Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Michigan

Community Foundation for Muskegon County

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.

Scholarships

Our scholarship funds seek to empower and encourage Muskegon County residents to pursue their dreams, hone in their gifts, and give back to our community.

If you’re a high school or homeschooled senior, current college student, early college senior, or adult learner, the Community Foundation for Muskegon County may have a scholarship for you. We manage one of the largest scholarship programs in our area, with over $1 million committed to students in over 500 new and renewed scholarships awarded each year.

Darrell H. and Rosaline M. Smith Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Rosaline M. Smith, who established the Darrell H. and Rosaline M. Smith Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Rosaline a former Treasurer for the City of Muskegon, and Darrell Smith, a longtime employee of the Muskegon Post Office, who cared deeply for each other and shared more than 50 years of marriage. Music was something they loved and had very much in common. The Darrell H. and Rosaline M. Smith scholarship was created to honor Darrell, who is no longer with us, and to provide a helping hand to graduating seniors of any Muskegon County high school who have demonstrated academic achievement and will pursue a music degree.

Stanislaus Community Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students in order to help them achieve their educational and career goals. We believe that by investing in our students, we are investing in a brighter future for Stanislaus. 

Stanislaus Futures Scholarship

Open to current graduating Stanislaus County high school seniors participating in a college readiness and/or mentorship program and pursuing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree from an accredited post-secondary institution. Must be a first gen college student and demonstrate financial need.

Award Amount:

• $1,000–$3,000 

Stanislaus Futures is generously supported, in part, by an anonymous fundholder, The Arthur T. and Corinne K. Shields Fund, The Zwahlen Family Fund, the NOZ Fund, and the Virgil A. Farquhar, Jr. Trust. Scholarships are renewable up to 2 years.

The AWWA Scholarship Program, specifically the CDM Smith Thomas R. Camp Scholarship, offers a $10,000 award for outstanding graduate students engaged in applied research within the drinking water sector. Sponsored by the American Water Works Association (AWWA), this scholarship emphasizes the importance of investing in future water industry leaders, encouraging their innovative contributions to the field. Eligible candidates are graduate students focused on research that addresses critical challenges in drinking water management.

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports nearly 70 academic, sports, special circumstances, and 4-H scholarships. Search scholarships by name, or sort by application type.

Everybody's Quilt Guild Textile Arts Scholarship

The purpose of the Everybody’s Quilt Guild Textile Arts Scholarship is to provide a scholarship for a student who is a resident of Carroll County, Maryland, graduating from a Carroll County High School, a private High School or a student who is Home Schooled who has been accepted at an accredited College or University and who will be pursuing studies in the field of Textile Arts and meets all the criteria established for the fund.

The Women's Research Mentorship Grant by the Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation supports women in interventional radiology research, enhancing opportunities for medical students and residents. With a funding limit of $25,000, this grant encourages collaborative projects between faculty researchers and trainees, promoting a culture of inclusion. The Pre-Review process is recommended for applicants to receive feedback before final submission. Key deadlines include September 20, 2024, for Pre-Review applications and January 15, 2025, for final applications.

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.

Holland Friends of Art Scholarship

• Graduating senior from Black River, Holland Christian, Holland High School, West Ottawa, Zeeland East, Zeeland West, or the Careerline Tech Center
• Enrolling in 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)
• GPA of 2.5 or greater
• Continuing studies in the visual arts either as an art major or art minor
• Recommended by high school visual art teacher
• Potentially renewable for one additional year

The Wilmington Country Club Centennial Scholarship, managed by the Delaware Community Foundation, offers a one-time award of $2,000. This scholarship is aimed at current or former employees of SoDel Concepts in Sussex County who are pursuing a degree at an accredited institution. In 2024-2025, the DCF awarded a record $850,000 in scholarships to support students' educational pursuits, promoting equity and opportunity in Delaware.

Generally the Community Foundation's scholarships are awarded to applicants who have high financial need. Applicants with household income exceeding $100,000 are less likely to be awarded, but applying will allow you to be considered for targeted scholarships.

Mathilda & Carolyn Gallmeyer Scholarship

Open to students who are residents of Kent County for 5+ years, studying fine arts and with a minimum 2.75 GPA.

Seattle Foundation is an agent of change, igniting powerful, rewarding philanthropy to make Greater Seattle a stronger, more vibrant community for all.

At Seattle Foundation, we believe that community is more than a place. It’s the shared understanding that our joy and well-being are tied to one another. Every day we work with nonprofits, philanthropists, and partners like you to strengthen community by igniting powerful philanthropy and advancing long-term solutions. Because it takes all of us to create a joyful region where every person can thrive.

Greater Seattle (WA) Chapter of The Links, Supplemental Scholarship

The Greater Seattle (WA) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated was established in 1955 with a commitment to enriching, sustaining, and ensuring the identities, culture, and economic survival of African-Americans and persons of African descent. The Supplemental Support Scholarship is for college students in need of tuition assistance or who have basic or urgent need for financial support.

Generally the Community Foundation's scholarships are awarded to applicants who have high financial need. Applicants with household income exceeding $100,000 are less likely to be awarded, but applying will allow you to be considered for targeted scholarships.

Mildred E. Troske Music Scholarship

Open to students studying music education.

Seattle Foundation is an agent of change, igniting powerful, rewarding philanthropy to make Greater Seattle a stronger, more vibrant community for all.

At Seattle Foundation, we believe that community is more than a place. It’s the shared understanding that our joy and well-being are tied to one another. Every day we work with nonprofits, philanthropists, and partners like you to strengthen community by igniting powerful philanthropy and advancing long-term solutions. Because it takes all of us to create a joyful region where every person can thrive.

Greater Seattle (WA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated Scholarship

The Greater Seattle (WA) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated was established in 1955 with a commitment to enriching, sustaining, and ensuring the identities, culture, and economic survival of African-Americans and persons of African descent. Scholarships will be awarded to qualified high school seniors who reside in King, Snohomish, Kitsap, Clallum and Jefferson counties; are U.S. citizens, preference given to students of African American descent; and demonstrate exemplary leadership in their family, school, and the African American Community. Scholarship awards up to $15,000.

Generally the Community Foundation's scholarships are awarded to applicants who have high financial need. Applicants with household income exceeding $100,000 are less likely to be awarded, but applying will allow you to be considered for targeted scholarships.

Nika Marie Social Impact Scholarship

Open to students who are residents of Kent County and studying science, technology, engineering, math or arts.

The Hazel Herring Civic Improvement Grant, established by the Woman's National Farm and Garden Association, supports projects aimed at enhancing community spaces. Eligible initiatives include community gardens, playgrounds, and beautification efforts. This grant allows members to fund new phases of ongoing projects, fostering civic engagement and improving public areas. Since its inception, the grant has evolved from an award to a funding opportunity for branches and divisions, ensuring a lasting impact on local communities.

The Transformational Partnerships Fund offers catalytic grants of up to $100,000 for colleges and universities to explore innovative partnerships. These grants aim to enhance student success by facilitating collaborations that can significantly change institutional operations. Priority is given to partnerships involving diverse student populations and those expected to yield better outcomes. This opportunity supports institutions in assessing transformative possibilities, making it an essential resource for educational advancement.

The Transformational Partnerships Fund offers Seed Grants of up to $10,000 to colleges and universities seeking to explore partnerships that can enhance their operations. These grants support events aimed at fostering collaboration among leadership and stakeholders, paving the way for transformative initiatives. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, encouraging institutions to engage actively in crafting sustainable solutions centered on student success.

The Allied Scientist Grant, offered by the Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation, supports graduate-level trainees in non-clinical disciplines crucial to interventional radiology. With funding up to $40,000 over two years, this grant fosters collaboration between established scientists and IR professionals to innovate and enhance patient care. Eligible applicants include trainees and post-doctoral fellows, with a focus on multidisciplinary research. The program aims to advance groundbreaking studies that bridge scientific knowledge and clinical application.

Keisha M. Michael Memorial Scholarship

Essay: Topic:

• “How a college education will help me make an impact on the community and affect my life.”

Award:

• One time award of $1,500. Awardees can re-apply.

Robin V. Jensen Memorial Scholarship Fund

Robin Virginia Jensen was born on January 9, 1986, in Corvallis, Oregon to Ronald and Deborah Jensen. She was an honor roll student at Crescent Valley High School, where she excelled in volleyball, track and field, and swimming. Robin worked as a lifeguard at Osborn Aquatic center, and in her free-time enjoyed riding her bike. Robin started taking classes at Oregon State University the summer after she graduated from Crescent Valley and was enrolled to begin full-time studies at OSU in the fall. She planned to pursue a degree in forensic science and dreamed of a career in criminal justice. She had been a cadet for three years at the Corvallis Police Department.

On the evening of August 10, 2004, Robin was riding her bicycle home from work and was struck by a car. She died the next day at age 18.

Robin’s mother, Debbie Jensen, helped organize the annual Ride of Silence in Robin’s memory. The event is a silent bike ride through Corvallis meant to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured by motorists. In 2006, Robin’s parents created this scholarship fund to further honor the memory of their daughter. The scholarship provides tuition for a Benton County high school student pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree at an institution of higher education with an emphasis in Forensic Science or Criminal Justice. It also benefits the City of Corvallis Police Cadet program and supports bicycle safety programs in Benton County.

This scholarship is renewable.

Grand Rapids Community Foundation

The Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that connects people, passion and resources. With our partners, the Community Foundation uses the tools of philanthropy to find solutions to pressing issues. We provide grants to support the work of nonprofits, scholarships to local students and other forms of support to communities working to eliminate barriers to opportunity, prosperity and belonging.

Scholarships

Each year Grand Rapids Community Foundation supports hundreds of students on their college or career training journeys. We are excited to remove barriers to academic success so that students like you can pursue what you're passionate about.

Kenneth E. & Shirley J. Morris Scholarship

Open to second year or higher undergraduate or graduate students who are residents of Ionia County studying Nursing and with a minimum 2.0 GPA.

Arizona Community Foundation

For more than four decades, the Arizona Community Foundation has worked in tandem with generous individuals, families, and organizations to address some of the biggest challenges facing our state.

Scholarships

In partnership with our generous donors, we award millions of dollars annually to help students achieve their educational goals. Through our online system, students complete one application and are matched with available scholarships, based on their eligibility requirements.

The Leslie Scholarship Fund 

The Leslie Scholarship Fund will benefit students entering or in a four-year nursing program.

John Callahan Memorial Fund

John changed people’s lives wherever he went. From his time at Corvallis High School in the soccer program, to his time at Winco, to his co-workers at Hewlett-Packard – he knew no strangers and always had time for a friendly hello. He was a wonderful husband, son, and loving father and made everyone happier when he was around. The John Callahan Memorial Scholarship is a soccer scholarship established at the Benton Community Foundation by his family and friends to honor his legacy and as a way to continue helping youth in the Corvallis community.

Jim Kohl "Give Me A Chance" Scholarship Fund

Most college scholarships these days are given to students who have excelled in their studies throughout their high school years, or whose need is so great that college might not be possible without the help of generous private donors. But what about the “late bloomers”—those students who realize the value of education, or find their own particular interests, too late to maintain an enviable grade point average? Thanks to Jim Kohl, late bloomers in the Monroe Rural Fire Protection District have a chance at financial assistance in furthering their education.

The fund benefits students of Monroe High School who may have been underachievers in their freshman or sophomore years, which would exclude them from many other scholarship opportunities. The intent is that these students will be given the encouragement to continue their studies and become productive, contributing members of the community.

The scholarship is administered by the Monroe Rural Fire Protection District. A committee of volunteers from the areas of Alpine, Bellfountain, Irish Bend, and Monroe review the applications and interview all applicants individually. The scholarship is awarded to senior students to attend the college or university of their choice.

Mission Statement

Beckley Area Foundation exists to inspire and facilitate generous charitable giving that advances our community.

The Beckley Area Foundation is committed to enriching lives and strengthening communities across Southern West Virginia.

Scholarship

Supporting Student Success

The Beckley Area Foundation proudly manages scholarship funds established by individuals, businesses, and organizations dedicated to helping students pursue higher education. Many of these scholarships are tailored for specific schools, fields of study, or graduates from local high schools, while others offer broader opportunities. No matter the path, our scholarships aim to support students from our region as they work toward achieving their educational goals.

Willa Spangler Grosse Scholarship

Eligibility

One or more scholarships for Raleigh County high school graduates with a satisfactory academic record; Pursuing a nursing career.

About Community Foundation of South Alabama

Since its inception, the Community Foundation has grown to over 500 funds and awarded over $98 million in grants and scholarships throughout the eight counties of southwest Alabama, improving the lives of many residents in our corner of the world.

We amplify the gifts from generous donors through wise investment, support others in efforts to enhance our community, and lead and collaborate on initiatives which have a broad impact.

Scholarships

The more than 40 scholarship funds at the Foundation were created by generous donors who wanted to help the students in our community achieve a brighter future. We are committed to assisting the most promising students with scholarships for professional certificate programs, two and four-year undergraduate degrees and graduate school. The scholarship funds at the Foundation award grants to high school, community college and university students to be used for tuition, books, and fees.

Harry & Lula McCarn Nurses’ Scholarship

For a student living in Mobile or Baldwin Counties and pursuing a master’s degree in Nursing Administration or other fields of nursing at USA. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA. 

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports nearly 70 academic, sports, special circumstances, and 4-H scholarships. Search scholarships by name, or sort by application type.

Lee H Madairy Scholarship

The purpose of the Lee H Madairy Scholarship is to honor the life of Lee H. Madairy by providing scholarship(s) for a new or returning college or vocational program student who has shown academic achievement, excellent moral character and is pursuing a career in a STEM field. The successful candidate will have been accepted at an accredited College, University, or vocational program. The amount of money available each year for the scholarship(s) will be determined by the income generated by the fund. In addition, if income in any given year is sufficient, grants for other charitable purposes may be made in Mr. Madairy’s memory.

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports nearly 70 academic, sports, special circumstances, and 4-H scholarships. Search scholarships by name, or sort by application type.

Kaitlyn Taylor McDaniel Memorial Foundation Scholarship

The purpose of this Fund is to honor the life of Kaitlyn Taylor McDaniel by providing scholarship(s) who wish to pursue a career in nursing or nursing students already enrolled in a program. The Fund will also make grants from time to time to charities or for projects that would have been important to Kaitlyn.

The Hearst Journalism Awards Program, established in 1960, supports journalism education by awarding scholarships to outstanding undergraduate students. With $700,000 available, this program includes competitions across writing, photojournalism, audio, television, and multimedia categories. Each participating university can submit two entries per competition, fostering excellence in journalism. The Hearst Foundation, a long-standing supporter of educational initiatives, underlines the importance of quality journalism and supports students actively engaged in media.