Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Minnesota

The OTF Rapid Response Fund Grant provides urgent support for individuals and organizations facing digital emergencies that threaten their free expression. Through direct financial assistance and technical services from trusted partners, it aims to help high-risk individuals like journalists and activists mitigate digital threats. Eligible applicants can receive up to $50,000 to address specific needs, such as digital protection and tools development, ensuring swift and effective responses to oppressive situations.

The NIAF Jim Cantalupo Scholarship is awarded to exceptional Italian American undergraduate students majoring in Italian, Spanish, or business, requiring a minimum GPA of 3.5. It aims to support those who demonstrate a commitment to Italian culture and heritage. Applicants must hold an active NIAF membership, which can be from a parent or grandparent. This scholarship reflects the National Italian American Foundation's dedication to preserving and promoting the Italian American community.

The NIAF Maaco Enterprises, Inc. Scholarship, offered by the National Italian American Foundation, supports outstanding Italian American students originally from Pennsylvania. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher. This prestigious scholarship aims to encourage cultural heritage and academic excellence among Italian Americans, ensuring their contributions to society are recognized and celebrated. Active NIAF membership is required, which can be through a parent or grandparent.

The Richard Perrone Scholarship, offered by the National Italian American Foundation, supports outstanding Italian American undergraduate students in Connecticut majoring in computer science or a related field. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher and hold an active NIAF membership, which can also be obtained through a parent or grandparent. This scholarship not only promotes academic excellence but also encourages students to embrace their Italian heritage.

The Salvatore “Sal” Catanese National Scholarship, offered by the National Italian American Foundation, supports outstanding Italian American incoming freshmen. Eligible students must demonstrate financial need and maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years, fostering educational growth within the Italian American community. Preference is given to those with Sicilian heritage, promoting the rich cultural legacy of Italian Americans in the United States.

The Catalyst Award for Innovative Research Approaches for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) provides $300,000 in funding to U.S. researchers exploring novel treatments and understanding of AMD. This initiative, co-funded by partners such as the American Macular Degeneration Foundation, encourages high-risk, high-gain research that could lead to significant advancements in AMD therapies. Each award is designed to support innovative projects that are not yet in clinical trials, fostering groundbreaking work in vision science.

The Disney Award for Amblyopia Research, funded by Research To Prevent Blindness Inc, aims to advance research in amblyopia diagnosis and treatment. Grants of up to $150,000 will support exceptional ophthalmic scientists conducting significant research. Eligible nominees include U.S. researchers from various academic ranks, with a focus on independent research. Proposals should highlight relevance to amblyopia's pathophysiology, diagnosis, or treatment, with awards available until Spring 2025.

The Louis A. Caputo, Jr. Legal Scholarship, offered by the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF), supports outstanding Italian American students pursuing law. Applicants must hold an active NIAF membership and maintain a GPA of 3.5 or above, demonstrating a commitment to Italian culture and heritage. This scholarship aims to promote educational excellence and cultural pride among the Italian American community, fostering future leaders in the legal field.

The Medical Student Eye Research Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for medical students to dedicate a year to research in ophthalmology, focusing on any vision-related topic. Supported by Research to Prevent Blindness and other partners, the fellowship includes a $30,000 grant and potential additional funding for relocation. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and be nominated by RPB-supported Chairs. The program aims to promote diversity and innovation in vision research.

The Stein Innovation Award supports innovative vision research by providing funding to Department of Ophthalmology faculty and other researchers. With deadlines in January and July, the award encourages projects that advance the understanding of the visual system and related diseases. Eligible candidates must be affiliated with U.S. institutions of higher education, and prior nomination forms are required for application acceptance. This initiative aims to foster groundbreaking research in the field of ophthalmology.

The Marnell Foundation Scholarship, offered by the National Italian American Foundation, aims to support outstanding Italian American students from Nevada. Eligible candidates must maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher and have an active NIAF membership. This scholarship not only promotes academic excellence but also encourages the preservation of Italian culture and heritage among the community. It serves as an essential resource for students committed to pursuing their educational goals while honoring their rich cultural background.

Bill and Maria Hoekstra Dental Scholarship

Graduating senior, graduating early college student, or current college student who permanently resides and attended high school, including home school, within the Foundation’s greater service area, including Fennville, Hamilton, Hudsonville, Saugatuck, and CTC students from any district.

The Martini Foundation/National Italian American Foundation Villanova University Scholarship supports outstanding Italian American students at Villanova University, particularly those from northern New Jersey. Eligible candidates must demonstrate financial need, maintain a GPA of 3.25 or higher, and have an active NIAF membership. This scholarship promotes the importance of Italian heritage and culture, ensuring the legacy of Italian Americans continues to thrive in the United States.

Charles and Beatrice Kulier Scholarship

Graduating senior or graduating early college student who attends public, private, or home school in the primary service area of the Community Foundation

The USTA Player Development Excellence Grant supports aspiring U.S. tennis players by providing financial assistance based on performance and potential. Grants of up to $12,000 are awarded to players who meet specific criteria, encouraging their development into top 100 professionals. By utilizing USTA facilities and coaching, players can maximize their growth. The program aims to nurture young talent and ensure they have the resources necessary to succeed in competitive tennis.

The Mockingbird Foundation offers competitive grants for music education for children. Focused on underserved communities, the foundation supports innovative projects that engage children directly through music. Grants are only available for nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, including public schools, in the U.S. The aim is to enhance creative expression and provide music education in unconventional settings. Applications must demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion in their programs.

The CPCF Women’s Giving Circle Scholarship, established by the Crown Point Community Foundation, aims to empower women in South Lake County, IN, over the age of 21 through collective giving. The Women's Giving Circle believes that by working together, they can create a greater impact in their community. This non-renewable scholarship supports college students and adult learners, emphasizing the importance of financial assistance for various community needs.

The Melvin Arthur Peters Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of Melvin Peters, a self-taught tradesman and entrepreneur from Shawano County. This scholarship supports high school seniors pursuing education in trades, reflecting Mel's commitment to hard work and skill development. Award amounts vary based on attendance costs, with disbursement in the first semester of college. Eligibility requires enrollment as a part-time or full-time student, emphasizing Mel's values of education and practical skills.

The Pat Shinobu Scholarship Fund, established in 2015 by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, aims to support students from Hawai‘i pursuing higher education. Eligible applicants must be full-time undergraduate students with a minimum GPA of 2.7, demonstrate financial need, and provide a recommendation letter. Preference is given to public high school graduates from Hawai'i Island and previous recipients who maintain eligibility. This fund fosters educational opportunities and equity within the community.

Stark Community Foundation

Since 1963, Stark Community Foundation has been helping individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits like you support the causes you care about.

In addition to personalized donor services, we manage a competitive grantmaking program and award grants to address local needs. Today, the Foundation stewards over 1,000 charitable funds totaling $485 million in assets and has granted more than $300 million to nonprofits in our community and beyond.

Scholarships

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties.

The John Onaitis Memorial Scholarship Fund

The John Onaitis Memorial Scholarship Fund awards scholarships to Stark County vocational student graduates pursuing post-secondary education from a college, university, trade or apprenticeship program.

This scholarship is renewable.

The Learning Tree Scholarship, established by The Learning Tree, Inc. through the Central Alabama Community Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors from select counties with a minimum ACT score of 20. This renewable scholarship offers up to $2,000 annually for students pursuing degrees in education, healthcare, and related fields. The foundation, active since 1987, aims to enhance local nonprofit initiatives and educational opportunities in the River Region, serving counties including Lowndes, Macon, and Montgomery.

Central Alabama Community Foundation

Established in 1987 by community leaders, the Central Alabama Community Foundation serves the River Region counties of Lowndes, Macon, and Montgomery. CACF was created to provide a permanent charitable resource dedicated to strengthening nonprofits and meeting local needs in the Montgomery area.

Through a variety of funds, CACF supports projects and programs in education, health, human services, cultural arts, recreation, historic preservation, and other civic concerns.

Every year, CACF awards grants to nonprofit projects and programs providing services in Lee, Macon, and Montgomery counties.

The Hawkins Educational Foundation Scholarship

The Hawkins Educational Foundation Scholarship assists students who plan to continue their education in college or vocational school programs. Applicants must be a high school senior residing in Baldwin County for at least one (1) year prior to the application deadline date. Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 and plan to enroll in full-time study at an accredited two-year or four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school for the entire upcoming academic year. Awards are renewable up to three years or until a bachelor’s degree is earned, whichever occurs first, and are based on satisfactory academic performance and fulltime enrollment. Awards are for undergraduate study only.

Central Alabama Community Foundation

Established in 1987 by community leaders, the Central Alabama Community Foundation serves the River Region counties of Lowndes, Macon, and Montgomery. CACF was created to provide a permanent charitable resource dedicated to strengthening nonprofits and meeting local needs in the Montgomery area.

Through a variety of funds, CACF supports projects and programs in education, health, human services, cultural arts, recreation, historic preservation, and other civic concerns.

Every year, CACF awards grants to nonprofit projects and programs providing services in Lee, Macon, and Montgomery counties.

National Village Ladies Club Scholarship

The National Village Ladies Club Scholarship benefits female graduating high school seniors of Opelika high schools who have demonstrated leadership and community service. Eligible applicants must have a minimum 3.2 GPA and plan to attend two-year or four-year college, university, or trade school.

Trinity Grants: Capacity - Mission Real Estate Development empowers Episcopal Church parishes and Anglican Communion organizations to enhance community impact through innovative church property development. With a focus on sustainability, the initiative addresses pressing community needs by generating revenue streams, providing affordable housing, and improving education in underserved neighborhoods. Grants support real estate feasibility studies, pre-development expenses, and construction of income-generating projects, fostering strategic advisory and training for faith leaders.

The Research Scholar Grants (RSG) by the American Cancer Society support independent researchers engaged in cancer-related studies. Eligible applicants must be affiliated with US academic institutions and have been appointed as independent faculty for less than ten years. Grants provide funding up to $215,000 annually for direct costs and allow for 10% indirect costs, with project durations of up to four years, fostering innovative cancer research across various priority areas.

Coast Guard Foundation

Founded in 1969, we’re a vital partner to the U.S. Coast Guard—tackling the toughest challenges confronting our heroes.

We’re there for members from enlistment to long after retirement, and our work strengthens the entire community. Through close collaboration with Coast Guard leadership, we’re able to respond to new and emerging needs effectively. Our investments support families, bolster unit morale, honor the Coast Guard’s mission at the national level, and more. Every day, Coast Guard members risk their lives to protect our country. When we stand together and show them our appreciation, we can ensure they remain always ready—no matter what.

Children of Enlisted Member Scholarship - Returning Scholar Application

Description

Scholarship for Children of Enlisted Coast Guard Members and Retirees

This application is intended for returning/renewal applicants only.

Support for education is a cornerstone of our commitment to the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard and their families.

If you are the child of an active duty, retired, or active reserve Coast Guard member you are eligible to apply. 

When we began the scholarship program in 1990, we focused on one goal — providing Coast Guard families the opportunity to send their children to college. Since that time, the cost of higher education has sky-rocketed, making our original aspiration even more relevant for today’s Coast Guard families.

Coast Guard Foundation

Founded in 1969, we’re a vital partner to the U.S. Coast Guard—tackling the toughest challenges confronting our heroes.

We’re there for members from enlistment to long after retirement, and our work strengthens the entire community. Through close collaboration with Coast Guard leadership, we’re able to respond to new and emerging needs effectively. Our investments support families, bolster unit morale, honor the Coast Guard’s mission at the national level, and more. Every day, Coast Guard members risk their lives to protect our country. When we stand together and show them our appreciation, we can ensure they remain always ready—no matter what.

Children of Enlisted Member Scholarship - First-Time Applicant

Description

Scholarship for Children of Enlisted Coast Guard Members and Retirees.

This application is intended for first-time applicants only.

Support for education is a cornerstone of our commitment to the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard and their families.

If you are the child of an active duty, retired, or active reserve Coast Guard member you are eligible to apply..