Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in Maryland

The BURGER KING Scholars: James W. McLamore WHOPPER® Scholarship provides financial support to deserving students across North America. With a focus on leadership and financial need, up to three scholarships of $60,000 are awarded annually. Eligibility extends to high school seniors and employees of Burger King, promoting empowerment through education. The program, administered by Scholarship America, has awarded nearly $64 million to over 55,000 students, emphasizing the importance of education in achieving one’s potential.

The Sally P. and Glenn L. Ramsdell Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports students pursuing degrees in Accounting and Business Administration. Open to full-time students, including high school seniors and graduate students, this renewable scholarship offers funding for tuition, fees, and books for up to three years. Applicants must demonstrate academic promise and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. This initiative aims to foster educational advancement and community enrichment.

The Link Foundation offers a one-year renewable fellowship of $35,000 for PhD students focusing on Modeling, Simulation, and Training. This funding aims to support advanced research and allow students to work full-time on their projects. Eligibility includes being enrolled in a PhD program at a U.S. or Canadian university, with no citizenship restrictions. Preference is given to candidates who are in candidacy and have a well-defined thesis, ensuring impactful research outcomes.

The BURGER KING Scholars: Nancy McLamore Scholarship offers $20,000 to deserving students, focusing on employees and their families. Administered by Scholarship America, it supports U.S. citizens graduating from high school or pursuing higher education. With over $64 million awarded to 55,000 students, the program emphasizes empowerment through education, reflecting the values of the Burger King Foundation. Eligible applicants must meet specific criteria, ensuring support for those committed to their educational journey.

The BURGER KING Scholars: General Track offers scholarships for high school seniors and past recipients who plan to pursue undergraduate studies at accredited institutions. The program aims to empower students through education, providing $1,000 awards based on academic performance, community involvement, and financial need. Administered by Scholarship America, this initiative has awarded nearly $64 million to over 55,000 students across North America, embodying the Burger King Foundation's commitment to education and opportunity.

The BURGER KING Scholars: Employee-Based Track provides scholarships for employees and their families pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or enrichment programs at accredited institutions. With nearly $64 million awarded to over 55,000 students, this initiative aims to support academic success and empower individuals through education. Eligible applicants include employees, spouses, partners, and dependent children, with awards of up to $1,000 based on financial need and academic performance. This program reflects the Burger King Foundation's commitment to education and community support.

The Environmental Health Sciences Core Centers Program (P30) invites grant applications to support innovative research in environmental health. These centers serve as critical hubs for advancing the goals of the 2025-2029 NIEHS Strategic Plan, providing essential infrastructure and resources for collaborative research. By fostering community engagement and translational research, the program aims to enhance understanding of the connections between environmental factors, human biology, and disease, ultimately improving public health outcomes.

The Aaaron Ardoin Foundation offers Research and Education Grants aimed at supporting organizations that address the needs of individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease. With a focus on funding programs that advance awareness, treatment, and care, the foundation reviews grant requests biannually. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations dedicated to initiatives directly benefiting the sickle cell community, ensuring that funds are utilized efficiently and effectively.

The American Guild of Musical Artists Relief Fund provides emergency financial assistance to eligible performing arts professionals facing unexpected critical needs. This support aids in covering essential living expenses, including housing, healthcare, and utilities, to help prevent eviction or utility shut-offs. Applicants must be current members in good standing and provide necessary documentation to confirm their eligibility. This fund aims to ensure the well-being of artists during challenging times.

The NCI Research Specialist Award (R50) supports non-tenure track scientists in cancer research who provide essential contributions within laboratories and core facilities. This award aims to enhance research careers for skilled scientists who do not seek independent investigator funding. Eligible candidates must possess an advanced degree, have at least two years of contribution to NCI-funded research, and dedicate a significant portion of their time to this work. The R50 offers salary support and travel funds to recognize and stabilize these vital roles in cancer research.

The AFM Local 802 Musicians’ Emergency Relief Fund provides emergency financial assistance to eligible performing arts and entertainment professionals facing unexpected critical needs. This fund supports basic living expenses, including healthcare, housing, and utilities, to help prevent eviction or shut-offs. To qualify, applicants must be current members in good standing and demonstrate financial need. However, the fund does not cover expenses such as credit cards, personal loans, and tuition.

Foundation

The Bureau County Farm Bureau Foundation was established in 1991 by members of the Bureau County Farm Bureau. The mission of the Farm Bureau Foundation is “To carry out charitable, scientific, literary and educational work that benefits Bureau County farm families and agriculture.”

The Foundation supports agricultural programs aimed at:

• Scholarship
• Education
• Leadership
• Research

Bureau County High School Senior Agricultural Scholarship

To provide for persons studying agriculture and agriculture-related fields including but not limited to education, vet medicine, and leadership development.

The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund Grants support the preservation of historic sites that reflect African American cultural heritage. Grants ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 assist projects in areas like Capital Projects, Organizational Capacity Building, Project Planning, and Programming. Eligible applicants include public agencies, accredited colleges, and nonprofits. The program emphasizes themes such as activism, innovation, and historically significant sites, aiming to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of African American history.

Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin

The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin gives everyone the opportunity to make significant and lasting gifts to their community. We manage over 320 funds that enhance Portage and Waushara counties. Together with our generous donors, we create a strong culture of philanthropy in Central Wisconsin.

We are a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) public charity founded in 1982 to provide scholarships and grants to organizations and projects that improve the quality of life in Portage and Waushara counties.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation proudly supports students in Portage and Waushara counties with over $325,000 in scholarships annually, thanks to the generosity of local individuals and families. Award amounts range from $500 to $40,000, opening doors to educational opportunities.

Whether you're a student seeking financial support or a donor looking to grow a scholarship fund, we invite you to explore available opportunities and learn how you can be involved.

Don & Mary Hamerski Memorial Scholarship Fund

Qualifications: Graduating High School seniors from a Central Wisconsin high school.

The Edward E. Ford Foundation offers Traditional Grants to independent schools in the U.S. for projects that enhance educational opportunities. With over $118 million granted since its inception, the Foundation emphasizes the importance of matching funds, requiring a dollar-for-dollar commitment from schools. Eligible institutions must serve grades 9-12, be NAIS members, and have a qualified Head of School. Applications are considered during the June and November Agendas, supporting diverse educational initiatives.

The EEFF Educational Leadership Grant, initiated in 2008 by the Edward E. Ford Foundation, supports innovative proposals from independent schools that aim to impact educational practices nationally. Schools can apply without prior invitations, and grants are awarded based on proposal quality. Eligibility includes serving grades 9-12, having a diverse mission, and a head of school in their third year. The program encourages original thinking and partnerships beyond the school community, aiming for significant, replicable change.

The nccPA Health Foundation's Mental Health - Community Outreach Grant supports innovative PA-led projects aimed at improving mental health awareness and reducing stigma in communities. With funding up to $2,500, this grant encourages collaboration among PAs, PA students, and organizations to address the mental health needs of vulnerable populations. Applications are accepted year-round, promoting ongoing community engagement and systemic change through education, prevention, and treatment initiatives.

The Andy and Carol Hilger Pro-Life Scholarship, offered by CommunityGiving, supports high school seniors and college students from the St. Cloud Diocese area who advocate for pro-life causes. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher and plan to enroll full-time in a two or four-year college. This scholarship reflects the Hilgers' commitment to empowering individuals and fostering community connections through education.

The Yann Weymouth Graduate Scholarship provides $5,000 and mentorship to a graduate student focusing on sustainability, resilience, wellness, and beauty in design. Administered by the Architects Foundation, candidates must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, be U.S. citizens, and enrolled in a NAAB-accredited architecture program. Previous recipients can reapply. This scholarship honors the legacy of Yann Weymouth, an accomplished architect known for his significant contributions to major design projects.

The Arthur A. Cater Scholarship, administered by CommunityGiving, aims to empower high school seniors pursuing full-time education at St. Cloud Technical and Community College. This scholarship supports students from various high schools in the region, emphasizing the importance of local philanthropy and community engagement. By fostering educational opportunities, it helps create a lasting impact on students' lives and encourages future generations to give back to their communities.

The Bernick Family Foundation Scholarship, provided by CommunityGiving, aims to support high school seniors in their pursuit of higher education. This scholarship recognizes well-rounded students from the Bernick Service Area who maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better. With 10 scholarships available, each worth $2,000, the foundation seeks to inspire philanthropy and empower local communities through education. Applications are accepted online, and candidates must have or create a Scholarship Management System account to apply.

The Bill and Joyce Coborn Memorial Scholarship supports Coborn's employees and their dependents pursuing private high school or post-secondary education. Offered by CommunityGiving, this scholarship provides up to 20 awards of $1,000 each, fostering educational advancement and community empowerment. Eligible applicants include high school seniors, college students, and graduate students who are children of Coborn's employees with at least one year of service. This initiative honors the legacy of Bill and Joyce Coborn while promoting lifelong learning.

The SAGES Education & Research Foundation Grants promote advancements in minimally invasive surgical techniques aiming to reduce patient trauma and recovery time. They offer competitive funding ranging from $1,000 to $100,000, with a total allocation of $500,000 to $600,000 this year. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) organizations aligned with the Foundation's mission. Grants are awarded annually, requiring reapplication for multi-year support.

The Granite Scholarship Fund, established by the Granite Companies, offers scholarships to the children and grandchildren of employees, supporting their educational goals. With up to 30 scholarships of $2,000 available annually, this initiative aims to empower students, ensuring that their academic pursuits are supported as they strive for excellence. Eligibility requires maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher and enrollment in a two or four-year college or university. This fund exemplifies the commitment to community and education.

The Garrison Area Scholarship Fund, supported by CommunityGiving, offers three $1,000 scholarships to local high school seniors pursuing higher education. This initiative aims to empower students from Aitkin, Brainerd, Crosby-Ironton, and Onamia. By fostering educational opportunities, the fund upholds the mission of CommunityGiving to strengthen local communities and inspire philanthropy. Eligible applicants must submit online applications and have a Scholarship Management System account to apply. Join us in supporting the future of our youth.

The Wish You Well Foundation Grant supports U.S. non-profit organizations focused on adult literacy. Grants typically range from $200 to $10,000 and require proof of 501(c)(3) status. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster adult and family literacy. Organizations are encouraged to apply for funding that aligns with their specific needs. The Foundation communicates via email regarding proposal receipt and funding decisions, ensuring timely updates to applicants.