Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in Missouri

The Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship, offered by the National Federation of the Blind, honors the legacy of Jacquilyn Billey, a dedicated advocate for the blind. With thirty merit-based scholarships of $10,000 each available, applicants must be legally blind, reside in the U.S., and plan to pursue full-time post-secondary education. Awards are based on academic excellence, community service, and leadership, with finalists attending the NFB National Convention in July for selection.

The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) is launching a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) aimed at enhancing genomic research through the development and distribution of high-value resources. This initiative encourages collaborative efforts in genomic resource development and the integration of data science in clinical applications. While applications are not currently being accepted, prospective applicants are urged to prepare meaningful collaborations and projects ahead of the formal solicitation.

YWCA Chester County Fund

Mission Statement

A primary focus of the YWCA Chester County Fund is to provide scholarships to women, primarily non-traditional students, to continue their education.

The Virginia Randolph Scholarship, established in 1963, honors the legacy of a pioneering educator in Henrico County. Managed by The Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond, this scholarship supports graduating high school seniors who demonstrate academic promise, community service, and financial need. It ensures a lasting tribute to Virginia Randolph’s commitment to education and helps empower the next generation of leaders in the region. Eligible students can receive tuition assistance for higher education pursuits.

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) aims to advance the identification and evaluation of candidate biomarkers for neurological and neuromuscular disorders. By facilitating the clinical development of neurotherapeutics, the FOA encourages research that includes both animal studies and preliminary human evaluations. The ultimate goal is to produce biomarkers ready for rigorous analytical and clinical validation, enhancing the effectiveness of treatments in clinical practice.

The ISF Film Scholarship Program, initiated by the Islamic Scholarship Fund, supports Muslim students pursuing careers in film and media. With scholarships ranging from $3,000 to $5,000, the program aims to enhance Muslim representation in media and counter negative portrayals. Eligible applicants must be full-time students or professionals in relevant fields, maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0. This initiative not only fosters talent but also empowers voices in policy-making and public opinion.

The Express-News Charitable Foundation Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports students pursuing degrees in Journalism or Communications. Open to high school seniors, current undergraduates, and graduate students from South Texas, it offers renewable funding for tuition, fees, and educational expenses. Applicants must maintain a 3.0 GPA and be enrolled full-time in accredited institutions. Established in 1964, the fund aims to enhance educational opportunities and impact the community positively.

The OJJDP FY 2026 Family Treatment Court Program aims to support state and local courts, as well as Tribal governments, in establishing or enhancing family treatment courts. These courts are designed to provide substance use treatment and other supportive services for parents involved with the child welfare system due to issues like child abuse or neglect. By focusing on intensive judicial monitoring and interventions, the program seeks to improve outcomes for children, parents, and families affected by substance use disorders.

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

IUTIS Club Scholarship

Selection based (in order of priority):

• Academic ability, community and school service, and recommendations. Preference given to students who participated in the IUTIS Softball Program.

Awards

• Two $500 scholarships

The BJA FY 2026 Tribal Civil and Criminal Legal Assistance Program offers vital funding to support legal assistance for tribal members and justice systems in rural areas of the U.S. This initiative aims to enhance legal services where they are scarce, providing training and technical assistance for tribal courts and justice operations. Key focuses include veterans' legal aid, addressing Missing and Murdered Indigenous People, and implementing the Violence Against Women Act.

Grand Rapids Community Foundation

Connecting people, passion and resources

The Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that connects people, passion and resources. With our partners, the Community Foundation uses the tools of philanthropy to find solutions to pressing issues. We provide grants to support the work of nonprofits, scholarships to local students and other forms of support to communities working to eliminate barriers to opportunity, prosperity and belonging.

Our Mission is to build and manage our community’s permanent endowment and lead the community to strengthen the lives of its people.

We envision a magnetic and interconnected West Michigan community.

Integrity, Excellence, Inclusion, Sustainability and Bold Aspirations

Give and Receive Openly, Build Trust with Each Other, Create Brave and Safe Space, Embrace Vulnerability, Accountability

Our North Star

For West Michigan to grow and prosper, we must make sure that everyone can apply their talents and creativity to fuel our future. It is only by connecting across perspectives and overcoming inequities that we can build and sustain an inclusive economy and thriving community.

Opportunities for students

Apply for scholarships to support your ambitions

Each year Grand Rapids Community Foundation supports hundreds of students on their college or career training journeys. We are excited to remove barriers to academic success so that students like you can pursue what you're passionate about.

Scholarship Fund Details

Support for West Michigan Students

Attending college or trade school increases opportunity and opens doors to careers. Donor partners who establish a scholarship fund give students a boost on their path to higher education. Students who complete the general scholarship application are considered for these scholarships.

Open to students who are residents of Kent County. Preference to Challenge Scholar students through 2032.

Grand Rapids Community Foundation

Connecting people, passion and resources

The Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that connects people, passion and resources. With our partners, the Community Foundation uses the tools of philanthropy to find solutions to pressing issues. We provide grants to support the work of nonprofits, scholarships to local students and other forms of support to communities working to eliminate barriers to opportunity, prosperity and belonging.

Our Mission is to build and manage our community’s permanent endowment and lead the community to strengthen the lives of its people.

We envision a magnetic and interconnected West Michigan community.

Integrity, Excellence, Inclusion, Sustainability and Bold Aspirations

Give and Receive Openly, Build Trust with Each Other, Create Brave and Safe Space, Embrace Vulnerability, Accountability

Our North Star

For West Michigan to grow and prosper, we must make sure that everyone can apply their talents and creativity to fuel our future. It is only by connecting across perspectives and overcoming inequities that we can build and sustain an inclusive economy and thriving community.

Opportunities for students

Apply for scholarships to support your ambitions

Each year Grand Rapids Community Foundation supports hundreds of students on their college or career training journeys. We are excited to remove barriers to academic success so that students like you can pursue what you're passionate about.

Scholarship Fund Details

Support for West Michigan Students

Attending college or trade school increases opportunity and opens doors to careers. Donor partners who establish a scholarship fund give students a boost on their path to higher education. Students who complete the general scholarship application are considered for these scholarships.

Open to students who are residents of Kent County. Preference to Challenge Scholar students through 2032.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) is launching a funding opportunity for the Collaborative Initiative on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (CIFASD). This program aims to foster multidisciplinary research on FASD, addressing critical needs such as early identification, intervention development, and mechanisms of alcohol exposure effects. By supporting integrated projects within the CIFASD consortium, the initiative seeks to enhance understanding and reduce the impact of FASD through coordinated research efforts.

The OVC FY 2026 Specialized Human Trafficking Assistance program provides critical funding to enhance the capacity of multidisciplinary anti-trafficking task forces and legal service providers. This initiative aims to strengthen the Enhanced Collaborative Model (ECM) through specialized training, ensuring effective identification and support for victims of human trafficking. By focusing on victim-centered investigations and successful prosecution of traffickers, this funding opportunity aligns with the U.S. Department of Justice’s mission to protect citizens and combat violent crime.

The USA Swimming Foundation's HBCU Grant program is a $1 million initiative aimed at enhancing swimming opportunities in communities served by Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Launched in 2021, the program provides annual grants of $100,000 over ten years, supporting youth water safety lessons and university swim clubs. This initiative is designed to empower HBCUs to expand their aquatic programming, fostering inclusivity and safety in swimming across diverse communities nationwide.

The Amber Huber Memorial Scholarship honors a dedicated athlete from Byron High School, supporting students who embody hard work and competitive spirit. This scholarship is available to students striving to achieve their athletic goals, reflecting Amber's legacy. It is renewable for four years, ensuring continued support for those who meet the criteria. Academic performance will be moderately considered in the selection process, fostering the development of future leaders in athletics.

Steve's Foundation Grant is a small private funding opportunity providing grants between $500 and $5,000, averaging $2,600. It supports organizations that empower disadvantaged individuals, focusing on cost-effective programs that yield significant impacts. The foundation prioritizes proposals from non-profits that directly assist those in need, especially children and marginalized communities. Applications are evaluated annually in May or June, but due to high demand, the foundation cannot respond to every inquiry.

Grand Rapids Community Foundation

Connecting people, passion and resources

The Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that connects people, passion and resources. With our partners, the Community Foundation uses the tools of philanthropy to find solutions to pressing issues. We provide grants to support the work of nonprofits, scholarships to local students and other forms of support to communities working to eliminate barriers to opportunity, prosperity and belonging.

Our Mission is to build and manage our community’s permanent endowment and lead the community to strengthen the lives of its people.

We envision a magnetic and interconnected West Michigan community.

Integrity, Excellence, Inclusion, Sustainability and Bold Aspirations

Give and Receive Openly, Build Trust with Each Other, Create Brave and Safe Space, Embrace Vulnerability, Accountability

Our North Star

For West Michigan to grow and prosper, we must make sure that everyone can apply their talents and creativity to fuel our future. It is only by connecting across perspectives and overcoming inequities that we can build and sustain an inclusive economy and thriving community.

Opportunities for students

Apply for scholarships to support your ambitions

Each year Grand Rapids Community Foundation supports hundreds of students on their college or career training journeys. We are excited to remove barriers to academic success so that students like you can pursue what you're passionate about.

Scholarship Fund Details

Support for West Michigan Students

Attending college or trade school increases opportunity and opens doors to careers. Donor partners who establish a scholarship fund give students a boost on their path to higher education. Students who complete the general scholarship application are considered for these scholarships.

Open to students who are residents of Kent County. Preference to Challenge Scholar students through 2032.

The Rodgers Family Agricultural Scholarship, managed by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Fauquier County pursuing degrees in agricultural fields at accredited institutions. Candidates must demonstrate financial need, initiative, motivation, and leadership. This scholarship not only offers financial assistance but also presents opportunities for renewal, fostering academic growth and community involvement among students dedicated to agriculture in the region.

The HVAC Skills Lab Grant aims to support middle and high schools in the U.S. and Canada by providing equipment and resources to establish plumbing and HVAC skills labs. With a growing demand for skilled trades, this program encourages educational institutions to equip students with vital trade skills. Grant recipients will receive $25,000 worth of products and equipment, along with access to SkillCat's technical training platform, fostering a new generation of skilled professionals.

The HVAC Skills Lab Grant aims to refurbish existing plumbing and HVAC skills labs in middle and high schools across the U.S. and Canada. With a focus on preparing students for vital trade careers, the grant provides $10,000 in equipment to enhance hands-on learning. This initiative supports schools with technical training resources, promoting the growth of skilled labor in these essential fields. Schools that have not received a Skills Lab award in the past 24 months are eligible to apply.

The Fishel Scholarship Fund, managed by The Columbus Foundation, offers financial assistance to children of active Teammates pursuing higher education. This initiative aims to alleviate college-related expenses, thus supporting families and encouraging academic achievement. As one of the largest community foundations, The Columbus Foundation is dedicated to enriching the quality of life in the Columbus, Ohio region through impactful philanthropic efforts.

The Women’s Service League of North Central Washington Scholarship, established in 2013, aims to support female students from various high schools in the region. This scholarship prioritizes applicants who demonstrate community involvement, leadership skills, and a minimum GPA of 2.75. Special consideration is given to those who have faced significant challenges and to children or grandchildren of League members, fostering a commitment to volunteerism and community improvement.

The Carolyn Gallmeyer Scholarship, provided by the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, supports students from Kent County pursuing college or career training. This scholarship aims to remove barriers to education, empowering students to achieve their aspirations. With awards typically ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, it directly contributes to tuition and essential costs. The foundation emphasizes inclusivity, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to thrive in their academic journeys.

L’Oréal Paris Celebrates 20 Years of Women of Worth

For 20 years, L’Oréal Paris has honored women who uplift their communities through service. These non-profit leaders, our Women of Worth, each receive $25,000 to support their causes, mentorship from the L’Oréal Paris network and a national platform to share their stories.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Equity in Access Research Grants aim to enhance equitable access to care for blood cancer patients and survivors. This program funds research to identify effective interventions that increase participation in clinical trials among underrepresented groups. Projects can receive up to $500,000 annually for a maximum of five years, with a total budget cap of $2.5 million. The initiative seeks to address systemic barriers that hinder clinical trial enrollment and improve healthcare access.

The American Bach Society offers the Language Study Grant to support Ph.D. students in the US or Canada who need language training for Bach-related research. Grants can cover tuition and ancillary costs, with awards up to $6,000. Applicants must demonstrate that they have sought additional financial aid from their institutions. This initiative aims to encourage diverse research topics and new voices in Bach studies, fostering a deeper appreciation of this important field.