Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in New Jersey

Higher Education Coordinating Commission

The Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) is a State of Oregon agency and Commission working to improve equitable access to and success in higher education and workforce training for Oregonians statewide. We coordinate funding and policy, and convene partners across the public and private higher education and workforce landscape. 

Chafee Education and Training Voucher Program

The Chafee Education and Training Voucher Program (also know as the Chafee Grant) provides funding to help current or former foster care youth with postsecondary education and training.

Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation

For more than 50 years, NCCF has been taking on tough problems to improve the quality-of-life in Northwest CT by supporting nonprofits that speak to the charitable passions of our generous donors.

NCCF is a Community Foundation, a tax-exempt public charity that enables donors to establish funds that support the work of local nonprofits through grants and provide scholarships to local students.

Cornwall Conservation Trust Scholarship

Academic Focus: Ecology, environmental studies, forestry, FFA, and/or biology

Preference: Cornwall residents

Community Foundation of Noble County

At the Community Foundation of Noble County we are passionate about making Noble County an even better place to call home. Since 1991, area residents have been turning to the Community Foundation of Noble County to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible, as we see it as our mission to serve as a catalyst for positive change. The Community Foundation of Noble County is a public charity 501 (c) 3 entity.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Noble County offers a wide range of scholarships to support local students in achieving their academic and career aspirations. 

Ellenbecker, Oliver and Eleanor Education Scholarship Fund

Awards $3,500 one time to high school seniors who attend a Noble County high school and will begin a four-year bachelor’s program at an accredited college or university in the Fall, majoring in education to become a teacher. Applicants must have lived in Noble County at least one year.

Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation

For more than 50 years, NCCF has been taking on tough problems to improve the quality-of-life in Northwest CT by supporting nonprofits that speak to the charitable passions of our generous donors.

NCCF is a Community Foundation, a tax-exempt public charity that enables donors to establish funds that support the work of local nonprofits through grants and provide scholarships to local students.

Earle R. Julian Scholarship

For past graduates of St. Anthony School, in Winsted, who plan to pursue a career in accounting.

Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation

For more than 50 years, NCCF has been taking on tough problems to improve the quality-of-life in Northwest CT by supporting nonprofits that speak to the charitable passions of our generous donors.

NCCF is a Community Foundation, a tax-exempt public charity that enables donors to establish funds that support the work of local nonprofits through grants and provide scholarships to local students.

Friends of John Ponte Memorial Scholarship

For graduating seniors from Lewis S. Mills High School and Torrington High School who exemplify, through their participation in athletics, the qualities and interests of the late John Ponte, including leadership skills and exemplary character.

 High school participation in athletics.

Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation

Founded in 1984, we are a 501(c)(3) public charity. Today, we manage more than 1,000 charitable funds, serving as the trusted stewards for more than $390 million in assets.

Our Community Investment team works with local nonprofits, schools and community leaders to identify gaps, assess critical needs and explore opportunities and possibilities. Our Philanthropy team works with individuals, families, advisors, businesses, and nonprofits, offering deep and broad experience and expertise in philanthropic strategy, charitable and organizational endowments, and legacy planning.

Scholarship Opportunities

The Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation manages one of the state's largest scholarship programs, awarding more than $500,000 in scholarships to local students each year. If you’re interested in pursuing higher education, it's likely we have a scholarship that can help you achieve your dream.

Sally Bertina Meyer Scholarship

Awarded to a graduating senior of a high school in Minnehaha County in South Dakota.

About Community Foundation of South Alabama

Since its inception, the Community Foundation has grown to over 500 funds and awarded over $98 million in grants and scholarships throughout the eight counties of southwest Alabama, improving the lives of many residents in our corner of the world.

We amplify the gifts from generous donors through wise investment, support others in efforts to enhance our community, and lead and collaborate on initiatives which have a broad impact.

Scholarships

The more than 40 scholarship funds at the Foundation were created by generous donors who wanted to help the students in our community achieve a brighter future. We are committed to assisting the most promising students with scholarships for professional certificate programs, two and four-year undergraduate degrees and graduate school. The scholarship funds at the Foundation award grants to high school, community college and university students to be used for tuition, books, and fees.

Hilliard P. and Helen P. Jenkins Scholarship

Recipient must: (1) be an African-American resident of Baldwin County; (2) attend a two- or four-year public and accredited institution as a full-time student; (3) intend to pursue a Liberal Arts, Health/Medical, Social Sciences, or Physical Sciences degree, and (4) have a minimum high school GPA of 3.0.

Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation

Founded in 1984, we are a 501(c)(3) public charity. Today, we manage more than 1,000 charitable funds, serving as the trusted stewards for more than $390 million in assets.

Our Community Investment team works with local nonprofits, schools and community leaders to identify gaps, assess critical needs and explore opportunities and possibilities. Our Philanthropy team works with individuals, families, advisors, businesses, and nonprofits, offering deep and broad experience and expertise in philanthropic strategy, charitable and organizational endowments, and legacy planning.

Scholarship Opportunities

The Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation manages one of the state's largest scholarship programs, awarding more than $500,000 in scholarships to local students each year. If you’re interested in pursuing higher education, it's likely we have a scholarship that can help you achieve your dream.

Robert W. Best Scholarship

Awarded to graduating seniors of Sioux Falls Christian High School or a public high school in Sioux Falls, SD.

Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation

Founded in 1984, we are a 501(c)(3) public charity. Today, we manage more than 1,000 charitable funds, serving as the trusted stewards for more than $390 million in assets.

Our Community Investment team works with local nonprofits, schools and community leaders to identify gaps, assess critical needs and explore opportunities and possibilities. Our Philanthropy team works with individuals, families, advisors, businesses, and nonprofits, offering deep and broad experience and expertise in philanthropic strategy, charitable and organizational endowments, and legacy planning.

Scholarship Opportunities

The Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation manages one of the state's largest scholarship programs, awarding more than $500,000 in scholarships to local students each year. If you’re interested in pursuing higher education, it's likely we have a scholarship that can help you achieve your dream.

Mark Bielen Scholarship

Awarded to a graduating senior of an accredited high school in Minnehaha or Lincoln County in South Dakota.

About Community Foundation of South Alabama

Since its inception, the Community Foundation has grown to over 500 funds and awarded over $98 million in grants and scholarships throughout the eight counties of southwest Alabama, improving the lives of many residents in our corner of the world.

We amplify the gifts from generous donors through wise investment, support others in efforts to enhance our community, and lead and collaborate on initiatives which have a broad impact.

Scholarships

The more than 40 scholarship funds at the Foundation were created by generous donors who wanted to help the students in our community achieve a brighter future. We are committed to assisting the most promising students with scholarships for professional certificate programs, two and four-year undergraduate degrees and graduate school. The scholarship funds at the Foundation award grants to high school, community college and university students to be used for tuition, books, and fees.

Gus Shopoff Scholarship Fund

For a graduating senior who is a member of Team Focus, plans to attend any school of higher learning, is well rounded, has exemplary grades and community involvement.

About Community Foundation of South Alabama

Since its inception, the Community Foundation has grown to over 500 funds and awarded over $98 million in grants and scholarships throughout the eight counties of southwest Alabama, improving the lives of many residents in our corner of the world.

We amplify the gifts from generous donors through wise investment, support others in efforts to enhance our community, and lead and collaborate on initiatives which have a broad impact.

Scholarships

The more than 40 scholarship funds at the Foundation were created by generous donors who wanted to help the students in our community achieve a brighter future. We are committed to assisting the most promising students with scholarships for professional certificate programs, two and four-year undergraduate degrees and graduate school. The scholarship funds at the Foundation award grants to high school, community college and university students to be used for tuition, books, and fees.

Beulah Goode Memorial and Thelma Goode Scholarship Fund

For a graduating senior who is a member of Hope Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church of Mobile to attend any college. 

Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation

Founded in 1984, we are a 501(c)(3) public charity. Today, we manage more than 1,000 charitable funds, serving as the trusted stewards for more than $390 million in assets.

Our Community Investment team works with local nonprofits, schools and community leaders to identify gaps, assess critical needs and explore opportunities and possibilities. Our Philanthropy team works with individuals, families, advisors, businesses, and nonprofits, offering deep and broad experience and expertise in philanthropic strategy, charitable and organizational endowments, and legacy planning.

Scholarship Opportunities

The Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation manages one of the state's largest scholarship programs, awarding more than $500,000 in scholarships to local students each year. If you’re interested in pursuing higher education, it's likely we have a scholarship that can help you achieve your dream.

Joe Foss "An American Hero" Scholarship

Awarded to graduating seniors from South Dakota high schools. 

Who We Are

Founded in 1996, the Community Foundation of South Georgia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to making South Georgia a better place to live through effective philanthropy. We help individuals, families, nonprofit organizations and businesses establish and manage charitable funds that carry out their philanthropic interests. Serving a geographic area of 35 counties in South Georgia, we facilitate our donors’ charitable plans and goals by creating custom designed funds that meet their specific interests and ensure solid financial management and administration for each fund. 

Thomas B. McDowell Memorial Scholarship

For a college student who has either graduated from a high school located in Early County, Georgia, or who is a current resident of Early County, Georgia. Applicants must have completed at least two years in a post-secondary college or university in the United States and have attained at least a 2.5 GPA in the post-secondary college or university. The award is based on academic achievement, financial need, extracurricular school activities or employment, community service, and leadership qualities.

Who We Are

Founded in 1996, the Community Foundation of South Georgia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to making South Georgia a better place to live through effective philanthropy. We help individuals, families, nonprofit organizations and businesses establish and manage charitable funds that carry out their philanthropic interests. Serving a geographic area of 35 counties in South Georgia, we facilitate our donors’ charitable plans and goals by creating custom designed funds that meet their specific interests and ensure solid financial management and administration for each fund. 

Mitchell EMC – Operation Round Up Scholarship

For graduating high school seniors or students currently enrolled in or attending a post-secondary college or university in the United States, that has attained at least a 2.5 GPA in high school or college. The student, parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the student must have their primary residence or a place of business in the Mitchell EMC service area. Awards are based on financial need, academic achievement, extracurricular school activities or employment, community service, and leadership qualities. Preference will be given to Mitchell EMC consumers.

A maximum of ten (10) renewable scholarships will be awarded on an annual basis. Scholarships will be $2,500 per semester, twice a year, for up to four years to assist in attaining an undergraduate degree from a post-secondary institution in the United States. After the first Semester, the monies for subsequent semesters will be issued provided that students have submitted prior semester grades to verify they have maintained a minimum GPA of 2.5 and continue to be enrolled as a full-time student.

Who We Are

Founded in 1996, the Community Foundation of South Georgia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to making South Georgia a better place to live through effective philanthropy. We help individuals, families, nonprofit organizations and businesses establish and manage charitable funds that carry out their philanthropic interests. Serving a geographic area of 35 counties in South Georgia, we facilitate our donors’ charitable plans and goals by creating custom designed funds that meet their specific interests and ensure solid financial management and administration for each fund. 

Thomasville Antiques Show Foundation Scholarship

For graduating seniors of Thomasville High School, Thomasville Scholars Academy, Thomas County Central High School, Bishop Hall Charter School and Brookwood School, in Thomasville, Georgia, who have attained at least a 3.0 GPA in high school. Awards are based on community service, extracurricular school activities, financial need, academic achievement and personal integrity and character.

Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation

Founded in 1984, we are a 501(c)(3) public charity. Today, we manage more than 1,000 charitable funds, serving as the trusted stewards for more than $390 million in assets.

Our Community Investment team works with local nonprofits, schools and community leaders to identify gaps, assess critical needs and explore opportunities and possibilities. Our Philanthropy team works with individuals, families, advisors, businesses, and nonprofits, offering deep and broad experience and expertise in philanthropic strategy, charitable and organizational endowments, and legacy planning.

Scholarship Opportunities

The Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation manages one of the state's largest scholarship programs, awarding more than $500,000 in scholarships to local students each year. If you’re interested in pursuing higher education, it's likely we have a scholarship that can help you achieve your dream.

Equitable Sioux Empire Scholarship

Awarded to a graduating senior of an accredited public or private high school in the Sioux Falls area. Equitable employees, associates, immediate family members of employees, and associates of the Donor are ineligible for this award.

Central Alabama Community Foundation

Established in 1987 by community leaders, the Central Alabama Community Foundation serves the River Region counties of Lowndes, Macon, and Montgomery. CACF was created to provide a permanent charitable resource dedicated to strengthening nonprofits and meeting local needs in the Montgomery area.

Through a variety of funds, CACF supports projects and programs in education, health, human services, cultural arts, recreation, historic preservation, and other civic concerns.

Every year, CACF awards grants to nonprofit projects and programs providing services in Lee, Macon, and Montgomery counties.

Kiwanis Club of Montgomery Scholarship

This renewable scholarship is available to graduating high school seniors in Montgomery County who are planning to attend an accredited college or university. Although there is no minimum ACT or SAT score, students must indicate by their academic performance the ability or motivation to graduate from college. Preference is given to students demonstrating financial need. Consideration is also given to students’ leadership, character, ability and participation in extracurricular activities. Scholarships will be awarded annually and are renewable for up to three years depending upon the student’s academic performance.

The ASPB Excellence in Education Award, established in 1988, honors exceptional teaching and mentoring in plant biology. It recognizes individuals, regardless of society membership, who demonstrate outstanding contributions in education, curricular development, or creation of effective teaching resources. This monetary award emphasizes the importance of quality education in advancing plant science, reflecting the mission of the American Society of Plant Biologists to promote growth and development in the field.

Who We Are

Founded in 1996, the Community Foundation of South Georgia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to making South Georgia a better place to live through effective philanthropy. We help individuals, families, nonprofit organizations and businesses establish and manage charitable funds that carry out their philanthropic interests. Serving a geographic area of 35 counties in South Georgia, we facilitate our donors’ charitable plans and goals by creating custom designed funds that meet their specific interests and ensure solid financial management and administration for each fund. 

Alan George Memorial YMCA Scholarship

For a graduating senior from a high school located in Thomas County, Georgia who has attained at least a 3.0 GPA in high school and is affiliated with the Thomasville YMCA in some capacity such as a member or employee or whose parents are affiliated with the Thomasville YMCA. The award is based on financial need, academic achievement, extracurricular school activities or employment, community service, and leadership qualities. 

The Coast Fork Scholarship supports graduates or graduating seniors from Cottage Grove or Al Kennedy Alternative High Schools pursuing higher education across the United States. This scholarship is aimed at those who have demonstrated resilience in overcoming challenges, with a focus on applicants dedicated to helping others or improving their communities.

Community Foundation of New Jersey

Over our 46-year history, the Community Foundation of New Jersey has collaborated with individuals, families, organizations, and businesses to design charitable funds and implement the philanthropic solutions they want to see in their communities. We leverage $1.17 billion in assets and 1,200 funds to help our partners think boldly and creatively about ways to give.

Scholarship Fund Overview

Beyond a shared commitment to educational opportunity, families establish scholarship funds with a variety of goals and purposes in mind. They may offer traditional scholarships or customize fund awards for alternative scholarships.

Currently, CFNJ administers more than 135 scholarship funds. Our scholarship opportunities run the gamut, from those exclusive to a local high school or geographic region to those supporting specific majors or career pursuits. Last year, we awarded over $2 million in scholarship assistance to 271 scholars.

Applicants may be evaluated on academic performance; extracurricular activities; community involvement; paid or unpaid work; and a statement of their personal aspirations, educational goals, and demonstrated unmet financial need in our scholarship review process.

Three Little Birds Scholarship

This fund was created by a family who tried many therapies for their children and recognized how overwhelming the financial burden can become over time. Their passion is now focused on helping other families that may not have the financial means but want to provide essential therapies for their children. They hope that the scholarship helps provide special, wonderful kids with the tools that they need to be successful in life.

Carolyn L. Ballard & Beverly J. Schoch Scholarship

Graduating senior from a high school within the Community Foundation’s primary service area.

Nestlé Purina is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of pets and the communities they serve. Through their event sponsorship program, they support 501(c)(3) tax-exempt pet welfare organizations in the U.S. that focus on the welfare of cats and dogs. Eligible events must be located within 50 miles of their St. Louis headquarters, ensuring that their contributions directly benefit local communities. Purina's commitment to pets and people strengthens the bond between them.

Community Foundation of Henderson County

Individuals, families, organizations and businesses establish funds at the Foundation to carry out their charitable giving now and in the future.

Community Foundation of Henderson County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, public charity, governed by a volunteer board of directors, that has been assisting donors fulfill their philanthropic dreams since 1982.

Our Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.

Scholarships

Community Foundation of Henderson County's Scholarship Program began in 1984. Thanks to the generosity of passionate donors, over 2,000 traditional and non-traditional students have been provided more than $10 million in scholarships to pursue higher education.

Tracy Grove Community Club Scholarship

Applicant must graduate from a school in Henderson County and must intend to enroll in a degree-granting program in an accredited two- or four-year institute. 

The Exploring Christian Practices Initiative by Lilly Endowment aims to enhance access to settings that enable diverse individuals to engage in Christian practices. This initiative seeks to address spiritual interests, foster community connections, and support the growth of faith. By multiplying opportunities for exploration, it encourages meaningful participation in religious life and nurtures a deeper understanding of Christian traditions.

The Occupational Safety and Health Research (R01) grant aims to enhance understanding of workplace hazards, develop strategies to mitigate risks, and translate research into effective prevention measures. This initiative encourages applicants to address specific occupational health challenges and articulate the anticipated outcomes of their research, contributing to the reduction of work-related illnesses and injuries. By fostering innovative solutions, this grant supports the mission of NIOSH and promotes safer working environments.

The Wake Forest Capacity Building Grant, part of the Educating Character Initiative, aims to enhance character education in U.S. higher education institutions. Established in 2023 with support from Lilly Endowment Inc., the initiative has already provided $35 million in grants to 146 institutions. In 2026, new grants will be awarded to colleges and universities focused on fostering moral, civic, and intellectual character among their faculty, staff, and students.