Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in New York

Beckley Area Foundation

Beckley Area Foundation was established in January 1985 by ten community-minded citizens. It began with a gift of $1.1 million from the Dr. Thomas Walker Memorial Health Foundation as “seed” money for this Raleigh County project. BAF assets have grown to over $70 million with over 500 different funds managed by our three trustee banks. Today, Beckley Area Foundation is one of West Virginia’s largest community foundations.

Since its inception, BAF has distributed over $23 million to charities and other worthy projects in the fields of education, public recreation, health & human services, the arts, animal services and beautification.

Scholarships

The Beckley Area Foundation proudly manages scholarship funds established by individuals, businesses, and organizations dedicated to helping students pursue higher education. Many of these scholarships are tailored for specific schools, fields of study, or graduates from local high schools, while others offer broader opportunities. No matter the path, our scholarships aim to support students from our region as they work toward achieving their educational goals.

Most of these scholarships must be awarded to students from our geographic area or at least preference given to such students. While the majority of scholarships benefit Raleigh County applicants there are others designated for Fayette, Summers, Webster, and Wyoming students. 

Ross C. Todd Scholarship

Merit based award open to West Virginia blind students. Both graduating high school seniors and college upperclassmen, which at the time of application have achieved and maintained a 3.0 grade point average or better, are eligible to apply; All other considerations being equal, the two recipients having attained and maintained the highest grade point average within the applicant pool shall be named as recipients; West Virginia residents who are matriculating seniors or students already enrolled in a college/university.

This scholarship is renewable.

Beckley Area Foundation

Beckley Area Foundation was established in January 1985 by ten community-minded citizens. It began with a gift of $1.1 million from the Dr. Thomas Walker Memorial Health Foundation as “seed” money for this Raleigh County project. BAF assets have grown to over $70 million with over 500 different funds managed by our three trustee banks. Today, Beckley Area Foundation is one of West Virginia’s largest community foundations.

Since its inception, BAF has distributed over $23 million to charities and other worthy projects in the fields of education, public recreation, health & human services, the arts, animal services and beautification.

Scholarships

The Beckley Area Foundation proudly manages scholarship funds established by individuals, businesses, and organizations dedicated to helping students pursue higher education. Many of these scholarships are tailored for specific schools, fields of study, or graduates from local high schools, while others offer broader opportunities. No matter the path, our scholarships aim to support students from our region as they work toward achieving their educational goals.

Most of these scholarships must be awarded to students from our geographic area or at least preference given to such students. While the majority of scholarships benefit Raleigh County applicants there are others designated for Fayette, Summers, Webster, and Wyoming students. 

Louisa Holton Morris Music Scholarship

Music studies with preference to those specializing in organ music; Weighted for need and merit; West Virginia resident with preference to Raleigh County.​

This scholarship is renewable.

Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors. Applications are accepted from mid-November until mid-March. Scholarship award recipients will be announced at the high school awards ceremony. 

Margaret Stone Music Scholarship Endowment

Established by Mrs. Stone, Houghton College class of ’45, to assist a music major attending her alma mater.

The Community Foundation of Marquette County distributes over $130,000 annually in scholarships to benefit aspiring students in Marquette County.

Father Vincent L. Ouellette Scholarship Endowment Fund

Provides financial assistance for graduating high school students who are members of the St. Joseph’s Parish and will be pursuing a degree at a four year college or university. 

Distribution Process

• CFMC scholarship recipients will be contacted in June requesting student enrollment verification
• Scholarships can only be distributed once student’s information is received
• Scholarships will be distributed to the college/school/university indicated by student
• The scholarship must be used for tuition and fees required for the enrollment or attendance of the student at a qualifying educational institution; fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for courses of instruction at such an educational institution; and room and board, within the first semester of first year of students enrollment
• That year’s recipient must claim the scholarship within that fiscal year to be distributed (by 12/31/xx)

Beckley Area Foundation

Beckley Area Foundation was established in January 1985 by ten community-minded citizens. It began with a gift of $1.1 million from the Dr. Thomas Walker Memorial Health Foundation as “seed” money for this Raleigh County project. BAF assets have grown to over $70 million with over 500 different funds managed by our three trustee banks. Today, Beckley Area Foundation is one of West Virginia’s largest community foundations.

Since its inception, BAF has distributed over $23 million to charities and other worthy projects in the fields of education, public recreation, health & human services, the arts, animal services and beautification.

Scholarships

The Beckley Area Foundation proudly manages scholarship funds established by individuals, businesses, and organizations dedicated to helping students pursue higher education. Many of these scholarships are tailored for specific schools, fields of study, or graduates from local high schools, while others offer broader opportunities. No matter the path, our scholarships aim to support students from our region as they work toward achieving their educational goals.

Most of these scholarships must be awarded to students from our geographic area or at least preference given to such students. While the majority of scholarships benefit Raleigh County applicants there are others designated for Fayette, Summers, Webster, and Wyoming students. 

Bill Weese Trades Scholarship

Residents of Webster County, WV; Recent graduates and adult career-switchers seeking a professional trade or retraining assistance; Must attend a trade school including vocational programs offering certification or degree programs designed to teach specific employment skills; Additional requirement details available in application.

This scholarship is renewable.

The Community Foundation of Marquette County distributes over $130,000 annually in scholarships to benefit aspiring students in Marquette County.

Bernadette Reider Scholarship Fund

Provides scholarships to students from Marquette County who are entering into a college educational program in the field of nursing. Applicants will also be judged by financial need.

Distribution Process

• CFMC scholarship recipients will be contacted in June requesting student enrollment verification
• Scholarships can only be distributed once student’s information is received
• Scholarships will be distributed to the college/school/university indicated by student
• The scholarship must be used for tuition and fees required for the enrollment or attendance of the student at a qualifying educational institution; fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for courses of instruction at such an educational institution; and room and board, within the first semester of first year of students enrollment
• That year’s recipient must claim the scholarship within that fiscal year to be distributed (by 12/31/xx)

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. 

Mary Smith Gay Scholarship

For a graduating senior from a public high school located in Albany, GA or a member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church located in Albany, GA. All applicants must have a minimum high school GPA of 2.50. The award is based on Academics, Leadership Qualities, Extracurricular School Activities, Character, Community Service, Personal Integrity, and Financial Need. Special consideration will be given to members of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. This scholarship is given by the family of Caroline Cobey Goodwin, in loving memory of Ms. Mary Smith Gay. 

Northern New York Community Foundation

Since 1929, the Northern New York Community Foundation has invested in improving and enriching the quality of life for all in communities across Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties.

Through partnerships with businesses and organizations, charitable foundations, and generous families and individual donors, the Community Foundation awards grants and scholarships from an endowment and collection of funds that benefit the region. Its commitment to donors helps individuals achieve their charitable objectives now and for generations to come by preserving and honoring legacies of community philanthropy while inspiring others.

JP North Country Music Scholarship

 Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence county students in the Class of 2026 who plan to pursue studies in music are encouraged to apply.

The JFNY Grant for Japanese Studies provides up to $5,000 for U.S.-based organizations with 501(c)(3) status to promote Japanese Studies. This grant supports conferences, presentations, and research that enhances understanding of Japan. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for online projects, while others must be submitted three months prior to the project start date. Preference is given to projects that secure additional funding from other sources.

The AHA Career Development Award supports early-career healthcare professionals to explore innovative research questions and pilot studies. With a budget of $77,000 per year, this award aims to enhance research skills, provide mentorship, and prepare awardees for successful scientific careers. Eligible applicants must hold a doctoral degree and commit at least 10% effort to the award. The program emphasizes mentorship from experienced investigators, ensuring a structured path towards independence in research.

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.

Harry & Lula McCarn Nurses’ Scholarship

For a student living in Mobile or Baldwin Counties and pursuing a master’s degree in Nursing Administration or other fields of nursing at USA. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA. 

The NARMS Cooperative Agreement Program aims to enhance antibiotic resistance surveillance in retail food specimens, building on the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System initiated by the FDA in 1996. This program seeks to improve detection of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in food commodities and expand sampling sites. By strengthening monitoring efforts, it aims to protect public health and achieve measurable outcomes aligned with NARMS objectives, contributing to national efforts against antibiotic resistance.

The Puffin Foundation's Annual Artist Grant Program, focused on odd years, supports individual artists and non-profit organizations in the genres of video/film and theater. Grants, typically around $1,750, aim to uplift marginalized voices in the arts. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents with an SSN. The program excludes proposals in other disciplines and projects involving AI. This initiative prioritizes diverse artistic expression and aims to maximize funding impact for those with limited financial resources.

The USA Swimming Foundation's Youth Learn-to-Swim Grant aims to increase access to swim lessons for children across the nation. By providing funding to swim lesson programs, the foundation ensures that financial barriers do not prevent children from learning this vital life skill. Grants can be used for free or reduced-cost lessons, addressing the needs of underserved communities and promoting safety through swimming education.

The Healthy School Food Pathway Fellowship empowers experienced school food professionals to lead sustainable and equitable food reform over a 13-month program. Participants enhance their leadership skills, gain in-depth knowledge of the U.S. food system, and advocate for healthy school food policies. The fellowship includes live virtual sessions, coursework, and hands-on projects, culminating in a capstone project. With a focus on collaboration and networking, selected fellows will drive impactful change in their school districts.

Dresser-Rand Employees Scholarship

This Scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors who are the children of employees of Dresser-Rand/Siemens Energy. Employees must have been Olean-based employees as of February 2, 2020 with at least 12 months of service.

Deputy Wayne and Carol Krieger Scholarship

Established in memory of sheriff's deputy Wayne Krieger by his family, this scholarship benefits graduating seniors of Cattaraugus County and Allegany County high schools intending to study criminal justice, with a preference for a student who is a BOCES criminal justice student. 

The Institutional Award for Undergraduate Student Training, offered by the American Heart Association, supports qualified research institutions in providing meaningful research experiences for undergraduate students. This three-year award enables institutions to apply for funding for two to five students annually, promoting diversity in science and enhancing mentorship opportunities. Institutions are encouraged to develop robust recruitment plans and ensure effective support for participants, while adhering to strict budget guidelines and reporting requirements.

The Extramural Discovery Science Accelerator Award supports the commercialization of ongoing cancer research projects, focusing on experiments that facilitate technology validation and de-risking. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with a budget of up to $75,000 for one year. This award encourages independent investigators at any career stage to advance their technologies, with a strong emphasis on commercial viability and collaboration within a learning community.

This grant opportunity from the NIH aims to enhance mechanistic research on precision probiotic therapies through a biphasic R61/R33 award mechanism. It encourages innovative studies to identify specific biological factors influencing probiotic responses, thereby improving clinical outcomes. The program supports up to five years of research, with the initial phase focused on discovering unique host characteristics and the second phase assessing improvements in probiotic efficacy through rigorous studies.

Who We Are

The Community Foundation of Central Illinois will make a sustainable philanthropic impact in our community through visible leadership in connecting people who care with causes that matter.

Vernon “Butch” Gudat Scholarship Fund

The Vernon “Butch” Gudat Scholarship Fund was established to create a living legacy in memory of Peoria Fire Captain Vernon “Butch” Gudat. College scholarships are provided to qualifying children and grandchildren of career and volunteer firefighters in Peoria, Tazewell, and Woodford counties.

About Samaritan Health Services

We’re a nonprofit network of hospitals, clinics and health services caring for more than 290,000 residents in the mid-Willamette Valley and central Oregon Coast and portions of Marion and Polk counties. We work together to provide highly reliable and innovative medicine with world-class quality in a way that supports the values of the communities we serve. That includes caring for all people, regardless of their ability to pay.

Health Education Scholarships

One of the many keys to maintaining a healthy, prosperous community is ensuring a sustainable supply of excellent health care providers. To achieve this, Samaritan Health Services offers numerous scholarships to local students pursuing careers as doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners and physician assistants, as well continuing education or specialty training for current medical providers.

Each year, Samaritan awards more than $25,000 in scholarships for health care education to ensure the communities we serve receive the best care possible well into the future.

Nursing Excellence Scholarship

The Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center Nursing Excellence Scholarship was established in 2013 in honor/memory of outstanding Registered Nurses (RNs) at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis, Oregon.

The Nursing Excellence Scholarship is available to eligible students pursuing RN, BSN or MSN degrees who show leadership and clinical expertise and excellence. At least one scholarship is awarded for tuition, books and school fees.

The Asian Women Giving Circle Grants support projects led by Asian American women and gender-expansive individuals using arts and culture for social change. Established in 2005, this initiative has awarded over $1 million to promote grassroots philanthropy, highlight community stories, and engage local resources. This grant cycle anticipates awarding 6-8 project grants to foster progressive transformation and raise awareness of critical issues affecting Asian American communities.

Seattle Foundation is an agent of change, igniting powerful, rewarding philanthropy to make Greater Seattle a stronger, more vibrant community for all.

At Seattle Foundation, we believe that community is more than a place. It’s the shared understanding that our joy and well-being are tied to one another. Every day we work with nonprofits, philanthropists, and partners like you to strengthen community by igniting powerful philanthropy and advancing long-term solutions. Because it takes all of us to create a joyful region where every person can thrive.

Greater Seattle (WA) Chapter of The Links, Supplemental Scholarship

The Greater Seattle (WA) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated was established in 1955 with a commitment to enriching, sustaining, and ensuring the identities, culture, and economic survival of African-Americans and persons of African descent. The Supplemental Support Scholarship is for college students in need of tuition assistance or who have basic or urgent need for financial support.

Seattle Foundation is an agent of change, igniting powerful, rewarding philanthropy to make Greater Seattle a stronger, more vibrant community for all.

At Seattle Foundation, we believe that community is more than a place. It’s the shared understanding that our joy and well-being are tied to one another. Every day we work with nonprofits, philanthropists, and partners like you to strengthen community by igniting powerful philanthropy and advancing long-term solutions. Because it takes all of us to create a joyful region where every person can thrive.

Greater Seattle (WA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated Scholarship

The Greater Seattle (WA) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated was established in 1955 with a commitment to enriching, sustaining, and ensuring the identities, culture, and economic survival of African-Americans and persons of African descent. Scholarships will be awarded to qualified high school seniors who reside in King, Snohomish, Kitsap, Clallum and Jefferson counties; are U.S. citizens, preference given to students of African American descent; and demonstrate exemplary leadership in their family, school, and the African American Community. Scholarship awards up to $15,000.

Robin V. Jensen Memorial Scholarship Fund

Robin Virginia Jensen was born on January 9, 1986, in Corvallis, Oregon to Ronald and Deborah Jensen. She was an honor roll student at Crescent Valley High School, where she excelled in volleyball, track and field, and swimming. Robin worked as a lifeguard at Osborn Aquatic center, and in her free-time enjoyed riding her bike. Robin started taking classes at Oregon State University the summer after she graduated from Crescent Valley and was enrolled to begin full-time studies at OSU in the fall. She planned to pursue a degree in forensic science and dreamed of a career in criminal justice. She had been a cadet for three years at the Corvallis Police Department.

On the evening of August 10, 2004, Robin was riding her bicycle home from work and was struck by a car. She died the next day at age 18.

Robin’s mother, Debbie Jensen, helped organize the annual Ride of Silence in Robin’s memory. The event is a silent bike ride through Corvallis meant to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured by motorists. In 2006, Robin’s parents created this scholarship fund to further honor the memory of their daughter. The scholarship provides tuition for a Benton County high school student pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree at an institution of higher education with an emphasis in Forensic Science or Criminal Justice. It also benefits the City of Corvallis Police Cadet program and supports bicycle safety programs in Benton County.

This scholarship is renewable.

Arizona Community Foundation

For more than four decades, the Arizona Community Foundation has worked in tandem with generous individuals, families, and organizations to address some of the biggest challenges facing our state.

Scholarships

In partnership with our generous donors, we award millions of dollars annually to help students achieve their educational goals. Through our online system, students complete one application and are matched with available scholarships, based on their eligibility requirements.

The Leslie Scholarship Fund 

The Leslie Scholarship Fund will benefit students entering or in a four-year nursing program.