Best Grants for Capital Funding in Maryland

Early Career Talent Development General Application

The UNCF Student Professional Development Programs (SPDP) Department works closely with some of the nation’s leading corporations and foundations to shape and execute internship programs, including both stand-alone internship programs and internship-and-scholarship programs

The UNCF Student Professional Development Programs (SPDP) Department works closely with some of the nation’s leading corporations and foundations to shape and execute internship programs, including both stand-alone internship programs and internship-and-scholarship programs with two goals – 

• To help companies build a more diverse workforce; 
• To provide diverse students with the preparation they need to succeed in college, familiarize themselves with professional career paths, and prepare to be competitive candidates for internships and future employers after graduation.

UNCF’s SPDP partners include The Walt Disney Company, Toyota, Papa Johns, United Health Foundation, Wells Fargo, and the Walton Family Foundation. We currently serve over 1500 students annually through internship, leadership, and professional development services.

The UNCF Student Professional Development Programs (SPDP) offer career readiness, success coaching, and paid summer and semester internships to college students. Students participating in SPDP will be exposed to career pathways and opportunities and have access to leadership and personal development training. 

SPDP students will:

• Prepare to navigate from college to early-stage careers
• Enhance professional experiences through meaningful internships
• Develop stronger project management skills
• Improve networking and communication skills
• Strengthen interviewing techniques 

Currently, the SPDP is sourcing candidates to fill for summer 2026 internships!! The Early Career Talent Development General Application is used to establish an applicant pool of potentially eligible students for these ongoing internship/student professional development opportunities that are published/unpublished. Internship or professional development opportunities using the Early Career Talent Development General Application, are restricted to students who are enrolled full time at an accredited institution within the U.S. during the 2025-2026 academic year. 

The Coco Gauff Tennis Scholarship

The Coco Gauff Tennis Scholarship will provide a need-based scholarship of up to $8,500 to eligible HBCU student-athletes competing on their intercollegiate tennis teams. Awards will be issued in the 2026-2027 academic year.

The William L. and Diane C. Wilson Scholarship for Karst Science, established in 2002, honors the legacy of William L. Wilson and aims to support innovative karst scientists. Funded by Diane C. Wilson, it provides a one-time award of $2,500 and recognition at the KWI spring banquet. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in a master's program focused on karst science and its subfields, while PhD students are excluded. This scholarship fosters the growth of new talent in karst research.

The National MS Society offers annual Research Grants for investigator-initiated proposals addressing key research questions from the Pathways to MS Cures Roadmap. These grants support diverse studies, including clinical and nonclinical research aimed at stopping MS disease activity, restoring function, and preventing new cases. Eligible applicants must hold an M.D. or Ph.D. and demonstrate relevance to the Society's research priorities. This funding opportunity promotes collaboration and focuses on underserved MS populations.

The CAO Legislative Crisis Grant, funded by the National Education Association Staff Organization, is designed to support affiliates in creating and refining student-centered initiatives. Grants can be utilized for contract campaigns, new program development, or enhancing existing practices to improve sustainable learning conditions. This opportunity is exclusive to affiliates, ensuring a focused approach to advocacy and collective bargaining efforts that benefit students.

Judge Richard S. (Stan) Gault Education Scholarship

The Judge Richard S. (Stan) Gault Education Scholarship was established in 2010 by his family to honor his memory and support residents of his hometown, Forsyth County, Georgia, in pursuing their educational goals. The Honorable Richard S. Gault was a distinguished Georgian, a highly respected jurist, a dedicated community leader, and a lifelong advocate for education.

This scholarship is available to non-traditional students or graduating high school seniors who attend Forsyth Central High School, North Forsyth High School, or East Forsyth High School. Applicants must be a resident of Forsyth County, Georgia. Students must be planning to enroll in an accredited college, university, technical school, or secondary training program. In 2026, one scholarship award of $2,500 will be offered.

Scholarships and Awards

The National Federation of the Blind offers several scholarships and awards that honor blind individuals as well as teachers, professionals, entrepreneurs, and organizations whose work benefits the blind community.

Distinguished Educator of Blind Students Award

Honor a teacher who provides exemplary education, experiences, and opportunities for their blind students.

Every year, the Distinguished Educator of Blind Students Award recognizes an outstanding teacher of blind students. The education of blind children is one of the National Federation of the Blind's highest priorities. Please help us recognize dedicated and innovative teachers who provide quality education and meaningful experiences and opportunities for their blind students.

The Award

The Distinguished Educator of Blind Students Award is presented at the NFB National Convention. Honorees receive: 

• An expense-paid trip to attend the convention
• A check for $1,000
• A commemorative plaque
• A place on the agenda of the annual meeting of the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children
• The opportunity to attend seminars and workshops that address the current state of education of blind students, as well as a chance to meet and network with hundreds of blind individuals, teachers, parents, and other professionals in the field

Charmayne Gooch Arts Scholarship

The Charmayne Gooch Arts Scholarship is available to Larimer County students who have the potential to succeed but may not have attained sufficient academic achievement to place them in a position to receive other scholarships. This can include students with a disability or special needs and/or a student who would benefit from a program with less emphasis on academics such as art, writing, music, or visual arts.

Scholarship amount:

• $5,000

Number of awards:

• 3

Scholarship awards are one-time awards. The amount awarded to a selected recipient may be used for the cost of attendance. All scholarships will be paid directly to the recipient’s school and must be used for the upcoming academic year. Award disbursement is contingent upon the outside scholarship policies of a recipient’s college or university.

Lakeview Foundation Scholarship

The Lakeview Foundation provides higher education scholarships to college bound students of Eastern Van Buren County, Michigan who are pursuing a healthcare degree.

Lakeview Foundation started in 1985 as a Hospital Authority Foundation. Its existence is solely due to the hospital that was started in Paw Paw in 1939 in a house that was the summer home of David Rose, a former mayor of Milwaukee.

The hospital quickly became Lakeview Municipal Hospital and eventually Lakeview Community Hospital Authority comprising the Villages of Paw Paw, Lawton, Decatur and Mattawan, The City of Gobles, and the Townships of Paw Paw, Pine Grove, Decatur, Antwerp, Almena, Hamilton, Porter and Lawrence.

Shortly after the hospital authority sold the hospital to Bronson Methodist Hospital, Lakeview Foundation became independent and accepted a large donation as part of the sale. Lakeview Foundation enjoys a close bond with Lakeview Bronson Hospital.

The Community Foundation’s scholarships are for Arkansas students pursuing education at two- or four-year colleges or universities, vocational schools or technical training programs. Each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria. Some scholarships are designated for graduates of a particular high school or those who plan to attend a particular college. Others are based on extracurricular activities or intended college majors.  

The Foundation has a scholarship portal with a quiz to help applicants determine scholarship eligibility. 

“Since 1976, the Community Foundation has partnered with individuals and organizations who want to support our state’s students in their pursuit of higher education,” said Heather Larkin, Community Foundation president and CEO. “These generous people provide the funding and determine the size and eligibility criteria of each scholarship, while we oversee the application and awarding process on their behalf.”  

Anne Pressly Scholarship

To memorialize the legacy of Anne Pressly and support women who plan to pursue a career in Journalism.

The Plant Genome Research Program (PGRP) focuses on genome-scale research to tackle vital biological, societal, and economic challenges. It promotes innovative tools and resources for the plant research community to explore significant scientific questions. The program emphasizes high-impact data accessibility and integration while supporting training and career development. PGRP offers two funding tracks: the Research-PGR Track for fundamental biological inquiries and the TRTech-PGR Track for advancements in functional plant genomics.

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

Mathy Mezey Scholarship

In 2013, the John A. Hartford Foundation, Inc. created a permanent NEF Scholarship for $50,000 in honor of Mathy Mezey, EdD, RN, FAAN, a noted international geriatric expert. Funds from this scholarship will be used to award nurses engaged in graduate geriatric nursing programs.

The Amit Gosalia Scholarship in Private Practice Audiology, funded by the American Academy of Audiology, offers two $1,500 scholarships to full-time audiology students (AuD, PhD) who demonstrate exceptional promise and have completed their first year of studies. Eligible candidates must be enrolled at a U.S. university for the Fall 2025 semester and cannot graduate in Spring/Summer 2025. This initiative aims to support future audiologists pursuing careers in private practice.

The Continued Achievement Scholarship, offered by the American Academy of Audiology Foundation, provides $2,000 to two promising audiology graduate students in the U.S. It recognizes students for their potential as clinical audiologists based on their resumes and personal statements. This scholarship aims to support full-time graduate students (AuD, PhD) in good standing, fostering their professional development and commitment to the audiology field.

National Federation of the Blind of Maryland

The National Federation of the Blind of West Virginia (NFBWV), an affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind, is an organization that believes in the full capacity of blind people, and has the power, influence, diversity and determination to help transform our dreams into reality. Members work together for a brighter tomorrow by raising expectations so that blind persons can live the life they want.

The National Federation of the Blind of West Virginia is a 501c(3) nonprofit volunteer membership organization comprised of blind and interested sighted persons of all ages, their families and friends. Our committed local chapters, divisions, committees, programs, and well-trained leaders help newly blind people adjust to vision loss, and promote the full participation and integration of blind people in our communities. We bring our collective experiences together to effect change at the state and national level.

Allen-Sprinkle Memorial Gift

Each year the National Federation of the Blind of West Virginia (NFBWV) awards a scholarship to a worthy blind individual who is pursuing or planning to pursue a full-time program of post-secondary study or training and is a resident of West Virginia. This award is known as the Allen-Sprinkle Memorial Gift. Both Sid Allen and Jack Sprinkle were long time leaders in the organized blind movement in West Virginia. The gift is One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), and the scholarship will be given at the annual banquet of the NFBWV State Convention.

The Judith Blumsack Scholarship, offered by the American Academy of Audiology Foundation, awards $500 to a full-time graduate student in audiology who demonstrates exceptional clinical skills and commitment to clinical research and community service. Established in honor of Dr. Judith Blumsack upon her retirement, this scholarship acknowledges her significant contributions to the field and aims to inspire future audiologists to excel in their professional journey.

The American Society for Theatre Research (ASTR) Sally Banes Publication Prize celebrates outstanding publications that explore the relationship between theatre and dance. This award alternates between recognizing books and essays based on even and odd years, respectively. Eligible works must have been published within the last two years. The award includes a $500 prize and free conference registration, encouraging scholarly contributions to the field.

The ASTR Jessica Berson Dance Research Assistance Fund Grant aims to support contingent faculty engaged in dance-based scholarship within theatre. This initiative acknowledges the critical role of non-tenure track faculty and provides them with a $1000 honorarium, conference registration, and a one-year ASTR membership. The grant encourages research and attendance at the annual ASTR conference, ensuring broader access to resources and professional opportunities for those who often lack institutional support.

The ASTR Selma Jeanne Cohen Conference Presentation Award supports scholars participating in plenary or working sessions at the ASTR conference. This award encourages exploration of the intersections between theatre and dance, providing funds for travel and hotel expenses. Eligible applicants include graduate students, independent scholars, and faculty members accepted to present at the 2025 conference. The award offers a $1000 honorarium and complimentary registration, promoting active engagement in ASTR's community.

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

Mary V. Insall Scholarship

The Mary Insall Scholarship was established in 2021, the result of a generous donation of $50,000 from Mary V. Insall, to recognize nurses interested in advanced practice, research and education in adult health, orthopedic specialization, and rehabilitation nursing at the Master’s and/or Doctoral level. This focus represents a keen interest by Ms. Insall in the field of orthopedics through her longtime affiliation with the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City and therefore preference will be given to this area of specialty practice, research, and education.

The Music and Entertainment Industry Educators Association (MEIEA) offers Student Enrichment Grants to support educational activities in the music and entertainment fields. Grants of up to $1,000 are available for accredited institutions that are MEIEA members. Eligible projects include workshops, guest speakers, and community service initiatives. Special consideration is given to first-time applicants and projects promoting diversity and inclusion, aiming to enrich student experiences and foster greater engagement within the industry.

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

Lucy C. Perry Scholarship

Preference for funds from this scholarship is given to applicants studying at Indiana University and interested in public health.

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

Liesel M. Hiemenz Scholarship

This permanent scholarship was established in memory of Ms. Hiemenz, a nurse from Germany. Preference is given to applicants interested in public health.

Health Services Research in Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders (HSR-ADRD) Program

The HSR-ADRD program seeks to support research that strengthens dementia detection, diagnosis, and post-diagnostic care pathways along the care continuum. Projects may address a range of health services research questions, including, but not limited to, studies examining barriers and solutions to timely access, quality, and care coordination. By supporting rigorous and innovative research, this program aims to generate actionable evidence to improve person-centered, coordinated, and equitable brain health and dementia care.

Program overview

The program welcomes proposals that utilize rigorous methodologies to advance understanding and improvement of cognitive impairment, including MCI and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD) detection, diagnosis, and post-diagnostic care.

This award is structured as an individual research grant, with funding administered through the recipient’s institution. Proposals should address one or more Areas of Focus. Areas of Focus represent high-priority research topics for which this program is actively seeking proposals and include: 

• The Value of Early Detection and Diagnosis: Studies should investigate outcomes associated with early detection and diagnosis on at least two levels of the dementia care ecosystem (i.e., individual/families, providers/clinicians, health systems/payers, and policy/society).
• Care Pathways for Individuals with MCI or Dementia: Studies should consider comorbidities and investigate how people are being screened and diagnosed in different settings, and the post-diagnosis pathways for care and treatment, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions or combinations thereof.

Funding overview

• Each HSR-ADRD award is limited to a total of $250,000 U.S. (direct and indirect costs) for a duration of up to two years (awards should be a minimum one year).
• Indirect costs are capped at 10 percent of total direct costs and are inclusive of indirect costs for the implementing institution as well as for any subcontracts.

Charlottesville Promise Scholarship

The Charlottesville Promise Scholarship is a multi-year award that can fund up to $13,000 of the cost of a two or four year undergraduate degree, or a vocational training/professional certificate program at an accredited technical school. Charlottesville Scholarship Program typically awards nine new scholarships each year to seniors attending Charlottesville High School, one potential new scholarship each year to a graduating high school senior residing in Charlottesville City and attending an alternative or non-traditional learning centers listed here, and one potential new scholarship each year to an eligible adult student currently attending or planning to enroll in a post-secondary undergraduate program or vocational training/professional certification program at an accredited technical school.   

The Cooley, Dearing And Rinker Foundation Scholarship, managed by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, supports graduates from public schools in Winchester, Frederick, Rappahannock, and Warren Counties. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and show commitment to their college education. Award amounts typically range from $1,000 to $5,000, helping students pursue their academic goals. The foundation has a strong history of addressing community needs since its establishment in 2000.

The Austin Education Foundation Scholarship, established by a committee from the Austin School District, aims to support local high school seniors in their pursuit of post-secondary education. With an estimated total award of $3,500 over four years, the scholarship is designed to honor the legacy of Austin High School Alumni. To be eligible, applicants must belong to the Austin School District and submit an activity resume, facilitating a pathway for deserving students to achieve their educational dreams.