Best Grants for Capital Funding in Maryland

Who We Are

Community foundations began nationally in 1914 and are publicly-supported, 501(c)(3) philanthropic organizations that hold, administer, invest and make grants from both endowed and non-endowed funds established by individuals, families and others. They were designed to be simple, flexible, convenient, tax-wise, cost-effective and perpetual charitable vehicles.  

Our Community Foundation was established in Roanoke in 1988. With our growth, we expanded into the Martinsville/Henry County area in 2005. Today, we administer many hundreds of named endowment funds ranging in size from a minimum of $10,000 to millions of dollars. To date, donors have also committed very significant resources to the Foundation through future estate gifts.

Information for Scholarship Seekers

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, the region’s community foundation, administers a variety of scholarships to reward and assist capable and deserving students based on the criteria established by the fund donors.

Specifics of the Foundation’s scholarship program may be subject to change from time to time. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact the Foundation at (276) 656-6223.

Ashby C. and John T. Pinkard Scholarship Fund

 Fund provides higher education scholarships to deserving young men and women.

The Bowman Family Swimming Scholarship, provided by the Central Kentucky Community Foundation, aims to support graduating high school seniors in Hardin County who are active swimmers. Eligible applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and be involved with their school's swim team. This scholarship embodies the Foundation's mission to enhance community life by empowering students to pursue their educational goals in athletics.

Agog Open Call: Climate Futures + Immersive Media

This open call supports immersive media projects that help people better understand and respond to climate challenges and imagine what a better world could be.

We are looking for projects that use immersive technologies—including smart glasses, augmented reality, spatial sound, and mixed reality—to create more engaging, experiential forms of climate storytelling and civic participation.

The open call will support projects across a range of stages and formats, from early ideas to more developed work. What matters most is a compelling story or experience, a clear sense of purpose, and a thoughtful approach to bringing the work to life.

Grants may be awarded in denominations ranging from $25,000 to $200,000. In addition to funding, selected projects may receive mentorship, advisor support, and opportunities for partnership and distribution.

About Pfizer Grants

Pfizer supports the global healthcare community’s independent initiatives (e.g., research, quality improvement or education) to improve patient outcomes in areas of unmet medical need that are aligned with Pfizer’s medical and/or scientific strategies.

Pre-clinical Investigation of anti-TFPI-mediated Rebalancing Mechanisms in Non-Hemophilic Bleeding Disorders

There remains a scientific gap in understanding of the role of anti-TFPImediated hemostatic rebalancing in the context of inherited or non-hemophilic bleeding disorders. This competitive grant program encourages competitive submissions focsed on generating preclinical/foundational data exploring the therapeutic potential and mechanisms of TFPI modulation in bleeding disorders other than hemophilia.

Project Types and Area of Interest

Potential applicants are encouraged to identify and address preclinical/basic science data generation for TFPI modulation/rebalancing in their local setting. This may include:

• Rare bleeding disorders which arise from deficiencies in different clotting factors or pathway components but converge on a common functional endpoint which is an impaired thrombin generation (e.g., Factor II, Factor V, Factor VII, Factor X and Factor XI deficiencies, as well as von Willebrand disease).
• Other diseases such as Glanzmann's thrombasthenia (GT) that have a distinct pathophysiological mechanism.
• Other rare bleeding disorders whose mechanisms are not well understood (e.g., Bleeding Disorder of Unknown Cause, BDUC).

Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation

The mission of Susan G. Komen® is to save lives by meeting the most critical needs in our communities and investing in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer.

Susan G. Komen Career Catalyst Research (CCR) Grants

Susan G. Komen Career Catalyst Research (CCR) Grants foster promising breast cancer researchers who are in the early stages of their faculty careers by providing support for up to three years of “protected time” for research career development under the guidance of a Mentor Committee. We seek to support those who will emerge as the next key leaders in the fight against breast cancer.

CCR Research Focus: Research projects must be hypothesis-driven, breast cancer-focused studies. They may be considered basic, translational, clinical and/or population science in nature and should align with Komen’s research priorities and mission to save lives from breast cancer. 

Emand Hamad, M.D. Healthcare Career Scholarship

Provides scholarships to students planning on majoring in a healthcare major.

The MBF Small Grants Program supports conservation projects for monarch butterflies and their habitats, primarily in Mexico. It aims to fund initiatives focusing on habitat conservation, scientific research, education, and sustainable development. Grants are primarily awarded to Mexican organizations and individuals, with a preference for those with relevant experience. Projects should enhance local livelihoods and promote environmental awareness within the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve.

The DoW Bone Marrow Failure Idea Development Award supports innovative, high-impact research aimed at understanding and curing bone marrow failure diseases. This grant is available to both Established Investigators and Early-Career Investigators, with no preliminary data required for applications. Reviewers assess proposals based on specific criteria tailored to the investigator's career stage. The focus is on achieving interpretable results that contribute significantly to the field.

The DoW Bone Marrow Failure Investigator-Initiated Research Award supports innovative research aimed at advancing the understanding and treatment of bone marrow failure. This funding opportunity encourages applications for translational and clinical studies, requiring preliminary data to strengthen proposals. Unique features include the ability for a partnering Principal Investigator to contribute to the research, thereby fostering collaboration while maintaining a focus on significant advancements in patient care.

The FY26 Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Research Program's Idea Development Award promotes innovative, high-risk research aimed at advancing treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). It encourages projects with a strong scientific basis and feasibility, focusing on therapies that work across all ages, including infants and nonambulatory patients. Eligible applicants include experienced and transitioning investigators, fostering diverse expertise to enhance DMD research and improve patient outcomes.

The FY26 Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Research Program's Clinical/Translational Research Award supports pivotal research aimed at translating innovative therapeutic strategies into clinical applications for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Two funding levels cater to diverse project complexities, along with a Partnering PI Option promoting collaboration between early-career and established investigators. This initiative emphasizes the integration of preliminary data and encourages pilot trials to advance DMD therapies effectively.

The FY26 Bone Marrow Failure Research Program's Resource Development Award aims to create a multiomic atlas from human bone marrow failure samples. This resource will be open-access, providing essential data for researchers and clinicians to enhance their understanding of bone marrow failure diseases. A comprehensive Data Resource Sharing Plan is required to ensure timely availability of the developed resource, fostering collaboration within the scientific community.

The FY26 Parkinson’s Research Program Investigator-Initiated Research Award supports innovative, multidisciplinary research projects aimed at advancing the understanding and treatment of Parkinson’s disease. The award encourages collaboration among multiple principal investigators, requiring preliminary data and allowing clinical trials to enhance research outcomes. This initiative is vital for fostering impactful discoveries within the four specified focus areas of the program, ultimately improving patient care and management.

The FY26 Parkinson’s Research Program (PRP) Early Investigator Research Award supports early-career researchers in Parkinson’s disease (PD) research. It offers two funding levels: Level 1 for fellows requiring a Mentor and Level 2 for independent investigators. The PI must show potential in PD research, with Level 1 emphasizing mentorship and Level 2 needing preliminary data. Research must align with one of the four FY26 PRP Focus Areas, excluding clinical trials.

The DOW Combat Readiness – Medical Research Program's FY26 Translational Research Award supports innovative research aimed at improving trauma care outcomes. This program emphasizes hypothesis-driven studies that can transition promising technologies into practical solutions for enhancing casualty survivability. Applicants must provide preliminary data and utilize validated animal models, with a focus on projects that meet a minimum technology readiness level of 4, ensuring a mature translational research effort.

Armstrong County Community Foundation

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Michael Petronchek Musical Scholarship Fund

Mike Petronchek was a well known musician in our community. During the 40′s Mike played trombone in Angie Sgro and Johnny Murphy’s Dance Band. He loved the Big Band sound and attended many of the formal dances that were held at Laube Hall in Freeport to benefit charity. Mike served as a radio operator with the 8th Air Force during World War II because of his great “ear”. He received his bachelor’s degree from IUP and his master’s from Penn State.

For nearly four decades Mike shared his love of music with children here in Armstrong County. He was the Ford City High School music director from 1958 through 1984 and organized the county’s first elementary school band at Lenape Elementary. In his honor, the Michael Petronchek Musical Scholarship Fund was established for Ford City High School graduates pursuing an education in music.

Scholarship Details

• Available to High School Seniors
• Nonrenewable

All ACCF Scholarships are merit based.

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is advancing research on immune tolerance through its Collaborative Network. This program aims to clarify the mechanisms of immune tolerance and develop interventions for related diseases, including transplant rejection and autoimmune disorders. Key objectives include conducting clinical trials on tolerogenic strategies and refining immune assays. This initiative is supported by regulations under the Public Health Service Act, ensuring a structured approach to improving patient outcomes.

Armstrong County Community Foundation

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Joan Tatsak Memorial Scholarship

Joan Tatsak was a beloved friend, colleague and mentor to many of our friends and neighbors here in Armstrong County. She inspired and encouraged her peers and coworkers to achieve and strive for excellence. This unique fund is a fitting memorial. The Joan Tatsak Memorial Fund is a non-traditional scholarship fund that offers grants for entrepreneurship, leadership and scholarship.

Scholarship Details

• Available to Adult Students
• Nonrenewable

All ACCF Scholarships are merit based.

The Translational Transplantation Tolerance Cooperative Study Group, supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, aims to advance transplant tolerance strategies that promote long-term graft survival without lifelong immunosuppression. This initiative focuses on developing, optimizing, and evaluating methods to induce immune tolerance in allogeneic transplants through collaborative efforts across multiple centers, utilizing translationally relevant models to ensure effective outcomes.

$20K for changemakers with transformative ideas & firsthand insight in early childhood

About the Imagine Award

The Imagine Award by the Promise Fund offers $20,000 in flexible funding (see definition in FAQs) and a six-month cohort-based learning experience for community-rooted early childhood leaders with ideas for transformative impact. ​​Award recipients are at the idea stage and will launch a pilot within six months, testing their solutions with real users, gathering feedback, and refining their approach.

Imagine Award recipients will learn strategies for designing and executing lightweight tests for rapid learning while gaining clarity on their idea's direction using impact and business models. They will craft a compelling story about their work to build future partnerships and run a focused pilot with strong feedback loops for gathering data, all while growing alongside a supportive peer community.

What We Provide

Our grant dollars are flexible and meant to be used at award recipients’ discretion for the pursuit of tests or a pilot of a transformative idea. Read the FAQ for more information.

Direct, one-on-one support from our team to help you learn, get tailored help, and make relevant connections.

Multi-day gathering for peer connection, learning, and pilot design.

Access to a bench of mentors to guide you as you transition out of the program and navigate next steps with your pilot.

Light, tailored coaching to support pilot preparation, launch, and implementation.

Ongoing peer community and resources to continue learning and collaboration

About

Community Foundation of Greenville bridges philanthropy and purpose in Greenville County, helping people make their charitable giving simpler and more powerful for 70 years. We strategically match diverse needs and opportunities in Greenville County with philanthropic resources.

Vision:

Community Foundation of Greenville will be the leading catalyst for developing assets and unlocking potential to meet the needs of an inclusive and equitable community.

Mission:

Community Foundation of Greenville improves the lives of Greenville County residents through strategic philanthropy, community investment, and collaborative leadership.

Obermier Scholarship Fund in Memory of John N. Obermier, Edith M. Obermier and Mary Belle Obermier

Purpose

Mary Belle Obermier established this scholarship with a gift from her estate in 2012. Her intent was to help academically deserving students who need financial assistance to be able to attend college and to give preference to qualified students who are committed to a career in the United States Navy. The preference for naval students is in recognition of the US Navy careers of her deceased husband, John, and his deceased first wife, Edith, who were both veterans of World War II.

Criteria:

• Applicants must demonstrate financial need (economically disadvantaged).
• Applicants must have a current academic GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Applicants must be enrolled/accepted to an institution of higher learning prior to applying.
• Applicants must submit one letter of recommendation from a teacher, employer, or clergy.

Preference in the selection process will be given in the following order to qualified students who are:

students who are committed to a career in the United States Navy

residents of Greer, SC

residents of South Carolina and

residents of all other states

The Ryder Sroufe Memorial Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Whitley County in 2025, honors the legacy of Ryder Carl Sroufe. This scholarship supports young individuals who embody enthusiasm, humility, and compassion, reflecting Ryder's spirit of kindness and service. It aims to empower the next generation of leaders and helpers, ensuring that Ryder's values of hard work and community commitment continue to thrive. Eligible students are recognized for their efforts to strengthen their communities.

Pfizer’s Core Values of Social Responsibility and Philanthropy

About

We’re in relentless pursuit of breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. We innovate every day to make the world a healthier place. It was Charles Pfizer’s vision at the beginning and it holds true today.

Improving Health Outcomes in Patients with ATTR-CM Through the Development of a Shared Decision-Making Tool (Decision Aid)

Overview

Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is a progressive, lifethreatening condition associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and burden on patients, caregivers, and healthcare systems. The multisystemic disease course is often characterized by diagnostic delays, complex treatment pathways, and evolving therapeutic options, which can create uncertainty and decisional conflict for patients and clinicians alike. Shared decision-making (SDM) has emerged as a critical component of patientcentered care1, particularly in complex and preference-sensitive conditions such as ATTR-CM. Well-designed decision aids can support meaningful dialogue between patients and healthcare professionals by improving understanding of disease trajectory, treatment options, risks and benefits, and alignment of care with individual patient values and goals.

Ethan J. Hazelwood Heart of Gold Memorial Scholarship

The Ethan J. Hazelwood Heart of Gold Memorial Scholarship was established in 2025 by family and friends of Ethan as a lasting tribute to his life and giving spirit.

Those who knew Ethan remember him as a kind, creative, and giving person. He was always helping others and once gave the boots on his feet to a fellow student who had none.

Open to individuals in Whitley and Noble County, the scholarship is for high school seniors as well as non-traditional students, who wish to pursue additional education in the field of agriculture or diesel mechanics.

Mission & Vision

Rochester Area Community Foundation, in partnership with generous philanthropists and community partners, works to improve the quality of life for people who live and work in the eight-county region through its leadership and strategic grantmaking.

Our Mission:

We are cultivating a thriving Greater Rochester region — powered by philanthropy, grounded in community, and sustained across generations.

Our Vision:

We envision a Greater Rochester region transformed by enduring philanthropy, where every person, neighborhood, and future generation can thrive.

Dobe E. and Jacqueline C. Ulmer Scholarship

Purpose of Scholarship

For a graduating senior who is hard-working, focused, thoughtful, caring, selfless, and dedicated to continuous learning.

Number and Size of Awards

One award of $1,000; paid in one lump sum in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters. A second award of $500 may also be given.

Arnold Ventures

Arnold Ventures (AV) is a philanthropy dedicated to improving the lives of Americans through evidence-based policy solutions that maximize opportunity and minimize injustice. We focus on improving systems where outcomes are falling short, incentives are misaligned, and the time is right for change. To advance this mission, we invest in rigorous research to strengthen the evidence base on what works to improve outcomes for individuals, families, and communities, and to inform policy and practice at scale.

AV’s Higher Education team seeks to fund rigorous, causal research on programs, policies, and practices that improve student outcomes and deliver stronger returns on investment for students and taxpayers. Our work focuses on strengthening the evidence base on effective student success models and aligning policy and funding incentives to support their adoption and scale.

Causal Research to Improve Outcomes for Part-Time Students

Purpose of the RFP

This RFP seeks to fund rigorous causal research that builds the evidence base on effective programs and policies for part-time students and identifies scalable, cost-effective approaches to improve completion and labor market outcomes. Findings should generate actionable insights to inform institutional practice, system-level decision making, and state policy, with the goal of improving outcomes and maximizing return on investment for students and taxpayers.

Population of Interest

Because enrollment intensity is fluid, proposals do not need to limit eligibility to students who are enrolled part-time at baseline. Instead, studies should focus on interventions that primarily serve or are expected to meaningfully impact students who are more likely to enroll part-time, including:

• Adult learners (age 25+)
• Student parents and caregivers
• Working adults

Interventions may serve mixed-enrollment populations, so long as the proposed study is clearly designed to improve outcomes for these populations.