Best Grants for 501(c)(3)

The Kaufman Foundation's New Initiative Research Grants aim to foster interdisciplinary collaborations among experienced researchers in Pennsylvania. By encouraging partnerships that blend expertise across biology, physics, and chemistry, this program seeks innovative approaches to fundamental research questions. Up to four grants of $300,000 over two years will be awarded to proposals that showcase transformative intellectual advancements. Investigators must be affiliated with Pennsylvania institutions and reflect diverse scientific backgrounds to effectively address pressing research initiatives.

Creative Innovation and Impact Grant Program

About the Creative Innovation & Impact Grant

The Creative Innovation and Impact Grant program supports new, multi-year strategies that empower, connect, and amplify creatives and creative industries and their contributions to Pennsylvania’s communities, economy, and workforce.

The Creative Innovation & Impact Grant program is designed to support initiatives that drive innovation and sector visibility. Applications to this program should feature creative sector projects that address either visibility, innovation, or both.

• Visibility – Enhance public awareness of creatives and creative industries through marketing, branding, and outreach efforts.
• Innovation – Support new ideas, models, and partnerships that expand the role of creativity in Pennsylvania’s communities, economy, and workforce.

Applications must describe projects that clearly extend beyond the applicant’s regular programming or services. 

The DSF Charitable Foundation offers health grants to support projects in southwestern Pennsylvania. Grant requests are reviewed three times a year, with initial inquiries recommended to be sent via email by the organization's executive director. The Foundation does not fund individuals or endowments and requires proof of tax-exempt status. Organizations must provide detailed project descriptions along with financial information for consideration, ensuring clarity on the funding purpose.

The ArtsActivate Program, initiated by the City of Dallas, aims to bridge cultural gaps and enhance community engagement through artistic projects. By supporting local artists, non-profits, and collectives, this initiative fosters a diverse and equitable arts ecosystem. It encourages creative collaborations that resonate with Dallas residents, promoting cultural access and enriching the community's artistic landscape. This program is a vital step toward ensuring that all voices in Dallas are heard and celebrated.

The Creative Communities Grant, offered by the Maine Arts Commission, supports arts and cultural projects that benefit Maine communities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and municipalities. Projects must be community-focused and accessible to the public, with funding requiring a 1-to-1 match. The grant aims to enhance community access to the arts, promote diversity and inclusion, and support local cultural initiatives that reflect the unique identities of Maine's communities.

The Arts Build Community: Incubation Grants by Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation aim to foster community engagement through innovative arts projects. Targeted towards nonprofit arts organizations in Berkshire County, the grants provide up to $7,500 to initiatives that address barriers to participation, such as cost and accessibility. The program encourages collaboration and inclusivity, specifically focusing on communities of color, youth, and immigrants, ensuring a diverse and vibrant arts culture in the region.

Vicky Harrison Memorial Scholarship

Amount:

• Varies

The family and friends of Vicky Harrison established this endowed scholarship in 2020. Vicky worked at JWCC for 28 years and was Manager of Enterprise Applications in the Information Technology Department, when she lost her battle with cancer in 2019. The scholarship is awarded to a student with an interest in pursuing a career in computer science.

The Graduate Student Conference Support Fund, provided by the American Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies, aims to assist ABDs and recent PhDs in attending the Annual Meeting. This fund offers free or reduced registration for eligible students. Each year, the number of awards depends on contributions to the fund. Membership in ASECS is required for eligibility, and only one award can be granted to each recipient, ensuring broad access to this valuable support.

Beckley Area Foundation

Beckley Area Foundation was established in January 1985 by ten community-minded citizens. It began with a gift of $1.1 million from the Dr. Thomas Walker Memorial Health Foundation as “seed” money for this Raleigh County project. BAF assets have grown to over $70 million with over 500 different funds managed by our three trustee banks. Today, Beckley Area Foundation is one of West Virginia’s largest community foundations.

Since its inception, BAF has distributed over $23 million to charities and other worthy projects in the fields of education, public recreation, health & human services, the arts, animal services and beautification.

Scholarships

The Beckley Area Foundation proudly manages scholarship funds established by individuals, businesses, and organizations dedicated to helping students pursue higher education. Many of these scholarships are tailored for specific schools, fields of study, or graduates from local high schools, while others offer broader opportunities. No matter the path, our scholarships aim to support students from our region as they work toward achieving their educational goals.

Most of these scholarships must be awarded to students from our geographic area or at least preference given to such students. While the majority of scholarships benefit Raleigh County applicants there are others designated for Fayette, Summers, Webster, and Wyoming students. 

Brown Wesley Payne Fellowship Scholarship

Provides scholarship aid to disadvantaged and minority West Virginians who will attend law school to prepare for a legal practice in the State of West Virginia; Applicants must demonstrate outstanding contribution to organizations and programs in the human rights field.

This scholarship is not renewable.

Beckley Area Foundation

Beckley Area Foundation was established in January 1985 by ten community-minded citizens. It began with a gift of $1.1 million from the Dr. Thomas Walker Memorial Health Foundation as “seed” money for this Raleigh County project. BAF assets have grown to over $70 million with over 500 different funds managed by our three trustee banks. Today, Beckley Area Foundation is one of West Virginia’s largest community foundations.

Since its inception, BAF has distributed over $23 million to charities and other worthy projects in the fields of education, public recreation, health & human services, the arts, animal services and beautification.

Scholarships

The Beckley Area Foundation proudly manages scholarship funds established by individuals, businesses, and organizations dedicated to helping students pursue higher education. Many of these scholarships are tailored for specific schools, fields of study, or graduates from local high schools, while others offer broader opportunities. No matter the path, our scholarships aim to support students from our region as they work toward achieving their educational goals.

Most of these scholarships must be awarded to students from our geographic area or at least preference given to such students. While the majority of scholarships benefit Raleigh County applicants there are others designated for Fayette, Summers, Webster, and Wyoming students. 

Appalachian Scholarship

High school graduate from Appalachian coal fields enrolling in an engineering program at a technical college or university such as Carnegie Mellon, Georgia Tech, MIT, Cal Tech, Colorado School of Mines, or the engineering schools of Virginia Tech and Texas A&M; Applicants planning to attend engineering schools not listed must contact the BAF office to determine if it is a donor approved program. The recipients are to be selected based on their academic potential.

This scholarship is renewable.

The Fund for Columbia County, established by Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, offers Community Impact grants to support innovative projects that enhance the quality of life for residents, particularly low-income and underserved populations. Grants range from $2,500 to $7,500 and focus on areas such as youth development, economic equity, and community engagement. This initiative encourages collaborative efforts among organizations to maximize impact and resource efficiency in Columbia County.

The Mary J. Mullarkey Scholarship, funded by The Denver Foundation, supports students of color, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals pursuing law degrees at accredited U.S. law schools. Eligible candidates must be graduating with an undergraduate degree from an accredited Colorado college or St. Norbert College, demonstrate financial need, and show academic excellence along with community contributions. One scholarship of up to $10,000 is awarded annually based on these criteria, promoting diversity in legal education.

The BHW Women in STEM Academic Scholarship is a new initiative by The BHW Group, aimed at supporting women pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in undergraduate or master's programs at universities in the United States. This scholarship emphasizes the importance of female representation in STEM fields and provides financial assistance directly to the winner's educational institution.

Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County

The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County is a resource for local charitable giving. Created by and for the people of San Luis Obispo County, The Community Foundation is an enduring source of charitable funds to meet the changing needs and interests of the region. We envision San Luis Obispo County as an inclusive haven where everyone, regardless of background, feels free to fully participate. In collaboration with our community partners and donors, we seek to foster a safe, respectful environment with ample opportunity for all to reach their potential and contribute to the success of our community.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation’s Scholarship Program was established in 2000 by generous individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to ensure students can pursue their educational dreams. We administer a variety of scholarships for high school seniors and college students. The program awards more than 65 scholarships totaling over $420,000. All scholarships have individual criteria, deadline and requirements.

Yinghsia Shih Li Memorial Scholarship

The purpose of the fund is to support young women graduating from Lucia Mar Unified School District pursue a career in science. 

The Zorn Blythe Aviation Scholarship, offered by the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation, supports students pursuing careers in aviation. Established in memory of Zorn Blythe, who had a passion for airplane engines, this scholarship encourages aspiring aviators to explore opportunities in the field. The foundation administers numerous scholarships to help students achieve their educational goals, fostering an inclusive community where everyone can thrive.

Maria Metzler Johnson Scholarship in Mathematics Fund

Awards the highest grade by a woman in mathematics at LASA.

Awards

• (1) $3,000.00

Greater Salina Community Foundation

Our mission is to build permanent endowment funds and meet charitable community needs. The Foundation achieves its mission by:

• Enabling donors to fulfill their charitable desires
• Increasing the capacity of nonprofit organizations to fulfill their individual missions
• Facilitating prudent management and care of funds
• Promoting community philanthropy through education
• Providing affiliate services to neighboring communities
• Meeting needs through grants, scholarships, and pass-through funds

Scholarship Program

The community foundation offers a wide variety of scholarships for students, provided by the generosity of local donors. Whether you are a high school senior, a current college student, or a non-traditional student we work with donors to help you take the next step in your education.

C.L. Clark Scholarship

For graduates of a Saline County, KS, high school attending the University of Kansas School of Law or Washburn University School of Law.

Background

C.L. Clark was a native Kansan. Born in Paxico in 1908, he graduated from Washburn Law School in 1931, and practiced law for 53 years in Salina. He and James P. Mize were the co-founders of the Salina law firm of Clark, Mize & Linville, Chartered. During his career, Mr. Clark was recognized as a leading banking, business, tax, and corporate attorney. He was heavily involved in community activities, serving on the boards of numerous civic organizations, and he also served as Salina’s city attorney in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Mr. Clark passed away in 2004 at the age of 96. He was at one and the same time a very passionate and compassionate man, constantly championing the rights of minorities and the underprivileged. This scholarship is given in the hopes that the recipients will use it to further not only their legal educations, but also the standards of excellence maintained by Mr. Clark on a daily basis for over half a century – legal skills, integrity, character, credibility, ethics, and compassion for the less fortunate.

Geographic Limitations

• Graduates of a Saline County High School attending the University of Kansas School of Law or the Washburn University School of Law

Renewals

• Previous scholarship recipients are eligible to re-apply as part of the total applicant pool as long as they meet the above criteria.

The SC Bar Foundation Grant Program aims to enhance justice in South Carolina by funding legal access and education initiatives. Eligible non-profit organizations can apply for grants to provide civil legal services, law-related education, or improve justice administration. Priority is given to programs demonstrating effective client representation and innovative service delivery. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations and comply with specific guidelines. The program emphasizes collaboration and leveraging additional funding sources for maximum impact.

About the Foundation

What is the Foundation?

The Austin Area Foundation has roots dating back to 2001 when the initial idea to maximize community support began. In March of 2003 that idea turned into the organization we have today.

Your Austin Area Foundation builds charitable funds that support community needs and opportunities. The funds, mostly permanent endowments, ensure there is support for the forever good of our city.

They are given to make an impact. Grants from the funds affect people who live here through the work of local not-for-profit agencies, community organizations, and committed citizens.

Your Austin Area Foundation was created by and for the people who live in Austin as a tax-exempt public charity with IRS 501(c)(3) status. We work with you to help you fulfill your charitable interests and goals – easily and effectively. 

Seattle Foundation is an agent of change, igniting powerful, rewarding philanthropy to make Greater Seattle a stronger, more vibrant community for all.

At Seattle Foundation, we believe that community is more than a place. It’s the shared understanding that our joy and well-being are tied to one another. Every day we work with nonprofits, philanthropists, and partners like you to strengthen community by igniting powerful philanthropy and advancing long-term solutions. Because it takes all of us to create a joyful region where every person can thrive.

C. E. Boucher Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established to honor and support engineering students studying at University of Washington, Washington State University, University of Oregon, and Oregon State University. This is a one-time scholarship for $3,000.

The ACCF 'Emerging Needs' Mini-Grant Fund provides up to $1,000 for various community development initiatives in Allamakee County, Iowa. Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 organizations, schools, and municipalities. This funding aims to support projects related to community promotion, education, and other emerging needs. Interested parties must submit a letter of interest by the specified deadlines and are encouraged to contact the foundation to ensure their application is properly received.

The Equal Justice Scholarship, offered by the William Wayne Justice Center for Public Interest Law, fully funds tuition and fees for three years and provides summer stipends for public interest work. Awarded to students with strong academic records and a commitment to public service, recipients engage with the Justice Center and serve as ambassadors for public interest law. This scholarship supports legal professionals dedicated to assisting low-income individuals and communities, fostering a vibrant community at Texas Law.

The Hugh M. Nelson Engineering Scholarship, funded by the Erie Community Foundation, supports Erie County residents who are sophomores or juniors enrolled in an ABET-accredited BS Engineering Program at Penn State Behrend or Gannon University. Over $800,000 was awarded in 2023 to help deserving students pursue their educational goals. Selection is based on academic standing, faculty recommendations, involvement in college activities, and financial need.

The Samuel Shepherd Civil Rights Scholarship, offered by the Educational Foundation of Lake County, aims to empower minority students, especially African-Americans, to pursue law degrees. Established in 1987, the foundation supports educational initiatives and provides scholarships based on merit and financial need. Annually, scholarships ranging from $500 to $20,000 are awarded to graduating seniors in Lake County, with a unique requirement for recipients to maintain a 2.7 GPA for continued funding.

The Midland Area Community Foundation offers the Midland County Youth Action Council Grants, designed to empower local youth through funding requests up to $10,000. This initiative supports projects that directly enhance the lives of young people in Midland County. Eligible applicants include 501c3 nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities that serve local residents. The foundation emphasizes community improvement, fostering collaboration, and creating lasting legacies that make a significant impact.

The Chris Marshall Endowed Presidential Scholarship, established by the William Wayne Justice Center for Public Interest Law, supports outstanding third-year law students committed to public service in Texas. Eligible applicants must have a GPA of 3.44 or higher and demonstrate a strong intent to work in nonprofit, government, or legislative positions post-graduation. This scholarship not only aids students financially but also fosters a commitment to increasing access to justice through public interest lawyering.

The National Wildlife Federation's Ecoleader Fellowship offers graduate students the opportunity to conduct impactful market research that enhances NWF's Education and Engagement programs. Selected fellows will receive a $5,000 stipend while developing vital skills, contributing to critical research goals aimed at understanding EcoLeader market segments, and analyzing best practices for environmental education initiatives. This fellowship not only supports individual career growth but also fosters a network of emerging leaders committed to sustainability.