Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Kentucky

The Kevin & Rita Vance Family Scholarship, offered by the St. Croix Valley Foundation, supports students from St. Croix County, WI, pursuing trade degrees. This scholarship is aimed at individuals demonstrating financial need and a commitment to vocational training. The Foundation, a key philanthropic organization in the region, aims to foster community growth and prosperity through support for educational initiatives and charitable funds. This scholarship exemplifies their dedication to investing in local talent and future careers.

The Polk County Tech Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, provides a $2,000 award for eligible high school seniors from select schools. This scholarship is renewable for a second year if a 2.5 GPA is maintained while enrolled in an accredited two-year or vocational program. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and submit an essay detailing their work experience and academic goals, ensuring support for those pursuing careers in technical fields.

The Stinn & Oebser Scholarship, offered by the St. Croix Valley Foundation, supports students from Pierce Counties (Wisconsin) and the Harlan Community School District (Iowa) pursuing trade schools, colleges, or universities. Eligible applicants are high school seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Selection is based on financial need, work experience, and extracurricular involvement. This scholarship aims to empower local students to achieve their educational goals and contribute positively to their communities.

The Patricia Goodman Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Central Kentucky Community Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors in the CKCF service area, prioritizing Hardin County residents. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75 and intend to pursue a career in nursing or a related medical field. This scholarship aims to empower future healthcare professionals while enriching community life through educational opportunities.

About Us

Who We Are

The Wayne County Community Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) community organization that works to strengthen the community we all share by helping donors make a lasting difference with their philanthropic endeavors – connecting their dreams and passions with causes that matter.

Established in 1978 with a single gift of $1,000, WCCF has become the steward of over 620 separate funds created from bequests and gifts, each with their own philanthropic purpose to support the future of our community now – and for many years to come.

The mission of Wayne County Community Foundation is to provide philanthropic leadership to our community.

Don and Teara Buren Scholarship

Eligibility:

This scholarship was established in memory of Sara Cottrel and is available to graduating or graduated high school students attending Congress Community Church located at 10691 Franchester Rd., West Salem, Ohio.

Applicant should demonstrate a balance among:

academic achievement of at least a 3.75 GPA if attending high school or at least a 3.50 cumulative GPA if attending an accredited college, university or technical school;

participation in extra-curricular activities; and

participation in community service and/or part-time employment.

Preference will be given to those with the greatest financial need.

If no eligible students from Congress Community Church qualify, then the scholarship will be available to any Northwestern High School graduating senior, based on the criteria listed above.

Past recipients may reapply, up to a maximum of four years. These applications will be included in the pool of candidates for the current year's selection process.

Jacqueline Hall Minet Travel Award for Cross-Cultural Understanding

To provide financial assistance to a Brighton High School student or a Rochester City School District high school student so that he or she can participate in a travel experience that offers significant opportunities for involvement in a foreign-language culture.

Number and Size of Awards

Number of recipients and award amounts vary; maximum $2,000.

Allowed Use of Award

Awards may be used for expenses associated with travel abroad programs.

The Gunner Lee Thomason Autism Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, provides a $700 grant to a graduating high school senior or undergraduate student dedicated to working with autistic individuals and their families. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate financial need. Preference is given to those from the Truman Lake area. The application requires a transcript, essay, letter of recommendation, and a description of community service and work experience.

Mission & Vision

Rochester Area Community Foundation, in partnership with generous philanthropists and community partners, works to improve the quality of life for people who live and work in the eight-county region through its leadership and strategic grantmaking.

Our Mission:

We are cultivating a thriving Greater Rochester region — powered by philanthropy, grounded in community, and sustained across generations.

Our Vision:

We envision a Greater Rochester region transformed by enduring philanthropy, where every person, neighborhood, and future generation can thrive.

Joseph and Lorraine Finley Scholarship

Purpose of Scholarship

To provide financial support to high school seniors who are residents of the Wayne County town of Walworth and continuing their education at any accredited two-year, four-year, or technical school.

Number and Size of Awards

Four awards of $7,000 each; paid as $1,750 per year for up to four consecutive years of undergraduate study. Award paid in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.

Donor Information

This scholarship was established by a couple who believed in education and in helping their community.

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

Music Scholarship

At a very early age in Alabama, Lee Essie Smith was a self-taught musician. After losing her mother as a young teenager, she began putting her God-given musical talent to work as a pianist for several churches. By the time she graduated from high school, she had learned the cosmetology trade and met Charlie McMillan, Jr.

After his wife’s death, Mr. McMillan continued his community service with the Democratic Party, Habitat for Humanity and Mt. Olive Baptist Church as an usher. Although he did not serve very long in the military, Mr. McMillan continues to exemplify the values and physical energy of the “Army Strong” slogan. He is the patriarch of the family – always dapper – and a regular attendee at church services.

The Goossen Schroeder, Amber, Scholarship offers a $500 award for graduating seniors from Gage County with a minimum 3.0 GPA and ACT score. Managed by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, this scholarship aims to assist deserving students in pursuing higher education. Eligible applicants must complete the application independently and submit original letters of recommendation. The Foundation promotes academic excellence and civic involvement, awarding over $55,000 annually to support educational opportunities in the community.

Patrick Caroselli Scholarship

To provide financial assistance for college to high school seniors in Monroe County whose parents immigrated to the United States and attained citizenship.

Number and Size of Awards

Number of recipients and award amounts vary; award amount may be split between two or more recipients. Award paid in one lump sum in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters. Average award $5,000; not to exceed the cost of tuition.

Allowed Use of Award

Awards must be used for costs related to enrollment in a higher education program, prioritizing tuition fees.

About The Community Foundation of Hancock County

We are a nonprofit, public charity that encourages philanthropy, convenes and leads community initiatives, provides educational support, and supports nonprofit organizations. We are here to assist you in helping others…your friends, your neighbors, as well as some residents you’ve never met but need support.

Our Mission

We provide philanthropic leadership by encouraging giving, learning, community pride, and civic engagement. 

Our Vision

We envision a county in which each person has the opportunity to pursue dreams, enjoy daily life, and invest in meaningful causes. 

Scholarships for Adults & Non-Traditional Students

The Community Foundation of Hancock County offers educational support for Hancock County, Indiana adults who are seeking post-secondary training or schooling to improve their career prospects. There are also some opportunities provided by specific businesses in the area. The application is open year-round until all funds are used.

Helen Roath Memorial Fund

Established by Helen’s husband, Rollo, the fund is intended to help adult students return to the classroom.

The Bowman Family Swimming Scholarship, provided by the Central Kentucky Community Foundation, aims to support graduating high school seniors in Hardin County who are active swimmers. Eligible applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and be involved with their school's swim team. This scholarship embodies the Foundation's mission to enhance community life by empowering students to pursue their educational goals in athletics.

The Fiscal Year 2026 Flood Mitigation Assistance program aims to enhance flood mitigation funding delivery, focusing on the needs of disaster survivors. This federal initiative, managed by FEMA, provides essential funds to states, territories, and local governments to mitigate flood risks and reduce repetitive damage to properties insured under the National Flood Insurance Program. The program supports various activities designed to lower the financial exposure of the NFIP while promoting community resilience against flooding.

Armstrong County Community Foundation

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Michael Petronchek Musical Scholarship Fund

Mike Petronchek was a well known musician in our community. During the 40′s Mike played trombone in Angie Sgro and Johnny Murphy’s Dance Band. He loved the Big Band sound and attended many of the formal dances that were held at Laube Hall in Freeport to benefit charity. Mike served as a radio operator with the 8th Air Force during World War II because of his great “ear”. He received his bachelor’s degree from IUP and his master’s from Penn State.

For nearly four decades Mike shared his love of music with children here in Armstrong County. He was the Ford City High School music director from 1958 through 1984 and organized the county’s first elementary school band at Lenape Elementary. In his honor, the Michael Petronchek Musical Scholarship Fund was established for Ford City High School graduates pursuing an education in music.

Scholarship Details

• Available to High School Seniors
• Nonrenewable

All ACCF Scholarships are merit based.

The Nugent McGrew Scholarship, provided by the Central Kentucky Community Foundation, aims to support graduating seniors from Grayson or Hardin County who demonstrate financial need and a commitment to their education. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and plan to attend a two or four-year academic or technical school. This scholarship serves as a vital resource to help students achieve their educational goals and contribute positively to their communities.

The Ryder Sroufe Memorial Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Whitley County in 2025, honors the legacy of Ryder Carl Sroufe. This scholarship supports young individuals who embody enthusiasm, humility, and compassion, reflecting Ryder's spirit of kindness and service. It aims to empower the next generation of leaders and helpers, ensuring that Ryder's values of hard work and community commitment continue to thrive. Eligible students are recognized for their efforts to strengthen their communities.

The Aden, Jane and Roger Scholarship, offered by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, provides a $500 financial award to Beatrice High School graduating seniors actively involved in a Christian church. With a focus on financial need, applicants must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA. Established in 1987, the Foundation supports educational opportunities within the Beatrice School District, managing a $3.8 million Endowment Fund and providing over $55,000 in scholarships annually.

Armstrong County Community Foundation

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Joan Tatsak Memorial Scholarship

Joan Tatsak was a beloved friend, colleague and mentor to many of our friends and neighbors here in Armstrong County. She inspired and encouraged her peers and coworkers to achieve and strive for excellence. This unique fund is a fitting memorial. The Joan Tatsak Memorial Fund is a non-traditional scholarship fund that offers grants for entrepreneurship, leadership and scholarship.

Scholarship Details

• Available to Adult Students
• Nonrenewable

All ACCF Scholarships are merit based.

Mission & Vision

Rochester Area Community Foundation, in partnership with generous philanthropists and community partners, works to improve the quality of life for people who live and work in the eight-county region through its leadership and strategic grantmaking.

Our Mission:

We are cultivating a thriving Greater Rochester region — powered by philanthropy, grounded in community, and sustained across generations.

Our Vision:

We envision a Greater Rochester region transformed by enduring philanthropy, where every person, neighborhood, and future generation can thrive.

Dobe E. and Jacqueline C. Ulmer Scholarship

Purpose of Scholarship

For a graduating senior who is hard-working, focused, thoughtful, caring, selfless, and dedicated to continuous learning.

Number and Size of Awards

One award of $1,000; paid in one lump sum in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters. A second award of $500 may also be given.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Kent A. & Diana C. Morgan Family Scholarship

The Kent A. & Diana C. Morgan Family Scholarship Fund was established in 2019 as a legacy fund. It will provide scholarships for Marion County high school seniors and graduates pursuing a degree in the field of education, with special consideration given to applicants who demonstrate, through the applicant’s application, extraordinary financial need.

American Academy of Family Physicians Foundation

The AAFP Foundation focuses on improving health for everyone, and your support makes an immediate impact on the good work we do—from leadership development and education scholarships to funding social and health care services.

The AAFP Foundation strives to create a sense of belonging through an inclusive environment that embraces the family medicine community by recognizing individual uniqueness and contributions to family medicine.

Richard D. Feldman, M.D. Student and Resident Essay Contest

Each year, the Center for the History of Family Medicine (CHFM) sponsors a contest to encourage medical students and family medicine residents to write scholarly essays relevant to the history of family medicine in the United States. The first-place winner will receive $2,000 and the second-place winner will receive a $1,000 award.

We encourage all to apply and are committed to developing scholarly essays relevant to the history of Family Medicine in the United States by medical students and residents who reflect the rich diversity of the specialty and the patients served.

The FY26 Breast Cancer Research Program's Clinical Research Extension Award aims to enhance breast cancer clinical studies by extending data collection and follow-up. This funding mechanism emphasizes the importance of patient participation and addresses challenges from early trial terminations. Notably, applications must include two breast cancer consumer advocates and can feature either a single Principal Investigator or a duo. This initiative seeks to improve outcomes through comprehensive data analysis and patient engagement.

The FY26 Breast Cancer Research Program's Breakthrough Award supports transformative research aimed at significant advancements in breast cancer treatment. This award offers various funding levels, including Population Science Studies, allowing for innovative approaches that can lead to clinical applications. Each application must align with overarching BCRP challenges, ensuring a focus on impactful research. The program acknowledges both individual and collaborative Principal Investigators, emphasizing the importance of timely submissions to avoid administrative issues.

The Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Centers (MDSRC) program is designed to enhance research on muscular dystrophy through a collaborative, center-based approach. By fostering interdisciplinary projects and providing essential training for emerging scientists, the MDSRCs aim to drive innovation in both basic and clinical research. Engaging patient and advocacy communities is a key component, ensuring research is patient-centered and informed by real-world needs. This initiative is supported by various legislative authorities.

The National Institutes of Health is funding a groundbreaking project to enhance our understanding of Type 1 diabetes (T1D) through multimodal AI. This initiative aims to integrate diverse datasets to explore the interactions of biological processes in T1D development. By leveraging advanced AI models, the research will uncover critical insights, identify biomarkers, and pave the way for personalized medicine approaches, ultimately improving prevention and treatment strategies for this complex disease.