Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Maryland

Manuel And Fillie Garcia Hispanic Scholarship

The Manuel & Fillie Garcia Hispanic Scholarship was established as a permanent fund of Taos Community Foundation in 2011.

The award is available to graduating seniors in Taos and western Colfax counties with preference to Hispanic students pursuing advancement of higher education. The scholarship is available to those applying to 4 year colleges and universities as well as 2 year vocational/trade schools.

The award amount will be determined at the time of committee review. This award is typically renewable for up to three years if a 2.5 GPA is maintained and all required paperwork is returned in accordance with the Scholarship Agreement.

Youth Service America

Youth Service America believes that youth, communities, and our democracy thrive when we all work together for the common good. YSA is a leading global nonprofit that activates young people, ages 5-25, to find their voice, take action, and acquire powerful civic and 21st Century skills as they solve problems facing their communities. YSA supports its activation campaigns with grants, training and resources, and recognition programs for young people and their adult champions. Youth-led projects use Awareness, Service, Advocacy, and Philanthropy (ASAP) strategies to create social and environmental change.

We Serve To Remember Grants

Projects that Engage 100 Youth Volunteers

YSA’s We Serve to Remember 9/11 Day of Service Grants are for organizations, schools, and youth changemakers ages 5-25 to lead service projects on or around September 11, 2026. Programming efforts should also honor and pay tribute to those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, their families, and those who rose in service in response to that tragedy. (We suggest starting with eleven reflections about 9/11/01 and related ideas for service or service-learning projects.)

Grantees are required to engage at least 100 youth as volunteers in planning and implementing the service activities.

What are we looking for?

• Projects must be youth-led;
• Projects must include elements to honor and pay tribute to those who lost their lives on 9/11, their families, and those who rose in service in response;
• Projects must take place on or around September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance (Friday, September 11, 2026) – between Friday, September 4 and Friday, September 18;
• Project organizers must make their best effort to recruit and engage youth volunteers who are not usually asked to serve;

Grantees are also required to provide evidence of volunteer participation and number of hours served. Approved documention includes sign in sheets, copies of pre-and-post-surveys, or reports from school attendance or volunteer management system. These documents must contain a unique identifier for each volunteer, such as the volunteer’s full first and last name, their full first name and last initial, or a volunteer/student ID number.

Reflecting on the spirit of togetherness that brought people together in the days, weeks, and months after September 11th, we are especially looking for ideas that bring together all members of the community.

The BRAIN Initiative's BBQS Program aims to revolutionize the study of brain function by facilitating high-resolution tracking of complex behaviors alongside neural activity. This transformative research opportunity seeks to develop innovative tools for minimally intrusive measurements of various biobehavioral functions while accounting for environmental variables. Emphasizing transdisciplinary collaboration, it focuses on creating new analytical frameworks that model neurobehavioral function as dynamic systems influenced by an organism's surroundings, thereby advancing our understanding of behavior at the organismal level.

The National Institutes on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) aims to support a collaborative network, the NIDCD National Human Ear Resource Network. This initiative provides essential resources for researchers focusing on auditory and vestibular disorders through the procurement and preparation of human ear tissues. The network enhances biomedical research by improving tissue preservation techniques, sharing digitized images, and offering specialized training for handling post-mortem human temporal bones.

The Joe Salek Scholarship for Theater Arts Trust, administered by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports students pursuing a degree in Theatre Arts, including acting, playwriting, and design. Open to high school seniors and college students in the USA, this scholarship requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and full-time enrollment. Renewable for up to one year, it aims to empower the next generation of theater artists by providing essential financial aid for tuition, fees, and living expenses.

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,

Terence J. Centner Agricultural and Environmental 4-H Scholarship

The Terence J. Centner Agricultural and Environmental 4-H Scholarship benefits student that participated in 4-H for a minimum of 3 years and completed an outstanding agricultural or environmental project.

This fund is established in memory of Harry E. and Mary Ellen Centner to honor their dedication and hard work on their family farm in the Town of Dunkirk and their leadership activities in the Chautauqua County 4-H Program.

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 Daniel J. Alcock Scholarship, offered by the Saginaw Community Foundation, supports students pursuing careers in trades such as welding, electrical work, and auto mechanics. With awards ranging from $500 to $4,000, eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be enrolled part- or full-time. The scholarship honors Dan Alcock's legacy, a dedicated mentor in the electrical trade, and aims to empower students to achieve their career aspirations in technical education.

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,

Matthew Hazelton Memorial Scholarship for Law Enforcement

The Matthew Hazelton Memorial Scholarship for Law Enforcement supports students in northern Chautauqua who wish to pursue a career in law enforcement or criminal justice.

The Sherry Wagner-Henry Board Fellowship, initiated by the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT), offers a unique opportunity for emerging leaders in the theatre and entertainment industry. This 12-18 month program connects Fellows with experienced board members to enhance their professional skills. Participants gain access to board resources, attend meetings, and receive support for conferences, all valued at approximately $3,000 to $3,500. Ideal for individuals with 2-5 years of experience, this Fellowship fosters growth and leadership in nonprofit governance.

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 2026 Innovation Grant by Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation aims to foster groundbreaking research in pediatric oncology. This grant provides crucial seed funding of up to $250,000 over two years to established researchers proposing innovative ideas that have the potential to significantly impact childhood cancer treatment. The program emphasizes clinical translation and encourages novel approaches that diverge from previous research directions, ensuring a focus on impactful solutions for children battling cancer.

The Charles F. and Edith E. Brunkow Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Saginaw Community Foundation, aims to support residents of Buena Vista Charter Township pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or Career and Technical Education (CTE) training. With a minimum GPA requirement of 2.0, this scholarship provides financial assistance ranging from $500 to $4,000, fostering education in skilled trades such as welding, auto mechanics, and culinary arts, which are increasingly in demand.

The NHLBI Catalyze program aims to transition basic science discoveries into effective treatments for diseases under the NHLBI mission. This initiative supports early-stage product definition, prototype design, and assay development for HLBS disorders. The R61 phase focuses on initial designs and experimental setups, while the R33 phase extends support for prototype testing and user feedback. Successful completion prepares products for in vivo testing, enhancing health and societal outcomes with NIH and other support.

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region

The Community Foundation is a devoted advocate for the vitality and well-being of the Rappahannock River Region. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages and distributes charitable giving in the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg.

Scholarships

One of The Community Foundation’s strategies for preserving and growing the quality of life in our region is supporting higher education for area students. Generous individuals and families, companies and organizations establish endowed scholarship funds and the proceeds from these funds benefit deserving students. Donors work with foundation staff to determine appropriate criteria for each fund. The Community Foundation currently administers more than fifty scholarship funds.

The Craig “Cujo, Jr.” Bennett Scholarship Fund

Established in June 2015, the Craig “Cujo, Jr.” Bennett Scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who has excelled in the face of adversity. This scholarship was established in memory of Craig Daniel Bennett, known as Cujo, Jr – a reference to his father’s flight call sign and to the way a seemingly harmless and vulnerable young person could grow into a passionate and powerful individual. Challenged by extensive multiple physical issues, he defied the negative predictions of skeptical doctors again and again. Craig sometimes encountered people who had difficulty seeing past his wheelchair to who he really was – for them he was a source of surprise and, once his dynamic personality made itself known, a source of inspiration. Craig was a goal-oriented fighter who whitewater rafted the New River and was elected Homecoming King at Bluefield College. He had dreams of walking to receive his diploma and of sky diving.

Craig wanted to be seen as “normal”. Those who knew him saw more than that, he was extraordinary.

Knowing that his life expectancy was shorter than average, Craig asked his parents to establish a scholarship in his memory. Craig Daniel was the recipient of a Bootstrap Scholarship, which is given to nominees that demonstrate the effort and will to succeed in the face of adversity. Award winners are chosen by how well they demonstrate the concept of "pulling yourself up by your bootstraps." The Craig “Cujo, Jr.” Bennett Scholarship Fund also recognizes a student who uses determination and force of will to overcome odds, to meet hardship and to succeed in achieving their dreams.

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is advancing organ transplantation outcomes through the Clinical Trials in Organ Transplantation in Children and Adults (CTOT-CA) program. This initiative supports multicenter clinical trials and mechanistic studies related to heart, lung, kidney, liver, and intestinal transplants, as well as non-hematopoietic cellular transplantation. By exploring immune mechanisms and innovative therapies, the program aims to enhance the success and efficacy of organ transplantation.

About OSAC

The Office of Student Access and Completion (OSAC) is an office of the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) committed to assisting Oregonians in their pursuit of higher education and a brighter future. Established in 1959 by the Oregon Legislature, OSAC provides innovative funding and programs to Oregon students and families.

OSAC Scholarship Program

The OSAC Scholarship Application provides current and future Oregon students one easy application to apply for multiple scholarships at one time. OSAC awards more than $10 million in scholarships annually through more than 600 scholarships. 

The Bev Sellers Memorial Scholarship, established by Sweet Adelines International, aims to support young singers pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Vocal Pedagogy, Music Education, or Music Composition. Named after a cherished former president, this scholarship provides $5,000 USD to assist with tuition and fees. Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to barbershop music, maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA, and provide letters of reference. This initiative reflects the organization's dedication to fostering musical talent and education within the community.

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) aims to support innovative research for validating therapeutic targets in Alzheimer's Disease-Related Dementias (ADRD). This initiative focuses on overcoming barriers in treatment development by ensuring well-validated targets linked to disease mechanisms. By employing a phased award mechanism, NINDS seeks to enhance the rigor of target validation, facilitating the transition from basic discoveries to clinical applications, ultimately accelerating the development of effective therapeutic strategies.

The Buena Vista Township Lions Club Scholarship, managed by the Saginaw Community Foundation, offers financial assistance to high school seniors pursuing undergraduate degrees or career and technical education. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and be residents of Buena Vista Township or Saginaw County. This scholarship ranges from $500 to $4,000, aiming to support students in skilled trades, highlighting the growing demand for workforce-ready individuals in various technical fields.

The Jay Frank Memorial Musical Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, supports students passionate about music and the music industry. With over 30 years of commitment to community enhancement, CFMT aims to foster a thriving and inclusive environment for future generations. This scholarship empowers aspiring musicians to explore their interests and develop their skills, ensuring that the rich cultural landscape of Nashville continues to thrive.

The Mary Beth Williams Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, honors the life of Mary Beth Williams, who tragically passed away in 1997. This scholarship supports students from Rappahannock County with a minimum GPA of 2.5, demonstrating financial need, and pursuing higher education in agriculture or related fields. Award amounts vary, reflecting the foundation's commitment to fostering educational opportunities in the community.

The Turner Family Scholarship Fund, established by Cal Turner Sr. in 1999, supports Dollar General employees and their children in their pursuit of education. This initiative reflects the Turner family's commitment to personal development and community support, fostering a culture of growth and opportunity. With over 30 years of impactful philanthropy, the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee champions this scholarship to enhance educational access, empowering individuals to thrive in their chosen fields.

Society of Toxicology

Founded in 1961, the Society of Toxicology (SOT) is a professional and scholarly organization of scientists from academic institutions, government, and industry representing the great variety of scientists who practice toxicology in the US and abroad. The Society’s mission is to create a safer and healthier world by advancing the science and increasing the impact of toxicology. SOT operates under four guiding principles:

• Serving the needs of the scientific discipline and our members to enhance human, animal, and environmental health.
• Life-long learning and intellectual scientific stimulation.
• Diversity of representation in all activities of the Society.
• Integrity.

MDCPSS Lifetime Career Achievement Award

Description

The MDCPSS Lifetime Career Achievement Award honors a senior investigator whose body of work represents an outstanding and sustained contribution to the field of toxicology as it relates to medical devices and/or combination products.

This award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated scientific excellence, leadership, mentorship, and influence in advancing the safety evaluation, regulatory science, and innovation in this specialized area of toxicology.

Nominations of candidates not selected will be considered for up to two additional years, unless withdrawn by the sponsor.

Award Recognition

The awardee will receive a plaque and will be recognized at the MDCPSS Reception during the SOT Annual Meeting.

The Quad City Regional Auto Show Scholarships support local students pursuing higher education. Established by the Quad City Regional Auto Show, these scholarships are available to individuals employed at auto dealerships in the Quad Cities area or their children. With multiple awards up to $5,000 each, this initiative aims to ease the financial burden of college expenses. The program emphasizes community involvement and academic achievement, encouraging students to engage in extracurricular activities.

The African-American Community Foundation - Major John F. Harris, Jr., Memorial Scholarship aims to support JROTC graduates from Dayton Public Schools in pursuing higher education. Established by The Dayton Foundation, it honors Major John Harris, Jr., a dedicated instructor who inspired students to achieve independence. Eligible applicants must demonstrate leadership and be accepted into accredited educational institutions. This scholarship reflects the Foundation's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and empowering youth in the Greater Dayton area.

The Adapted PE/Activity Program of the Year Award recognizes outstanding community-based initiatives aimed at enhancing the physical capabilities of individuals with disabilities. Organized by SHAPE America, this award highlights programs that provide inclusive physical education and recreational opportunities, ensuring that all participants can engage in healthy, active lifestyles. By showcasing best practices, the award promotes innovation and advocacy for individuals with disabilities, fostering an environment of inclusion and support in physical activity.