Best Grants for BIPOC

The Jack Lewis Safety Fund, established by the Walter Scott Family Foundation, honors Dr. Jack K. Lewis and supports Nebraska and southwest Iowa communities. Grants up to $50,000 are available for safety-related projects, including equipment, training, and facility improvements. Applicants must serve communities with 5,000 or fewer residents or be located in specific counties. Priority is given to projects showcasing local fundraising and collaboration. Applications are accepted year-round with specific deadlines for review cycles.

The Selby Mission

By investing in people through academic scholarships and supporting capital projects of local organizations, we look beyond what is and enable change for what can be.

Traditional Grants

The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation awards “traditional grants” twice each year.

Organizations with budgets greater than $300,000 that primarily serve Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties have the opportunity to apply.

The Selby Foundation invests in capital support that will help nonprofits achieve more for those they serve.

The Zuckerman Postdoctoral Scholars Program fosters collaboration between leading scientific institutions in the U.S. and Israel by attracting top postdoctoral researchers. With a focus on STEM leadership, this program offers a unique two-year scholarship, allowing scholars to conduct research at participating Israeli universities and North American institutions. The initiative aims to strengthen academic ties, enhance research capabilities, and support the return of talented Israeli scholars to their home institutions, ultimately enriching the global scientific community.

The PLTW Gateway program, supported by Arrow Electronics, offers $20,000 in grants for schools in the Atlanta area to enhance STEM education. Schools must implement PLTW Gateway units over two academic years, ensuring comprehensive STEM curriculum development. Eligible institutions include public and charter schools within 25 miles of Alpharetta, GA. The grant covers necessary equipment and training, fostering innovative learning environments and preparing students for future careers in technology and engineering.

The Walter & Jessie Francisco Charitable Foundation Grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations serving Janesville and Rock County, Wisconsin. Grants focus on areas such as arts and culture, education, human and social services, religious initiatives, and scientific endeavors. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, while individuals are not permitted to apply. This grant aims to support community development and enhance the quality of life for local residents.

 Wayne Community Foundation

The Wayne Community Foundation is an organization designed to assist and benefit the citizens of Wayne County. The goal is to provide an efficient entity to accept and administer funds in the manner prescribed by each donor.

Wayne Community Foundation is affiliated with the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, a nationally certified foundation.

Seeds for Success Grant

The Wayne Community Foundation plays a key role in providing significant funding to projects that strengthen the Wayne County community. We have intentionally created this grant making cycle to award a grant that will have a major significant impact in the Wayne County community. Seeds of Success projects must demonstrate how they will serve as a catalyst, go above and beyond, and bring innovation to all of Wayne County.

The Seeds for Success Grant is awarded to help large projects get started or completed. 

The Fiscal Year 2027 Department of War Multidisciplinary Research Program aims to fund innovative research teams from U.S. universities. Established in 1985, this initiative addresses complex challenges faced by the Department of War, fostering collaboration across various scientific disciplines. By integrating world-class faculty and graduate students, the program seeks to cultivate a skilled workforce poised to enhance the U.S. defense capabilities and contribute to the advancement of the defense industrial base.

Our Mission

Founded in 1987, the Foundation has a mission to provide resources to deliver the benefits of parks and recreation to all.

Our Vision

To build a better Iowa through parks and recreation.

Slattery / Trueblood Professional Award

The highest professional award in IPRA, the Slattery/Trueblood Professional encompasses many traits. To be considered for this award, the nominee should be a person who has given of themselves as they work with their clientele. Their everyday life should exemplify outstanding, dedicated, and unselfish service to the profession, community, and to IPRA.

Any IPRA member in good standing may nominate candidates for each award. The nominees may be endorsed by other members of the IPRA with the exception of Awards Committee members. Awards Committee members may not nominate, sponsor, or write letters of support for nominees.

The nomination should be typewritten or legibly printed and include the appropriate information as stated for each award. Nominations should include any supporting data, such as letters of support, copies of news releases, etc. Each nomination must include the nomination cover sheet, as well as all applicable nomination criteria listed in this brochure.

The Shelby Foundation Grant aims to enhance community quality of life by providing financial assistance to 501(c)(3) organizations and government agencies. By supporting local schools and programs, the foundation seeks to foster a safe, prosperous environment for residents. The initiative focuses on one-time grants for specific purposes, excluding funding for annual operating expenses or projects tied to regular school curriculums, thus ensuring impactful community development.

The L’Oréal USA For Women in Science Fellowship empowers women postdoctoral scientists by providing annual grants to support their research in STEM fields. This initiative not only recognizes their contributions but also encourages them to serve as role models for future generations. With a long-standing partnership with the AAAS, the program has awarded over $5 million to 105 scientists, demonstrating a strong commitment to advancing women's roles in science and technology.

The FY 2027 Department of War Multidisciplinary Research Program of the University Research Initiative (MURI) aims to fund U.S. academic teams conducting innovative research to tackle complex challenges for the Department of War. Established in 1985, MURI promotes collaboration among diverse scientific disciplines, enhancing the defense workforce and addressing critical areas of interest through multidisciplinary research efforts at U.S. universities.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Calvin H. & Elizabeth L. Topliff Scholarship

Georgia Mathews, mother to Marion Community Foundation board member, Spencer Mathews, created this endowed scholarship in 2023 in honor of her parents. The scholarship will be awarded to Marion County students who are pursuing a career in either education or engineering, with special consideration for students who will be attending Ohio Northern University, which is where Georgia’s parents met.

Betty Beatty Topliff was born in Pittsburgh but ended up in Marion after meeting Calvin at Ohio Northern and moving to his hometown of Marion. Betty (1928-2022) was a dedicated teacher for 30 years, most recently at Ridgedale High School. Calvin (1924-2009) was an Army veteran who served in Europe during WWII and was awarded the Bronze Star. Calvin retired from the marketing department of Ohio Edison Marion Division after 36 years of service.

Following retirement, Calvin and Betty were Florida snowbirds, but Betty returned to Marion after Calvin’s death to be with her beloved children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

The St. Margaret Foundation Grant Program aims to enhance community health and wellness for those served by UPMC St. Margaret. It funds initiatives that bridge gaps in patient access, education, and experience, particularly in areas beyond typical healthcare services. Programs must align with the hospital's strategic goals and demonstrate measurable outcomes. Grants are available for one year only and do not support organizations without IRS tax-exempt status or those outside the UPMC St. Margaret service area.

The Air Force Basic Research Sciences Conference and Workshop Support program encourages proposals from U.S. institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations for conferences and workshops that promote research and technology interchange. These events are vital for sharing recent findings and educational techniques in key scientific areas. The program specifically invites Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Minority-serving Institutions, and Tribal Colleges to participate, aiming to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among researchers.

The Marietta McNeill Morgan & Samuel Tate Morgan, Jr. Trust, established in 1962, aims to enhance educational and human services in Virginia. It focuses on specific capital expenditures rather than general campaigns. The Trust encourages matching and challenge grants while excluding requests for debt reduction, scholarships, and funds for media production. Grants are not available to individuals or government agencies primarily funded by tax revenue, ensuring that resources are directed to impactful community projects.

The PLTW Launch program, in collaboration with Arrow Electronics, offers grants of $15,000 to support STEM and CTE curriculum implementation in schools within 25 miles of Alpharetta, GA. Schools must provide at least two different PLTW Launch modules over two academic years and meet specific program requirements. The funding can be used for essential equipment and training, while certain expenses, such as salaries and benefits, are ineligible. This initiative aims to enhance STEM education across various grade levels.

The ACLS Graduate Internships on the Spiritual Infrastructure of the Future program offers summer opportunities for current PhD students in the humanities and social sciences to engage with organizations addressing the evolving American religious landscape. This initiative aims to cultivate future leaders by providing practical experiences that demonstrate the value of doctoral training beyond academia. Supported by the Templeton Religion Trust, the internships encourage collaboration between fellows and community organizations, fostering a deeper understanding of spiritual infrastructures.

About the KBF

Guided by a clear purpose and a deep sense of responsibility, the Kentucky Bar Foundation is committed to fueling access to justice and expanding legal knowledge throughout the Commonwealth. We envision a Kentucky where justice is within reach for all and we bring that vision to life through values rooted in integrity, compassion, service, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous growth.

Signature Justice Grant

We award a $50,000 grant to support bold, innovative projects that create lasting improvements in access to justice and legal education across Kentucky.

About the Signature Justice Grant 

The Signature Justice Grant is a new opportunity from the Kentucky Bar Foundation to invest in bold ideas that have the potential to make a meaningful and lasting difference. 

Unlike KBF's regular annual grants, which support a broad range of important programs and services throughout Kentucky, the Signature Justice Grant is intended for a single transformative project. 

KBF is looking for projects that are new, innovative, or represent a substantial expansion of an existing initiative. The project should address a significant need and have the potential to improve access to justice or expand legal knowledge in ways that can continue beyond the grant period. 

The Signature Justice Grant is an additional grant opportunity and will not replace or reduce KBF's regular annual grantmaking.

KBF is looking for projects that think differently about how access to justice or legal education can be improved. An innovative or transformative project may introduce a new approach, technology, partnership, service model, or resource; significantly expand the reach or impact of an existing program; or address a longstanding need in a new and potentially more effective way. 

The Hanna H. Gray Fellows Program, funded by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, aims to enhance diversity in the scientific community by supporting early-career researchers. The program provides funding for postdoctoral training and early faculty years, promoting an inclusive academic culture. Fellows receive an initial salary of $80,000 and a $20,000 annual expense allowance. This initiative helps develop future leaders in biological and biomedical sciences, ensuring equitable opportunities for all backgrounds.

The Hanna H. Gray Fellows Program, supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, aims to enhance diversity in the academic research community. It provides funding of $250,000 and a $20,000 annual expense allowance for early-career researchers committed to fostering an inclusive scientific culture. Eligible applicants must hold a PhD or MD, commit to at least 75% research effort, and have no more than 24 months of postdoctoral experience. This initiative empowers fellows to become leaders in science.

The Robert G. Campbell Community Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, is an unrestricted endowment dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Iowa County, WI. Focused on supporting seniors, it funds projects that provide recreational opportunities, quality of life improvements, and community events honoring senior contributions. Annually, a portion of the fund's earnings is allocated to grants for the elderly, historic preservation, the arts, the environment, and education, fostering community enrichment.

The Lane and Elizabeth C. Dwinell Charitable Trust Grant aims to strengthen communities and foster positive social change in New Hampshire. Established by Lane and Elizabeth Dwinell, who dedicated their lives to civic engagement, the trust supports diverse charitable organizations, especially those focused on reducing healthcare costs and enhancing local culture. The foundation prioritizes projects that address community needs, particularly in Lebanon and the Upper Valley, while adhering to specific eligibility criteria.

Who We Are

Our mission is to enhance the quality of life in our region.

We pursue our mission through resource development, community grantmaking, collaboration and public leadership — connecting passion to purpose since 1973.

In the early 1970s, a group of estate-planning attorneys learned of a sizeable estate gift that left Springfield because there wasn’t a place here to accept a general gift for community betterment. Those 11 founders, supported by then-Springfield Mayor Jim Payne and businesswoman Anne Drummond, created the region’s first public charitable foundation in 1973.

Today, the CFO is governed by community volunteers and run by a professional staff that serves a network of donors, regional affiliate foundations, nonprofit partners and professional advisors through approximately 3,700 charitable funds.

Finley River Affiliate Grantmaking Program

The Finley River Community Foundation works to improve the quality of life for individuals in Finley River Community Foundation through thoughtful grantmaking and community leadership. The Finley River Community Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors, chosen for their knowledge of the area. Grant decisions are made by the grant committee. The unique role of a community foundation is to conduct a flexible community grantmaking program which addresses the most important needs of the community at any one time. The flexibility this requires is made possible by charitable donors who established unrestricted or field-of-interest funds and place the decision-making in the hands of the community leaders serving on our Board of Directors as well as dollars raised by the Finley River Community Foundation.

The Philippine Cultural Foundation of Hawaii Scholarship Fund supports Hawaii residents of Filipino ancestry pursuing higher education in Hawaii. Established in 2004, this fund prioritizes students who demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5, and intend to study fields related to culture, arts, or communications. The foundation encourages applications from previous recipients in good standing, ensuring continued support for eligible students committed to their academic and cultural studies.

The Byron L. Walter Family Trust Grant supports charitable, religious, and educational institutions within Brown County, Wisconsin. This private foundation, administered by JPMorgan, exclusively funds nonprofit organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS tax code. It does not accept applications from individuals. The program areas include education, religion, and scientific initiatives, making it a vital resource for community development.

The Paul G. and Miriam B. Mattern Fund Grant, established in 2012, honors the legacy of Paul and Miriam Mattern, dedicated volunteers from Walton, NY. The fund supports projects that enhance the cultural and social well-being of the community, providing grants up to $5,000 annually to qualified non-profit organizations. Matching grants are encouraged, and various types of support, including capital and program funding, are available to strengthen community initiatives.

The PLTW Gateway Program Expansion, in partnership with Lockheed Martin, aims to enhance STEM education in schools across the United States. With a total grant of $10,000 for the 2026-2027 academic year, this initiative focuses on expanding existing PLTW Gateway programs, allowing schools to introduce new units and train additional teachers. Since 2007, Lockheed Martin's support has enabled over 300 programs, providing critical skills to more than 77,000 students nationwide.