Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Kentucky

The Community Foundation of Marquette County distributes over $130,000 annually in scholarships to benefit aspiring students in Marquette County.

Lowell A. Larson Scholarship

Provides scholarships to MSHS graduating students pursuing secondary education in the trades including, but not limited to construction, welding, automotive, hvac, etc.

Distribution Process

• CFMC scholarship recipients will be contacted in June requesting student enrollment verification
• Scholarships can only be distributed once student’s information is received
• Scholarships will be distributed to the college/school/university indicated by student
• The scholarship must be used for tuition and fees required for the enrollment or attendance of the student at a qualifying educational institution; fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for courses of instruction at such an educational institution; and room and board, within the first semester of first year of students enrollment
• That year’s recipient must claim the scholarship within that fiscal year to be distributed (by 12/31/xx)

The Community Foundation of Marquette County distributes over $130,000 annually in scholarships to benefit aspiring students in Marquette County.

Brian Watson Scholarship

Awarded to a graduating senior of Gwinn Area Community Schools pursuing higher education, who is pursuing a degree in one of the STEM fields and demonstrates a financial need.

Distribution Process

• CFMC scholarship recipients will be contacted in June requesting student enrollment verification
• Scholarships can only be distributed once student’s information is received
• Scholarships will be distributed to the college/school/university indicated by student
• The scholarship must be used for tuition and fees required for the enrollment or attendance of the student at a qualifying educational institution; fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for courses of instruction at such an educational institution; and room and board, within the first semester of first year of students enrollment
• That year’s recipient must claim the scholarship within that fiscal year to be distributed (by 12/31/xx)

31Heroes

On August 6, 2011, a tragedy shook the military community and Americans everywhere. In a single instance, America lost 30 military service members, many of whom were members of the Navy SEAL community—and one military K9– when a CH-47 Chinook helicopter, call sign Extortion 17, was downed in Afghanistan.

Established to honor the 31 Americans killed in action on August 6, 2011, 31Heroes serves to impact the lives of our nation’s heroes and their families, while remembering the fallen, through athletic endeavors and competitive fundraising events.

Our Mission: The mission of 31Heroes is to raise money and awareness through social and athletic events to support the families of Extortion 17 and honor their legacy by funding treatment for Veterans suffering from mental health issues.

Our Focus

Our goal is to create opportunities for the families of Extortion 17 to create healthier lifestyles and to provide financial relief in times of need. We consider it our responsibility to make a positive impact in the lives of each family. Whether through grants we provide, or through partnering with other non-profit organizations that offer programs or services that we do not, we are devoted to the families and creating a legacy the men of Extortion 17 would be proud of.

Guidelines

• Individual limits will not exceed $3750 annually
• Family Grants range from $750 to the maximum range of $1500
• Family members must submit an online application for consideration
• Applications may be submitted at any time during this funding cycle
• Priority and funding will be based on the Primary Next of Kin list

Emergency Grants 

Emergency Grants are aimed at assisting with unforeseen events which cause financial hardship on the family. Limit for this grant is $750.

Claud Hyatt Scholarship

The Claud N. Hyatt Scholarship was established in 2023 as a permanent fund of Taos Community Foundation. Mr. Hyatt started his teaching career in 1964, and dedicated his entire career to teaching history at Clayton High School. His desire to give back to the Clayton community has made this scholarship possible. The award is available to graduating seniors of Clayton High School who are pursuing advancement of higher education beyond high school. The scholarship is available to those applying to 2 or 4 year colleges and universities as well as vocational / trade schools. Award amounts will be determined at the time of committee review and will be within the range of $2,000 and $8,000. The awards will be paid out in annual installments for up to four years for those students attending a 4 year institution, 2 years for those students attending a 2 year institution, or per unit for certificate programs. Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA and be enrolled as a full time student to continue eligibility for the scholarship.

The CAA Professional Development Fellowship in Art History provides crucial support for recent PhD graduates and scholars from multicultural and underrepresented backgrounds in the field of art history. This fellowship awards $10,000 to assist with job-search expenses, image licensing, and publishing costs. Additionally, each recipient gains a one-year CAA membership and free registration for the upcoming Annual Conference, encouraging diverse voices in the art community to flourish.

The Engagement Award: Dissemination Initiative, part of the Eugene Washington PCORI program, focuses on promoting active involvement of patients, families, and caregivers in health research. It supports organizations in effectively communicating PCORI-funded research findings to their audiences, enhancing understanding and application in healthcare decisions. Projects must demonstrate stakeholder engagement and a solid evaluation plan. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between research and community application, ensuring impactful dissemination of critical health information.

The PCORI Engagement Award: Capacity Building aims to enhance the capacity of patients and stakeholders in patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER). Projects can last up to two years with funding up to $300,000. Successful proposals will demonstrate understanding of CER, community engagement, and commitment from stakeholders. The initiative encourages the use of existing tools and resources to foster patient involvement in research processes, aligning with national health priorities and addressing pressing healthcare issues.

The Arthur A. Cater Scholarship, administered by CommunityGiving, aims to empower high school seniors pursuing full-time education at St. Cloud Technical and Community College. This scholarship supports students from various high schools in the region, emphasizing the importance of local philanthropy and community engagement. By fostering educational opportunities, it helps create a lasting impact on students' lives and encourages future generations to give back to their communities.

The Bernick Family Foundation Scholarship, provided by CommunityGiving, aims to support high school seniors in their pursuit of higher education. This scholarship recognizes well-rounded students from the Bernick Service Area who maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better. With 10 scholarships available, each worth $2,000, the foundation seeks to inspire philanthropy and empower local communities through education. Applications are accepted online, and candidates must have or create a Scholarship Management System account to apply.

The Emergency Medicine Interest Group Grant (EMIG), funded by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Foundation, supports medical student interest groups in enhancing emergency medicine education. Grants of up to $500 are awarded for one year, with potential for renewal. Eligible applicants include established or developing EMIGs at medical schools, focusing on educational initiatives. This grant aims to foster innovation in teaching methodologies and support resources for students pursuing education in emergency medicine.

The ASTRO Residents/Fellows in Radiation Oncology Seed Grant aims to advance the research careers of residents and fellows focusing on radiation oncology through funding basic, translational, and clinical research. It encourages innovative projects that enhance patient care and improve health care delivery, including cancer research and understanding radiation effects on tissues. This grant is supported by the American Society for Radiation Oncology, which seeks to foster impactful research in this vital medical field.

The Researcher–Practitioner Collaboration Grant, offered by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation, supports collaborations between researchers and practitioners focused on improving services for individuals with communication disorders. Grants of $35,000 are available for studies that address clinical problems and enhance evidence-based practices. This funding opportunity encourages partnerships aimed at translating research into practical applications, thereby fostering innovative solutions in communication sciences and disorders within healthcare and educational settings.

The New Century Scholars Research Grant, offered by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation, provides up to four grants of $25,000 each to support innovative research in communication sciences and disorders. This funding opportunity encourages both experienced and new investigators to explore novel ideas and methodologies, including artificial intelligence applications. Researchers must demonstrate potential for independent research, with a focus on significant contributions to the field. Applications are due after completing an Intent to Submit Form by March 5.

The New Investigators Research Grant, offered by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation, supports emerging researchers by funding preliminary studies with a clinical focus in audiology and speech-language pathology. Proposals that incorporate Artificial Intelligence technologies for assessment and treatment are encouraged. Grants of $10,000 are available for one-year projects, fostering innovation and research in communication sciences. Eligible investigators must have completed their doctoral degree within the last five years and must not have received prior external funding.

The Fredric Rosemore Low Vision Educational Grant, awarded by the American Academy of Optometry Foundation since 2012, aims to foster excellence in low vision education at North American optometry institutions. Each grant provides $1,000 to support various needs such as personnel, equipment, or care, aligning with the mission of the AAOF. Eligible applicants include members of the AAO, whether they are students, candidates, or Fellows.

The NIH Blueprint Initiative aims to enhance neuroscience research by funding the development and application of germline and somatic gene-editing techniques. This initiative builds on existing marmoset gene-editing frameworks and integrates New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) to improve understanding of human brain function and disease. High-priority areas include complex conditions like autism and schizophrenia. The initiative emphasizes the use of appropriate models to address critical questions in neuroanatomy, cognition, and behavior related to human brain health.

The Speech Science Research Grant, offered by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation, supports new investigators conducting research in speech science. A $10,000 grant will be awarded to eligible researchers, who must have completed their PhD within the last five years. The funding can be utilized for various research-related expenses, fostering innovative studies and honoring the legacy of researcher Dennis Klatt. The next application cycle will be in 2026.

The AUA Boston Scientific Medical Student Innovation Fellowship, funded by the American Urological Association, aims to nurture future urologic researchers. This fellowship offers a $20,000 stipend for a 12-month research project, engaging medical students in innovative urology research under expert mentorship. The initiative addresses the pressing need for skilled professionals in the urologic research field, ensuring a robust pipeline of talent dedicated to advancing patient care and scientific discovery in urology.

The Clinical Research - Mentored Research Studies grant supports new investigators, particularly post-docs, who collaborate with mentors to advance treatment efficacy in communication disorders. This funding encourages innovative research that directly impacts service delivery in audiology and speech-language pathology. Proposals must demonstrate a clear plan for mentorship and potential for future funding. Priority is given to studies with matching funds from universities or other sources, ensuring comprehensive support for impactful research.

The American Speech Language Hearing Foundation offers Clinical Research Grants aimed at fostering independent research studies that enhance treatment efficacy for communication disorders. These grants support early-career investigators and experienced researchers embarking on new projects. Proposals must demonstrate potential for significant impact, and funding of up to $75,000 over two years is available. This initiative seeks innovative solutions to improve the lives of individuals with communication challenges.

The Bill and Joyce Coborn Memorial Scholarship supports Coborn's employees and their dependents pursuing private high school or post-secondary education. Offered by CommunityGiving, this scholarship provides up to 20 awards of $1,000 each, fostering educational advancement and community empowerment. Eligible applicants include high school seniors, college students, and graduate students who are children of Coborn's employees with at least one year of service. This initiative honors the legacy of Bill and Joyce Coborn while promoting lifelong learning.

The DoW Traumatic Brain Injury and Psychological Health Translational Research Award aims to transform scientific discoveries into clinical applications. This program encourages innovative research approaches and requires preliminary data. It prohibits basic research and clinical trials, emphasizing the need for relevant animal models or community-based participatory research for human subjects. Funding supports two research levels, refining ideas into tangible products or evaluating them for clinical trials, with options for early-career investigator partnerships.

The Clinical Research Grant: Collaborative Research Studies, offered by the American Speech Language Hearing Foundation, supports mid-career investigators in conducting innovative research on treatment efficacy in communication disorders. Emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration, this grant encourages studies that yield pilot data for larger projects, with a budget cap of $50,000. Eligible applicants must hold a PhD in relevant fields and show commitment to independent research, avoiding overlap with other ASHFoundation grants.

The NCI Research Specialist Award (R50) supports non-tenure track scientists in cancer research who provide essential contributions within laboratories and core facilities. This award aims to enhance research careers for skilled scientists who do not seek independent investigator funding. Eligible candidates must possess an advanced degree, have at least two years of contribution to NCI-funded research, and dedicate a significant portion of their time to this work. The R50 offers salary support and travel funds to recognize and stabilize these vital roles in cancer research.

The NCI Research Specialist Award (R50) supports clinician scientists involved in NCI-funded clinical trials. This funding opportunity encourages the development of stable research careers by providing salary support and autonomy, allowing clinician scientists to contribute to national clinical trial development and implementation. They play a critical role in sustaining the NCI clinical trials network without serving as principal investigators. This award aims to ensure continuity in cancer research careers.

The FY26 Traumatic Brain Injury and Psychological Health Research Program (TBIPHRP) aims to support impactful health services research that connects research, practice, and policy. It emphasizes building real-world evidence for interventions and clinical guidelines tailored to specific populations. Key features include requirements for clinical trials, preliminary data, and community-based participatory research approaches. The program also offers an Early-Career Investigator Partnering Option to foster collaboration between seasoned and emerging researchers.

The FY26 Traumatic Brain Injury and Psychological Health Research Program's Clinical Trial Award aims to fund impactful clinical trials that address psychological health issues and traumatic brain injury (TBI). This award supports a variety of interventions, requires preliminary data, and mandates community-based participatory research approaches. It offers two research levels: one for pilot studies and early trials, and another for larger, advanced trials assessing effectiveness in relevant populations.