Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in Maryland

The Michael Aurbach Fellowship for Excellence in Visual Art, awarded by the College Art Association, supports artist members with an MFA or equivalent who teach studio classes. This fellowship provides a $7,500 award and conference registration to a qualifying artist, focusing on their artistic work rather than a proposal. It aims to recognize and empower visual arts professionals in academia.

Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge

The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge is a charitable organization that has served the independent cities of Staunton and Waynesboro, and the counties of Augusta, Highland and Nelson since 1992. 

The Ganelle Hargrove Cook Scholarship

The Ganelle Hargrove Cook Scholarship was established in 1999 to provide annual scholarships to deserving individuals residing in Staunton, Waynesboro, and Augusta County who are pursuing a two- or four-year degree. Preference will be given to applicants of Hispanic/Latino heritage. Scholarship recipients are eligible to re-apply annually for up to four years as long as the recipient continues to meet scholarship criteria and funds are available. The intent of the scholarship sponsor is to provide scholarships for Hispanic/Latino individuals.

Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge

The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge is a charitable organization that has served the independent cities of Staunton and Waynesboro, and the counties of Augusta, Highland and Nelson since 1992. 

Saunders Brothers, Inc. Scholarship

Saunders Brothers, Inc. is proud to be a premier supplier of superb-quality plant material for garden centers, landscapers, and public gardens throughout the Eastern United States. The Saunders family is excited to offer this scholarship opportunity to all residents of Nelson County, as well as the employees of Saunders Brothers, Inc., and their children and grandchildren.

Description

Established to provide educational scholarship assistance to high school seniors who are Nelson County residents and/or Saunders Brothers, Inc. employees and/or their family members. Candidates for the Scholarship must have demonstrated a desire and passion to pursue higher education. 

Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge

The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge is a charitable organization that has served the independent cities of Staunton and Waynesboro, and the counties of Augusta, Highland and Nelson since 1992. 

Roxanne Harsh Staufer Memorial Scholarship

Roxanne Harsh Staufer graduated from Fort Defiance High School in 1967. She attended Bridgewater College for two years before transferring to and graduating from Manchester College.

Description

The Roxanne Harsh Staufer Memorial Scholarship was established to provide funds for educational scholarships to Augusta County residents of any age, with preference given to applicants pursuing a degree in Elementary or Early Childhood Education.

Nebraska Community Foundation

Nebraska Community Foundation was established in 1994 by a group of visionaries determined to empower communities throughout the state to grow and prosper. They believed that with the right tools and resources, people could build the hometowns of their dreams.

Through philanthropy, our team helps communities develop strong local economies, high quality of life, and abundant leadership and volunteer opportunities. We empower local leaders to identify community assets, invest in their own resources, and bring about their own positive change. 

BCAFF Scholarships

The Butler County Area Foundation Fund is offering three scholarships to graduating seniors who meet individual scholarship criteria. These scholarships are the Butler County Clinic Scholarship (medical field major); Charles O. & Grace M. Stoops Scholarship in Agricultural or Environmental Studies; and Butler County Area Foundation Fund Scholarship.

Butler County Area Foundation Fund Scholarship

• Two $500 scholarships are available annually to graduating residents of Butler County.

• Applicants must be entering his or her first semester of post-secondary education at an accredited school of higher education, or an applicant may be a current year graduate or an earlier graduate resident of Butler County who may have delayed entrance into post-secondary education at an accredited school of higher education.

Washington County Community Foundation

The Washington County Community Foundation seeks to improve the quality of life in Washington County by promoting and facilitating philanthropy. We accomplish this by assuming four philanthropic roles of Grantmaker, Donor Service Organization, Fundraiser, and Community Leader. Fostering philanthropy by offering charitable gifting opportunities to donors on an individualized basis and at reasonable fees, we make charitable giving easier, more satisfying, and more effective. 

The Foundation is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation organized under the laws of Pennsylvania, which is registered with the Pennsylvania Charities Bureau and annually files the Federal Form 990.

Scholarships for Post-Secondary (Undergraduate) School

The Foundation provides both need-based and merit-based scholarships to students in Washington County, with a few scholarships also available to students in Greene County. All scholarships are made payable to the educational institution the student is attending. 

Anica D. Rawnsley Scholarship Fund

For a current year graduating senior who resides within the boundaries of any Washington County school district and plans to enroll in a certificate, associate, or bachelor's degree program. In the selection process, preference shall be given to students not receiving substantial government aid and/or who are not normally selected for other scholarships.

The Doyle O. and Lelia Jane Bateman Scholarship

The Doyle O. and Lelia Jane Bateman Scholarship, established at the Community Foundation in 2018, honors the memory of husband and wife of 46 years, Doyle and Jane Bateman. Jane worked as a successful realtor in Waynesboro for over 25 years and enjoyed giving back to her community.

The Doyle O. and Lelia Jane Bateman Scholarship will provide college scholarships to deserving students of any age, to include high school seniors (public, private, and homeschool) as well as adult students residing in Staunton, Waynesboro and Augusta County. Selection considerations for the scholarship include, but are not limited to, financial need, involvement in school and community activities, and a strong desire to succeed in school and life.

DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation

Mission – The Foundation’s mission is to broaden awareness and understanding of agriculture through outreach and education.

Scholarships

The DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture is proud to offer numerous scholarships for high school seniors and college students. Preference will be given to applicants of Farm Bureau members or their children with certain eligibility requirements.

High School Senior Scholarship

The DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation endeavors to recognize students for their academic, school and community performance while in high school. The recognition is in the form of a scholarship to the student’s college of choice. 

Senior Scholarship

The Senior Scholarship recognizes students for their academic performance, school activities, leadership, and community service. The $1,200 scholarship is available to high school seniors pursuing college degrees in any field of interest. Up to ten scholarships will be awarded.

Frazier Family Foundation

Lynn Frazier, together with his two sons, Garrett and Derrick, created The Frazier Family Foundation in 2018 with the mission to provide resources, education, and opportunities to foster on-ramps of excellence for future generations of innovators and creators.

The Frazier Family Foundation empowers young innovators and creators through grants, scholarships, and partner programs. Committed to its mission, the foundation partners with entities that make immediate, meaningful, and measurable impacts. Each year, the Frazier Family invests in initiatives that develop on-ramps of excellence at every stage of life.

Frazier Family Foundation Scholarship

The Frazier Family Foundation Scholarship is designed to provide "on-ramps of excellence" for the next generation of leaders, innovators, and thinkers in the Coastal Bend area by providing essential financial support to those with the grit and vision to succeed. Aimed at high school seniors and college students in Nueces County, this scholarship seeks to reduce the barriers to higher education and foster a community of driven individuals who are eager to push boundaries and exceed expectations. With a commitment to nurturing local talent and enhancing educational opportunities, the Frazier Family Foundation is dedicated to cultivating a legacy of empowerment and success in South Texas.

Eligible recipients can receive a scholarship up to $10,000 for tuition, books, registration, transportation, meal plan supplement, lab fees, and supplies.

Mission and Vision

The Mission of the Foundation is to improve the quality of life in the Coastal Bend by building community endowment and addressing social, educational, environmental, and cultural needs through the awarding of grants and scholarships.

The Foundation’s Vision is to provide the Coastal Bend with:

• Efficient gift options to meet donors’ charitable wishes
• Effective grants to charitable organizations and scholarships to students
• Ethical leadership to promote and enhance area philanthropy

Scholarships

The CBCF scholarship is open each year. Scholarships awarded will be for the following academic year. Scholarships are available only to students who graduated from a high school in one of the counties in the CBCF Service Area: Aransas, Bee, Jim Wells, Kleberg, Nueces, Refugio and San Patricio. Thanks to our generous donors, the Coastal Bend Community Foundation (CBCF) offers scholarships to students from over 100 funds.

Downes - Jay and Rheba Downes Memorial Scholarship

Purpose

In memory of James Ed (Jay) Downes, an Alice businessman and civic leader, and his wife, Rheba. Mr. Downes founded and served as chief executive of Energy Dynamics, an oilfield equipment and service provider in the domestic and international markets. He was named 1995 Citizen of the Year by the Alice Chamber of Commerce and is a member of its Hall of Honor. He served on the Alice Industrial Foundation Board, the Alice/Jim Wells County Transportation Committee and served as president of the Jim Wells County Master Planners Association in 1993-1994. Jay was an avid golfer and understood the value of a university education. He died unexpectedly in 2000. His wife, Rheba, passed away in 2013.

The Don Rossi Scholarship, established by the National Golf Course Owners’ Association in 1993, supports college juniors and seniors majoring in Sports Administration or related fields. This scholarship aims to foster careers in golf-related industries, encouraging students nationwide to pursue their aspirations. Funded by the Coastal Community Foundation, it reflects a commitment to education and community growth, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder talented individuals from achieving their goals.

The Rona Jaffe Foundation Fellowship supports emerging women writers with a fully funded 7-month residency at the Fine Arts Work Center. Established by the Rona Jaffe Foundation, it includes a $2,500 prize to assist with travel and living expenses. Eligible candidates must be U.S. residents, at least 18 years old, and not enrolled in a degree program during the fellowship year. This prestigious fellowship aims to nurture exceptional literary talent.

The Local President Release Grant, offered by the National Education Association, aims to support local associations by providing financial assistance for the release of local presidents. This program facilitates critical leadership work, professional development, and member engagement within the community. Eligible local associations, including those offering part-time release, can apply to enhance their capacity without compromising existing programs. The initiative ultimately strengthens the effectiveness of local associations in achieving NEA's strategic priorities.

Margaret Ford Smucker and Lloyd K. Smucker Scholarship Fund

The fund was established in memory of Margaret Ford and Lloyd K. Smucker by their son, John L. Smucker. Margaret and Lloyd Smucker lived most of their adult lives in Medina County, and Margaret Smucker taught in the Medina County public schools for many of those years. This fund provides scholarships annually to assist economically disadvantaged graduates of high schools in Medina County, Ohio to continue their education through college.

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.

Hardin County Bar Association Scholarship

The applicant must be a resident of Hardin County.

Additional documentation requirements

• An essay expressing how you are an example of a good citizen, how you exhibit a keen sense of justice and fair play in your attitude towards others, why the financial assistance is important to you and any interest you have in a legal career
• Letter of recommendation from guidance counselor or principal

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.

Brice Taylor Memorial Scholarship

The applicant must be a graduating senior from a high school in Hardin County.

Additional documentation requirements:

• A list of all athletic involvement
• A list of all extra-curricular activities
• Letter of recommendation from a coach, teacher, or sponsor

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.

Brianna Taylor Memorial Scholarship

The applicant must be a graduating senior from a high school in Hardin County.

Additional documentation requirements:

• A list of all athletic involvement
• A list of all extra-curricular activities
• Letter of recommendation from a coach, teacher, or sponsor

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.

Becca Bohannon Memorial Scholarship

The applicant must be a female graduating senior from Breckinridge, Grayson, Hardin, LaRue, Meade or Nelson County

Additional documentation requirements: An essay describing how service to others has been an important part of your growth and development.

Bucks County Foundation

Since our founding in 1979, the staff at BCF have been working closely with donors, local leaders, and nonprofit organizations to improve the quality of life in Bucks County. Our work with local charitable organizations helps to improve the health and wellbeing of children and families across the county.

Scholarships

The Bucks County Foundation is proud to support students throughout Bucks County in their pursuit of higher education and attainment of academic, trade and life skills that translate into economic self-sufficiency. Through the generosity of donors in our region, we manage over 100 scholarship distributions for a wide variety of students with diverse educational journeys.

The Robert Winters and Sydney Waskey Memorial Scholarship

Provides scholarships to students who plan to major in education at Central Bucks High Schools and Council Rock.

Bucks County Foundation

Since our founding in 1979, the staff at BCF have been working closely with donors, local leaders, and nonprofit organizations to improve the quality of life in Bucks County. Our work with local charitable organizations helps to improve the health and wellbeing of children and families across the county.

Scholarships

The Bucks County Foundation is proud to support students throughout Bucks County in their pursuit of higher education and attainment of academic, trade and life skills that translate into economic self-sufficiency. Through the generosity of donors in our region, we manage over 100 scholarship distributions for a wide variety of students with diverse educational journeys.

The David Perrine Memorial Scholarship

Provides scholarships to students graduating from Central Bucks School District. Eligibility is based on the criteria set forth by David’s family.

Kenneth B. Creasy Speech and Debate Scholarship

The scholarship was created to honor the late Kenneth B. Creasy, who died unexpectedly in June of 1992. Mr. Creasy was a former social studies teacher and speech and debate coach at Olentangy and Hayes high schools in Delaware County, Ohio.

Award Amount:

• One $5,000 scholarship for a graduating high school senior. 
• One $5,000 scholarship for a current college student.

Bucks County Foundation

Since our founding in 1979, the staff at BCF have been working closely with donors, local leaders, and nonprofit organizations to improve the quality of life in Bucks County. Our work with local charitable organizations helps to improve the health and wellbeing of children and families across the county.

Scholarships

The Bucks County Foundation is proud to support students throughout Bucks County in their pursuit of higher education and attainment of academic, trade and life skills that translate into economic self-sufficiency. Through the generosity of donors in our region, we manage over 100 scholarship distributions for a wide variety of students with diverse educational journeys.

Steven Pannepacker Memorial Scholarship (NCF)

Provides scholarships to students at Council Rock North and South High Schools who excel in academic studies and participates in extracurricular activities and community service.

Bucks County Foundation

Since our founding in 1979, the staff at BCF have been working closely with donors, local leaders, and nonprofit organizations to improve the quality of life in Bucks County. Our work with local charitable organizations helps to improve the health and wellbeing of children and families across the county.

Scholarships

The Bucks County Foundation is proud to support students throughout Bucks County in their pursuit of higher education and attainment of academic, trade and life skills that translate into economic self-sufficiency. Through the generosity of donors in our region, we manage over 100 scholarship distributions for a wide variety of students with diverse educational journeys.

Robert Winters Memorial Scholarship (NCF)

Provides scholarships to students who plan to major in education at Council Rock and Central Bucks High Schools.

Ingram-White Castle Team Member Scholarship 

The Ingram-White Castle Foundation established its scholarship in 1989 to honor founder Billy Ingram’s core belief in the importance of investment in learning and education. The scholarship may be used for any educational expenses for full-time or part-time study at any accredited public or independent college or university in the United States.

Award Amount:

• $2,500 to $3,500

Julie H. Shenk Memorial Scholarship

Award:

• One time award of $1,000.

The Security and Preparedness (SAP) Program, supported by the National Science Foundation, promotes fundamental research addressing global and national security issues. It emphasizes intellectual merit and broader impacts, encouraging projects that are methodologically sound and empirically driven. Research areas include international relations, political violence, and peace science, among others. The program also fosters undergraduate research experiences and methodological innovations, while strictly avoiding applied research.

The Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial Scholarship Fund, established in 2005, supports students from the Duluth-Superior area. Applicants are encouraged to submit essays or creative works that reflect their understanding of race relations and community service. The fund, initiated by local residents to honor the memory of three African American men lynched in 1920, awards $3,000 for one year, with school selections occurring in the spring.