognizes the local society with the highest proportional membership increase over the past year. This prestigious award highlights the vital role that local societies play in promoting archaeology and supporting the AIA's mission. By fostering community engagement and growth, the award encourages societies to enhance their programs and initiatives, ultimately enriching the field of archaeology.

The Craft Research Fund Exhibition Grant provides up to $15,000 to support innovative exhibition research in craft scholarship across the United States. It aims to encourage critical explorations of craft theory, history, and practice, promoting new insights into American craft artists and their work. Eligible applicants include museum and gallery curators, as well as independent researchers. The program emphasizes cross-disciplinary approaches and requires financial remuneration for artists involved in funded projects.