Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Minnesota

Gantt-McColl Scholarship Fund

In honor of Harvey Gantt and Hugh McColl, UNCF established the Gantt-McColl Scholarship Fund to provide financial assistance in an annually renewable, need-based scholarship to students who are permanent residents of North Carolina to get to and through college.

Individual Award

• Up to $30,000 over 4-Years ($7,500) per school year

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

Laura D. Smith National Student Nurses' Association (NSNA) Scholarship

The NSNA Scholarship honors Laura D. Smith. Ms Smith was initially a clinical nurse and after earning her master’s degree joined the staff of the American Journal of Nursing ultimately becoming Senior Editor in 1959. Her particular interest was in championing the accomplishments of student nurses by means of the “Student Page” in the AJN. She was instrumental in the birth and early development of the NSNA. The award is given to an applicant enrolled in a master's in nursing education, a PhD or EdD nursing program, who was an NSNA member in their pre-licensure nursing program and has proven excellence in nursing scholarship and service.

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

Geraldine Labecki Fund

Created in 2016, from the bequest of Geraldine Labecki, former Dean of Clemson University's School of Nursing from 1965 to 1980, Clemson University's first woman collegiate dean. This scholarship fund is dedicated to graduate nurses exhibiting exceptional leadership skills.

The NCI CURE Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (K08) supports the development of clinical scientists committed to cancer research, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. This award provides essential training and resources to enhance research capabilities, ultimately preparing awardees to compete for significant research funding. The program is vital for addressing the nation's health-related research needs and fostering diversity within the biomedical field.

The NIH HEAL Initiative PainCare Clinician Training Program (PCTP) offers a K23 Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development award to support new investigators in pain management research. This program provides essential NIH funding during the early-career phase, enabling awardees to establish independent research programs. Key deadlines for applications span from October 2024 to June 2027, highlighting the program's commitment to fostering innovative research in pain management.

The NIH HEAL Initiative PainCare Clinician Training Program (PCTP) offers Mentored Clinical Scientist Development Awards (K08) to foster new independent investigators in pain management research. This program supports early-career scientists by providing independent NIH research funding, enabling them to establish robust research programs. Key deadlines for applications include October 12, 2024, and February 12, 2025, among others, ensuring timely support for innovative pain management solutions.

South James River Foundation Scholarship Fund

The purpose of this scholarship fund is to provide financial support of $1,000 per recipient to 10 high school seniors in Buckingham planning to attend an accredited two or four-year college/university, community or junior college, vocational technical, or trade school.  

The U.S. Hillman Prize for Opinion and Analysis Journalism, awarded by the Sidney Hillman Foundation, recognizes outstanding journalism that serves the common good. Open to journalists globally, the prize honors works published or broadcast in English within the last year. Winners receive a $5,000 honorarium and a certificate at a ceremony in New York City. This prestigious award promotes impactful storytelling that resonates with a U.S. audience and champions social justice.

The U.S. Hillman Book Prize, awarded by the Sidney Hillman Foundation, honors exceptional journalism that serves the common good. Open to global journalists, it recognizes books published in English in the U.S. within the last year. Winners receive a $5,000 honorarium and a certificate at an annual ceremony in New York City. The foundation also promotes entries with a U.S. impact while continuing the SEIU Award for Reporting on Racial and Economic Justice.

Excellence in Medicine Awards

The AMA Foundation’s Excellence in Medicine Awards honor physicians and medical advocates who exemplify the highest values of the profession—volunteerism, community engagement, leadership, and service to underserved populations. Each recipient is recognized at a ceremony during the AMA Annual Meeting in Chicago and receives a $2,500 grant honorarium directed to a nonprofit health organization of their choice. Since 2005, more than 100 honorees have been celebrated through this program, with over $250,000 awarded to strengthen community health and advance equitable care nationwide. 

Excellence in LGBTQ Health Award

Honors physicians, residents/fellows and final-year medical students that have demonstrated outstanding work, innovation and leadership in LGBTQ policy, advocacy, patient care, academics (teaching and research), workforce diversity and/or health care administration.

Empowering a Better Tomorrow Scholarship

The Empowering a Better Tomorrow Scholarship, powered by Walmart, is intended to assist in the creation of a pathway for those who desire to further their education as they enter back into society. This scholarship will be available to the formerly incarcerated or those who have recently been convicted and who have completed their sentence. This scholarship will be awarded to individuals who can exhibit qualities of leadership, commitment to change, and desire to give back to their community.

Scholarship amount:

• $5,000

This is a non-renewable scholarship opportunity.

Excellence in Medicine Awards

The AMA Foundation’s Excellence in Medicine Awards honor physicians and medical advocates who exemplify the highest values of the profession—volunteerism, community engagement, leadership, and service to underserved populations. Each recipient is recognized at a ceremony during the AMA Annual Meeting in Chicago and receives a $2,500 grant honorarium directed to a nonprofit health organization of their choice. Since 2005, more than 100 honorees have been celebrated through this program, with over $250,000 awarded to strengthen community health and advance equitable care nationwide. 

Excellence in Medicine Awards- Pride in the Profession Award

Honors physicians who aid underserved populations in the U.S.

The Spotlight Funds: Inclusive Classroom Grants support K-12 educators by providing financial assistance to acquire essential tools and materials for diverse classrooms. These grants address inequities based on race, gender identity, and ability, ensuring that all students have the resources they need to succeed. With awards ranging from $500 to $1,000 per educator, the program prioritizes high-needs schools, empowering teachers to create inclusive learning environments that reflect their students' unique backgrounds.

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.

Condie Nursing Scholarship Fund

The Condie Nursing Scholarship Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships for both traditional and nontraditional students to begin or advance their nursing careers at a 2-or 4-year college or university.

Award Type: Single Year Award.

The NCI Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (K08) aims to prepare individuals for impactful careers in health-related research. This NIH program supports clinical scientists from underrepresented backgrounds, providing funding for a supervised research career development experience in biomedical and behavioral research, including cancer health disparities. Awardees will enhance their research capabilities and be better positioned to compete for future research grants. Key deadlines for applications span from February 2025 to October 2027.

The Pittsburgh Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for 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, graduate schools, and career/technical schools.

Scott F. Hirsh Memorial Nursing Scholarship

The Scott F. Hirsh Memorial Nursing Scholarship was established at The Pittsburgh Foundation in memory/honor of Scott F. Hirsh to provide two scholarships for high school seniors in the Baldwin, Whitehall, Keystone Oaks, and Brentwood communities who plan to attend a 4-year college or university in a nursing program.

• Average Award: Up to $1,000
• Award Type: Single-Year Award

The Walter Read Hovey Memorial Fund, established by The Pittsburgh Foundation in 1945, offers scholarships for aspiring art historians and related fields. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and plan to attend graduate school. With assets of $1.386 billion, The Pittsburgh Foundation supports various community initiatives, enhancing quality of life through charitable giving and educational opportunities for local students.

The NIH Career Transition Award (K22) aims to support outstanding clinician-scientists in developing independent research skills. This grant facilitates a two-phase program, starting with an intramural appointment at the NIH followed by support at an extramural institution. Designed for NINDS intramural neurologist- and neurosurgeon-scientists, it helps them transition to independent academic faculty roles, enabling them to engage in funded scientific research alongside clinical activities.

The NIH Career Transition Award (K22) supports exceptional basic and clinical investigators in developing independent research skills through a two-phase program: an intramural appointment at NIH followed by support at an extramural institution. This award specifically aids NINDS intramural neurologist and neurosurgeon scientists in transitioning to independent academic faculty roles, fostering the engagement of clinician-scientists in both funded scientific research and clinical practices.

The NCI Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (CURE) Non-Mentored Research Scientist Career Development Award (K22) aims to support postdoctoral fellows transitioning to independent research careers. It provides funding for applicants to establish themselves as independent biomedical researchers. Key deadlines for applications range from February 2025 to November 2027, ensuring ample opportunity for submission. This initiative emphasizes promoting diversity in the research community, helping to cultivate a new generation of scientists.

The Grand Haven Area Community Foundation Scholarship, established in 2003, provides financial assistance to local students pursuing education beyond high school. Scholarships are awarded based on criteria such as financial need, academic achievement, and personal goals. Applicants may apply once for all eligible scholarships, and the selection process is thorough, ensuring that exceptional candidates are chosen each year. This initiative reflects the community's commitment to supporting the educational aspirations of its youth.

The Pittsburgh Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for 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, graduate schools, and career/technical schools.

Louise Salinger Academy of Fashion Fund

The Louise Salinger Academy of Fashion Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships to high school seniors in Allegheny County who wish to pursue a career in fashion design.

• Award varies
• Award Type: Single-Year Award

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.

Ralph R. Morris Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Ralph R. Morris Memorial Scholarship Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to support the pursuit of post-secondary education for music students at Bethlehem Area School District in Bethlehem, PA.

Award Type: Multi-year

The Mon Valley Scholarship Fund, established by The Pittsburgh Foundation, offers vital scholarship opportunities for students residing in the Mon Valley region of Pittsburgh. Since 1945, the Foundation has been committed to enhancing quality of life through educational support. Scholarships are available for high school seniors, undergraduates, and graduate students pursuing various forms of education, including community colleges and technical schools. This initiative aims to empower local students to achieve their academic goals and foster community growth.

Coach Training Grants

These competitive cash grants will fund the certification of youth shooting sports coach candidates.

Qualified coaches are an integral piece to the expansion of youth shooting sports. To continue providing more opportunities for our youth in shooting sports, we will offer competitive grants to fund the certification of more coaches. MidwayUSA Foundation Agency and Donor-Designated Endowment holders will be eligible for Coach Training grants. Teams or individuals interested in our Coach Training grant program should reach out to a state or national organization.

The intent of the Coach Training Grant Program is to develop coaches that can assist youth shooters behind and on the firing line. Grant funds must be utilized to provide coaches with basic or advanced-level certifications. This can include skills training, shooting clinics, train-the-trainer, or other coach training. Prospective coach candidates must be affiliated with an endowment holding team or organization.

York County Community Foundation

York County Community Foundation was founded in 1961 by generous visionaries who saw an opportunity to perpetually support their community by pooling charitable giving, investing it to grow over time and make grants to charity from the earnings on the pooled fund. It wasn’t until 1991 that the Community Foundation made a real push to build its assets so that it could become the kind of leading organization it is today. Donors are the crux of our existence; they are the reason we have been so successful over the years. Today, thanks to encouragement from many community leaders, we have enhanced our mission to include being a community leader and changemaker by working with community stakeholders to leverage our grantmaking and expertise for powerful community improvement.

Field of Study Scholarships

Through the Community Foundation, our donors have established scholarship funds focused on a specific field of study. Each scholarship expresses our donors' deep commitment to helping York County students achieve their educational goals.

Robert R. Anderson Family Fund

This scholarship was created for students pursuing undergraduate and graduate studies related to agriculture who live in York County.

James L. Allen Scholarship Fund

The scholarship was established by James L. Allen, a dedicated community leader who served with the Columbus Urban League (1938–1954) and later with the UNCF (1960–1995), raising millions to support higher education for African-American students. He worked for many years in public accounting and real estate, and was an active member of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church and various other organizations. His contributions to the Columbus community and beyond have earned him numerous awards for his professional and community service.

Award Amount:

• Minimum $1,000