Best Middlesex County Grants for Nonprofits in Connecticut

The NIH Director's Early Independence Award encourages exceptional early-career researchers to embark on independent research immediately after completing their doctoral degree or clinical training. This initiative accelerates the transition to independent research careers while supporting innovative projects across all areas of biomedical sciences. It is part of the NIH Common Fund's High-Risk, High-Reward Research program, aiming to foster groundbreaking discoveries.

The NIH Director's Pioneer Award Program aims to support exceptionally creative scientists who propose innovative research projects with the potential to significantly impact biomedical sciences. The program encourages bold ideas that diverge from existing research trajectories and welcomes applications across all areas of the biomedical field. As part of the High-Risk, High-Reward Research Program, this award fosters pioneering efforts that may lead to transformative advancements in health and medicine.

The Gary & Helen Howell Family Scholarship Fund, established by the Erie Community Foundation, offers financial support to high school seniors from local schools such as McDowell and Cathedral Prep who demonstrate financial need and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. In 2023, the foundation awarded over $800,000 in scholarships to more than 500 students pursuing post-secondary education, showcasing its commitment to enhancing educational opportunities in the community.

The Douglas & Deborah Murphy Scholarship, offered by the Erie Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Erie High School who aspire to continue their education or training. To be eligible, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. In 2023, the foundation awarded over $800,000 in scholarships to more than 500 students, helping them pursue diverse career paths beyond high school.

The Martin Family Scholarship, sponsored by the Erie Community Foundation, provides financial assistance to graduating seniors from Erie County High Schools. With over $800,000 awarded in 2023, this scholarship prioritizes students with at least a 3.0 GPA who demonstrate financial need and have engaged in extracurricular activities. Eligible applicants must have completed two years of a foreign language and participated in school sports or clubs, promoting a well-rounded educational experience.

The Space Technology Research, Development, Demonstration, and Infusion (SpaceTech REDDI-2026) initiative by NASA aims to advance transformational space technologies to meet critical stakeholder needs. This umbrella solicitation for FY 2026 will invite proposals across various technology topics, promoting innovation and competitiveness in the U.S. space sector. With a focus on economic growth and fostering a strong aerospace community, STMD supports ideas from diverse innovators nationwide.

The Sophie Kosiorek Scholarship, provided by the Erie Community Foundation, awards $800,000 in scholarships to over 500 deserving students annually. This scholarship specifically supports a four-year member of the Seneca High School girls basketball team, recognizing the positive attitude and strong team ethic exemplified by Sophie. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, ensuring that the scholarship supports both athletic and academic excellence.

The Mary E. Kwiatkowski Social Services Scholarship Fund, offered by the Erie Community Foundation, supports female and LGBTQIA+ students pursuing social sciences and public service careers. In 2023, over $800,000 was awarded to more than 500 students for post-secondary education. This scholarship aims to eliminate financial barriers for diverse talents in Erie County's social services sector, requiring applicants to submit an essay on their public service aspirations and challenges in the Erie region.

The Kowalik Family Christopher Gott Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Erie Community Foundation, aims to support a high school senior from the City of Erie who embodies Christopher Gott's passion for learning and skill development. In 2023, the foundation provided over $800,000 in scholarships to more than 500 students pursuing further education. This scholarship honors Christopher, a devoted nurse and classical guitarist, who epitomized the spirit of continuous personal growth.

The Jerome H. & Dr. Elizabeth Emling Post Graduate Fund, established by the Erie Community Foundation, supports Erie County residents pursuing doctorate degrees or advancing master's degrees in Social Service or Education. In 2023, over $800,000 was awarded to more than 500 students for post-secondary education. Priority is given to doctoral candidates already enrolled in relevant fields, ensuring support for those committed to making a difference in their communities.

The James V. Gray Memorial Scholarship II, awarded by the Erie Community Foundation, supports Erie County graduating seniors pursuing two-year programs with a minimum GPA of 2.5. In 2023, the foundation awarded over $800,000 in scholarships to help over 500 students achieve their educational dreams. This need-based scholarship honors James Vincent Gray, a dedicated teacher and coach, reflecting the foundation's commitment to education and community development.

The James V. Gray Memorial Scholarship, established by the Erie Community Foundation, honors a dedicated educator and coach. This need-based scholarship supports Erie School District graduating seniors who have been accepted into accredited colleges with a minimum GPA of 3.0. In 2023, the Foundation awarded over $800,000 in scholarships to assist more than 500 deserving students in their pursuit of higher education.

The James R. Herdzik Memorial Scholarship Award, administered by the Erie Community Foundation, offers financial assistance to Erie School District graduating seniors who plan to attend an accredited four-year college or university. This need-based scholarship aims to support students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher who demonstrate a strong commitment to community service. In 2023, over $800,000 in scholarships was awarded to help deserving students pursue their educational goals.

The Goodwine Scholarship, offered by the Erie Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from public or private high schools in Erie County pursuing a two-year associate degree or certificate. In 2023, the foundation awarded over $800,000 in scholarships to more than 500 students, ensuring they have the opportunity to further their education and skills. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 to qualify for this valuable support.

The Dr. Alice M. Hudder- Richard T. Molder Post-Secondary Scholarship Fund, established by Richard Molder, supports Erie County high school seniors pursuing post-secondary education. In 2023, the Erie Community Foundation awarded over $800,000 in scholarships to deserving students. Two awards will be granted: one for students focusing on science, math, or business, and another for those studying art or music, emphasizing financial need and a strong work ethic.

The Municipal Workforce Learning Lab, initiated by the National League of Cities in partnership with the American Institutes for Research, aims to tackle workforce challenges faced by city governments. The program seeks three cities to engage in an 8-month action planning process focused on recruiting, training, and retaining skilled workers. Participants will receive free coaching and technical assistance, helping them enhance their workforce policies and potentially serve as national models for effective local government employment strategies.

The Bear Paw Resort Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, supports graduating seniors from White Lake High School who plan to pursue post-secondary education. With over $2 million available for scholarships in 2025, this initiative aims to empower students in their educational journeys. The scholarship is designed to assist with tuition costs, payable after the completion of the first semester, thereby encouraging academic success and community development.

The Teague-Gaudin OTA/SOMOS Active-Duty Military Traveling Fellowship supports early-career military orthopaedic trauma surgeons by providing immersive experiences in leading trauma centers. With a focus on education and mentorship, this fellowship enhances skills in advanced trauma care and fosters military-civilian collaboration. Funded by a generous $150,000 donation, it aims to empower surgeons through exposure to high-volume trauma systems, ultimately improving patient care in the orthopaedic trauma community.

The Georgeann Cowles Eiskamp Memorial Scholarship offers a $2,000 award to a female student who has graduated from a high school within the PVUSD boundaries. Eligible candidates must be majoring in an agriculture-related field and have completed at least two semesters of college. Preference is given to those who have participated in 4-H or FFA or have relevant internships. The scholarship is awarded upon proof of college enrollment.

The Lou & Carol Calcagno Memorial Scholarship offers a $1,000 award for students pursuing degrees in agriculture, Political Science, History, Marine Biology, Wildlife Management, or Culinary Arts. To be eligible, applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and reside in Santa Cruz or Monterey County, or be members of the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau. The scholarship is awarded upon proof of college enrollment.

The Laura Brown Memorial Scholarship offers a $4,000 award to students pursuing degrees in agriculture or culinary arts. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of at least 3.5 and reside in Santa Cruz County or Pajaro Valley. The scholarship is awarded upon proof of college enrollment and can be distributed over a maximum of four years. Preference is given to students who have participated in 4-H programs, supporting their educational journey in these fields.

The Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) offers 24/7 crisis counseling to individuals in the U.S. and its territories facing emotional distress from disasters. Managed by SAMHSA, the helpline aims to enhance and strengthen access to crucial support services year-round, ensuring that those affected by natural or human-caused disasters receive the help they need to mitigate behavioral health impacts.

The National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative aims to enhance trauma-focused treatment and services for children and adolescents affected by traumatic events. By increasing access to these vital services, the initiative seeks to support families in overcoming the challenges posed by trauma. Eligible applicants include public and private nonprofit entities, ensuring a broad reach for effective intervention and support within communities.

For 30 years, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation has served as a partner in philanthropy to credit unions, with a mission to empower and inspire credit unions in the Carolinas through collaborative opportunities to enrich our communities. A great example of this collaborative philanthropy is our scholarship program. 

More than 20 credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina have active managed funds at the Foundation. The generosity of these credit unions helps hundreds of high school seniors as well as undergraduate and graduate students receive scholarship funds each year.

As a member of any of the following credit unions, you may apply for a scholarship.

Carolina Trust Federal Credit Union Legacy Scholarship

Carolina Trust actively demonstrates the credit union philosophy People Helping People in the communities we serve. We are honored to partner with several organizations to provide deserving students with financial assistance to achieve their higher education goals.

Scholarship Amount:

• $5,000.00

We are an independent foundation which has been serving Seventh-day Adventist ministries and a select few other humanitarian efforts with financial grants since 1990. We are a self-funded lay organization, and our board is comprised of both lay Adventists and present and former Adventist church employees, all committed to furthering the Kingdom of God and to restoring the “image of God” in those in need. 

Mission

It is the purpose of Versacare Foundation to serve humanity by engaging in activities that will further the kingdom of God and restore the Image of God in man. We believe that this fidelity to the Gospel of Jesus urges us to emphasize human health and dignity and the search for knowledge.

Journalism for Adventist Solutions (JAS) 

Journalism for Adventist Solutions (JAS) grants aim to promote ethical reporting and diverse storytelling by encouraging integrity, creativity, and journalistic excellence in Adventist communication through targeted grant funding. 

The JAS grant application is open year-round, with funds awarded annually each March and September.

Project Priorities

• Systemic issues in Adventism that demand investigation and fresh thinking
• Journalists and media organizations producing major stories on vital issues related to Adventism
• New ways to communicate the diverse Adventist-related stories of what God is doing
• Awards and recognition to celebrate journalistic achievements and foster a culture of excellence in ethical storytelling
• Evaluation methods to maintain accountability and ethics in Adventist communication
• Courses, workshops, and mentorship programs to enhance journalist skills, ethics, and innovative practices in Adventist communication
• Travel, technology, stipends and honoraria as relevant to the project request
• Other projects similar to the above

Applicants must agree to provide a post-grant report, including a full financial accounting of how JAS monies were used and agree to be audited if requested.

About our scholarships

We partner with Civic Federal Credit Union to provide both professional development and student scholarships.

Over many years, the scholarships have provided nearly $3.5 million to credit union members to further their education. This investment not only advances the professional development and educational goals of Civic members, but also strengthens the communities they serve — amplifying their leadership impact and deepening their ability to drive meaningful change across North Carolina.

Civic Foundation Scholarship

Each year, Civic proudly awards $5,000 scholarships to 25 Civic members who are graduating high school seniors and are planning to attend a four-year college or university. These one-time scholarships are paid directly to the student’s school in a single installment and may be applied toward tuition, textbooks, computers, or other educational expenses.