Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in Hawaii

The CRSJ Racial Justice in Education Grant, administered by the National Education Association, aims to enhance racial equity within education by funding initiatives that promote awareness, leadership development, and solidarity among diverse racial groups. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $75,000, supporting projects that address racism and foster equitable policies in educational settings, thereby accelerating efforts towards social justice.

The Bernau Family Foundation Grant aims to enhance individual lives and foster positive leadership through funding initiatives that provide long-term solutions. Grants are awarded to IRS-designated public charities or nonprofits, emphasizing projects that promote civic responsibility, education, and mentor programs. The foundation prioritizes smaller organizations that encourage meaningful community engagement and constructive change, ensuring a lasting impact on society.

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds.

William T. Maunsell Memorial Scholarship Fund

To support graduating seniors from Westfield High School, Westfield Vocational Technical High School and St. Mary’s High School in Westfield who have average grades and are pursuing degrees in education, criminal justice or nursing.

Additional Guidelines

• Students can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships from the Community Foundation.
• Scholarship awards could impact the financial aid offered by a college, and students are advised to check with their college financial aid offices about this.
• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. Some part and/or all the award could be considered taxable income. It is advisable students check with the college or tax accountant regarding this matter.

About

Central Carolina Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that helps generous people give back to the Midlands of South Carolina in ways that matter. Since 1984, we’ve been a trusted partner, helping individuals, families, and businesses make smart, meaningful contributions that support local nonprofits, scholarships, and community projects.

Easterby Family Scholarship ($7,000)

This renewable scholarship is for students from Laurens County, South Carolina who are pursuing graduate or post-graduate education in the fields of theology or medicine. 

The Impact Aid Discretionary Construction Grant Program (84.041C) offers $19M in funding to Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) to address urgent school facility needs. This initiative supports repairs, renovations, or replacements required to maintain safe educational environments. Grants cover projects that improve accessibility in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and ensure that facilities meet health standards. The program aims to enhance learning conditions by responding effectively to emergency situations.

The Latham Foundation for the Promotion of Humane Education, established in 1918, emphasizes humane education to foster kindness and respect for all living beings. With a focus on innovative programs for teenagers and animal-assisted activities, the foundation invites U.S. organizations, particularly nonprofits, to apply for grants. However, funding does not extend to capital projects, salaries, or conference travel. Latham aims to instill core values that promote compassion within communities and across nations.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is launching the PROSPECT Program to enhance education in critical technologies, targeting an investment of up to $100 million. This initiative aims to develop a skilled workforce across the critical minerals and materials sector, supporting the entire value chain from resource extraction to recycling. By fostering collaboration among academia, industry, and national laboratories, the program seeks to strengthen U.S. economic competitiveness and energy security.

The BJA FY 2026 Rural Violent Crime Reduction Initiative aims to empower local law enforcement in rural areas to combat violent crime effectively. This funding opportunity provides resources for personnel, technology, and data analytics to enhance crime prevention strategies. Eligible applicants can utilize updated equipment and training to address specific violent crime challenges, ensuring safer communities through innovative approaches and strategic resource allocation. Applications are due by November 6, 2026.

The Grassroots Organizing National Grant Program, funded by the Ben & Jerry's Foundation, supports small, community-led organizations in the U.S. working to confront social and environmental injustices. Grants of up to $30,000 per year are available for two years, prioritizing organizations with budgets under $350,000. The program emphasizes grassroots organizing and community empowerment, inspired by the legacy of John Lewis. Eligible applicants must focus on collective action and local leadership to drive social change.

The Donaghue Foundation's Greater Value Portfolio Grant Program aims to enhance healthcare value by funding innovative research projects for two years, with awards up to $400,000. It encourages proposals that address issues such as high costs, disparities, and inefficiencies in care. Eligible applicants include Ph.D. researchers at nonprofit institutions partnered with healthcare organizations. The program seeks actionable solutions to improve patient care and reduce the burden of low-value healthcare on communities.

The Musician Health & Services Program, funded by The Jeremy Willson Charitable Trust, provides essential support for professional musicians facing financial hardships due to medical or mental health issues. This program offers navigation assistance to help applicants access healthcare resources and financial aid for living and medical expenses. Eligible participants include musicians and music industry professionals residing in Oregon or Clark County, Washington. The program aims to alleviate the financial burdens associated with medical treatments and living costs.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from a high school in Luzerne County who demonstrates academic excellence, good citizenship, participation in athletics, and who is active in a faith or religious-based organization.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from a high school in Lackawanna County who demonstrates academic excellence, good citizenship, participation in athletics, and who is active in a faith or religious-based organization.

The Sandusky-Firelands Alzheimer’s Scholarship provides financial support to residents of Erie County, Ohio, pursuing degrees in the Medical and Health Care fields, particularly those interested in working with geriatric patients. Established in 1995 by a dedicated non-profit organization, this scholarship aims to enhance community well-being and quality of life. Renewals for up to three additional years are possible, depending on financial need and the discretion of the Scholarship Advisory Committee.

Who We Are

OneStar strengthens Texas communities by creating pathways for individuals and organizations to engage, connect, and accelerate their impact.

OneStar AmeriCorps VISTA Project

OneStar AmeriCorps VISTA Project places skilled individuals with a diverse range of backgrounds at nonprofits and agencies throughout the state of Texas. AmeriCorps VISTA members serve full-time for one year on capacity-building projects to advance your organization’s anti-poverty mission.

OneStar AmeriCorps VISTA Project places community-driven individuals with nonprofits & agencies throughout Texas on transformative projects focused specifically on building organizational capacity and infrastructure to alleviate poverty. Get the support you need to accelerate your efforts in volunteer management, marketing, community outreach, fundraising, program development, and more!

Capacity building activities include:

• Volunteer Engagement
• Fundraising & Development
• Communication & Marketing
• Community Engagement & Outreach
• Program Development

The Karim Thomas Ziyad Memorial Engineering Scholarship Fund supports students from Washington County or nearby areas pursuing a career in engineering, especially in Mechanical Engineering. Established in memory of Karim Thomas Ziyad, this scholarship aims to empower deserving students to achieve their educational goals. The fund is part of the Community Foundation of Washington County Maryland, which offers numerous scholarships to enhance educational opportunities for local students.

The Oak Advisors Scholarship of Excellence, offered by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, supports southern Beaufort County high school seniors pursuing a major in business, economics, or finance. Established by philanthropic leaders, the scholarship recognizes students for their academic achievements, talents, and community involvement. With a minimum GPA of 3.2 required, this scholarship aims to empower students to make a positive impact in their communities.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking to enhance the Strategies to Innovate EmeRgENcy Care Clinical Trials Network (SIREN) through the establishment of a Clinical Coordinating Center (CCC) and Data Coordinating Center (DCC). This initiative aims to improve emergency care outcomes by supporting trials that focus on effective treatments for non-stroke neurological and cardiovascular emergencies. Although applications are not currently being solicited, this notice allows potential applicants to prepare collaborative proposals.

The OJJDP FY 2026 Internet Crimes Against Children On-Line Child Protection System (ICACCOPS) funding opportunity aims to enhance and maintain critical investigative tools for child exploitation cases. ICACCOPS provides a robust IT infrastructure to support data services, network security, and management tools for law enforcement. This initiative strengthens the efforts of the national network of ICAC Task Forces, which are dedicated to combating technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation across the United States.

The Kors, Lois E., Educational Scholarship, established by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, aims to support Beatrice High School graduates in pursuing higher education. With a strong commitment to academic achievement and civic involvement, the Foundation awards over $55,000 annually in scholarships. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, citizenship, and academic merit. This scholarship encourages students to enter the teaching profession, providing essential funds to help them achieve their educational goals.

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region

The Community Foundation is a devoted advocate for the vitality and well-being of the Rappahannock River Region. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages and distributes charitable giving in the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg.

Scholarships

One of The Community Foundation’s strategies for preserving and growing the quality of life in our region is supporting higher education for area students. Generous individuals and families, companies and organizations establish endowed scholarship funds and the proceeds from these funds benefit deserving students. Donors work with foundation staff to determine appropriate criteria for each fund. The Community Foundation currently administers more than fifty scholarship funds.

The Mary E. Berger Scholarship Fund

The Mary E. Berger Scholarship was established with a gift from Mary E. Berger and a future gift by the estate of Mary E. Berger to assist high school students who wish to attend college or university or professional school to pursue studies in art, music, history, political science, English, journalism and related liberal arts subject.

The Health Workforce Research Center (HWRC) aims to enhance understanding of health workforce needs across various levels of governance. Funded by the US HHS: Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), this initiative supports vital research that informs decision-makers, ensuring effective resource allocation and workforce planning to meet healthcare demands.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is offering Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Biology to support innovative research at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Biological Sciences. These fellowships aim to cultivate expertise in both fields, enabling scientists to leverage AI for breakthroughs in biotechnology and bio-system design. The program encourages proposals that utilize existing biological data and infrastructure to enhance discovery and innovation, ultimately benefiting human lives and the U.S. economy.

The Transformative Organizing Grants, funded by the Arch Community Fund, aim to bolster grassroots movements advocating for systemic change. These grants, ranging from $15,000 to $25,000, prioritize organizations with 501(c)(3) status and an annual budget under $1 million. The focus is on empowering community leadership through anti-capitalist solutions, promoting intersectionality, and addressing immediate needs while fostering long-term structural change. Eligible groups are encouraged to apply for support in their transformative organizing efforts.

The NEA Foundation's Student Success Grants support educators in creating innovative learning experiences that foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and cultural understanding among students. This initiative encourages project-based and personalized learning, enabling students to engage with real-world challenges. Applicants must be members of the National Education Association and can use grant funds for educational materials and experiences. The focus is on enhancing academic skills, communication, and collaboration, ultimately promoting joy in learning.

Our mission is to enhance quality of life, today and in the future, by:

• Enabling donors to fulfill their charitable desires
• Building a permanent endowment
• Facilitating prudent management and care of funds
• Meeting needs through grants, awards, and scholarships

CFCC: Mark C. and Dorothy I. Morgan Scholarship

Amount

(1) $2,000 scholarship, (2) $1,500 scholarships

This scholarship is not renewable and previous recipients may not reapply.

The Judith R. Walkowitz Article Prize, awarded annually by the North American Conference on British Studies, recognizes the best published article addressing gender and sexuality in British culture. This prize honors Professor Walkowitz’s significant contributions to the fields of gender and cultural studies. Open to scholars in North America, it encourages diverse perspectives across disciplines and time periods, with a cash award of $250 to support ongoing research and scholarship in British Studies.