Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in Minnesota

This Community Foundation was created by and for the people of Washington County MD, and exists to improve the quality of life for all of our citizens, now and for generations to come, by building community endowments, addressing needs through grant making and providing leadership on key community issues.

Washington County Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Scholarship

Founded by alumni of Washington County Hospital’s School of Nursing, this fund serves to provide scholarships to deserving students who are continuing their education in Nursing.

This Community Foundation was created by and for the people of Washington County MD, and exists to improve the quality of life for all of our citizens, now and for generations to come, by building community endowments, addressing needs through grant making and providing leadership on key community issues.

Washington Goes Purple Scholarship

This scholarship is open to students that reside in Washington County, MD, are continuing their education, and have been affected by substance use.

The SEMAC: School Residency Grant supports artist residencies in K-12 public or non-religious private schools, providing students with direct arts experiences. This grant enhances artists' professional development through unique employment opportunities. Residencies last from one to five full school days and culminate in a public capstone event. Applications are due thirty days prior to the residency, and no matching funds are required, making this an accessible opportunity for artists in the southeastern Minnesota region.

Scott Elliott Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Scott Elliott Memorial Scholarship was established in 2019 by the family and friends of Scott Elliott after he lost his courageous battle against cancer. As a way to honor his legacy, the Scott Elliott Memorial Scholarship incorporates Scott’s life-long passion and commitment to swimming and education. He swam competitively for most of his life, and eventually would go on to become a swimming coach and mentor for 20 years at various clubs and programs around West Chester.

Scott’s impact on the West Chester swimming community is unmatchable. He was able to transform a pool deck into a magical place for so many people—a place where the strongest friendships were formed, the most intimidating obstacles were overcome, and new realizations of one’s potential began to take hold. The lessons Scott taught will not be forgotten, the memories he forged will not diminish.

The level of dedication Scott showed for swimming was only exceeded by his devotion to his wife and two children, Trevor and Piper. Scott was a very involved, loving parent and partner. He led by example through his commitment to bettering the community, his charismatic and approachable personality, his dedication to the sport of swimming, and his ever-relenting ability to persevere given any circumstance. Along with the many memories Scott’s friends and family will share along the way, the Scott Elliott Memorial Scholarship Fund will serve as a constant reminder of their father’s giving nature and very beloved personality.

In Scott’s tenure as a coach and mentor, he encouraged positive development among his swimmers both in and out of the pool. This scholarship embodies Scott’s commitment to helping others become the best version of themselves.

In addition to the Scott Elliott Memorial Scholarship Fund, supporters can remember and honor Scott by participating in the Annual Run to Find a Way #ScottStrong. The most recent run was held on June 4th, 2022. Visit the Run Sign Up Website by clicking here to register for this event.

The Catalyst Adventure Grant, offered by the American Alpine Club, supports individuals and teams from underrepresented communities in climbing. Awards range from $250 to $2,000, aiming to overcome barriers to access. The grant promotes skill progression in various climbing disciplines, emphasizing community engagement. Eligible applicants include U.S. citizens or green card holders of all experience levels, with expeditions required to occur between June 15, 2025, and June 30, 2026.

Sondra J. Fox Scholarship

Established by Ruth D. Palmquist, Sondra J. Fox and Laurel S. Daise, this fund's purpose is to provide a scholarship for a student from Cattaraugus or McKean County who is pursuing a career in the mental health field with first preference for a student in a master's level program and second preference for an undergraduate college student who will be entering his/her junior or senior year. Major fields include, but are not limited to, counseling, social work and psychiatric nursing.

The Girls on the Run Sparking Limitless Potential Scholarship, funded by The Columbus Foundation, empowers high school graduates from the Girls on the Run program to pursue higher education. This initiative not only celebrates the achievements of alumni but also addresses systemic barriers faced by girls of Color, promoting equity and leadership development. By supporting diverse pathways to education, the scholarship aims to create lasting impact and foster a more inclusive future for youth in Central Ohio.

The R2AC Artist Support Grant Program, funded by the McKnight Foundation, offers essential financial assistance to artists and culture bearers at any stage of their creative journey. This grant supports various artistic endeavors, including the purchase of materials, educational opportunities, and participation in residencies or conferences. It aims to foster artistic growth in Minnesota counties like Beltrami and Hubbard, encouraging diverse creative expressions across multiple disciplines.

The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) is set to release a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) focused on the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of genomics. This initiative aims to explore how genomics can enhance health and well-being while addressing its broader societal impacts. The NHGRI encourages applications from diverse academic disciplines to promote innovative and replicable research approaches that effectively analyze the consequences of genomic advancements.

The James L. Shriver Scholarship Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, provides financial assistance to students from western Massachusetts pursuing technical careers. Eligible applicants include undergraduate or graduate students attending accredited post-secondary institutions in the U.S. Scholarships can reach up to $3,000 and may impact financial aid offers, so students should consult their college financial aid offices for guidance. This initiative supports diverse students aiming for technical fields.

The BRAIN Initiative aims to create web-accessible data archives to enhance research on brain science by offering tools for data analysis and visualization. This effort, led by the National Institute of Mental Health in collaboration with other NIH Institutes, seeks to establish a framework for rigorous data sharing and collaboration across various sub-domains. The initiative will enable the scientific community to access standardized and comprehensive data archives to support innovative neurotechnology research.

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

Lisa Krukowski-Whalen Nursing Scholarship

The Lisa Krukowski-Whalen Nursing Scholarship was established to provide financial assistance to a graduating senior or college student from Saginaw County who plans to pursue a nursing career.

Mrs. Lisa A. Krukowski-Whalen graduated with honors from Bridgeport High School in 1983 and with honors from the University of Michigan School of Nursing in 1987. Lisa loved her career in nursing. She worked at St. Luke’s Hospital in the Pediatrics Intensive Care Unit. While working at St. Luke’s Hospital, Lisa also taught nursing (clinical) at Saginaw Valley State University.

Despite health complications, Lisa remained an energetic and loving person until her passing at the age of 41. It is in her spirit that family and friends have created a nursing scholarship for any deserving student in the Saginaw County.

United Institute for Theatre Technology

The United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) connects performing arts design and technology communities to ensure a vibrant dialog among practitioners, educators, and students.

Driven by our core values of inclusion, excellence, and responsibility, we provide mentorship programs, exhibit opportunities, grant funding, awards, and other opportunities for our members and for the entertainment industry. 

Carolyn A. Satter Production Management Mentorship Program

Carolyn A. Satter Production Management Mentorship Program supports an individual who has begun their professional career as a production manager in live entertainment by providing the chance to manage events and connect with a fellow production manager mentor at our Annual Conference & Stage Expo.

Funding for this award is generously provided by Carolyn A. Satter, former USITT President.

Grant Information

Grant winner will receive:

• $2000 stipend to cover Conference expenses such as registration, housing, travel, and per diem.
• A match with a mentor who is an experienced professional production manager.
• The opportunity to serve as the production manager for all Mainstage events at the Annual Conference.

Funding Parameters

• Registration and hotel will be booked by the National Office; the remainder of the $2000 will be paid directly to the Mentee.
• Should the Grantee be unable to attend Conference and/or complete their duties, Grantee is responsible for returning funds to the National Office.

The STEM Higher Education Grant Program, funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, aims to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM graduate education. The program focuses on transforming educational pathways, empowering universities, and supporting innovative initiatives that cultivate a diverse faculty body. By addressing systemic barriers and promoting inclusive environments, the Foundation seeks to ensure that all students have equitable opportunities to succeed in STEM fields, ultimately strengthening the scientific enterprise.

Community Foundation of Northern Nevada

Established in 1998 as a Nevada nonprofit 501(c) 3 Corporation, the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada has distributed more than $200 million in grants and scholarships from over 300 charitable funds to strengthen our Nevada home. 

Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Northern Nevada’s Scholarship Program is intended to help students cover the ever-increasing cost of tuition. Some of our scholarships are based on financial need, but others represent an award for achievement. These scholarships typically go to students who have excelled in an academic area or have shown they can balance academics, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities. There are also scholarships designated for students who have overcome adversity, students pursuing degrees in high-need areas, and adult learners outside the traditional college age group. Community Foundation scholarships can help cover tuition, books, and on-campus housing.

Reno Pops Orchestra Scholarship Endowment

The Reno Pops Orchestra Scholarship Endowment is created to send an unending stream of income to keep the music flowing in Reno for generations.

Lester & Joy Worrick Memorial Scholarship Fund

This scholarship was created in memory of Lester and Joy Worrick. It will be awarded to a Whitley County 4H participant that plans to pursue a degree in agriculture.

The Columbus Foundation

In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

McGuire-Holcomb Scholarship Fund

The scholarship was established in memory of the donor’s brother, William F. McGuire; mother, Ruth H. Holcomb; and stepfather Kenneth P. Holcomb. The scholarship provides tuition and books for the education of students who have a physical disability.

Gene and Sandra Froebel Teachers Scholarship

This scholarship will be for graduating seniors from Olean, Allegany-Limestone, Portville, Hinsdale, Cuba-Rushford, Oswayo Valley and Bradford High schools attending a 4-year college who are in good academic standing and plan to pursue a career in education. Consideration is given to students who have overcome a hardship or challenge and/or have participated in athletics.

Jeffrey Geiger Memorial Scholarship

This award was established to honor Jeffrey Geiger who was involved in FFA, a 10-year member of 4-H, and an Eagle Scout. Jeff devoted his life to Whitley County 4-H. He served on the Fair Board for over 11 years and was President of Whitley County 4-H Inc. for more than seven years.

This scholarship is given to a to a 5 year participant of 4-H or a 2 year member of FFA who mirrors Jeff’s lifelong passion.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

The Crystyl A. Rucker Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Crystyl A. Rucker Memorial Scholarship Fund was established for the purpose of providing academic financial support to graduating seniors of Battle Creek Public Schools pursuing post-secondary educational opportunities. Crystyl Arnita Rucker (1951-2021) was born in Detroit, Michigan and was a graduate of John J. Pershing High School. She completed her undergraduate and graduate degrees in education, at Michigan State University. She began her teaching career with the Battle Creek Public Schools, at Northwestern Junior High School. Affectionately known as "Ma Ruck" at Northwestern, she taught seventh and eighth grade journalism and English. She believed in connecting with each student to push his or her academic and personal potential, while having lots of fun. Outside of Northwestern, she taught and mentored Battle Creek students in the "Dreamers" Program and spearheaded academic after-school and family scholarship programs at the Battle Creek YMCA. She retired from Battle Creek Public Schools in 2003.

Annette M. Lamle Memorial Fund

This scholarship was created in memory of Annette M. Lamle who graduated from Columbia City Joint High School with the Class of 1980 and attended Indiana Purdue Fort Wayne. She supported her sons during their years in Whitley County 4-H and FFA. This award is given to a graduating Whitley County senior who was active in FFA or 4-H, who volunteers in the community, and has an interest in pursuing study in agriculture or the trades.

The Clifford D. Grim and Virginia S. Grim Educational Fund offers scholarships to deserving students from Winchester/Frederick and Clark Counties, VA. Facilitated by the Center for Scholarship Administration, Inc., the fund provides financial support for students enrolled full-time in accredited colleges. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and have a minimum GPA of 2.5. Scholarships are renewable for up to four years, contingent upon reapplication each year.

The Preserving Black Churches Grant Program, managed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, aims to support the preservation of historic Black churches. Grants range from $50,000 to $500,000 and fund various projects, including restoration, capacity building, and community engagement. The program encourages applications from active and non-active congregations, nonprofits, and public agencies, emphasizing the importance of these churches in their communities. This initiative seeks to strengthen heritage and foster cultural connections.

About Us

Making a Difference, Together

The Community Foundation of Monroe County (CFMC) builds a thriving, inclusive community through the power of philanthropy. By connecting generous donors with local causes, we help ensure Monroe County remains a place where everyone can thrive. Since our founding, we’ve been a trusted steward of community resources, fostering impactful collaborations and sustainable solutions to address challenges in education, health, poverty, and community development.

Scholarship Opportunities

Whether you’re heading to college, pursuing a technical career, or furthering your education as an adult, there’s a scholarship for you.

Grattan and Stephen T. Gray Scholarship

Awarded to Monroe County high school graduates entering the field of journalism.

Cage Family Scholarship Fund

The scholarship honors the Cage Family’s commitment to support students who are working toward a college degree.

Award Amount:

• Minimum $500

The AMA Foundation Award for Health Education recognizes the exemplary educational efforts of physicians, medical students, and residents dedicated to improving public health. Supported by a $3,500 stipend from the John P. McGovern Foundation, this award celebrates individuals who demonstrate outstanding commitment to service, community involvement, and leadership in health education. Eligible candidates include practicing physicians, with special consideration for those addressing issues related to alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.

City Barbeque Scholarship Fund-Employees/Dependents

The City Barbeque Employee and Dependent Scholarship Fund is intended to promote educational opportunities for employees, and/or dependents of City Barbeque employees, in their chosen field of study.

Award Amount:

• Five scholarships at $3,000 each