Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in Montana

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Clifford & Frances Strine Family Scholarship

While still in high school himself, Josh Strine chose to use a Christmas gift honor his great grandparents and family legacy with a permanent scholarship fund at Marion Community Foundation, created in 2017.

The Strine Scholarship supports graduating seniors from any high school located in Marion County, including home and e-school students, who have lived in the Marion area throughout their high school experience and who are active in either 4-H or FFA. Recipients must have maintained a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or higher and intend to pursue an education in the field of agriculture or education.

Special consideration is given to applicants who demonstrate financial need, as well as academic achievement, academic potential, community service, school citizenship, and communication skills.

The Helen Duranleau-Brennan Theater Scholarship, offered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, supports students pursuing theater studies. Eligible applicants must be graduates from specific Davenport high schools, maintain a 3.0 GPA, and be enrolled in a four-year program or graduate school for theater. This scholarship provides up to $1,000 annually, renewable for up to four years, encouraging students committed to theater-related disciplines and community service.

Marion Community FoundationMarion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.Mission: To continually improve the Marion Area community through philanthropy, leadership and civic engagement. Dr. Kathy Dixon Memorial ScholarshipThe Dixon Scholarship supports the educational careers of area students wishing to attend Marion Technical College and The Ohio State University at Marion. Applicants can be from any high school in Marion and its six contiguous counties. Special consideration is given to college upperclassmen who are majoring in the fields of science or health care.

The CDC is providing supplemental funding to 34 American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes and organizations through the Strengthening Public Health Systems and Services initiative. Eligible recipients can apply for new project plans for FY 2027. This funding aims to align measurable outcomes with the Healthy People 2030 goals, enhancing public health services and systems in Indian Country.

The New Haven Scholarship Fund offers financial assistance to New Haven residents graduating from local public high schools with demonstrated need. Scholarships, ranging from $200 to $2900, are awarded for one academic year, covering two semesters. Eligible students must have attended a qualifying high school since senior year and complete a formal application process, including an interview. Reapplication is permitted each year, ensuring continued support for students' educational pursuits.

Grand Traverse Regional Community FoundationThe Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation began in 1992 when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our region then, now, and forever.

This vision lives on within our organization today as we support the people and places of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians.

Together with our partners, we spark positive change for a variety of local causes, including youth, arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services, across our region.Giving JAR Scholarship FundAvailable to graduating seniors from Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska or Leelanau Counties that are planning to attend college with a goal of becoming teachers, coaches or other vocations ultimately giving back to youth within the communities they choose to live in. Financial need, academic performance, and community service involvement will be considered.

The Toward An Inclusive Architecture Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, aims to empower Tennesseans of color by providing financial support for architectural education. This initiative not only covers educational expenses at accredited architecture schools but also enhances professional growth through internship placements at partner firms. By fostering diversity in architecture, the scholarship seeks to create a more inclusive and thriving community in Tennessee.

The AAUW- TC Minnie Votruba Moore Scholarship Endowment, managed by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, supports women in the Grand Traverse Region seeking to enhance their educational credentials. Eligible applicants must have completed at least two years of college and be enrolled in a minimum of nine credit hours per term in an accredited program. This scholarship empowers local women to achieve their personal and career goals through education.

The Central Lake School District Osborn Scholarship Endowment, established by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Central Lake Public Schools who rank in the top 20 percent of their class and show exemplary academic performance. This initiative reflects the Foundation's commitment to empowering local students and fostering educational excellence within the community. The scholarship aims to provide financial assistance to help deserving students pursue their higher education goals.

The Ed and Nessa Laing Scholarship Endowment supports graduating seniors pursuing post-secondary education in trade or technical fields. Established by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, it prioritizes students from Suttons Bay Public Schools, followed by those from Leelanau County and surrounding areas. Financial need and community involvement are key considerations for applicants, ensuring that those who demonstrate leadership and commitment to their communities receive assistance in their educational pursuits.

The Julia L. Atz Scholarship Fund, established by the Noble County Community Foundation, offers $2,500 to college seniors or post-graduate students pursuing careers in classical music performance or conducting. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.00 or above and may reapply for funding in subsequent years. Preference is given to Indiana residents, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to supporting local talent and enhancing the cultural landscape of the community.

The Emily and Frank Smiddy Scholarship Endowment, established by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, offers financial support to graduating seniors from Benzie County high schools pursuing postsecondary education in sciences or STEM fields. This scholarship can be renewed annually for up to four years, helping students achieve their educational goals and contribute to the community's growth and development.

The National Writers Series Scholarships, offered by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, support aspiring writers in 11th and 12th grades from Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties. Eligible applicants must submit an online application along with a manuscript in one of the following genres: Fiction, Nonfiction, Journalism, or Poetry. This initiative encourages local youth to showcase their creativity and talent in writing, fostering a love for literature and expression.

The Ross Scholarship Fund provides financial support to graduating high school seniors from Franklin County who plan to pursue higher education. Applicants must demonstrate academic achievement (minimum GPA of 2.5) and financial need. The scholarship renews for up to four years, contingent upon maintaining eligibility requirements. Extra consideration is given to students from the Chambersburg Area School District, ensuring that deserving local students receive the support they need to succeed in their higher education endeavors.

Napa Valley Community Foundation

There are more than 800 Community Foundations in the US, each devoted to a specific region. We operate independently, with a common goal in mind: to be a platform for local people who want to pay it forward. To deliver resources to effective charitable programs. And to make our communities stronger and more successful by doing these two things.

Among our peers, Napa Valley Community Foundation ranks first on several key measures of donor satisfaction and impact, according to a recent donor survey conducted by the Center for Effective Philanthropy. Our donors say that we deeply understand their interests, and deeply understand the needs of Napa Valley. That, in a nutshell, is our job.

Coppola Family Travel Scholarship

The Coppola Family Travel Scholarship benefits Napa County High School students in grades 10-12 who have a desire to explore the world. This one-time award (“educational enrichment grant”) can be used to pay for tuition and associated costs for participation in a summer enrichment program in the United States or in Europe. Applicants must show a commitment to hard work and diligence in the pursuit of their goals. 

The Dr. Marshall H. Layton Memorial Scholarship honors Dr. Rock's dedication to education by supporting graduating seniors from the Harrisburg School District. This one-time award aims to help students with financial need who plan to pursue higher education or trade school. Applicants must demonstrate a desire for success through an essay, reflecting Dr. Rock's lifelong commitment to fostering learning and achievement.

The PERF: Infrastructure/Registry Research Grant focuses on developing new multicenter infrastructures or enhancing existing programs in pediatric neurology. It aims to advance clinical research, particularly in pediatric epilepsy, supporting projects that train and mentor young investigators. The grant offers up to $300,000 for a duration of three years, with an emphasis on mentorship for both senior and early-stage investigators, ensuring the growth of expertise in the field.

The Leader Scholarship Fund, established by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, supports students in HACC's LPN program from Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, or York counties. It honors Governor George Leader, a champion for education and disabilities, and emphasizes financial need and a minimum GPA of 2.5. This initiative aims to empower future healthcare professionals while fostering community growth and equity in Pennsylvania.

The MI Association of Professional Insurance Agents Scholarship, offered by the Four County Community Foundation, supports seniors and recent graduates in Michigan planning to pursue a major in Risk Management/Insurance. Award recipients will be honored at the Foundation's Scholarship Celebration in May and announced at local high school events. Up to four awards are available, and students must submit an essay for consideration, reinforcing the Foundation's commitment to education and community development.

The Hilda M. Hill Memorial Vocational/Technical Scholarship, offered by the Four County Community Foundation, supports seniors and recent graduates from Capac, Almont, and Imlay City pursuing vocational or technical programs. Eligible students must have a minimum GPA of 1.50 and can receive up to two awards, with financial need considered. Award recipients will be celebrated at the Foundation's Scholarship Celebration in May, highlighting the Foundation's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities in the community.

The Jill B. Whiting Scholarship, established by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, supports graduating seniors from Central Dauphin High School and Central Dauphin East High School pursuing music or music education studies. Applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA, demonstrate community service and leadership, and show financial need. This scholarship honors Jill B. Whiting's legacy as a dedicated music volunteer and aims to foster artistic talent in the local community.

The Margaret Ferris Scholarship for Hard of Hearing Students, established by Margaret Ferris, a dedicated teacher, supports hard of hearing students from Calumet, Outagamie, and Winnebago counties. It aims to assist graduating high school seniors pursuing higher education. This scholarship honors Margaret's impactful career and commitment to the deaf community, emphasizing aural/oral training over American Sign Language. By providing financial aid, it continues her legacy of fostering educational opportunities for hard of hearing individuals.

The Liz Colantuono & Mark Sanz Endowment Scholarship, offered by the United Negro College Fund, provides need-based financial support to Native American students and adult refugees enrolled or accepted at accredited U.S. four-year institutions. With a focus on those facing financial challenges, this scholarship aims to empower students who demonstrate a commitment to education in STEM, education, accounting, or journalism, thereby fostering future leaders in these fields.

The Joyce Bytof Memorial Cancer Survivors Scholarship, established by Joyce Bytof in collaboration with the American Cancer Society, supports childhood cancer survivors graduating from specific Wisconsin high schools. This scholarship aims to assist them in pursuing higher education despite the financial and academic challenges posed by their experiences. Joyce's legacy continues to inspire hope and resilience among young survivors as they strive for academic success and a brighter future.

The National Institute on Aging, in collaboration with the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, is announcing a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) aimed at exploring the link between olfactory decline and aging, Alzheimer's disease, and related dementias. This research could reveal olfactory dysfunction as a health indicator in older adults and identify new targets for therapeutic strategies. While applications are not currently being accepted, interested researchers are encouraged to prepare for future submissions.

The Rhoden Fellowship, supported by ESPN and administered by the United Negro College Fund, is a year-long program designed to empower students from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Participants will serve as correspondents, creating multimedia content for Andscape, covering major sports events, and producing a bi-weekly podcast. This opportunity not only fosters journalistic skills but also promotes engagement with the HBCU community, paving the way for future leaders in journalism.

The Freshman Winner's Circle Scholarships, established by the Iowa Foundation for Agricultural Advancement, aim to support high school students graduating in Spring 2026 who are pursuing degrees in agriculture. These scholarships encourage participation in livestock projects and reward dedication to the agricultural field. Eligible students must enroll in a post-secondary agricultural program at a university or college starting Fall 2026, fostering future leaders in the agricultural industry.