Best Financial Assistance Grants in Montana

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds. 

Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

Edward A. and Shirley B. Livi Scholarship Fund

To support residents of Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire Counties who are pursuing fine or performing arts beyond their college freshman year.

Additional Guidelines

• Students can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships from the Community Foundation.
• Scholarship awards could impact the financial aid offered by a college, and students are advised to check with their college financial aid offices about this.
• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. Some part and/or all the award could be considered taxable income. It is advisable students check with the college or tax accountant regarding this matter.

The MBF Small Grants Program supports conservation projects for monarch butterflies and their habitats, primarily in Mexico. It aims to fund initiatives focusing on habitat conservation, scientific research, education, and sustainable development. Grants are primarily awarded to Mexican organizations and individuals, with a preference for those with relevant experience. Projects should enhance local livelihoods and promote environmental awareness within the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve.

The Mabel M. Witmer Scholarship Fund, managed by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, supports students pursuing education in trade or technical schools. This fund aims to assist residents of Cumberland or Franklin County with financial need, especially those who have relevant work experience in their chosen field. By investing in education and skills development, the scholarship contributes to community empowerment and long-term economic growth in South Central Pennsylvania.

The Anna Lalor Burdick Program supports initiatives that enhance women's access to reproductive health care, contraception, and pregnancy termination. It prioritizes funding programs that provide comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education, particularly for disadvantaged women. The program seeks innovative approaches, clear goals, and sustainable models, while emphasizing advocacy efforts. Organizations dedicated to reproductive rights in restrictive environments are encouraged to apply, as the foundation aims to empower women through informed choices.

The Talati Family Scholarship Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, aims to support students of color pursuing higher education. Students can apply through a single online application, which connects them to various scholarships based on eligibility. Awards can reach up to $3,000 and may impact financial aid offers. This scholarship is available to undergraduate and graduate students attending accredited institutions in the U.S., particularly those from Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties.

The SOT Undergraduate Research Award supports outstanding undergraduate students presenting original toxicology research at the SOT Annual Meeting. Awardees receive recognition, complimentary registration, lodging, and travel funding up to $800. This award encourages students to pursue graduate studies in toxicology or related fields and includes mentorship opportunities during the meeting, fostering their academic and professional growth.

The Climate Smart Communities Initiative (CSCI) Grant supports US-based projects aimed at enhancing community resilience against climate change. With a budget of $1.5-2 million, grants typically range from $75,000 to $115,000. CSCI prioritizes projects that focus on historically disinvested populations facing climate vulnerabilities, emphasizing equity, nature-based solutions, and community capacity building. The initiative encourages collaboration between climate adaptation practitioners and local government entities to address climate impacts effectively.

The Open Ocean Research Grant Program, funded by Global Fishing Watch Inc, aims to enhance ocean governance through data sharing on human activity at sea. It invites researchers to improve technologies for better governance, offering up to $10,000 for individuals and $20,000 for small groups. This initiative strengthens the community of practice and optimizes Global Fishing Watch datasets to maximize their impact on ocean conservation efforts.

The CART Fund Grant supports innovative Alzheimer’s Disease research projects in the U.S. with funding up to $500,000 for a two-year period. It invites full-time faculty from public and private institutions to submit Letters of Intent, emphasizing novel concepts that advance biomedical knowledge. Selected finalists will be invited to apply for standard grants. The initiative aims to foster groundbreaking research initiatives lacking extensive preliminary data, ensuring a focus on projects with transformative potential.

The John and Evelyn Turnbull Nursing Education Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, provides scholarships of up to $3,000 to residents of Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire Counties pursuing a Baccalaureate or Master’s degree in Nursing. This fund is aimed at supporting students from diverse backgrounds, ensuring access to education in nursing, and addressing the region's healthcare needs.

The Classics for Kids Matching Grant Program, established by the Classics for Kids Foundation, aims to enhance music education for at-risk and rural youth by providing matching grants for fine stringed instruments. Since 1998, over $2 million has been allocated to support more than 300 programs across all 50 states. Schools and non-profits demonstrating need and commitment are encouraged to apply, fostering lifelong benefits of music participation and education.

The Technologies for Improving Minority Health and Eliminating Health Disparities (R41/R42) program invites small business concerns to develop innovative technologies aimed at enhancing minority health and addressing health disparities. This initiative emphasizes the creation of effective, affordable, and culturally acceptable solutions for NIH-defined populations. Key deadlines for applications span from June 2024 to December 2026, with optional Letters of Intent encouraged 30 days prior to submission.

The Innovations for Healthy Living program invites eligible U.S. small businesses to apply for SBIR grants aimed at improving minority health and eliminating health disparities. The initiative encourages innovative proposals for effective, affordable, and culturally acceptable solutions. Key deadlines for applications span from June 2024 to December 2026, with optional Letters of Intent recommended 30 days prior to submission. This funding opportunity supports projects that address health challenges faced by underserved populations.

About Us

The Community Foundation of NCW is a tax-exempt philanthropic organization that helps individuals, families, businesses, and agencies support charitable causes throughout Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan counties.

Don and Ellen Garrison Service to Community and School Scholarship

The Don and Ellen Garrison Scholarship celebrates a family history rooted in the Okanogan Valley, beginning when Don's family homesteaded south of Malott in 1917. Don and Ellen built a life of community leadership and dedication, operating their orchard and serving on various local boards. Their commitment to the region remains strong, as both of their sons became educators in Washington, with one son teaching in Okanogan where his father, Don, graduated in 1933.

This award supports graduating seniors of Okanogan High School planning to attend a trade school or college in the U.S. The scholarship seeks applicants who reflect the family's commitment to activity and service. Required criteria include lettering in athletics, participating in a school club or activity, and having a consistent record of community service.

The Child Well-Being Grant Program, established by the Doris Duke Foundation, focuses on promoting the healthy development of children and preventing abuse. With a commitment to addressing systemic inequities, the program supports initiatives that strengthen social service systems and foster partnerships to enhance access to services. It prioritizes funding for projects that encourage community-based interventions and the development of future leaders dedicated to improving child welfare, ensuring all children have the opportunity to thrive in safe and supportive environments.

The Greater Evansville USBCA Scholarship, established by the Greater Evansville USBCA, supports students from Posey, Vanderburgh, and Warrick counties who engage in community service and bowling activities. Eligible applicants must have been members of the USBCA for two of the past four years or be children of members with a minimum 2.0 GPA. The selection process considers academic performance, bowling involvement, community service, and submitted essays and recommendations.

The Ittleson Foundation Environmental Program Grants support innovative projects that enhance environmental activism through education and grassroots efforts. In 2025, grants will focus on initiatives that strengthen environmental movements and engage new constituencies, particularly in environmental equity. The Foundation has provided resources since 1932 to improve public policy and community welfare, alternating its grantmaking focus annually between mental health and environmental initiatives.

The Jefferies-Park Scholarship, established in 1988 by Evelyn Jefferies-Park, honors her commitment to education. It supports graduating seniors from Ord High School, Nebraska, who are in the top 15% of their class and plan to pursue a four-year degree. This scholarship reflects the legacy of generosity fostered by the Lincoln Community Foundation, which has provided over $606,000 in scholarships to local students in 2025 alone.

The Anonymous Scholarship for Franklin County, established by The Columbus Foundation, aims to support students in financial need within the community. This scholarship provides $1,000 annually for up to five years, covering the duration of a first degree. Eligible candidates include graduating seniors residing in Franklin County with a minimum GPA of 2.0, who plan to attend a two- or four-year college in the U.S. This initiative reflects a commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for local youth.

The Craft Archive Fellowship supports archival research on underrepresented craft histories in the U.S., including feminist, queer, Black, Indigenous, and other marginalized communities. It offers a $5,000 stipend for scholars and artists to conduct research in chosen archives, encouraging innovative approaches. Participants will present their findings in a virtual program, and their work will be published in Hyperallergic, broadening accessibility and awareness of vital craft research.

The HEEF: Hispanic Education Endowment Fund Scholarship provides academic financial support to US Citizens, Permanent Residents, and Dream Act/AB 540 students residing in Orange County, California. With awards starting at $2,500, this fund assists high school and community college transfers who demonstrate financial need and plan to enroll in a four-year college or university in Fall 2025. Additional donor-specific sub-funds offer varying amounts, enhancing accessibility to higher education.

The Carver, We’ll Find a Way Scholarship Fund, established by the Carver Family, offers scholarships to local students passionate about helping others. This fund is part of the Community Foundation of Washington County, Maryland, which manages over 100 scholarships aimed at supporting both high school graduates and non-traditional students pursuing further education. The foundation seeks to enhance the quality of life in Washington County through educational support and community engagement.

The Burton E. Stevenson Endowment Scholarship, established by The Columbus Foundation, supports underprivileged children in Ross County, Ohio. Named after the influential librarian and author Burton E. Stevenson, this scholarship aims to alleviate the challenges faced by these children, promoting access to education regardless of race, sex, or religion. Applicants must be graduating seniors from Ross County high schools and plan to attend a public or nonprofit college in the U.S. Awards range from $500 to $6,500.

The Columbus Firefighters Foundation Scholarship supports the dependent children of active or retired members of the Columbus Division of Fire. Established by The Columbus Foundation in 1943, this scholarship aims to enhance the educational opportunities for these children. Eligible candidates must attend a public or nonprofit independent college or university in the U.S. full-time, with an award amount of $1,000 to assist in their educational journey.

The Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond

The Community Foundation of Richmond is a philanthropic organization dedicated to improving quality of life across the Richmond region by connecting people, ideas, and resources for lasting community impact. The Foundation manages charitable funds, supports local nonprofits, and leads strategic initiatives that address community priorities such as education, health, economic opportunity, and equity. Through grantmaking, donor services, and community leadership, the Foundation works to strengthen nonprofits, respond to emerging needs, and build a more resilient, inclusive, and thriving Richmond-area community.

The Woman's Club Scholarship

The long-standing scholarship program honors the life and leadership of one of its founding members and past presidents, Mary Munford. Her accomplishments on behalf of education and especially the education of women in Virginia are legendary. Through her efforts and encouragement, the Education Endowment Fund was established. Now known as The Woman's Club Scholarship Fund, it has continued to flourish with the consistent and generous support of The Woman’s Club members. Hundreds of students from Richmond have had their education aspirations affirmed and supported by the Fund.

The purpose of the Fund is to support post-secondary education scholarships for qualifying graduates of the Richmond metropolitan area high schools. Scholarships are intended to reflect The Woman’s Club’s long history of supporting educational opportunities for women in the Greater Richmond region. Scholarship recipients, referred to as Mary Munford Scholars, are chosen annually and are invited to a reception honoring their accomplishment. Recipients are also encouraged to attend the annual spring meeting of The Woman’s Club designated to recognize the work of The Woman's Club Scholarship Fund. 

The Columbus Hilltop Lions Community Service Scholarship Fund, established by The Columbus Foundation in 1943, aims to support high school seniors from the Hilltop area of Columbus who demonstrate a strong commitment to community service. The scholarship offers $2,000 over two years to eligible candidates who have completed at least 30 hours of volunteer service. This initiative reflects the foundation's long-standing dedication to enhancing the quality of life in central Ohio.

Council of Independent Colleges (CIC)Founded in 1956, the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) is an association of nonprofit independent colleges and universities, state-based councils, and higher education affiliates that works to support college and university leadership, advance institutional excellence, and enhance public understanding of independent higher education’s contributions to society.

CIC is the major national organization that focuses on providing services to leaders of independent colleges and universities and state-based councils. CIC offers conferences, seminars, publications, and other programs and services that help institutions improve educational quality, administrative and financial performance, student outcomes, and institutional visibility.NetVUE Grants for Fostering Leadership for Communities of FaithThis grant program provides funding for institutions that are working to augment their support for students who are considering possible callings to leadership roles in communities of faith.

Grant funds should be used to develop or extend programming for students, and/or professional development for faculty members and staff, with the goal of connecting students to local faith communities and supporting them as they explore and discern their callings. Initiatives may be developed within or across a variety of academic departments and campus offices, and should involve leaders of one or more faith communities near campus. NetVUE Grants for Fostering Leadership for Communities of Faith may be requested in amounts ranging up to $60,000 for use over two years to develop new programs, or to strengthen existing programs, that support students as they consider vocations of leadership for communities of faith.