Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in Montana

The NIA Expanding Research in AD/ADRD Summer Research Education Program supports the recruitment of early-stage investigators and aims to provide hands-on research experiences in Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias. Targeting high school students, undergraduates, and science teachers, the program enhances STEM education through authentic research opportunities and educational activities. By fostering early exposure to research, it aims to stimulate interest in AD/ADRD careers and address workforce shortages in this critical field.

The Balcueva Family Memorial Scholarship, established in 1998, honors the memory of four sons lost to congenital heart defects. This scholarship supports students pursuing environmental sciences, reflecting the family's commitment to environmental stewardship. With awards ranging from $500 to $4,000, it aims to inspire future generations to protect our natural resources. Applicants must be Saginaw County residents with a minimum 3.0 GPA, enrolled full-time in undergraduate studies. This initiative reflects the community's values and dedication to environmental preservation.

Who We Are

Nevada Women’s Fund is a dedicated nonprofit organization committed to empowering women and strengthening communities across Nevada. Since our founding, we have worked to identify and fund critical initiatives that support women’s education, career development, and personal growth. Through scholarships, grants, and collaborative programs, we aim to break down barriers and create opportunities that foster self-sufficiency and achievement. Our mission is driven by a vision of a Nevada where women can thrive, lead, and make lasting contributions to their families, workplaces, and communities.

"The best way to empower women is to educate them.” ~ Michelle Obama

Scholarship History

Nevada Women's Fund scholarship program was established to empower women in Northern Nevada by supporting their educational pursuits. Since its inception, the program has awarded millions of dollars in scholarships to women across the region, helping them achieve their academic and career goals. Over the years, the program has expanded to include support for students in a variety of fields, with a focus on fostering economic self-sufficiency and professional advancement. Through this commitment, Nevada Women’s Fund continues to invest in the potential of women to drive positive change in their communities.

Workforce Ready Scholarships

These scholarships support individuals pursuing education and training pathways outside of a traditional academic degree program, such as:

• Certificate Programs
• Trade or Vocational Training
• Continuing Education or Professional Development
• Licensing

The Jon Christopher Gauss, Jr. Wrestling Scholarship Fund, established by his parents, supports high school wrestlers pursuing post-secondary education at accredited institutions. This initiative, part of the Community Foundation of Washington County MD, aims to honor Jon's legacy while empowering students to achieve their educational goals. The scholarship enhances community engagement and provides vital financial assistance to promising athletes, ensuring that their dedication to wrestling translates into academic success.

The Amyloidosis Fund, managed by the HealthWell Foundation, provides essential financial assistance to underinsured patients facing treatment costs for Amyloidosis. The program covers prescription copays, insurance premiums, and related expenses, ensuring that patients can access necessary medications without financial strain. With a maximum award of $8,000, the fund aims to alleviate the burden of healthcare costs for those diagnosed with this complex disease, promoting better health outcomes and quality of life for patients across the United States.

The Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission (JUSFC) is a federal agency established in 1975 to enhance U.S.-Japan relations through educational and cultural exchanges. JUSFC supports various initiatives in arts, education, and global challenges, focusing on fostering partnerships between U.S. and Japanese organizations. The Commission aims to facilitate dynamic people-to-people exchanges, ensuring a robust understanding between the nations and promoting collaborative projects that enrich both societies.

The Gary L. and Florence G. DeShano Family Scholarship, managed by the Saginaw Community Foundation, supports Saginaw County high school graduates pursuing careers in construction or related fields. Established to honor the legacy of Gary and Florence DeShano, this scholarship emphasizes the importance of Career and Technical Education (CTE) and aims to alleviate financial barriers for students. Award amounts typically range from $500 to $4,000, fostering growth in skilled trades.

The NExT AI Hubs initiative by the NICHD aims to explore innovative applications of AI technologies in enhancing developmental outcomes for children at risk of learning disabilities. This program will focus on high-risk research topics, fostering advancements in understanding how AI can support learning in reading, writing, and mathematics. The initiative is backed by various public health laws, ensuring a comprehensive approach to child health and education.

The Ian Amendolare Blue Collar Trade Award Fund supports students from West Canada Valley Junior/Senior High School pursuing a degree or certification in trades like HVAC, trucking, welding, or farming. This award emphasizes promise and effort rather than academic grades, reflecting a commitment to fostering talent in essential skilled trades. The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, a leader in community investment, manages this fund to empower local youth and strengthen the community's future.

The Pabst Steinmetz Foundation Grant supports innovative projects at the intersection of arts, education, and wellness. It aims to empower organizations that address critical community issues and foster sustainable models for change, particularly in Florida. The foundation encourages collaboration and seeks initiatives that create a ripple effect, enhancing community capacity and promoting impactful solutions. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) entities in the U.S. focusing on community betterment through creative approaches.

The St. Baldrick’s Foundation Summer Fellowship Award provides funding for undergraduate, graduate, or medical students to gain hands-on experience in pediatric oncology. With a stipend of $5,000 awarded to the mentor's institution, this fellowship supports the next generation of researchers dedicated to finding cures for childhood cancers. Since its inception, the foundation has mobilized volunteers through various fundraising events, fostering a community committed to transforming lives and advancing cancer research.

The NHLBI is set to release a NOFO aimed at enhancing an international research platform for cardiac surgery. This initiative will integrate various research areas, including mechanistic science and implementation science, to advance innovative techniques and improve health outcomes for adults with cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, the platform will serve to train future clinical trialists. Potential applicants are encouraged to start forming collaborations and preparing their proposals, as applications are not yet being solicited.

The Emma Jean Frierson Memorial Nursing Scholarship, offered by the Saginaw Community Foundation, supports Michigan residents pursuing an undergraduate degree or vocational training in nursing. This scholarship honors Emma Jean Frierson, a dedicated LPN and nursing program graduate who positively impacted her community. With awards ranging from $500 to $4,000, the scholarship aims to help students in financial need access quality education in nursing, a vital field with growing demand.

The Degree Pathway Scholarships, offered by the Nevada Women’s Fund, empower women in northern Nevada by supporting their pursuit of academic degrees such as associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctorate programs. These scholarships aim to strengthen communities and promote self-sufficiency through education. Applicants must be enrolled full-time in accredited institutions and meet specific eligibility criteria, including a minimum GPA of 3.0. Announcements for scholarship awards take place each April, fostering women's educational advancement.

Who We Are

The Community Foundation of Central Illinois will make a sustainable philanthropic impact in our community through visible leadership in connecting people who care with causes that matter.

Jean M. Brown Nursing Scholarship Fund 

Jean M. Brown graduated from the St. Francis School of Nursing in 1938. She went on to become Caterpillar’s first Industrial Nurse, a role she deeply valued. Inspired by her career, she wanted to help others pursue nursing as well.

Through her will, Ms. Brown established an endowed scholarship to support nursing students with financial need, with preference given to those pursuing a career in Occupational Nursing. The scholarship fund was created following her passing in October 2000.

The Numotion Foundation Grants aim to enhance the lives of individuals with mobility disabilities by supporting IRS-designated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. By fostering partnerships with various charities, including national and local organizations, the foundation raises awareness and funds for necessary research and support services. Contributions are made for each new wheelchair sold, ensuring a coordinated approach to charitable giving while prioritizing programs that specifically assist those with mobility-related challenges.

The Barbara A. Cooley Master’s Scholarship, offered by SHAPE America, is a $1,000 annual award for master's level students enrolled in accredited health education programs in the U.S. Recipients can use the funds as they wish and receive a complimentary one-year student membership with SHAPE America. The scholarship aims to support future educators and enhance the quality of health education, promoting research and professional practice in the field.

Louis R. & Helen E. Schwartz FFA Agricultural Scholarship

The Louis R. and Helen E. Schwartz FFA Agricultural Scholarship was established to help prepare Saginaw County students for a future in agriculture or an agriculture-related field. Both Lou and Helen Schwartz were raised on farms in Iowa, so they knew from first-hand experience that farming can be a difficult business. They moved to Frankenmuth when Lou opened area S&H Stores in 1962. The stores were sold to Quality Farm and Fleet in 1982.

Scholarships are awarded to students from Saginaw County, Michigan; Lyon County, Minnesota and Muscatine County, Iowa.

Albert Smith Conservation Scholarship

Albert A. Smith was born in Omer, Mich., in 1913. He began his education in a one room schoolhouse near Omer and successfully completed his first three grades in the first year of school. Upon graduation from Flint Northern High School at age 15, he went on to receive an undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and thereafter a law degree in 1939. In the mid-1950s, he opened a law office in Saginaw that later became the law firm of Smith Bovill, P.C.

Mr. Smith’s love of the law was matched by his interest in the outdoors, and in particular his beloved Ruffed Grouse. He used his rolling farm and woods to entertain his friends, clients and courtroom adversaries. He was a consummate host to anyone who shared his love for the hunt.

Al was generous with his time and resources. He supported and served on the boards of his favorite charities and civic groups, including the Salvation Army, the Ruffed Grouse Society where he served as national president, the Samaritan Center and First Congregational Church. In 1976, he was recognized for his outstanding conservation work when he received the Wildlife Conservationist of the Year Award from the Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

The Craig Zadan Pathway for Equity in the Arts Grant aims to enhance high school theatre programs in underserved communities. By providing $10,000 grants, this initiative fosters collaboration between students and industry professionals, while promoting performances that address diverse perspectives. The grant encourages schools to select plays that spark important conversations, ensuring inclusivity and representation in the arts. Ultimately, it seeks to inspire students and open doors to future careers in theatre.

The Bill Kane Undergraduate Scholarship, awarded by SHAPE America, provides $1,000 annually to undergraduate students majoring in school-based health education at accredited institutions in the U.S. or territories. Eligible candidates must be full-time students with a GPA of at least 3.25. Alongside the scholarship, recipients receive a complimentary one-year membership with SHAPE America, promoting professional development in health and physical education.

Ann B. Zekauskas Family Foundation

Empowerment through Food Awareness, Access, and Education

We are a private, family-directed, not-for-profit philanthropic organization, established through the estate of Ann B. Zekauskas. We are dedicated to educating students, families, and communities, especially the underserved, on producing, preparing, and eating healthy foods, and to supporting organizations focused on hunger relief and careers in the culinary arts.

We perform our mission through collaborations with and support of approved non-profit organizations within these key areas of giving: nutrition education, food access, and culinary arts training.

Nutrition Education

Ann B. Zekauskas believed that individuals of all ages — especially school-aged children and their families — should be provided with an education to understand how food makes its way from seed to plate —from planting and growing, to harvesting and sourcing, to cooking and serving.

Nutrition education empowers people with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to make healthy food choices, promoting overall mental well-being and physical wellness.

In carrying out Ann’s legacy, we work with schools, community groups, and other like-minded organizations across the country, supporting their programs that encourage a lifelong practice of healthy eating.

Request a Grant

The Ann B. Zekauskas Family Foundation is committed to supporting qualified 501(c)(3) organizations that align with our mission and values. We welcome grant requests from nonprofit organizations seeking to make a meaningful impact in their communities in the areas of nutritional education, food access, or the advancement of cuilnary arts careers.

About Us

The Community Foundation of Dickinson County, Inc. was established in 1999 by a group of civic-minded individuals who cherished their community and wanted to ensure future generations experience the same quality of living they had received in Dickinson County. These visionaries secured the future of the Foundation by establishing an Endowed Founder’s Fund.  

Woodrow and Esther Tyrell Technical Scholarship - (Up to 5) $10,000

The Woodrow and Esther Tyrell Technical Scholarship honors the legacy of Benjamin Woodrow Tyrell and Esther Tyrell, whose lives reflected a strong commitment to hard work, service, and education. Born in Talmage, Kansas, Woodrow Tyrell served in World War II before returning to Dickinson County, where he worked for 33 years at the Abilene Flour Mill. Esther Tyrell, originally from Longford, Kansas, dedicated her career to education in Dickinson County. Married in 1952, the Tyrells believed deeply in the value of education and skills-based training. 

The EDU Core Research (ECR) program by the National Science Foundation invites proposals for fundamental research that enhances STEM education. Focused on various research areas, including STEM learning and workforce development, it supports diverse educational activities for all age groups. The funding ranges from $500,000 to $2,500,000, with project durations of 3 to 5 years, emphasizing the importance of justifying funding levels in proposals to ensure alignment with research maturity.

The Music Teachers of Excellence (MToE) Award, managed by the CMA Foundation, recognizes outstanding public-school music educators. This prestigious award, with a $5,000 prize, aims to support teachers who inspire students and enrich their communities through music education. The application will open on September 3, 2025, allowing full-time music teachers with at least four years of experience to showcase their commitment and impact in the field. Stay tuned for more details!

The Paul Drury Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of Paul Drury, who inspired many while living with cystic fibrosis. This scholarship is aimed at siblings and children of individuals with CF, recognizing the crucial support family members provide. Eligible applicants must have a family member with CF, demonstrate academic achievement, and be enrolled in an educational program. This initiative highlights the importance of family in managing the challenges posed by cystic fibrosis.

The Vascular Care for the Underserved Project Grants, funded by the Society for Vascular Surgery Foundation, aim to address disparities in vascular care for women. With a grant of $20,000, this initiative focuses on enhancing access, inclusion, and gender-specific research in vascular health. It supports innovative projects that aim to improve care delivery to underserved women and ensure equitable representation in vascular research, ultimately aiming to advance health outcomes and address historical exclusions in clinical studies.