Best Kent County Grants for Nonprofits in Maryland

Mission and Vision

The Mission of the Foundation is to improve the quality of life in the Coastal Bend by building community endowment and addressing social, educational, environmental, and cultural needs through the awarding of grants and scholarships.

The Foundation’s Vision is to provide the Coastal Bend with:

• Efficient gift options to meet donors’ charitable wishes
• Effective grants to charitable organizations and scholarships to students
• Ethical leadership to promote and enhance area philanthropy

Scholarships

The CBCF scholarship is open each year. Scholarships awarded will be for the following academic year. Scholarships are available only to students who graduated from a high school in one of the counties in the CBCF Service Area: Aransas, Bee, Jim Wells, Kleberg, Nueces, Refugio and San Patricio. Thanks to our generous donors, the Coastal Bend Community Foundation (CBCF) offers scholarships to students from over 100 funds.

Cox - Justin Forrest Cox "Beat the Odds" Memorial Scholarship

Purpose

Established in memory of Justin Forrest Cox, who died at age 16. Justin was well-respected and had the ability to become friends with anyone. Destined to become great, he died before his time. Justin greatly admired those who persisted against daunting odds to achieve their goals. This scholarship is meant for those who have "Beaten the Odds."

Scholarships are to be used for books and tuition only and can be carried over to later years.

Mission and Vision

The Mission of the Foundation is to improve the quality of life in the Coastal Bend by building community endowment and addressing social, educational, environmental, and cultural needs through the awarding of grants and scholarships.

The Foundation’s Vision is to provide the Coastal Bend with:

• Efficient gift options to meet donors’ charitable wishes
• Effective grants to charitable organizations and scholarships to students
• Ethical leadership to promote and enhance area philanthropy

Scholarships

The CBCF scholarship is open each year. Scholarships awarded will be for the following academic year. Scholarships are available only to students who graduated from a high school in one of the counties in the CBCF Service Area: Aransas, Bee, Jim Wells, Kleberg, Nueces, Refugio and San Patricio. Thanks to our generous donors, the Coastal Bend Community Foundation (CBCF) offers scholarships to students from over 100 funds.

Nueces County Junior Livestock Show Scholarships

This scholarship is open to any active member of a Nueces County FFA or FCCLA chapter or 4-H club who will graduate this academic year and has actively participated in the Nueces County Junior Livestock Show for at least two of his/her high school years.

College Attendance Requirements: It is mandatory that the scholarship winner attend a college, university or certified vocational trade school the fall semester immediately following selection and use the scholarship funds beginning that semester. Only with special permission from the Nueces County Junior Livestock Show Scholarship Committee may the use of the scholarship be deferred one year.

Criteria used in selecting scholarship recipients will include: (1) Stock show participation (2) FFA, FCCLA or 4-H participation (3) Academic achievement (4) College Exams and (5) Interview.

Bucks County Foundation

Since our founding in 1979, the staff at BCF have been working closely with donors, local leaders, and nonprofit organizations to improve the quality of life in Bucks County. Our work with local charitable organizations helps to improve the health and wellbeing of children and families across the county.

Scholarships

The Bucks County Foundation is proud to support students throughout Bucks County in their pursuit of higher education and attainment of academic, trade and life skills that translate into economic self-sufficiency. Through the generosity of donors in our region, we manage over 100 scholarship distributions for a wide variety of students with diverse educational journeys.

BC Chapter of the American Institute of Architects George J. Donovan Memorial Scholarship

Provides scholarships to students who attend high school in Bucks County and plan to pursue a career in Architecture by pursuing a major such as, but not limited to, Architecture, Architecture Engineering, Civil Engineering, CAD Technology Sustainable Design.

Hovik Family Scholarship

Awarded to a graduating high school senior who resides in Lincoln County in South Dakota and is a member of the Lutheran faith. 

Ludington Hospital Medical Staff Physicians Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Corewell Health Ludington Hospital Medical Staff, which established the Ludington Hospital Medical Staff Physicians Scholarship Fund of the Community Foundation for Mason County.

The award is renewable throughout college and medical school as long as the recipient demonstrates academic success and continues on the medical school track. The medical staff's goal in providing this scholarship is to reduce the burden of student loan debt, inspire young people to pursue medicine, and encourage them to return to Mason County to practice upon completing their training.

Deana’s 7th Inning Stretch Scholarship – Baseball/Softball

The applicant must be a graduating high school senior in one of the following counties: Breckinridge, Grayson, Hardin, Hart, LaRue, Marion, Meade, Nelson, and Washington Counties.

Requirements

An essay on how baseball or softball influenced your life.

Hardin Medical and Dental Staff Memorial Scholarship

A graduating high school senior residing in Breckinridge, Grayson, Green, Hardin, Hart, LaRue, Meade, Nelson or Taylor Counties.

The Department of Natural Resources’ Watershed and Climate Services Grants Gateway

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Watershed & Climate Services (WCS) is committed to providing technical and financial assistance to Maryland’s communities that are challenged by intense storms, changing sea levels and increasing flooding, while balancing growing populations, economic growth, and increased tourism and recreation. These trends make the already challenging task of restoring the Chesapeake Bay, safeguarding people and infrastructure and managing natural resources even more complex.

Grants Gateway provides a resource for partners seeking technical and financial support for projects that foster healthy and resilient ecosystems, communities, and economies. Grants Gateway provides a centralized hub to streamline the grant application process for governments, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations.

Eligible projects across six programs (as above) will improve water quality, restore local waterways, increase community flood planning, develop the next generation of environmental stewards, improve shorelines, and plan for beneficial reuse.

Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund (Outcome 1)

There are two tracks including the traditional competitive grant program and the Pay for Performance track.

Traditional Competitive Grant Program

What kind of projects are supported by the Trust Fund?

Implementation-ready restoration proposals can be submitted under this funding source. Example projects can include, but are not limited to: wetland restoration, afforestation and other tree planting projects, riparian buffer restoration, stormwater best management practices, stream restoration, meadow plantings, and agricultural best management practices.

Projects must address water quality in the Chesapeake Bay or Atlantic Coastal Bays by reducing non-point source pollution, namely nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment. Projects should be cost-effective, located in targeted areas, and be implementation-ready. Competitive projects will be large-scale, multi-partnered efforts with demonstrable water quality benefits. Proposed projects should demonstrate the ability to construct within 12 months of award. Additionally, the state is interested in supporting projects that provide desirable co-benefits (Maryland Code, Natural Resources § 8-2A-04), including:

• The restoration of aquatic resources, such as seagrass beds or oyster reefs;
• Climate resilience;
• Carbon sequestration;
• Creation of wildlife habitat;
• Local employment opportunities;
• The improvement or provision of recreational opportunities; or
• Environmental justice benefits;

Funding is only available for projects located in the Maryland portions of both the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and the Atlantic Coastal Bays. Tree planting projects are eligible for all of Maryland. Public and private lands are eligible. Site visits are required for all stream restoration projects.

Residential Fellowships

Fellowships offer scholars the time, space, and support they need to pursue their work and the opportunity to take part in the Center’s vibrant intellectual community.

The National Humanities Center’s Residential Fellowship is one of the most prestigious humanities fellowship programs in the world. Fellows enjoy a beautiful and serene space to write, unparalleled library and reference support, excellent dining services, and a stimulating and supportive intellectual community.

A key feature, meanwhile, that differentiates us from many other fellowships is our residential requirement. Researchers are especially encouraged to apply when they expect to benefit from, and actively contribute to, an in-person community of other humanities researchers. If you prefer a research fellowship that allows you to do field work or to work in your own local space, this may not be the fellowship for you.

To be considered for this program, applicants must select that their institution is an HBCU when prompted in the online application system to identify the type of institution with which they are affiliated. Applicants may apply for a residential fellowship for the fall semester (September through December), spring semester (January through May), or academic year (September through May).

Washington County Community Foundation

The Washington County Community Foundation seeks to improve the quality of life in Washington County by promoting and facilitating philanthropy. We accomplish this by assuming four philanthropic roles of Grantmaker, Donor Service Organization, Fundraiser, and Community Leader. 

Fostering philanthropy by offering charitable gifting opportunities to donors on an individualized basis and at reasonable fees, we make charitable giving easier, more satisfying, and more effective. We broadly support the Washington County community by awarding grants in eight focus areas as follows: Animal Welfare, Arts & Humanities, Community Improvement & Economic Development, Conservation & Environment, Education, Health & Fitness, Human Needs, and Religion & Faith.

Washington County Visiting Nurses Scholarship Fund

The Foundation provides a limited number of need-based and merit-based scholarships to qualifying students attending a graduate school or other educational institution.

The NASA ROSES25: A.15 Biosphere program aims to enhance our understanding of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems through innovative research. This initiative focuses on biogeochemical interactions, biodiversity, and ecosystem function, utilizing satellite data and field studies. The program encourages reproducible and transparent science, fostering collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches. Proposals will undergo rigorous peer review, ensuring high standards and integrity in research outcomes that contribute to our knowledge of global environmental changes.

The NASA Earth System Science Research Program (ESSRP) has transitioned to six Earth science research spheres, including Atmosphere, which focuses on understanding atmospheric composition and structure. This program aims to enhance comprehension of phenomena affecting air quality and weather, addressing critical issues like stratospheric ozone recovery and tropospheric dynamics. Through annual ROSES funding opportunities, NASA supports research to improve modeling efforts and observations in atmospheric sciences, ultimately benefiting public health and environmental quality.

The Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Program aims to enhance the translation of scientific research into effective health interventions by establishing a national network of academic medical centers. This program supports integrated research and training environments for clinical and translational science, promoting the development of innovative methods and technologies. The reissuance of the CTSA Notice of Funding Opportunity invites eligible organizations to apply, with peer-reviewed applications prioritized for funding.

The Limited Competition: Institutional Mentored Research Career Development Program aims to enhance the CTSA Program by fostering the development of postdoctoral fellows and junior faculty. This initiative focuses on training individuals for independent clinical and translational science careers, ensuring they are well-prepared for research engagement. Funded by the NIH, the program supports a national network of academic centers to facilitate the transition of scientific discoveries into practical health solutions.

The Limited Competition: Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Institutional Research Training Grant aims to enhance clinical and translational science training by supporting programs that prepare predoctoral and postdoctoral researchers. This initiative, funded by the NIH, focuses on translating scientific discoveries into effective health interventions. Eligible institutions will be invited to apply, and only high-quality applications will be considered for funding, ensuring a robust peer-review process.

The FY26 US DOT Drone Infrastructure Inspection Grants (DIIG) Program aims to enhance the use of drones for critical infrastructure inspections by eligible government entities. With $9 million available, the program supports innovative drone technologies and prioritizes projects that improve safety and operational efficiency. Grant funds can be used for purchasing drone systems and contracting services. The federal share may reach up to 75% in certain cases, fostering collaboration and technological advancement in infrastructure management.

The Next Generation of the Clinical and Translational Science Awards Program Trial Innovation Network aims to tackle significant challenges in multi-center clinical trials. By enhancing trial efficiency and safety through innovative solutions, the initiative seeks to improve the design and execution of these studies. Key areas of focus include safety monitoring tools, trial leader mentorship, and advancements in digital health technologies. This program invites eligible organizations to apply for funding to promote groundbreaking clinical research.

The Limited Competition Research Education Program for the Clinical and Translational Science Awards Program aims to enhance the training of a workforce to meet the nation's biomedical and clinical research needs. It supports educational activities that facilitate the translation of scientific discoveries into practical health interventions. Funded by the NIH, this program invites applications from eligible organizations, and only those with meritorious proposals will be considered for funding.

The Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) Program aims to expedite the integration of scientific discoveries into effective health interventions. By providing essential infrastructure and support to academic medical centers, the program fosters innovative research approaches that enhance translational science. The Collaborative and Innovative Acceleration Award under this initiative seeks to promote partnerships that accelerate the development of new treatments, ultimately improving health outcomes for diverse populations.

The Limited Competition for High Impact Specialized Innovation Programs aims to enhance clinical and translational science by funding unique capabilities and addressing critical gaps through the Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Program. This initiative fosters collaboration across a national network of academic medical centers, facilitating the transition of scientific discoveries into impactful health interventions. Applications are peer-reviewed, ensuring funding is directed towards the most promising proposals.

The Department of Natural Resources’ Watershed and Climate Services Grants Gateway

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Watershed & Climate Services (WCS) is committed to providing technical and financial assistance to Maryland’s communities that are challenged by intense storms, changing sea levels and increasing flooding, while balancing growing populations, economic growth, and increased tourism and recreation. These trends make the already challenging task of restoring the Chesapeake Bay, safeguarding people and infrastructure and managing natural resources even more complex.

Grants Gateway provides a resource for partners seeking technical and financial support for projects that foster healthy and resilient ecosystems, communities, and economies. Grants Gateway provides a centralized hub to streamline the grant application process for governments, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations.

Eligible projects across six programs (as above) will improve water quality, restore local waterways, increase community flood planning, develop the next generation of environmental stewards, improve shorelines, and plan for beneficial reuse.

Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund (Outcome 1)

There are two tracks including the traditional competitive grant program and the Pay for Performance track.

Pay for Performance Track

In addition to the traditional competitive grant program, the Trust Fund is soliciting pay for performance contracts that provide the following:

• Cost per lb or outcome and cost per unit of implementation that is more cost effective than traditional grant values, as seen in the Trust Fund Table. Maryland DNR may select to not fund proposals as Pay for Performance if found to be less cost effective than traditional grant mechanisms.

• Reduced risk to state as payments commence once the project is installed and verified, with subsequent payments offered once project is verified to be functioning and sustained

• Innovative projects and/or projects of scale: Large scale restoration where implementation units exceed traditional grant acreages; Additionally, the state is interested in supporting holistic projects that maximize co-benefits; Innovative BMPs with a quantifiable reduction in nutrient and/or sediment pollution or increase in co-benefits

• Measurement of goal attainment (%) - Measure of success is more specific than implementation units and must include measurement of hydric soils, plant survivability, canopy cover, plant density or other indicators that measure performance.

• Long-term sustainability of performance measures achieved through expected project lifespan, monitoring, easements/landowner agreements, operation and maintenance and/or adaptive management plans

Pre-Proposal Meetings are required for all Pay for Performance Proposals; site visits are required for stream restoration projects and strongly encouraged for other restoration practices.

Washington County Community Foundation

The Washington County Community Foundation seeks to improve the quality of life in Washington County by promoting and facilitating philanthropy. We accomplish this by assuming four philanthropic roles of Grantmaker, Donor Service Organization, Fundraiser, and Community Leader. Fostering philanthropy by offering charitable gifting opportunities to donors on an individualized basis and at reasonable fees, we make charitable giving easier, more satisfying, and more effective. 

The Foundation is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation organized under the laws of Pennsylvania, which is registered with the Pennsylvania Charities Bureau and annually files the Federal Form 990.

Scholarships for Post-Secondary (Undergraduate) School

The Foundation provides both need-based and merit-based scholarships to students in Washington County, with a few scholarships also available to students in Greene County. All scholarships are made payable to the educational institution the student is attending. 

McDonald Family Cookie Jar Scholarship Fund

For a current year graduating senior who resides within the boundaries of any Washington County school district, who plans to enroll in a certificate, associate, or bachelor's degree program, and who demonstrates financial need. In the selection process, preference shall be given to students from under-represented, disadvantaged and/or diverse populations.

Washington County Community Foundation

The Washington County Community Foundation seeks to improve the quality of life in Washington County by promoting and facilitating philanthropy. We accomplish this by assuming four philanthropic roles of Grantmaker, Donor Service Organization, Fundraiser, and Community Leader. Fostering philanthropy by offering charitable gifting opportunities to donors on an individualized basis and at reasonable fees, we make charitable giving easier, more satisfying, and more effective. 

The Foundation is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation organized under the laws of Pennsylvania, which is registered with the Pennsylvania Charities Bureau and annually files the Federal Form 990.

Scholarships for Post-Secondary (Undergraduate) School

The Foundation provides both need-based and merit-based scholarships to students in Washington County, with a few scholarships also available to students in Greene County. All scholarships are made payable to the educational institution the student is attending. 

Olivia Scott Scholarship Fund

For current year graduating seniors of any Washington County high school, who demonstrate academic excellence, sportsmanship, and/or the ability to work with others towards a common goal.

Washington County Community Foundation

The Washington County Community Foundation seeks to improve the quality of life in Washington County by promoting and facilitating philanthropy. We accomplish this by assuming four philanthropic roles of Grantmaker, Donor Service Organization, Fundraiser, and Community Leader. Fostering philanthropy by offering charitable gifting opportunities to donors on an individualized basis and at reasonable fees, we make charitable giving easier, more satisfying, and more effective. 

The Foundation is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation organized under the laws of Pennsylvania, which is registered with the Pennsylvania Charities Bureau and annually files the Federal Form 990.

Scholarships for Post-Secondary (Undergraduate) School

The Foundation provides both need-based and merit-based scholarships to students in Washington County, with a few scholarships also available to students in Greene County. All scholarships are made payable to the educational institution the student is attending. 

Three Oaks Scholarship Fund

For current year graduating seniors or non-traditional students who reside within the boundaries of the Burgettstown School District, Fort Cherry School District, or Avella Area School District and who are pursuing post-secondary education at an accredited trade or technical school. 

Scholarship Opportunities

The Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation manages one of the state's largest scholarship programs, awarding more than $500,000 in scholarships to local students each year. If you’re interested in pursuing higher education, it's likely we have a scholarship that can help you achieve your dream.

Trent Area Scholarship

Organizers have defined the Trent community as the area bounded on the south by the Moody County line, on the north by SD Highway 34, on the east by the South Dakota state line, and on the west by the Colman Road, also known as 470th Avenue.

* Multiple scholarships are awarded

The Junior League of Sioux Falls Scholarship, managed by the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, is aimed at female graduating seniors from accredited high schools or home school programs residing in Minnehaha or Lincoln counties. Eligible candidates must have a strong academic record, with ACT scores of 23 or higher or SAT scores of 1060 and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship supports higher education aspirations by supplementing other financial aid.

The Herman and LaVerne Griller Scholarship, managed by the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, offers scholarships to students in the Sioux Falls area. Eligible applicants must plan to attend an accredited four-year institution, maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship is part of a larger program providing over $500,000 annually to local students pursuing higher education. It aims to support students in achieving their academic dreams.