Best Grants for BIPOC

The PLTW Launch program, in partnership with Arrow Electronics, offers grants of up to $10,000 for schools to expand their STEM and CTE programs. Eligible schools within 25 miles of Alpharetta, GA can utilize funds for new modules, training teachers, and necessary equipment. The initiative supports public and charter schools, ensuring that students have access to quality STEM education. Interested applicants must meet specific requirements and can only submit one application per PLTW program.

The NIH Common Fund is planning to issue a NOFO to continue the Bridge2AI program, which aims to develop AI-ready datasets and best practices for biomedical research. This next stage will leverage these datasets to address significant health challenges and foster multidisciplinary collaboration. The initiative will support 3-5 Centers focused on trustworthy AI in biomedical research, creating frameworks for reproducibility, transparency, and advancing the AI workforce in health sciences.

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education provides leadership, oversight, funding, support, and accountability for the Commonwealth's approximately 400 school districts that educate close to 1 million public school children each year. We also oversees programs that serve 20,000 adult learners each year.

Civics Teaching and Learning

The purpose of this competitive grant program is to support teaching and learning related to civics, as required by Chapter 296 of the Acts of 2018 and emphasized in the 2018 History and Social Science Framework.

This grant supports LEAs to develop and/or select curriculum materials, implement professional development, and design other enriching learning experiences intended to further students' civic knowledge, skills and dispositions. LEAs may propose to collaborate with vendors to support this work. Proposals may include interdisciplinary elements or other opportunities for civic learning beyond the history/social science classroom.

In addition, the grant supports implementation of grade 8 and high school civics projects, the hosting of local civics project showcases, participation in the Massachusetts Civics Project Showcases, and other enrichment activities focused on meaningful civic learning.

For details about the civics projects and other civics instructional information, please visit Civics.

This grant is structured as a two-year program. LEAs awarded funding in FY27 (Year 1) and contingent upon available funds and satisfactory progress awardees may apply only for continuation funding in FY28 (Year 2) to support the next phase of their projects. Continuation funding is not guaranteed. Contingent upon available funds, a new cohort of LEAs may be selected through the FY28 competitive RFP process. FY27 awardees will not be eligible to apply under the new FY28 competitive RFP.

Priorities

DESE seeks to fund civics teaching and learning initiatives that exemplify:

• Equity. Grant-funded projects should increase all students' access to high-quality civics education experiences and work to address historical inequities where they exist. In addition, projects should provide students with culturally and linguistically sustaining learning experiences that value and affirm their identities and linguistic resources, center student and community agency, and develop students' critical perspectives. Supports for multilingual learners should be developed in alignment with the 2020 WIDA English Language Development Framework.

• Sustainability. Grant-funded projects should take steps toward long-term enhancements to civics education, including, but not limited to, the development of supportive instructional leadership structures. Investments such as professional development for educators or acquisition of needed instructional materials can provide benefits long past the period of this grant, as opposed to "one-off" activities.

• Civic deeper learning. Grant-funded projects should help students master civic knowledge, skills and dispositions, appropriate to grade-level standards, through creative agency and opportunities to actively "do civics." Civic action should be student-led and meaningful to students as individuals, with relevance to their identities and lived experiences. Civic learning should be an integrated part of the larger curriculum, not isolated experiences, lessons, or units.

The Brian D. Johnson Mechanical Engineering Scholarship at Montana State University provides financial assistance to deserving students pursuing degrees in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering. This scholarship, varying in amount, aims to support those demonstrating financial need and maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0. Montana State University is committed to offering a robust educational experience, ensuring students achieve academic success while managing their financial responsibilities.

The Somatic Mosaicism across Human Tissues (SMaHT) Program aims to enhance understanding of biological processes and disease mechanisms due to somatic mutations in human tissues. Since 2023, it has produced multi-omic datasets from various human tissues. The NIH plans to advance this initiative by establishing the National Somatic Mosaicism Commons Data Analysis & Organizational Center, which will oversee data management, develop analytical tools, and provide training to facilitate research and clinical applications.

The Al Kersich Student Excellence Award, offered by Montana State University, recognizes outstanding students pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering. This merit-based award aims to support students with exceptional academic records and potential for success. It is available to Montana High School graduates, emphasizing the importance of local talent in the engineering field. Award amounts vary, providing financial assistance to help deserving students achieve their educational goals.

The Crystelle Waggoner Charitable Trust supports charitable organizations in the arts and social services, with a focus on those operating in Tarrant County. Established by Crystelle Waggoner, the trust provides grants ranging from $15,000 to $40,000. Eligible organizations must have been in existence since before January 24, 1982, and must wait one grant cycle before reapplying for funding. The trust aims to continue Waggoner's legacy of supporting the community.

The CFEW Community Outreach Grants support projects addressing the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of communities in Eastern Washington. Grants range from $500 to $10,000 and prioritize organizations that contribute to local welfare. Examples of funded initiatives include assistance for housing and food, support for women in poverty, and programs aimed at reducing social isolation. This streamlined application process makes it easier for eligible organizations to receive vital funding for their outreach efforts.

The PLTW Gateway program, supported by Lockheed Martin, offers grants for schools to implement STEM and CTE-aligned curricula. Aimed at enhancing educational access for students, it provides funding of $10,000 for the 2026-2027 academic year. Eligible schools include public and charter institutions across the U.S. This initiative, part of a long-standing partnership since 2007, addresses the critical need for future engineers and scientists, benefiting over 77,000 students through innovative coursework.

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) is announcing a funding opportunity to support the Exceptional Longevity Data Management and Coordinating Center (EL DMCC). This initiative aims to enhance the management of large, diverse datasets and facilitate collaborative research across NIA projects. Core functions include data integration, AI/ML infrastructure development, and maintaining the ELITE Portal for secure data access. This NOFO encourages innovative approaches to longevity research, though applications are not currently being solicited.

About

The Chester County Community Foundation connects people who care with the causes that matter, so their philanthropy makes a difference now and forever.

As you are aware, there is ongoing uncertainty around federal and state funding that significantly impacts nonprofit organizations. The Community Foundation is committed to supporting a strong and resilient sector, and we encourage all organizations to be proactive in their planning.

We strongly encourage every nonprofit to engage in scenario planning, examine cash flow projections and assess funding risks. We have seen nonprofits explore a variety of pathways forward, such as adapting program design, reducing or merging operations and significantly diversifying revenue streams .

Capacity Building: Coping with Cutbacks Grant

These grants are specifically designed to strengthen the sustainability and effectiveness of nonprofits serving Chester County.

• Funding may support efforts in contingency planning, strategic restructuring, partnerships and collaborations, marketing and communications, resource development, technology improvements, and more.
• Volunteer grant panels and CCCF staff review proposals.

The NIH Director's New Innovator Award supports creative early-stage investigators pursuing innovative research with transformative potential for science relevant to the NIH mission. Applications are encouraged across all NIH-related fields, enhancing support for emerging talent. This award is part of the NIH Common Fund's High-Risk, High-Reward Research Program, which aims to cultivate groundbreaking research and foster the next generation of scientists.

Steve Wagner Scholarship

Steve Wagner retired as executive director of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Michigan (ACEC/M) in 2003 after 34 years of service. As a member of the Capitol Club and Michigan Society of Association Executives, Steve was well respected by his peers and colleagues and is known for his honesty and integrity.

Steve and his wife, Lana, were married in 1965 and have two daughters, Shelley and Whitney. Throughout his career, Steve has been a proponent of community service and has given many hours himself to church and community programs. Steve also has been a strong proponent of education. ACEC/M has established this scholarship in honor of Steve Wagner to award engineering and surveying students who, like Steve, are active in the community and find it important and necessary to give something back.

The NIA — Neighbors in Action program, initiated in 2025, aims to empower community-driven projects in Rochester. With grants ranging from $250 to $10,000, it invites neighborhood associations, block clubs, and community organizations to apply. Established to revitalize local neighborhoods, NIA promotes resident engagement and action. Since its inception, it has funded numerous initiatives to enhance community connections and foster collaboration among residents, striving for a more connected and vibrant Rochester.

The Anna C. & Oliver C. Colburn Fellowships support pre-doctoral students and recent PhD graduates in their archaeological studies at the American School of Classical Studies in Athens, Greece. Funded by the Archaeological Institute of America, these fellowships aim to foster an understanding of diverse cultures through archaeology. Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. or Canada and demonstrate ethical practice in their research. Preference is given to those not affiliated with ASCSA.

The Bloomberg Data Science Ph.D. Fellowship invites exceptional doctoral students to apply for support in groundbreaking research for the 2024-2025 academic year. The fellowship covers full tuition and provides a stipend of $42,000, along with mentorship and internship opportunities. Applicants must be full-time students with a graduation date by 2027 and must complete a 14-week research internship. This prestigious fellowship aims to foster innovation in AI/ML research and contribute to the field's advancement.

The NIJ FY 2026 Crime and Justice Research funding opportunity invites applications for innovative research aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the adult criminal justice system. It comprises two main categories: one focuses on new programs and strategies to improve workforce readiness, while the other assesses the impact of the COPS De-escalation Training Program. This initiative seeks to foster safety and operational improvements within law enforcement.

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley 

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV) empowers individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to fulfill their philanthropic goals through the establishment of charitable funds that support the needs of Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster counties. With over $100 million in assets, CFHV manages nearly 600 charitable funds and has distributed more than $777 million in grants and scholarships since January 2000. We lead initiatives to address urgent community needs such as food insecurity and educational challenges, offering both immediate relief and long-term support.

Honorable Anthony J. Pagones Memorial Scholarship

The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley announces the availability of the Honorable Anthony L. Pagones Memorial Scholarship. Having grown up in Beacon, Judge Pagones dedicated his life to serving the people and places of the area. He was elected as the Beacon City Court Judge and maintained that position until 1997. In addition to serving as the Attorney for the City of Beacon School District, and for the City of Beacon, he acted as legal counsel for many other charitable and volunteer organizations.

Through the generosity of friends and the community, a yearly scholarship will be awarded to a Dutchess County graduating senior with a preference for a Beacon resident, who has the intention to study law, political science/government or criminal justice. Students will be evaluated on their academic performance, community involvement, an essay detailing their career plans, letters of recommendation and financial need.

Type of Award

One-time scholarship payable to school.

Current High School

Dutchess County High School preferably a Beacon resident

Lexington Medical Center Foundation Inc

Since 1971, Lexington Health has grown and expanded to meet the needs of our community. The Lexington Health Foundation Remains Committed to Quality Care. Foundation-funded programs aim to enhance patient experiences and touch the various areas of care at Lexington Health — Patient, Employee, and Community Care.

Event and Project Sponsorship

Lexington Medical Center supports local organizations and nonprofits throughout the Midlands.

We support local events and causes that enhance the health and vibrance of our community. You can request sponsorship or other assistance for a project or event based in the South Carolina Midlands community.

The SMART FY26 Support for Adam Walsh Act Implementation Grant Program aims to enhance sex offender registration and notification practices across jurisdictions in the U.S. By supporting the implementation of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), this grant facilitates the establishment of comprehensive sex offender registries, ensuring that states, territories, and federally recognized tribes comply with federal standards. This initiative also promotes interjurisdictional information exchange and helps maintain public safety.

John Randolph Haynes And Dora Haynes Foundation

THE HAYNES FOUNDATION has been a force for change in the Los Angeles Region (comprised of the counties of Los Angeles, Ventura, San Bernardino, Riverside, and Orange) for over nine decades. The Foundation’s founders, Dr. John Randolph Haynes and Dora Haynes were passionate advocates of involved citizenship who believed that through social science research, the Foundation not only could identify critical social and political problems in Los Angeles but also offer solutions to them. The Foundation awards major research grants on governance and democracy in the Los Angeles region, archival grants, doctoral dissertation fellowships, and faculty fellowships.

Governance and Democracy in the Los Angeles Region

Through our Governance and Democracy Initiative, we strive to:

• Support research and policy innovation that improve how local governments serve their residents.
• Engage community members, researchers, and policymakers in defining the future of regional governance.
• Illuminate lessons from Los Angeles County that can strengthen governance in neighboring counties.
• Expand opportunities for public dialogue and participation, ensuring that reforms like Measure G succeed not just on paper, but in practice.

We expect researchers to seek opportunities to collaborate with community-based organizations and/or policymakers. We are open to all fields of study and disciplines that address governance and democracy in the Los Angeles region.

Grant Type

There are two grant types for the initiative on Governance and Democracy: Planning Grants and Research-to-Action Grants

Planning Grants

Planning grants are made for up to one year.

Planning grants are best suited for projects that require further development, including expanding community and policymaker contacts and refining research questions and strategies. In short, the planning grant is to help get the project ready to go.

For planning grants, applicants submit a short proposal consisting of framed questions to propose the planning effort and how it aligns with the Foundation’s priorities.

The Crawford County Community Fund, established in 2008, is a permanent endowment aimed at boosting economic development in the region. It provides annual grants to non-profits, schools, and local government agencies for community projects. Managed by a volunteer advisory board, the fund encourages local engagement and supports initiatives that address the evolving needs of the community, ensuring that contributions effectively enhance the quality of life in Crawford County.

The Beazley Foundation Grants support educational, charitable, and religious initiatives, primarily awarding funds to 501(c)(3) organizations. While historically favoring projects in Portsmouth, the Foundation extends its reach throughout South Hampton Roads and beyond. Applicants must consult with the Foundation's president prior to submission, and grants are not available to individuals or for certain projects, including environmental and arts initiatives, unless deemed compelling by the Board.

The Community State Bank Neighborly Fund supports charitable endeavors that benefit the people of Noble County. Established in 2002, it focuses on addressing local needs through grants in various sectors, including health, education, and civic affairs. The fund exemplifies community commitment, with initiatives like Relay for Life and the Local Christmas Bureau, which aids families in need. Through philanthropy and engagement, the fund enhances the quality of life in the region.

The Wausau Marathon County Impact Grants support innovative projects that enhance the quality of life in the greater Wausau area and Marathon County. Funded by the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, these grants focus on the arts, education, health and human services, and resource preservation. They aim to provide long-term, tangible benefits to the community, encouraging nonprofits to propose impactful solutions to pressing needs.

The Louise Tuller Miller Trust Grant offers funding exclusively for charitable organizations in Metropolitan Detroit and Traverse City, Michigan. This private grant supports various program areas including education, religious initiatives, scientific research, and animal welfare. To qualify, organizations must be recognized as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS. Note that individuals are not eligible to apply for this grant, ensuring support is directed solely to nonprofit entities.

The Beavers Heavy Construction Scholarship at Montana State University provides financial support for students pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering or Construction Engineering Technology. This scholarship aims to assist those demonstrating outstanding academic records and potential for success in the heavy construction industry. Awards vary, making this opportunity accessible to a wide range of applicants. Students are encouraged to apply and benefit from the resources available at Montana State University to further their educational goals.