Best Private Grants for Nonprofits in Kentucky

The Charles Pankow Student Fellowship, offered by the ACI Foundation, supports undergraduate and graduate students in concrete-related studies. Awardees receive a $10,000 educational stipend, recognition in Concrete International, and travel expenses for ACI conventions. To qualify, students must complete an internship in a construction environment before the award year. This fellowship not only fosters educational growth but also connects students with industry mentors, preparing them for successful careers in the concrete industry.

The Ben Wilken Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, awards $2,000 to a high school senior enrolled in JROTC with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Eligible students must provide a transcript, personal essay, and details of community service and school involvement. This scholarship aims to support students pursuing higher education at accredited institutions, reinforcing the foundation's commitment to fostering educational opportunities in Missouri.

The ACI Foundation Concrete Materials Fellowship supports students pursuing careers in concrete materials, providing a $10,000 educational stipend for tuition and related expenses. Open to undergraduate and graduate students, this fellowship emphasizes innovation in concrete applications for new construction and repairs. Recipients gain industry recognition and mentorship, and are encouraged to complete internships. With a commitment to fostering future leaders, the fellowship promotes personal development and career readiness in the concrete industry.

The ACI Foundation Fellowship supports undergraduate and graduate students pursuing careers in the concrete industry. Annually, ten fellowships are awarded, each providing a $10,000 educational stipend for tuition and related expenses. Recipients also receive recognition in Concrete International magazine, travel support for ACI conventions, and mentorship opportunities. Students from U.S., Canada, or Mexico can apply, and proficiency in English is required. The fellowship aims to foster the next generation of leaders in concrete innovation.

The S.P. Shah Fellowship, offered by the ACI Foundation, supports PhD students focused on concrete materials with a $10,000 stipend for educational expenses. Recipients gain recognition in Concrete International magazine, mentorship, and coverage for travel to ACI conventions. The fellowship encourages international students attending institutions in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico, and requires no internship. Finalists must attend an interview at the Spring ACI Convention, making this an excellent opportunity for aspiring leaders in the concrete industry.

The ACI Foundation offers the Robert F. Mast Memorial Fellowship for graduate students in structural engineering, focusing on reinforced concrete design. This prestigious fellowship includes a $10,000 educational stipend, recognition in Concrete International magazine, coverage of travel expenses to ACI conventions, and mentorship opportunities. International students enrolled in institutions in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico are eligible, provided they demonstrate English proficiency. The fellowship aims to support the next generation of leaders in the concrete industry.

The PEN Prison Writing Awards, initiated after the 1971 Attica Prison Riots, invites incarcerated writers in the U.S. to submit unpublished works across various genres including Poetry, Fiction, and Memoir. Winners receive cash prizes and their works are published in an annual anthology. This program not only recognizes talent within carceral facilities but also supports writers through mentorship, fostering creativity and expression in challenging circumstances.

The American Association of University Women Scholarship supports women who are resuming their education after interruptions, specifically targeting adult students aiming to complete a 4-year degree. Applications open on November 1 and close on February 1. This scholarship encourages women, particularly sophomores at Corning Community College planning to transfer to a 4-year institution, to pursue their academic goals without financial barriers, thereby enhancing educational opportunities in the community.

The ACI Presidents' Fellowship, offered by the ACI Foundation, supports graduate students in construction, design, education, or materials. Awardees receive a $10,000 stipend for educational expenses, recognition in industry publications, and travel support for two conventions. This fellowship emphasizes mentorship and professional development, ensuring that recipients are well-prepared for their future careers. International students are eligible, provided they study in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico, and no internship is required.

The Community Foundation of the Ozarks offers the Alternative Education Scholarship, providing a $1,000 grant to graduating high school seniors currently in foster care or experiencing homelessness. This scholarship is renewable for up to three years, aimed at students maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.0 and enrolled in at least 12 credit hours at an accredited institution. Applicants must submit a transcript, personal essay, and a letter of recommendation to qualify.

The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation Scholarships provide financial support for high school seniors in Macon, Moultrie, and Piatt County. Annually, over 70 students benefit from these awards, ranging from $500 to $10,000, to pursue higher education. Funded by generous donors, the program aims to enhance educational outcomes in the community. Eligibility includes being a graduating senior or an existing college student previously awarded a multi-year scholarship. Various criteria may apply to each scholarship.

The Brinson Prize Fellowship Program, in partnership with The Brinson Foundation, offers support for early career astrophysicists and cosmologists pursuing innovative research in observational cosmology. This program emphasizes the importance of connecting science with society and provides up to three years of funding, including a stipend for independent research. Applicants must hold a PhD in relevant fields and can apply for fellowships starting in 2026, which include professional development opportunities.

The Joann and C.W. Carpenter Endowed Scholarship, established in 2016 by C.W. Carpenter in memory of his wife JoAnn, supports high school seniors from CCISD. With awards ranging from $100 to $16,000, this scholarship aims to assist those in financial need pursuing higher education, including vocational schools. This initiative reflects the Carpenter's commitment to community service and educational support, ensuring that deserving students receive the help they need to succeed.

The Coastal Bend Community Foundation Scholarship supports high school seniors from a seven-county area in Texas, providing grants ranging from $100 to $16,000, with an average award of $1,000. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities for local students attending accredited colleges or universities across the United States. The foundation, known for its integrity and community stewardship, has a longstanding commitment to philanthropy in the Coastal Bend region.

The AHRQ Small Research Projects (R03) program supports short-term research endeavors in primary care, enabling innovative pilot studies, secondary data analysis, and the development of research methodologies. This initiative encourages researchers to explore new technologies and approaches within limited resource frameworks, fostering advancements in healthcare quality and efficiency. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization, emphasizing the importance of timely submission.

The Linda R. Benavides Memorial Scholarship-Community Fellowship Award, managed by the Coastal Bend Community Foundation, offers financial support to graduating high school seniors and GED recipients in the Coastal Bend area. Awards range from $100 to $16,000, with an average of $1,000. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and a commitment to community service, reflecting Linda Benavides' legacy of advocacy and leadership. This scholarship aims to uplift local students and foster educational opportunities.

The Lawrence Cheung, MD Scholarship for Public Health and Advocacy, offered by the AMA Foundation, supports medical students dedicated to leadership in public health. Each year, recipients receive $10,000 to assist with tuition, focusing on those from California. This initiative is part of the Physicians of Tomorrow program, which fosters the next generation of physician leaders committed to health equity. Students must demonstrate their advocacy interest in their personal statements.

The Read Across America State Affiliate Event Grant supports NEA state affiliates in enhancing coordinated events that celebrate diverse reading. This grant encourages proposals aimed at providing students with access to diverse books, addressing challenges such as curriculum bans. Activities may include guest readings, establishing diverse book clubs, and promoting literacy through community engagement. Applications are open only to state affiliates, with a strong emphasis on year-round reading awareness.

The Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation offers need-based scholarships to empower members in achieving their educational goals. These scholarships provide financial support of up to $5,000 per year or $2,500 per term for undergraduate students. Applicants may apply for either a merit-based or need-based scholarship, ensuring access to education for all. The foundation aims to create opportunities and promote academic success among its members.

The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Scholarship, established by the Nu Delta Omega Chapter in 2025, awards a $1,000 scholarship to female high school seniors from Beaufort and Jasper County public schools. Eligible candidates must demonstrate academic excellence with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and possess leadership qualities. Recipients are required to enroll full-time in a post-secondary institution and attend the AKA Scholarship Lunch and Learn workshop on April 4, 2026.

The BRAIN Initiative invites applications for clinical studies aimed at advancing devices for recording and modulation in the human central nervous system. This funding opportunity focuses on small clinical trials that provide vital data for device development, particularly for treatments of central nervous system disorders. Investigators are encouraged to explore both non-significant and significant risk studies to enhance understanding of device functionality and design, ultimately contributing to improved clinical outcomes.

The BRAIN Initiative seeks innovative proposals for preclinical proof of concept studies on novel recording and modulation technologies aimed at diagnosing and treating central nervous system (CNS) disorders. This initiative supports diverse, multidisciplinary teams to enhance our understanding of the human CNS and prepare technologies for first-in-human studies. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time, with optional Letters of Intent encouraged 60 days prior to the proposal deadline.

The Acock – Beverly Acock Memorial Scholarship honors Beverly Acock's legacy by supporting students who excel in artistic pursuits and engage in community service. This scholarship ranges from $100 to $16,000, with an average award of $1,000. Eligible candidates must graduate in the top 25% of their class, reside in Nueces County, and plan to enroll full-time at an accredited college or university following high school graduation.

The It Gets Better Project is offering 50 grants of up to $10,000 each to public and charter schools across the U.S. to enhance inclusivity for LGBTQ+ youth. Schools can propose projects such as enhancing library resources, artistic installations, or establishing support groups. The initiative aims to empower LGBTQ+ students and foster a supportive environment, ensuring that every school can participate in uplifting their communities and promoting equality.

The Beaufort County Law Enforcement Educational Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, supports high school seniors in Beaufort County pursuing higher education. This scholarship benefits children of current or former law enforcement personnel, promoting academic achievement with a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0. Since its inception, it has aimed to empower students to succeed and contribute positively to their communities, reflecting the foundation's mission of community connection and support.

The Wilhelm Family Foundation Grants aim to enhance access to artistic resources by funding diverse nonprofit arts organizations. Prioritizing projects that engage with environmental and climate issues, the foundation seeks to support creative expression and collaboration in underserved communities. Emphasizing equality and sustainability, it fosters artistic practices that empower individuals and promote cultural dialogue. Grants are typically awarded to small organizations, focusing on community engagement and longevity in the arts sector.

The Jim Ferree Educational Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, supports graduating seniors from Beaufort County, SC, aiming for post-secondary education at accredited institutions. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, demonstrate extracurricular involvement beyond golf, and write an essay on how golf has shaped their personal growth. This initiative fosters educational opportunities for youth impacted by the game of golf, positively influencing their futures.