Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in Michigan

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences Special Student Scholarship at Harvard supports Bachelor of Liberal Arts candidates who are admitted as Special Students. This scholarship, awarded by the Extension School, covers tuition for one undergraduate course per term, provided it aligns with the student's field of study and isn't available in the Extension School curriculum. Recipients are selected based on financial need and academic merit, requiring a minimum GPA of 3.33.

The Columbus Foundation

In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Mary Siberell Rader Scholarship

This scholarship was established to provide awards to deserving students from Ross County, Ohio, or surrounding counties, who are pursuing post-secondary academic or vocational training to allow themselves to become self-sustaining.

The AGA Research Scholar Award offers $100,000 per year for three years to early-career faculty in digestive disease research. Applicants must hold an MD or PhD and be in a full-time faculty position in North America. The award fosters scientific independence by requiring a minimum of 50% research effort. AGA membership is mandatory, and applicants are encouraged to self-assign their proposals to specific research categories. This award aims to support promising junior researchers in their pursuit of independent research careers.

The Federal Pell Grant provides financial assistance to undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. Administered by the U.S. Department of Education, eligibility is determined through the FAFSA application. Award amounts vary based on the student's financial situation and enrollment status, with a maximum duration of six years of full-time enrollment. This grant aims to make higher education accessible to all qualified individuals, facilitating lifelong learning opportunities.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. Scholarship award amounts range from $1,000 - $5,000 for a single year.

The Don Carano Legacy Scholarship

The Don Carano Legacy Scholarship was established to provide support for dependents of Caesars Entertainment Team Members who are a graduating high school senior or who are enrolled in a college or advanced learning program. The qualifying Team Member must be a Management Grade 14 or below, have minimum two (2) years of full-time service with the company, and be in good standing with no written discipline at the time of application.

Awards will be a fixed amount of $5,000; recipients may reapply for up to three (3) additional years. Scholarship awards will be distributed to any college, university, trade school, or degree-granting program for the student's benefit upon confirmation of enrollment, and upon completing and signing a scholarship acceptance agreement.

The David Roy Kovacs Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, supports local high school graduates from New Britain who plan to pursue further education at community colleges, trade schools, or vocational schools. This scholarship emphasizes financial need as determined by the FAFSA and is intended to help students acquire the skills necessary for career success and economic independence, fostering a brighter future for the community.

The Chevron Changing the Face of Golf Scholarship, awarded by the LPGA Foundation, aims to empower female high school seniors from minority backgrounds pursuing STEM studies. Established in 2022, this scholarship promotes diversity in golf and education, honoring Dinah Shore's legacy. By supporting young women, the LPGA Foundation continues its mission to change the face of golf and provide educational opportunities, enhancing representation in both golf and STEM fields.

KKR Charitable Donations supports impactful collaborations and programs addressing current needs while paving the way for future progress. Through their Corporate Citizenship program, KKR focuses on philanthropy, employee engagement, and sustainable community initiatives. The KKR Cares initiative enables employees to engage with communities worldwide via matching gifts, board service, and volunteer opportunities, aiming to enhance economic opportunity and security for underserved populations.

The LaMantia Family Scholarship, offered by the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF), aims to support outstanding Italian American students pursuing studies in computer science or STEM fields. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher and hold an active NIAF membership, which can be obtained through a parent or grandparent. This scholarship promotes the importance of Italian heritage while encouraging academic excellence in the next generation of leaders.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Coach Dave Gray Scholarship Fund

The Coach Dave Gray Scholarship Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships for students who plan on pursing post-secondary education. This scholarship fund was established by John and Shana Mackie in 2017 with funds raised through their 2017 “Party for a Purpose”, an annual party for their friends and family with the goal of raising awareness for a different worthy local ministry or cause each year. John and Shana named the fund in honor of Coach Dave Gray who has dedicated his career to working with youth in Western Pennsylvania. Through his classes, camps, training and other activities, Coach Dave impacts the lives of thousands of kids in a positive way. Dave’s programs instill confidence, self-esteem, promote a healthy, active lifestyle and are fun for kids. This scholarship fund will honor Coach Dave’s commitment to the community and help benefit students from Western Pennsylvania for years to come.

Award Type: Single-Year Award

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 Scholarship for Families Impacted by Cancer

• 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)
• A cancer patient or survivor; or a sibling or child of a cancer patient, survivor, or victim

EverGreen Dreams

“Empowering young Black women to achieve educational excellence and unlock their limitless potential.”

Today, EverGreen Dreams is a community rooted in hope, equity, and empowerment. Our work centers on providing the resources, mentorship, and opportunities Black women need to thrive. We believe education is more than a pathway to success—it’s a tool for liberation and a foundation for transformation. By investing in the education and development of Black women, we’re dismantling systemic barriers and planting seeds of possibility that will grow for generations.

Building Opportunities for Sistas to Shine (B.O.S.S.) Scholarship

Introduction

Black women navigate systemic barriers in education and the workplace every day. EverGreen Dreams exists to change that narrative. As an organization founded by a Black woman and championed by advocates deeply rooted in our communities, we're committed to creating pathways to success for the next generation of Black female scholars. Through the Building Opportunities for Sistas to Shine (B.O.S.S.) Scholarship, we provide financial support to two graduating high school seniors, awarding each at least $1,000 to help them pursue their educational dreams with one less obstacle in their way.

Description

The Building Opportunities for Sistas to Shine Scholarship (B.O.S.S.) aims to make racial equality a reality by helping outstanding Black cis or transgendered women high school students achieve their dreams to continue their education. 

Our Mission

The Mission of the Environmental Education Foundation is to award educational scholarships and grants to area students and schools for environmental-centered studies and to promote environmental awareness to all ages of the Geneva Lake area.

Thomas E. Reynolds (TER) Foundation Scholarship

The scholarship was established to support the college education of students who are pursing a career goal related to the conservation or protection of the environment.​ Financial need will be considered if all other criteria are met.

Annual renewal requires that the student stay in touch with the EEF, provide term grade point averages, any change in his/her college program or professional goals, and maintain a 3.0 grade point average while actively working toward an appropriate degree.

Enhancing the Flavor of Plant-based & Fermentation-derived Proteins

As global demand for protein continues to rise, this funding opportunity can help diversify protein sources, strengthen the sustainability of food and agriculture supply chains and contribute to a safer, more resilient global food system. Improving the functionality and flavor of plant-based and fermentation-derived proteins can increase consumer acceptance, open new markets for crops, create value-added opportunities for farmers and processors, enhance farmland health and support economic growth.

To drive such innovation the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) and the Good Food Institute (GFI) have joined forces to support plant-based and fermentation-enabled protein ingredient optimization.

The long-term success of plant-based and fermentation-enabled protein foods depends not only on sustainability and cost but also on their ability to deliver a compelling eating experience. By advancing research in ingredient design, enrichment methods and formulation strategies, we can accelerate progress toward high-protein foods that meet or exceed consumer sensory expectations.

Flavor, inclusive of both taste and aroma, remains a critical barrier to consumer acceptance. While early innovation has made progress, many products on the market still face challenges with off-flavors or insufficient desirable flavors. Improving flavor emerged as a key recommendation from the joint FFAR-GFI global call for ideas and workshop, summarized in The Priorities for Plant-based and Fermentation-enabled Protein Ingredient Optimization Convening report.

WindSwell Foundation: Scholarship- Additional Licensing

Managed by the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne, this scholarship opportunity is for up to $2,500 per year for any Special Educator seeking additional licensing.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) invites applications for clinical trials and ancillary studies within its funded research networks. This program supports multi-center trials, emphasizing collaborations and responsive projects. The UG3/UH3 cooperative agreement will fund an initial 2-year planning phase, with a potential 5-year implementation phase. This notice is to prepare applicants for future submissions, as applications are currently not being solicited. Prioritization will be given to studies aligned with network capabilities.

The scholarships we award vary each year based on the unique criteria of each scholarship. In 2025, we awarded over $3 million in scholarships to over 500 students, including $1.3 million to 110 students in western NC through our Disaster Relief and Resilience Scholarship.

Depending on the scholarship, it may pay for tuition, room and board, books, fees and/or other related educational expenses. 

Fred M. Parrish, Jr. Scholarship Endowment Fund

Graduating high school seniors from public high schools in Johnston County who are continuing their studies at an accredited college, university, community college or technical school. The Scholarship committee shall have the power to make recommendations to the Foundation as to deserving individual recipients and appropriate scholarship amounts, based on academic performance and on financial need.

This will be outlined in your award notification. The minimum scholarship award amount is $1,000.

NCCF scholarship awards are only issued to not-for-profit institutions and government entities such as public colleges or universities.

The FACF Community Grants for Poverty Reduction aim to enhance social and economic mobility for households below the ALICE threshold. The grants encourage initiatives that address basic needs, strengthen family well-being, develop essential skills, build social networks, and support self-sufficiency. By focusing on these areas, the program seeks to empower individuals and families to rise above poverty and achieve greater stability and dignity.

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 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 LPGA Foundation

The LPGA Foundation supports women and young people through programs and initiatives aimed at empowering them through the game of golf. Since its founding, The LPGA Foundation has touched more than 500,000 lives through various scholarship and financial assistance programs, along with its flagship junior golf program, LPGA*USGA Girls Golf. The LPGA Foundation was established in 1991 and is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization, which supports junior golf programs, scholarships, and financial assistance programs for women and young ladies.

Dolores Hope Financial Assistance Initiative

The LPGA Foundation has a tradition of taking care of its members and others in the golf industry. The Financial Assistance Fund was renamed the Dolores Hope LPGA Financial Assistance Initiative in 2007 to acknowledge Hope’s generous support of the fund and her long-time friendship with the LPGA.

The Gamma Rho Boule Education Scholarship, offered by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, supports African American male students graduating from high schools in Washtenaw County. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and plan to attend college or university. With over $650,000 awarded across various scholarship funds, this initiative reflects a commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for local youth.

The Generation of Environmental Leaders Program (GELP) invites youth aged 18-35 from Canada, Mexico, and the United States to propose innovative solutions to environmental challenges. This initiative not only empowers young leaders through mentorship and networking but also provides seed funding to support impactful projects. By encouraging collaboration and sustainable practices, GELP aims to foster long-term benefits for communities and the environment, ultimately preserving shared natural resources.

The Charles D. McArthur Memorial Scholarship recognizes outstanding third and fourth-year students in accredited respiratory therapy programs. Funded by the American Respiratory Care Foundation, this award honors Charlie McArthur's legacy as a dedicated educator in respiratory care. Recipients may receive up to $1,000, including a certificate, travel, and registration for AARC Congress. Preference is given to Native American students or those from Minnesota, fostering diversity in the field of respiratory therapy.

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 Kennedy Fellowships and Presidential Scholarships at Harvard Kennedy School provide opportunities for both U.S. and international students who demonstrate exceptional academic ability and professional distinction. These scholarships are awarded based on merit and financial need, ensuring support for diverse applicants. The school is committed to improving public policy and leadership, making a significant impact on societal challenges. Apply for these prestigious awards after completing your admission application.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Comptaro, Elden, Lewis Combined Scholarship Funds

The William C. Comptaro Educational Fund, the Laura E. Elden Educational Trust and the Frances L. Lewis Memorial Scholarship Fund were created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships to graduating high school seniors who are residents of Allegheny County, PA planning on pursuing post-secondary education.

Award Type: Single Year Award