Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Kentucky

Bold Foundation

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.

Fishers of Men-tal Health Scholarship

The Fishers of Men-tal Health Scholarship honors the life and legacy of Dima Kapelkin—a beloved brother, son, and friend who loved fishing, Jesus, and serving those in need.

Today, mental health and addiction are among the most pressing challenges facing individuals and families. Each struggle is difficult on its own, and yet they often coexist—nearly 50% of people with severe mental illness also experience substance abuse. To support those on the path to healing, we need compassionate, well-equipped professionals who are called to this work.

To apply, please share how your personal experiences with mental health have shaped your beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations.

"Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Matthew 4:19

Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge

The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge is a charitable organization that has served the independent cities of Staunton and Waynesboro, and the counties of Augusta, Highland and Nelson since 1992. 

Kenny W. Rodeffer Scholarship

Established by the Rockingham Feeder Cattle Association, this scholarship honors the memory of Kenny Rodeffer, a Virginia Department of Agriculture Livestock Grader and farmer in Bridgewater, VA who was an avid supporter of improved livestock production and agriculture.

Description

The Kenny W. Rodeffer Scholarship supports graduating high school seniors from the counties of Augusta, Highland, Rockbridge, and Rockingham, who are pursuing a two- or four-year degree in an agricultural related field.

Selection Criteria Used by the Selection Committee

• Academic/scholastic achievement
• Involvement in agricultural youth programs such as 4-H clubs and FFA chapters
• Other extracurricular activities

About

Who We Are

For over 25 years, the Wichita Falls Area Community Foundation has remained committed to leaving a legacy for future generations by promoting philanthropy, providing charitable opportunities, and facilitating donors’ interests. You can trust us to offer expertise in local nonprofit needs and best practices for charitable giving while ensuring your giving goals are met.

Scholarship Opportunities

Richard Gaines Russell Memorial Scholarship

The Richard Gaines Russell Memorial Scholarship was created in 2011 to honor the memory of Richard, who passed on July 22, 2011. He was 49 years old and led a 17-person software development team for Microsoft. He built his first computer from a kit at age 14. Richard attended college at ACU and graduated from MSU. He majored in Engineering Physics at Abilene Christian University from 1980-1982 and in Computer Science at Midwestern State University, graduating in May of 1989.

The Amelia and Emanuel Nessell Family Scholarship Fund supports students in financial need, prioritizing Jewish applicants. Established in 1997 in memory of Amelia and Emanuel Nessell, this scholarship reflects the family's commitment to education. Eligible candidates must be Duluth public or private school graduates with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and active in extracurriculars. Award amounts range from $1,250 to $1,500 per year, totaling $2,500 to $3,000 over two years.

The Bernard B. and Mary L. Brusin Scholarship Fund offers financial support to Jewish and Roman Catholic students from specific Duluth-area high schools. Established in 1987, this scholarship honors the Brusins' commitment to education and community service. Award amounts range from $5,000 to $10,000 annually, with a total potential of $40,000 over four years. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and a dedication to community involvement.

The Horsley Opportunity Scholarship Fund, administered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, provides need-based scholarships of up to $1,000 for Scott County, Iowa high school graduates. With a GPA requirement between 2.0 and 3.5, the scholarship especially encourages applications from nontraditional students and veterans. This initiative supports students in pursuing post-secondary education at community colleges, trade schools, or four-year institutions, contributing to over $600,000 awarded annually in scholarships.

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.

Nexteer Scholarship

The Nexteer Scholarship Fund mission is to help high school graduates in financial need through a scholarship program for residents of Saginaw, Midland and Bay Counties who are pursuing a career in engineering or general business. The goal is to help deserving individuals within our community achieve their career goals – an objective which has the added benefit of improving the community-at-large. 

Nexteer draws upon a 100 year heritage of vehicle integration expertise and product workmanship. The company has a strong foundation and a reputation for providing dependable steering solutions and enduring customer relationships.

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.

Saginaw Choral Society – Joanne Robertson Memorial Scholarship

Joanne Robertson, a lifelong resident of Saginaw, devoted much of her life to community service. Her 30 years of professional work was with the Buena Vista School District, where she was a speech and language pathologist helping young people with their communication skills.

Joanne was an enthusiastic supporter of the performing arts. Her interest in music was both as a patron and as a performer. She sang with the Saginaw Choral Society for 14 years. She served as their librarian, vice president of marketing and vice president of membership. The Joanne Robertson Memorial Scholarship was created to perpetuate the memory of her devotion to helping others and her love of music.

About Us

Driving Positive Change in Noble County!

At the Community Foundation of Noble County we are passionate about making Noble County an even better place to call home. Since 1991, area residents have been turning to the Community Foundation of Noble County to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible, as we see it as our mission to serve as a catalyst for positive change. The Community Foundation of Noble County is a public charity 501 (c) 3 entity.

As a group of invested community members, we identify local current and emerging issues and stimulate resources to address those needs, helping our region prepare for the future. We then leverage gifts and bequests from generous donors like you to drive positive change through grants in such areas as arts and culture, education, health and human services, civic affairs and other charitable areas of interest.

Our Mission

To improve the quality of life in Noble County by serving as catalyst for positive change, enabling donors to carry out charitable intent, and making grants.

Noble County Memorial Scholarship Fund #2 (sport)

In memory of: Kenneth Forker, Chester E. Dekko, Howard G. Heckner, John E. Hogan, Dorothy Mossman, Dave Knopp, Loretta and Christine Noe, Sandra K. Shepherd, Sylvan Springs, Ruthann Richards, Linda L. Speakman-Yerick and William Wesley “Wes” and Amelia Freshe.

Updated for 2026 Opportunity #2:

A $1,000 one-time payment awarded to the top 3 high school seniors who live in Noble County currently enrolled in Central Noble, Churubusco, East Noble, and West Noble who has shown strong community involvement, has been active in various volunteer committees, and has participated in any school-sponsored sports all four years of high school.

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.

Abraham D. Chatman Scholarship

Purpose of Scholarship

For members and dependent children of members (current and retired) of local unions affiliated with Rochester Regional Joint Board, Workers United.

Number and Size of Awards

Up to five awards of $8,000 each; paid as $2,000 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.

Renewability

This scholarship is renewable up to three times for a total of up to four awards in four consecutive years. Award renewability varies per recipient:

• Graduating high school seniors receive awards that are renewable for a total of four awards in four consecutive years;
• College freshman receive awards that are renewable for a total of three awards in three consecutive years;
• College sophomores receive awards that are renewable for a total of two awards in two consecutive years; and

College juniors receive one-time awards that are not renewable.

PPSEF Student Scholarship (Piedmont)

Provides a scholarship to a Piedmont graduating senior.

Strubhar Family Scholarship (Piedmont)

Provides a scholarship for a Piedmont high school graduating senior who will study education or law with a GPA of 3.0 and attending a two- or four-year college or university.

The Gil and Kay Sparks Scholarship, established in 2020 by friends of the couple, honors their contributions to the Wenatchee Valley community. This scholarship supports graduating seniors from Westside High School or similar non-traditional schools in Chelan, Douglas, or Okanogan counties, aiming to aid students pursuing further education. Recipients should demonstrate resilience in overcoming life challenges, reflecting the legacy of Gil and Kay, who exemplified community building with humility.

Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association Scholarships

Provides scholarships to members of the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association (and their children) who best meet the criteria. In partnership with the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association.

The Thing 1∙2∙3 Foundation Grant Program, established in 1999, is dedicated to improving the lives of children. This private foundation, inspired by Dr. Seuss' characters, focuses on providing essential support to organizations that help children. Grants are awarded to U.S. and U.S.-based international entities that align with the foundation's mission. The foundation seeks to empower those on the front lines delivering impactful services, ensuring that children's needs are met effectively.

The HCF Community Impact Fund Grant aims to address pressing inequalities in Northern Kentucky by supporting innovative and collaborative projects that enhance education, health, and employment opportunities. This year, the fund prioritizes larger-scale initiatives that demonstrate a commitment to equity and leverage community resources effectively. By fostering meaningful change, the grant seeks to uplift underserved populations, ensuring that all community members can thrive and contribute to a more equitable society.

The Wenatchee Valley Medical Group and Confluence Health Employee Scholarship supports employees and their families pursuing higher education in healthcare. Offered by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, this scholarship is available for various educational paths, including trade schools, community colleges, and four-year universities. Preference is given to employees, their children, and first-degree relatives, emphasizing those aiming for healthcare-related training. This initiative fosters educational advancement within the community.

Richard Gebhart Leadership Legacy Scholarship

Provides scholarships to members of the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association (and their children) who are attending graduate school and best meet the criteria. In partnership with the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association.

Randy and Deanna Clonts Scholarship (Piedmont)

Provided to Piedmont high school graduating senior attending a two- or four-year university with GPA of 3.0-3.99.

Randy Blevins Memorial Scholarship (Piedmont)

Provides a scholarship to a Piedmont graduating senior.

The CDC's NCIPC invites research proposals to evaluate innovative approaches for preventing firearm-related violence and injuries. This initiative emphasizes the importance of data-driven solutions without infringing on legal firearm ownership rights. Funding options are available for existing data evaluations (up to $350,000/year for 2 years) or new data collection (up to $650,000/year for 3 years). Target areas include mass shootings, suicides, and crime prevention across various demographics and settings.

Rotary Club of Gulfport Scholarship Endowment Fund

The Rotary Club of Gulfport Scholarship Endowment Fund is funded by the Rotary Club of Gulfport and was established in February 1997 for the purpose of providing scholarship assistance to graduating seniors of Gulfport High School, St. Patrick Catholic High School, West Harrison High School and Harrison Central High School in recognition of their academic accomplishments. Applicants must be a resident of the city of Gulfport.

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. 

Barry Koch & Family Scholarship Fund

A fund supporting scholarships for track and field, or cross country high school student-athletes in Anchorage. The scholarships will be awarded to any region IV or Anchorage area high school seniors who apply to college or technical school.

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. 

David E. Knox Memorial Nursing Fellowship Fund

The David E. Knox Memorial Nursing Fellowship was established to support outstanding candidates in the pursuit of registered nursing degrees and service to small Alaskan communities. The fellowship honors the memory of David Knox, who moved to Alaska in 1973 to pursue a career in surgical nursing after serving in the Army as a surgical technician in Vietnam. Starting his work in Sitka in the Public Health Service surgical unit, Knox soon earned his R.N. degree through UAA. After 10 years with PHS, he was hired to coordinate the surgical unit at Sitka Community Hospital. He brought a high level of leadership and expertise to Sitka’s surgical unit, helping it become one of Alaska’s leading rural health units.

The new surgical suite at SCH was dedicated in his honor and a plaque was erected that reads “a beloved husband, father, mentor, and friend who selflessly served his community, patients, family, and friends.”

Ideal fellowship candidates will embody the same nurturing compassion, detailed organization, high technical standards, and devotion to healthcare for which David was known.

The Duluth Building & Construction Trades Council Scholarship Fund provides $2,500 for one year to eligible applicants. To qualify, students must have a parent or legal guardian who is a member of one of the 17 unions affiliated with the council and must be graduates of any school within the DSACF service area with a GPA of 2.75 or higher. Preference is given to those pursuing careers in healthcare, but all career paths are encouraged to apply.

About Us

Overview

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. ACF also manages the Pick.Click.Give. program.

Mission

Inspiring the spirit of giving and connecting people, organizations, and causes to strengthen Alaska’s communities now and forever.

Vision

ACF envisions an Alaska where communities come together and have resources to thrive.

Dorothy and Dona Lee Croft Scholarship Fund for Young Musicians

The Dorothy and Dona Lee String Music Scholarship is for students who display talent, dedication to string instruments and a serious commitment to advance in music education through a non-profit music camp.

Dorothy Croft (1910-2009) helped found the Odessa Symphony, serving as the first concertmaster. The Odessa Symphony evolved into the present Midland-Odessa Symphony and Chorale. In 1949, she became a charter member of the Odessa Music Teachers Association, serving as its first president. She was a founding member of the Odessa Civic Concert Association, serving intermittently as its president. She was an early supporter of the Permian Playhouse of Odessa and later of the Globe of the Great Southwest. Dorothy Croft believed that money shouldn’t stop people from chasing their dreams and taught her students multiple lessons beyond just violin.

Dona Lee Croft was an international performer from the age of fourteen, giving concerts throughout Europe, Mexico, and the USA, the last concert performed in Carnegie Hall. A student of such eminent violinists as Nathan Milstein, Bela Katona and Ivan Galamian, she was a Professor of Violin at the Royal College of Music for 20 years where her lessons were filmed by the Albeniz Foundation of Spain, then shown throughout Europe. She has recorded two CDs, the first featuring violin music of Schumann, Kreisler, Brahms, Debussy, and Vieuxtemps and the second 'Violin Music of the 20th Century’.

About the Community Foundation

Our mission:

To inspire people and communities to build and distribute charitable funds for good, for Adams County, for ever.

Our vision:

To be a leading resource in promoting philanthropy among people of all means who wish to make a lasting and meaningful contribution to Adams County, and creating opportunities to develop and strengthen our communities.

Barbara B. Ernico Fund for Leadership Development

Barbara B. Ernico, the Community Foundation’s founding Executive Director, created the Fund for Leadership Development to help strengthen Adams County’s nonprofits.

Objective

Enable Adams County nonprofit executive directors and boards of directors to participate in training opportunities that increase their knowledge and effectiveness. Consideration may be given to training for strategic planning, reorganization, leadership development of staff and/or board members, and any other activities that will strengthen the nonprofit’s ability to carry out their mission.