Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in Montana

The AIAA Foundation Roger W. Kahn Scholarship honors Roger Kahn's legacy in aviation and jazz. Aimed at high school seniors pursuing engineering, it offers up to four $10,000 scholarships, along with mentorship from AIAA professionals. Eligible students must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 and demonstrate interest in aerospace. This initiative not only supports education but encourages underrepresented students to engage in the aerospace field, reflecting AIAA's commitment to diversity and excellence.

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, Phase I, aims to stimulate technological innovation in the private sector, enhancing the role of small businesses in meeting Federal research needs. Specifically, ACL's SBIR program focuses on improving the lives of individuals with disabilities through research and development products. The initiative includes 11 grants with a 6-month project period to assess the feasibility of innovative concepts, contributing to economic and social benefits.

Simon and Donna Dragan Scholarship Fund

Created in 2025 by Simon and Donna Dragan, this scholarship will provide financial support to students enrolled in a trade school to further their construction skills and/or students pursuing a two- or four-year college degree in engineering or construction. 

Simon Dragan is a native of Vurpar, Transylvania, Romania. He came to the United States after escaping Communist Romania in 1969 and held a variety of entry-level positions in the Baltimore area before finding work with Williams-Scotsman, a distributor of modular and mobile buildings. Mr. Dragan worked in various roles at Williams- Scotsman, ultimately serving as Executive Vice President of Operations. In 1993, he purchased Whitley Manufacturing from Williams-Scotsman—a factory located in South Whitley, Indiana—and developed it into one of the nation’s leading manufacturers of modular structures. Under his leadership, Whitley expanded from a single facility into a nationwide enterprise serving diverse markets including education, healthcare, government, retail, and commercial sectors.

A visionary leader in the modular construction industry, Mr. Dragan was inducted into the Modular Building Institute (MBI) Hall of Fame in 2002 in recognition of his lasting contributions to modular design and manufacturing excellence. In July 2025, Mr. Dragan sold Whitley Manufacturing to Sunbelt Modular, headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. Grateful for the opportunities he found in the United States, Mr. Dragan has given back extensively to various nonprofit organizations and charitable causes.

The Bernard Erlin Memorial Scholarship, offered by the ACI Foundation, honors the contributions of Erlin to the concrete industry. It provides financial support of $5,000 to deserving undergraduate or graduate students pursuing degrees related to concrete materials. Recipients will also receive recognition in Concrete International magazine. This scholarship aims to foster the next generation of leaders in the concrete sector, ensuring educational opportunities for passionate individuals committed to innovation in this field.

The Maximizing Opportunities for Scientific and Academic Independent Careers (MOSAIC) program supports early career investigators from diverse backgrounds in NIH mission areas. It provides a K99/R00 career transition award for postdoctoral scholars and a UE5 cooperative agreement to organizations for mentoring and professional development. Key deadlines for applications include October 12, 2024, and February 12, 2025, among others, to foster diversity in research and promote success in independent academic careers.

The Russell Sage Foundation's Core Research Grants program focuses on Race, Ethnicity, and Immigration, aiming to foster interdisciplinary research on the changing demographics of the U.S. population. This initiative encourages innovative collaboration among social scientists to enhance research quality and support the ideals of a pluralistic society. By building on insights from previous programs, it seeks to address critical questions concerning race and ethnicity within the context of immigration.

The Mark B. Holzman Scholarship, offered by the Delaware Community Foundation, provides a one-time award of $2,500 to eligible Delaware residents. Applicants must have graduated from an accredited undergraduate institution and been accepted into an accredited graduate program in fields such as medicine, law, or ministry. This scholarship aims to support students pursuing advanced degrees while maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0. For more details, visit delcf.org/scholarships.

The Chick-fil-A Community Scholars program awards up to thirteen $25,000 scholarships annually to students demonstrating academic excellence, community service, and financial need. In addition to financial support, recipients participate in a year-long mentoring and leadership development program. This initiative aims to cultivate future leaders who are committed to serving their communities, while also alleviating educational costs associated with attending accredited colleges or vocational schools.

Youth Service America

Youth Service America believes that youth, communities, and our democracy thrive when we all work together for the common good. YSA is a leading global nonprofit that activates young people, ages 5-25, to find their voice, take action, and acquire powerful civic and 21st Century skills as they solve problems facing their communities. YSA supports its activation campaigns with grants, training and resources, and recognition programs for young people and their adult champions. Youth-led projects use Awareness, Service, Advocacy, and Philanthropy (ASAP) strategies to create social and environmental change.

Our vision is that youth participation in working together for the common good becomes the common expectation and common experience of all young people in America. Even though youth participation rates are at or near record-high levels, we’re still leaving 3 of every 4 young people out, and participation rates are even lower among youth from underserved low-income communities and communities of color.

We Serve to Remember 9/11 Day of Service Grants

YSA’s We Serve to Remember 9/11 Day of Service Grants are for organizations, schools, and youth changemakers ages 5-25 to lead service projects on or around September 11, 2026. Programming efforts should also honor and pay tribute to those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, their families, and those who rose in service in response to that tragedy.

This year, YSA will award up to 100 grants of $1,000 each. Grantees are required to engage at least 100 youth as volunteers in planning and implementing the service activities.

Reflecting on the spirit of togetherness that brought people together in the days, weeks, and months after September 11th, we are especially looking for ideas that bring together all members of the community.

The Canfor Good Things Come From Trees Foundation is dedicated to fostering equitable and sustainable community initiatives across Canada and the US. By providing scholarships for students pursuing careers in forestry and sustainability, funding health and well-being projects, and investing in environmental protection, the foundation aims to create lasting impacts. Their commitment ensures future generations are empowered while promoting cultural awareness and resilience through community-driven projects.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

David R. Miller and Sara G. Miller Scholarship Fund

The David R. Miller and Sara G. Miller Scholarship Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships for first year college students from Western Pennsylvania pursuing courses of study in engineering or manufacturing, or related trades.

Award Type: Single-Year Award

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is continuing its support for the NeuroNEXT initiative, which focuses on conducting clinical trials and biomarker validation studies for neurological disorders. This infrastructure aims to foster innovation and enhance the development of effective neurotherapeutics for both adult and pediatric populations. While applications for network clinical research sites are not currently being solicited, this notice allows potential applicants to prepare collaborative and responsive applications.

The STEM Action Grants, offered by the Society for Science, support innovative nonprofit organizations with grants up to $5,000. Launched in 2016, this program has awarded $1.15 million to enhance public understanding of science and increase participation of underrepresented groups in STEM fields. Eligible organizations must be U.S.-based nonprofits focused on STEM education and outreach. Renewals for funding are allowed for up to three years, with additional capacity-building grants available to long-term recipients.

The Mary Lea Simpson Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Audio Engineering Society Educational Foundation, provides tuition remission for the final year of undergraduate studies in Audio Engineering or Recording Arts at a North American institution. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.3 or higher, demonstrate proficiency in recording or mixing, and be members in good standing of the Audio Engineering Society. This scholarship aims to support talented individuals pursuing a career in audio engineering.

The BRAIN Initiative, led by the NIH, aims to advance neurotechnologies at institutions with limited NIH funding. This funding opportunity encourages collaboration and knowledge transfer to integrate innovative neurotechnologies into research and training programs. While applications are currently not being solicited, potential applicants should start developing partnerships and projects in preparation for future submissions. This initiative will enhance the dissemination of BRAIN technologies and support novel research practices.

The Limited Competition Small Grant Program for the NCATS CTSA Program aims to empower KL2 scholars by funding diverse clinical and translational research projects. These grants support short-term studies, methodology development, and preliminary data collection, facilitating the transition to independent research careers. Applications will undergo NIH peer review, ensuring only high-quality proposals receive funding. This initiative fosters innovation in research methodologies and technology, ultimately enhancing the capabilities of emerging translational scientists.

Better Health Together (BHT) is committed to enhancing community wellness through sponsorships. By collaborating with over 100 organizations in eastern Washington, BHT addresses critical health issues and supports events that elevate community voices. Organizations seeking funding should submit applications at least 6–8 weeks prior to their event to ensure timely review. BHT values partnerships that align with its mission and aims to invest in innovative solutions for community health challenges.

The Fostering Support of Mathematics Learning for Multilingual Learners grant, funded by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aims to enhance PK-12 mathematics education by promoting multilingualism. It provides resources for professional development and materials to support teachers in integrating students' languages and cultures into their math instruction. Eligible applicants include PK-12 schools and educators committed to equitable teaching practices. This initiative encourages innovative approaches to foster an inclusive learning environment for diverse learners.

The Paul and Helen Lenchuk Engineering Student Scholarship Program, established by the NCMA Education and Research Foundation, aims to support full-time graduate students in engineering fields across the U.S. and Canada. With a focus on innovative uses of concrete masonry, this program awards a non-renewable $5,000 scholarship annually. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrate proficiency in English, ensuring a commitment to advancing the concrete masonry and hardscape industry.

The Global Technology Industry Association (GTIA) Grant supports nonprofits and schools leveraging technology to enhance lives in under-resourced communities. GTIA provides funding for innovative solutions addressing challenges like broadband access and educational equity. Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply, especially those referred by GTIA members. Key focus areas include educational technology, bridging the digital divide, and workforce initiatives that promote equitable access to resources and opportunities.

The Curtis Rex Carter Applied Science Scholarship provides a $2,500 award to graduating high school seniors from select schools who are majoring in Electrical, Chemical, Computer Engineering, Chemistry, or Applied Micro-biology. This renewable scholarship supports students maintaining a 2.8 GPA and enrolled in at least 12 credit hours. Applicants must demonstrate financial need by submitting FAFSA-SAI and an essay. The scholarship aims to foster academic excellence and support students in pursuing their educational goals.

About Us

Midlands Community Foundation (MCF) is here to serve and add value to donors’ philanthropic needs by providing them an opportunity to “invest in the power of community.” It is our goal to identify current and emerging issues, channel resources to address community needs, and help prepare for the future.

MCF Mission

The mission of Midlands Community Foundation is to be a catalyst for lasting impact in Sarpy and Cass counties and to give opportunities to organizations and individuals to pursue their charitable goals.

Scholarships Through MCF

Midlands Community Foundation is committed to the futures of communities in Sarpy and Cass Counties, and across the country. Supporting higher education of students is a direct investment in the futures of these communities.

John J. and Doris M. Buford Legacy Fund Scholarship Application Guidelines

The John J. and Doris M. Buford Legacy Scholarship is available to graduating high school seniors or full-time college students studying in the fields of Nursing and Pre-law.

The Fund shall annually distribute two (2) scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each.

The Partnership for Transition to College Readiness Grant, established by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aims to foster collaborations between high schools and local higher education institutions to enhance 12th-grade college readiness in mathematics. This initiative targets students identified as not yet prepared for college-level math, emphasizing forward-looking strategies that prioritize readiness over remedial approaches. Eligible applicants must include both high school and higher education faculty, with a focus on innovation and student success.

The AccessLex Diversity Pathway Intervention Grant Program aims to support initiatives that facilitate the entry of college students from historically underrepresented groups into law school. By providing funding of $200,000 to $300,000 over 12 to 24 months, the program seeks to improve enrollment and success rates for these students. AccessLex Institute emphasizes research-backed strategies and collaborative programs to enhance educational outcomes in legal education.

The Wallace K. and Jane Ewing Scholarship, funded by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports high school seniors from the Tri-Cities pursuing studies in English. This scholarship considers financial need and involvement in arts and humanities activities, aiming to empower local students to achieve their educational goals. Applicants must submit transcripts and relevant documents, ensuring a comprehensive review process. This initiative reflects the commitment of Wally and Jane to positively impact student futures in the community.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

Lynne Ruth Lafin Elmore Sucher Scholarship

This opportunity is provided to honor the life and legacy of Lynn Ruth Lafin Elmore Sucher.

The purpose of the Lynn Ruth Lafin Elmore Scholarship program is to provide financial assistance to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native graduate students attending full-time at an accredited institution pursuing mathematics, Medicine, or life sciences are eligible to apply.

This opportunity is a need-based award.

The Bolger Foundation Grant is dedicated to supporting capital projects that enhance tangible property for 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Grants range from $10,000 to $250,000, with a maximum project budget of $2.5 million. The foundation focuses on community empowerment through conservation, health, and education, while excluding revenue-generating and operational costs. Eligible organizations must adhere to strict compliance with federal tax regulations. The mission is to inspire and empower nonprofits to better serve their communities.