Best Grants for BIPOC

The Small Dams Program by the Lower Platte North NRD offers cost-share funding for landowners to construct small dams for flood control and drainage improvement. Eligible participants can receive up to 65% funding, or 75% in priority watersheds, with a maximum of $15,000 per project. Additional funding may be available based on specific site conditions. This initiative aims to enhance watershed management and support local landowners in sustainable land use practices.

About

Since awarding our first grants in 2002, the Lawrence Township Community Foundation (LTCF) has provided over $1,400,000 in grant funding for more than 50 local nonprofit organizations who serve the people of Lawrence Township. Operating with a completely volunteer board of directors, the LTCF serves as a careful clearinghouse for funds donated by corporate sponsors who have entrusted this significant funding to the Foundation.

In 2023, The Lawrence Township Community Foundation established the LTCF Community Service Scholarship to recognize outstanding Lawrence Township students with a history of volunteering in Lawrence Township.

Amount

$500 (two honorees will be selected and announced in late May)

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant for schools to implement the PLTW Biomedical Science program for the 2026-2029 academic years. Eligible schools can receive up to $14,000 to cover participation fees and training costs. This grant encourages public, private, and charter schools across the U.S. to enhance their science curriculum, supporting students with engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Schools must commit to offering specific courses during the grant period to qualify for funding.

The East Grand Education Fund, part of the Grand Foundation, enhances education in Grand County, Colorado, by supporting innovative projects in the East Grand School District. Funding is available for proposals that improve curriculum, foster community relationships, and introduce new learning methods. Only EGSD staff can submit applications, which are accepted on a rolling basis. This initiative aims to enrich educational experiences and address the evolving needs of students.

The Rachel Amey Scholarship Endowment Fund, established in 2013 by the Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina, honors Rachel Amey's dedication to the Charleston County School District's ESL Program. This fund provides an annual scholarship to a student graduating from a Charleston County school who plans to attend college, prioritizing applicants who have learned English as a second language. Through this initiative, the foundation aims to support equitable educational opportunities in the community.

The 1st Year Teaching Learning Community Fellowship at Montana State University provides a $5000 housing grant for first-time, full-time undergraduate students pursuing teaching degrees. This opportunity is aimed at Montana residents, especially those from rural high schools. Recipients must participate in community programming and enroll in specific education courses during their first year, fostering a supportive academic environment for future educators.

The Hebrew Orphan Society N. Edgar Miles, M.D. Scholarship, established by Doctor Miles in 1995, supports graduating high school seniors in Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties with financial need. The scholarship is designed for students in the top 25% of their class with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Multiple renewable awards are available, reflecting the commitment to fostering educational opportunities and addressing community needs in South Carolina.

The Jasiri L.K. Whipper Scholarship Endowment, established by the Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina in 2009, honors Jasiri Whipper by providing an annual scholarship for students attending historically black colleges or state-supported colleges in South Carolina. This renewable scholarship aims to empower students and address educational equity, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to community development and support for future leaders.

The Kylie Erin Gillette Scholarship Fund, established in 2016, honors the spirit of Kylie Gillette by providing annual scholarships to students from Berkeley, Charleston, or Dorchester counties. This initiative, supported by the Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina, aims to empower local youth and foster educational opportunities. By addressing community needs and investing in the future, this fund reflects a commitment to building equity and opportunity in the region.

The Students First Grant, initiated by the Beckley Area Foundation in 1996, supports innovative projects aimed at enhancing student learning in Raleigh County classrooms, from Pre-K through 12th grade. With a maximum funding of $750 per project, educators can submit two independent applications for distinct initiatives. The grant prioritizes projects that directly benefit students, excluding funding for classroom items not related to instruction, party supplies, or uniforms.

Ignite Fund 

The Ignite Fund offers six $10,000 grants for Chicago-area artists and artist-led collectives to produce and present bold new projects rooted in the visual arts. We prioritize public-facing work that embraces accessibility, fosters community impact and/or participation, and responds to the issues shaping our social climate. In this spirit, The Ignite Fund shines a light on the vibrancy, creativity, and resilience of the Chicago arts ecosystem.

The IATSE Local 798 Fund offers emergency financial assistance to performing arts and entertainment professionals facing unexpected critical needs. This support helps cover essential living expenses, including housing, utilities, and healthcare, to prevent eviction or service shut-offs. Eligible applicants must be union members for at least two years and have experienced unforeseen financial hardship due to circumstances beyond their control, such as injury or natural disasters.

The NCVMA High 5 Grant offers $25,000 annually to support organizations that enhance community service and welfare for people and animals in North Carolina. This initiative, led by the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association, aims to promote educational projects with veterinary involvement. Grants of up to $5,000 each are available to qualified applicants, with a preference for those demonstrating fiscal responsibility and past successes. This program reflects NCVMA's commitment to veterinary excellence and community advocacy.

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program at Stanford University aims to develop visionary leaders by offering full funding for up to three years of graduate study. Open to applicants from all backgrounds, it emphasizes independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and civic engagement. Each year, 100 scholars are selected based on academic achievement and commitment to global challenges, preparing them to tackle complex issues. This unique opportunity fosters a diverse community of innovators committed to positive change.

The Leadership Coaching Program by Hutchinson Community Foundation provides financial support for individuals and teams to engage with leadership coaches. This initiative aims to foster philanthropy, leadership, and collaboration within Reno County, enabling participants to tackle adaptive challenges effectively. Grants of up to $1,800 are available to cover costs for up to six coaching sessions over six months, facilitating conscious decision-making and action towards community development.

South Dakota Community Foundation

As a statewide community foundation, we work with donors, nonprofits and community leaders to strengthen philanthropy in South Dakota every day.

Scholarships

At South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF), we proudly manage more than 350 scholarship funds in partnership with generous donors who are committed to supporting students. These scholarships offer countless opportunities to help ease the financial burden of continuing their education.

South Dakota Beadle Club Foundation

To provide financial support for South Dakota Beadle Club activities and scholarships.

The South Dakota Beadle Club took its name from General William Henry Harrison Beadle who served the people of South Dakota in many ways in promoting a sound system of public schools. One of the stated purposes of the South Dakota Beadle Club is to emulate the motives and ideals of General Beadle in his support of the public schools of the state. 

South Dakota Community Foundation

As a statewide community foundation, we work with donors, nonprofits and community leaders to strengthen philanthropy in South Dakota every day.

Grants

The South Dakota Community Foundation offers an array of grants to help state nonprofits realize their dreams and continue investing in their communities. 

Lamport Family Foundation College Grant

The purpose of this grant is to provide scholarships to graduates of Marshall County schools in memory of Steve Lamport and the Lamport Family. Applicants must exhibit the qualities of leadership, good citizenship, honesty, and personal initiative. The amount and number of scholarships awarded shall be determined by the Advisory Council and will be based on the amount of funding available for distribution. Funds will be distributed for the second semester (or quarter) and will be distributed directly to the postsecondary institution. 

South Dakota Community Foundation

As a statewide community foundation, we work with donors, nonprofits and community leaders to strengthen philanthropy in South Dakota every day.

Scholarships

At South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF), we proudly manage more than 350 scholarship funds in partnership with generous donors who are committed to supporting students. These scholarships offer countless opportunities to help ease the financial burden of continuing their education.

Wilfred Jaspers Scholarship

To provide financial support as recommended by the scholarship selection committee in accordance with the selection criteria.

This scholarship, established in 2000 for Roslyn High School alumni, has now been made available to college students from the Britton, Langford, and Webster School Districts following the dissolution of the Roslyn School District.

Columbia Community Foundation

Our Mission

To serve the citizens of Columbia Station, Ohio and neighboring communities through the implementation of their charitable aspirations by awarding educational scholarships and community grants.

Columbia Community Foundation Scholarship

Scholarship Criteria

• Must be an upcoming graduate from the class of 2026
• Must be a resident of Columbia Township or a Senior at Columbia High School

The Bolivar Area Affiliate Grantmaking Program, supported by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, aims to enhance community development in the Bolivar and Polk County region. This program invites 501(c)(3) organizations and other IRS-approved entities to apply for grants up to $3,000 to support their initiatives. The foundation focuses on fostering collaboration and effective grantmaking to improve the quality of life for local residents.

The F.I.S.T. Grant, offered by the Steuben County Community Foundation, supports nonprofit and school projects that positively impact the youth of Steuben County. Grants of up to $2,000 are available for initiatives such as educational trips and creative projects that empower youth to give back to their community. Eligible applicants include school employees and nonprofit organizations, with the goal of inspiring the next generation of community leaders.

The Boston Scientific Foundation aims to enhance health and educational opportunities for economically disadvantaged individuals, particularly in STEM fields. Their grant program focuses on K-12 students, requiring at least 50% of participants to be at or below 185% of the poverty line. The foundation seeks evidence-based proposals that can measure improvements in STEM learning, and it prioritizes applications serving communities near Boston Scientific locations, ensuring inclusivity and non-discrimination in service.

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) is inviting applications for the Collections Stewardship program, which aims to enhance the preservation and accessibility of essential physical and digital collections. This initiative supports projects related to conservation, digitization, and education in collections stewardship, fostering engagement in the humanities through improved resources and services.

Community Foundation of Northern Nevada

Established in 1998 as a Nevada nonprofit 501(c) 3 Corporation, the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada has distributed more than $200 million in grants and scholarships from over 300 charitable funds to strengthen our Nevada home. 

Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Northern Nevada’s Scholarship Program is intended to help students cover the ever-increasing cost of tuition. Some of our scholarships are based on financial need, but others represent an award for achievement. These scholarships typically go to students who have excelled in an academic area or have shown they can balance academics, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities. There are also scholarships designated for students who have overcome adversity, students pursuing degrees in high-need areas, and adult learners outside the traditional college age group. Community Foundation scholarships can help cover tuition, books, and on-campus housing.

The Meruelo Family Scholarship

The Meruelo Family Scholarship was established to provide support for dependents of Grand Sierra Resort & Casino and SAHARA Las Vegas team members who are a graduating high school senior or who are enrolled in a college or advanced learning program.

The qualifying Team Member must be a full-time employee at a qualifying property, have a minimum of one (1) year of employment, and be in good standing with the company at the time of application.

A total of $40,000 will be awarded annually; $20,000 for dependents of Grand Sierra Resort & Casino team members and $20,000 for dependents of SAHARA Las Vegas team members. Five (5) awards in the amount of $3,000 and one (1) Diamond Scholarship award in the amount of $5,000 will be awarded by each property. Funds will be distributed to any college or university for the student's benefit upon confirmation of enrollment and upon completing and signing a scholarship acceptance agreement. This scholarship is a one-time award but is renewable with reapplication.

Community Foundation of Northern Nevada

Established in 1998 as a Nevada nonprofit 501(c) 3 Corporation, the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada has distributed more than $200 million in grants and scholarships from over 300 charitable funds to strengthen our Nevada home. 

Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Northern Nevada’s Scholarship Program is intended to help students cover the ever-increasing cost of tuition. Some of our scholarships are based on financial need, but others represent an award for achievement. These scholarships typically go to students who have excelled in an academic area or have shown they can balance academics, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities. There are also scholarships designated for students who have overcome adversity, students pursuing degrees in high-need areas, and adult learners outside the traditional college age group. Community Foundation scholarships can help cover tuition, books, and on-campus housing.

Orville Belding Memorial Scholarship

You are eligible to apply for the Orville Belding Memorial Scholarship if you meet all of the following criteria:

• You are a student-athlete
• You were born and raised in Nevada
• Your family income shows a need for tuition assistance
• You are a Washoe County High School senior
• You have a minimum 1100/SAT or 20/ACT score
• You agree to maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA and provide a copy of your unofficial transcripts at the end of each semester you are receiving a scholarship

The Berkshire Woodworkers Guild Scholarship offers financial support to aspiring professional woodworkers and designers. Established in 1998, this scholarship is funded through generous donations and proceeds from an annual silent auction. Recipients are encouraged to engage with the Guild and showcase their work at events. Preference is given to applicants pursuing comprehensive woodworking programs that lead to certification or degrees, but other professional development opportunities may also be considered.

The Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship in Literatures in English, offered by Cornell University's Society for the Humanities, invites applications for a two-year position starting August 1, 2026. This fellowship seeks candidates specializing in African American literature and culture, with a preference for those with expertise in gender, sexuality, or media studies. The fellow will conduct research, teach two courses annually, and engage in departmental events and seminars, contributing to the academic community.