Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Mississippi

The Leonard-Litz Foundation's LGBTQ+ Advocacy Fund Grant aims to empower LGBTQ+ individuals by funding organizations that advocate for their rights and well-being. With a focus on health, wellness, and racial justice, the fund supports projects that require significant investment for impactful change. Prioritizing partnerships that serve vulnerable communities, including people of color and transgender individuals, this grant fosters equality and addresses systemic inequalities faced by LGBTQ+ people, especially in the northeast U.S.

The CareQuest Emergent & Relief Fund aims to address the unique challenges faced by historically underserved communities in the healthcare system, particularly in oral health. This fund supports innovative approaches, urgent clinical responses, and immediate relief efforts for community crises. Grants are targeted at organizations demonstrating commitment to equity in health services, ensuring that aid reaches those most in need. With a focus on transformative change, this initiative seeks to enhance access and improve health outcomes across diverse populations.

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.

Nexteer Scholarship

The Nexteer Scholarship Fund mission is to help high school graduates in financial need through a scholarship program for residents of Saginaw, Midland and Bay Counties who are pursuing a career in engineering or general business. The goal is to help deserving individuals within our community achieve their career goals – an objective which has the added benefit of improving the community-at-large. 

Nexteer draws upon a 100 year heritage of vehicle integration expertise and product workmanship. The company has a strong foundation and a reputation for providing dependable steering solutions and enduring customer relationships.

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.

Saginaw Choral Society – Joanne Robertson Memorial Scholarship

Joanne Robertson, a lifelong resident of Saginaw, devoted much of her life to community service. Her 30 years of professional work was with the Buena Vista School District, where she was a speech and language pathologist helping young people with their communication skills.

Joanne was an enthusiastic supporter of the performing arts. Her interest in music was both as a patron and as a performer. She sang with the Saginaw Choral Society for 14 years. She served as their librarian, vice president of marketing and vice president of membership. The Joanne Robertson Memorial Scholarship was created to perpetuate the memory of her devotion to helping others and her love of music.

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.

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.

About Us

Driving Positive Change in Noble County!

At the Community Foundation of Noble County we are passionate about making Noble County an even better place to call home. Since 1991, area residents have been turning to the Community Foundation of Noble County to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible, as we see it as our mission to serve as a catalyst for positive change. The Community Foundation of Noble County is a public charity 501 (c) 3 entity.

As a group of invested community members, we identify local current and emerging issues and stimulate resources to address those needs, helping our region prepare for the future. We then leverage gifts and bequests from generous donors like you to drive positive change through grants in such areas as arts and culture, education, health and human services, civic affairs and other charitable areas of interest.

Our Mission

To improve the quality of life in Noble County by serving as catalyst for positive change, enabling donors to carry out charitable intent, and making grants.

Noble County Memorial Scholarship Fund #2 (sport)

In memory of: Kenneth Forker, Chester E. Dekko, Howard G. Heckner, John E. Hogan, Dorothy Mossman, Dave Knopp, Loretta and Christine Noe, Sandra K. Shepherd, Sylvan Springs, Ruthann Richards, Linda L. Speakman-Yerick and William Wesley “Wes” and Amelia Freshe.

Updated for 2026 Opportunity #2:

A $1,000 one-time payment awarded to the top 3 high school seniors who live in Noble County currently enrolled in Central Noble, Churubusco, East Noble, and West Noble who has shown strong community involvement, has been active in various volunteer committees, and has participated in any school-sponsored sports all four years of high school.

Mission & Vision

Rochester Area Community Foundation, in partnership with generous philanthropists and community partners, works to improve the quality of life for people who live and work in the eight-county region through its leadership and strategic grantmaking.

Our Mission:

We are cultivating a thriving Greater Rochester region — powered by philanthropy, grounded in community, and sustained across generations.

Our Vision:

We envision a Greater Rochester region transformed by enduring philanthropy, where every person, neighborhood, and future generation can thrive.

Abraham D. Chatman Scholarship

Purpose of Scholarship

For members and dependent children of members (current and retired) of local unions affiliated with Rochester Regional Joint Board, Workers United.

Number and Size of Awards

Up to five awards of $8,000 each; paid as $2,000 per year for up to four consecutive years of undergraduate study. Award paid in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.

Renewability

This scholarship is renewable up to three times for a total of up to four awards in four consecutive years. Award renewability varies per recipient:

• Graduating high school seniors receive awards that are renewable for a total of four awards in four consecutive years;
• College freshman receive awards that are renewable for a total of three awards in three consecutive years;
• College sophomores receive awards that are renewable for a total of two awards in two consecutive years; and

College juniors receive one-time awards that are not renewable.

PPSEF Student Scholarship (Piedmont)

Provides a scholarship to a Piedmont graduating senior.

Strubhar Family Scholarship (Piedmont)

Provides a scholarship for a Piedmont high school graduating senior who will study education or law with a GPA of 3.0 and attending a two- or four-year college or university.

The Dr. David Whiston Leadership Award, offered by the ADA Foundation, aims to support emerging leaders in oral health. This award grants $5,000 to individuals demonstrating commitment to enhancing access to dental education and employment opportunities. Eligible applicants include dental students, early-career dentists, and those under 40. Selection criteria focus on leadership potential and contributions to the profession, emphasizing community engagement and public health advancement. Visit ADAF.org for application details.

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

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

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

Roberta Jones Booth Scholarship Fund

Family and friends established this scholarship in memory of Roberta Jones Booth for her love and support of her community. This scholarship will support students from the community of the Marion Franklin Civic Association boundaries.

Award Amount:

• Minimum $500

The James R. and Joanne K. Burgoon Endowment, established by a bequest from James R. Burgoon, honors the couple's legacy of service and education in Westerville, Ohio. With a focus on supporting students pursuing accounting or law, this endowment reflects their commitment to community betterment. Managed by The Columbus Foundation, one of the largest community foundations in the nation, it aims to foster educational opportunities for deserving candidates, particularly those with ties to Westerville.

The Dr. John P. Sheehan Scholarship, awarded by the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, provides financial support to graduates from Utica's public and parochial schools for pursuing higher education or vocational training. This initiative aims to empower local students by facilitating access to educational opportunities, thereby enhancing their lives and contributing to community growth. Eligible candidates must be attending a college in the U.S. and be students from specific schools in Utica.

Gladys Phillips Memorial Scholarship

Gladys Phillips, the second of four daughters of former Aberdeen Mayor and Superior Court Judge J. M. Phillips, began practicing law in Aberdeen in 1937, the same year she joined three other women in graduating from the University of Washington Law School.

Gladys quickly earned a reputation – a reputation she maintained for over 60 years – as one of Grays Harbor’s most intelligent and formidable lawyers. With both an “encyclopedic knowledge of the law” and a love of roses, ballet and beautiful words, she was to her clients not only a trusted advisor but also a cherished friend.

As a community activist, she helped establish and lead the Bishop Foundation, served as a state representative, worked to erect the Aberdeen YMCA, and guided the creation of the Grays Harbor Community Foundation. The Gladys Phillips Memorial Scholarship is open to all applicants who satisfy the general eligibility requirements of the Scholarship Program.

The AHRQ Small Research Projects (R03) program supports short-term research endeavors in primary care, enabling innovative pilot studies, secondary data analysis, and the development of research methodologies. This initiative encourages researchers to explore new technologies and approaches within limited resource frameworks, fostering advancements in healthcare quality and efficiency. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization, emphasizing the importance of timely submission.

The Leonard J. Capuana Scholarship, awarded by the Leonard J. Capuana Scholarship Fund, supports students from Herkimer and Oneida counties who demonstrate leadership qualities and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. Established by the Leonard J. Capuana West Utica Democratic Club, this scholarship aims to empower graduates planning to attend college or university. Through partnerships with organizations like Utica Dollars for Scholars, it seeks to enhance educational opportunities and foster community growth.

The Orthopedic Research Grant, offered by the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, supports early-career investigators in physical therapy and rehabilitation science. The grant funds innovative, hypothesis-driven projects that enhance evidence-based practices and patient outcomes. Through this initiative, the Foundation aims to develop independent researchers and strengthen the scientific foundation of the physical therapy profession. Applications are open to licensed physical therapists or assistants who are APTA members, with deadlines on July 31 and August 18.

The Eugene and Nell Petrucci Fund #1, established in 1945 by The Pittsburgh Foundation, offers scholarships to graduating seniors from specific local schools. It aims to support students pursuing higher education at accredited institutions, with a focus on those demonstrating financial need. Managed by one of the oldest community foundations in the U.S., this fund reflects a commitment to enhance educational opportunities and improve the quality of life in the region.

The Freda Gray Charitable Fund, established by The Pittsburgh Foundation, offers scholarships for undergraduate students majoring in foreign languages. This initiative supports students from Allegheny County, PA, who have demonstrated academic excellence with a minimum GPA of 3.0. By providing financial assistance, the fund aims to empower future generations in their pursuit of education, fostering a diverse and skilled workforce in the field of languages. The Pittsburgh Foundation has been a leader in community support since 1945.

Bright Minds Scholarship

The Bright Minds Scholarship, in conjunction with the Salem Five Charitable Foundation, supports academic excellence and community leadership across Essex and Middlesex counties. We recognize that the journey to a four-year degree requires significant dedication—and significant resources.

To support that journey, we provide a scholarship award designed to make a real-world impact on the cost of higher education.

The Award

• 5 Scholars Selected Annually: Each year, we name five exceptional students as Bright Minds Scholars.
• Up to $20,000 total: Awarded as $5,000 annually over four years of undergraduate study.
• Maintain good academic standing to receive support throughout your entire bachelor's degree program.

The Salem Five Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. Scholarship awards are granted without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or disability. Final selection of scholarship recipients is at the sole discretion of the Salem Five Executive Committee in partnership with the Phillips Scholarship Fund.

Welcome to the Greater Houston Community Foundation Scholarship Application Site!   

The Greater Houston Community Foundation (GHCF) administers a variety of unique scholarship funds that grant over $5.7 million annually to college students. The scholarship funds have been established by thoughtful and generous donors and each has a unique set of eligibility criteria and award structure.

Scholarship Application Info:  

Greater Houston Community Foundation administers over 60 different scholarship programs, each with differing eligibility requirements. Eligibility for some scholarships may be dependent on employment, course of study, high school, or college. 

Bratcher Family Foundation Scholarship

This is a renewable scholarship, meaning recipients can renew the award for multiple years funding if they meet the GPA and enrollment requirements and complete the renewal application for each academic year they plan to be enrolled.

About the Scholarship Award

• One (1) new scholarship awarded annually. Scholarship award amounts and renewal durations vary by degree type:
  • 4-year degree at a college/university - $6,000 per academic year
    • Renewable for up to four (4) years of funding maximum ($24,000 in total), as long as the student meets renewal requirements
• 2-year degree at a trade school/community college - $4,000 per academic year
  • Renewable for up to two (2) years of funding maximum ($8,000 in total), as long as the student meets renewal requirements

What can the scholarship be used for?

• The scholarship will be mailed directly to the student's college to be used towards tuition, required academic fees, and/or book expenses. 
• Scholarship funding cannot be distributed directly to the student. Funding cannot be used for room and board, rent, meal plans, parking passes, or other similar living expenses.

Are there any requirements I must meet if I'm selected as a scholarship recipient?

• Recipients must attend an accredited university, community college, or trade school in the United States.
• Recipients must enroll in at least 12 credit hours for both the fall and spring semesters (or be enrolled full-time according to your school if it is on a different system).
• Recipients must submit college enrollment information online through GHCF Scholar the summer before the academic year begins. This information is required in order for the scholarship check to be mailed to the student's college. Instructions will be included in the student's award letter.
• Recipients must meet certain criteria in order to receive subsequent annual awards (i.e., renewals): maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75, be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours per semester, and complete the renewal application for each academic year they planned to be enrolled.

The Irene S. and Harry Louik College Scholarship Fund, established in 2001 by The Pittsburgh Foundation, supports students pursuing careers in the performing arts. Eligible applicants must be full-time juniors or seniors at a four-year college, have graduated from an Allegheny County high school, show financial need, and demonstrate a commitment to building audiences for the arts. Preference is given to those who appreciate broader cultural experiences beyond the performing arts.

The Craig H. Neilsen Foundation offers Community Support Grants aimed at enhancing the quality of life for individuals living with spinal cord injuries (SCI). With a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, these grants support community-driven programs that promote independence and participation. Funding ranges from $25,000 to $200,000 annually for up to two years, addressing regional needs and removing barriers to access. This initiative reflects the Foundation's commitment to empowering all individuals affected by SCI.