Best Quality of Life Grants in Nebraska

Agnes McCarthy Caregiver Foundation

The Agnes McCarthy Caregiver Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charity that provides hope and relief to caregivers who care for a loved one with mental health conditions.

Caregiver Grant

Family caregiving has become a public health issue that receives inadequate recognition in our country. While it can be rewarding to care for our loved ones, it often comes with significant physical, emotional and financial costs to the caregiver. On average, caregivers spend over 25% of their own income to support their loved one and provide 32 hours a week in unpaid care.

AMCF currently offers a $500 financial relief grant to assist family members with unexpected expenses due to their caregiving role. If you are a family caregiver to someone living with a mood or psychiatric condition like depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar, schizophrenia, or other mental health/co-occurring conditions, you are not alone, and we welcome you to apply for a caregiver grant today.

Additional Information

• To ensure our limited funds reach families with the greatest need, grants may require documentation confirming a diagnosed serious mental illness (SMI).  

• The $500 grant is limited to one award per household within a 12-month period.

• Applications are generally reviewed by our Board of Directors, with decisions made within 30 days of receipt.

The Wilma Jean Fynewever Scholarship, established by Mary Keeton in memory of her mother, supports graduating seniors and non-traditional students from the Tri-Cities, Newaygo, or Muskegon County pursuing nursing careers. This scholarship prioritizes financial need and aims to encourage students to achieve their professional goals in healthcare. The application process is straightforward, allowing candidates to apply for multiple scholarships at once, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of their qualifications and needs.

The NIHCM Foundation's Trade Journalism Award honors outstanding reporting aimed at specialty audiences, focusing on enhancing the affordability, accessibility, and quality of healthcare in the U.S. A $15,000 prize will be awarded to the winner. Entries, which can be individual stories or series published in 2025, must provide valuable insights relevant to health plans, policymakers, and stakeholders, addressing the critical issues of rising healthcare costs and access.

Improving Metastatic Prostate Cancer (mPCa) Care Through Innovative Strategies

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® and Pfizer Global Medical Grants (Pfizer) are collaborating to offer a new grant opportunity seeking proposals for investigator-initiated research to improve mPCa care. Pfizer (hereafter, “Grantor”) is providing $1 Million in funding to support quality improvement studies to advance health care quality, the delivery of quality care, and improve health care provider performance in mPCa care. The Grantor will serve as the funding organization. Grants are available to all investigators from institutions within the United States. 

Aim

To promote the advancement of scientific knowledge, health care provider performance, and/or health care quality improvement focused on improving mPCa care.

A total of $1 Million is available to fund all projects. The intent is to fund 2-5 studies. There is a funding cap of $250,000 per study. Exceptional studies with budgets above this amount will be considered based on scientific merit and must contain a robust justification. All budgets must include line-item information and robust justification.

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 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 Emily's Hope Scholarship, managed by the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, offers substantial financial aid to local students pursuing higher education in art. With over $500,000 awarded annually, this scholarship targets graduating high school seniors in South Dakota who plan to study visual art. Applicants need to submit an artwork sample and a reference from an art teacher. This scholarship is designed to complement other financial aid, covering tuition and course-related expenses.

About Us

We are YOUR Community Foundation! Our mission is to bring people and resources together to strengthen the quality of life, both now and in the future, for the residents of Randolph County.

The Community Foundation of Randolph County, Inc. is here to make our community the very best place to live, work, and raise a family. As a non-political private organization, we are uniquely able to provide grant money for innovative projects that have a major impact on our community.

Dr. Dianna K. Wolfe Memorial Scholarship

Dr. Dianna K. Wolfe was a lifelong resident of Winchester. After graduating from Lee Driver High School at the age of 17, she started Nurses Training at Ball Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, where she received her nursing degree. She earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Indiana University. She also earned her master’s degree and her doctorate degree from Ball State University. She joined the Ball State University School of Nursing faculty in 1977, teaching in the associate, baccalaureate, and graduate nursing programs for about 33 years, where she maintained her professional clinical practice as an evening supervisor. During her career she was flexible, adaptable, and willing to try new teaching strategies as technology progressed, and her students gave her high ratings throughout her tenure as being well organized and relating course materials effectively.

During that time, she raised six children. Her love of education inspired her husband, Robert, to go to school and he subsequently earned two degrees.

In creating the Dr. Dianna K. Wolfe Memorial Scholarship, her family hopes to continue her legacy by assisting students interested in obtaining education to work in the healthcare field.

The NIH Research Evaluation and Commercialization Hubs (REACH) program aims to facilitate the translation of biomedical discoveries into marketable products to enhance patient care. By funding five new academic entrepreneurship hubs, NIH will provide essential resources such as funding, mentorship, and expertise in product development. These hubs will address high-priority technologies and foster public-private partnerships, ultimately supporting the goals of federal research initiatives and addressing local health needs in underserved areas.

The Edwin and Ina Ayers Scholarship, established by the Ashland County Community Foundation, honors the legacy of caregiving in the Coe/Ayers family. This scholarship supports students pursuing baccalaureate nursing programs across the U.S., reflecting the family's commitment to healthcare and education. With nearly 200 years of nursing service from family members, this fund not only commemorates Edwin and Ina Ayers but also empowers future generations of nurses dedicated to compassionate care.

The Emergency Assistance Funds, provided by the Entertainment Community Fund, offer vital support to performing arts and entertainment professionals facing unforeseen financial hardships. This program aids with essential living expenses, including healthcare and housing, to prevent eviction or service shut-offs. Eligible applicants must document their earnings and demonstrate a genuine need for assistance. Established in 1882, the Fund understands the unique challenges faced by those in the arts industry, ensuring they receive the help necessary to maintain stability.

The John E. Mayfield ABLE Scholarship Fund supports graduating seniors who are participants in the ABLE program, enabling children with disabilities to excel in post-secondary education. Established by John Mayfield, this scholarship encourages individuals to pursue their educational dreams, fostering independence and productivity within the community. The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, with over 30 years of philanthropic experience, administers the fund to ensure resources are directed where they can make the greatest impact.

The Westminster Presbyterian Church Scholarship aims to address contemporary community needs by providing financial support for education and job training. This initiative, led by the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, emphasizes a holistic approach to community welfare, including arts, infrastructure, and wellness. It is designed for individuals who are currently employed full-time and seeking further education or job training opportunities.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Robert L. & Marjory J. Nelson Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund provides scholarships to students pursuing a career in the medical field of study with a preference to those students entering the field of nursing.

Marjory Nelson (1928-1998) received her bachelor of arts degree from Aurora University and her R.N. certification from the Copley Hospital School of Nursing.

She also undertook additional graduate studies at Northern Illinois University and the National College of Education.

She was employed by Copley Memorial Hospital and later served as a nurse for the East Aurora Schools.

This fund was created by Mrs. Nelson’s family and friends to provide recognition of her extraordinary dedication to the field of nursing.

Upon the passing of her husband Robert, the Nelson family added his name to the fund.

Robert Nelson (1924-2015) was a veteran of World War II. He served with the Navy in Europe and the Marines in the Pacific.

He worked in the field of education and was a retired principal in School District 44 in Lombard, Illinois.

Mr. and Mrs. Nelson were survived by two daughters and three grandchildren.

Created in 2004, the fund became an endowment in 2005.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Theodore Silseth Nelson Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund provides scholarships to students returning to school after a lapse of several years since high school graduation. The awards are given to students pursuing a two or four-year degree in health care, with a preference for both financial need and students seeking a registered nurse certification. Theodore Nelson (1937-2017) was employed as a large commercial account underwriter in the insurance industry. He created this fund out of respect for the competency of those in the healthcare profession and to encourage those who wish to improve themselves by returning to school after being in the workforce. 

The Tribal Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program seeks applications for Development and Implementation Grants to support evidence-based home visiting programs for expectant families and young children. Funded by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, these grants aim to enhance maternal and child health, improve parenting practices, and foster early childhood development within tribal communities, ultimately promoting better socio-economic outcomes and reducing instances of child maltreatment.

The NRF Foundation provides access to the education and opportunities needed for successful retail careers, helping people build better lives and stronger communities.

Retail Training Initiative

Building Career Pathways Through Retail Training

The NRF Foundation Retail Training Initiative expands access to industry‑recognized retail training and credentials for job seekers across the United States. Through partnerships with community‑based organizations, workforce development providers, and educational institutions, the fund equips individuals with the skills, confidence, and credentials needed to secure meaningful employment and advance in retail and related industries.

Retail is the nation’s largest private‑sector employer and offers accessible entry points, transferable skills, and clear pathways for career growth. By investing in training that aligns with employer needs, the NRF Foundation Retail Training Initiative helps individuals overcome barriers to employment while strengthening the talent pipeline for the retail industry and beyond.

Organizations selected to participate in the NRF Foundation Retail Training Initiative receive support designed to help them deliver high‑quality, employer‑aligned training programs, including:

• Access to the NRF Foundation RISE Up training and credentialing program
• Capacity awards to support program implementation and delivery
• Tools and resources to help participants earn industry‑recognized credentials

Together, these resources help organizations expand their impact and better support job seekers on their path to employment and career growth.

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 PAE Diversity in Engineering Scholarship offers a renewable $5,000 award for undergraduate students from marginalized ethnic backgrounds or genders pursuing engineering at a U.S. university. Established in 2024 in partnership with PAE, the scholarship aims to enhance diversity in engineering fields, focusing on candidates committed to climate justice. Awardees benefit from mentorship and networking opportunities with industry professionals, fostering both academic success and community impact.

The Arthritis Foundation is seeking research proposals focused on Patient Reported Outcomes (PROs) to enhance shared decision-making in arthritis care. Projects should aim to deepen the understanding of patient treatment goals, monitor disease activity, and improve communication of PRO data. Research can span various arthritis types, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and should last up to two years. This initiative emphasizes the integration of patient perspectives to elevate care quality.

The Ronald Crall Family Scholarship, offered by the Ashland County Community Foundation, aims to support graduating seniors from any Ashland County high school, including home-schooled students. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be accepted to an accredited college or university. This scholarship honors Ron Crall’s legacy, providing financial assistance to students in need, ensuring they can pursue higher education without financial stress, similar to the support his family received.

The Innovation Grants to Nurture Initial Translational Efforts (IGNITE) program, supported by the National Institutes of Health, aims to fund pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic studies. These studies will assess the biological activity of therapeutic agents, including small molecules and biologics, for diseases prioritized by participating institutes. The initiative emphasizes the development of non-opioid analgesics with minimal addiction risks. Although applications are not currently solicited, this notice encourages potential applicants to prepare collaborative projects.

The Disaster Grants Program by LSC provides vital funding to organizations aiding survivors of government-declared emergencies. It empowers legal aid groups to deliver essential services to low-income disaster survivors, ensuring access to legal assistance during crises. The program also educates communities on disaster legal services and prepares them for future emergencies, enhancing resilience and response capabilities. By supporting various grant types, the initiative addresses immediate needs and fosters long-term recovery strategies.

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.

About

Mission, Vision & Values

To enhance our community through philanthropy.

We aspire to co-create diverse, meaningful and innovative charitable giving that yields an exponential positive impact within local communities and beyond.

Coopey Boys’ Memorial Fund

About the fund

The Coopey Boys, Raymond Peter and Lauritz Martin, were born with hemophilia, a genetic disorder that impairs the body’s ability to make blood clots. Sadly, they both died at an early age. The Coopey Boys’ Memorial Fund benefits Corvallis students who suffer from a physical handicap or serious chronic health problem.

The William & Martha Buckingham Scholarship - Renewal, managed by the Ashland County Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Ashland County high schools with a GPA of 2.75 or higher. This scholarship aids students accepted into accredited colleges or universities and can be renewed for up to three years with proof of enrollment and academic standing. Established by Bill and Martha Buckingham, it reflects their commitment to giving back to the community they adopted as their own.

Samsung Solve For Tomorrow

The Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition asks students to consider how science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) can be used to create change in their communities. With the help of their teachers, students compete to win up to $100,000 in prizes for their school, plus the opportunity to work with Samsung employees to develop their innovations. 

Guidelines

Your teacher will apply on behalf of your team by answering these five questions, each in 1,000 characters or less.

• Describe the community challenge or issue you are planning to tackle.
• How will STEM be applied to address this challenge or issue?
• What is the anticipated impact to your local community?
• What activities will you put in place to achieve your goals?
• How will you define and measure success?

Your solution may go through many iterations as you test and refine the idea, but the problem you are solving should remain the same throughout the competition. .

Once your teacher submits your team’s application, the fun begins! Get to work building your solution, gathering data, and iterating as you go. 

Helpful Tips

• Choose a problem that you and your classmates are truly passionate about solving.
• Pick a topic that's manageable for your team and realistic to execute within the bounds of the competition. Feasibility is included in the judges’ scoring rubric.
• Consider the audience you are developing a solution for and get their input as you work.
• Leverage your local community. See if you can connect with your town government or other leaders in your area to get them invested in and excited about your project.
• Remember to back up any claims with facts and statistics.

Reasons to get involved

• Prizes for your school range from $1,000 all the way up to $100,000.
• Community recognition: Samsung Solve for Tomorrow participants and winners are frequently featured in the local news.
• Build crucial skills in areas like public speaking, critical thinking, and entrepreneurship.
• Collaborate with your peers on a project you feel passionate about.
• Help your community become a better place with your innovative thinking.
• Through the Solve for Tomorrow competition, educators can teach Problem-Based Learning (PBL) by challenging students to find solutions in their communities.