Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Louisiana

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

Optimist Club of Saginaw – “Officer Ed” Nowaczyk Scholarship

The “Officer Ed” Scholarship is sponsored by the Optimist Club of Saginaw in memory of Edwin F. Nowaczyk, a longtime member of the Optimist Club and School Safety Officer for the City of Saginaw Police Department. Better known as “Officer Ed” to the thousands of children who loved and worked with him, Officer Ed was responsible for the school pedestrian and traffic safety programs. He was also instrumental in developing the school safety patrol program.

Although Officer Ed may be best remembered for his involvement with child safety programs, he also served as accident investigator, police community relations specialist and juvenile investigator with the Police Department. During his 38 years in law enforcement, Officer Ed received several letters of commendation and was the first recipient of the Saginaw Police Department’s “Lifetime Meritorious Service Award.”

Dr. A.I. Slagle Medical Educational Scholarship

The Dr. A.I. Slagle Medical Education Scholarship is for students entering their first year at an accredited medical school in the US to obtain an MD or DO. This is a 4-year renewable scholarship if the student remains in satisfactory academic standing.

• May be renewable up to 4 years - must reapply each year in order to be eligible
• Approximately $72,800 available (which may be split into multiple awards)

EPSCoR RII Research Fellows Limited Competition

EPSCoR RII: EPSCoR Research Fellows directly aligns with the NSF EPSCoR strategic goal of establishing sustainable Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) professional development pathways that advance workforce development and effects engagement in STEM at national and global levels. EPSCoR RII: EPSCoR Research Fellows provides awards to build research capacity in institutions and transform the career trajectories of investigators and further develop their individual research potential through collaborations with investigators from the nation's premier private, governmental, or academic research institutions and/or centers. The fellowship provides opportunities to establish strong collaborations through extended or periodic collaborative visits to a selected host site. Through collaborative research activities with the host site, Fellows will be able to learn new techniques, develop new collaborations, advance existing partnerships, benefit from access to unique equipment and facilities, and/or shift their research toward potentially transformative new directions. The experiences gained through the fellowships are intended to have lasting impacts that will enhance the Fellows' research trajectories well beyond the award period. The benefits to the Fellows are also expected to improve the research capacity of their institutions and jurisdictions more broadly.

Carolyn L. Ballard & Beverly J. Schoch Scholarship

Graduating senior from a high school within the Community Foundation’s primary service area.

The El-Hibri Foundation Grant focuses on advancing the inclusion of American Muslim communities through nonprofit organizations. It supports initiatives that promote societal norms, enhance organizational capacity, and foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders. The Foundation encourages applications from 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S. that align with its mission. While it does not accept unsolicited proposals, interested parties may pitch their projects for potential funding consideration.

The UNCF Travis Foundation Scholarship

The UNCF Travis Foundation Scholarship offers one-time, need-based financial support to help students continue their academic journey at a UNCF member institution. Recipients of this award will be recognized as “Travis Scholars,” joining a community of students dedicated to academic achievement, leadership, and service.

This opportunity is designed to support full-time undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need and a commitment to their educational and career goals.

The Travis Foundation Scholarship is a meaningful opportunity for students to receive financial support while being recognized for their hard work, dedication, and potential.

Brooks Family First Generation Scholarship

Graduating senior or graduating early college student from one of the following high schools: Black River, Holland High School, West Ottawa, Zeeland East, or Zeeland West.

Benjamin H. Van Andel Promise of Excellence Scholarship

This scholarship recognizes and supports exceptionally talented students in any field who exhibit the gifts and passion to be world class leaders, performers, or artists in their area of giftedness.

The John F. O'Brien, Jr. Scholarship, established in memory of a World War II veteran, supports students from Southeastern Connecticut pursuing a healthcare degree and facing financial need. Since its inception in 1983, the Community Foundation has awarded over $11.9 million in scholarships to help students achieve their educational goals. With an approximate award of $500, this scholarship ensures that deserving students can access the necessary resources for their college education.

The Pittsburgh Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four–year universities, graduate schools, and career/technical schools.

Ken and Ann Horoho Memorial Fund

The Ken and Ann Horoho Memorial Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships to graduating high school seniors in the Johnstown/Altoona area to assist in furthering their educational pursuits.

• Average Award: Varies
• Award Type: Single-Year Award

The Fund for Unitarian Universalism Grant, managed by the Unitarian Universalist Association, supports innovative projects that enhance UU community life across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. This grant prioritizes programs with broad denominational impact and encourages diverse funding sources. It aims to nurture Unitarian Universalist principles while fostering a spirit of generosity among applicants. However, it excludes funding for projects limited to individual organizations or ongoing UU activities.

The Goldman Fund, established in 1992, focuses on reproductive health and rights, providing vital support for organizations that enhance access to abortion services. They invite proposals from public charities with a 501(c)(3) status and prioritize projects that improve training for abortion service delivery. The fund supports initiatives across multiple states, excluding projects limited to a single state, except California, and considers requests by invitation only.

The Dr. Iwao and Mrs. Adrienne Shiraki Scholarship Fund, established in 2021, supports Hawaii residents pursuing graduate studies in medicine at Tulane University. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and be full-time students. The fund also considers students from Washington University if no candidates from Tulane are available. Renewal is possible for up to two years for students in good standing.

The 2027 Global Program by Eisenhower Fellowships aims to gather a diverse group of visionaries from around the world in the United States for an enriching six-week experience. Participants will engage in both in-person and virtual activities, fostering professional relationships and launching collaborations with American counterparts. Candidates must demonstrate regional impact and proficiency in English, while priority is given to those aged 32-45. This program seeks to inspire leaders to effect positive change globally.

The Dr. Hans and Clara Zimmerman Foundation Health Scholarships offer financial assistance to Hawaii residents pursuing education in health-related fields. Established by Dr. Zimmerman, the foundation supports college seniors and graduate students demonstrating financial need and maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0. Preference is given to past recipients who continue to meet eligibility criteria. This scholarship is part of one of Hawaii's largest scholarship funds, promoting careers in healthcare.

The Aloha Prince Hall Hawaii Foundation Fund offers scholarships to graduating high school seniors from Hawaii who demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.7. The fund prioritizes students enrolling full-time in accredited four-year institutions and considers community service and extracurricular activities. Preference is given to previous recipients who continue to meet eligibility criteria. This initiative supports the educational aspirations of Hawaii's youth, fostering academic achievement in post-secondary education.

The 1687 Foundation Book Ministry was established in response to the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, aiming to provide Christian literature to those in need, including first responders and at-risk populations. This initiative supports various 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations dedicated to disaster relief, healthcare, and homelessness. By focusing on established ministries, the Foundation ensures that resources effectively reach those who need them most, fostering hope and healing through the power of literature.

The Gerber Foundation provides research grants focused on enhancing the health and nutrition of infants and young children, particularly those aged 0-3. The foundation seeks innovative projects that address critical health issues and improve developmental outcomes. Grants support applied research, diagnostic tools, and treatment regimens that promise significant advancements in pediatric health. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations, emphasizing a commitment to projects with a direct impact on children's well-being in the U.S.

The CDC is offering FY 2027 funds for a cooperative agreement to enhance national surveillance for human prion diseases, or transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), in the U.S. This initiative aims to confirm suspected cases and monitor emerging diseases through a specialized center utilizing advanced diagnostic techniques. Since 1997, this center has facilitated disease confirmation and trend evaluation, ensuring accurate surveillance and fostering confidence that novel prion diseases are not emerging in the country.

The Bob Woodruff Foundation Grants aim to support veterans and their families facing challenges after military service. By raising awareness and providing funding, the foundation focuses on improving health and well-being through direct service programs. Key criteria include enhancing access to healthcare, promoting healthy lifestyles, and fostering sustainability in organizations serving this community. This initiative plays a crucial role in helping veterans thrive post-service.

The Charlotte W. Newcombe Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship supports Ph.D. candidates in the humanities and social sciences with a $31,000 stipend for their final year of dissertation writing. This prestigious fellowship encourages original research that engages with religion, ethics, and values. Candidates must have completed all coursework and preliminary exams, and be in the writing stage of their dissertation. The fellowship aims to alleviate living expenses and is open to students whose work significantly contributes to scholarly discussions in their fields.

Wichita Falls Area Community Foundation

For over 25 years, the Community Foundation has remained committed to leaving a legacy for future generations by promoting philanthropy, providing charitable opportunities, and facilitating donors’ interests. We work alongside donors and community partners to help meet area needs, create solutions, and inspire action to build a vibrant community today and a stronger community for tomorrow. 

Scholarships

The Community Foundation is home to 50 scholarship funds established by generous individuals, organizations and businesses to help students from our community and surrounding areas pursue their dreams through education. 

Martin Luther King Scholarship Fund

The Martin Luther King Scholarship Endowment is one of our most tenured scholarships, opened in 2001, with the intention to provide scholarships for traditionally underrepresented populations to encourage them to pursue secondary education. The one-time $1,000 scholarship is for current college students OR graduating high school seniors who attended high school in Wichita or Wilbarger counties in Texas. The scholarship can be used at any college/university in Texas or Oklahoma or a HBCU, for any field of study. To be eligible, students must have a 2.5-3.8 GPA, be a U.S. citizen, and have a household income below $90,000.

Wichita Falls Area Community Foundation

For over 25 years, the Community Foundation has remained committed to leaving a legacy for future generations by promoting philanthropy, providing charitable opportunities, and facilitating donors’ interests. We work alongside donors and community partners to help meet area needs, create solutions, and inspire action to build a vibrant community today and a stronger community for tomorrow. 

Scholarships

The Community Foundation is home to 50 scholarship funds established by generous individuals, organizations and businesses to help students from our community and surrounding areas pursue their dreams through education. 

Martin Luther King Center – Dorothy Roberts-Burns Scholarship

The Dorothy Roberts-Burns Scholarship fund was opened at WFACF in 2014 in association with the Martin Luther King Center of Wichita Falls, to honor the life and memory of Dorothy Roberts-Burns. Ms. Burns was the first director of the MLK Center and founded the MLK Breakfast in 1987 to raise scholarship money for local students. After 40 years working various positions for the city, Dorothy "retired" and went on to serve 8 years on the city council, and as Mayor Pro Tempore. She is remembered for loving people, loving her community, and for the lasting impact the MLK Breakfast has had and continues to have each year, helping to fund local students' education. The one-time $1,000 scholarship is for current college students OR graduating high school seniors who attended high school in Wichita or Wilbarger counties in Texas. The scholarship can be used at any college/university in Texas or Oklahoma or a HBCU, for any field of study.

Wichita Falls Area Community Foundation

For over 25 years, the Community Foundation has remained committed to leaving a legacy for future generations by promoting philanthropy, providing charitable opportunities, and facilitating donors’ interests. We work alongside donors and community partners to help meet area needs, create solutions, and inspire action to build a vibrant community today and a stronger community for tomorrow. 

Scholarships

The Community Foundation is home to 50 scholarship funds established by generous individuals, organizations and businesses to help students from our community and surrounding areas pursue their dreams through education. 

Kelley Gill Bloodworth Memorial Scholarship

The Kelley Gill Bloodworth Memorial Scholarship was established in 2021 by the Bloodworth family, in memory of their loving wife and mother. The family wanted to honor her memory by establishing this award for the school and community that Kelley was so passionate about, Henrietta, Texas. The scholarship is for graduating seniors in Clay County, with preference for Henrietta High School students, attending any 4-year college or university in the US, majoring in Business, Finance, Accounting, or Education.

Wichita Falls Area Community Foundation

For over 25 years, the Community Foundation has remained committed to leaving a legacy for future generations by promoting philanthropy, providing charitable opportunities, and facilitating donors’ interests. We work alongside donors and community partners to help meet area needs, create solutions, and inspire action to build a vibrant community today and a stronger community for tomorrow. 

Scholarships

The Community Foundation is home to 50 scholarship funds established by generous individuals, organizations and businesses to help students from our community and surrounding areas pursue their dreams through education. 

Charles Philbin Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was created to honor the memory of Charlie Philbin, grandson of Dianne and Mark Prothro. Charlie and his two brothers were all Eagle Scouts and recognized the importance of scouting and service to their community. The scholarship is available to one new student each year, and is renewable for up to four years of undergraduate education with a 3.0 GPA. Graduating high school seniors and current college students who have participated in the Scouting America Northwest TX Council and are from Archer, Clay, and Wichita counties are eligible to apply for the scholarship. Extra-curricular activities will be considered, and preference given to those obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout.

Zeeland Rotary – Donald Morgan Memorial Scholarship

Graduating senior who resides in the Zeeland Public School District (student does not have to attend Zeeland Public Schools to be eligible).

The Rachael Ray Save Them All Grants support innovative projects aimed at enhancing the lifesaving efforts for cats and dogs in U.S. shelters. Eligible organizations, including public and private shelters and rescue groups, can apply for up to $50,000 to fund initiatives like intake prevention services, medical care for at-risk pets, and shelter enrichment programs. All projects must align with the mission of increasing adoption rates and improving animal welfare within the Best Friends Network.