Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Hawaii

The Elsa U. Pardee Foundation has been a pioneer in cancer research funding since 1944, providing over $110 million to more than 300 institutions across the U.S. It supports innovative approaches by both new and established researchers, ensuring diverse ideas receive necessary funding. Additionally, the Foundation addresses immediate financial needs for cancer patients, allocating about one-third of its grants to assist those in need. This dual focus on research and patient support distinguishes the Foundation in the fight against cancer.

The Alaska Community Foundation

The Alaska Community Foundation connects people who care to the causes that make a difference and matter most to them. We encourage and nurture philanthropy through building and managing permanent endowments, convening stakeholders, working with partners to strengthen Alaskan communities, and providing donors with flexible giving options that are strategic to their philanthropic objectives.

Scholarships at ACF

Each year, more than 60 scholarships are available to Alaska students—and it all starts with one simple application. With one login and one application, you’ll be considered for every scholarship you may be eligible for. Whether you’re taking your first step toward college, training for a career, or continuing your education, these scholarships are here to help carry you forward, backed by donors who believe in Alaska’s students and the futures they’re building. 

Holly Dick Scholarship Fund

This scholarship fund was created by Holly Dick who learned from her own life experiences how education can change lives.

The Holly Dick Scholarship will provide eligible students with an educational scholarship to support the pursuit of post-high school education, including vocational training that will give them a future career. Scholarships will be awarded based on academic performance, community activities, letters of reference, and leadership activities with a preference for Chinese American students who are the first generation in their family to attend college or Chinese Alaskan students. Students must be enrolled full-time to qualify for a scholarship.

Holly WaiHung Dick left mainland China with her family in 1947 for a better life in Hong Kong. Her life experiences taught her that education changes lives. After completing school in China, Holly was hired by Japan Airlines, where she met her future husband, an American, Mike Dick. Holly and Mike lived in Anchorage, where they loved to fish and enjoy friends, family, and their Alaskan life. Holly loved to help others along their path in life. She volunteered as a translator for immigrants and helped children in daycare settings. 

This scholarship is her legacy fulfilling her hope to help Chinese students increase their experience and skills with education so they can find a job and a career to support their future.

The Duncan Scholars Program Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, offers financial assistance for full-time students enrolled in various accredited institutions across the USA. This renewable scholarship is available to children of current Enterprise Products Company employees, ensuring that those with at least three years of service can support their child's educational pursuits. The program aims to enhance community well-being by investing in youth education and future leaders.

The Bluegrass in the Schools Mini-Grants program, offered by the IBMA Foundation, supports K-12 educational initiatives by funding live bluegrass music performances in schools. Grants of up to $500 are available for programs that provide a comprehensive understanding of bluegrass music, including its history, instruments, and vocal harmonies. This initiative aims to enhance student engagement with bluegrass while preserving its cultural heritage, enriching the educational landscape through live demonstrations.

The Danette Honesto Scholarship Program, administered by the San Antonio Area Foundation, offers financial assistance to current high school seniors and college students pursuing various degrees in the USA. Applicants must be dependents of Sonterra Medical Management Group employees and meet specific eligibility criteria. This scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities and is a testament to the Foundation's commitment to community development, having distributed millions in grants and scholarships since 1964.

The CITGO Distinguished Scholars Program, offered by the San Antonio Area Foundation, is designed for junior high school students in the Alief, Houston, and Spring Branch ISDs. This program supports students planning to enroll in a 2- or 4-year college with funding for tuition, fees, and books. A cumulative GPA of 2.5 is required, and awards are granted to 40 students, empowering them to pursue higher education.

The Implementation Awards by PCORI aim to fund projects that translate patient-centered research into real-world practices. With budgets up to $2.5 million for implementation projects lasting up to 48 months, applicants must present a clear plan for broad evidence uptake. Additionally, those proposing implementation projects need an accepted Draft Final Research Report related to their original PCORI-funded research to qualify for funding.

Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin

The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin gives everyone the opportunity to make significant and lasting gifts to their community. We manage over 320 funds that enhance Portage and Waushara counties. Together with our generous donors, we create a strong culture of philanthropy in Central Wisconsin.

We are a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) public charity founded in 1982 to provide scholarships and grants to organizations and projects that improve the quality of life in Portage and Waushara counties.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation proudly supports students in Portage and Waushara counties with over $325,000 in scholarships annually, thanks to the generosity of local individuals and families. Award amounts range from $500 to $40,000, opening doors to educational opportunities.

Whether you're a student seeking financial support or a donor looking to grow a scholarship fund, we invite you to explore available opportunities and learn how you can be involved.

Don & Mary Hamerski Memorial Scholarship Fund

Qualifications: Graduating High School seniors from a Central Wisconsin high school.

The Carvajal Educational Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, aims to support current high school seniors from specified Texas counties in their pursuit of higher education. With a focus on Judeo-Christian institutions, this scholarship provides financial assistance for tuition, fees, and books, promoting academic achievement with a minimum GPA requirement of 2.5. Established to foster educational opportunities, the fund emphasizes the importance of community impact and leadership.

Daniel and Patrick McCarthy Scholarship

Given through the generosity of the Catherine M. Cridler Trust and named in honor of Daniel McCarthy, one of the founders of Olean Business Institute, this scholarship is available to students pursuing undergraduate business studies. The fund was renamed in 2023 to include Patrick McCarthy, son of Daniel, who also served as director of Olean Business Institute for many years.

MATRA Scholarship

Awards:

One time award of $7,500. Students may reapply for this scholarship for continued support based on their GPA for up to three years.

Outride's Community Impact Grants aim to enhance access to cycling, empowering individuals, particularly youth and seniors, to experience its social, emotional, and cognitive benefits. The grants support non-profits and schools in creating inclusive cycling programs, emphasizing equity and measurable goals. Although the application window is currently closed, Outride remains committed to promoting diverse cycling communities through strategic funding. For further guidelines, please refer to their FAQs.

Carroll Swanson Memorial Scholarship for the Performing Arts

This fund was established to provide a scholarship for a student at the following schools: Allegany-Limestone, Olean and Portville who has participated in a school music program (band or choral).

The Brian Morris College Gateway Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports full-time students pursuing a Bachelor's degree at accredited U.S. colleges. This renewable scholarship, available since 1964, is targeted at high school seniors from San Antonio, particularly those with financial need and a GPA of 3.33 or higher. The fund aims to empower students to achieve their educational goals, making a lasting impact on the community.

The LAM Foundation offers Pilot and Feasibility Research Awards aimed at fostering innovative research in lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM). These awards support hypothesis-driven studies with the potential to advance understanding and treatment options for this rare disease. Applicants can request a maximum of $50,000 for a period of up to one year. The Foundation prioritizes new researchers, encouraging fresh perspectives in LAM research to enhance patient care and ultimately achieve a future without LAM.

The Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation (MEAF) National Grant funds innovative projects that empower youth with disabilities, enhancing their leadership and employment skills. Grants typically range from $10K to $100K per year for one to two years. MEAF seeks proposals that break down employment barriers, support U.S. youth with disabilities, and promote inclusive practices. Projects should demonstrate a plan for national dissemination and measurable outcomes, particularly benefiting young veterans transitioning to civilian life.

Big 30 Athletic Fund

This scholarship is for four graduating high school seniors from Big 30 participant schools. One award overall from any Big 30 school, one for a student from Cattaraugus County, one for a student from Allegany County, and one for a student from Pennsylvania. Students must have participated in at least two sports for all four years of high school. Emphasis will be placed on involvement in sports, but academic achievement will also be considered. Financial need may be considered.

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) is announcing funding for comparative clinical effectiveness research across the cancer care continuum. This initiative aims to empower researcher-community partnerships to tackle significant healthcare challenges faced by patients and caregivers in the U.S. The focus is on enhancing care delivery and outcomes by addressing barriers to screening, treatment, and follow-up care for cancer patients. Applications are encouraged to identify strategies that improve patient-centered outcomes.

The Vaccinated & Loved Campaign Grant, offered by Petco Love, supports organizations that provide free vaccine services to communities in need. Eligible applicants include 501c3 nonprofits, government agencies, and invited for-profit companies with a nonprofit purpose related to animal welfare. However, individuals and organizations outside the U.S. or not focused on animal welfare are ineligible for funding. This initiative aims to enhance public health and animal welfare through vaccination efforts.

The Friends of Carl Sandburg Donald E. Hubbs Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Henderson County, aims to support Henderson County residents pursuing college degrees in Conservation, Animal Science, or Parks and Recreation. This fund prioritizes students specializing in American Literature but is open to those not necessarily at the top academically or financially. Established in 1982, the foundation has a strong history of facilitating community philanthropy.

Art League of Hilton Head Island

We are the community catalyst for the visual arts.

For over fifty years, the nonprofit Art League of Hilton Head has been the Lowcountry’s creative core for the visual arts with our innovative Gallery, teaching Academy and special community art events.

Art League sponsors satellite galleries, hosts the Gullah show and brings both traditional and cutting-edge works to our island with CraftHiltonHead, the Biennale National Juried Art Exhibition, special events, lectures, classes, workshops and so much more.

We award an annual scholarship to a local graduating High School senior to pursue a career in the visual arts in addition to sponsoring programs with local schools.

We partner with arts and cultural nonprofits and businesses to benefit residents, visitors and the artists who enrich our community.

Art League of Hilton Head Art Scholarship 

Since the year 2000, Art League of Hilton Head awards a $2000 scholarship to a graduating high school senior studying or living in Beaufort County, who has been accepted into an accredited art school or a college where he/she will be majoring in the visual arts. Only one scholarship will be awarded each year.

The successful applicant will be selected based on an interview, a review of a portfolio and completion of this application. 

The AGA Fellow Abstract Award, offered by the American Gastroenterological Association, provides a $500 travel award to MD, PhD, or equivalent fellows who present their abstracts at Digestive Disease Week® (DDW). The award encourages the participation of active trainee members and emphasizes diversity by inviting applications from underrepresented groups in biomedical research. The top abstract will earn an additional $1,000 award, highlighting excellence in gastroenterology research.

This research study, funded by the Bureau of Consular Affairs, aims to investigate the effects of international parental child abduction (IPCA) on both abducted children and their left-behind parents. Key objectives include identifying the psychological, developmental, and social impacts of IPCA, pinpointing supportive gaps in the U.S., and recommending effective solutions to enhance support for affected families.

The AGA Research Scholar Award offers $100,000 per year for three years to early-career faculty in digestive disease research. Applicants must hold an MD or PhD and be in a full-time faculty position in North America. The award fosters scientific independence by requiring a minimum of 50% research effort. AGA membership is mandatory, and applicants are encouraged to self-assign their proposals to specific research categories. This award aims to support promising junior researchers in their pursuit of independent research careers.

The AAAS Mass Media Science & Engineering Fellowship is a prestigious 10-week summer program designed for science, engineering, and mathematics students to work at media organizations across the U.S. This fellowship enhances public understanding of science by equipping fellows with skills to communicate complex scientific concepts effectively. Participants will receive an $8000 stipend and gain invaluable experience in journalism, fostering collaboration between scientists and media professionals to create engaging science stories for the public.

The Disability Foundation, in partnership with The Dayton Foundation, invites proposals for grants aimed at supporting organizations providing direct services to individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicants include community-based nonprofits and academic institutions. Grants, capped at $10,000, can be used for various purposes such as enhancing service accessibility, purchasing necessary equipment, and expanding services. This initiative seeks to empower disabled individuals by ensuring they receive essential resources and support.

The Alcon Foundation Grant aims to enhance eye care services and improve patient access, with a focus on educational and training programs. The foundation also supports cultural and community development initiatives that uplift the quality of life in areas where Alcon operates, including cities like Fort Worth, Houston, and Irvine. However, it does not fund non-501(c)(3) organizations, athletic leagues, or fundraising events, among other exclusions.