Best Grants for BIPOC

Our Mission

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.

Scholarships

We offer hundreds of different scholarships for students in and around Kansas City.

John and Eunice Davidson Scholarship

This fund was established in memory of John and Eunice Davidson by their family to provide academic scholarships to graduating seniors. John and Eunice Davidson were unable to complete college due to financial hardships imposed by the Great Depression of the 1930’s. However, they made sure that both their daughters completed college. John went on to have a very successful career in transportation and investments. In Woodland, Carole Pirruccello is the Co-Trustee of the fund.

Consideration will be given to financial need and the student’s community service record.

Scholarships will be awarded on an annual basis and disbursed in equal payments in August and January. An acknowledgment/thank you note should be sent to scholarship donor if selected, and is required to release the first payment.

These scholarships will be supplemental for students who have already earned athletic and/or academic scholarships. Annually $3,000 will be awarded and paid in two equal installments for up to four years. Each secondary installment will be released upon proof of good academic progress.

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 Society of Women Engineers (SWE) offers Program Development Grants to support the initiatives of SWE Organizations. These micro-grants range from a minimum of $250 to a maximum of $5,000 and are available in three application cycles. To qualify, organizations must be in good standing, and the event must occur at least 45 days post-application deadline. Active SWE membership for the event manager and treasurer is also required for grant submission.

The ASEEES Dissertation Research Grant, named after Maya K. Peterson, supports doctoral research in Eastern Europe and Eurasia across various disciplines, with a maximum stipend of $6,000. This grant is available to graduate students who have achieved PhD candidacy and are ASEEES members. Applications are encouraged to explore diverse environmental studies topics and must commence research travel by January 31 of the following year. Note that funding excludes tuition and fees.

The ASEEES Dissertation Research Grant in Women and Gender Studies provides funding for graduate students conducting doctoral research in Eastern Europe and Eurasia. Offering up to $6,000, applicants must be PhD candidates with appropriate language skills and ASEEES membership. The grant encourages research in various eligible countries, while considering the complexities posed by current geopolitical situations. This grant aims to support innovative scholarship across disciplines, fostering a deeper understanding of women and gender issues in the region.

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 Columbus Foundation

In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Robert W. Lukens Scholarship

The scholarship honors the namesake, who was a 1940 engineering graduate from The Ohio State University and inspired generations of family engineers. The purpose is to helps students pay for college expenses.

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.

Ronald F. Shepard Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established to provide financial assistance to students pursuing an undergraduate degree in engineering who exhibit the following characteristics for which “Shep” is so fondly remembered: a relentless curiosity, a spirit of collaboration, a drive for innovation, and a commitment to learning, creating and growing alongside others. Additional application materials are required for this scholarship.

The Graduate Diversity Enrichment Program (GDEP), funded by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, aims to enhance diversity in science by providing $5,000 over two years to PhD students enrolled in North Carolina institutions. This initiative supports travel to conferences, research-related expenses, and promotes participation in peer networks. GDEP is designed for second to fifth-year PhD candidates in STEM fields who have demonstrated a commitment to equal access and opportunity in their academic and personal experiences.

The Farmington Greater Together Community Fund, established by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, offers up to $7,500 for projects that promote civic engagement and community ownership. This fund supports organizations classified as 501(c)(3) or those using a fiscal agent. Eligible projects must benefit all residents without discrimination and may include broader community initiatives by religious organizations. A final report is required upon project completion.

The Greater Mount Hope Community Fund, initiated in 2007 by dedicated citizens, aims to revitalize the historic Mt. Hope area through community-driven programs and fundraising. Managed by the Beckley Area Foundation, this endowment supports local initiatives that enhance the quality of life for residents. With a commitment to sustainable giving, the fund has engaged in various successful activities, including selling local calendars and organizing fundraising campaigns, ensuring a lasting impact on the community.

About Community Foundation of Henderson County

• Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.
• Vision: Community Foundation of Henderson County is a highly visible, philanthropic leader directed by an engaged and committed board, staffed by qualified employees, empowering donors at all levels to invest in professionally managed charitable funds that address community needs.

Christopher W. Lapsley Aviation Scholarship

To support student seeking to earn a private pilot license. Candidate must be 16 to 18 years of age. Student must be U.S. Citizen, speak fluent English, reside and attend school within Henderson County, NC. Student must be accepted into an accredited pilot licensing program located in Western North Carolina. 

The A. Montgomery Ward Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations that enhance educational and cultural programs in Chicago and surrounding areas. Established in 1959, it aims to empower local communities through quality programming. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, focusing on arts, culture, and education. Grants typically last for one year, with a commitment to fostering community growth and development.

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.

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. 

First Interstate Greater Belle Fourche Fund

The First Interstate Greater Belle Fourche Fund officially partnered with the South Dakota Community Foundation in 1989 as a way of supporting nonprofit and charitable projects and organizations in and around the community. The fund is a permanent endowment with the South Dakota Community Foundation and managed by a local board of directors. To date, $334,000 has been raised by the board, who have also distributed over $267,940 in grants back to the community. The First Interstate Greater Belle Fourche Fund celebrated their 25th anniversary in 2014.

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 Legal Aid and Service Fund Grant, administered by the Nebraska Commission on Public Advocacy, aims to provide essential legal representation to indigent defendants in serious criminal cases. Established in 1995, the Commission supports public defenders and oversees the Legal Aid and Services Fund to assist those unable to afford civil legal services. The agency ensures that counties comply with constitutional mandates while offering additional assistance based on financial need and service years, enhancing access to justice for vulnerable citizens.

The James W. Cooper Fellows program, established by the Connecticut Bar Foundation, invites nominations for outstanding Connecticut lawyers, judges, and law educators to enhance understanding of the legal profession and justice administration. Selected nominees commit to a $2,500 pledge over ten years. The program aims to improve civil justice through various grants and initiatives, reinforcing the foundation's mission of equitable legal access and education in Connecticut.

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.

Ken and Mary Beth Monnier Engineering Scholarship

Shelby County high school senior with a GPA of no less than 3.0, who is pursuing an ABET accredited Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering.

Selection based upon (in order of priority):

• Demonstrated community and school service, academic ability, financial need, and recommendations.

Awards

• Two $2,000 scholarships

Community Foundation of Mason County – MCCF, Inc. Community Grants Program Guidelines

The Community Foundation of Mason County – MCCF, Inc. is a county wide community foundation serving Mason County, WV. The Foundation’s Gordon and Mildred Jackson Foundation and Mason County Community Grant Programs are a competitive application process.

Funding Priorities for Operating Support Grants

Funding for operating support is considered.

• Document increased demand for services, unexpected reduction in sources of ongoing operating support, or a specific current financial challenge for which a plan is in place to mitigate;
• Show evidence that it has gone through an internal process of cost-reduction and/or realistic revenue-enhancement analysis focused on core service preservation prior to the request.
• Demonstrate that it has completed an organizational assessment and developed a realistic plan for financial stabilization.
• Show how the operating support grant will increase financial stability and/or help the organization make significant progress toward addressing its financial challenge.

• Present a realistic plan for organizational growth, outlining how operating support is critical to the growth plan (to expand services, offer new programs, reach new audiences, etc.).
• Include a plan for the organization to have adequate funding at the completion of the grant.

The Adams County Community Foundation (ACCF) offers an Impact Grant to address community needs with multiple awards up to $15,000. Eligible projects must demonstrate significant impact, measurable outcomes, and benefit several residents of Adams County. Priority is given to collaborative initiatives and those that serve a wide audience. The grant can be awarded as three $5,000 grants, one $5,000 and one $10,000 grant, or a single $15,000 grant. Applications should align with these criteria.

The Guy Toyama Memorial Scholarship Fund, established in 2013, honors Guy Toyama's advocacy for Hawaii's renewable resources. It supports students pursuing sustainability-related studies, with eligibility criteria including financial need, residency in Hawaii, a minimum GPA of 2.7, and enrollment in a 2-year or 4-year institution. Recipients can receive funding for up to four years if they continue to meet the requirements, including maintaining good academic standing.

The Fujieki Family Foundation Scholarship Fund supports graduates of Hawaii public high schools, established in 2018. Eligible applicants must be Hawaii residents with financial need, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.7, and plan to attend an accredited college or university in the U.S. Preference is given to those pursuing an AAS degree. This scholarship empowers local youth by providing essential financial support for their higher education.

The American Bar Endowment's Opportunity Grant Program provides funding for innovative, boots-on-the-ground initiatives that address urgent legal needs of the public. This grant focuses on increasing access to justice for underserved populations, improving the justice system, and enhancing public understanding of legal rights. Eligible applicants include public charities and organizations directly impacting local communities, with a strong emphasis on projects that leverage technology and address immediate legal challenges.

The A.B. Cobb, Jr. Memorial scholarship at Montana State University aims to support students pursuing degrees in engineering. This scholarship is available to Montana residents who demonstrate financial need and are enrolled as full-time students, with at least one year of attendance at MSU. The award amount varies, reflecting the institution's commitment to providing educational opportunities for promising students.

DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation

Mission – The Foundation’s mission is to broaden awareness and understanding of agriculture through outreach and education.

Scholarships

The DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture is proud to offer numerous scholarships for high school seniors and college students. Preference will be given to applicants of Farm Bureau members or their children with certain eligibility requirements.

College Students Scholarships 

The DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation endeavors to recognize students for their academic, school and community performance while in college. The recognition is in the form of a scholarship to the student’s school of choice. The scholarship award will be sent directly to the recipient’s school to be applied toward college costs. 

Robert Morley Science Scholarship

This scholarship was established in memory of Robert Morley, a former DeKalb science teacher. The $2,000 scholarship is for juniors and seniors in college majoring in a field of science. Up to seven scholarships will be given.