Best Grants for BIPOC in New Jersey

About Us

Our Vision

Rachel’s Network envisions a healthy, thriving, and just world where all people enjoy a life of dignity and well-being in harmony with nature.

Our Mission

Rachel’s Network is a community of women at the intersection of environmental advocacy, philanthropy, and leadership. Our mission is to promote women as impassioned leaders and agents of change dedicated to the stewardship of the earth.

Rachel’s Network Catalyst Award

The Rachel’s Network Catalyst Award celebrates mid-career women of color who are building a healthier, safer, and more just world.

About the Award

Each year, the Rachel’s Network Catalyst Award provides women environmental leaders of color with personal ($15,000) and organizational ($10,000, if applicable) grants, wraparound leadership services, and public recognition.

The Samuel Krugliak Legal Scholarship Fund, established by the Stark Community Foundation, supports law students who demonstrate academic excellence and community commitment. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school and have ties to the Stark County Region. This scholarship aims to empower future legal professionals dedicated to serving their communities while fostering a diverse legal landscape.

The Rachel’s Network Catalyst Award is an impactful initiative aimed at supporting mid-career women of color in environmental leadership. This award provides recipients with a personal grant of $15,000 and, if applicable, an organizational grant of $10,000. It also offers essential leadership services and public recognition, fostering a community of empowered women dedicated to creating a healthier and more just world. The award exemplifies Rachel’s Network’s commitment to environmental advocacy and the promotion of women as leaders.

The Sartell Police Association and Brian Klinefelter Law Enforcement Scholarship honors the legacy of Officer Brian Klinefelter, who served his community until his untimely death in 1996. This scholarship supports high school seniors pursuing law enforcement careers, particularly from Stearns, Benton, Morrison, Douglas, Meeker, or Sherburne County. By offering a $500 scholarship, the program aims to empower the next generation of public safety professionals, ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed in their higher education endeavors.

The Hierholzer-Fojtik Scholarship, established in 2006 by Frances Hierholzer, supports students pursuing a career in law. It is awarded to Grand Haven Area Public Schools graduates with demonstrated financial need. The scholarship offers a streamlined application process for all eligible foundation scholarships. Frances, inspired by her grandson's success with a GHACF scholarship, aims to give back to the community that helped him achieve his educational dreams.

The D. W. Vanderhorst Charitable Trust Scholarship Fund, established by The Columbus Foundation, aims to support high school graduates from the 43204 Zip code pursuing higher education. This fund honors Wayne Vanderhorst's legacy, who dedicated his life to helping others succeed. Scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 are available for students in public service, engineering, business, and other fields. Preference will be given to students with strong attendance records and financial need.

The Bernice Carver Scholarship of Hope, established by the family of Don and Barbara Frey, honors the legacy of Bernice Carver, a dedicated educator. This scholarship supports Whitley County seniors from Columbia City, Churubusco, or Whitko High School who have a minimum 2.2 GPA and aspire to careers in nursing, teaching, or science. Emphasizing good citizenship and a quest for knowledge, the scholarship reflects Miss Carver's admirable character and commitment to education.

The Community Engagement Grant, offered by the First Responders Children's Foundation, aims to strengthen relationships between first responders and youth in their communities. By funding programs that promote mental health, youth education, family support, and emergency assistance, the grant helps foster trust and understanding. This initiative not only benefits first responders and their families but also inspires future generations to consider careers in public service. Together, we can build safer and healthier communities.

Mission & Vision

Rochester Area Community Foundation, in partnership with generous philanthropists and community partners, works to improve the quality of life for people who live and work in the eight-county region through its leadership and strategic grantmaking.

Our Mission:

We are cultivating a thriving Greater Rochester region — powered by philanthropy, grounded in community, and sustained across generations.

Our Vision:

We envision a Greater Rochester region transformed by enduring philanthropy, where every person, neighborhood, and future generation can thrive.

Jennifer Grimes Lindley Scholarship

Purpose of Scholarship

The Jennifer Grimes Lindley Scholarship recognizes and awards young women residing in Monroe and Yates counties who intend to continue education beyond high school, preferably in the field of engineering.

Number and Size of Awards

Two awards of $1,000 each to both a Monroe County and a Yates County recipient, plus a four-year student membership to the American Association of University Women (AAUW). Award paid in one lump sum in the Fall.

Donor Information

This scholarship was established by the Lindley family in memory of their daughter, Jennifer Grimes Lindley. Jennifer was a very bright student who eventually obtained her electrical engineering degree in her mid-30s. This scholarship recognizes those women who choose to continue their education in the field of engineering and science.

Cathy Geerlings Indomitable Spirit Scholarship

Graduating senior or graduating early college student with substantial work history or record of volunteering who attends public, private, or home school in the primary service area of the Community Foundation; or a current college student with substantial work history or record of volunteering whose permanent address lies within the primary service area of the Community Foundation; or a currently employed worker from the greater Holland/Zeeland area, employed 20 or more hours per week, in human resources, manufacturing, skilled trades, semi-skilled trades, or other production-related areas with a greater Holland/Zeeland area company including temporary staffing agencies.

The Health Equity Data Access Program (HEDAP) offers funding for six seats in the CMS Virtual Research Data Center, enabling researchers to access critical CMS data for minority health research. Focused on various health topics, HEDAP aims to tackle health disparities among underserved populations, including racial and ethnic minorities and individuals affected by poverty. The program encourages innovative research methods and intersectional approaches, enhancing researchers' capacity to utilize CMS data effectively while providing actionable insights for stakeholders.

Ann and Anthony La Pietra Scholarship

Recipients are chosen based on their efforts and achievements in an area that reflects the lifelong pursuits of Ann and Anthony La Pietra, longtime Marshall residents. These areas include the fine arts, community service and advocacy to support people in need, prevent discrimination, protect the environment and work toward peace and understanding. Applicants should be pursuing studies/majors related to one or more of these areas. Academic success and financial need may be considered but are not necessarily determining factors. Students who receive this scholarship are encouraged to apply for further support in subsequent years. 

The Duluth Builders Exchange Legacy Fund provides scholarships to support students in pursuing careers in the construction industry. Three scholarships are available: one for four-year degree students in fields like engineering and architecture, another for two-year students in trades like carpentry and plumbing, and a third for apprentices needing tools and safety equipment. Award amounts range from $1,000 to $3,000, promoting education and skill development in the local workforce.

The Reid Sasnett Memorial Scholarship Endowment supports graduating seniors from Pungo Christian Academy and Beaufort County high schools pursuing higher education. This scholarship aims to aid students who exhibit strong character, leadership, and community service, especially those passionate about agriculture and wildlife. Applications open on Dec. 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026, with preference for volunteer firefighters and Pungo Academy alumni.

The Rising Investigator Supplement Grant, offered by the AASM Foundation, empowers sleep and circadian science researchers to mentor promising students and fellows facing barriers in accessing research opportunities. This grant supports innovative projects addressing critical questions in sleep health and fosters career development in the field. Eligible candidates include students and clinical fellows in various educational stages. Funding is available for up to 20% of the principal grant, capped at $50,000, for periods ranging from 8 weeks to 3 years.

The LUNGevity VA Research Scholar Award supports innovative lung cancer research within the Department of Veterans Affairs, with a focus on early detection and treatment methods relevant to veterans. The maximum award is $100,000, distributed over two years, contingent upon satisfactory progress. Applications are now open for the 2025 cycle, with funding aimed at improving outcomes and developing individualized treatment strategies, including targeted therapies and immunotherapies.

The Bertha Sawyer Meiggs & Winfred B. Meiggs Sr. Family Scholarship supports graduating seniors from Camden, Gates, Pasquotank, and Perquimans counties, with a preference for Camden County residents. Eligible candidates must demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership skills, and community involvement while enrolling full-time in a two- or four-year college. The scholarship may be renewed at the discretion of the Scholarship Committee, subject to academic criteria and available funds.

The Sammy and Shirley Church Scholarship supports students from Ashe County, NC, including those graduating from the NC School of Science and Math. Eligible candidates must demonstrate academic excellence, physical vigor, and leadership in various activities. Financial need is considered but not the only criterion. Applications open on Dec. 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026. Ensure to meet specific eligibility requirements set by the donor for successful application.

The Ruby A. Trivette Ruritan Scholarship, administered by the North Carolina Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Ashe and Watauga counties in North Carolina. Eligible applicants must reside in Todd or be active members or children of active members of the Todd Ruritan Club. This scholarship opens for applications on December 16, 2025, and closes on March 3, 2026, providing crucial financial assistance for students pursuing higher education.

The Robert E. Barnhill, Sr. Scholarship Fund provides financial support for North Carolina high school seniors who plan to attend a four-year college or university as full-time students. Eligible applicants are evaluated on leadership potential, community involvement, academic achievement, and financial need. The scholarship may be renewed for up to three additional years, contingent upon maintaining a 2.0 GPA and continuous enrollment. Applications open on December 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026.

The RAK Education Foundation Scholarship provides financial assistance to residents of Camden, Chowan, Gates, Pasquotank, or Perquimans Counties who have earned a high school diploma or GED. This scholarship supports students pursuing degrees or certificates in Career and Technical Education fields such as trade education, computer science, business, health science, and more. Applications open on December 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026, encouraging eligible students to apply.

The Southwest Airlines® Founders Scholarship, administered by the Greater Houston Community Foundation, offers financial support to dependents of Southwest Airlines employees pursuing their first post-secondary degree. Established in 1981, this renewable scholarship awards up to $20,000 over four years, contingent on meeting GPA and enrollment criteria. Eligible applicants must demonstrate community service and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5. This scholarship underscores the commitment to empowering educated communities.

The Innovation Grants to Nurture Initial Translational Efforts (IGNITE) support the development of assays and screening processes to identify potential therapeutic agents for neurological disorders and non-opioid analgesics. Sponsored by the NIH, this initiative seeks to foster collaborations and projects that utilize innovative methodologies. Although applications are not currently being solicited, interested parties are encouraged to prepare meaningful proposals that align with the goals of the NIH Helping to End Addiction Long Term initiative.

The Southwest Airlines® Community Scholarship, administered by the Greater Houston Community Foundation, offers ten annual scholarships of up to $20,000 for students pursuing higher education in the airline industry. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a career interest in this field, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5, and be 24 or younger. This renewable scholarship supports students attending accredited institutions and is specifically for those seeking their first post-secondary degree. Dependents of Southwest Airlines employees are not eligible.

The NIA Postdoctoral Fellowship Award aims to enhance diversity in the translational research workforce for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD). This fellowship supports promising candidates from diverse backgrounds in developing essential translational research skills. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to treatment, prevention, and early detection of AD/ADRD while providing research experience under the guidance of mentors in clinical trials, fostering a diverse and effective research community.

The NIA Predoctoral Fellowship Award aims to enhance diversity in the translational research workforce focusing on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. This funding opportunity supports promising predoctoral candidates from underrepresented backgrounds, fostering their research training and skills in various aspects of AD/ADRD. By encouraging interdisciplinary teamwork, the program seeks to develop a diverse workforce capable of contributing significantly to the prevention, treatment, and management of these conditions.

The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) is launching a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) aimed at enhancing genomic research through the development and distribution of high-value resources. This initiative encourages collaborative efforts in genomic resource development and the integration of data science in clinical applications. While applications are not currently being accepted, prospective applicants are urged to prepare meaningful collaborations and projects ahead of the formal solicitation.