Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in Louisiana

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region

The Community Foundation is a devoted advocate for the vitality and well-being of the Rappahannock River Region. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages and distributes charitable giving in the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg.

Scholarships

One of The Community Foundation’s strategies for preserving and growing the quality of life in our region is supporting higher education for area students. Generous individuals and families, companies and organizations establish endowed scholarship funds and the proceeds from these funds benefit deserving students. Donors work with foundation staff to determine appropriate criteria for each fund. The Community Foundation currently administers more than fifty scholarship funds.

Linda and Billy Beale Scholarship

The Linda and Billy Beale Scholarship Fund was created to support charitable projects in the community that has been home to their family for many years. Friends and colleagues know Linda and Billy as individuals who are deeply engaged in the fabric of the region – and especially Caroline County – through the business community, through their civic and social lives, and through their family’s involvement in their church and schools.

When thinking about a focal point for their charitable giving through this scholarship fund, the Beale’s were drawn to the school athletic “families” that have meant so much to them and their children over the years. Billy served as assistant baseball coach from 1999 to 2003 and Linda served as assistant volleyball coach from 1998 to 2006. The family also has history of involvement with Caroline Little League that began when their son played t-ball in the 1980’s and continued through their daughter’s service as a board member as an adult. The Beale's continue to show their support by participating in Little League special events today.

Dr. Jeffrey Hanson Memorial Scholarship

To support those pursuing careers in medicine, particularly primary care. 

Number and Size of Awards

One award of $2,750; paid in one lump sum in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.  

Allowed Use of Award

Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education.

American College Of Sports Medicine Foundation Inc

ACSM is the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world, with nearly 50,000 international, national and regional members and certified fitness professionals.

Our Mission: To educate and empower professionals to advance the science and practice of health and human performance.

GSSI Pathways in Sports Science Award | Graduate Student Research & Mentorship Award

GSSI celebrates the passion, resilience, and academic excellence of first-generation college students pursuing graduate degrees in exercise physiology, sports science, kinesiology, and/or sports nutrition. Designed to empower emerging leaders in the field, the award recognizes individuals who are breaking new ground, not only in their families but in the science of human performance.

In addition to research funding, to help promote professional development, award winners will receive one year of 1:1 mentorship from a GSSI scientist. Award winners will also receive complementary registration to ACSM’s 2027 Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, IN.

ACSM requires award winners to:   

• Submit official transcripts if selected as an award winner, 
• Attend the 2027 ACSM Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, IN. 
• Present funded research at a future ACSM Annual Meeting, and   
• Send ACSM a copy of any publications or presentations related to the funded research. 

The Jefferies-Park Scholarship, established in 1988 by Evelyn Jefferies-Park, honors her commitment to education. It supports graduating seniors from Ord High School, Nebraska, who are in the top 15% of their class and plan to pursue a four-year degree. This scholarship reflects the legacy of generosity fostered by the Lincoln Community Foundation, which has provided over $606,000 in scholarships to local students in 2025 alone.

Our Story

Established over 50 years ago, our founders redefined local philanthropy, fostering connections around a shared sense of place and purpose. As Virginia's largest community foundation, we bring people together to pool resources, co-create solutions and align actions for impactful change in the Richmond region.

Scholarships are offered to students living in the Richmond region and other Virginia locations. Each scholarship was established by a generous individual, family, or organization with a desire to assist high school students, recent high school graduates, and adult learners to continue their education. 

School Bus Road Scholarship Fund

The School Bus Road Scholarship Fund was established in 2023 by the Louisa County, VA Chapter of the NAACP. The purpose of the scholarship is to support postsecondary educational scholarships for qualifying graduates of Louisa County Public High School. and any future high schools built by Louisa County Public Schools in Louisa County, VA, attending an accredited two or four-year community college, techical or vocation school, college or university in the United States.

The George W. Mallinckrodt Fellowship at Harvard Kennedy School supports MC/MPA students who demonstrate courage, vision, and a strong commitment to ethics and good governance. This fellowship is aimed at individuals who aspire to improve public policy and leadership, contributing to a just and sustainable society. It is based on merit and financial need, without discrimination based on citizenship or other protected classifications. Applications are accepted after admission applications are submitted.

Our Story

Established over 50 years ago, our founders redefined local philanthropy, fostering connections around a shared sense of place and purpose. As Virginia's largest community foundation, we bring people together to pool resources, co-create solutions and align actions for impactful change in the Richmond region.

Scholarships are offered to students living in the Richmond region and other Virginia locations. Each scholarship was established by a generous individual, family, or organization with a desire to assist high school students, recent high school graduates, and adult learners to continue their education. 

J. Martin Diggs Memorial Scholarship

• 2 yr., 4yr., Community College, College or University (U.S.)

Community Foundation of the North State

The Community Foundation builds trust through relationship, integrity, and by providing safe places for donors to give their resources.

We are a nonprofit, public charity serving the people of Shasta, Siskiyou and Tehama counties, with a mission to impact the region through the power of giving.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of the North State manages many scholarship funds that are awarded to graduating high school seniors as well as students already in an undergraduate program. Some scholarships were started by families or individuals; others by businesses or organizations. All scholarships share one important focus: helping young people reach their educational goals.

Dr. Donald and Ann Gleason Memorial Scholarship

Provides scholarships for qualified Shasta County students with financial needs seeking a college education in the medical field.

Dr. and Mrs. Gleason had no heirs but still had a strong desire to help students with a financial need who were seeking a degree in the medical field. The Dr. Donald and Ann Gleason Memorial Scholarship will assist those pursuing an education in mental health, psychiatry, or pre-med studies.

William L. & Mary Ann Brown STEM Endowment Scholarship Program

The William L. & Mary Ann Brown STEM Endowed Scholarship Program was established by William L. and Mary Ann Brown to provide need-based scholarship support to seniors graduating from a high school in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, enrolled at a UNCF member institution, four-year HBCUs, and four-year institutions.

Successful applicants must be graduating high school seniors entering their first year of college, pursuing a STEM degree, including, but not limited to, fields in physical sciences, mathematics, the biological sciences, the chemical sciences, computer sciences, and engineering. Applicants must be enrolled or planning to enroll as a full-time student.

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

William B. and Bonnie Z. Swonger Nursing Scholarship

A Shelby County resident who is a graduate of any high school within Shelby County and is pursuing a Registered Nursing degree. 

Selection based upon:

• Financial need and academic ability.

Awards

• Four $1,250 scholarships available

The Goodridge Brothers Scholarship, offered by the Saginaw Community Foundation, supports residents of Saginaw County pursuing careers in technical education, such as welding or auto mechanics. This initiative recognizes the growing demand for skilled tradespeople and aims to alleviate financial barriers for students. Scholarships typically range from $500 to $4,000, promoting educational opportunities in urban and regional planning and enhancing the community's workforce capabilities.

Community Foundation of Henderson County

Community Foundation of Henderson County was incorporated in 1982 by a group of fourteen dedicated and compassionate local leaders with the immediate need to manage two funds - the William C. Armstrong Scholarship Fund and the Charlie Renfrow Scholarship Fund, in addition to providing a permanent vehicle for citizens to give back to their community.

Our Mission is to help people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter. The Community Foundation of Henderson County is a highly visible, philanthropic leader directed by an engaged and committed board, staffed by qualified employees, empowering donors at all levels to invest in professionally managed charitable funds that address community needs.

George F. and Asha W. McMillan Scholarship

This scholarship is to provide financial support to an individual in order for him or her to receive a degree in Christian education or related studies or to advance his or her Christian vocation.

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

Shelby County Youth Soccer Scholarship

Selection based upon (in order of priority): 

• Soccer involvement as a player, referee, and/or coach, demonstrated passion for soccer, a recommendation letter from a soccer coach or soccer mentor is REQUIRED, and an additional essay of no less than 100 words and no more than 200 words on a designated topic.

Awards

• Two $1,000 scholarships – One to a male applicant and one to a female applicant.

Community Foundation for Mason County, MI

The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.

Scholarships

If you’re a high school or homeschooled senior, current college student, early college senior, or a student pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree, the Community Foundation for Mason County may have a scholarship for you.

Marlene Schoenberger Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Tamar Schoenberg, who established the Marlene Schoenberger Scholarship Fund of the Community Foundation for Mason County in memory of her mother, Marlene. This scholarship is presented to Mason County students pursuing Fine Arts and Performing Arts.

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

Schmiesing Homeschool Scholarship

Selection based, in order of priority:

• Demonstrated church participation, employment history, recommendations, academic ability, and financial need.

Awards

• One $1,000 scholarship

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

Layton Family Foundation Scholarship

Selection based upon (in order of priority):

• Academic ability and an additional essay on a designated topic, and recommendations.

Awards

• One $1,200 scholarship

The Fostering Education Scholarship Fund, established by Village Connection and Innovative Fitness, provides scholarships of $2,000-$3,000 to eligible students who have aged out of Georgia's foster care system. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents, high school seniors or recent graduates, and have a minimum GPA of 2.5. This initiative aims to empower these students with the financial support they need to pursue higher education, fostering a brighter future for the community.

Our History

In late 1993, a group of Cobb business leaders recognized the community’s need for a vehicle to invest in its future. The group was led by Jim Rhoden, owner of Futren Corporation (now Futren Hospitality) and included the late Otis Brumby Jr., Bobbi Burruss, Murray Homan, Judge Conley Ingram, Senator Johnny Isakson, Bob Prillaman, Bob Russell, the late Lanie Shipp Hoover, the late Roy Simmons, Deborah Wallace, the late John Williams, Jack Wilson and Diane Woods. Their solution was the creation of the Cobb Community Fund at the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta.

Fourteen years later, we obtained our own 501(c)(3) designation. Now, we are Cobb Community Foundation. In 2017 alone, we made $1.4 million in grants, $900,000 of which were distributed to charitable organizations right here in Cobb County.

Our Mission

Be a catalyst for a thriving community—mobilizing people, ideas, and resources to improve quality of life in and around Cobb.

Apply for a Scholarship

Each Cobb Community Foundation Scholarship Fund was created by a donor or group of donors with a specific objective in mind. In some cases, scholarships were created to honor someone’s memory, and in others, they were created to ensure opportunities would be available to certain groups of people. In all cases, they were established by individuals who want to help you pursue your dream.

Metro Marietta Kiwanis Morgan Thomas Scholarship Fund

The Morgan Thomas Scholarship was established by the Metro Marietta Kiwanis Club as an appropriate way to perpetuate the name and ideals of Mr. Morgan Thomas, a founding member. Mr. Thomas was a man who devoted his life to helping others through Kiwanis, his church and his profession. The scholarship will help others in the tradition of Mr. Thomas by providing financial assistance to deserving Cobb County students.

The estimated scholarship award will be $1,000-$2,500 with an estimated number of 3-4 scholarships available.

The Strategic Health Partners Scholarship, offered by the Cobb Community Foundation, supports children of W-2 employees of Strategic Health Partners. Eligible applicants include U.S. citizens or legal residents with a combined family income under $330,000. Scholarships provide up to $2,500 for the first year and $1,000 for up to three renewals, contingent upon maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0. This initiative aims to facilitate educational opportunities for families in need.

Marshall High School Scholarship

The Alison Shuemake Scholarship is for a Marshall High School senior and graduates pursing an academic or technical degree or certification.

Applications are open year-round. After we receive all application requirements, we internally review applications and make decisions within two weeks of receipt. An email will be sent to the applicant to complete follow up requirements.

Scholarship payments are sent directly to the school.

DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation

Mission – The Foundation’s mission is to broaden awareness and understanding of agriculture through outreach and education.

Scholarships

The DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture is proud to offer numerous scholarships for high school seniors and college students. Preference will be given to applicants of Farm Bureau members or their children with certain eligibility requirements.

College Students Scholarships 

The DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation endeavors to recognize students for their academic, school and community performance while in college. The recognition is in the form of a scholarship to the student’s school of choice. The scholarship award will be sent directly to the recipient’s school to be applied toward college costs. 

James E. Montgomery Ag Scholarship

As a tribute to their father, the James E. Montgomery Ag Scholarship was established by family members to honor his farming heritage. This scholarship is available to college sophomores, juniors, and seniors and trade school students in an ag-related field of study. One, $2,000 scholarship will be awarded annually.

Robert B. Tonjes Scholarship

Amount

• $1500
• Active
• Renewable

Applicant must be a graduating senior of a Henderson County public high school or the equivalent who is pursuing a four-year degree in nursing or another medical related field. Applicant must demonstrate financial need to attend an institution of higher learning.

DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation

Mission – The Foundation’s mission is to broaden awareness and understanding of agriculture through outreach and education.

Scholarships

The DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture is proud to offer numerous scholarships for high school seniors and college students. Preference will be given to applicants of Farm Bureau members or their children with certain eligibility requirements.

High School Senior Scholarship

The DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation endeavors to recognize students for their academic, school and community performance while in high school. The recognition is in the form of a scholarship to the student’s college of choice. 

James M. Johnson Ag Scholarship

The Johnson family established this scholarship in memory of James, farmer and veteran, in 2024. This scholarship is for a graduating High School senior within DeKalb County, who must also be a member of the FFA or a 4-H Club. One $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a student who plans to study agriculture or the trades.

The FY26 Autism Research Program Clinical Trial Award aims to rapidly implement clinical trials that significantly impact autism treatment and management. Projects may range from small proof-of-concept trials to large-scale studies assessing efficacy in relevant populations. Applications are encouraged to partner experienced and early-career investigators and must include community collaborations to enhance research impact. At least one community partner is required to provide ongoing consultation throughout the project.

The FY26 Autism Research Program's Idea Development Award from the US DOD aims to support groundbreaking research that improves outcomes for Autistic individuals. This award encourages innovative, high-risk projects that can lead to significant advancements in autism research. Applications must address specific areas of interest or justify the importance of the research problem. A unique Partnering Principal Investigator option allows two researchers to collaborate on a single project, enhancing the potential for impactful discoveries.

The FY26 Autism Research Program Career Development Award aims to support early-career investigators in conducting innovative research that can significantly impact autism. It encourages applications addressing specific areas of interest and mandates community collaboration for projects involving pilot clinical trials. Proposals must include partnerships with community members for effective planning and implementation, ensuring that the research is grounded in the needs of the autism community.

William Elliott Frye Memorial Scholarship

Funding Amount:

• $1000
• Active

This scholarship is to assist a student seeking a higher education at an accredited community college or technical school. Students must be a resident of Western North Carolina that include, but not limited to, graduating seniors, current college students, and returning adult education students who are focused on a career and technical education field. Students may be either full-time or seeking a certification to advance their education. Students must demonstrate financial need and meet all requirements of the attending education institution.