Best Grants for BIPOC

About JoCo Bar

The Johnson County Bar Association has served the legal community since 1938. Through leadership, member services, professional development, and community engagement, JoCo Bar supports attorneys, judges, and legal professionals throughout Johnson County.

Johnson County Bar Annual Awards

Each year, JoCo Bar recognizes outstanding service, professionalism, leadership, and dedication within our legal community.

Advocate Attorney Award

This award recognizes a JoCo Bar attorney member who made a significant contribution to the public interest during the past year by trying or settling a case that established an important precedent or by distinguishing themselves as an advocate in the courtroom or on appeal.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Muskegon Chapter, MI Society of Professional Engineers Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Muskegon Chapter of the Michigan Society of Professional Engineers, who established the Michigan Society of Professional Engineers Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. This scholarship fund was established by the Muskegon Chapter of the Michigan Society of Professional Engineers to encourage young people who select this field of study by providing financial assistance for their education. This scholarship encourages young people who select this field of study by providing financial assistance for their education. The recipient of this award will have attended Muskegon Community College and completed sufficient technical and non-technical courses, so as upon transfer, to qualify as a third year (junior) status student. Through the creation of this Scholarship, the Muskegon Chapter of the Michigan Society of Professional Engineers will help hundreds of Muskegon County students attain lifelong educational goals.

The Community Foundation’s scholarships are for Arkansas students pursuing education at two- or four-year colleges or universities, vocational schools or technical training programs. Each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria. Some scholarships are designated for graduates of a particular high school or those who plan to attend a particular college. Others are based on extracurricular activities or intended college majors.  

The Foundation has a scholarship portal with a quiz to help applicants determine scholarship eligibility. 

“Since 1976, the Community Foundation has partnered with individuals and organizations who want to support our state’s students in their pursuit of higher education,” said Heather Larkin, Community Foundation president and CEO. “These generous people provide the funding and determine the size and eligibility criteria of each scholarship, while we oversee the application and awarding process on their behalf.”  

East Student Scholarship

Provides a scholarship to a graduating senior with a minimum of 100 hours of community service as part of their participation in an EAST program. 

The PLTW Engineering grant, funded by PPG Industries, supports schools in enhancing their existing PLTW Engineering programs for the 2025-2026 academic year. Eligible institutions, including public and charter schools in specified cities, can use funds for course expansions, teacher training, and necessary equipment. The initiative aims to maintain high-quality engineering education while ensuring compliance with reporting requirements. Unallowable expenses include salaries and infrastructure costs.

Community Foundation of Carroll County

The Community Foundation of Carroll County, Inc. was established in 1994 to ensure financial support for Carroll County not-for-profit organizations. It is governed by a Board of Directors and is a 501c(3) public charity. The Community Foundation of Carroll County is trusted partner for donors and nonprofits. We provide one central place where anyone can create a charitable fund, support what matters most, and leave a legacy of lasting impact.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports more than 75 scholarships. These scholarships vary in the amounts they award and cover a wide variety of student interests. Qualifiers range from academic achievements, sports played, and community service performed, to 4-H and FFA involvement. While the majority are for graduating Carroll County high school seniors, there are several for students in college or technical school, and even opportunities for students attending private primary school. 

Charles and Claudia Lewis STEM Scholarship

The Charles and Claudia Lewis STEM Scholarship was established in 2004 by his family. Mr. Lewis did not have the advantage of monetary funds for college but he strongly believed in the value of education. As a result, during his lifetime, he tried to provide that support to others to help them achieve their educational goals. The purpose of this Fund is to provide a scholarship for a graduating senior of a Carroll County, Maryland, High School who will pursue a college education in Engineering, who has a financial need, who has exhibited academic achievement, and who has demonstrated involvement in his or her community. The student must have been enrolled at a Carroll County High School for his or her entire junior and senior years. Students enrolled in Engineering courses at the Carroll Career and Technology Center will be given special consideration. 

The SACF Great Idea Competition, hosted by the Stillwater Area Community Foundation, invites innovative ideas aimed at enhancing local communities. With grants up to $10,000, applicants can propose projects that beautify, engage, or support underserved residents. Successful submissions should demonstrate community benefit and aim for completion within 12-18 months. Preference is given to first-time applicants in the last three years, fostering fresh contributions to community development.

The INDIGO Program and FPIP are initiatives designed to support industrial decarbonization and improve grid operations while ensuring food production sustainability. These programs focus on funding projects that enhance electrical grid reliability, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and comply with state energy goals. They specifically target eligible industrial and food production facilities, promoting innovative solutions for environmental impact and operational efficiency.

The Promontory Foundation aims to enhance the Park City community and Summit County through matching grants for programs in Arts, Culture, and Social Services. With a focus on collaboration and personal engagement, the Foundation empowers Promontory Members to contribute meaningfully to community initiatives, striving to foster a caring environment and exceptional living experience. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations based in Summit County.

The Nolan Ryan Foundation's 50/50 Raffle Community Grant empowers local 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Central Texas by raising funds through home game raffles. With scholarships up to $40,000 available, the foundation aims to support deserving students and community initiatives. This grant program not only honors baseball legend Willie Wells but also fosters educational opportunities in the region. Eligible organizations can apply for funding, with a two-year limit on consecutive awards, ensuring diverse community support.

The McMahon Surovik Suttle, P.C. Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Abilene, provides financial support to Big Country area students pursuing a law degree. Eligible applicants must be full-time students with a minimum GPA of 3.5 and must have been admitted to an accredited Texas law school. This scholarship honors the legacy of retired partners Stephen Suttle and Bob Surovik, promoting legal education in West Texas.

The PLTW Engineering grant, funded by PPG Industries, aims to support schools in implementing PLTW Engineering programs for the 2025-2026 academic year. Eligible schools in Huntsville, AL, Greensboro, NC, and Cleveland, OH can apply for a total award of $20,000, distributed over two years. Schools must offer one PLTW course in the first year and another in the following year, ensuring a commitment to enhancing STEM education in their communities.

The Emergency Readiness Grants, offered by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, aim to support cultural organizations in Louisiana in preparing for and responding to emergencies, such as hurricanes and floods. With funding up to $5,000 available, these grants help organizations develop strategies to mitigate the impact of future disasters, thereby strengthening the resilience of Louisiana's cultural infrastructure.

The Brabson Family Foundation Grant is a philanthropic opportunity that supports innovative projects in education, sciences, and the arts. Proposals are accepted annually from September through March 1st. Applicants must be 501c3 non-profits and demonstrate novel ideas with clear problem statements. Successful applications reflect a commitment to impactful, long-term change. This grant encourages creative solutions and is open to various projects that align with the foundation's mission.

The River Falls Community Foundation Big Idea Grants aim to enhance the quality of life in River Falls, Wisconsin. With grants up to $25,000, this program seeks innovative projects that support community pride, assist underserved citizens, and address environmental concerns. Open to qualified non-profit organizations, the initiative is driven by a volunteer board dedicated to ensuring that donations effectively improve the community's future well-being. Applications are accepted every other year.

The Impact 100 Ozark Grantmaking Program aims to empower women by funding significant grants to enhance community welfare in eastern Christian County. The Community Foundation of the Ozarks seeks to support transformational projects that demonstrate impactful change. With two grants available, one for $14,000 and another for $35,000, the initiative encourages innovative proposals that can be initiated within six months of receipt, ensuring that the funding leads to lasting benefits.

The Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence: Development Phase (COBRE-D) program aims to enhance biomedical research capacity in IDeA states, which historically receive low NIH funding. By providing critical support for early-career investigators and essential infrastructure, COBRE-D facilitates a long-term vision for institutions. This initiative not only supplements start-up packages for new hires but also establishes research facilities and improves administrative services, paving the way for less-resourced institutions to transition into the COBRE E/S program.

The ACF of Sedona Grant Cycle aims to foster a culture of philanthropy in Sedona and the Verde Valley. Managed by the Arizona Community Foundation, this initiative has cultivated over 88 funds and distributed more than $19 million to support local nonprofits and community needs since 1991. With a focus on enhancing quality of life, ACF of Sedona connects generous donors with impactful projects, ensuring lasting benefits for the community.

Parish America 250 Program Mini Grants

In commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, the America 250 Louisiana State Commission, the Louisiana Office of the Lieutenant Governor, and the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities will be accepting letters of intent (LOIs) for the Parish America 250 Program Mini Grant. Grants of up to $1,500 will be available to support public humanities programming proposals that engage local audiences with Louisiana’s significant contributions to the founding and development of the United States.

The Louisiana America 250 Commission is dedicated to commemorating the 250th anniversary of our nation and Louisiana’s role in its establishment. The Parish America 250 Mini Grant program supports projects that engage with Louisiana’s significant contributions to the founding and development of the United States. 

Programs should engage local audiences with Louisiana history, foodways, folkways, music, and culture as they relate to the larger themes of the American Revolutionary era. All viable programs are encouraged to include the participation of qualified humanities scholar(s) where applicable. Programs must be free and open to the public.  

 LEH aims to reach all areas of the state and support organizations of all sizes and communities of benefit. 

The Rhode Island Council for the Humanities is launching the FY26 THRIVE Grant Program, which offers 20 grants of $5,000 each to small cultural heritage organizations and local historical societies in Rhode Island. This program aims to support organizations that enhance community engagement and preserve local history. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit entities located in Rhode Island, with a focus on serving local residents. Applications will be assessed based on eligibility and alignment with funding priorities.

The ISF Judicial Internship Scholarship provides a $3,000 stipend for law students interning with judges for a minimum of 8 weeks. It aims to prepare American Muslim students for careers in public interest law by offering real-world courtroom experience. Eligible applicants include first and second-year law students who have received internship offers from judges or are ISF Law Scholarship recipients. Preference may be given to applicants not receiving other funding.

The ISF Law Scholarship Program, established by the Islamic Scholarship Fund, aims to improve access to justice for Muslims in America. Since 2009, it has provided scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 to support students in law and public interest fields. The program seeks to enhance American Muslim representation in policy-making and media, ensuring their voices are heard. Eligible applicants include full-time students or part-time students working in ISF-supported fields, maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0.

The MJF Special Project Grants aim to fund innovative projects that address specific legal needs in Montana. With over $8 million awarded, these grants support nonprofits that enhance access to justice, legal education, and pro bono services. Eligible projects include establishing legal aid clinics, advocating for low-income rights, and increasing public understanding of legal processes. Priority is given to initiatives that promise sustainable impacts in under-served communities, fostering a fairer legal landscape for all Montanans.

The MJF Law-Related Education Grants, funded by the Montana Justice Foundation, support educational projects that enhance public understanding of the law. Grants of up to $3,000 are available for initiatives such as mock trials, community training on legal topics, and events like We The People. Priority is given to proposals that create a lasting impact in underserved communities. Applications can be submitted year-round, promoting access to legal knowledge and services.

The Maitland P. Simmons Memorial Award for New Teachers supports K-12 educators in their first five years of teaching by providing up to $1,000 for attending the National Conference on Science Education. Selected recipients, up to 25, will receive mentorship and opportunities for ongoing engagement with NSTA. Eligible applicants must be NSTA members and have taught for less than five years. Priority is given to established NSTA Student Chapters. This award fosters professional growth and community involvement.

Safety Net Grants

The safety net grant funding threshold will be $20,000 and will continue to provide essential support to individuals and families facing an immediate crisis. (The single county basic needs grant threshold was $10,000 previously.) The focus on safety net services is a more refined approach from the wide lens of basic needs. By eliminating regional basic need grants, funding becomes more targeted, ensuring equitable grant distribution across counties. (Six-month Single County Safety Net grant application available now)

Single-County Grants 

• Go to programs that expect to serve exclusively or primarily residents of a single county.
• Have a grant request ceiling of $20,000 per program.
• Be scored by volunteers. Volunteers will not score program applications for organizations that provide services in the county where they reside or with which they are affiliated. Funding requests and scores are reviewed by the Community.

The Robert E. Yager Exemplary Teaching Award honors K-12 science educators who demonstrate innovative teaching practices in science education. Funded by the National Science Teachers Association, this award recognizes six exemplary teachers annually, providing them with financial support for travel and a plaque. Awardees are expected to present at the NSTA National Conference, showcasing their innovative approaches and contributing to the advancement of science education for future generations.

The Shell Science Teaching Award, a collaboration between Shell USA, Inc. and the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA), honors an exceptional K-12 classroom teacher who significantly influences students, their school, and the community through outstanding science education. The award offers a $10,000 prize and includes an expense-paid trip to the NSTA National Conference on Science Education for the recipient and finalists, along with certificates for semifinalists.