Best Financial Assistance Grants in New York

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Helen M. Thew Memorial Scholarship

Dorothy Ellen Thew, a lifelong member of the Marion community, left, as part of her legacy, a gift to create three scholarship funds at Marion Community Foundation. Dorothy, a noteworthy person in her own right, designated that three scholarship funds be created from her estate to honor beloved members of her family. The Helen M. Thew Memorial Scholarship honors her sister’s love of music and dedication to education.

Well educated, Dorothy was a 1936 graduate of Marion Harding High School and attended Hunter College, and Indiana, East Carolina, and Toledo universities. She enlisted in the U.S. Navy Waves in 1943 and had a naval career which spanned 30 years. Dorothy worked at the selective service board from 1943-1955 and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Marion Depot until its closing in 1961. She retired from the Columbus Defense Supply Center in 1979.

Her civic involvements mirrored her military career. She was a lifetime member of the American Legion and a Plank-Owner of the Navy Lone Sailor Memorial Association and Fleet Reserve Association, as well as the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, American Association for Retired Persons, the American and Marion County Historical societies, Marion Senior Citizens and Central Christian Church of Marion.

Jack Sherman Scholarship

Applicants must be pursuing a two- or four- year degree or advanced education and/or training in the skilled trades and show evidence of involvement in co or extra-curricular activities or volunteerism related to the applicant’s field of interest. Transcripts and scores are requested, but not necessarily a determining factor. .

Community Foundation of Washington County Maryland

We are one of more than 750 similar tax-exempt public charities throughout the United States that work to make their community a better place to live. We are a local organization staffed by residents of the community and led by a board of trustees who have an in-depth knowledge of the issues that shape our County.

This Community Foundation was created by and for the people of Washington County MD, and exists to improve the quality of life for all of our citizens, now and for generations to come, by building community endowments, addressing needs through grant making and providing leadership on key community issues.

About Our Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Washington County, MD offers more than 100 scholarships for graduating high school students and non-traditional students in continuing education.

Karen C. and A. Wells Ridenour Nursing Scholarship Fund

This scholarship supports a Washington County resident of any age, race, or gender that’s accepted to an accredited four-year nursing program with the intention of completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Marion Rotary Club’s Catherine Ferguson Scholarship

For more than 110 years, Rotary members have been addressing challenges around the world. Rotary links 1.2 million members to form an organization of international scope. It started in 1905 with the vision of one man, Paul Harris, in Chicago. He formed Rotary so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas, form meaningful, lifelong friendships, and give back to their communities. Rotary is truly international. Only 16 years after being founded, Rotary had clubs on six continents. Today, members in nearly every country are committed to service.

Locally, the Marion Rotary Club was chartered in 1922, as club number 1051, with 23 charter members led by Fred Guthery, the first president. The Marion Rotary Club, along with the Marion Rotary Foundation, which was incorporated in 1959, has contributed to many organizations and scholarships over the years. 

The Marion Rotary Club Catherine Ferguson Scholarship migrated to Marion Community Foundation in 2017. It honors the late Catherine Ferguson, the first woman inducted into the Marion Rotary Club and its long-standing club secretary. It provides financial support for Marion County graduating seniors. Recipients will have been a resident of Marion County for at least two full years and maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher.

The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) is launching a funding opportunity for the ancient DNA for Modern Genomics (aDMG) program. This initiative aims to create an ethical resource of ancient human DNA to enhance understanding of modern human traits and health. By leveraging both existing and new aDNA data, the program seeks innovative collaborations that integrate ancient and contemporary genomic information. Researchers with expertise in population genomics are encouraged to apply.

Hero Fund America Fund Seeks Applications for its First Responders Grant Round

Hero Fund America (HFA) Fund, a field-of-interest fund of the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, is seeking applications for its First Responders Grant Round for programs, projects, and other needs that will support education, training, lifesaving equipment, and mental health of fire, emergency medical services (EMS), and law enforcement agencies.

Hero Fund America Fund was founded in partnership with Hero Fund America by Garth Roberts of Sharon Springs, NY. Inspired by the selfless and heroic efforts of first responders during the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings, Roberts initiated the Provincetown First Responders Appreciation Month, honoring 45 Boston EMS paramedics, emergency medical technicians, dispatchers, and their families. The success of that project inspired the 2016 creation of Hero Fund America.

Since 2016, the fund has awarded more than 100 grants totaling over $123,000 to meet the needs of first responders across the nation.

“Grants awarded through the Hero Fund America Fund have helped departments improve their abilities to better serve and protect the civilian population,” said Roberts. “Hero Fund America remains firmly committed to raising both funding and awareness in support of the First Responder community.”

The Grand Haven Area Community Foundation Scholarship, established in 2003, provides financial assistance to local students pursuing education beyond high school. Scholarships are awarded based on criteria such as financial need, academic achievement, and personal goals. Applicants may apply once for all eligible scholarships, and the selection process is thorough, ensuring that exceptional candidates are chosen each year. This initiative reflects the community's commitment to supporting the educational aspirations of its youth.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Marion Rotary Club Scholarship

For more than 110 years, Rotary members have been addressing challenges around the world. Rotary links 1.2 million members to form an organization of international scope. It started in 1905 with the vision of one man, Paul Harris, in Chicago. He formed Rotary so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas, form meaningful, lifelong friendships, and give back to their communities. Rotary is truly international. Only 16 years after being founded, Rotary had clubs on six continents. Today, members in nearly every country are committed to service.

Locally, the Marion Rotary Club was chartered in 1922, as club number 1051, with 23 charter members led by Fred Guthery, the first president. The Marion Rotary Club, along with the Marion Rotary Foundation, which was incorporated in 1959, has contributed to many organizations and scholarships over the years. 

The Marion Rotary Club’s Scholarship Fund migrated to Marion Community Foundation in 2017. It provides scholarship support for Marion County high school seniors.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Marion Rotary Club’s Harold W. Hall Scholarship

The Marion Rotary Club was chartered in 1922, as club number 1051, with 23 charter members led by Fred Guthery, the first president. The Marion Rotary Club, along with the Marion Rotary Foundation, which was incorporated in 1959, has contributed to many organizations and scholarships over the years.

The Marion Rotary Club Harold Hall Scholarship was created in 2024. It honors the late Harold Hall, philanthropist and businessman. His scholarship provides financial support for Marion County graduating seniors who have been a resident of Marion County for at least two full years and maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.

The HEAL Initiative Whole Joint Health Program aims to advance research on the biological mechanisms of joint pain by exploring the interactions of various tissues within the joint. This innovative program will support clinical studies that focus on non-pharmacological interventions to enhance healing and improve quality of life for individuals suffering from chronic joint pain. By fostering a comprehensive understanding of joint health, the initiative aligns with the NIH's broader goals to reduce chronic pain and opioid dependency.

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

Margaret Gould Tyson Scholarship

Dr. Tyson was a very active NEF Board member for many years and the Dean at Hunter Bellevue School of Nursing in New York City. Since her death in 2008, the Margaret Gould Tyson scholarship has been given annually to a doctoral applicant studying nursing education.

St. Julian and Adrienne Simpkins Book Award

To provide book awards to students pursuing higher education.

Number and Size of Awards

Up to five awards of $500 each; paid in one lump sum in the Fall semester.

Allowed Use of Award

Awards may be used for college textbook expenses.

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

Laura D. Smith National Student Nurses' Association (NSNA) Scholarship

The NSNA Scholarship honors Laura D. Smith. Ms Smith was initially a clinical nurse and after earning her master’s degree joined the staff of the American Journal of Nursing ultimately becoming Senior Editor in 1959. Her particular interest was in championing the accomplishments of student nurses by means of the “Student Page” in the AJN. She was instrumental in the birth and early development of the NSNA. The award is given to an applicant enrolled in a master's in nursing education, a PhD or EdD nursing program, who was an NSNA member in their pre-licensure nursing program and has proven excellence in nursing scholarship and service.

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

Geraldine Labecki Fund

Created in 2016, from the bequest of Geraldine Labecki, former Dean of Clemson University's School of Nursing from 1965 to 1980, Clemson University's first woman collegiate dean. This scholarship fund is dedicated to graduate nurses exhibiting exceptional leadership skills.

Reineman Family Scholarship

This scholarship recognizes and provides financial support to graduating high school students who participate in Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection.

Number and Size of Awards

• One award of $6,000; paid as $1,500 per year for up to four consecutive years of undergraduate study. Award paid in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.

Allowed Use of Award

• Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education.

Alec and Barbara Sutherland Scholarship

To assist students from the Middle East attending any college or university within the eight-county area of greater Rochester, NY.

This scholarship is not renewable; however, students may reapply each year they are eligible.

Number and Size of Awards

• One award of up to $2,000; paid in one lump sum in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.

Allowed Use of Award

• Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education.

Rochester Area Community Foundation

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.

Rochester Tooling and Machining (James M. Nieboer) Scholarship

Purpose of Scholarship

For students enrolled in the advanced manufacturing industry related curricula at an accredited community college, junior college, or technical post-secondary institution within the Finger Lakes region.

Allowed Use of Award

Expenses associated with higher education.

Renewability

This award is not automatically renewable; students may reapply each Fall and Spring semester.

Donor Information

This scholarship was established in 1993 by the Rochester Tooling and Machining Institute, Inc. to encourage students to engage in the metalworking industry.

South James River Foundation Scholarship Fund

The purpose of this scholarship fund is to provide financial support of $1,000 per recipient to 10 high school seniors in Buckingham planning to attend an accredited two or four-year college/university, community or junior college, vocational technical, or trade school.  

Bedford Community Health Foundation

Our Mission: The Bedford Community Health Foundation:

• Works to identify and address community health needs;
• Awards scholarships for nursing programs and allied health education;
• Makes grants to non-profit organizations providing direct health services;
• Encourages community involvement through donations and service;
• Serves as a community health information resource.

Scholarships

The Bedford Community Health Foundation offers a variety of scholarships for individuals pursuing certification, degrees, and advanced degrees in health-related fields. Students can be full-time nursing students, employed nurses seeking additional education, full-time allied health students, employed health providers wanting to specialize and high school students enrolled in the Governor’s Health Academy at Susie G. Gibson Science & Technology Center.

David W. and Sandra L.R. Boyes Physician Education Scholarship

The David W. and Sandra L. R. Boyes Physician Education Scholarship is for health professionals and specialists who seek continuing education in the field of gerontology. It is the only scholarship that does not require graduates to pursue employment in the Town or County of Bedford. This scholarship is open to specialists of all kinds including Chiropractors, Physical Therapists, Physicians Assistants, Osteopaths and Registered Nurses.

David and Sandra Boyes promoted health and healthy living throughout their careers and in volunteer roles during their retirements. David held a BA Degree in Math and Chemistry. He worked at Owens Corning and at Piedmont Label in Bedford. Sandra, in addition to her BSN degree, held a Ph.D. in Education which enabled her to actively pursue her two passions – education and medicine. In Bedford, she taught in the Bedford Memorial Hospital LPN school of Nursing from 1969 to 1986. She taught in Bedford County schools from 1986 to 1990. David was killed in a tragic accident in 2006. Sandra continued their shared vision of impacting health care for seniors through the creation of this scholarship.

About Us

Making a Difference, Together

The Community Foundation of Monroe County (CFMC) builds a thriving, inclusive community through the power of philanthropy. By connecting generous donors with local causes, we help ensure Monroe County remains a place where everyone can thrive. Since our founding, we’ve been a trusted steward of community resources, fostering impactful collaborations and sustainable solutions to address challenges in education, health, poverty, and community development.

Scholarship Opportunities

Whether you’re heading to college, pursuing a technical career, or furthering your education as an adult, there’s a scholarship for you.

Grattan and Stephen T. Gray Scholarship

Awarded to Monroe County high school graduates entering the field of journalism.

The BETA Scholarship Fund, managed by the Brown County Community Foundation, provides financial support to residents of Brown County, Indiana, under the age of 25. This scholarship is designed for individuals pursuing education or certification at vocational, trade, or skills schools. Since its inception, the Foundation has focused on enhancing educational opportunities for local youth, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder their academic aspirations.

The NIH Stroke Clinical Trials Network (StrokeNet) aims to enhance stroke treatment through regional clinical enrollment coordinating centers (RCCs). Supported by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), this initiative promotes collaboration for clinical trials that focus on acute stroke treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation. While applications are not currently being solicited, this notice serves to prepare potential applicants for future opportunities in advancing stroke care.

Annette M. Lamle Memorial Fund

This scholarship was created in memory of Annette M. Lamle who graduated from Columbia City Joint High School with the Class of 1980 and attended Indiana Purdue Fort Wayne. She supported her sons during their years in Whitley County 4-H and FFA. This award is given to a graduating Whitley County senior who was active in FFA or 4-H, who volunteers in the community, and has an interest in pursuing study in agriculture or the trades.

Background

The Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) Program is one of the grant programs that constitute DHS/FEMA’s focus on all-hazards emergency preparedness, including the evolving threats and risks associated with natural disasters. EMPG Program funding is awarded to the 56 states and territories using a population-based allocation methodology.

The main purpose of the program is to support the emergency management needs of state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, primarily through investments in planning, training, and exercise activities and to help cover the salaries of emergency management personnel.

Jeffrey Geiger Memorial Scholarship

This award was established to honor Jeffrey Geiger who was involved in FFA, a 10-year member of 4-H, and an Eagle Scout. Jeff devoted his life to Whitley County 4-H. He served on the Fair Board for over 11 years and was President of Whitley County 4-H Inc. for more than seven years.

This scholarship is given to a to a 5 year participant of 4-H or a 2 year member of FFA who mirrors Jeff’s lifelong passion.

The FY 2027 State and Regional Primary Care Association (PCA) Cooperative Agreements aim to enhance the technical assistance provided to Health Center Program award recipients and look-alikes. This initiative focuses on improving access to preventive and primary health care, managing chronic diseases, and ensuring a capable health center workforce. By implementing value-based care strategies and leveraging data for operational improvements, the program seeks to support the health of vulnerable communities effectively.