Best Hampden County Grants for Nonprofits in Massachusetts

Early Literacy Consortium Grant

The purpose of this competitive grant program is to fund the development, launch, and continuation of partnerships between eligible sponsoring organizations and PK–12 districts to promote improved teacher preparation and development in evidence-based early literacy instruction and improved early literacy outcomes for PK–3 students. All students deserve access to high quality instruction, and it will take collaborative and innovative efforts on the part of both districts and educator preparation programs to ensure that PK–3 educators have the pre-service training as well as the ongoing professional development needed to well-serve Massachusetts students. The goal of this grant program is for both districts and sponsoring organizations to benefit from collaboration through multi-year consortia developed to impact early literacy teaching and learning through preparation of candidates and ultimately hiring and employment of effective Elementary, Early Childhood, and Moderate Disabilities PK–2/PK–8 teachers.

Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) seeks to award Early Literacy Consortium grants to entities that:

Are committed to prioritizing literacy equity and excellence, and want to collaborate with districts and sponsoring organizations in their region to make this a reality

Demonstrate favorable conditions and the resources, including time and commitment, necessary to make and sustain meaningful partnerships that have the potential to improve student outcomes in early literacy

Bring together a diverse coalition of stakeholders committed to the activities articulated in the grant proposal, including but not limited to classroom educators, PK–12 administrators, higher education faculty and leadership, program supervisors, teacher candidates, and students where appropriate

Are actively investing in equity, inclusion, and culturally and linguistically sustaining literacy practices for all learners

Category 3 — Established Consortia Implementing Early Literacy Programming

Applicants in this category represent an established partnership with multiple sponsoring organizations and school districts with a clear, strategic plan for the consortium’s work.

MyCAP, Middle School Career Connected Learning, and High School Work-based Learning

The My Career and Academic Plan (MyCAP) Planning and Implementation, Middle School Career Connected Learning, and Work-based Learning Grants provide supplementary support to districts/schools who are working to improve the college, career, and civic readiness for all students.

Option 1: 0598 Planning and Implementation

The purpose of this competitive grant opportunity is to provide supplementary support to school districts with high schools interested in entering the planning phase of MyCAP or school districts that are currently engaged in the early stages of whole school implementation of MyCAP in high schools. The MyCAP process requires schools to convene a multi-role team to create a scope and sequence in the three domains identified as necessary for college, career, and civic readiness — personal/social/mental health, career development, and academic and future planning — for every grade to guide the implementation of MyCAP. This grant will provide planning team members the supplementary support necessary to attend professional development, to hold team meetings outside-of-school hours to create a scope and sequence for every grade, or to support the MyCAP team as they begin implementation of the scope and sequence and allow for continuation of team meetings outside of school hours, attend additional trainings, purchase curriculum that supports MyCAP.

Grant applicants must identify a team that at a minimum includes four members representing a cross-section of professional roles e.g., administrator, school counselor, general education teacher, special education teacher, shop teacher, coach. Student representation is also encouraged. The team will create a scope and sequence that will address the three domains of college, career and civic readiness in each year of middle and/or high school and includes the identification of learning objectives, lessons, activities and resources available to meet those objectives, and the artifacts that will be captured in the individual student MyCAP. The focus of the work should be on creating a scope and sequence that demonstrates a whole school commitment to engage and empower students in planning for postsecondary success based on their individual interests, strengths, and skills, implementing the scope and sequence, and providing professional development opportunities for whole school buy-in.

Funding will support the team’s work by:

• allowing a team made up of diverse roles to meet outside of school hours for the creation of a middle or secondary school scope and sequence;
• paying for substitutes while team members attend in-person trainings;
• designing and/or begin the implementation plan for the rollout of MyCAP;
• identifying 2 metrics for assessment of student success.

Funds may be used for:

Stipends;

Substitute teachers for team members attending Professional Development opportunities;

Consultant fees; and

Coaching Fees.

MyCAP, Middle School Career Connected Learning, and High School Work-based Learning

The My Career and Academic Plan (MyCAP) Planning and Implementation, Middle School Career Connected Learning, and Work-based Learning Grants provide supplementary support to districts/schools who are working to improve the college, career, and civic readiness for all students.

Option 2: 0424 Middle School Career Connected Learning

The purpose of this competitive grant is to support middle schools as they design learning opportunities that integrate academic learning, personal, social, and emotional development and career development with real-world applications. 

Middle school career connected learning is a whole school effort focused on building self-awareness, exploring diverse career options, and developing essential skills. This includes understanding personal strengths, skills, and interests, learning about different jobs and careers to align strengths, skills, and interests and practicing foundational skills like teamwork and communication that will become key employability skills.

Academic, technical, and experiential learning happens across the school in classrooms and core content instruction, in advisory, through comprehensive school counseling, through intentional career development activities (i.e., career speakers), and/or during extracurricular experiences.

Career connected learning is foundational to the MyCAP process. The state highly recommends using these funds for the development of a MyCAP middle school scope and sequence . However, for this grant, schools may choose to begin with development of a career connected learning process that aligns with the state career development model.

MyCAP, Middle School Career Connected Learning, and High School Work-based Learning

The My Career and Academic Plan (MyCAP) Planning and Implementation, Middle School Career Connected Learning, and Work-based Learning Grants provide supplementary support to districts/schools who are working to improve the college, career, and civic readiness for all students.

Option 3: 0413 Work-based Learning

This competitive grant is available to schools focused on building systems and strategically aligning resources to expand work-based learning opportunities for their students. This grant is intended to support the implementation of Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA) Pathway as the new statewide work-based learning database.

This group's work will lead the state in the development of:

models and resources for implementing MEFA Pathway as the statewide student portal for Work-based Learning Plans and statewide work-based learning data collection including for purposes of Perkins V, Connecting Activities, and Youthworks;

models and resources for Work-based learning plans as part of MyCAP implementation;

models and resources for strategic use of Connecting Activities, YouthWorks, and related resources to expand students access to work-based learning opportunities and bring work-based learning opportunities to all secondary students;

opportunities to integrate Youthworks and Connecting activities planning and reporting tools; and

Recommendations for alignment of Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) career development model and YouthWorks employment engagement standards.

United Negro College Fund

“A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”®

For more than seven decades, this principle has remained at the heart of UNCF, enabling us to raise more than $5 billion and help more than 500,000 students and counting not just attend college, but thrive, graduate and become leaders.

We do this in three ways: By awarding more than 12,000 students scholarships, worth more than $65 million, each year. By providing financial support to 37 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). And by serving as the nation’s leading advocate for the importance of minority education and community engagement.

NEESA Last Dollar Grant

NEESA Last Dollar Grants are designed to provide need-based, last-dollar gap scholarships for graduating high school seniors facing barriers to college enrollment. Students may receive up to $1,000.00 for their freshman year attendance.

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

Jerrold E. Potts Scholarship

Jerrold E. Potts was born and raised in Saginaw, living here until his death in 1997. An electrician by trade, he served in the U.S. Army and Army Reserves. Jerry was a longtime member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local #557. He was also a member of the Saginaw Lodge #77, F&AM, where he twice served as Worshipful Master.

Jerry was a caring, compassionate person who supported many causes, often anonymously. When establishing the Jerrold E. Potts Scholarship, Jerry indicated that the primary scholarship beneficiaries should be the children and grandchildren of IBEW 557 members because “I started there.” He also wanted the scholarship to “make the difference between going to school and not going to school.”

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

Judge Gary R. McDonald Memorial Scholarship

January 2004 marked the passing of a true champion of justice and compassion for the men and women of Michigan. Judge Gary R. McDonald, beloved father and friend, served the citizens of Saginaw and the rest of Michigan for over 30 years.

In honor of his esteemed service, the family and colleagues of this respected Michigan leader have created the Judge Gary R. McDonald Memorial Scholarship Fund. Its purpose is to grant students of Saginaw County the financial means to pursue a career in a law-related field so that Judge McDonald’s unrelenting pursuit of justice may continue in his honor.

Awarding this scholarship to those in need serves Judge McDonald’s personal mission of inspiring the hearts and minds of our youth to serve our communities for the good of all.

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

Junior League of the Great Lakes Bay Region Scholarship

Junior League of the Great Lakes Bay Region is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. The Junior League of the Great Lakes Bay Region is an organization that welcomes for membership all women regardless of age, race, creed, religion or national origin, who demonstrate an interest in and commitment to volunteerism.

The league has had many fundraising events in its history, always with the purpose of returning monies to the community through varied and needed projects. The Junior League of the Great Lakes Bay Region Scholarship is one of those projects.

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

JustJane Art Scholarship Fund for Women

Truly unique humans like Jane Marie Ewing do not populate the universe very often, and the JustJane Art Scholarship for Women was created to honor her remarkable spirit.

Jane was an artist at heart, finding joy in countless creative pursuits – whether baking delectable treats, capturing life’s beauty through photography, or expressing her imagination in fashion and digital illustration. Her zest for life was infectious, often bringing laughter through her playful “Jane Pranks”, which will forever live in the hearts of family and friends. Jane shared an inseparable bond with Kyle, each the center of the other’s universe. Tragically, Jane was taken from this world unexpectedly in 2025.

Her vibrant artistic soul touched every aspect of her life – from painting and interior design to crafting costumes for parties and pranks. Though her passion for art wasn’t fully nurtured early on, once she embraced it later in life, creativity flowed freely, illuminating the lives of everyone around her. Jane saw beauty everywhere, and her art became a reflection of that vision.

This scholarship carries forward Jane’s legacy, helping future generations cultivate their own artistic passions. It is a reminder to future generations that art has the power to transform lives.

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity – Saginaw Alumni Scholarship

Kappa Alpha Psi, an international college fraternity, was founded in 1911 and has more than 600 functioning undergraduate and alumni chapters. The motto of the fraternity is “achievement in every field of human endeavor.” Fashioning achievement as its purpose, Kappa Alpha Psi continues to unite college men of patriotism and honor in a bond of fraternity.

The Kappa Instructional Leadership League is a male youth group consisting of area high school students. The youth group is sponsored by the Saginaw Alumni Chapter in accordance with the fraternity’s National Guide Right Program.

The Saginaw Alumni Chapter has established a scholarship program in recognition and memory of the following men who were devoted and dedicated members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity: Lee Arthur, Sr., John Gibson Jr., Dr. Vernal Cambridge and George Carter, Sr.

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

Lisa Krukowski-Whalen Nursing Scholarship

The Lisa Krukowski-Whalen Nursing Scholarship was established to provide financial assistance to a graduating senior or college student from Saginaw County who plans to pursue a nursing career.

Mrs. Lisa A. Krukowski-Whalen graduated with honors from Bridgeport High School in 1983 and with honors from the University of Michigan School of Nursing in 1987. Lisa loved her career in nursing. She worked at St. Luke’s Hospital in the Pediatrics Intensive Care Unit. While working at St. Luke’s Hospital, Lisa also taught nursing (clinical) at Saginaw Valley State University.

Despite health complications, Lisa remained an energetic and loving person until her passing at the age of 41. It is in her spirit that family and friends have created a nursing scholarship for any deserving student in the Saginaw County.

Kenny Simon Scholarship

Kenny Simon, a member of the class 1988, met an untimely death in the summer of 1985. Kenny’s parents and friends established a scholarship fund in his honor.

The interest from this fund is to be used annually to provide a scholarship for a deserving member of the graduating class. In the event the scholarship if not applied for by students, the money will be contributed to the Special Olympics Program.

Mark Gradeless Welding Scholarship

This award was created in 2021 to honor the life of Mark “Grady” Gradeless. A 1977 graduate of Columbia City Joint High School, he worked at Dana Corporation, where he tirelessly serviced machines from the age of 18 until his retirement. “Grady” was a member of the United Auto Workers, Steelworkers Union and could often be found in his barn fixing something or tinkering. He was known for his daredevil shenanigans, practical jokes, patience, hard work, common sense advice and ability to uplift those around him. “Grady” was an amazing Dad, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather and friend to all who knew and loved him. This award is for a student attending Ivy Tech Community College for the pursuit of a welding certificate.

Jerry Walker Memorial Scholarship

The Jerry Walker Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in Jerry’s honor, to partner with Whitley County young people whom Jerry cared deeply about. Jerry served on The Center’s Board of Directors for more than 6 years, and was a passionate volunteer, donor, and advocate for helping young people find hope and equipping them to thrive in life.

This scholarship is available to any person that has have been an active After-School SERVE participant for 2 or more semesters and will be attending any post-secondary schooling.

This Scholarship is due March 1st of each year.

Lester & Joy Worrick Memorial Scholarship Fund

This scholarship was created in memory of Lester and Joy Worrick. It will be awarded to a Whitley County 4H participant that plans to pursue a degree in agriculture.

Horizon of Hope Scholarship

Balancing the responsibilities of family and work can be challenging for anyone, but for single parents who want to improve their lives by continuing their education, juggling the added responsibilities can seem downright overwhelming.

The Horizons of Hope Fund was established to recognize and encourage single parents who have returned to school. Created to help lighten the load, Horizons of Hope assistance can be used for tuition expenses, books, supplies, transportation, childcare, or other living expenses.

Up to $500 per semester is available to single parents.

Dean and Jordan Hoffman Whitley County 4H Beef Scholarship

This scholarship was established by friends and family in memory of Dean Hoffman.

Recipient selected during the Whitley County 4-H Fair

This scholarship will go to a Whitley County senior involved with 4-H Beef Club.The recipient will be selected during the Whitley County 4-H Fair.

Ethan J. Hazelwood Heart of Gold Memorial Scholarship

The Ethan J. Hazelwood Heart of Gold Memorial Scholarship was established in 2025 by family and friends of Ethan as a lasting tribute to his life and giving spirit.

Those who knew Ethan remember him as a kind, creative, and giving person. He was always helping others and once gave the boots on his feet to a fellow student who had none.

Open to individuals in Whitley and Noble County, the scholarship is for high school seniors as well as non-traditional students, who wish to pursue additional education in the field of agriculture or diesel mechanics.

Buesching-Tucker Memorial Scholarship

This Scholarship is available to any Whitley County resident. Applicants may be current students, non-traditional students, home-school students, and traditional graduating high school seniors with aspirations for a nursing career or obtaining a degree in music.

In loving memory of our amazing mother, sister, aunt, and “Gummi”, and our dear father, uncle, brother, and “Baba” we establish this scholarship to honor Nancy Buesching Tucker and Robert Lewis Tucker residents of rural Churubusco. Our family invites you to apply hoping that in some small way we can aid you in becoming as gifted a nurse as Nancy was or as entertaining a musician as Bob was.

Jeffrey Geiger Memorial Scholarship

This award was established to honor Jeffrey Geiger who was involved in FFA, a 10-year member of 4-H, and an Eagle Scout. Jeff devoted his life to Whitley County 4-H. He served on the Fair Board for over 11 years and was President of Whitley County 4-H Inc. for more than seven years.

This scholarship is given to a to a 5 year participant of 4-H or a 2 year member of FFA who mirrors Jeff’s lifelong passion.

Brandon Wade Minier Memorial Scholarship

The Brandon Wade Minier Memorial Scholarship was established in 2012 to celebrate the life of Brandon Wade Minier. He was a young man of extraordinary talent and personality, who tragically lost his life in a motorcycle accident on April 26, 2009.

Brandon’s future was full of promise and success due in great part to his training as a journeyman electrician and his position as an apprentice instructor with the joint apprenticeship and training committee of Local Union #305 IBEW and the Fort Wayne Division, Central Indiana, Chapter NECA (referred to in short as the Fort Wayne Electrical JATC).

This scholarship may be used towards tuition, books, supplies, or any other school related expense in relation to the awarded individuals educational needs.

This scholarship is available to an individual from Whitley County, who is continuing their education in a trade and vocational school, such as but not limited to electrical, plumbing, mechanical, beauty, and culinary arts school.

Bob Brittain Memorial Scholarship/CCHS Alumni Scholarship

Presented by the Columbia City High School Alumni Association

Criteria are the same for a two year degree and four year degree. This scholarship is one-time and non-renewable.

The ideal recipient of this scholarship will be a CCHS graduate who has been actively involved in several extra-curricular activities, major service activities, and have a grade point average reflective of respectable academic growth. This student will have a four year involvement in the activities listed below. This student will also be fully involved in high school classes during the final trimester of the senior year

Annette M. Lamle Memorial Fund

This scholarship was created in memory of Annette M. Lamle who graduated from Columbia City Joint High School with the Class of 1980 and attended Indiana Purdue Fort Wayne. She supported her sons during their years in Whitley County 4-H and FFA. This award is given to a graduating Whitley County senior who was active in FFA or 4-H, who volunteers in the community, and has an interest in pursuing study in agriculture or the trades.

The Microplastics Research and Resource Coordination Center aims to foster collaboration among researchers in biomedical and material sciences to understand the health impacts of micro/nanoplastics (M/NPs). This initiative will enhance research reliability by standardizing sampling, analytical practices, and data harmonization. The center will lead efforts in best practices and provide essential guidance to the M/NPs research community, ultimately advancing knowledge and methodologies in this critical area of study.

Dwight Nicholson Medal for Outreach

This award recognizes the humanitarian aspect of physics and physicists created through public lectures and public media, teaching, research, or science related activities. Recognition consists of a stipend of $3,000, Nicholson medal, and a certificate which includes the citation for which the recipient has been recognized. Up to $1,500 will be available for the recipient's travel expenses to the meeting at which the Medal is presented. It will be presented annually.

Camden Property Trust Scholarship

Benefiting dependents of Camden employees.

About the Scholarship Award:

• Multiple scholarships awarded for the 2026-27 academic year. Award amount varies by college/degree type:
  • 4-year college and trade schools: $5,500
  • 2-year college: $3,000
• Reapply guidelines:
  • Students in a four-year degree program may reapply up to 3 years after initial award (maximum 4 years of funding)
  • Students in a two-year degree or certificate program may reapply up to one year after initial award (maximum 2 years of funding)

What can this scholarship be used for?

• The scholarship will be mailed directly to the student's college to be used towards tuition, required academic fees, and/or book expenses.
• Scholarship funding cannot be distributed directly to the student. Funding cannot be used for room and board, rent, meal plans, parking passes, or other similar living expenses.
• Scholarships cannot be used for a summer semester or for graduate degrees.

HLP Hamakua Community Foundation: Annual College Scholarship

Taka Domingo was a lifetime resident of the Hamakua and founding board member of the HLP Hamakua Community Foundation. He was born in Kukuihaele and attended Honoka'a High School. After working for 30 years at Hamakua Sugar Company as an electrician, he embarked on a career in public service representing Hamakua on the Hawaii County Council for the 20 years. This vocational scholarship is being offered in his honor.

The HLP Hamakua Community Foundation is a non-profit organization that was formed to benefit the people of Hamakua. An annual scholarship is awarded to encourage students that graduate from Honoka'a High School or students who live in the Hamakua District to further their education upon graduation.

Individual award amount:

• $2,000.00. Scholarships will be awarded upon proof of enrollment and must be claimed by November 1, of the year the scholarship is awarded.
• Applications are available at your school counselor’s office or online.