Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in Maryland

The Peter and Doris Skorput Scholarship, managed by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, offers financial support for postsecondary education to residents of West Stockbridge, MA, who have lived there for at least eight years. This initiative, rooted in the foundation's mission to strengthen communities through philanthropy, aims to enhance economic mobility and quality of life in the region, reflecting values of impact, innovation, and equity.

The Bernie Smillie Memorial Scholarship was established in 2010, in memory of Freeland resident and business owner Bernie Smillie. Bernie passed away in 2000, due to complications from a lung transplant he had received in 1994. In 2005, family and friends of Bernie established the Bernie Smillie Memorial Golf Outing. Proceeds of this outing has helped to promote organ donor support and awareness and establish this scholarship fund.

Bernie Smillie Memorial Scholarship - Michigan Resident

Evaluation Criteria

• Financial need (20)
• Work experience (20)
• Overall involvement at work, school and community activities (20)
• Career goals as demonstrated in essay (20)
• Letters of recommendation

The New World Fund Scholarship, established by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, provides financial support to new immigrants pursuing degrees at Berkshire Community College. This scholarship honors Gerald Dickler, who overcame adversity to succeed as a New York City attorney. Eligible students must have been in the U.S. for five years or less, demonstrate leadership potential, and exhibit financial need. By fostering academic success and community involvement, this initiative aims to empower the next generation of leaders.

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.

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 Exploratory Grant Award aims to enhance workforce diversity in basic cancer research by supporting junior and Early Stage Investigators from underrepresented groups in the biomedical and social sciences. This initiative provides essential funding to bridge the gap for researchers completing their training, ensuring they have the resources needed to develop larger grant applications. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization, emphasizing the importance of timely submissions.

The CTTSS Graduate Students Research Award, offered by the Society of Toxicology, recognizes outstanding research by current Ph.D. students in translational and clinical toxicology. Recipients are announced at the SOT Annual Meeting, with the first-place winner receiving a cash award and certificate. This award aims to encourage innovation and academic growth among graduate students in the field of toxicology, enhancing the impact of their research on human, animal, and environmental health.

The Innovations for Healthy Living program invites eligible U.S. small businesses to apply for SBIR grants aimed at improving minority health and eliminating health disparities. The initiative encourages innovative proposals for effective, affordable, and culturally acceptable solutions. Key deadlines for applications span from June 2024 to December 2026, with optional Letters of Intent recommended 30 days prior to submission. This funding opportunity supports projects that address health challenges faced by underserved populations.

The E. Wayne Baumgartle Agricultural Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Decatur County Community Foundation, aims to support students from Decatur County, Indiana, pursuing post-secondary education in agriculture. This scholarship seeks to alleviate the financial burden of educational expenses for deserving candidates. Interested students are encouraged to reach out to the local FFA instructor for more information. This initiative reflects the foundation's commitment to fostering community growth through educational opportunities.

The Radiology Resident Research Grant, funded by The Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation, aims to promote research among residents in accredited clinical radiology training programs in the U.S. and Canada. With a budget of up to $20,000 for 12 months, this grant encourages innovative research projects that advance interventional radiology and improve patient care. Eligible applicants must designate a project advisor and secure a three-month commitment from their residency program, fostering a supportive research environment.

The Autism Centers of Excellence R01 aims to advance research in autism through collaborative networks, enhancing the past 23 years of progress. This initiative encourages innovative methods and technologies, inviting experts to consider applying for future funding opportunities. Although applications are not currently solicited, potential applicants are urged to form meaningful collaborations. This funding opportunity reflects a commitment to improving research in autism, leveraging diverse scientific expertise to address critical challenges in the field.

The Gina M. Finzi Memorial Student Summer Fellowship Program, funded by the Lupus Foundation of America, aims to engage students in lupus research across various disciplines. Six awards of $4,000 each will be granted for projects spanning 10 weeks between May and September 2026. Eligible applicants include undergraduate and graduate/medical students, with specific allocation preferences. This initiative promotes valuable research experiences under the guidance of established faculty at accredited institutions.

The Autism Centers of Excellence (ACE) initiative, spearheaded by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute for Child Health and Human Development along with several other prominent institutes, aims to encourage innovative research projects. While applications are not currently open, potential applicants are urged to prepare collaborative proposals that leverage cutting-edge technologies. This funding opportunity, utilizing the P50 Research Program Projects and Centers activity code, seeks to build upon over two decades of research advancements.

The Willis C. Helm Charitable Trust, established in 1954, focuses on supporting organizations that work on juvenile delinquency and the development of boys from broken homes. It provides annual grants averaging between $5,000 and $15,000, with a total giving of around $60,000 for five grants each year. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and preferably located in Minnesota. Applications are accepted year-round, with a deadline of March 31 for annual review.

The Alma Gilmore Doud Memorial Scholarship honors a dedicated community servant from Saginaw. Established by the Saginaw Community Foundation, this scholarship supports students pursuing Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs or undergraduate degrees. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and reside in the Great Lakes Bay Region. Priority is given to members of the First Congregational Church. Awards typically range from $500 to $4,000, addressing the growing demand for skilled trades in today's workforce.

The Ruth Regina Halcli Memorial Scholarship, established by the Saginaw Community Foundation, honors a remarkable woman known for her strength and generosity. This scholarship aims to encourage individuals to give back to their community while pursuing their educational goals. Eligible applicants must be Saginaw County residents with a minimum 3.0 GPA, enrolled in high school or college, and pursuing various degrees, including Career and Technical Education. Awards typically range from $500 to $4,000.

The Patricia Goodman Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Central Kentucky Community Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors in the CKCF service area, prioritizing Hardin County residents. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75 and intend to pursue a career in nursing or a related medical field. This scholarship aims to empower future healthcare professionals while enriching community life through educational opportunities.

The Jeanne L. Hammond Memorial Scholarship, funded by the BPW/Maine Futurama Foundation, supports Maine women pursuing undergraduate degrees or certifications. Established in 1962, it emphasizes financial need and community involvement, with a preference for journalism students and BPW members. This scholarship aims to empower women to achieve economic self-sufficiency and contribute positively to their communities.

The Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond

The Community Foundation of Richmond is a philanthropic organization dedicated to improving quality of life across the Richmond region by connecting people, ideas, and resources for lasting community impact. The Foundation manages charitable funds, supports local nonprofits, and leads strategic initiatives that address community priorities such as education, health, economic opportunity, and equity. Through grantmaking, donor services, and community leadership, the Foundation works to strengthen nonprofits, respond to emerging needs, and build a more resilient, inclusive, and thriving Richmond-area community.

The Woman's Club Scholarship

The long-standing scholarship program honors the life and leadership of one of its founding members and past presidents, Mary Munford. Her accomplishments on behalf of education and especially the education of women in Virginia are legendary. Through her efforts and encouragement, the Education Endowment Fund was established. Now known as The Woman's Club Scholarship Fund, it has continued to flourish with the consistent and generous support of The Woman’s Club members. Hundreds of students from Richmond have had their education aspirations affirmed and supported by the Fund.

The purpose of the Fund is to support post-secondary education scholarships for qualifying graduates of the Richmond metropolitan area high schools. Scholarships are intended to reflect The Woman’s Club’s long history of supporting educational opportunities for women in the Greater Richmond region. Scholarship recipients, referred to as Mary Munford Scholars, are chosen annually and are invited to a reception honoring their accomplishment. Recipients are also encouraged to attend the annual spring meeting of The Woman’s Club designated to recognize the work of The Woman's Club Scholarship Fund. 

The BPW/Maine Futurama Foundation offers a $3000 Continuing Education Scholarship to support Maine women pursuing accredited college or training programs. Since 1962, this initiative has empowered women to achieve economic self-sufficiency through educational funding. Eligible applicants must be Maine residents, have completed at least one year of college, and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship is a vital resource for women committed to enhancing their education and career prospects.

The Medical Student Mentored Summer Research Program offers medical students in the U.S. and Canada a unique opportunity to engage in a 10-week research experience under expert mentorship in pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology, or nutrition. With a stipend of $4000 paid in installments, this program is designed for students who have completed at least their first year of medical training. Preference is given to those seeking research experience between their first and second years.

The United Advisory Scholarship Commission Scholarship, established in 1982 by William and Cordula Freese, supports students with visual or physical impairments in Saginaw County. This scholarship aims to aid those who are graduating high school seniors or currently enrolled in college, ensuring they can pursue higher education full-time. Preference may be given to previous recipients, reinforcing the foundation's commitment to supporting the community's unique needs.

The Nugent McGrew Scholarship, provided by the Central Kentucky Community Foundation, aims to support graduating seniors from Grayson or Hardin County who demonstrate financial need and a commitment to their education. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and plan to attend a two or four-year academic or technical school. This scholarship serves as a vital resource to help students achieve their educational goals and contribute positively to their communities.

Pfizer, in collaboration with the American Headache Society, invites innovative proposals for quality improvement initiatives targeting gaps in headache medicine. The focus is on enhancing patient outcomes through effective diagnosis, treatment, and management strategies, as well as education in medical training. This grant aims to develop widely usable tools and information that promote patient-centered care and equity for those affected by migraine and headache disorders.

The NASPGHAN Foundation/APGNN Susan Moyer Research Grant supports impactful research and quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing nursing care for children with gastrointestinal and nutritional disorders. Grants ranging from $500 to $5000 are available for eligible Registered Nurses who are APGNN members. Awardees must present their findings at the NASPGHAN Annual Meeting and adhere to specific funding guidelines, including IRB approval and acknowledgment of support in publications.

The Hillman Emergent Innovation Grant offers $50,000 for 12-18 months to support innovative nursing-driven interventions for underserved populations facing health care access barriers, including racial minorities and low-income individuals. It encourages fresh, early-stage ideas targeting serious illness and end-of-life care challenges. By fostering community engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration, the program aims to transform care delivery in diverse settings, ensuring equitable health services for all.

The Emily Anne Dressler Memorial Scholarship, established in 1993 by the Saginaw Community Foundation, honors a remarkable young woman whose joyful spirit touched many lives. This scholarship aims to support high school seniors from Saginaw County pursuing their educational goals, particularly in Career and Technical Education (CTE) fields. With awards ranging from $500 to $4,000, it empowers students to achieve their dreams while tackling the growing demand for skilled trades in today's job market.