Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Kentucky

Patricia Schroder Memorial Scholarship

Pat had a big heart for helping others and devoted her life to assisting, teaching, and coaching students with disabilities. She worked as a special education teacher's assistant at various schools across the Evergreen School District after earning her Masters, she moved to White Salmon, Washington, where she taught at Columbia High School. In 1994, she moved back to Vancouver and accepted a teaching position at Camas High School where she taught social studies and special education. She retired in 2010 after more than 16 years with the Camas School District.

Pat had a big heart for helping others. She loved and took interest in many of her students throughout her teaching career. She was also actively involved in Special Olympics as a coach and volunteer in addition to providing temporary respite care relief for families of children with special needs.

Additionally, Pat developed a passion for politics at an early age when she first served as a government page at the Washington State Capitol during her senior year in high school. She became an active member in Washington State Democrats, where she attended state democratic caucuses and managed senatorial and legislative campaigns. She also successfully spearheaded the passage of levy and bond election campaigns to support educational programs in the Evergreen School District. Her love for politics later resulted in her running and being elected as Mayor of the city of White Salmon in 1992, where she held the post for two years. Pat enjoyed visiting Frisco, Texas to spend time with her family whenever she could.

Award Amount

2 scholarships are awarded each year. Awards will likely be between $1,000-$1,400.

Scott Cornelius Memorial Scholarship (Piedmont)

To honor the memory of Scott Cornelius by supporting students pursuing careers in sales, marketing, insurance or related business fields who demonstrate leadership and integrity.

The BUILD Grant Program, managed by the USDOT, focuses on enhancing surface transportation infrastructure with substantial local impact. It supports a variety of project sponsors, including state and local governments, in pursuing complex multi-modal initiatives that are often challenging to fund through traditional grants. Established under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, this program reflects a commitment to sustainable and equitable infrastructure development.

 YWCA Clark County Chan Barnett Scholarship

The mission of the YWCA Clark County Scholarship is to advance, support and promote education for women returning to the workforce.

The YWCA Clark County Scholarship was founded in 1994 by Channing R. R. Barnett with the purpose of helping women acquire training they need to become employable and self-sufficient.

Channing was sixty when she left her marriage. She had been a wife and mother for thirty two years - and worried she had no 'marketable skills' with which to support herself. Conquering her fears, Chan enrolled in Clark College's Displaced Homemakers Program. With the support of other women, Chan began to explore and develop her own talents. Drawing on her strong conviction to 'paddle her own canoe' she decided to make the most of her resources.

Reading the Wall Street Journal from cover to cover, taking advantage of every free resource she could find, and having the confidence to call investment brokers and ask lots of questions eventually paid off! As Chan said, she went from, "just having my toes in the stock market, then my ankle, and now I'm swimming up to my neck!"

The support she received from YWCA during this challenging time inspired Chan to start YWCA Scholarship. Her personal success is an inspiration to us all; it is her hope to pass along that inspiration to other women who face similar challenges.

Award Amount

One to two scholarships in the range between $1,000 - $4,000 may be awarded at the scholarship committee's discretion.

The Care Camps Grant supports children with cancer by funding medically supervised oncology camps that provide joy, hope, and healing through outdoor experiences. With the mission to foster a sense of community and shared healing, Care Camps Foundation aims to serve every child and family affected by pediatric cancer in the US and Canada. By collaborating with donors and volunteers, the foundation ensures that each contribution maximizes benefits for the families in need.

Honor Grants

Supporting organizations that serve victims and families.

Our Honor Grant program provides financial support to 501(c)(3) nonprofits that offer services to victims and families impacted by heinous crimes. Awarded quarterly, these grants help organizations continue vital work in some of the hardest moments families will ever face.

• Grants up to $20,000, with occasional consideration for larger requests
• Open year-round to eligible organizations
• Funding supports a wide range of programs and projects, with a focus on those that are innovative, impactful, and built for long-term sustainability

The David C. Herriman Fund, established by the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, aims to support regional performing arts organizations in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. This fund prioritizes proposals that enhance performances and foster youth education in the arts. Grants range from $200,000 to $350,000 for larger projects and $15,000 to $50,000 for smaller initiatives, with a total budget not exceeding $400,000. Eligible applicants include local 501(c)(3) organizations dedicated to the arts.

The NIDCD Early Career Research (ECR) Award (R21) supports early-stage scientists in establishing independent research careers in areas such as hearing, balance, and language. This grant facilitates small, innovative research projects and aims to generate preliminary data for future R01 applications. It is not intended for thesis work and is designed to enhance research methodologies and technologies in biomedical and behavioral sciences. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization.

The NIA Expanding Research in AD/ADRD Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program aims to enhance the research workforce by providing intensive research experiences for recent graduates. This initiative supports early-stage investigators in Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias, addressing a critical shortage of researchers in the field. Participants engage in independent research, mentorship, and professional development, equipping them with skills necessary for advanced degrees and research careers in aging and dementia. The program fosters innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration essential for advancing AD/ADRD research.

The John and Polly Sparks Early Career Grant, offered by the American Psychological Foundation, supports early career psychologists focused on research and intervention for serious emotional disturbances in children. This grant empowers researchers to develop scientifically-backed treatments that can be implemented broadly across the country, encouraging diverse applicants with a commitment to improving mental health outcomes for affected youth.

This grant focuses on implementing research to identify effective combinations of community-clinical linkage strategies aimed at diabetes prevention and management. It addresses the challenges faced by Federally Qualified Health Centers and safety-net clinics, emphasizing the need for coordinated approaches. The study will explore factors influencing the adoption and integration of these strategies, ultimately aiming to develop practical evidence and best practices that enhance diabetes care in primary settings.

The Great Lakes Bay Pride Scholarship, offered by the Saginaw Community Foundation, supports Michigan residents dedicated to promoting respect and acceptance across diverse backgrounds. This scholarship is open to high school seniors and college students pursuing undergraduate or Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, with awards ranging from $500 to $4,000. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and demonstrate commitment through volunteer work in the LGBTQ+ community.

The Experiential Opportunities Career Development Award, funded by the Society of Toxicology, provides up to $1,000 to support underrepresented undergraduate and graduate students, as well as postbaccalaureate researchers, in enhancing their education and career development in toxicology. Created in 2009, this initiative aims to promote diversity in the field. Four awards may be granted at each deadline, with funds supporting activities occurring by July 31 of the current fiscal year.

The NIA Advanced Postdoctoral Career Transition Awards aim to enhance diversity in the translational research workforce for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD). This initiative supports early career researchers from diverse backgrounds in acquiring essential research skills applicable to various AD/ADRD studies. The goal is to cultivate a more diverse pool of researchers capable of leading interdisciplinary approaches in treatment, prevention, and management of AD/ADRD. Notably, independent clinical trials are not permitted under this award.

The McKnight Endowment Fund for Neuroscience offers the Neurobiology of Brain Disorders Award to support innovative research aimed at understanding and treating brain disorders. It provides up to four awards of $100,000 each year for three years, encouraging proposals that explore biological mechanisms and environmental contributions to neurological disorders. The program emphasizes inclusivity and collaboration among researchers to advance the field and improve therapeutic interventions for conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

The AACR-Torrey Coast Foundation Transpacific Gastric and Esophageal Cancer Research Partnership Grant supports innovative research on upper gastrointestinal malignancies, which are responsible for over one million deaths globally in 2023. This grant encourages collaboration between U.S. and Asian institutions, focusing on resistance, metastasis, and novel treatment strategies. Proposals should detail plans for clinical translation and are open to researchers at all career stages, especially those new to upper GI cancer research.

The Robert Graves Art Scholarship honors a dedicated educator and artist, Robert Graves, who passionately supported young artists. Open to students from Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan counties pursuing higher education in visual arts, this scholarship encourages creativity and artistic growth. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and submit original artwork. This initiative not only fosters individual talent but also contributes to the cultural enrichment of the community.

The Bernice M. Brightbill Fund Scholarship offers a one-time award to a senior female student from the Central Dauphin School District pursuing a college degree in business studies. This scholarship aims to support students demonstrating financial need, regardless of citizenship or documentation status. Eligible applicants can apply for multiple scholarships and may be selected for any or all they qualify for, promoting accessibility in education.

The Polly W. Roesch Vocal Music Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln, supports graduating seniors from Sangamon County pursuing degrees in vocal music and performing arts. This scholarship reflects the foundation's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities in the region. Eligible candidates include high school seniors and college students who are direct descendants of U.S. Service Members residing in specific Illinois counties. This initiative aims to foster talent in the arts and provide financial assistance to deserving students.

The Bureau of Land Management's Plant Conservation and Restoration Program (PCRP) aims to enhance the native seed supply chain, crucial for restoring resilient public lands. By collaborating with various partners, PCRP seeks to improve rangeland health, restore wildlife habitats, and create job opportunities. In 2026, the focus will be on local seed collections, supporting farmers entering the native seed market, and developing innovative technologies to ensure effective restoration outcomes and ecological resilience.

The Hadassah Foundation supports organizations enhancing the leadership roles of women and girls in the U.S. Jewish community. Grants of $80,000 are distributed over three years, focusing on program-based or unrestricted support. Eligible applicants must have specific legal statuses and align with the Foundation's gender equity mission. Proposals are accepted until June 11, 2025, through an online system, aiming to address challenges like financial security and mental health while promoting leadership advancement.

Pledge the Pink Foundation is dedicated to providing essential funding for breast cancer services, including free mammograms, medical assistance, and outreach programs. By bypassing bureaucratic barriers, the foundation ensures that those most in need receive critical care. However, grant funds cannot be allocated for event sponsorships or to cover salaries and overhead expenses, ensuring that donations directly impact patient care and support.

The NHLBI is launching a Limited Competition Small Grant Program aimed at NHLBI career development award recipients. This program supports researchers transitioning to independence by providing small grants for expanding research objectives or initiating new studies based on their prior work. It encourages applicants to form collaborations and develop impactful projects, although applications are not currently being solicited. This initiative aims to facilitate the generation of essential preliminary data and publications, aiding recipients in their K-to-R transition.

About Us

The American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM) is an Academy of over 1,100 health professionals dedicated to advancing the health and well-being of all individuals with cerebral palsy and other childhood-onset disabilities. AACPDM is like no other professional society! The “teamwork” mindset of our members solidifies a worldwide network that provides the most effective outcomes for patients. We are pediatricians, neurologists, surgeons, rehabilitators, therapists, nurses, special educators, engineers, and scientists.

AACPDM Mentored Research Grant 

A key part of the AACPDM mission is to foster innovative research as well as its dissemination and implementation. One way the Academy promotes research is through the annual Research Grant Program.

AACPDM Research Grants provide support to bring together investigators from diverse geographical locations to obtain pilot data, statistical consultation and develop a multi-center research study plan.

AACPDM is excited to accept research grant applications that align with the Academy's mission to support a collaborative multidisciplinary community that provides robust scientific education, fosters innovative research, and advocates for equitable access to evidence-based care.

Research grant funding supports high-quality clinical research projects/programs. The award may be used to fund planning for a project or to complete a small research project.

The RMD Music Scholarship, managed by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, offers a $12,000 renewable scholarship for graduating seniors from Fauquier or Rappahannock County public schools pursuing a music degree at an accredited institution. Eligible students must demonstrate leadership and motivation, and must audition in their senior year while providing proof of acceptance into a university music program. Renewal depends on maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.7.

The Allstate Foundation - College Service Grants support youth empowerment through community service initiatives at community colleges and HBCUs across the U.S. Grants of $10,000 aim to enable youth-led projects that redefine service in the wake of a global pandemic. With over $1 million allocated to this effort, the program encourages innovative approaches to civic engagement and volunteerism, fostering a new generation of community leaders.

About the Chester County Community Foundation

Our Mission

The Chester County Community Foundation connects people who care with the causes that matter, so their philanthropy makes a difference now and forever.

Valerie Lamb Smith Art Scholarship

Mission

The purpose of this fund shall to be to ensure that more Chester County students benefit from art instruction, regardless of family income or the schools they attend.

About Valerie

Valerie Lamb Smith was a dedicated teacher and artist from Newtown Square, PA. She taught oil and watercolor painting to young, aspiring artists at Wayne Art Center. Valerie’s personal work was a chronicle of her own life and observations. She centered her art around time and the lost but recent past. Her work centered around the figurative but was also decorative. Valerie was also a flower painter and at one paint had a large exhibition at Longwood Gardens.

Born in Quakertown, PA on April 26th, 1937, Valerie always had a love for the arts. She attended Solebury School in New Hope, PA and graduated in 1954. She followed her passion to Smith College in Northampton, MA where she studied Art and Art History. Valerie met her husband, Langhorne Smith, while he was a student at Yale University. They married in 1958.

After college, Valerie and Langhorne settled in Pennsylvania where Valerie taught Art at various schools on the Main Line. During this time, Valerie pursued her Masters Degree at The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art. Valerie was the proud mother of three children, two sons and a daughter.

Valerie passed away in 1997 after a courageous battle with cancer. Her loving husband, Langhorne Smith, complied with her request that an art fund be established in her name. This fund, supported by her family and close friends and colleagues, helps young people from Chester County explore the world of art, regardless of their families income or the resources of their schools.