Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Michigan

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. 

Kenny W. Rodeffer Scholarship

Established by the Rockingham Feeder Cattle Association, this scholarship honors the memory of Kenny Rodeffer, a Virginia Department of Agriculture Livestock Grader and farmer in Bridgewater, VA who was an avid supporter of improved livestock production and agriculture.

Description

The Kenny W. Rodeffer Scholarship supports graduating high school seniors from the counties of Augusta, Highland, Rockbridge, and Rockingham, who are pursuing a two- or four-year degree in an agricultural related field.

Selection Criteria Used by the Selection Committee

• Academic/scholastic achievement
• Involvement in agricultural youth programs such as 4-H clubs and FFA chapters
• Other extracurricular activities

Fishburn Family Scholarship Fund

The fund was formed with funds donated to the Karen Fishburn Memorial Fund after her passing in September 2013. Karen’s dedication to numerous Morrow County organizations and countless hours of volunteer work for organizations such as the Red Cross, Key Ministries, Morrow County Association of Business Women, Morrow Country Board of Elections, and Marengo United Methodist Church, resulted in an unprecedented community outpouring at her calling hours. Annual scholarships are the Fishburn family’s way of honoring Karen for many years to come.

Award Amount:

• Minimum $2,000

Genevieve Griffith Scholarship

The scholarship was established by Mildred Griffith in memory of her sister Genevieve Griffith, the girls' principal at Central High School in Ohio for many years. To be eligible, students must reside in the area served by Central High School when it closed in 1982, with Briggs, East, and South high schools each awarding one scholarship.

Award Amount:

• One $1,200 scholarship for each of the three named high schools.

The BRAIN Initiative seeks innovative proposals for preclinical proof of concept studies on novel recording and modulation technologies aimed at diagnosing and treating central nervous system (CNS) disorders. This initiative supports diverse, multidisciplinary teams to enhance our understanding of the human CNS and prepare technologies for first-in-human studies. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time, with optional Letters of Intent encouraged 60 days prior to the proposal deadline.

About

Who We Are

For over 25 years, the Wichita Falls Area Community Foundation has remained committed to leaving a legacy for future generations by promoting philanthropy, providing charitable opportunities, and facilitating donors’ interests. You can trust us to offer expertise in local nonprofit needs and best practices for charitable giving while ensuring your giving goals are met.

Scholarship Opportunities

Richard Gaines Russell Memorial Scholarship

The Richard Gaines Russell Memorial Scholarship was created in 2011 to honor the memory of Richard, who passed on July 22, 2011. He was 49 years old and led a 17-person software development team for Microsoft. He built his first computer from a kit at age 14. Richard attended college at ACU and graduated from MSU. He majored in Engineering Physics at Abilene Christian University from 1980-1982 and in Computer Science at Midwestern State University, graduating in May of 1989.

The Wilhelm Family Foundation Grants aim to enhance access to artistic resources by funding diverse nonprofit arts organizations. Prioritizing projects that engage with environmental and climate issues, the foundation seeks to support creative expression and collaboration in underserved communities. Emphasizing equality and sustainability, it fosters artistic practices that empower individuals and promote cultural dialogue. Grants are typically awarded to small organizations, focusing on community engagement and longevity in the arts sector.

Parkview Health Foundation

The Parkview Health Foundation plays a vital role in supporting Parkview Health and its ability to provide expert, specialized healthcare to our entire region. As the area’s largest health system, Parkview Health serves a population of more than 1.3 million in northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio.

Since 1878, charitable giving has been an important part of Parkview’s ability to deliver excellent care for every person, every day. The Parkview Health Foundation helps ensure philanthropic donations are used to support Parkview patients and the community at large by enhancing the patient experience through comfort and healing.

Scholarships

Helping train and educate the next generation of Parkview caregivers is an important part of our purpose. Through the generosity of donors, we are able to offer scholarships to Parkview co-workers and area students who are pursuing their nursing degrees or EMT certifications — helping ensure the excellence in care continues.

Karen Denney Nursing Scholarship

Karen Denney was a caring and compassionate nurse, who dedicated her 35-year career to patients at McCray Hospital and Parkview Noble Hospital. During her career, Karen was the manager of the OB department for over 25 years, an infection control and employee health nurse, and worked in a number of other departments. She was an inspiration to many who worked with her, demonstrating an uncommon love for nursing and the patients she treated.

About ASTS

The American Society of Transplant Surgeons (ASTS) was founded in 1974 by 127 surgeons to unite the professionals who were advancing the fledgling field of organ transplantation.

From this small group of dedicated individuals, we have grown to represent over 2,000 transplant professionals who are dedicated to saving and improving lives through the transformative power of organ donation and transplant surgery. 

Mission Statement

ASTS advances the art and science of transplant surgery through patient care, research, education, and advocacy.

ASTS-TransMedics Perfusion Faculty Grant

ASTS continues its commitment to provide qualified ASTS Members with research funding in the field of organ transplantation.

This research grant is intended to further explore the use of portable normothermic machine perfusion and its ability to 1) predict organ allograft function, outcomes and impact of reduced ischemia/reperfusion injury 2) increase of DBD and DCD donor organ utilization for transplantation, 3) rehabilitate organs that would otherwise be discarded, 4) increase access to organ transplantation, 5) revisiting historical functional warm ischemic limits in the new era of portable normothermic perfusion, and 6) be a platform for targeted therapeutic interventions during perfusion. Competitive applications for this grant could include, but are not limited to, investigations into biomarkers predicting post-transplant function, minimization of ischemia/reperfusion injury, elucidating the mechanisms of organ recovery during perfusion, optimizing and customizing perfusion protocols, understanding and overcoming barriers to utilization, and developing new applications of portable normothermic machine perfusion to solid organ transplantation.

 Funding includes in-kind support as needed.

Other Requirements

• The Awardee must attend the ASTS Grant Ceremony at the American Transplant Congress (ATC) to formally accept the grant.
• An abstract must be submitted for presentation at an ATC or ASTS Winter Symposium during the grant period or within 6 months of completion.
• A mid-report to the ASTS National Office must be submitted in the spring of the first year.
• A final report to the ASTS National Office must be submitted in the spring of the last year of funding.
• Awardee will be expected to present a brief review of the research progress supported by the grant at a future ASTS Winter Symposium

About The NRA Foundation

The heart of The NRA Foundation’s mission is preserving the core of our American values and traditions in our steadfast effort to Teach Freedom.

The NRA Foundation Supports Freedom, Family, and the Future of the Shooting Sports

Established in 1990, The NRA Foundation, Inc. (“NRA Foundation”) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that raises tax-deductible contributions in support of a wide range of firearm-related public interest activities of the National Rifle Association of America and other organizations that defend and foster the Second Amendment rights of all law-abiding Americans.

The heart of The NRA Foundation’s mission is preserving the core of our American values and traditions in our steadfast effort to Teach Freedom.

Established in 1990, The NRA Foundation, Inc. (“NRA Foundation”) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that raises tax-deductible contributions in support of a wide range of firearm-related public interest activities of the National Rifle Association of America and other organizations that defend and foster the Second Amendment rights of all law-abiding Americans. These activities are designed to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those participating in the shooting sports, and to educate the general public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context. Funds granted by The NRA Foundation benefit a variety of constituencies throughout the United States including children, youth, women, individuals with physical disabilities, gun collectors, law enforcement officers, hunters and competitive shooters.

Awards

The NRA is proud to recognize the contributions of those who have demonstrated dedication to the promotion of the Second Amendment, significantly impacted the preservation of the shooting sports, advanced the purposes and goals of the NRA and exemplified leadership through public service. Each year, women, youth, clubs, law enforcement officers and NRA Foundation volunteers are awarded for their efforts in pursuit of these principles.

NRA Outstanding Achievement Youth Award

The NRA Outstanding Achievement Youth Award encourages and recognizes those junior shooting sports participants who take an active part in their community and shooting sports through individual contributions, educational pursuits, and accomplishments.

The award is designed to promote a greater appreciation of the programs the NRA has to offer and to increase awareness of the shooting sports activities in which youth can participate. 

Once a participant meets the requirements, he or she will be eligible for our National prizes. Our National award winners will receive:

• 1st place - $5,000 
• 2nd place - $3,000
• 3rd place - $2,000

About The NRA Foundation

The heart of The NRA Foundation’s mission is preserving the core of our American values and traditions in our steadfast effort to Teach Freedom.

The NRA Foundation Supports Freedom, Family, and the Future of the Shooting Sports

Established in 1990, The NRA Foundation, Inc. (“NRA Foundation”) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that raises tax-deductible contributions in support of a wide range of firearm-related public interest activities of the National Rifle Association of America and other organizations that defend and foster the Second Amendment rights of all law-abiding Americans.

The heart of The NRA Foundation’s mission is preserving the core of our American values and traditions in our steadfast effort to Teach Freedom.

Established in 1990, The NRA Foundation, Inc. (“NRA Foundation”) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that raises tax-deductible contributions in support of a wide range of firearm-related public interest activities of the National Rifle Association of America and other organizations that defend and foster the Second Amendment rights of all law-abiding Americans. These activities are designed to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those participating in the shooting sports, and to educate the general public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context. Funds granted by The NRA Foundation benefit a variety of constituencies throughout the United States including children, youth, women, individuals with physical disabilities, gun collectors, law enforcement officers, hunters and competitive shooters.

The Annual NRA Club Awards Program

Each year the National Rifle Association recognizes outstanding clubs, state associations, youth clubs and an individual or organization for public service. The Annual Awards program recognizes significant accomplishments achieved in areas of organization, operation and public service rendered.

Outstanding State Association Awards

The Outstanding Youth Club Award is presented in honor of a State Association's effectiveness in carrying out the purpose and objectives of the National Rifle Association in the State or Territory for which the State Association is organized.

All Club Award recipients receive:

• A free range evaluation from an NRA Range Team Advisor
• A free year of club membership
• $1,000 award

About The NRA Foundation

The heart of The NRA Foundation’s mission is preserving the core of our American values and traditions in our steadfast effort to Teach Freedom.

The NRA Foundation Supports Freedom, Family, and the Future of the Shooting Sports

Established in 1990, The NRA Foundation, Inc. (“NRA Foundation”) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that raises tax-deductible contributions in support of a wide range of firearm-related public interest activities of the National Rifle Association of America and other organizations that defend and foster the Second Amendment rights of all law-abiding Americans.

The heart of The NRA Foundation’s mission is preserving the core of our American values and traditions in our steadfast effort to Teach Freedom.

Established in 1990, The NRA Foundation, Inc. (“NRA Foundation”) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that raises tax-deductible contributions in support of a wide range of firearm-related public interest activities of the National Rifle Association of America and other organizations that defend and foster the Second Amendment rights of all law-abiding Americans. These activities are designed to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those participating in the shooting sports, and to educate the general public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context. Funds granted by The NRA Foundation benefit a variety of constituencies throughout the United States including children, youth, women, individuals with physical disabilities, gun collectors, law enforcement officers, hunters and competitive shooters.

The Annual NRA Club Awards Program

Each year the National Rifle Association recognizes outstanding clubs, state associations, youth clubs and an individual or organization for public service. The Annual Awards program recognizes significant accomplishments achieved in areas of organization, operation and public service rendered. 

Outstanding Club Awards

The Outstanding Club Award is presented to the club that has demonstrated noteworthy achievement in all aspects of club operation. 

All Club Award recipients receive:

• A free range evaluation from an NRA Range Team Advisor
• A free year of club membership
• $1,000 award

About The NRA Foundation

The heart of The NRA Foundation’s mission is preserving the core of our American values and traditions in our steadfast effort to Teach Freedom.

The NRA Foundation Supports Freedom, Family, and the Future of the Shooting Sports

Established in 1990, The NRA Foundation, Inc. (“NRA Foundation”) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that raises tax-deductible contributions in support of a wide range of firearm-related public interest activities of the National Rifle Association of America and other organizations that defend and foster the Second Amendment rights of all law-abiding Americans.

The heart of The NRA Foundation’s mission is preserving the core of our American values and traditions in our steadfast effort to Teach Freedom.

Established in 1990, The NRA Foundation, Inc. (“NRA Foundation”) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that raises tax-deductible contributions in support of a wide range of firearm-related public interest activities of the National Rifle Association of America and other organizations that defend and foster the Second Amendment rights of all law-abiding Americans. These activities are designed to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those participating in the shooting sports, and to educate the general public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context. Funds granted by The NRA Foundation benefit a variety of constituencies throughout the United States including children, youth, women, individuals with physical disabilities, gun collectors, law enforcement officers, hunters and competitive shooters.

The Annual NRA Club Awards Program

Each year the National Rifle Association recognizes outstanding clubs, state associations, youth clubs and an individual or organization for public service. The Annual Awards program recognizes significant accomplishments achieved in areas of organization, operation and public service rendered.

Outstanding Youth Club Awards

The Outstanding Youth Club Award is presented to the club that has demonstrated noteworthy achievement in all aspects of club operation.

All Club Award recipients receive:

• A free range evaluation from an NRA Range Team Advisor
• A free year of club membership
• $1,000 award

Community Foundation: Central Blue Ridge

Proudly serving the independent cities of Staunton and Waynesboro and the counties of Augusta, Highland, and Nelson in Virginia.

Our Mission

To enrich the quality of life by responding to needs and inspiring philanthropy in our community.

Dr. Eric W. Bond Scholarship

About the Scholarship

The Dr. Eric W. Bond Scholarship Program was established by colleagues, the Augusta County School Board, and the Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge, to honor Dr. Eric W. Bond’s leadership and service to Augusta County Public Schools. In December 2025, Dr. Bond was surprised with the announcement during a School Board meeting — a testament to the deep respect and gratitude felt across the division.

The inaugural 2026 scholarship year will recognize three graduating seniors at each of the five Augusta County public high schools — a division-wide tribute to his dedication to students and families. The scholarship supports students who demonstrate financial need, meaningful service to their communities, and active participation in extracurricular activities — values long championed by Dr. Bond.

The program recognizes that success after high school takes many forms. In 2026, three scholarships will be awarded at each Augusta County public high school.

The Dr. Eric W. Bond Community College Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge, honors Dr. Bond's dedication to education in Augusta County. This scholarship supports three graduating seniors from each public high school who demonstrate financial need, community service, and extracurricular involvement. By recognizing diverse pathways to success, the program aims to inspire future leaders and foster community engagement among students pursuing higher education.

Twylla and Lloyd Fisher Scholarship for Small, Private Colleges

The scholarship was founded by Lloyd Edison Fisher, Jr. and his wife of 47 years, Twylla Peterson Fisher. Lloyd was born on October 23, 1923 in Medina, OH, and was awarded a Stadium Cooperative Scholarship at The Ohio State University (OSU), but his college years were interrupted by World War II. He served in the United States Army, attaining the rank of staff sergeant and engaged in combat in Europe, followed by occupation duty in Japan.

He returned to OSU to complete his undergraduate degree and graduated summa cum laude from The Ohio State University College of Law, where he was editor-in-chief of its law review publication. Lloyd began his legal career with Ohio’s Department of Taxation, before electing to become a trust officer with the Huntington National Bank. He subsequently joined the Columbus law firm then known as Alexander, Wenger, & Holschuh; which later merged with Porter Wright Morris & Arthur. After practicing law for nearly 63 years, Lloyd retired from the firm. Lloyd was an active member of Maple Grove United Methodist Church and was instrumental in establishing a robust pension program for retired clergy.

Award Amount:

• $2,400

Robert Jordan Memorial Scholarship

Robert Jordan attended Mifflin High School, joined the military upon graduation, loved to drive, hard worker, fun-loving, well respected, a leader. Married to Donna, father of four, grandfather of six.

Award Amount:

• $1,000

Twylla and Lloyd Fisher Scholarship

The scholarship was founded by Lloyd Edison Fisher, Jr. and his wife of 47 years, Twylla Peterson Fisher. Lloyd was born on October 23, 1923 in Medina, OH, and was awarded a Stadium Cooperative Scholarship at The Ohio State University (OSU), but his college years were interrupted by World War II. He served in the United States Army, attaining the rank of staff sergeant and engaged in combat in Europe, followed by occupation duty in Japan.

He returned to OSU to complete his undergraduate degree and graduated summa cum laude from The Ohio State University College of Law, where he was editor-in-chief of its law review publication. Lloyd began his legal career with Ohio’s Department of Taxation, before electing to become a trust officer with the Huntington National Bank. He subsequently joined the Columbus law firm then known as Alexander, Wenger, & Holschuh; which later merged with Porter Wright Morris & Arthur. After practicing law for nearly 63 years, Lloyd retired from the firm. Lloyd was an active member of Maple Grove United Methodist Church and was instrumental in establishing a robust pension program for retired clergy.

Award Amount:

• Minimum $500

The Open Door Scholarship

This fund was created by a donor family who believes that education is the cornerstone to a life of opportunity, security, choice, and continued growth. The aim of the Open Door Scholarship is to do just that – help open the door to driven, hardworking students who share the donor family’s belief in the power of education and who seek to use that education to thrive.

Award Amount:

$10,000 payable over four years at $2,500 per year

The Yip Harburg Foundation Grant supports projects that promote economic and social justice through grants and scholarships. This foundation honors the legacy of E.Y. "Yip" Harburg by funding theater programs that convey socially responsible messages. Grants range from $500 to $5,000 and are available to registered 501c3 organizations. Applications are reviewed quarterly, so interested parties should ensure their projects align with the foundation's mission.

The Granger Foundation, established in 1978, is dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Greater Lansing, Michigan area. Focused on Christ-centered activities, the foundation prioritizes support for youth and community initiatives. While it considers various organizations for funding, it typically limits its grants to the Tri-County area and does not fund endowments, fundraising events, or individual requests. Its mission reflects a commitment to meaningful community impact.

The Sociological Initiatives Foundation Grant supports research linking social action to addressing systemic inequalities in the U.S., funding projects that tackle racism, classism, and human rights violations. It prioritizes initiatives that foster partnerships between academia and community organizations, aiming to enhance advocacy and public knowledge. Grants typically range from $15 to $25,000, emphasizing research with tangible community impacts rather than mere reporting. The Foundation seeks projects that can fundamentally change societal structures and improve equity.

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.

College Students Scholarships 

The DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation endeavors to recognize students for their academic, school and community performance while in college. The recognition is in the form of a scholarship to the student’s school of choice. The scholarship award will be sent directly to the recipient’s school to be applied toward college costs. 

Russell & Berni Schelkopf Ag Scholarship

The Schelkopf family created this scholarship in 2022 to honor their parents, Russell and Berni, and their contributions to the agricultural industry. This scholarship is designed for a college student majoring in an ag-related field of study. One, $2,000 scholarship will be awarded annually to a sophomore, junior or senior in college.

The NEA Envision Equity Grants empower educators to implement innovative projects that foster cultural understanding, anti-racism, and civic engagement among students. With funding of up to $5,000, these grants support diverse educational initiatives over a 12-month period. Eligible applicants include NEA members, and funds can be allocated for resources, materials, and professional development aimed at enhancing student learning experiences. Projects that prioritize critical thinking and collaboration are particularly encouraged.

The Ethel Zwiebel Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of the North State, supports Shasta County students majoring in music who demonstrate financial need. This award is open to graduating high school seniors and Shasta College students completing their two-year music program. By fostering educational goals, this scholarship aims to empower young musicians to pursue their passion for music in higher education.

The WMU Community College Honors Award offers a $5,000 scholarship ($2,500 per year for two years) to exceptional domestic students transferring from community colleges. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50 and at least 24 completed credit hours. This highly competitive scholarship does not require an additional application for consideration, making it accessible for eligible students aiming to further their education at Western Michigan University.

The Institutional Translational Research Training Program (T32) aims to prepare trainees for advancing basic research into clinical applications. This program focuses on developing essential skills in experimental design, statistical analysis, and effective science communication. Participants, including advanced predoctoral students and postdoctoral fellows, will engage in a two-year training program that fosters collaboration among neuroscientists and clinicians, ultimately equipping them to tackle basic research challenges and translate discoveries into viable therapies.

About Us

Who We Are

The Wayne County Community Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) community organization that works to strengthen the community we all share by helping donors make a lasting difference with their philanthropic endeavors – connecting their dreams and passions with causes that matter.

Established in 1978 with a single gift of $1,000, WCCF has become the steward of over 620 separate funds created from bequests and gifts, each with their own philanthropic purpose to support the future of our community now – and for many years to come.

The mission of Wayne County Community Foundation is to provide philanthropic leadership to our community.

Roy S. Bates Scholarship

Roy S. Bates (1916-2004)

Roy Bates was born August 28, 1916, in a farmhouse in Chester Township, Wayne County, Ohio. A breach baby, Roy’s arms and legs were broken during delivery; miraculously, the baby survived and the only permanent impairment was a crooked right arm that couldn’t be raised above the shoulder. Roy was a bright, precocious child who entered Chester High School at age 13 where he played on the varsity basketball and baseball teams and graduated as valedictorian of the Class of 1933.

Bates attended the College of Wooster where he was an outstanding intramural basketball and baseball player. After graduating from Wooster in 1937, Roy accepted a position teaching social studies at Chester High School. He was appointed Chester’s basketball coach in 1938, and he became the baseball coach in 1942. When Chester became a part of Northwestern High School in 1951, Bates was appointed basketball and baseball coach at the new school. When his coaching career ended in 1967, his varsity coaching record stood at 475-52 in baseball and 441-84 in basketball. Bates was the first coach in Ohio history to win state championships in both baseball (1959) and basketball (1965, and he was the first coach to be elected to both the Ohio Coaches Baseball and Basketball Halls of Fame.

A world traveler, Bates led eight senior class trips, 12 basketball team trips and about 40 National Education Association trips to every continent except Antarctica. From 1948 to 2001, Bates conducted more than 14,500 sports shows on Wooster Radio. He also officiated basketball, baseball, and softball games for more than 30 years.

After Bates retired from Northwestern in 1977, he assisted with college basketball programs at Indiana University, Cornell University, the University of Colorado, and the College of Wooster. Through his personal investments, he established the Roy S. Bates Scholarship Fund at Wayne County Community Foundation to help student athletes pursue their dreams of higher education.