Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Kentucky

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 Response & Emergency Needs Fund

The NAFC Response & Emergency Needs Fund is designed to address urgent and unforeseen challenges that threaten operations or patient access to care within NAFC member organizations. These organizations often operate with limited reserves, making them especially vulnerable to unexpected repairs, equipment failures, workforce disruptions, or community emergencies. This fund provides rapid, flexible support to help stabilize operations and ensure continuity of care for uninsured and underserved patients.

The NCCIH Natural Product Mid Phase Clinical Trial (R01 Clinical Trial Required) invites applications for mid-phase clinical trials involving natural products like botanicals and dietary supplements. The goal is to advance clinical testing through robust preliminary data, ensuring these products demonstrate measurable impacts on target engagement. Submission deadlines span from March 2024 to October 2026. Applications must focus on optimizing doses and identifying patient responders to inform future efficacy trials, aligning with NCCIH's research priorities.

The NCCIH Natural Product Early Phase Clinical Trial Award (R33 Clinical Trial Required) promotes innovative clinical trials on natural products, such as botanicals and dietary supplements. This funding opportunity supports studies that demonstrate significant scientific rationale and preliminary evidence for efficacy. Applications can explore various delivery methods and combinations with existing treatments to enhance outcomes. Funding is available for up to three years, aimed at bridging basic science discoveries into practical clinical applications.

The Alexander Brown Memorial Scholarship supports solid organ transplant recipients pursuing higher education. Open to high school seniors graduating soon or current students at accredited institutions, this one-time award can be used for tuition, fees, and other educational expenses. Selection is based on academics, extracurricular activities, leadership, and references. This scholarship aims to empower recipients to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.

The NCCIH Natural Product Early Phase Clinical Trial Phased Innovation Award supports investigator-initiated clinical trials of natural products, including botanicals and dietary supplements. This funding opportunity aims to validate the pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of these products over three years in a phased approach. Successful trials will provide crucial data for further development and clinical application, emphasizing the importance of scientifically driven research in natural product efficacy.

The RBC Wealth Management Colorado Scholarship offers financial support to exceptional Colorado high school seniors pursuing degrees in science, mathematics, or engineering. Awards are based on academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and financial need. Eligible candidates must have a minimum GPA of 3.75 and an ACT score of at least 31 or equivalent SAT scores. This scholarship aims to empower students facing challenges to achieve their educational goals.

The Asian American Leaders in Mental Health Scholarship, offered by The Denver Foundation, supports Asian American and Pacific Islander students pursuing careers in clinical mental health. It emphasizes a commitment to social justice and community service, with scholarships awarded based on academic merit and passion for the field. One-time awards can be re-applied for in subsequent years, covering tuition, fees, and other educational expenses, ensuring support for students in their academic journey.

Spencer Educational Foundation Inc

The Spencer Educational Foundation was founded by the Rims Atlanta Chapter in 1979. To this day, Spencer remains the premier organization funding the education of tomorrow's risk management and insurance leaders.

The Spencer Educational Foundation: awards merit-based scholarships and grants to university students pursuing careers in risk management, insurance, and/or actuarial science; provides grants that create experiential learning opportunities both on and off campus; funds the development of risk management and insurance curricula in colleges and universities; supports Risk Managers by creating internship opportunities within the risk management function of their companies; and operates across the United States and Canada. 

Spencer Educational Foundation: Course Development Grants

Since 2014, Spencer has invested over $1.6 million in developing risk management and insurance (RMI) courses at close to 70 colleges and universities, exposing approximately 19,000 students to the RMI industry.

Our Course Development Grant program supports Introductory Risk Management and Insurance Course Development - for universities that have not previously offered any such instruction - as well as proposals for additional Course Curriculum Development and Program Development - for universities looking to develop a RMI program and/or expand existing RMI course offerings, with an emphasis on new and emerging areas in the industry.

The UCP Research Grant Program aims to enhance clinical and translational research focused on cerebral palsy and related neurodevelopmental disabilities. Grants of up to $20K support innovative studies, with a preference for projects addressing early diagnosis and treatment. Applications from U.S. and Canadian researchers are encouraged, particularly from those affiliated with UCP. The program promotes collaboration and aims to transform care through sustainable treatment solutions.

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) is launching a collaborative initiative aimed at exploring neurodegenerative mechanisms in Alzheimer’s disease-related dementias (ADRD). This program, termed 'Centers without Walls', encourages interdisciplinary teams to merge diverse expertise, utilizing cutting-edge technologies and clinical insights to uncover novel ADRD pathways. By fostering collaboration and data sharing, the initiative seeks to enhance understanding of ADRD complexities and support the development of innovative therapeutic strategies.

The Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission (JUSFC) is a federal agency established in 1975 to enhance U.S.-Japan relations through educational and cultural exchanges. JUSFC supports various initiatives in arts, education, and global challenges, focusing on fostering partnerships between U.S. and Japanese organizations. The Commission aims to facilitate dynamic people-to-people exchanges, ensuring a robust understanding between the nations and promoting collaborative projects that enrich both societies.

The Josh Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, is designed to support students who are residents of Chaves, Lincoln, and Otero counties. It encourages applications from single parents demonstrating financial need. Eligible students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and can attend any higher education institution, including universities, community colleges, or vocational schools. This scholarship aims to empower various individuals on their educational journeys.

The Chrysalis Fund, managed by the Entomological Society of America, supports K-12 educators in fostering youth interest in insect science. Grants can cover various project expenses, including supplies and travel costs. Funding levels include micro-grants (under $500), regular grants ($500-$999), and large grants ($1,000-$2,500). This initiative encourages innovative educational programs that engage students with entomology, enhancing their learning experience and promoting science education.

The John Edelman Scholarship supports student veterans pursuing careers in mental health counseling, offering five scholarships of $10,000 each. This initiative, funded by Student Veterans of America, emphasizes the importance of mental health support for veterans. Eligible candidates must be enrolled as full-time students in the 2025-2026 academic year and maintain strong academic performance. The scholarship aims to reward exceptional achievement and encourage further study in disciplines that promote mental well-being.

The Updated National Dislocated Worker Grant Program provides essential resources to states in response to significant layoffs and disasters. Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, these discretionary grants aim to enhance the capacity to serve dislocated workers, including veterans, and ensure access to vital employment and training services. This program not only assists in reemployment efforts but also supports temporary jobs for disaster recovery, ensuring communities can effectively recover and rebuild.

Grand Rapids Community Foundation

Connecting people, passion and resources

The Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that connects people, passion and resources. With our partners, the Community Foundation uses the tools of philanthropy to find solutions to pressing issues. We provide grants to support the work of nonprofits, scholarships to local students and other forms of support to communities working to eliminate barriers to opportunity, prosperity and belonging.

Our Mission is to build and manage our community’s permanent endowment and lead the community to strengthen the lives of its people.

We envision a magnetic and interconnected West Michigan community.

Integrity, Excellence, Inclusion, Sustainability and Bold Aspirations

Give and Receive Openly, Build Trust with Each Other, Create Brave and Safe Space, Embrace Vulnerability, Accountability

Our North Star

For West Michigan to grow and prosper, we must make sure that everyone can apply their talents and creativity to fuel our future. It is only by connecting across perspectives and overcoming inequities that we can build and sustain an inclusive economy and thriving community.

Opportunities for students

Apply for scholarships to support your ambitions

Each year Grand Rapids Community Foundation supports hundreds of students on their college or career training journeys. We are excited to remove barriers to academic success so that students like you can pursue what you're passionate about.

Scholarship Fund Details

Support for West Michigan Students

Attending college or trade school increases opportunity and opens doors to careers. Donor partners who establish a scholarship fund give students a boost on their path to higher education. Students who complete the general scholarship application are considered for these scholarships.

Open to students who are residents of Kent County. Preference to Challenge Scholar students through 2032.

About Us

Our Mission

We create lasting impact through asset development, nonprofit capacity building, and community leadership. 

Our Vision

To enrich the lives of Wabash County residents by fostering opportunity, inspiring generosity, and building a thriving connected community. 

Our Scholarships

For High School Seniors & Non Traditional Students who are beginning college more than one year after high school.

The Community Foundation of Wabash County offers a wide variety of post-secondary education scholarships to traditional, non-traditional, and graduate students. With nearly 70 different scholarship endowments created through the generosity of our donors, many students are eligible to apply.    

Blair and Marie Tate Scholarship Endowment

Through her will, Marie Tate honored the memory of her late husband, Blair Tate, by establishing this scholarship to assist deserving students of any Wabash County high school who have financial need. Mrs. Tate wanted to be sure that the scholarship was available to both students pursuing academic careers and those pursuing vocational training. The Tates had no children of their own, but through this scholarship, offered an inheritance to all students of Wabash County as if they were true heirs of a family estate.

The Awards for Advancing Minority Mental Health, established by the American Psychiatric Association Foundation in 2003, aim to honor community organizations that promote mental health awareness in underserved minority communities. These awards recognize efforts to improve access to quality mental health services, enhance treatment quality, and address cultural barriers. Organizations must have been operational for at least two years and demonstrate innovative approaches to mental health challenges.

The John Taylor Babbitt Foundation offers grants to support nonprofit organizations in preventing sudden cardiac death through initiatives such as acquiring AEDs and providing CPR training. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and should include a detailed estimate of funding needs and commitments. The foundation emphasizes timely use of funds and adherence to safety regulations, ensuring a positive impact on diverse populations, including student athletes and vulnerable groups.

The McKnight Brain Research Foundation Innovator Awards aim to support innovative research in cognitive aging and memory loss, offering two 3-year grants of $750,000 each. Targeted at early-career investigators, the program encourages high-risk, high-gain proposals that explore clinical translational research and the biological mechanisms of cognitive aging. By fostering emerging scientific leaders, the initiative seeks to advance transformative discoveries in this critical area of aging research, enhancing understanding and treatment of age-related cognitive decline.

Grand Rapids Community Foundation

Connecting people, passion and resources

The Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that connects people, passion and resources. With our partners, the Community Foundation uses the tools of philanthropy to find solutions to pressing issues. We provide grants to support the work of nonprofits, scholarships to local students and other forms of support to communities working to eliminate barriers to opportunity, prosperity and belonging.

Our Mission is to build and manage our community’s permanent endowment and lead the community to strengthen the lives of its people.

We envision a magnetic and interconnected West Michigan community.

Integrity, Excellence, Inclusion, Sustainability and Bold Aspirations

Give and Receive Openly, Build Trust with Each Other, Create Brave and Safe Space, Embrace Vulnerability, Accountability

Our North Star

For West Michigan to grow and prosper, we must make sure that everyone can apply their talents and creativity to fuel our future. It is only by connecting across perspectives and overcoming inequities that we can build and sustain an inclusive economy and thriving community.

Opportunities for students

Apply for scholarships to support your ambitions

Each year Grand Rapids Community Foundation supports hundreds of students on their college or career training journeys. We are excited to remove barriers to academic success so that students like you can pursue what you're passionate about.

Scholarship Fund Details

Support for West Michigan Students

Attending college or trade school increases opportunity and opens doors to careers. Donor partners who establish a scholarship fund give students a boost on their path to higher education. Students who complete the general scholarship application are considered for these scholarships.

Open to students who are residents of Kent County. Preference to Challenge Scholar students through 2032.

The Grant for Grassroots Exchange: Japan Festivals and Events supports cultural projects promoting understanding of Japan through local festivals and events. Aimed at community-driven initiatives, the grant encourages cross-cultural exchange and global perspectives while providing up to $7,000 in funding. Priority is given to projects reaching underserved communities in the Midwest, Mountain, and South regions, involving new participants in K-12 education, and demonstrating potential for replication in other areas.

Hovik Family Scholarship

Awarded to a graduating high school senior who resides in Lincoln County in South Dakota and is a member of the Lutheran faith. 

The Get Out and Get Active Grant by the Anxiety & Depression Initiative supports innovative projects that promote the mental health benefits of physical activity. This funding aims to reduce anxiety and depression through community fitness programs and educational campaigns, emphasizing the intersection of physical activity and mental health. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and academic institutions in the U.S. seeking to enhance well-being and integrate active lifestyles for individuals living with mental illness.

The Student Research Grant in Early Childhood Language Development, funded by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation, supports master's and doctoral students conducting research on early language development. With up to three grants of $2,000 each available, this initiative honors Arlene M. and Noel D. Matkin. Eligible candidates must be enrolled full-time in accredited programs, focusing on research that benefits young children facing language delays or disorders.

American Brain Foundation

The American Brain Foundation funds research across the spectrum of the brain and nervous system, because it is our best hope for improving treatments, advancing prevention strategies, and discovering cures. Brain diseases, disorders, and injuries are interconnected. When we cure one, we will cure many.

Next Generation Research Grants

The American Brain Foundation’s Next Generation Research Grants (NGRGs) support early career investigators conducting high-quality research aimed at better understanding, treating, and curing brain diseases. These grants are offered in collaboration with disease-focused partner organizations and reflect ABF’s Cure One, Cure Many research philosophy: the belief that breakthroughs in one area of research accelerate progress across many others.

McKnight Clinical Translational Research Scholarship in Cognitive Aging and Age-Related Memory Loss

This award aims to support young investigators in clinical studies relevant to age-related cognitive decline and memory loss. The award also recognizes the importance of rigorous training in clinical research and encourages young investigators to seek opportunities to establish future careers in the area of human cognitive aging.

Please Note: The focus should NOT be on a neurodegenerative dementia (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease); however, proposals that focus on the combined study of cognitive aging and neurodegenerative cognitive changes may be considered.

For the purpose of this scholarship, research is defined as patient-oriented research conducted with human participants, or translational research specifically designed to develop treatments or enhance identification of age-related cognitive decline and memory changes. These may include epidemiologic or behavioral studies, clinical trials, studies of disease mechanisms, the development of new technologies, and health outcomes research. Disease-related studies not directly involving humans are also encouraged if the primary goal is the development of therapies, diagnostic tests, or tools to mitigate age-related cognitive decline and memory loss.

Armstrong County Community Foundation (The Community Foundation Serving the Heart of Western Pennsylvania)

In 1997 Merchants National Bank, an Armstrong County community bank, marked its 100th anniversary. The centennial celebration included a unique expression of gratitude to the community in the form of $100,000 to be used as a seed fund to initiate a community foundation for Armstrong County. The bank challenged the community to keep the principal balance of the endowed funds intact and spend only a portion of the interest earnings to ensure a lasting legacy.

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Dr. Samuel R. Black, Twila L. Black, and Samuel J. Black Medical Arts Scholarship

The Dr. Samuel R. Black, Twila L. Black, and Samuel J. Black Medical Arts Scholarship Fund was established to honor the life and work of Dr. Samuel R. Black. The scholarship is available to graduates of Armstrong County High Schools including Lenape Vo-tech who wish to pursue a career in the Medical Arts. The scholarship criteria includes students who are interested in veterinary medicine.