Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in Kentucky

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. 

Gary Martin Swim Scholarship Fund

This is a scholarship established in memory of Gary Eugene Martin, and is open to Alaska students entering or enrolled in colleges or trade schools who have been involved in competitive swimming at the high school level in Alaska. 

The Gary Martin Swim Scholarship Fund was established with The Alaska Community Foundation in 2015. Gary Eugene Martin was a longtime resident of Soldotna, Alaska who lifted others up with his positivity and encouraging nature. His list of volunteer activities is long and reflects how much he cared about those he shared a community with. Gary was known to his family as someone who loved animals and spoiled his grandchildren. He showed his passion for helping youth through his involvement in competitive swimming. For years, he served as an official coach and mentor to many young swimmers.

His legacy carries on today through the awarding of the Gary Martin Swim Scholarship. 

The Pathway to Stop Diabetes Accelerator Award supports innovative early-career researchers tackling diabetes-related challenges. It offers flexible funding up to $325,000 annually for transformative research. Candidates must have independent faculty status and demonstrated productivity in diabetes research. The program aims to inspire groundbreaking discoveries by providing essential resources and mentorship, thereby improving the lives of those affected by diabetes. Nominations focus on translational research that bridges basic science with practical benefits for patients.

The Society of Family Planning is offering the Bridging Investments in Abortion and Contraception Research Grant to support the completion of NIH grants focused on abortion and contraception. This funding aims to mitigate the impact of recent funding terminations by ensuring that vital research continues, promoting equitable access to reproductive health. Proposals can request up to $100,000 and must detail their alignment with the Society's mission, planned activities, and budget within a 24-month timeline.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's Student Traineeship Award supports students in engaging with cystic fibrosis research through hands-on projects. With a maximum funding of $4,000 for one year, the program aims to inspire students to pursue careers in CF research or care. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a degree program and collaborate with a faculty mentor on a relevant project. This initiative also emphasizes the importance of maintaining interest in CF-related research among new generations.

Mission Statement

Beckley Area Foundation exists to inspire and facilitate generous charitable giving that advances our community.

The Beckley Area Foundation is committed to enriching lives and strengthening communities across Southern West Virginia.

Scholarship

Supporting Student Success

The Beckley Area Foundation proudly manages scholarship funds established by individuals, businesses, and organizations dedicated to helping students pursue higher education. Many of these scholarships are tailored for specific schools, fields of study, or graduates from local high schools, while others offer broader opportunities. No matter the path, our scholarships aim to support students from our region as they work toward achieving their educational goals.

Walker Family Scholarship

Eligibility

Graduating Senior from a Raleigh County High School; Pursuing a degree in the arts; 3.0 GPA; Demonstrate both academic merit, and financial need.

The DoW Ovarian Cancer Academy Early-Career Investigator Award supports junior faculty in conducting innovative ovarian cancer research. Established in FY09, this unique virtual academy fosters mentorship, collaboration, and networking among Early-Career Investigators (ECIs) and their mentors. Participants engage in monthly webinars and annual workshops, enhancing their research skills while contributing to impactful studies in ovarian cancer. The program aims to cultivate a new generation of highly productive researchers in this critical field.

The AAS Northeast Asia Council (NEAC) Distinguished Speakers Bureau Grant invites applications from U.S. and Canadian colleges to host distinguished scholars for public lectures on Japan and Korea. This program, initiated in 2011, aims to foster engagement with early career scholars and enhance East Asian studies. Grants cover honoraria of $500 and additional funding for in-person events, promoting accessibility and academic collaboration. Institutions are encouraged to apply every three years, ensuring support for smaller programs in Asian studies.

The Bernie Smillie Memorial Scholarship was established in 2010, in memory of Freeland resident and business owner Bernie Smillie. Bernie passed away in 2000, due to complications from a lung transplant he had received in 1994. In 2005, family and friends of Bernie established the Bernie Smillie Memorial Golf Outing. Proceeds of this outing has helped to promote organ donor support and awareness and establish this scholarship fund.

Bernie Smillie Memorial Scholarship - Michigan Resident

Evaluation Criteria

• Financial need (20)
• Work experience (20)
• Overall involvement at work, school and community activities (20)
• Career goals as demonstrated in essay (20)
• Letters of recommendation

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society offers a Medical Student Mentorship Program that provides a four-week clinical experience for medical students who have completed at least one year of school. This program aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with MS and generate interest in careers focused on MS care. Students gain hands-on experience under the guidance of MS specialists, enhancing their understanding of the disease and its management.

Community Foundation for Mason County, MI

The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.

Scholarships

If you’re a high school or homeschooled senior, current college student, early college senior, or a student pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree, the Community Foundation for Mason County may have a scholarship for you.

Marlene Schoenberger Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Tamar Schoenberg, who established the Marlene Schoenberger Scholarship Fund of the Community Foundation for Mason County in memory of her mother, Marlene. This scholarship is presented to Mason County students pursuing Fine Arts and Performing Arts.

This grant aims to enhance cooperation and regulatory standards among animal food safety programs by funding national feed associations. It promotes inter-agency collaboration, strengthens state regulatory frameworks, and supports the Animal Feed Regulatory Program Standards (AFRPS). By leveraging resources and aligning with federal and state initiatives, the program seeks to improve animal food safety and ensure comprehensive surveillance and protection.

The Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education (THCGME) Program aims to ensure the sustainability of primary care residency training in community-based ambulatory patient care centers. By providing essential funding, this program supports the development of healthcare professionals who are equipped to deliver high-quality care, particularly in rural and underserved areas, enhancing the capacity to meet diverse health needs across various populations.

The Tri-M Foundation's Performing Arts Grant Program aims to support innovative and high-quality performing arts projects by regional non-profit organizations. The program prioritizes projects that align with the organization's mission, engage audiences, and provoke important discussions. Grants range from $3,000 to $10,000, intended for diverse artistic expressions, including theatre and dance. Applications are encouraged from eligible organizations that demonstrate detailed project planning, inclusivity, and a commitment to addressing sensitive topics.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) is announcing a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for Diabetes Research Centers (DRCs). These centers aim to foster collaboration among diabetes researchers, enhance preclinical and clinical research, and provide access to specialized resources. Emphasis is on innovative scientific themes and collaborative projects in areas such as Immunology and Artificial Intelligence. Although applications are not currently solicited, potential applicants are encouraged to prepare for future submissions.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation offers a Travel Award Supplement aimed at supporting Ph.D. students, postdoctoral fellows, and junior faculty. This funding of up to $3,000 enables trainees to participate in off-site workshops or training programs to enhance their research skills. Eligible applicants must be active researchers in CF projects, with a minimum of one year of experience. The program excludes conference attendance and for-profit entities, ensuring focused support for advancing cystic fibrosis research.

The Ross Merrill Award for Outstanding Commitment to the Preservation and Care of Collections recognizes North American institutions demonstrating exceptional dedication to conservation. This award highlights organizations that engage in significant outreach, involve conservation professionals, and show a commitment to community education regarding the importance of preserving cultural heritage. While no monetary prize accompanies the award, it serves as a prestigious acknowledgment of exemplary conservation efforts. Nominations are encouraged from both inside and outside organizations.

The Terry Baucom Bluegrass Education Grant, established by the IBMA Foundation, honors the legacy of renowned bluegrass musician Terry Baucom. This grant supports musicians of all ages by providing funds for lessons, educational materials, and workshops. With awards beginning in January 2025, each grant can reach up to $500. Financial need is considered but not mandatory. This initiative aims to foster talent and ensure accessibility to bluegrass music education for a diverse range of applicants.

Mission Statement

Beckley Area Foundation exists to inspire and facilitate generous charitable giving that advances our community.

The Beckley Area Foundation is committed to enriching lives and strengthening communities across Southern West Virginia.

Scholarship

Supporting Student Success

The Beckley Area Foundation proudly manages scholarship funds established by individuals, businesses, and organizations dedicated to helping students pursue higher education. Many of these scholarships are tailored for specific schools, fields of study, or graduates from local high schools, while others offer broader opportunities. No matter the path, our scholarships aim to support students from our region as they work toward achieving their educational goals.

Jan and Margaret Datsko Scholarship

Eligibility

Raleigh County resident; Accredited trade, vocational or technical school; Weighted for educational merit, personal achievement and financial need.

The Youth Incentive Award, established by the Coleopterists Society, encourages students in grades 7-12 to explore the fascinating world of beetles. Annually, up to $1200 is awarded, with two grants of $400 and $800 for junior and senior categories, respectively. Recipients also receive a subscription to The Coleopterists Bulletin. The program aims to promote beetle studies, develop essential life skills, and provide financial support for educational projects, fostering a passion for entomology among youth.

The AGA: Caroline Craig Augustyn & Damian Augustyn Award in Digestive Cancer offers $40,000 for one year to early career investigators holding a career development award focused on digestive cancer research. This grant aims to support innovative studies in pathogenesis, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Applicants must provide evidence of their current awards, a recommendation letter, and demonstrate how the AGA funding will facilitate their transition to independence in research.

Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors. Applications are accepted from mid-November until mid-March. Scholarship award recipients will be announced at the high school awards ceremony. 

Montrose Area Chamber of Commerce Pauline MacNeal Memorial Scholarship

Established to honor past Chamber member Mrs. Pauline MacNeal. Provides college tuition assistance to graduating seniors from the high schools in Susquehanna County, as well as home schooled or cyber schooled students, who reside in Susquehanna County and will major in a business related field.

Jack Beaty Educational Scholarship Foundation Grant

Jack Beaty was a pillar of the community he lived in and loved. He was a successful businessman from an early age having founded two companies. One company supplied food to retail stores throughout New Mexico, where Jack became friends with all his customers and fell in love with the state. He founded an oil and gas company in Farmington, New Mexico as well.

Jack eventually became involved in politics in New Mexico where he served as the Bernalillo County Democratic Chairman and the New Mexico State Democratic Chairman. During the 1960 Presidential campaign, Jack became friends with John F. Kennedy and Robert Kennedy. Jack served as the Western States coordinator for the Kennedy campaign. After the 1960 election, Jack sold his food supply business and moved to Washington, D.C. Jack served in both the Kennedy and Johnson Administrations. Following this service, Jack formed the public relations firm Jack Beaty and Associates in Washington, D.C.

While in Washington, D.C., Jack met and married Rose Marie Beaty Martinez, the personal assistant to Senator Joseph M. Montoya, the United States Senator from Mexico. Jack and Rose Marie retired to New Mexico in 1979 where Jack devoted his time to managing Western Minerals and Oil. Jack desired that upon his and Rose Marie’s death that his estate be used to assist and provide access to education to less fortunate students in New Mexico.

In his estate plan, Jack desired that the Jack Beaty Educational Scholarship Foundation be established to carry out his charitable goal of assisting students to obtain a secondary education.

Joseph P. Siegferth Sr. and Family Fund

Established by Joseph P. Siegferth Jr. in memory of his father to provide scholarships to graduating high school seniors majoring in elementary education, K-12 physical education, sports management or logistics.

Amount:

• $1,000

Number of awards:

• Varies

Renewal:

• No

Community Foundation for Mason County, MI

At the Community Foundation for Mason County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues. As a leader in community philanthropy, building a vibrant community with great opportunities for all, we are focused on advancing education, increasing recreation opportunities, and community and economic development.

The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.

Drs. Ruth & John Carney & Irene Carney Kendrick Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Dr. John Carney, who established the Drs. Ruth & John Carney & Irene Carney Kendrick Memorial Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Mason County.

The Carney’s love of Ludington ran deep, and they served the Ludington community through their family medical practice for over 42 years. Dr. Carney valued education and wanted to help others achieve their dreams. John’s encouraging spirit lives on through this scholarship, established in memory of his first wife and their late daughter, to create opportunities for adult students, students pursuing postgraduate degrees, or those facing barriers to getting a college degree.

Early Career Talent Development General Application

The UNCF Student Professional Development Programs (SPDP) Department works closely with some of the nation’s leading corporations and foundations to shape and execute internship programs, including both stand-alone internship programs and internship-and-scholarship programs

The UNCF Student Professional Development Programs (SPDP) Department works closely with some of the nation’s leading corporations and foundations to shape and execute internship programs, including both stand-alone internship programs and internship-and-scholarship programs with two goals – 

• To help companies build a more diverse workforce; 
• To provide diverse students with the preparation they need to succeed in college, familiarize themselves with professional career paths, and prepare to be competitive candidates for internships and future employers after graduation.

UNCF’s SPDP partners include The Walt Disney Company, Toyota, Papa Johns, United Health Foundation, Wells Fargo, and the Walton Family Foundation. We currently serve over 1500 students annually through internship, leadership, and professional development services.

The UNCF Student Professional Development Programs (SPDP) offer career readiness, success coaching, and paid summer and semester internships to college students. Students participating in SPDP will be exposed to career pathways and opportunities and have access to leadership and personal development training. 

SPDP students will:

• Prepare to navigate from college to early-stage careers
• Enhance professional experiences through meaningful internships
• Develop stronger project management skills
• Improve networking and communication skills
• Strengthen interviewing techniques 

Currently, the SPDP is sourcing candidates to fill for summer 2026 internships!! The Early Career Talent Development General Application is used to establish an applicant pool of potentially eligible students for these ongoing internship/student professional development opportunities that are published/unpublished. Internship or professional development opportunities using the Early Career Talent Development General Application, are restricted to students who are enrolled full time at an accredited institution within the U.S. during the 2025-2026 academic year. 

The Choose Your Future Scholarship Fund, established by a passionate anonymous donor through the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, aims to empower Davidson County graduates of Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools. With a minimum GPA of 2.5 and a 21 ACT score, eligible students can pursue higher education without financial barriers. Preference is given to first-generation college attendees and those maintaining good academic standing for renewal. This initiative embodies the belief that education opens doors to opportunity.

About Us

We are YOUR Community Foundation! Our mission is to bring people and resources together to strengthen the quality of life, both now and in the future, for the residents of Randolph County.

The Community Foundation of Randolph County, Inc. is here to make our community the very best place to live, work, and raise a family. As a non-political private organization, we are uniquely able to provide grant money for innovative projects that have a major impact on our community.

Jay Gower Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to graduating senior(s) of Mississinawa Valley Schools. Must have demonstrated academic ability to do vocational or college level work. The student must be accepted or enrolled in a fully accredited vocational or college/university of his/her choice. In the event the selected student cannot fulfill the guideline requirements prior to the beginning of the school year, then the first alternate shall be the recipient.