Best Private Grants for Nonprofits in Kentucky

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.

Don and Bern Holcomb Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was created in memory of Don and Bern Holcomb and is for high school students from any school in Cattaraugus or Allegany county who plans to attend an accredited post-secondary institution, with a preference for a student majoring in an agricultural or conservation-related field or a female pursuing an engineering degree.

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.

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship

Advancing the science and practice of supporting children to thrive

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship is a global initiative supporting researchers working to deepen our understanding of how children thrive. Spanning disciplines from education and psychology to public health, data science, and humanitarian studies, the fellowship brings together early- and mid-career scholars whose work has the potential to generate evidence that matters for children’s lives.

Fellows receive three years of flexible support to pursue rigorous, practically relevant research, and join a cohort of peers working across the fellowship’s themes. In addition to funding research, the program fosters a community of scholars engaged in meaningful exchange with one another and with research, policy, and practice audiences.

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship is developed in partnership with the LEGO Foundation, and administered by SSRC as part of its commitment to supporting scholars whose work bridges research and real-world impact.

Research themes

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship welcomes research proposals that advance understanding of children’s thriving through one of the following three themes: the youngest children in crisis and conflict settings; inclusion and wellbeing of neurodivergent children; and children’s learning and development in an AI-enabled world. Applicants may explore the role of play where it is relevant to the research question. The consideration of play is optional and not a condition of eligibility.

The Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF) offers grants to support Native farmers and ranchers through business assistance, agricultural education, technical support, and advocacy services. Established from the Keepseagle v. Vilsack settlement, NAAF is committed to providing essential resources to eligible organizations, including 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, and tribal governments. Special focuses include inflation assistance and market access, ensuring a holistic approach to agricultural support.

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 current or former wards of the court in Kent County, Michigan pursuing an undergraduate college or vocational education, have financial need and a 2.5 minimum GPA.

Must provide a letter of recommendation from a caseworker.

The External Agency Fund: Resilience and Community Services Grant invites local non-profits to apply for funding to support programs that align with the mayor's strategic goals. Applications will be accepted starting January 31, 2025, for the fiscal year 2026. This grant focuses on providing essential services to homeless populations, including seniors, individuals with disabilities, and young adults. The minimum funding request is $25,000, and agencies must demonstrate a measurable impact and good stewardship of funds.

The Heiser Program for Research in Leprosy, established by Dr. Victor G. Heiser, focuses on innovative biomedical research to combat leprosy. Since 1975, it has funded over 200 grants totaling more than $20 million, supporting early-career researchers and significant projects. The program aims to enhance diagnostic tools, improve treatments, and implement effective surveillance strategies. With a dedicated Scientific Advisory Committee, it ensures rigorous proposal reviews and fosters collaboration among grantees, ultimately advancing leprosy elimination efforts.

The Promotion of Doctoral Studies Scholarships, offered by the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, provides a $7,500 annual scholarship for doctoral students completing coursework at accredited institutions. Applicants may receive up to $15,000 in pre-candidacy scholarships and a total of $45,000 throughout their doctoral program. The Foundation encourages research in areas such as acute care, cardiology, pulmonary health, and PT education, fostering a new generation of skilled researchers in physical therapy.

About

Mission, Vision & Values

To enhance our community through philanthropy.

We aspire to co-create diverse, meaningful and innovative charitable giving that yields an exponential positive impact within local communities and beyond.

David Bruce Belcher Fund

About the fund

The David Bruce Belcher Scholarship Fund was established for the training of professionals in nursing, special education, and therapy (physical, speech and occupational) as a legacy of David Bruce Belcher and the caregivers who comforted him. This fund reflects David’s rare spirit and bright love in its support of those who seek to advance their nurturing skills in nursing, therapy, and special education.

The Carson Bailey Memorial Scholarship for Siblings, established by the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation, honors the memory of Carson Bailey. This scholarship aims to support brain tumor survivors pursuing their educational goals. Eligible applicants must have been diagnosed with a brain or spinal cord tumor before age 21, reside in the U.S., maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher, and be at least a senior in high school. A $1000 scholarship is available for those attending various educational institutions.

The Sonny Greenwood Calzaretta Scholarship, offered by the Pride Foundation, supports LGBTQ+ students from rural communities facing isolation and limited access to resources. Established to honor the legacy of Brian M. Day, this scholarship aims to empower students pursuing post-secondary education while addressing systemic barriers. It prioritizes those demonstrating a commitment to justice and who have experienced challenges such as family rejection or economic hardship. The scholarship is part of a broader initiative to uplift diverse voices within the LGBTQ+ community.

About UNCF

Who We Are

For more than eight decades, this principle has remained at the heart of UNCF, enabling us to raise more than $6 billion and help more than 550,000 students and counting not just attend college, but thrive, graduate and become leaders.

We do this in three ways: By awarding more than 11,000 students scholarships, worth more than $62 million, each year. By providing financial support to 37 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). And by serving as the nation’s leading advocate for the importance of minority education and community engagement.

This three-pronged approach is powerful: Since our founding in 1944, we’ve helped to more than double the number of minorities attending college. The six-year graduation rate for UNCF African American scholarship recipients is 70%. This is 11% higher than the national average and 31% higher than the national average for all African Americans.

2026-2027 Associates Scholars Empowerment Program

Daughters of Charity Inc., in partnership with UNCF, created the Associates Scholars Empowerment Program to assist students receiving certificates and two-year degrees.

The Associates Scholars Empowerment Program is a renewable need-based scholarship open to students receiving certificates and two-year degrees.

Students who do not meet the renewal criteria will be placed on probation and given a one semester grace period, while funded, to come into compliance.

The Carson Bailey Memorial Scholarship, established by the Children's Brain Tumor Foundation, honors the memory of Carson Bailey, a dedicated student and beloved family member. This scholarship is aimed at brain tumor survivors who have been diagnosed before the age of 21 and seek to pursue higher education. It provides $1000 to eligible applicants, supporting their educational aspirations while promoting inclusiveness and respect for all backgrounds within the brain tumor community.

This Community Foundation was created by and for the people of Washington County MD, and exists to improve the quality of life for all of our citizens, now and for generations to come, by building community endowments, addressing needs through grant making and providing leadership on key community issues.

Washington County 4-H Dairy Scholarship

Established to support post-secondary scholarships to participants in Washington County 4-H dairy programs.

This Community Foundation was created by and for the people of Washington County MD, and exists to improve the quality of life for all of our citizens, now and for generations to come, by building community endowments, addressing needs through grant making and providing leadership on key community issues.

Washington County 4-H Livestock/Market Sale Scholarship

Established to support post-secondary scholarships to participants in Washington County 4-H Livestock and Market Sale programs.

About Patient Advocate Foundation

Patient Advocate Foundation is the nation’s most comprehensive nonprofit dedicated to helping patients navigate, access, and afford the care they need—while improving the healthcare system for all.

Who we are and our impact

Patient Advocate Foundation provides financial assistance to help patients afford treatment and cost of living needs, personalized case management to navigate complex healthcare and social needs challenges, and a wide array of resources to empower people to take charge of their health. Since our founding in 1996—and joining forces with the PAN Foundation in 2026—we have helped 3.8 million patients navigate and access care, granted over $7 billion in financial assistance, served 350,000 people through personalized case management and elevated the patient’s voice to drive improvements in the healthcare system.

Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH)

Help with healthcare costs for Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH)

This TotalAssist fund helps you pay for out-of-pocket healthcare costs, including medication copays, coinsurance, and deductibles, health insurance premiums, and other expenses.

About the disease

Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH), also known as Marchiafava– Micheli syndrome, is a rare disease that is characterized by impaired bone marrow function and destruction of red blood cells. PNH is a rare disease that affects the circulatory system.

About Legacy Foundation

Legacy Foundation is the community foundation for Lake County, Indiana. We connect people, knowledge, and funding to build an equitable, accessible, and inclusive Lake County, now and for generations to come.

Legacy Foundation is supported by a broad base of individuals, families, and businesses connected by the desire to improve Lake County, Indiana. With a growing portfolio of over 300 funds and approximately $80 million in assets, Legacy Foundation is a trusted source for philanthropic giving in the region.

For over 30 years, Legacy Foundation has been empowering people, providing strategic leadership, and impactful philanthropic support to create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Mission Statement

Transforming Lake County by providing strategic leadership and impactful philanthropic support to ensure equitable opportunity for all communities that we serve.

Vision Statement

Create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Peter V. Westhaysen Medical Education Scholarship

Scholarships are available for post-secondary undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate students pursuing a degree to become a physician or nurse at an accredited university. The purpose of the scholarship is to assist the student with the costs of tuition, fees, and books. The Advisory Committee consider two basic criteria: academic achievement and financial need.

Scholarships

Grand Haven Area Community Foundation scholarships are awarded competitively based on criteria set by donors. These criteria could include financial need, the school the applicant is attending, academic achievement, as well as personal or career goals. The Community Foundation has a rigorous internal selection process for each scholarship decision, and each applicant is reviewed in depth, and considered thoroughly.

Our scholarship program is simple. You are able to apply once for all foundation scholarships you may be eligible for. Once your application is submitted, you will be eligible for all those for which you meet the requirement.

Allendale Community Foundation Scholarship

This scholarship was established by the Allendale Community Foundation and Allendale Charter Township as a way to support a graduate residing in Allendale Charter Township who wishes to pursue a post-secondary education.

Mission

To empower worthy nonprofits by providing critically needed, unrestricted funding that helps them fulfill their missions with confidence and sustainability.

How We Serve Nonprofits

AmFund partners with nearly 800 organizations annually—supporting causes related to health, education, the arts, human services, animal welfare, and more. We’re known for our:

• Signature silent and live auctions featuring once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences.
• National reach with personalized service at events in all 50 states.
• Comprehensive marketing toolkits, onsite staff support, and beautifully displayed materials
• No-cost platform development for virtual and hybrid fundraising
• In-house travel specialists who provide custom planning, extensions, insurance, and 24/7 emergency support.
• Ongoing educational resources, grants, and consulting support for nonprofit development.

Request Support

Our model is built on relationship, trust, and results. Every trip sold, every service provided, and every donor interaction is designed to maximize your fundraising impact—without adding burden to your team.

The Hyperkalemia Grant, provided by the Patient Advocate Foundation, offers crucial financial assistance to patients struggling with hyperkalemia. This grant covers out-of-pocket healthcare costs, including medication copays and health insurance premiums. Eligible applicants must have a confirmed diagnosis and meet specific income and residency requirements. Since its inception, the foundation has supported millions of patients, ensuring they can access the necessary treatment and resources for their health needs.

The Hypercholesterolemia Grant by the Patient Advocate Foundation offers financial assistance to individuals diagnosed with hypercholesterolemia, helping cover out-of-pocket healthcare costs such as medication copays and insurance premiums. This nonprofit aims to improve patient access to necessary care while supporting over 3.8 million patients since its inception. Eligible applicants must have health insurance and meet specific income requirements to receive assistance in managing their healthcare expenses effectively.

The Charles B. Decker Memorial Scholarship, established in 1991, supports college and graduate students from the Tri-Lakes area pursuing journalism careers. This scholarship emphasizes the importance of education in the Adirondack region by providing essential financial assistance to students dedicated to journalism. Candidates are evaluated based on financial need, demonstrated commitment to journalism, and academic achievements, ensuring that the scholarship aligns with the foundation's mission to invest in educational opportunities.

The Child Neurology Foundation offers a Summer Scholarship for first, second, or third-year medical students interested in neurodevelopmental disabilities or child neurology. This scholarship provides $3,500 for clinical research focused on neurodevelopmental disabilities in children or young adults, conducted under the supervision of a qualified subspecialist. Applications are evaluated based on their importance, originality, and contribution to the medical student's development.

The MyGOAL Autism Grant Program provides essential financial support for families caring for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. This need-based grant assists with non-reimbursable medical expenses, nutritional needs, personal care, and educational enrichment activities. With a funding amount of $1000, the program prioritizes first-time applicants and aims to enhance the well-being and development of children with ASD, addressing gaps left by other funding sources.

The Inter American Press Association (IAPA) is inviting media professionals from North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Spain to participate in the Awards for Excellence in Journalism. This prestigious competition features 14 categories, including Migration Journalism and Sustainability, to highlight significant contributions in journalism. Open to works published in Spanish, English, or Portuguese, the contest encourages broad participation. Winners will receive awards, with many categories offering prizes of US$2,000.