Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in Maryland

The Daily Bread Grants, offered by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, aim to support congregations with feeding ministries. Starting from November 1st, organizations can apply for $500 grants to help alleviate hunger in their communities. Priority is given to rural ministries, and applications will be accepted until funds are exhausted or until November 15th. This initiative not only provides immediate assistance but also encourages further financial support for food-based services.

Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation

Vision: We envision a vibrant, prosperous northern Chautauqua community, rich in opportunity today and tomorrow.

Our Mission

To realize our vision we focus on:

• strategic and responsive grant making
• encouraging local philanthropy and building permanent endowments for the future
• actively serving as a community leader and partner for the benefit and enrichment in our community.

Scholarships

Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation proudly manages over 200 individual scholarship funds,

Roger Testrake Memorial Scholarship

The Roger Testrake Memorial Scholarship benefits students residing in Ripley, NY who plan on continuing their education after high school and have a relative who has served in the military.

Roger Testrake was instrumental in building a monument in Ripley to honor all veterans. This scholarship was renamed to honor him for all his perseverance, dedication and hard work on behalf of the Ripley Veterans Roll of Honor Organization. 

About Legacy Foundation

Legacy Foundation is the community foundation for Lake County, Indiana. We connect people, knowledge, and funding to build an equitable, accessible, and inclusive Lake County, now and for generations to come.

Legacy Foundation is supported by a broad base of individuals, families, and businesses connected by the desire to improve Lake County, Indiana. With a growing portfolio of over 300 funds and approximately $80 million in assets, Legacy Foundation is a trusted source for philanthropic giving in the region.

For over 30 years, Legacy Foundation has been empowering people, providing strategic leadership, and impactful philanthropic support to create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Mission Statement

Transforming Lake County by providing strategic leadership and impactful philanthropic support to ensure equitable opportunity for all communities that we serve.

Vision Statement

Create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Thrive Scholarship

Use the chart below to see which scholarships are the best fit for you! You must complete the Legacy Universal Application to apply.

Scholarship eligibility requires students to attend an accredited 2 or 4 year public or private institution of higher learning. All scholarships are for full-time students, unless otherwise noted. Renewable awards are for 4 years of undergraduate study and cannot be used for post graduate coursework; all awards are paid directly to the school or may be used for book reimbursement.

Community Foundation of Randolph County

Our mission is to bring people and resources together to strengthen the quality of life, both now and in the future, for the residents of Randolph County.

The Community Foundation’s work falls into three major categories: grant-making, donor service, and community convening. Our most visible activities are the grants and scholarships we award each year. Most of these awards come from income earned from permanently endowed funds. Scholarships and other grants come from funds that donors have established for specific purposes.

East Central Ag Crop Insurance Agency Scholarship Fund

Wanting to give back to the community of Randolph County, the owners of East Central Ag Crop Insurance Agency felt there was a need to create a scholarship solely for those students who are pursuing higher education in agriculture, whose ultimate goal is an agricultural-based career. It is awarded to a Randolph County senior pursuing education in the field of agriculture with a G.P.A. of 2.7 or higher.

About Us

Driving Positive Change in Noble County!

At the Community Foundation of Noble County we are passionate about making Noble County an even better place to call home. Since 1991, area residents have been turning to the Community Foundation of Noble County to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible, as we see it as our mission to serve as a catalyst for positive change. The Community Foundation of Noble County is a public charity 501 (c) 3 entity.

As a group of invested community members, we identify local current and emerging issues and stimulate resources to address those needs, helping our region prepare for the future. We then leverage gifts and bequests from generous donors like you to drive positive change through grants in such areas as arts and culture, education, health and human services, civic affairs and other charitable areas of interest.

Our Mission

To improve the quality of life in Noble County by serving as catalyst for positive change, enabling donors to carry out charitable intent, and making grants.

Donor Story - Stahl, Josh Scholarship Fund

The Joshua Stahl Scholarship Fund was established in December 1999 by Michael Yoder. Mr. Yoder started this fund as a tribute to Josh Stahl, a friend of his son, Phillip. Joshua Stahl was a student at East Noble High School who died from a tragic car accident in 1999, but his love for running and his life is still remembered with the Josh Stahl Memorial Scholarship. Phillip Yoder dedicated his track season to his fallen friend and won the 1999 State Track Meet in the 3200 meters with a time of 9:06.

Pays $500 one-time. Extra essay: How has involvement in cross country and/or track affected your decisions and goals for your future? (cfnc)

The Kathryn Cramer Early Career Research Development Award provides essential start-up funding for orthopedic trauma surgeons in the U.S. and Canada, who have completed their fellowship within the last five years. This award aims to support innovative research projects that can be accomplished within two years, fostering professional development and collaboration among surgeons. Applicants must be members of AO Trauma and demonstrate early success in their research endeavors.

The Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program Grant, initiated by State Farm and the National Volunteer Fire Council, aims to support volunteer fire departments in acquiring critical safety equipment. In 2025, the program will award $1.5 million in grants, providing $10,000 each to 150 eligible departments. This initiative not only enhances firefighter safety and operational efficiency but also fosters community service, ensuring that these departments are well-equipped to respond effectively to emergencies.

Community Foundation of Randolph County

Our mission is to bring people and resources together to strengthen the quality of life, both now and in the future, for the residents of Randolph County.

The Community Foundation’s work falls into three major categories: grant-making, donor service, and community convening. Our most visible activities are the grants and scholarships we award each year. Most of these awards come from income earned from permanently endowed funds. Scholarships and other grants come from funds that donors have established for specific purposes.

Inspiring Randolph County-Jammie Michael Scholarship Fund

“The idea of this scholarship came when I started researching possible scholarship opportunities for my son Reece. He was a Junior at the time and the thought of planning and paying for college felt overwhelming. I reflected on the time Reece spent in school and was reminded of all the hours spent studying, the tears, fights, and late nights. Reece worked so hard and, over time, achieved great things. It became my goal to make sure every student knows we, as a community, believe in them and their dreams and they too, can achieve big things. Every student needs to know that rewards come to those that have qualities like perseverance, grit, determination and the power to rise above challenges. I’m inspired every day by the kids that put in the work.

My family and the community supported this goal of mine and made this scholarship possible for our kids. The Inspiring Randolph County Jammie Michael Scholarship Fund honors one Randolph County graduate with $1,000 to be paid to a post-high school education of their choice.” – Jammie Michael

The Charles L. Brewer Distinguished Teaching of Psychology Award honors psychologists with outstanding teaching records. Awardees receive a plaque, a $2,000 monetary prize, and a $1,000 travel stipend, along with the opportunity to present at the APA Annual Convention. This prestigious award encourages nominations from diverse backgrounds, emphasizing achievements in teaching, curriculum development, and research in psychology education. Note that self-nominations are not permitted, and international applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria.

The FWW Research Awards support short-term studies focused on critical women’s health issues such as cardiovascular disease, female cancers, and hormonal influences on health. Eligible applicants include MDs or PhDs affiliated with accredited institutions. Research proposals must align with FWW's priority areas, and financial support must be confirmed to ensure project completion. Note that sociological studies are not funded, and only one application per Principal Investigator is allowed.

The Larson-Veneklasen Outdoor Education Scholarship, established by Ken Larson and Diane Veneklasen, supports Tri-Cities residents pursuing outdoor educational experiences. Inspired by the Outward Bound philosophy, it aims to foster character development and self-discovery through adventure. Applicants can access multiple foundation scholarships with a single application. Required documents include transcripts and any additional materials specified for specific scholarships. Notably, financial need is not a priority, and high school seniors are not restricted from applying.

Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area seeks to ensure that our community thrives today, tomorrow, and forever by building our Community’s Endowment to support high impact charitable projects, helping donors achieve their charitable goals, and leading and partnering in community-level initiatives.

Scholarships

CFHZ awards over $1 million in scholarships each year for students to attend schools of higher education throughout the nation. Our scholarships are possible thanks to the generosity of donors who invest in our community’s future by furthering the education of others.

All Holland/Zeeland area individuals interested in post-secondary education are encouraged to apply for CFHZ scholarships.

The Foundation proudly administers over 100 scholarships, each with unique eligibility criteria that must be met before a candidate can be considered.

DeLong and Brower, P.C. Scholarship

• Graduating senior, graduating early college student, or college freshman or sophomore who attends/attended public, private, or home school in the primary service area of the Community Foundation
• Enrolling/enrolled in a 2 or 4-year degree program at an accredited post-secondary school (including vocational/technical school) within the United States
• Financial need (must submit the page of the FAFSA Submission Summary showing the Student Aid Index amount)
• GPA of 3.0 or greater
• Planning to study accounting, finance, or economics
• Potentially renewable for one additional year

Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors. Applications are accepted from mid-November until mid-March. Scholarship award recipients will be announced at the high school awards ceremony.

Adam Liepinis Memorial Scholarship

Established by the family of the late Adam Liepinis to provide tuition assistance to a graduating senior from Susquehanna or Wyoming counties, who will attend a post-secondary degree program with priority given to a student majoring in welding or automotive technology.

Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area seeks to ensure that our community thrives today, tomorrow, and forever by building our Community’s Endowment to support high impact charitable projects, helping donors achieve their charitable goals, and leading and partnering in community-level initiatives.

Scholarships

CFHZ awards over $1 million in scholarships each year for students to attend schools of higher education throughout the nation. Our scholarships are possible thanks to the generosity of donors who invest in our community’s future by furthering the education of others.

All Holland/Zeeland area individuals interested in post-secondary education are encouraged to apply for CFHZ scholarships.

The Foundation proudly administers over 100 scholarships, each with unique eligibility criteria that must be met before a candidate can be considered.

Franz Family International Adoption Scholarship

• Graduating senior who attends public, private, or home school in the primary service area of the Community Foundation
• Accepted into a 2 or 4-year degree program at an accredited post-secondary school (including vocational/technical school) within the United States
• Financial need, a consideration (encouraged to submit the page of the FAFSA Submission Summary showing the Student Aid Index amount)
• From a family with an internationally adopted child or children (applicants do not have to be adopted themselves but must have at least one sibling who is internationally adopted)

Central Kentucky Community Foundation

Established in 1960 as North Central Education Foundation, Central Kentucky Community Foundation is one of more than 780 community foundations in the United States today. We serve the Lincoln Trail Region, offering our donors and partners a variety of ways to touch our community through philanthropic giving.

James and Betty Holeman Scholarship

The applicant must be a graduating senior from a high school in the Lincoln Trail Region of Kentucky (Breckinridge, Grayson, Hardin, LaRue, Marion, Meade, Nelson, and Washington counties)

The NIH Independent Scientist Award (K02) aims to support the development of independent scientists and enhance their research capabilities. This award offers salary support and protected time for three to five years, specifically for those leading independent clinical trials or feasibility studies. Applicants must demonstrate a need for focused research to advance their careers. Key deadlines for applications span from June 2024 to February 2027, catering to various submission types including standard and AIDS-related grants.

The NIH Independent Scientist Award (K02) supports the development of outstanding scientists by providing three to five years of salary support and protected time for newly independent researchers. This funding opportunity is specifically for applicants proposing research that does not involve leading an independent clinical trial, allowing them to gain experience in trials led by others. Key deadlines for applications span from June 2024 to February 2027.

TechAccess: AI-Ready America is a nationwide initiative aimed at enhancing AI readiness across the U.S. by fostering collaboration and resource sharing. It targets businesses, organizations, and individuals, ensuring widespread access to AI tools and knowledge. The program includes State Coordination Hubs to connect stakeholders, a National Lead for collaboration, and AI-Ready Catalyst Award Competitions to drive innovative solutions. This comprehensive approach seeks to prepare all sectors for an AI-driven economy, benefiting Americans through practical implementation and workforce development.

The Air Force Basic Research Sciences Conference and Workshop Support program encourages proposals from U.S. institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations for conferences and workshops that promote research and technology interchange. These events are vital for sharing recent findings and educational techniques in key scientific areas. The program specifically invites Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Minority-serving Institutions, and Tribal Colleges to participate, aiming to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among researchers.

The Zuckerman Postdoctoral Scholars Program fosters collaboration between leading scientific institutions in the U.S. and Israel by attracting top postdoctoral researchers. With a focus on STEM leadership, this program offers a unique two-year scholarship, allowing scholars to conduct research at participating Israeli universities and North American institutions. The initiative aims to strengthen academic ties, enhance research capabilities, and support the return of talented Israeli scholars to their home institutions, ultimately enriching the global scientific community.

The NIH Independent Scientist Award (K02) supports promising scientists in their research endeavors, providing salary and protected time for three to five years. This award is designed for newly independent scientists who can demonstrate the necessity for focused research to advance their careers. The program specifically targets basic experimental studies involving human participants, aligning with NIH's clinical trial definitions and aims to foster significant contributions to various scientific fields.

The RSA–Virginia Fox Stern Center Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for scholars to conduct intensive research at the Johns Hopkins University Sheridan Libraries. This one-month fellowship focuses on pre-1800 rare book and manuscript collections, particularly the Women of the Book Collection and the Bibliotheca Fictiva Collection. It encourages innovative research that contributes to Renaissance studies, supporting scholars across all disciplines and career levels.

The NIH Support for Conferences and Scientific Meetings (R13) provides funding for high-quality conferences that align with public health and scientific missions. Key deadlines for applications include April 12, August 12, and December 12 for the years 2024 through 2026, with specific deadlines for AIDS-related grants as well. This funding opportunity aims to foster collaboration and dissemination of important research findings in relevant fields.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is offering funding through the Engineering (ENG) program, focusing on foundational research in civil, mechanical, and manufacturing innovation. Key areas include advanced manufacturing systems, civil infrastructure, and intelligent dynamic systems. The NSF ENG encourages innovative and transformative proposals that may not require immediate commercial outcomes. Award sizes and durations will vary based on budget availability, aiming to support long-term research advancements.

The Nature Awards for Inspiring Women in Science, particularly in the Science Outreach category, honors initiatives that empower girls and young women in STEM fields. With a focus on engagement and retention, the awards aim to celebrate projects that encourage participation in natural sciences, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine. Winners will receive significant cash prizes and opportunities for mentorship, creating pathways for future generations of women in science.

The Tropf Family Scholarships, offered by the Community Foundation of Howard County, provide four scholarships worth $1,000 each to senior students at Atholton, Wilde Lake, Long Reach, and Oakland Mills High Schools. These scholarships aim to support students pursuing studies in mathematics, physical sciences, or engineering at a four-year college or university. Eligible students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and plan to study full-time at an accredited institution.

The PLTW Gateway program, supported by Lockheed Martin, offers grants for schools to implement STEM and CTE-aligned curricula. Aimed at enhancing educational access for students, it provides funding of $10,000 for the 2026-2027 academic year. Eligible schools include public and charter institutions across the U.S. This initiative, part of a long-standing partnership since 2007, addresses the critical need for future engineers and scientists, benefiting over 77,000 students through innovative coursework.