Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Kentucky

Driving University Impact: Expanding the Public Exchange Network Grant

How the Public Exchange Network Works

No single university – even a large R1 – has enough faculty expertise available to meet the needs of every partner. The Public Exchange Network was designed to help universities work together seamlessly to build robust partnerships and generate more collective impact. Universities joining the network are independent but affiliated members, with full control over their own program and project portfolios. As a national network with local, on-the-ground capacity, Public Exchange Network members can also share approaches that work, scale solutions to common problems, and build cross-regional partnerships together. 

As an institutional partner in the Public Exchange Network, universities will build capacity to develop, test and implement solutions to the most urgent problems in their regions and beyond. Universities joining the Public Exchange Network get:

• The tools, templates and training they need to start right away;
• A shared brand they can plug into on day one;
• A network of faculty, past and potential partners and philanthropic relationships, benefitting everyone in the network. 

Public Exchange Network Expansion grants will cover 75-80% of the minimum estimated annual costs for two years to launch a new Public Exchange. To launch a Public Exchange, universities must have the following in place: (1) a staff executive director with experience launching and leading social impact partnerships, (2) a project seed fund, and (3) a modest operations budget. We also recommend some in-kind project management support from an existing university staff member. The grant includes a two-year Public Exchange Executive Director (ED) compensation subsidy of $300,000 to launch the Public Exchange on campus, and a 2-year license to use the Public Exchange brand. New Public Exchange Network members will also receive ongoing support and guidance from current Public Exchange leadership and staff at USC and WashU, including recruitment support and intensive training for hiring and onboarding an executive director, a sub-site on the Public Exchange website, incubation and project management support from current Public Exchange staff, and a suite of tools for developing and implementing Public Exchange projects.

The Armando "Frank" Quaglia Veteran's Scholarship, offered by the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, supports full-time graduate or upper-level undergraduate students from Kent or Ionia County pursuing healthcare or engineering degrees. With a minimum 3.0 GPA, preference is given to veterans and their families. This scholarship aims to eliminate barriers to education, fostering academic success and connecting students to opportunities in West Michigan's inclusive community.

Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians

The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians is a sovereign nation and has three main branches of government – Judicial, Executive, and Legislative. One of our most important resources is our people.

Education

The Confederated Tribes of Siletz seeks to provide opportunities for Tribal members to reach potential, establish independence and improve quality of life through lifelong learning and education.

Cathern Tufts Memorial Scholarship

Cathern Tufts, affectionately known as “Cat” in the offices of the CTSI administrative offices and Tribal elder woodcuts, was the Tribal Attorney for fourteen and a half years until she passed in 2018 following a short illness. She was a Siletz Tribal member who graduated from Arizona State University School of Law. She served an internship in Washington D.C. prior to going to work as an attorney. Her parents and friends wished to honor her life and achievements through this memorial scholarship. This scholarship is for students in pre-law, law, or in a natural resource field.

The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Research Fellowship supports innovative and fundamental research by early-career scientists across various fields. This prestigious two-year fellowship offers $75,000 in a lump sum, allowing recipients to allocate funds towards research-related expenses. Eligible candidates must hold a Ph.D. and be tenure-track faculty at U.S. or Canadian institutions. The fellowship aims to nurture the next generation of leaders in research and academia.

The Tribal Institutional Review Board Establishment and Enhancement (TIRBEE) award aims to assist federally recognized AI/AN Tribes, Tribal colleges and universities, and Tribal health organizations in creating or enhancing Institutional Review Boards (IRBs). This initiative is crucial for ensuring ethical research practices within Tribal communities, fostering cultural sensitivity in research, and protecting the rights of AI/AN participants. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization.

About Us

Marshfield Area Community Foundation, Inc. is a public, 501-C-3 charity. There are 30 community foundations in Wisconsin and more than 750 in the nation. The purpose of all community foundations is to accumulate charitable dollars that impact a specific geographic region in areas such as education, the arts, economic development, recreation, environmental protection, health care, and social services. They may be relatively small, as we are (assets of $14 million), or very large, as is the Greater Milwaukee Foundation (assets over $400 million).

Most people are familiar with private foundations, established by individuals, families, or corporations. Typically, in order to establish a private foundation, one has to have considerable wealth. You could say Community Foundations are much more democratic. We are, in a sense, an umbrella foundation containing many small foundations. We call those small foundations “funds.”

Marshfield Area Community Foundation Scholarships

The mission of the Marshfield Area Community Foundation is “Connecting people who care with causes that matter to enrich the quality of life in the Marshfield area”. Education is a valuable tool and a cause that matters to all of us. Through assisting students with financial support to receive an education, not only do students and the families of those students benefit, but also our community benefits, which further allows us to achieve our mission of enriching the quality of life in the Marshfield area.

Sophia Smrz Memorial Scholarship (2025)

AFL Community Grants aim to empower education, youth, and life advancement through targeted community support. The program is designed for non-profit organizations, focusing on STEM education, youth development, and the LEAP initiative for adult self-sufficiency. With grant applications opening in 2025, AFL Global seeks to make a lasting impact in communities by addressing their greatest needs and fostering growth through education and development initiatives.

The ECMC Foundation focuses on eliminating equity gaps in postsecondary education by 2040 through strategic grantmaking and investments. They support organizations aiming to remove barriers to completion, build institutional capacity, and transform the postsecondary ecosystem. Eligible entities include nonprofit organizations, government entities, and postsecondary institutions. However, funding is not available for personal scholarships, political activities, or projects outside the U.S. that do not align with the Foundation's mission of diversity and inclusion.

The DHQP Global NOFO aims to enhance the CDC's mission against antimicrobial resistance (AR) by integrating non-research implementation with focused research. This initiative addresses urgent global threats posed by various pathogens and healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). By leveraging existing CDC networks, the NOFO seeks to improve detection, surveillance, and infection control measures, ultimately reducing illness and mortality while protecting healthcare workers and patients, especially in low and middle-income countries.

Mary Joan Keeney Scholarship

The Mary Joan Keeney Scholarship was established in 2017 to honor the memory of Joan Keeney and her dedication to continuing education. In 1992, at the age of fifty-nine, she attended Denver Seminary in Denver, Colorado and completed a life-long dream of earning a Master’s in Counseling. Upon graduation, she volunteered as a grief and bereavement counselor at The First Presbyterian Church in Boulder, Colorado. Her life passion was helping others heal and return to love.

The purpose of this scholarship is to provide non-traditional, female students interested in nursing and mental health careers access to funds to help further their education and/or certification. In 2026, two one-time scholarship awards of $5,000 each will be offered.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Multiple Sclerosis Scholarship

Dr. Rose Marie Lovio designed this scholarship with her favorite quote in mind: "Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it". This scholarship is designed for a student who has been directly diagnosed with the disease or who has a close family member who lives with multiple sclerosis. This chronic illness offers a multitude of challenges and this scholarship seeks a recipient who exudes positivity despite those challenges.

The R. Don Cowan Music & Performing Arts Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports students pursuing studies in music and performing arts, including musical theater and dance. Applicants must be graduating seniors or current college students from Smith County, with no specific financial need requirement. This scholarship is available for one year and allows recipients to major in any subject while continuing their performing arts education.

NAFC Open Grant/Product Donation Applications

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is the only nonprofit 501c(3) organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of the medically underserved throughout the nation and the more than 1,400 Free and Charitable Clinics that serve them. The NAFC has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator. Founded in 2001 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., the NAFC is working to ensure that the medically underserved have access to affordable quality healthcare and strives to be a national voice promoting quality healthcare for all. For more information about the NAFC, including how to become a member, please visit https://www.nafcclinics.org.

NAFC Patient Care Fund

The NAFC Patient Care Fund supports direct patient services that expand immediate access to care. This funding is designed to help NAFC members meet urgent patient needs by supporting clinical supplies, expanded services, contracted providers, transportation assistance, medication access, and other direct care resources.

Danny Did Foundation

The Danny Did Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation organized in the state of Illinois and recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501©(3) tax-exempt organization. 

Founded by Chicagoans Mike and Mariann Stanton in January 2010 after the death of their four-year-old son Danny, the Danny Did Foundation works toward its mission to prevent deaths caused by seizures with these main goals in mind: advancing public awareness of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), enhancing SUDEP education and disclosure between medical professionals and families afflicted by seizures, and the mainstreaming of seizure detection and prediction devices that may assist in preventing seizure-related deaths.

Danny Did Foundation Hardship Grant

The Danny Did Foundation (“Foundation”) strives to assist individuals and families living with seizures. With an approved Request for Funding, the Foundation will provide monetary funding to the Grantee so they may gain access to a particular device or technology (“Device”) that the Grantee, in collaboration with the Grantee’s medical providers and professionals, independently deem appropriate. This money shall be defined as “Funds” and the spending of any Funds shall be at the sole discretion of the Grantee. The Foundation does not direct, limit, participate, or manage the decision-making or purchase of any specific Device.

While no Device has been proven to prevent epilepsy-related mortality (including SUDEP), the Danny Did Foundation is devoted to seeking out resources that may assist families living with epilepsy.

Hardship Grant: I am unable to make a purchase for the epilepsy related resource I seek therefore I am requesting a hardship grant. If I am approved for funding, I agree to provide a receipt for the resource I purchase to the Danny Did Foundation within 14 days of receiving the grant check, or I will return the funds to the Danny Did Foundation. 

Danny Did Foundation

The Danny Did Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation organized in the state of Illinois and recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501©(3) tax-exempt organization. 

Founded by Chicagoans Mike and Mariann Stanton in January 2010 after the death of their four-year-old son Danny, the Danny Did Foundation works toward its mission to prevent deaths caused by seizures with these main goals in mind: advancing public awareness of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), enhancing SUDEP education and disclosure between medical professionals and families afflicted by seizures, and the mainstreaming of seizure detection and prediction devices that may assist in preventing seizure-related deaths.

Danny Did Foundation Reimbursement Grant

The Danny Did Foundation (“Foundation”) strives to assist individuals and families living with seizures. With an approved Request for Funding, the Foundation will provide monetary funding to the Grantee so they may gain access to a particular device or technology (“Device”) that the Grantee, in collaboration with the Grantee’s medical providers and professionals, independently deem appropriate. This money shall be defined as “Funds” and the spending of any Funds shall be at the sole discretion of the Grantee. The Foundation does not direct, limit, participate, or manage the decision-making or purchase of any specific Device.

While no Device has been proven to prevent epilepsy-related mortality (including SUDEP), the Danny Did Foundation is devoted to seeking out resources that may assist families living with epilepsy.

Reimbursement Grant: Danny Did will consider partial reimbursement for device purchases made in the last 30 days. I have already purchased the epilepsy device. I am seeking reimbursement and will provide receipt of purchase to the Danny Did Foundation to be considered for funding.

The Jennie K. Scaife Charitable Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing family support, women's and children's health, and animal welfare. It aims to fund programs that promote beneficial human-animal interactions and early intervention in addiction prevention. Eligible organizations must have a valid 501(c)(3) designation. Grants align with at least one of the foundation's focus areas, ensuring impactful contributions to community welfare and well-being.

The Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts, established in 1956, supports innovative projects that explore architecture's role in society and culture. It offers grants to individuals for production and presentation, as well as research and development, focusing on diverse ideas that provoke critical dialogue. The foundation prioritizes first-time applicants and seeks to amplify underrepresented perspectives while fostering collaboration across various disciplines in the arts and education.

The Dashanna K. McNeil Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of a dedicated nursing professional who inspired many through her passion for healthcare. This scholarship encourages aspiring nurses at various educational levels to pursue their dreams in nursing. It supports individuals planning to attend accredited nursing institutions, fostering a new generation of compassionate caregivers, just as Dashanna did throughout her impactful career.

The Steven Berkeley Marine Conservation Fellowship, established by the American Fisheries Society in 2007, honors a dedicated fisheries scientist. This $15,000 award supports graduate students engaged in thesis research on marine conservation topics. Applicants must be enrolled in a North American university's M.S. or Ph.D. program and be AFS members in good standing. The fellowship encourages innovative research addressing various conservation issues, not limited to fisheries.

The Debra Slater Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Ashland County Community Foundation, assists graduating seniors from Hillsdale High School and continuing college students pursuing accredited two or four-year degrees. Eligible applicants must major in Agriculture or Animal Sciences and maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher, with preference given to current or former members of FFA or 4-H. This scholarship aims to support future leaders in agriculture and contribute to the community's growth.

The C.V. Glassco Memorial Scholarship Fund honors Mr. Clarence Verbal Glassco, a dedicated community volunteer and veteran. This scholarship supports full-time students pursuing higher education or approved workforce training in Alabama. Funded by the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama, it covers tuition, housing, and books based on available assets. Applicants are encouraged to seek additional financial resources. This initiative preserves Mr. Glassco's legacy of service and commitment to education.

The Public Health Nursing initiative aims to enhance the health and wellness of American Indian and Alaska Native men by implementing a culturally sensitive case management model. Through this program, Public Health Nurses will provide preventive health services, facilitate access to care, and encourage healthy lifestyle choices. By promoting early identification and management of health issues, the initiative strives to improve overall community health outcomes through targeted, collaborative interventions.

The Conservation Alliance Grants program is currently under evaluation, leading to a pause in the member-directed grant cycle as the organization aligns its funding with its strategic plan launching in 2025. This initiative aims to harness the collective efforts of businesses and outdoor communities to protect North America's wild places through impactful and efficient grant-making. Future funding will focus on projects that enhance habitat, support Indigenous initiatives, and address climate change.

Gropper Clement Legacy Scholarship

To provide financial support to graduates of Huron, James Valley Christian, Kadoka and Miller High Schools.

The Rotary Works Foundation Grant supports charitable projects primarily focused on children, youth, and families, emphasizing active Rotarian involvement. Grants range from $500 to $5,000, awarded prior to events. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(1) organizations. Preference is given to projects engaging Rotarians. The application deadline is the 2nd Wednesday of each month, and all grantees must report outcomes post-project.

The Stanford Medicine Children’s Health Center for IBD and Celiac Disease offers funding for postdoctoral fellows and instructors to conduct innovative research focused on pediatric IBD and celiac disease. This initiative aims to nurture future researchers and prepare them for independent funding opportunities. Eligible research includes basic, clinical, epidemiological, and health policy studies related to maternal and child health. Funding supports substantial salary and benefits, ensuring commitment to impactful research in this critical area.

The Harry Sudakoff Foundation Grant supports qualified charities in Sarasota, Florida, focusing on arts, community, education for youth, environment, human services, and science. Established by builder Harry Sudakoff, the foundation prioritizes organizations with a history of support. Grants are restricted to 501(c)(3) entities, excluding individuals and certain funding types like endowments and operating expenses. A commitment to impactful contributions is central to the foundation's mission.