Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Kentucky

Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri

The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri Inc. was established in 2009 as a 501(c)3 public charity to help donors support their favorite charities while receiving maximum tax advantage.

We serve as a vehicle for charitable giving, helping donors give to the causes they care about. Donor gifts will strengthen nonprofits increasing programs and services. 

McLaughlin, Delbert & Mary Teaching Scholarship

This fund was established in memory of Delbert and Mary McLaughlin by their son, Bill McLaughlin to provide academic scholarships to graduating seniors of the St. Joseph School District pursing a degree in Education.

Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri

The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri Inc. was established in 2009 as a 501(c)3 public charity to help donors support their favorite charities while receiving maximum tax advantage.

We serve as a vehicle for charitable giving, helping donors give to the causes they care about. Donor gifts will strengthen nonprofits increasing programs and services. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to establish a fund with us. 

St Joseph School District Foundation Tarpley, Bill Scholarship

This fund was established in honor of Bill Tarpley, who served as Principal of Central High School by his family and friends. The fund provides graduating seniors with a learning disability an opportunity to attend vocational school or college.

Guidelines:

• One scholarship will be awarded on a one-time basis and disbursed in August.

Amount:

• No less than $300 depending on available funds.

The 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. There is one scholarship that is available to students in Cecil County. 

Talbot Democratic Women's Club Scholarship

Awarded to female minority students, graduating from Talbot County Public Schools.

Dr. Jeffrey Hanson Memorial Scholarship

To support those pursuing careers in medicine, particularly primary care. 

Number and Size of Awards

One award of $2,750; paid in one lump sum in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.  

Allowed Use of Award

Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education.

The Glenn D. and Bennie Lou Hammons Family Scholarship, established by the Central Kentucky Community Foundation in 1960, supports residents of Hardin County with a GPA between 2.5 to 3.5. This scholarship aims to empower local students by providing financial assistance for their educational pursuits, fostering community growth and development. As part of the Lincoln Trail Region's extensive network of community foundations, it reflects a commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for deserving applicants.

Invest in Others

The Invest in Others 501(c)(3) Charitable Foundation amplifies, celebrates, and inspires the charitable work of the financial services community.

We provide a platform for financial professionals to make an impact on the causes they care about, channeling the philanthropy and volunteerism of the finance industry to make a difference where it’s needed most. We provide critical grant funding for nonprofits nationwide, helping fill gaps left by shrinking budgets and growing need.

Invest in Others Awards

About the Awards

The Invest in Others Awards recognize the charitable work of financial advisors and honors recipients at an annual awards gala in Boston.

Nominations are evaluated based on an advisor’s leadership, dedication, contribution, inspiration and impact on a nonprofit and the community it serves. Three finalists will be selected in each of the five categories with one recipient being chosen for each award.

Award finalists and recipients will receive grants from Invest in Others for their designated charities:

• Honorable mentions will receive $2,000
• Finalists in all five categories will receive $25,000
• Recipients in the Catalyst, Community Service, Emerging Impact, and Volunteer of the Year categories will receive $60,000
• The Lifetime Achievement Award recipient will receive $100,000

Catalyst Award

Presented to an advisor who has been an active stimulus for positive change and displayed entrepreneurial vision and leadership to a nonprofit organization for at least 3 years. This may involve rejuvenating an organization from failing to thriving, or helping to launch a new nonprofit organization.

Napa Valley Community Foundation

We work side-by-side with local donors and nonprofits to tackle the most important challenges our Valley faces.

Our Board and staff are completely dedicated to the people and causes of Napa Valley and represent communities from American Canyon to Calistoga. They share skills, perspectives and the collaborative spirit that define our Napa Valley diversity.

Dave Smith Scholarship Fund

The Dave Smith Scholarship Fund benefits graduating seniors who attend public high schools in Napa County and Napa Valley College students who plan to pursue an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering, computer science or music at a community college or four-year college/university. Recipients will receive funding for up to four years of undergraduate study.

About Us

The Community Foundation of NCW is a tax-exempt philanthropic organization that helps individuals, families, businesses, and agencies support charitable causes throughout Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan counties.

Don and Ellen Garrison Service to Community and School Scholarship

The Don and Ellen Garrison Scholarship celebrates a family history rooted in the Okanogan Valley, beginning when Don's family homesteaded south of Malott in 1917. Don and Ellen built a life of community leadership and dedication, operating their orchard and serving on various local boards. Their commitment to the region remains strong, as both of their sons became educators in Washington, with one son teaching in Okanogan where his father, Don, graduated in 1933.

This award supports graduating seniors of Okanogan High School planning to attend a trade school or college in the U.S. The scholarship seeks applicants who reflect the family's commitment to activity and service. Required criteria include lettering in athletics, participating in a school club or activity, and having a consistent record of community service.

About US

In 1994, a group of visionary Lowcountry community leaders recognized the need to create a community foundation. Through the sale of the nonprofit Hilton Head Hospital, Hilton Head Island Foundation, Inc. was born, with a mission to provide philanthropic leadership to a growing community.

In 2001, our service area expanded to include northern Beaufort County, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties. To reflect this, our name changed to Community Foundation of the Lowcountry.

Jeff Katon Scholarship

Jeff Katon was a beloved son, brother, friend and business associate to many of us in the Hilton Head community. Jeff always displayed great passion for wine, food, golf and his community. The outpouring of support after his untimely death greatly touched Jeff's family and friends. The Jeff Katon Scholarship Foundation was established as a way to give back to the community Jeff loved.

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.

Stark Community Foundation

Since 1963, Stark Community Foundation has been helping individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits like you support the causes you care about.

In addition to personalized donor services, we manage a competitive grantmaking program and award grants to address local needs. Today, the Foundation stewards over 1,000 charitable funds totaling $485 million in assets and has granted more than $300 million to nonprofits in our community and beyond.

Scholarships

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties.

The Charles E. Feiock Advised Charitable Scholarship Fund

The Charles E. Feiock Advised Charitable Scholarship Fund assists students who have graduated from a public, private, or charter school located in Monroe County, Ohio. 

The HEEF: Hispanic Education Endowment Fund Scholarship provides academic financial support to US Citizens, Permanent Residents, and Dream Act/AB 540 students residing in Orange County, California. With awards starting at $2,500, this fund assists high school and community college transfers who demonstrate financial need and plan to enroll in a four-year college or university in Fall 2025. Additional donor-specific sub-funds offer varying amounts, enhancing accessibility to higher education.

The Statewide Perinatal Quality Collaboratives initiative aims to enhance the health of pregnant and postpartum women and their newborns through quality improvement strategies. Funded by the CDC, the program encompasses two components: state-based Perinatal Quality Collaboratives and a National Network coordinating center. Key strategies include strengthening data systems and fostering partnerships to improve healthcare services and outcomes. Ultimately, this initiative seeks to implement successful quality improvement initiatives that ensure better coordination and health outcomes for mothers and newborns across the United States.

The Avel Louise Gordly Scholarship supports Black women graduates of Oregon high schools who wish to pursue post-secondary education in Oregon or at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Award amounts vary, with the possibility of renewal for up to four years. Eligible applicants must be Oregon residents, identify as Black and female, and enroll at least half-time in a public or nonprofit private college or university in the United States.

The Bernhard H. Singsen Scholarship, offered by the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation, supports young men from local high schools in pursuing a full-time liberal arts education. This scholarship aims to foster careers in education, civil or social service, and medicine. Open to high school seniors, undergraduates, and returning students, it embodies the foundation's commitment to empowering youth and enhancing community engagement in San Luis Obispo County.

The CTTSS Postdoctoral Scholars Research Award, established by the Society of Toxicology (SOT), invites current postdoctoral scholars attending the SOT Annual Meeting to apply if they have submitted an abstract for presentation. The award includes a monetary prize and a recognition certificate for the 1st place winner, with potential additional awards. This prestigious recognition highlights innovative research in toxicology, emphasizing the Society's commitment to enhancing human, animal, and environmental health.

The Burt W. and Virginia Polin ELKS Bureau Scholarship, offered by the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation, supports high school seniors, undergraduates, and returning students in their educational pursuits. This scholarship honors the legacy of the Polins and the values of the Elks Club, promoting charity, justice, and community service. With the foundation's commitment to inclusivity and support, applicants are encouraged to apply for this opportunity to help achieve their academic and career goals.

The Dorsi Blastervold Family Scholarship, offered by the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors and graduate students from the Lucia Mar Unified School District with a minimum GPA of 2.9. This scholarship aims to help students achieve their educational goals and foster a diverse and inclusive community. Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year are now open, encouraging students to reach new heights in their education and careers.

The Jim and Fran Foss Scholarship, administered by the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Sioux Falls public high schools. This scholarship encourages students who plan to attend accredited four-year colleges or universities, maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and demonstrate financial need. With over 70 scholarships awarded annually, it aims to empower local students to achieve their educational aspirations and contribute positively to the community.

The DDTSS Postdoctoral Abstract Competition, organized by the Society of Toxicology, invites postdoctoral researchers to present their accepted abstracts at the Annual Meeting. Open to applicants who have completed a PhD, the competition encourages submissions that highlight significant contributions to drug discovery toxicology. Awards of $1,000, $400, and $150 will be granted to the top three submissions. Membership in the Society is encouraged but not mandatory, fostering an inclusive environment for all participants.

The DDTSS Student Abstract Competition, hosted by the Society of Toxicology, invites graduate students to submit abstracts for the Annual Meeting. Participants can win prizes of $1,000, $400, and $150 for the top three submissions. While SOT membership is encouraged, it is not mandatory. This competition fosters the importance of drug discovery toxicology and supports students in showcasing their research to a broader audience.

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.

Romero Family Scholarship Fund

Fund was established to provide scholarship assistance to further the education of able and deserving young men and women in their post high school education in the fields of either technical, vocational, academic or professional education, with preference given to students from Henry and Franklin Counties and the City of Martinsville.

Amount

• $2,500+

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

Shelby County Youth Soccer Scholarship

Selection based upon (in order of priority): 

• Soccer involvement as a player, referee, and/or coach, demonstrated passion for soccer, a recommendation letter from a soccer coach or soccer mentor is REQUIRED, and an additional essay of no less than 100 words and no more than 200 words on a designated topic.

Awards

• Two $1,000 scholarships – One to a male applicant and one to a female applicant.

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

Schmiesing Homeschool Scholarship

Selection based, in order of priority:

• Demonstrated church participation, employment history, recommendations, academic ability, and financial need.

Awards

• One $1,000 scholarship

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

Layton Family Foundation Scholarship

Selection based upon (in order of priority):

• Academic ability and an additional essay on a designated topic, and recommendations.

Awards

• One $1,200 scholarship

Rangeley Educational Fund

Fund provides scholarships to further the education of young men and women pursuing study in technical, vocational, academic, or professional fields.

Amount

$1,000+