Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in Maine

The Jean Theodore Lacordaire Prize, awarded by the Coleopterists Society, recognizes exceptional doctoral research in beetle biology and systematics. This annual prize is open to nominations for the best published paper derived from Ph.D. dissertations, focusing on Coleoptera. Eligible works must be published in widely available journals or books in any language using the Latin alphabet. Nominations are submitted by the scientific community, ensuring a prestigious selection process.

The Ian Van Heyde Memorial Culinary Scholarship Fund, established by Stephen and Nancy Van Heyde, honors their son Ian, a culinary arts student from Whetstone High School. This fund provides scholarships to students pursuing postsecondary education in culinary arts, food management, or restaurant management. Award amounts start at $1,500, aimed at supporting talented individuals from central Ohio's public culinary programs. Previous recipients are encouraged to apply again, fostering continued growth in the culinary field.

The Eleanor B. and Henry H. Stroud, M.D. Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Delaware Community Foundation, provides a one-time award of $5,000 to Delaware residents pursuing medical degrees. This scholarship emphasizes excellence, ethics, and compassion in medicine, along with financial need and academic promise. Eligible applicants can reapply for up to four annual awards, with special consideration for those demonstrating innovation in medicine. The DCF awarded a record $850,000 in scholarships to 245 students for the 2024-2025 academic year.

The BRAIN Initiative's BBQS Program aims to revolutionize the study of brain function by facilitating high-resolution tracking of complex behaviors alongside neural activity. This transformative research opportunity seeks to develop innovative tools for minimally intrusive measurements of various biobehavioral functions while accounting for environmental variables. Emphasizing transdisciplinary collaboration, it focuses on creating new analytical frameworks that model neurobehavioral function as dynamic systems influenced by an organism's surroundings, thereby advancing our understanding of behavior at the organismal level.

The National Institutes on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) aims to support a collaborative network, the NIDCD National Human Ear Resource Network. This initiative provides essential resources for researchers focusing on auditory and vestibular disorders through the procurement and preparation of human ear tissues. The network enhances biomedical research by improving tissue preservation techniques, sharing digitized images, and offering specialized training for handling post-mortem human temporal bones.

Ethan’s Coffee Fund Scholarship aims to support graduating seniors from Benton County pursuing degrees in STEM or philosophy, who demonstrate a minimum GPA of 3.5 and financial need. This fund honors Ethan Daley's passion for learning, encouraging students to share their unique interests and humor. Examples of suitable candidates include those with diverse experiences and a zest for life, as the scholarship seeks to foster creativity and community engagement among aspiring scholars.

The Adapted PE/Activity Program of the Year Award recognizes outstanding community-based initiatives aimed at enhancing the physical capabilities of individuals with disabilities. Organized by SHAPE America, this award highlights programs that provide inclusive physical education and recreational opportunities, ensuring that all participants can engage in healthy, active lifestyles. By showcasing best practices, the award promotes innovation and advocacy for individuals with disabilities, fostering an environment of inclusion and support in physical activity.

The National Institutes on Deafness and other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) is inviting applications for a Coordinating Center for the National Human Ear Resource Network. This initiative aims to enhance research on auditory and vestibular disorders by providing essential resources, facilitating collaboration among laboratories, and promoting the use of human ear tissues in studies. The Center will play a pivotal role in coordinating activities, sharing updates with the scientific community, and supporting various research efforts across the nation.

The Quad City Regional Auto Show Scholarships support local students pursuing higher education. Established by the Quad City Regional Auto Show, these scholarships are available to individuals employed at auto dealerships in the Quad Cities area or their children. With multiple awards up to $5,000 each, this initiative aims to ease the financial burden of college expenses. The program emphasizes community involvement and academic achievement, encouraging students to engage in extracurricular activities.

Delaware Art & Design Scholarship

Awards:

• One time award of $20,000. Students may reapply each year.

The Turner Family Scholarship Fund, established by Cal Turner Sr. in 1999, supports Dollar General employees and their children in their pursuit of education. This initiative reflects the Turner family's commitment to personal development and community support, fostering a culture of growth and opportunity. With over 30 years of impactful philanthropy, the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee champions this scholarship to enhance educational access, empowering individuals to thrive in their chosen fields.

The SETAC North America Student Meeting Attendance Grant supports student participation in annual meetings, emphasizing inclusivity and excellence. This program provides waived registration and stipends for costs such as travel and dependent care. Eligible students can apply during abstract submission from March to May, with grants available for each degree program. The initiative encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds, particularly those from indigenous communities and minority-serving institutions, enhancing representation within the environmental sciences.

Cumberland Community Foundation ("CCF") manages more than 60 scholarship endowment funds created by local individuals, families, civic organizations, and corporations who want to provide a path to higher education for future generations. 

Each year, Cumberland Community Foundation announces more than $1,000,000 in college scholarships to students from southeastern North Carolina.

Cooney-Wilderman Leadership Scholarship

Graduating senior from Cumberland County Schools (public School system) Cumberland County, NC.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local 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 and career/technical schools.

Elaine Sirkin Forbes Scholarship Fund

The Elaine Sirkin Forbes Scholarship Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships for high school seniors graduating from Allegheny County Schools who wish to major in visual, performance or media art.

Award Type: Single-Year Award

The Student Ambassador Program by USITT offers a unique chance for student members to connect with international theatre professionals during the Annual Conference. Participants will engage in meaningful conversations and networking opportunities, including a special luncheon and the International Reception. This program aims to foster collaboration and mentorship among emerging designers and experienced industry leaders, enhancing professional growth within the performing arts community.

The Future Energy Leaders Scholarship, offered by the Delaware Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Sussex County high schools pursuing two or four-year degrees. Awardees receive $2,500 annually for four years, contingent on maintaining enrollment and demonstrating financial need. With a record $850,000 awarded to 245 students for the 2024-2025 school year, this scholarship aims to expand educational opportunities and equity within the community.

The Manhart/Gibbons Family Memorial Scholarship, administered by the Crown Point Community Foundation, offers financial support for one graduating high school senior pursuing education in Music or Arts. Renewable for up to four years, this scholarship aims to enrich the quality of life in South Lake County by addressing community needs and supporting local talent. Preference is given to residents of Crown Point, ensuring that the funds directly benefit the local community.

The Dorothy Dillman Max Scholarship, administered by the Crown Point Community Foundation, supports adult learners in Lake County, Indiana. Eligible applicants must be at least 25 years old, enrolled in an undergraduate program at Indiana University Northwest, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 while taking at least two courses per semester. This scholarship prioritizes students demonstrating financial need, fostering educational opportunities to enhance community enrichment.

Ocean State Media Scholarship

The scholarship offers awards to residents of Ocean State Media’s demographic market area who demonstrate promise of a successful career in the fields of journalism and/or media.

Scholarship Award Details

Established by Rhode Island PBS in 2017, the Ocean State Media Scholarship offers awards to residents of the station’s demographic market area who demonstrate promise of a successful career in the fields of journalism and/or media. Awards of up to $15,000 will be awarded annually and are renewable for an additional three years.

The Marian Settle Memorial Music Scholarship, established in 2015, honors the musical legacy of Marian Settle, a cherished educator and family member. This scholarship supports graduating seniors and current college students from Fulton, Montgomery, or Schoharie counties who plan to pursue music or music education. Eligible applicants must demonstrate active participation in music-related activities within their communities or schools. The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region proudly facilitates this opportunity to empower local students.

The Burrell Family Scholarship, administered by the Crown Point Community Foundation, supports South Lake County residents pursuing degrees in visual or performing arts. This non-renewable scholarship is aimed at graduating high school seniors and college students, ensuring that the funds reach those who demonstrate a commitment to arts education. The scholarship committee evaluates applications based on specific donor criteria, promoting educational opportunities within the community.

Mission

The Mission of the Muskingum County Community Foundation is to improve quality of life in the community by nurturing opportunities and serving needs through collaboration and philanthropy.

Vision

The Envisioned Future of the Muskingum County Community Foundation is that Muskingum County’s quality of life attracts organizations and people to pursue their dreams and practice their passions.

A. Porter Spirit of ZHS Fund

A long time teacher at Zanesville High School. As a new teacher ZHS embraced her and she embraced the Blue Devils. Annette Porter is a first generation college graduate from a single parent home. While her parents supported her decision to go to college, it was necessary to incur personal debt which was and is common. This scholarship is available to help those students who may need a little financial help to take the first step toward college, and also make the collegiate experience less burdensome.

Becoming a Blue Devil was a process. Annette had a lot of help along the way, from Principals, Asst Principals, teaching peers, friends and family, so in an effort to pay it forward she has created this scholarship. “ Everyone of my students had potential, the most difficult thing was to convince them to work toward achieving it”. This scholarship will be awarded to a Blue Devil, not necessarily the most “spirited” but the Best Blue Devil who demonstrated all of the qualities that make up a Blue Devil.

The Gene Robb Journalism Scholarship, offered by The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, recognizes the significant contributions of former Times Union publisher Gene Robb to journalism. It is designed for students with a demonstrated interest in journalism, requiring them to submit samples of their work. This scholarship supports both high school and college students aiming to excel in the field, empowering them to pursue their educational goals.

The Shirley Mudy Scholarship Fund, managed by the Crown Point Community Foundation, offers financial assistance for graduating high school seniors from Lake, Porter, Jasper, or Newton County. Eligible students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, have participated in the Cedar Lake Girls Softball League or Riptide Travel Ball for at least four years, and plan to attend an accredited college, university, or trade school. An additional essay is required for application.

The Amalia Scholarship Fund for Higher Education, managed by The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, supports current or former clients of the US Committee on Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) Albany. This scholarship enables students residing in the Greater Capital Region to pursue higher education, whether through a 2- or 4-year college, university, or a technical/trade school professional certificate program. Empowering individuals since 1968, the foundation promotes educational opportunities for deserving candidates.

The Beta Psi Scholarship, offered by The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, supports high school seniors from Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady, and Saratoga Counties who are planning to attend a four-year college. Applicants must demonstrate exemplary character and achievement, specifically targeting those of African American or African descent. This initiative reflects CFGCR's commitment to enriching community life since 1968, empowering students through educational opportunities.

The Daniel DiSylvester Memorial Soccer Scholarship offers two scholarships of $2,300 each to graduating high school seniors who have played organized soccer for four years. Applicants must have a GPA of 2.2 or above and demonstrate financial need by submitting a FAFSA-SAI. This scholarship promotes academic success and recognizes the dedication of student-athletes pursuing higher education at accredited institutions.