Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in New York

In 2025, the Community Foundation of Madison & Jefferson County awarded over $233,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors of the county’s public and private high schools. Nearly 50 different students earned money toward their college costs. Scholarships are available for a variety of applicants. Some are specific to schools, majors, need, or interests.

Ralph & Robyn Jones Family Memorial Scholarship

Criteria evaluated:

Academic achievement and financial need. Applicants with higher incomes than the eligibility range may be considered if extraordinary financial need can be demonstrated.

Required materials:

• FAFSA SAI PDF upload

Scholarship amount:

• $2,300 | Multiple scholarships may be awarded from this total amount

CFMJC scholarships may be used for tuition and related expenses like fees and required equipment at accredited colleges and universities. Room and board are not covered.

Stark Community Foundation

Since 1963, Stark Community Foundation has been helping individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits like you support the causes you care about.

In addition to personalized donor services, we manage a competitive grantmaking program and award grants to address local needs. Today, the Foundation stewards over 1,000 charitable funds totaling $485 million in assets and has granted more than $300 million to nonprofits in our community and beyond.

Scholarships

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties.

The Louise Nader Khourey Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Louise Nader Khourey Memorial Scholarship Fund assists graduating high school seniors planning careers in foreign language education OR senior-level undergraduate or graduate foreign language students who have met the criteria for student teaching in a licensure program. 

This scholarship is renewable.

The Community Foundation Martin – St. Lucie’s (TCFMSL) Fundholders, Friends and Partners are proud to present scholarship opportunities for graduating seniors and adults looking to upskill. Each scholarship has distinct criteria.

Jenn DuBey Career & Technical Education Scholarship

All residents of Martin or St. Lucie County.

Awards

• $Cost of program taken into account Full and partial scholarships available.

The Sagol Network GerOmic Award for Junior Faculty supports early career investigators in aging research, focusing on -omics studies related to biological aging and age-related diseases. Research areas include genomics, proteomics, and interventions targeting aging. Eligible applicants are independent researchers at U.S. not-for-profit institutions, with 10 years or fewer since their postdoctoral training. The award may cover overhead costs, promoting innovative research in the vital field of gerontology.

The Mobile Learning Fund provides grants to adult literacy programs in the U.S. and Canada, enabling access to digital learning solutions. These grants support various online learning tools, such as New Readers Press, Learning Upgrade, and EnGen, aimed at enhancing literacy, math, and digital skills. Eligible programs must implement the solutions within 30 days and ensure active learner engagement. This initiative empowers educators to expand their reach and improve student outcomes through innovative digital resources.

The Researcher Connection Program by Uplifting Athletes Inc. supports travel expenses for rare disease researchers and doctoral students, fostering connections within the rare disease community. It emphasizes health equity by reserving at least 20% of funding for underrepresented researchers. Qualified applicants can receive up to $1,450 for travel costs related to attending relevant conferences and events, enhancing collaboration and awareness in the rare disease field.

The Jordan Wilcox Pediatric Cancer Fund Grant provides critical financial assistance to low or moderate-income families in Bradford, Sullivan, and Tioga Counties in Pennsylvania, as well as Tioga County, NY. Established in memory of Jordan Wilcox, who lost his battle with childhood cancer at age seven, the fund supports families with expenses not covered by insurance during their child's cancer treatment, including meals, lodging, and transportation. Grants of up to $400 per family are available.

The Simeon J. Fortin Charitable Foundation, founded in 1986, champions cancer research initiatives aimed at finding a cure. It supports relevant projects and fellowships within medical and research institutions, ensuring a significant impact on health-related research. The grant review process is conducted by The Medical Foundation, in coordination with the King Trust Postdoctoral Fellowships, enhancing collaboration and funding opportunities for innovative research in oncology.

The Bernie Smillie Memorial Scholarship was established in 2010, in memory of Freeland resident and business owner Bernie Smillie. Bernie passed away in 2000, due to complications from a lung transplant he had received in 1994. In 2005, family and friends of Bernie established the Bernie Smillie Memorial Golf Outing. Proceeds of this outing has helped to promote organ donor support and awareness and establish this scholarship fund.

Bernie Smillie Memorial Scholarship - Medical

Evaluation Criteria

• Leadership ability
• Financial need
• Academic performance
• Standardized test scores
• Special skills
• Awards and honors
• Community service
• Work experience
• Extracurricular school activities
• Overall involvement
• Career goals as demonstrated in essay
• Letter of recommendation.

In 2025, the Community Foundation of Madison & Jefferson County awarded over $233,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors of the county’s public and private high schools. Nearly 50 different students earned money toward their college costs. Scholarships are available for a variety of applicants. Some are specific to schools, majors, need, or interests.

CFMJC scholarships may be used for tuition and related expenses like fees and required equipment at accredited colleges and universities. Room and board are not covered.

Rainbow Youth Scholarship

Criteria:

• Creative expression submission and letters of recommendation. Financial need will be considered in the event of a tie.

Required materials

• Creative expression submission (ex: essay, short fiction, poetry, artwork, video, song, etc.) demonstrating a dedication/commitment to the interests of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning community; 
• 2 letters of recommendation (one from within the student’s school system (counselor, teacher, etc.) and one from a source outside of the student’s school system); and 3) FAFSA SAI PDF upload

Scholarship amount:

• $1,000 | 1 scholarship - Applicants may choose to be anonymous. If so, no identifying information would be presented to the review committee and no public recognition would be made of the selected winner.

The Charlene Victor & Ella J. Weiss Cultural Entrepreneur Fund, supported by the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, empowers Brooklyn's emerging women artists and arts administrators through professional development. This annual grant awards $2,500 to individuals, fostering sustainable careers by merging creativity with entrepreneurial skills. Founded by Charlene Victor and led by Ella J. Weiss, the fund honors their commitment to equity in the arts, benefiting a diverse range of cultural contributors in Brooklyn.

LaFrancine Stallings Math & Science College Scholars

The LaFrancine Stallings Math & Science College Scholarship will provide renewable need-based scholarships of up to $6,375 to undergraduate juniors enrolled full-time pursuing a Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) major at any four-year accredited HBCU in the 2026-2027 school year.

The MFA Fellowship, funded by the Dedalus Foundation, provides a $15,000 stipend to final-year students graduating from MFA programs in Painting and Sculpture in the U.S. Annually, four fellowships are awarded based on nominations from department chairpersons, allowing institutions to nominate two candidates each. Nominees must graduate in the following spring semester and submit application materials including work samples and a biographical statement. This initiative supports emerging artists in their professional development.

The Local Filmmaker Fund by the People's Media Fund supports filmmakers in Greater Philadelphia, enhancing their skills and film projects through a 12-month cohort program. This initiative prioritizes under-resourced filmmakers committed to social justice, offering funding up to $400,000. Eligible applicants must be at least 18 years old, live in designated areas, and either direct their film or secure fiscal sponsorship. The program fosters community storytelling and aims to amplify diverse voices in media.

The Native American Church Property Grants, administered by the Presbyterian Foundation, support essential repairs and improvements to Native American church properties. This initiative is crucial for maintaining the infrastructure of churches and chapels, ensuring their safety and functionality for congregations and visitors. The program reflects the Presbyterian Church's commitment to serving Native American communities, fostering faith and ministry. Through these grants, urgent needs are addressed, strengthening the presence and mission of Native American congregations within the PC(USA).

The NLN Steve Cerame Nurse Educator Scholarship Award supports aspiring nurse educators by providing up to $8,000 annually for master's or doctoral students. This award honors the legacy of NLN's former CFO and aims to facilitate the education of future nursing faculty. Eligible candidates must be NLN members and have completed at least one year of their program. The scholarship focuses on enhancing the nursing workforce and advancing educational excellence in nursing.

The DoW Traumatic Brain Injury and Psychological Health Translational Research Award aims to transform scientific discoveries into clinical applications. This program encourages innovative research approaches and requires preliminary data. It prohibits basic research and clinical trials, emphasizing the need for relevant animal models or community-based participatory research for human subjects. Funding supports two research levels, refining ideas into tangible products or evaluating them for clinical trials, with options for early-career investigator partnerships.

The ILSG Student Research Fund, established by the Institute on Lake Superior Geology, aims to support student research in the Lake Superior region with annual awards totaling US$1,000. This initiative encourages the presentation of research findings at ILSG meetings, fostering academic growth and collaboration. The fund originated from a US$10,000 contribution by the Board of Directors in 2005, with ongoing financial support from annual meeting proceeds, ensuring its sustainability for future student researchers.

The Shubert Foundation's Shubert Scholars program offers unrestricted grants to support the training of theatre artists in the United States. Targeting preeminent graduate drama departments, it emphasizes merit-based scholarship support while promoting exemplary theatrical training. Funding is primarily allocated to not-for-profit professional theatres and dance companies, fostering artistic excellence in the performing arts. For further guidance, applicants are encouraged to consult the FAQs on the foundation's website.

The Bluegrass in the Schools Mini-Grants program, offered by the IBMA Foundation, supports K-12 educational initiatives by funding live bluegrass music performances in schools. Grants of up to $500 are available for programs that provide a comprehensive understanding of bluegrass music, including its history, instruments, and vocal harmonies. This initiative aims to enhance student engagement with bluegrass while preserving its cultural heritage, enriching the educational landscape through live demonstrations.

Connecting Passion to Purpose

Marshall County Community Foundation is a public charity where local roots help great ideas take flight. We are community-minded partners and trusted investors. We help shape the vision for Marshall County. Our passion is to connect caring people with opportunities to make an impact.

Our mission is to serve all of Marshall county — its people and its future — by growing and managing endowment funding and fostering philanthropy.

Investing in the Scholars of 
Marshall County

Marshall County Community Foundation administers a number of scholarships, from traditional awards for graduating seniors to those geared towards current students, professionals, and other special circumstances.

Each scholarship has its own application guidelines, deadlines, and application process, so please be sure to read the instructions of the scholarship you’re applying for carefully.

All Marshall County Scholarships

We administer a number of scholarships, which range from the traditional academic and athletic awards to corporate and special circumstances offerings. These scholarships are open to all residents of Marshall County, as long as other requirements are met.

Applying for a scholarship is free, so we invite you to spend some time finding opportunities for which you are a good fit. You can learn more about each scholarship by clicking on each of the below scholarship titles.

The purpose of this scholarship is to provide one or more annual scholarships to a student and/or graduating seniors from a high school, home school, or alternative school in Marshall County.

The OREF Multimodal Musculoskeletal Perioperative Pain Management Grant invites research proposals aimed at enhancing perioperative pain management strategies. This funding opportunity emphasizes opioid-sparing techniques and effective regional anesthesia methods to improve patient outcomes in orthopedic surgeries. Eligible applicants include Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) in collaboration with PhDs or MDs, fostering a diverse range of expertise in pain management research.

The U.S. Western Digital STEM Scholarships aim to support underrepresented and underserved youth in pursuing STEM degrees. Offered by Western Digital and administered by Scholarship America, this program provides a $5,000 award to students transferring from community colleges to four-year universities. Eligibility includes a minimum GPA of 2.7 and demonstrated financial need. Preference is given to first-generation college students and those from historically underrepresented backgrounds, fostering diversity in STEM fields.

The Frances M. Culbertson Travel Grant provides essential funding for women from developing countries at the beginning of their psychology careers. This grant helps address the challenges posed by limited resources, allowing recipients to attend international and regional conferences. Eligible applicants must hold a doctoral degree and be within ten years postdoctoral, promoting diversity in the field. Preference is given to those attending key psychology conferences, fostering professional growth and networking opportunities.

The Darlene Hooley Scholarship for Oregon Veterans supports military veterans who served in the post-9/11 conflict, prioritizing those in the Oregon National Guard and Reservists. This scholarship is designed for students enrolling in higher education institutions across the United States, providing financial assistance to those who have bravely served their country.

The Investigators in the Pathogenesis of Infectious Disease Grant Program, funded by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, aims to support early-career assistant professors studying human infectious diseases. With a budget of $505,000 over five years, it encourages innovative research on the interplay between human systems and infectious agents, fostering multidisciplinary approaches to enhance our understanding of disease mechanisms and health maintenance.

The Citizens Grants: Financial Empowerment program supports nonprofits focused on creating measurable impacts in financial education for low to moderate income individuals and small businesses. This grant emphasizes partnerships with established 501(c)(3) organizations and encourages collaborative efforts that demonstrate alignment with funding priorities. By investing in financial literacy, Citizens aims to enhance fiscal health in underserved communities across select geographic areas.