Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Kentucky

The O. H. Ammann Research Fellowship in Structural Engineering, awarded by the American Society of Civil Engineers, supports innovative research in structural design and construction. This prestigious fellowship is aimed at members in good standing and encourages original contributions to the field. Recipients must demonstrate the ability to explore new ideas and may not engage in other research during the fellowship term. This initiative strengthens the expertise within the civil engineering profession globally.

Raymond and Paulette Cox Scholarhsip (Piedmont)

Provides scholarship to a Piedmont graduating senior with a GPA of 3.0-3.00, attending a two- or four-year college or university and majoring in health services or public service.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Clemens-Clair Future Educators Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is named for Clemens J. Rosen and Clair J. Hemphill – two fathers who encouraged and paid for their daughters to pursue college educations. Both believed an educated woman had more opportunities and would be better able to take care of herself and her family.

Clemens Rosen (1919-2016) did not finish grade school as he was needed on the farm. However, nobody could beat him in Scrabble. He served in WWII on a B24, was shot down twice and was held in a Nazi POW camp until the end of the war. He then took employment in Peoria, IL, first working for Western Electric and then as a foreman for Caterpillar Tractor Company.

Clair Hemphill (1912-1979) finished high school and was a life-long farmer in Elwood, Illinois. Clair’s father was a farmer as was his grandfather and others before him. Clair’s mother was a teacher until she married. He had a strong belief in women pursuing education and was proud that his daughter did just that.

This scholarship is a $10,000 scholarship, awarding $5,000 for two consecutive years providing that students maintain their enrollment status. 

The Toshiba America Foundation offers grants of up to $5,000 for innovative STEM projects aimed at grades 6-12. These grants support teachers seeking to enhance science and math education through creative project-based learning. Eligible applicants include public and nonprofit private school teachers, with a focus on fostering engaging classroom experiences. Projects must be endorsed by a school official, and funding is not available for general operations or equipment purchases.

The Toshiba America Foundation offers grants of $5,000 or more to support innovative STEM projects for grades 6-12 in public and nonprofit private schools across the U.S. These grants encourage teachers to implement project-based learning in their classrooms. Founded in 1990, the foundation aims to enhance STEM education by providing necessary resources and support for educators to inspire their students. Applications require school official endorsement and must focus on innovative teaching methods.

The Limited Competition for High Impact Specialized Innovation Programs aims to enhance clinical and translational science by funding unique capabilities and addressing critical gaps through the Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Program. This initiative fosters collaboration across a national network of academic medical centers, facilitating the transition of scientific discoveries into impactful health interventions. Applications are peer-reviewed, ensuring funding is directed towards the most promising proposals.

The Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) orchestrates the basic research program for the Air Force Research Laboratory, aligning with technical guidance and Air Force needs. It promotes collaboration among Air Force, universities, and industry, ensuring that research effectively transitions to support military capabilities. AFOSR's focus encompasses significant areas of research organized under two scientific departments, enhancing national defense and peacekeeping operations.

The Pilcrow Foundation offers matching grants to rural public libraries for acquiring new, quality children's books. Libraries can receive up to $1,200 in funding by contributing $200-$400 through local sponsorships. Eligible libraries include independent rural and Native American Tribal libraries, with a focus on those serving communities with populations under 10,000. The initiative supports libraries in rural areas of the U.S. to enhance their children's book collections and promote literacy.

The Limited Competition Research Education Program for the Clinical and Translational Science Awards Program aims to enhance the training of a workforce to meet the nation's biomedical and clinical research needs. It supports educational activities that facilitate the translation of scientific discoveries into practical health interventions. Funded by the NIH, this program invites applications from eligible organizations, and only those with meritorious proposals will be considered for funding.

The Plant America Community Project Grant, offered by the National Garden Clubs, supports initiatives that enhance public spaces and community gardens. Grants of up to $2,000 are available for projects that educate and engage both adults and children in gardening. Since 2017, over 250 grants have been awarded, totaling more than $225,000. Eligible applicants include member clubs, focusing on beautification, restoration, and environmental education.

The NIAID is dedicated to advancing research on medical countermeasures against chemical and radiation threats, focusing on innovative technologies to diagnose and treat exposure effects. The initiative promotes the development of models, biomarkers, and devices that enhance survival and reduce morbidity during public health emergencies. It supports preclinical efforts to address injuries from designated Chemicals of Concern, emphasizing the need for effective solutions in civilian mass casualty scenarios.

The J. Waldo Smith Hydraulic Fellowship, established by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) in 1938, supports graduate students pursuing experimental hydraulics research. With a focus on practical experiments to advance knowledge in hydraulic flow, this fellowship is awarded to up to two deserving members annually, aiding in tuition and living expenses. Preference is given to Associate Members, fostering the education of future leaders in civil engineering.

The IEEE Computer Society Grant, offered by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, provides funding up to $10,000 to support STEM outreach efforts. This program encourages IEEE members to engage pre-university students in engineering and computing through various initiatives. With multiple funding levels, it aims to inspire the next generation of technology innovators and promote awareness of the engineering profession, ensuring that engineering is accessible and exciting for all.

The Jack E. Leisch Fellowship, established by the American Society of Civil Engineers, supports full-time graduate students in transportation planning and traffic operations. This fellowship honors Jack E. Leisch's contributions to civil engineering and offers approximately $5,000 to deserving candidates. Selection criteria include academic performance, leadership potential, and financial need, ensuring support for future leaders in the field.

Duane Roberts Scholarship

The Duane Roberts Scholarship was established in memory of Duane Roberts, a Kalamazoo Public Schools graduate, community activist, and KPS Board of Education member, to provide scholarship support to KPS minority students.

KZCF scholarships may be applied to any items under your school’s cost of attendance (COA). Each school has a different COA that may include items such as tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, health insurance, etc. Scholarship payments are sent directly to your institution. 

This scholarship is a one-time award, meaning that it will not repeat in subsequent years. The money awarded can be applied to your education costs alongside other scholarships or funding that you may receive, and there are no necessary steps once funds are sent.

The ASPCA Right Horse Grants aim to enhance equine adoptions and support community equines by funding programs that boost shelter capacity or assist in keeping owned equines in their homes. Grants between $5,000 and $50,000 are available, with a total funding pool of up to $750,000. Eligible applicants include ASPCA Right Horse Adoption Partners and organizations committed to the welfare of retired Thoroughbred racehorses. Proposals should clearly outline the objectives and expected impacts.

ASPCA Reimagining Racers: Grants for Adopting Out Retired Racehorses Grant

ASPCA Right Horse Adoption Partners, ASPCA Right Horse Industry Partners, and organizations actively participating in the warm-up ring (defined as groups that are actively working to achieve the 13 criteria for Partnership and are participating on myrighthorse.org) are invited to apply for a grant to support an increase in capacity and/or efficiency of programs aimed at adopting out retired Thoroughbred racehorses. 

Funding requests for this grant initiative should focus on:

Activities that increase capacity, decrease length of stay, reduce cost of care or increase efficiencies, and/or improve humane outcomes in other ways. Examples:

• Training programs
• Programs that engage new adopters and grow the market share for adoption
• Medical make-ready or rehabilitation with a focus on innovation and/or sustainability
• Collaborations with other equine industry organizations to increase support for retired racehorses

Proposals will be evaluated on their potential (within the 12-month grant term) to: 

• Increase capacity (the number of horses that can be rehabilitated, trained, and placed)
• Decrease length of stay
• Decrease cost of care
• Reduce risk, harm or suffering for retired racehorses

Requests may be for the creation of new programs or the expansion of existing programs. Programs that test innovative ideas are welcome.

Grant Amounts

Grants will generally range from $10,000-$40,000, with a maximum individual grant amount of $60,000. The total funding amount available for this grant opportunity is $200,000. 

Eligibility

ASPCA Right Horse Adoption Partners, ASPCA Right Horse Industry Partners, and active Warm-Up Ring participants (defined as groups that are actively working to achieve the 13 criteria for Partnership and are participating on myrighthorse.org) whose mission or operations focus significantly on serving retired Thoroughbred racehorses are eligible to apply for this grant opportunity. Adoption organizations must be up to date on reporting data biannually to the Equine Welfare Data Collective (EWDC). If you’re unsure about your eligibility, you may contact therighthorse@aspca.org to confirm before applying.   

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®) was founded on the belief that animals are entitled to kind and respectful treatment by humans. We invite all voices to join us in working together to improve the lives of animals in need.

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 Lillian Grace Mahan Scholarship Fund

The Lillian Grace Mahan Scholarship Fund was established to assist graduate and undergraduate students of library science and is available to Stark County residents who have an outstanding academic performance record and/or who are in need of financial assistance to pursue a degree in library science to become a librarian.

This scholarship is renewable.

Nebraska Library Commission Grants Schedule

Nebraska Library Commission Grants: The Nebraska Library Commission awards grants to Nebraska libraries and library organizations according to the following schedule. These grants are financed with funding made available through the Nebraska Unicameral Legislature or through the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act.

Continuing Education and Training Grants

This year, the Nebraska Library Commission is opening the CE grants to 1) online learning, 2) attending out-of-state conferences or workshops, and 3) larger continuing education projects.

The purpose of these continuing education grants is to assist Nebraska libraries in improving the library services provided to their communities through continuing education and training for their library personnel and supporters. Successful applications will show how the continuing education and/or training proposed will support the library's mission.

For this round of CE and training grants, applications should be for events happening before June 2026. (All reimbursement forms and receipts must be submitted by June 12, 2026.).

The Edmond M. Dewan Young Scientist Scholarship for Atmospheric Sciences and Space Physics supports graduate students tackling challenges in atmospheric science and space physics. Funded by the Edmond M. Dewan Young Scientist Scholarship Fund, this scholarship encourages innovative research. Eligible applicants are active AGU student members pursuing graduate studies with a minimum GPA of 3.4. While scholarship recipients do not automatically receive travel grants for AGU’s Annual Meeting, they are encouraged to apply for them separately.

About the Foundation

Mission

The Hoover Presidential Foundation strengthens the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum and Herbert Hoover National Historic Site by inspiring leadership, service, and civic responsibility grounded in the Hoovers’ life and values.

Vision

A future where Herbert Hoover’s uncommon legacy inspires generations to live with purpose, serve with compassion, and create lasting civic impact.

Herbert Hoover Presentation Travel Grant

The Herbert Hoover Presentation Travel Grant Program helps scholars share new research and insights about Herbert Hoover and his enduring impact on American public life, humanitarian service, and global affairs. By supporting presentations at scholarly conferences and professional gatherings, the program encourages broader understanding and appreciation of the ideas, values, and legacy of Herbert and Lou Henry Hoover.

The SLEEP Travel Grant for Sleep Technologists and Advanced Practice Providers, funded by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine Foundation, offers a $2,000 grant to support first-time attendance at the SLEEP 2026 meeting. This initiative aims to enhance engagement among non-physician members of the sleep team, such as sleep technologists and advanced practice providers, while promoting networking opportunities within the sleep community.

About Us

The Wenner-Gren Foundation is a private operating foundation dedicated to providing leadership in support of anthropology and anthropologists worldwide.

Our Mission

The Wenner-Gren Foundation is committed to playing a leadership role in anthropology. We help anthropologists advance anthropological knowledge, build sustainable careers, and amplify the impact of anthropology within the wider world. We dedicate ourselves to broadening the conversation in anthropology to reflect the full diversity of the field.

Hunt Fellowship in Public Writing

General

Anthropologists have important stories to tell about human lives, histories, societies, and futures. Yet many scholars lack the time and resources needed to translate their research into books that reach readers beyond the academy. The Hunt Fellowship in Public Writing supports anthropologists who are writing serious nonfiction books for general audiences.

This program is designed to encourage public writing that brings anthropological knowledge into wider conversations. The Foundation welcomes book projects that are intellectually ambitious, grounded in substantial research, and written in ways that invite nonacademic readers to explore anthropological questions, evidence, and insight. We are interested in projects that demonstrate how anthropological writing can shape public understanding, contribute to urgent debates, and expand the audiences for anthropological work.

The fellowship supports scholars pursuing a book-length project for broad audiences. Through this award, the Foundation seeks to raise the status of public writing within anthropology, especially for earlier career scholars, and promote its recognition in hiring, tenure, promotion, and other forms of professional evaluation.

There is no preference for any methodology, research location, or subfield.

The Research and Education Program for HBCUs and TCUs provides funding for essential equipment and instrumentation, enhancing research capabilities in STEM fields. This initiative aligns with the FY 2026 NDAA and aims to increase participation and graduation rates in critical scientific disciplines. The program is overseen by the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering and administered by various defense agencies, promoting educational advancements in historically underrepresented institutions.

The Capacity Building Grants for Non-Land-Grant Colleges of Agriculture Program, administered by the USDA's NIFA, aims to enhance the capabilities of eligible institutions in agriculture and related fields. By providing financial support, the program encourages institutions to compete for federal funding, disseminate vital information, and foster community engagement in educational and research initiatives. This initiative is crucial for developing infrastructure, promoting faculty development, and establishing graduate assistantships to address national and regional agricultural priorities.

The SLEEP Travel Grant for Medical Students and Residents, offered by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine Foundation, provides $2,000 to support medical students and residents attending the SLEEP meeting. This grant fosters career development in the sleep field and is available to those currently enrolled in accredited medical or residency programs. The funding is aimed at enhancing sleep health through research and community engagement, aligning with AASM's mission.

The Infrastructure Innovation for Biological Research Program by NSF aims to enhance contemporary biology through innovative research tools and methods. It focuses on developing or redesigning infrastructure in bioinformatics, instrumentation, and research methods. Projects should significantly advance biological understanding and be applicable to a wider research community. Proposals should aim at transforming biological research by either creating novel tools or adapting existing ones in meaningful ways, addressing fundamental questions in the biological sciences.