Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in Missouri

The Steven K. Dentel AEESP Award for Global Outreach recognizes faculty excellence in environmental engineering outreach. This annual award honors individuals who significantly contribute to global community health through education, research, and mentorship. Recipients receive a $500 cash award and a plaque. Nominations from students are welcomed, and past nominations can be modified within three years. This award aims to highlight sustained leadership and service in the environmental engineering field.

The Perry L. McCarty AEESP Founders' Award, presented by the AEESP Foundation, honors outstanding contributions to environmental engineering education and research. It recognizes a professor's excellence in these fields, offering a plaque, a $1500 cash prize, and a $750 travel allotment for the awards ceremony. Nominations are accepted annually, with past submissions considered for three years. Careful adherence to nomination guidelines is essential for eligibility.

The Sex Worker Giving Circle Grant, launched by the Third Wave Fund, prioritizes funding for grassroots movements led by individuals directly impacted by gender oppression, especially within the sex work community. With a commitment to gender justice, the grant supports organizations that operate with a participatory approach to grantmaking, enabling them to address systemic inequalities. In recent years, the fund has distributed significant resources to empower and sustain these vital movements across the United States.

The NTSS Toshio Narahashi Neurotoxicology SS Trainee Conference Endowment Award offers a stipend of at least $250 to support deserving trainees in Neurotoxicology attending the SOT Annual Meeting. Selection is based on scientific merit and mentor support. This initiative, funded by the Toshio Narahashi Neurotoxicology Fellowship Award Fund, aims to enhance the professional development of trainees in toxicology.

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) is launching a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) under the NIH HEAL initiative to enhance research on joint health and pain. This initiative aims to refine the understanding of joint tissues and pain mechanisms, expand clinical phenotyping, and support preclinical testing of novel therapies. Collaborations among experts in neurobiology, pain science, and rheumatic diseases are encouraged to foster innovative solutions for joint pain management.

The Excellence in Environmental Engineering and Science Education (E4) Award recognizes outstanding contributions by university faculty in environmental engineering education. Administered by AAEES and AEESP, this annual award includes a $1,000 monetary prize and $500 for travel to the E3 ceremony. Nominees should demonstrate significant impacts in curriculum development, student mentorship, and educational outcomes. Past nominations can be reconsidered for three years, encouraging ongoing recognition of excellence in environmental engineering education.

The Edward J. Bouwer/AEESP Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award recognizes outstanding research by emerging scholars in environmental engineering and science. This prestigious award, honoring Prof. Edward J. Bouwer, includes a plaque and a $1,500 cash prize for the student, along with a $500 prize for the faculty advisor. Additionally, a travel allowance of $750 is available for both the student and the faculty advisor to attend the Awards Ceremony, encouraging participation and celebration of academic excellence.

The H. Wayne VanAgtmael Cosmetology Scholarship, established in 2005 by Wayne Van Agtmael's family, honors his legacy in the cosmetology field. This scholarship supports high school graduates from the Tri-Cities pursuing a cosmetology degree, focusing on financial need and academic achievement. Applicants must provide transcripts and additional required documents. The scholarship aims to empower students, particularly those who are the first in their families to succeed beyond high school, in their educational journeys.

The American Academy of Audiology offers the Investigator Research Grant to promote essential research in audiology and balance health care. With a funding limit of $20,000 for one-year projects, the grant aims to support innovative research that enhances the evaluation and management of hearing and balance disorders. Eligible applicants must hold a doctoral degree in audiology or hearing science and be affiliated with a non-profit institution in the U.S. or Canada, fostering collaboration between academia and clinical practice.

The EMF Family Building Grants, offered by the Expect Miracles Foundation, support young adult cancer survivors in their fertility treatment and family-building efforts. These grants are designed for applicants with a clear family-building plan and financial strategy, helping bridge the gap in costs associated with fertility preservation, assisted reproductive technologies, and related services. By prioritizing those actively engaged in their journey, the foundation aims to empower survivors to pursue their dreams of family.

The Henry D. and Ruth G. Swartz Family Fund Scholarship, established in 1996, supports high school seniors from North Ottawa County pursuing post-secondary education in engineering, computer science, pre-law, or medicine. Awarded competitively by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, applicants must demonstrate financial need and provide necessary documentation, including transcripts and recommendation letters. This scholarship honors the legacy of local residents Hank and Ruth Swartz, encouraging students to achieve their educational goals.

AMS Organology Study Group Travel Grants

The AMS Organology Study Group Travel Grants program provides travel grants to support AMS Annual Meeting attendance for students and recent graduates with research interests in organology and/or other intersections of music and material culture studies. In addition to supporting attendance at the annual meeting, this program also introduces recipients to a network of scholars working in the field of organology. In 2026, selected recipients will not receive travel grants because the 2026 AMS Annual Meeting is being held online, but will instead receive complimentary registration for the conference. The 2026 AMS Annual Meeting will be held 14–15 November and 19–20 November 2026.

The purpose of the program is to defray costs associated with attending the AMS Annual Meeting and participating in Organology Study Group (OSG) activities. Recipients will be required to attend the Organology Study Group's paper session at the 2026 AMS Annual Meeting.

The Organology Study Group Travel Grants program was established in 2024 with the generous support of the American Musical Instrument Society (AMIS). In addition to complimentary registration for the 2026 AMS Annual Meeting, recipients will receive one year of complimentary membership in the AMIS.

The Frances Parker Rupert Memorial Fund for Music and the Performing Arts provides scholarships to talented students pursuing music or performing arts degrees. Established by the Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, this fund aims to support high school seniors from specific counties, considering their potential and financial need. Applicants must demonstrate their artistic abilities and articulate how this scholarship will aid their educational goals in a two-page essay.

The Reel Change Film Fund is a five-year initiative aimed at supporting underrepresented film composers in the industry. It provides grants averaging $20,000 to assist US-based projects in production or post-production. Created by Christophe Beck and SESAC, this fund addresses the lack of diversity in film scoring, promoting inclusivity for diverse composers. Through mentorship and financial support, it seeks to elevate the careers of talented individuals from various backgrounds, enhancing the overall landscape of film music.

The Viola Pfaff Bowman Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Hamilton County Community Foundation, supports high school students in Hamilton County, particularly those from Hamilton Heights, Noblesville, Sheridan, and Westfield High Schools. Candidates must be pursuing a degree in communications or business and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship honors Viola Pfaff Bowman, a dedicated alumna who inspired many through her involvement in school media. It encourages students with media program experience to apply.

The Georgette Viellion Scholarship, established in 2021 with a $50,000 donation, supports doctoral nursing students aiming to become full-time faculty members. Applicants must have an RN license and maintain a GPA of at least 3.6. Preference is given to those focusing on nursing research or organizational study. This scholarship is part of the Nurses Educational Funds, Inc.'s mission to promote nursing leadership through financial assistance for advanced education in nursing.

The Hope for the Journey Foundation for Cancer Treatment Support, backed by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, offers vital non-medical financial assistance to cancer patients and their families. This support is crucial for those navigating the challenges of cancer treatment, ensuring that they can focus on their health and well-being. The foundation prioritizes applicants from specific counties in Missouri, helping local families during their difficult journeys.

The JADE Learning Electrical Technologies Scholarship supports students enrolled in North Carolina technical or occupational schools focused on electrical systems technologies. Eligible candidates include undergraduates, graduates, and apprentices who demonstrate financial need and strong academic performance. The scholarship application requires careful attention to specific donor-defined eligibility criteria. Applications open on December 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026, with preference given to those pursuing a two-year associate’s degree.

The Michael Hurewitz Scholarship, offered by The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, supports high school seniors in the region who have a passion for journalism and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship aims to empower students by providing them the necessary financial assistance to pursue their educational goals in journalism, fostering the next generation of storytellers and communicators in our community.

Who We Are

We weave the work of communities, connecting and uplifting passionate people, critical resources and transformational ideas. Working side by side with every corner and sector of our region, we have identified social and economic justice as the most critical elements to a thriving community. We serve to advance efforts in these areas by fostering impactful giving, trusted partnerships and authentic engagement for a more equitable southwest Washington.

John and Maradee Potter Scholarship

Maradee Potter established this scholarship to honor her husband, John who died in 2021. John was retired from his career as a proofreader legal editor. John and Maradee were married for 36 years. Maradee is honoring her husband and her work to provide scholarships for students who have graduated from high schools located in Clark County, Washington and have been a recipient of Special Education services with a documented disability. Maradee worked in the Vancouver Public Schools as a Special Education Teacher during her career and continues to be an advocate for people with disabilities by serving on the Clark County Community Services Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board and Homes for Community Living Board. It is important to the donor that people with disabilities have equitable access to education and the support necessary to pursue post-secondary education and career training.

Award Information

The number and amount of scholarships will be determined by the scholarship committee. The scholarship may be renewable. Renewal applicants must reapply each year.

The Hearst Foundation: Education Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that promote education across various levels, focusing primarily on higher education. With a minimum grant size of $100,000, the foundation prioritizes organizations demonstrating significant impact and sustainability. They support innovative educational models, professional development, and scholarships, specifically targeting underserved populations. Since the 1940s, the foundation has evolved while maintaining its commitment to fostering healthy and productive lives for all individuals in the United States.

Pledge the Pink Foundation is dedicated to providing essential funding for breast cancer services, including free mammograms, medical assistance, and outreach programs. By bypassing bureaucratic barriers, the foundation ensures that those most in need receive critical care. However, grant funds cannot be allocated for event sponsorships or to cover salaries and overhead expenses, ensuring that donations directly impact patient care and support.

Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians

We the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians are the most diverse confederation of Tribes and Bands on a single reservation in the United States. Our ancestors spoke 10 completely different languages, each of which had multiple dialects. Our ancestors brought with them deep connections to more than 20 million acres of ancestral territory combined, including all of Western Oregon from the summit of the Cascade mountains to the Pacific and extending into what’s now SW Washington State and northern California. Our ancestors signed many treaties with the United States. We were promised the 1.1 million acres Siletz Reservation as our permanent home, but following massive reservation reductions Congress passed the Western Oregon Termination Act in 1954 (took effect in 1956), and our federally recognized status as a tribe was also taken. In 1977 our lobbying of Congress to repeal our Termination was successful, and we became the second formerly Terminated Tribe to regain federal recognition as a Tribe.

Education

The Confederated Tribes of Siletz seeks to provide opportunities for Tribal members to reach potential, establish independence and improve quality of life through lifelong learning and education.

NWIHA – Youth Scholarship Program

Scholarship applications will be reviewed to meet the following minimum eligibility before any further review of the application will be done.

• Applicant must either have an application pending or a letter of acceptance from a higher education institution such as a four (4) year college or a two (2) year community college prior to the funds being sent to the higher educational institution.
• Applicant must be less than twenty four (24) years old on the deadline submission date.
• Applicant must be an enrolled member from one of the NWIHA member Tribes.
• Payments are made directly to the school, organization, etc. and not to the Applicant or their families.
• All of these items must be postmarked on or before March 31st of each year, or the Application will be automatically rejected.
• Faxed applications will NOT be accepted.
• All Applications become the property of NWIHA. NWIHA reserves the right to publish essays.

Angel Post Deployment Test Program

Through a collaborative partnership with UNCF, XYZ Corporation has established a scholarship program to help STEM students get on the fast track to a rewarding career. In addition to direct financial support, Intel-sponsored scholarships offer the benefits of exposure to potential job opportunities, networking with fellow scholars, insight to other Intel scholarships, research, training opportunities, and access to Intel mentors offering support on technical, non-technical, cultural, and dissertation-related needs.

The L.E.A.H. (Lending Every Amputee Hope) Grant connects donors with individuals in need of financial assistance for medical supplies related to limb amputation. It aims to improve the quality of life for residents in Southwest Missouri, providing up to $150 annually per person. Applications are confidential and evaluated by a committee based on individual medical needs, ensuring support reaches those who require it most.

The Huether/Gillan Scholarship, established by the Niskayuna Community Foundation, supports community-minded students from Niskayuna or its school district. This need-based scholarship aims to assist those pursuing higher education while emphasizing academic achievement and community service. Mr. Huether initiated this scholarship in honor of his parents, promoting values of dignity, diversity, impact, inclusion, innovation, and integrity. Interested applicants should contact Mr. Vince Bianchi for further details.

The Samuel "Eric" Storm Memorial Scholarship Fund offers $2,500 to students pursuing advanced degrees in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or Speech Therapy. Established in honor of Eric Storm, a dedicated physical therapist, the fund aims to support students in accredited programs. Eric's legacy includes his commitment to mentorship and community service, reflecting his belief in health care as a calling. This scholarship honors his impact on many lives and encourages future health professionals to follow in his footsteps.