Best Grants for 501(c)(3)

Our mission is to improve the quality of life in North East by building charitable endowments and philanthropic partnerships that fuel transformative change.

Scholarships

Through the generosity of members of the community, The North East Community Foundation has been helping make students’ dreams come true. Scholarships are awarded annually, in varying amounts.

James R. Meehl Memorial Scholarship

James Meehl was a lifelong resident of North East, owner of Eureka Electrical Products, and a founding member of Lakeview Country Club. He excelled in academics and graduated from Cornell University with a degree in mechanical engineering.

This scholarship is renewable for four years.

Community Foundation of Randolph County

Our mission is to bring people and resources together to strengthen the quality of life, both now and in the future, for the residents of Randolph County.

The Community Foundation’s work falls into three major categories: grant-making, donor service, and community convening. Our most visible activities are the grants and scholarships we award each year. Most of these awards come from income earned from permanently endowed funds. Scholarships and other grants come from funds that donors have established for specific purposes.

David E. Hyre Memorial Scholarship Fund

The David E. Hyre Memorial Scholarship was created by Mr. Hyre’s daughters in his memory. David Hyre, born in 1943, graduated Winchester High School in 1961. He also attended Purdue University (Mechanical Engineering Bachelors), University of Michigan (Mechanical Engineering Masters), and Michigan State University (M.B.A.). He was a part of the Chrysler Institute of Engineering (CIE Program). He worked as an engineer and a manager during his 35 years at Chrysler until he retired in 2001. David was very active with Habitat for Humanity and ushered at the Maddie Kelly Center for the Arts in Niceville, FL. He was also an election poll volunteer and Special Deputy for Okaloosa County, FL. His favorite hobby was collecting watches; he was a member of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors and participated in shows across the country.

This is a four-year scholarship for a student graduating from a Randolph County high school attending Purdue University studying engineering.

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 Eda Camphausen Law Scholarship, awarded by the Erie Community Foundation, supports first-year law students at Harvard University who are residents of Erie County. Applicants must have achieved the highest LSAT score for their admission year. In 2023, the foundation provided over $800,000 in scholarships to more than 500 deserving students, emphasizing its commitment to enhancing educational opportunities in the community.

Cholish Engineering Scholarship

To provide financial aid to students pursuing engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology.

Number and Size of Awards

One award of $3,000; paid in one lump sum in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.

Allowed Use of Award

Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education. 

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.

County-Wide Basic Needs Grants

The Basic Needs Grant Cycle provides funding to organizations addressing urgent and foundational needs within local communities. This grant is designed to strengthen the safety net for individuals and families experiencing hardship by supporting programs that deliver food, clothing, essential items, and safe shelter. 

Applicants may request up to $10,000 in funding. Partial awards may be granted based on project need, available funds, and proposal strength. 

Funding Priorities 

Priority will be given to projects and programs that:

Address Immediate or Chronic Food Insecurity: Including food pantries, meal programs, weekend backpack programs, or other efforts ensuring access to nutritious food. 

Provide Essential Clothing: Programs supplying seasonal clothing, winter gear, or everyday clothing in emergency situations for individuals and families. 

Meet Critical Essential Needs: Initiatives providing hygiene products, household essentials, baby items, transportation assistance, or other core necessities. 

Support Access to Safe Shelter: Emergency shelter, transitional housing, homelessness prevention, and programs improving safety or stability for people without housing. 

Use of Funds 

Allowable costs may include, but not limited to: 

• Food purchases or meal program costs 
• Clothing purchases, supplies, or storage needs 
• Hygiene kits, diapers, and essential household items 
• Emergency shelter operations or upgrades 
• Outreach and distribution costs 
• Personnel time directly tied to program implementation 

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 AWS Imagine Grant Program aims to empower U.S.-based nonprofit organizations by prioritizing technology in their projects. This initiative offers three award categories: The Pathfinder Award for innovative generative AI projects, the Go Further, Faster Award for cloud-based solutions, and the Momentum to Modernize Award for foundational tech projects. Each category provides significant financial support, AWS promotional credits, and implementation guidance to help nonprofits achieve their mission-driven goals.

The Schneider Electric SkillPointe Scholarship aims to close the skills gap in America by providing $3,000 scholarships to individuals pursuing careers in building automation and related fields. Funded by the SkillPointe Foundation, this initiative is designed for students enrolled in relevant training programs who are passionate about energy and sustainability. With a proven success rate of 95% in training completion and 97% employment, this scholarship empowers workers to thrive in high-demand industries without requiring a four-year degree.

The OVPR Special Research Grants at the University of Texas at Austin offer up to $2,000 for tenured and tenure-track faculty to support specific research projects. Applications will be accepted from September 1, 2025, until August 15, 2026, or until funding is exhausted. These competitive grants are designed for unanticipated costs and are limited to two awards per faculty member in a five-year span. Early submissions enhance funding chances.

The Northwestern University Publication Subvention Grants support eligible faculty and graduate students with production costs or translation expenses for published works. Applicants must have a formal publication contract for a book or journal article. Priority is given to tenure-track assistant professors, and only one grant is allowed per year. Non-allowable expenses include travel, advertising, and the purchase of copies. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until funds are depleted.

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.

Jeffrey A. Trail Memorial Fund

Created in memory of Lt. Jeffrey A. Trail in honor of his military service and accomplishments, this Fund offers scholarships to DeKalb County residents who are graduating seniors and continuing their education immediately following high school graduation at an accredited two-year or four-year college or university studying aviation technology (a.k.a. professional flight or similar degree) for pilot training only; or at an independent certified flight training program working toward flight/pilot certifications.

The American Research Institute in Turkey and the Türk-Amerikan Ilmi Arastırmaları Derneği are pleased to announce the Ilse Böhlund Hanfmann, George Maxim Anossov Hanfmann, and the Machteld Johanna Mellink Fellowships for 2026. The purpose of these fellowships is to enable nationals of the Republic of Türkiye who are PhD students at Turkish universities working on their PhD theses, or recent PhD holders and currently in Türkiye working towards a career in Türkiye, to conduct research in affiliation with universities or research institutions abroad (in North America or elsewhere) for a period ranging from three to nine months.

The Energy Efficiency Investment Fund (EEIF) offers Custom Pathway Grants to non-residential facilities in Delaware, promoting energy-efficient upgrades. These grants encourage complex energy improvements beyond standard measures, supporting both retrofit and new construction projects. Eligible projects can receive up to 60% funding, with a maximum award of $250,000 per year. The program aims to enhance energy efficiency, reduce operational costs, and support diverse community sectors, including minority and veteran-owned businesses.

The Proposition 64 Public Health and Safety Grant Program Cohort 4, funded by the California Board of State and Community Corrections, allocates $125 million to local governments. This initiative aims to enhance public health and safety in relation to the regulation of adult-use marijuana. Grants will support law enforcement and fire protection efforts from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2031, with additional time for final evaluations. Proposals must align with outlined categories for funding consideration.

Advancement Grants are designed to foster collaborative initiatives that promote systemic change and enhance the quality of life in Door County. These grants support various projects aimed at improving community services, such as transportation and micro-lending for small businesses. By investing in comprehensive solutions, the Community Foundation seeks to bridge significant service gaps and empower organizations to create sustainable job opportunities, ultimately leading to a more resilient community.

The JSI Scholarship, provided by the Foundation for Rural Service, awards $5,000 to four high school seniors interested in science, math, medicine, or engineering. Sponsored by a member of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, recipients are encouraged to return to rural communities after graduation. This initiative aims to enhance rural life through education and support, promoting the development of future leaders in essential fields.

The Beal Foundation Grant, established in 1963, supports the betterment of Midland, Texas by funding organizations focused on education, health, humanities, and welfare. Grants are available to qualified tax-exempt organizations, ensuring a lasting impact on the community. The Foundation prioritizes applications that align with their mission and have demonstrated need. This legacy continues to enhance the quality of life for residents in Midland, reflecting the founders' commitment to community improvement.

South Seattle College Foundation: Student Emergency Grants

The South Seattle College Foundation, coupled with the Gates Endowed Emergency Grant, provides emergency fund grants to support student success, retention, and completion, enabling students to overcome temporary financial barriers.

Applicants meet with Emergency Fund Committee members. 

Emergency Funds can be used for the following:

• Housing
• Transportation
• Family/household emergencies
• Childcare
• Medical
• Food
• Books and supplies
• Please note: Tuition, books, and fees may also qualify if they would cause a student to withdraw.

Purpose

Our program’s purpose is to support South Seattle College students through unexpected financial circumstances so that our students will be able to focus on graduating. Our process involves equity to each student’s application. The intention of emergency funds are to help relieve some financial hardship that would prevent a student’s academic success.

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.

Judge Paul Rosenblatt Scholarship

The Judge Paul Rosenblatt Scholarship is open to any law student at the University of Arizona from Yavapai County.

The Wichita Falls Area Community Foundation offers the WFACF Grant Cycle to support 501(c)(3) organizations and charitable projects in North Texas. Grants aim to promote philanthropy and enhance community well-being across various sectors including arts, education, and health. Eligible applicants must be located in specific counties and adhere to grant policies. The foundation is dedicated to responsible funding to meet the needs of the community while ensuring compliance with regulations.

The Borchard Foundation Fellowship in Law and Aging offers two-year fellowships for law school graduates pursuing careers in law and aging. The fellowship provides $62,000 annually, with support for professional development and networking opportunities. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens or residents and have a host agency to supervise their projects. The fellowship begins around July 1 or September 1, depending on Bar admission status, allowing flexibility in work location within the U.S.

Ryan R. Wagner Memorial Scholarship

Award:

• One time award of $2,000. Students may re-apply for continued support.

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

Law Student Assistance Scholarship

Students entering their third year of law school (current second-year students approaching the third year).

Selection based upon:

• Financial need, above-average law school academic achievement, and demonstrated leadership in undergraduate and law school activities and in community, school, and church.

Awards

• Up to $3,500 in scholarships

FCU Foundation for Our Communities

People helping people…one smile at a time.

Frankenmuth Credit Union is proud of the active role its staff and board have played in impacting the communities we serve through volunteer hours, wage donations and civic group participation. We believe in “people helping people”. That’s why the Frankenmuth Credit Union Foundation for Our Communities was formed, to provide grants to promote the betterment of local communities…one smile at a time. It’s our simple gift of friendship, our act of kindness and our pledge of devotion to friends and neighbors.

To date, over $4.6 million funds have been donated since 2014 with over $438,300 donated in 2025 alone to over 400 worthy community causes.

Foundation Grant

The Frankenmuth Credit Union Foundation for Our Communities is a source of grants to promote the betterment of all of our communities.

The Love Your Block Mini-Grant, funded by the City of Newark, aims to enhance community engagement and beautification efforts. This program invites individuals, resident groups, and community organizations to apply for funding to tackle blight through various projects, such as litter reduction and revitalization of public spaces. Grants up to $5,000 will support initiatives that foster pride in neighborhoods and involve local volunteers. Applications are subject to review, ensuring alignment with community needs and city objectives.