Best Grants for 501(c)(3) in Kentucky

The ENF Community Investments Program - Freedom Grants will award $1,000 grants to 1,000 Lodges for projects focused on veterans and active-duty military families in 2025-26. Eligible projects must address five key areas: employment, homelessness, current military members and their families, health, and educational support. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of life for service members and their families, ensuring that local needs are met through community-driven efforts.

The Spanos Family Memorial Scholarship, funded by the Erie Community Foundation, offers financial support to outstanding students who are active members of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Erie. In 2023, over $800,000 in scholarships were awarded to more than 500 students pursuing higher education. Applications are evaluated based on merit, academic performance, financial need, and community involvement, ensuring that deserving individuals receive the assistance they need to succeed in their educational endeavors.

Scholarships for High School Seniors

Mid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.

Mid-Shore Community Foundation Healthcare Scholarship

Awarded to Mid-Shore students, who are pursuing careers in healthcare.

Scholarships for High School Seniors

Mid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.

Mary B. Lynch Scholarship

Awarded to students graduating from Caroline County Public Schools

For 30 years, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation has served as a partner in philanthropy to credit unions, with a mission to empower and inspire credit unions in the Carolinas through collaborative opportunities to enrich our communities. A great example of this collaborative philanthropy is our scholarship program. 

More than 20 credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina have active managed funds at the Foundation. The generosity of these credit unions helps hundreds of high school seniors as well as undergraduate and graduate students receive scholarship funds each year.

As a member of any of the following credit unions, you may apply for a scholarship. 

Coastal Credit Union Scholarship Fund

Investing in education is one of the most powerful ways to build a brighter future—but for many students, the rising cost of college can be a major barrier. In fact, U.S. News & World Report notes that tuition has steadily increased over the past two decades, often outpacing inflation. That’s why credit unions across the Carolinas are proud to support students through meaningful financial assistance.

About the Scholarship

The Carolinas Credit Union Foundation Scholarship Fund is designed to ease the financial burden of higher education for students who are members of credit unions in North or South Carolina. This fund supports scholarships for several credit unions in the region, including Coastal, helping students pursue their academic and career goals with less financial stress.

Whether you're heading to a four-year university, community college, or technical school, this scholarship could help cover tuition, books, or other education-related expenses. This scholarship program is more than just financial aid—it’s a reflection of the credit union philosophy of “people helping people.” By supporting students in our communities, we’re investing in future leaders, innovators, and changemakers.

For 30 years, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation has served as a partner in philanthropy to credit unions, with a mission to empower and inspire credit unions in the Carolinas through collaborative opportunities to enrich our communities. A great example of this collaborative philanthropy is our scholarship program. 

More than 20 credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina have active managed funds at the Foundation. The generosity of these credit unions helps hundreds of high school seniors as well as undergraduate and graduate students receive scholarship funds each year.

As a member of any of the following credit unions, you may apply for a scholarship. 

Champion Credit Union A. Roland Leatherwood Memorial Scholarship

At Champion Credit Union, education and financial wellness are at the core of our mission. We are proud to award multiple scholarships each year to assist high school seniors within our field of membership who want to further their education by attending a community college or university.

We have partnered with the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation to offer a simple application process with an easy-to-manage portal for the scholarship applications. An applicant who does not receive a scholarship award from Champion Credit Union is automatically entered in the scholarship pool to receive additional scholarship awards from the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation.  

Mid Shore Community Foundation Mid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.

The Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors through a pooled scholarship application - students complete one online application in consideration for all scholarships to which they meet eligibility. All applications are reviewed and considered by the Foundation’s Scholarship Committee. Donald D. Casson Character Counts ScholarshipAwarded to students graduating from Talbot County Public Schools, who have participated in a character education program, such as Character Counts. 

Our Mission

Fighting Student Debt

The average student today will graduate more than $30,000 in debt and is far less likely to start small businesses, seek the highest impact careers, buy homes, or start families. At Bold.org®, we believe that’s a problem worth solving.

Rebecca Lynn Seto Memorial Scholarship

Rebecca Lynn Seto was an amazing young lady with a huge heart and a wacky sense of humor. Despite being non-verbal and having a very rare syndrome that no one, including education and medical staff, had ever encountered before, she touched the lives of many. Family was most important to Becky. She was happiest at family gatherings, where singing "Happy Birthday" would excite her immensely. She was an active, lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, where she loved attending services and socializing with her church family, classmates, friends, and even strangers. Her contagious smile and laughter lit up rooms and stadiums, and she was ecstatic at her first live game watching her beloved NY Giants. Her smile and laughter were present during many of the activities she loved, such as riding roller coasters, dancing, kayaking, drumming, swimming, and bike riding.

Becky and her family benefited greatly from the help of special educators, physical therapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and social workers. The staff who got the most from Rebecca and whom she enjoyed working with the most were those who took the time to understand her quirky personality, her likes, and dislikes. Most importantly, they figured out how to communicate with her even though she couldn’t talk. They used this understanding to build successful programming and goals for her. Over her lifetime, from early intervention through high school, teams who worked with Becky were innovative and engaged her, making her excited to go to school and work with them.

Sadly, Rebecca passed away on May 3, 2024, at the age of just thirty-one. Becky’s impact on people will continue through the Rebecca Lynn Seto Memorial Scholarship, benefiting those studying special education, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, or social work.

Our Mission

Fighting Student Debt

The average student today will graduate more than $30,000 in debt and is far less likely to start small businesses, seek the highest impact careers, buy homes, or start families. At Bold.org®, we believe that’s a problem worth solving.

Elizabeth Schalk Memorial Scholarship

Mental health issues are among the most common health issues affecting individuals and families today. 

Mental illness can make it a challenge for families by not only affecting those who suffer directly but also those suffering indirectly. The Elizabeth Schalk Memorial Scholarship will not only help fund a student's education, but will also memorialize Elizabeth Schalk, who suffered from mental illness throughout her life.

To apply, write about how mental illness has had an effect on you and/or the people you are close to.

Mid Shore Community FoundationMid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.

The Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors through a pooled scholarship application - students complete one online application in consideration for all scholarships to which they meet eligibility. All applications are reviewed and considered by the Foundation’s Scholarship Committee. Frederick Douglass Scholarship (2026-07-27)Awarded to students graduating from high schools in Talbot County. 

Mid Shore Community Foundation Mid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.

The Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors through a pooled scholarship application - students complete one online application in consideration for all scholarships to which they meet eligibility. All applications are reviewed and considered by the Foundation’s Scholarship Committee. Harwood Foundation ScholarshipAwarded to students graduating from Dorchester County Public Schools. 

For 30 years, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation has served as a partner in philanthropy to credit unions, with a mission to empower and inspire credit unions in the Carolinas through collaborative opportunities to enrich our communities. A great example of this collaborative philanthropy is our scholarship program. 

More than 20 credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina have active managed funds at the Foundation. The generosity of these credit unions helps hundreds of high school seniors as well as undergraduate and graduate students receive scholarship funds each year.

As a member of any of the following credit unions, you may apply for a scholarship.

Carolina Trust Federal Credit Union Community Service Scholarship

Carolina Trust actively demonstrates the credit union philosophy People Helping People in the communities we serve. We are honored to partner with several organizations to provide deserving students with financial assistance to achieve their higher education goals.

Scholarship Amount:

• $5,000.00

Our Mission

Fighting Student Debt

The average student today will graduate more than $30,000 in debt and is far less likely to start small businesses, seek the highest impact careers, buy homes, or start families. At Bold.org®, we believe that’s a problem worth solving.

David Foster Memorial Scholarship

David Foster was a teacher who changed the lives of thousands of students.

David not only created a vibrant classroom environment, but made an impact on his students that often lasted for decades. This was the result of his willingness to go above and beyond, engaging students’ curiosity, opening their minds to new ideas, and challenging the status quo.

This scholarship aims to honor the legacy of David Foster by supporting students who have adopted new ways of thinking through a high school teacher’s boldness to transcend the standard curriculum, reframe stale ideas, apply radical teaching techniques, or motivate students in unique ways.

To apply, tell us about a teacher who significantly influenced you and how that influence shaped your approach to life.

Scholarships for High School Seniors

Mid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.

Woicke Family Scholarship

Awarded to Mid-Shore students, who are of Hispanic/Latino descent, who speak English as a second language AND/OR are first-generation college students.

Mid Shore Community Foundation 

Mid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.

The Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors through a pooled scholarship application - students complete one online application in consideration for all scholarships to which they meet eligibility. All applications are reviewed and considered by the Foundation’s Scholarship Committee. Madisyn Yiannakis "Let Your Light Shine" Scholarship

Awarded to students graduating from high schools in Cecil, Kent, and Queen Anne’s Counties, who are planning to attend a vocational, trade, or career school

Scholarships for High School Seniors

Mid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.

Weygand-Rotary Scholarship

Awarded to students graduating from Dorchester County Public High Schools

For 30 years, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation has served as a partner in philanthropy to credit unions, with a mission to empower and inspire credit unions in the Carolinas through collaborative opportunities to enrich our communities. A great example of this collaborative philanthropy is our scholarship program. 

More than 20 credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina have active managed funds at the Foundation. The generosity of these credit unions helps hundreds of high school seniors as well as undergraduate and graduate students receive scholarship funds each year.

As a member of any of the following credit unions, you may apply for a scholarship. 

Carolina Foothills Federal Credit Union Scholarship Fund

At Carolina Foothills Federal Credit Union, we are firmly rooted in the belief that an educated consumer makes wiser choices and builds a more financially stable community. Advanced education, past high school is one way our members can work towards their own personal wealth goals. Since 2015, we have awarded over $53,000 in scholarships. 

Scholarships for High School Seniors

Mid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.

Michaela D. Coulbourn Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to students graduating from Caroline County Public Schools, who are planning to pursue degrees in Education.

For 30 years, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation has served as a partner in philanthropy to credit unions, with a mission to empower and inspire credit unions in the Carolinas through collaborative opportunities to enrich our communities. A great example of this collaborative philanthropy is our scholarship program. 

More than 20 credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina have active managed funds at the Foundation. The generosity of these credit unions helps hundreds of high school seniors as well as undergraduate and graduate students receive scholarship funds each year.

As a member of any of the following credit unions, you may apply for a scholarship.

Allegacy Federal Credit Union Scholarship Fund

If you’re an Allegacy member pursuing an undergraduate degree, the Allegacy Scholarship Program may be able to provide financial assistance to help you reach your educational goals. Allegacy is proud to partner with the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation to administer awards up to $10,000 per year to deserving students.

For 30 years, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation has served as a partner in philanthropy to credit unions, with a mission to empower and inspire credit unions in the Carolinas through collaborative opportunities to enrich our communities. A great example of this collaborative philanthropy is our scholarship program. 

More than 20 credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina have active managed funds at the Foundation. The generosity of these credit unions helps hundreds of high school seniors as well as undergraduate and graduate students receive scholarship funds each year.

As a member of any of the following credit unions, you may apply for a scholarship.

Acclaim Federal Credit Union Ed Thomas Community Service Scholarship Fund

Ed was an Acclaim board member from 1987 until 2021. He held various positions during his tenure including Chairman. During his many years of admirable volunteerism, he offered unwavering support and guidance to the ever growing success and growth of Acclaim. In honor of his hard work, volunteerism, and dedication to our credit union, we have established an annual $1,000 scholarship fund available to our members.

Acclaim has partnered with the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation to offer an easy-to-manage application process for our members. There’s a simple sign up process which allows you to manage your scholarship application through their portal.

In addition to the Acclaim Federal Credit Union Ed Thomas Community scholarship, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation is offering additional scholarship awards. An applicant that does not receive a scholarship award from Acclaim is automatically entered in the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation’s scholarship pool.

Mid Shore Community Foundation Mid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.The Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors through a pooled scholarship application - students complete one online application in consideration for all scholarships to which they meet eligibility. All applications are reviewed and considered by the Foundation’s Scholarship Committee. Marlin U. Zimmerman ScholarshipAwarded to students graduating from Talbot County Public Schools, who are planning to pursue degrees in Education, Business, or History.

For 30 years, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation has served as a partner in philanthropy to credit unions, with a mission to empower and inspire credit unions in the Carolinas through collaborative opportunities to enrich our communities. A great example of this collaborative philanthropy is our scholarship program. 

More than 20 credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina have active managed funds at the Foundation. The generosity of these credit unions helps hundreds of high school seniors as well as undergraduate and graduate students receive scholarship funds each year.

As a member of any of the following credit unions, you may apply for a scholarship.

Carolina Trust Federal Credit Union Legacy Scholarship

Carolina Trust actively demonstrates the credit union philosophy People Helping People in the communities we serve. We are honored to partner with several organizations to provide deserving students with financial assistance to achieve their higher education goals.

Scholarship Amount:

• $5,000.00

The Foundation awards scholarships to nontraditional students, students who are not graduating from high school this academic year, who are continuing their education through degree or certificate programs, seminars, workshops, or customized training. The application is open throughout the year, and applications are reviewed and determined on a quarterly basis. 

Brooke & Trish Harwood Career and Technology Scholarship

Awarded to residents of Kent County, who are planning to attend a vocational, trade, or career school.

The Foundation awards scholarships to nontraditional students, students who are not graduating from high school this academic year, who are continuing their education through degree or certificate programs, seminars, workshops, or customized training. The application is open throughout the year, and applications are reviewed and determined on a quarterly basis. 

Rotary Club of Easton Centennial Trades Scholarship

Awarded to residents of Talbot County, who are nontraditional (adult) students.

The NIOSH Exploratory/Developmental Grant Program (R21) aims to enhance understanding of occupational diseases and injuries. It focuses on identifying risks, developing prevention strategies, and translating scientific discoveries into effective measures. Applicants are encouraged to describe the health burdens addressed, outline research activities, and demonstrate potential impacts on occupational safety. This initiative supports innovative concepts, model systems, and technologies that can significantly improve workplace health outcomes.

The GM on Main Street Grant Program, led by Main Street America, focuses on enhancing the safety and vibrancy of downtowns through innovative road safety and traffic calming projects. Funded by General Motors, this program seeks transformative ideas that promote pedestrian safety and accessibility, making downtown areas more inviting for residents and visitors. Eligible applicants include non-profits and local governments in designated counties, with a strong emphasis on projects that are inclusive, feasible, and easily replicable.

The Excellence in Medicine Awards, presented by the AMA Foundation, honor exemplary physicians and medical advocates committed to volunteerism, community engagement, and leadership. Since 2005, this prestigious program has celebrated over 100 honorees, recognizing their vital contributions to underserved populations. Awardees receive a $2,500 grant honorarium to support a nonprofit health organization of their choice, collectively awarding over $250,000 to enhance community health and promote equitable care across the nation.