Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Florida

Ron Brown Scholar Fund

The Ron Brown Scholar Fund is a public 501c3 charity and administers the Ron Brown Scholar Program (RBSP). Established in 1996 by Anthony M. Pilaro to honor the late Secretary of Commerce, RBSP is a college scholarship and leadership program for African American students. Our three initiatives support young people who share Ron Brown’s dedication to individual excellence, leadership, and public service

Ron Brown Signature Scholarship

The Ron Brown Scholarship honors the legacy of Ronald H. Brown through a selective scholarship program that advances higher education for community-minded and intellectually gifted African Americans.

RBSP competitively awards 20 four-year $40,000 scholarships ($10,000 each year) to the most talented and economically-challenged high school seniors who demonstrate a keen interest in public service, community engagement, business entrepreneurship and global citizenship – the four pillars of the late Ronald H. Brown’s mission to uplift people of all races, cultures and ethnicities – especially our disadvantaged youth.

Recipients may use the renewable scholarships to attend an accredited four-year college or university of their choice within the United States. Ron Brown scholarships are not limited to any specific field or career objective and may be used to pursue any academic discipline. Since the Program’s inception in 1996, 683 students have been designated as Ron Brown Scholars.

The AARP Community Challenge Grant supports innovative projects that enhance community livability for people aged 50 and older. Funded by the AARP Foundation, these demonstration grants range from $10,000 to $25,000 and aim to improve pedestrian safety, expand broadband access, and reconnect divided communities. Since 2017, AARP has awarded over $20 million in grants, fostering immediate improvements and long-term progress across the United States, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The AARP Community Challenge Grant: Capacity-Building Microgrant offers $2,500 to support projects that enhance community livability for residents aged 50 and older. Initiated in 2017, it has funded over 1,700 projects nationwide, focusing on immediate improvements and long-term progress. Eligible organizations include nonprofits and government entities, aiming to implement innovative programs in areas like disaster preparedness, walkability, and home modifications. This initiative fosters inclusive communities and empowers older adults.

The NCCIH Multi-Site Feasibility Clinical Trials of Mind and Body Interventions (R01) invites applications for clinical trials focusing on complementary and integrative health approaches. This funding opportunity emphasizes the importance of multisite feasibility trials to gather essential data for planning future efficacy studies. Deadlines for standard and AIDS-related applications range from February 2024 to November 2026, underscoring the urgency for innovative research in high-priority areas.

The Feasibility Clinical Trials of Mind and Body Interventions (R34) program seeks to support trials focused on complementary health approaches for conditions identified as high-priority by NCCIH. This funding opportunity aims to gather essential data necessary for planning future clinical efficacy studies. Applicants must demonstrate the feasibility of interventions and their potential impact on public health. Contacting NCCIH scientific contacts before submission is encouraged, and a Plan for Enhancing Diverse Perspectives is required.

The Senior Citizen Services Grants offer support to charitable organizations and government entities that enhance the quality of life for residents aged 55 and older in Pinellas County. Grants, ranging from $800 to $20,000, can be requested for various support services, including transportation, utilities assistance, and elder abuse prevention. Letters of Intent are accepted between November 1 and October 15, 2025, prioritizing nonprofit agencies that align with community needs and provide essential services.

Arizona Community Foundation

For more than four decades, the Arizona Community Foundation has worked in tandem with generous individuals, families, and organizations to address some of the biggest challenges facing our state.

Scholarships

In partnership with our generous donors, we award millions of dollars annually to help students achieve their educational goals. Through our online system, students complete one application and are matched with available scholarships, based on their eligibility requirements.

Desert Legacy Scholarship

This scholarship was created in order to help those who have encountered and overcome some sort of personal challenge or adversity.

This scholarship is renewable.

Arizona Community Foundation

For more than four decades, the Arizona Community Foundation has worked in tandem with generous individuals, families, and organizations to address some of the biggest challenges facing our state.

Scholarships

In partnership with our generous donors, we award millions of dollars annually to help students achieve their educational goals. Through our online system, students complete one application and are matched with available scholarships, based on their eligibility requirements.

Jane Starke Boyd and Alexander Boyd Charitable Foundation Scholarship

This scholarship is for students pursuing healthcare-related majors.

Nellie G. Allen Curiosity Shop Scholarship

Award:

• One-time award of $1,000.

The Drug Discovery Predoctoral Fellowship by the PhRMA Foundation supports PhD candidates engaged in thesis research in drug discovery. This fellowship offers $30,000 annually for 12 to 24 months, encouraging innovative research that integrates multiple scientific disciplines. Applicants must be full-time, in-residence students at accredited U.S. universities and have completed significant coursework. The funding is conditional upon continued enrollment and is intended for stipend support, with some funds allowable for research-related incidentals.

The Champion At Large Scholarship, offered by the Cherokee Nation Foundation, supports Cherokee Nation citizens who are full-time students or graduating high school seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0. This one-year scholarship is specifically for those residing outside the Cherokee Nation jurisdiction and accepted into a two-year or four-year higher education institution. It aims to alleviate student debt and enhance educational opportunities for Cherokee students.

The Drug Delivery Predoctoral Fellowship by the PhRMA Foundation supports promising PhD candidates in drug delivery research at accredited U.S. universities. It provides $30,000 per year for 12 to 24 months, aimed at enhancing the understanding of drug formulation and delivery technologies. The fellowship emphasizes innovative research that leads to improved patient outcomes and fosters collaboration among diverse research teams, ensuring that all individuals have access to groundbreaking medicines.

The PhRMA Foundation offers a Drug Delivery Postdoctoral Fellowship aimed at fostering biopharmaceutical innovation and enhancing research capabilities in drug delivery. This fellowship supports both U.S. and non-U.S. citizens who are involved in collaborative research training at accredited U.S. universities. Awardees receive a stipend of $60,000 per year for 12 to 24 months, with funding contingent on ongoing employment in the postdoctoral program. Ideal candidates are encouraged to expand their skills in new research environments.

Margaret A. Stafford Nursing Scholarship

Award:

• One time award of $2,000. 

The Drug Discovery Postdoctoral Fellowship by the PhRMA Foundation supports researchers in a multidisciplinary training program at accredited U.S. universities. Aimed at enhancing credentials in drug discovery, it funds innovative research with potential human applications. Proposals should focus on biological validation of drug targets across various scientific disciplines. The fellowship provides $60,000 in annual stipend support for up to 24 months, contingent on the awardee's continued employment at the university.

The Drug Discovery Faculty Starter Grant, offered by the PhRMA Foundation, supports early-career researchers in drug discovery at U.S. universities. With a funding amount of $100,000 for one year, this grant is targeted at faculty members within five years of their independent status. The program aims to foster innovative research that integrates various scientific disciplines, ultimately leading to novel treatments for patients. Eligibility extends to full-time faculty members eligible for promotion.

The Drug Delivery Faculty Starter Grant from the PhRMA Foundation supports early-career researchers in drug delivery, providing $100,000 for one year. Eligible applicants include full-time faculty at accredited U.S. universities within their first five years of independent status. The grant emphasizes innovative research that enhances drug transport and dosage forms. Recipients must notify the Foundation of any external funding exceeding $250,000. This initiative aims to foster scientific independence and collaboration in biopharmaceutical innovation.

The SUS Mid Career Award offers $40,000 for one year to SUS members in the US or Canada with prior research funding, supporting their ongoing work in surgical sciences. Eligible applicants must have experience as a principal investigator on independent or smaller grants, or hold a career development award. This award serves as bridge funding for those who have recently applied for independent grants but were not funded, fostering continued research and innovation.

Julie H. Shenk Memorial Scholarship

Award:

• One time award of $1,000.

Spinoso Masters Scholarship

Created through the generosity of John and Vivian Spinoso, this Pass Through Fund provides scholarship support for up to $10,000 to deserving students to cover tuition costs of post-undergraduate studies. Eligible applicants must have graduated from a DeKalb County high school but do not need to currently live in DeKalb County, IL.

Scholarship amounts vary depending on the scholarship applied for. Applicants are encouraged to apply for as many awards as they are eligible to increase the likelihood of receiving one or more awards.

Scholarships can be used for cost of attendance, direct education expenses, including tuition, books, and/or other school-related fees.

If you receive an award, be sure to complete your scholarship acceptance form (online portal). Scholarship awards are paid directly to the academic institution by the end of August.

Renaissance Education Scholarship Fund

This Fund was created in 2007 by retired Sycamore teacher Yvonne Johnson and provides scholarship support to an individual who has been in the work force and desires to return to the academic world in pursuit of a college degree. The award is renewable up to three consecutive years following the initial award and can be used for tuition at any accredited university or community college for expenses associated with undergraduate study. The recipient can seek a degree in any field of study, but must demonstrate evidence of interest in the chosen field. This scholarship is administered by the Community Foundation.

Excellence in Welding Awards

The Excellence in Welding Awards recognize outstanding individuals whose contributions have advanced the welding industry. Nominees are put forward by their peers, and winners are selected by the Excellence in Welding Committee based on their impact, leadership, and dedication to the profession.

Award recipients are celebrated during the Excellence in Welding Awards Ceremony at FABTECH, an event open to all FABTECH attendees.

The AWS Outstanding Achievement Awards honor exceptional contributions in welding, spanning historical structures, innovative fabrication, safety, and technical advancements across various categories.

Kenneth L. Brown Memorial Safety and Health Award

This award, sponsored by AWS and selected by the Safety and Health Committee, is presented annually to an individual who best encourages the advancement of welding safety and health through conducting research, education activities, development of safe practices, or the dissemination of knowledge through publications or other means; thereby, fostering public awareness, welfare and education.

The nominee is selected at least 10 months in advance of FABTECH.

The Center for Arab American Philanthropy (CAAP) Grant supports Arab American organizations in arts, culture, media, and human services. Grants of up to $10,000 are available to U.S.-based nonprofits that serve the Arab American community and hold valid 501(c)(3) status. CAAP aims to strengthen community organizations and foster philanthropy, ensuring impactful support for eligible groups dedicated to empowering the Arab American population across the nation.

The Archaeology of Portugal Fellowship, offered by the Archaeological Institute of America, supports research on the archaeology of Portugal, including its Autonomous Regions. It is open to Portuguese nationals for study in the US and encourages diverse archaeological inquiries. Applicants must provide evidence of citizenship, project plans, and transcripts as needed. The fellowship aligns with AIA's mission to promote archaeological understanding and preserve cultural heritage, fostering appreciation of diverse cultures.

The Charles Warren Center at Harvard University offers the Summer Travel Grant for Dissertation Research, aimed at supporting Ph.D. candidates in American history. Grants, which can reach up to $3,000, assist with necessary summer travel for dissertation work. Eligible applicants must have passed their general exams and require a letter of support from their dissertation adviser. This program emphasizes historical methodology and is competitive, with limited funding available.

The Harvard Charles Warren Center Term Time Research Grant supports Ph.D. candidates in American history, allowing them to conduct focused dissertation research without teaching duties for one semester. Eligible candidates must have passed their general examination, be enrolled as G-6 or below, and employ a historical methodology in their projects. Annually, 6-8 grants are awarded, offering a stipend to aid research efforts, though tuition may not be covered for all candidates.