Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in New York

The SHAPE America: Mentor of the Year Award recognizes an exemplary role model committed to fostering student engagement in professional activities. Candidates must have a minimum of three years of membership in SHAPE America and serve as full-time faculty at a higher education institution. This award emphasizes mentorship through professional behavior, involvement in student projects, and providing academic guidance, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their future careers.

The Mary & Al Tsukamoto Memorial Scholarship aims to foster educational opportunities through grants and scholarships, focusing on community needs. It offers two scholarships of $1,500 each, requiring applicants to submit a 500-word essay on the phrase 'Justice for All' and its impact on their family. Eligibility includes a minimum GPA of 3.0 and full-time student status, with special consideration for immigrant families. Participation in community activities is required, while school activity involvement is not.

The Melvin & Lena Oneto Scholarship, funded by the Elk Grove Regional Scholarship Foundation, provides $2,500 for students pursuing education in agriculture. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate full-time enrollment at a four-year college. Participation in school and community activities is required. This scholarship aims to support students from various Elk Grove High Schools, fostering academic and community engagement.

The Battaglia Family Endowed Scholarship, established by the Battaglia family, supports students in the Coastal Bend who require financial assistance to pursue higher education. Candidates can seek two-year or four-year degrees, vocational training, or certifications. Scholarships range from $100 to $16,000, averaging $1,000, with amounts influenced by fund growth. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, and reside in the designated counties.

The Acock – Beverly Acock Memorial Scholarship honors Beverly Acock's legacy by supporting students who excel in artistic pursuits and engage in community service. This scholarship ranges from $100 to $16,000, with an average award of $1,000. Eligible candidates must graduate in the top 25% of their class, reside in Nueces County, and plan to enroll full-time at an accredited college or university following high school graduation.

The Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation offers need-based scholarships to empower members in achieving their educational goals. These scholarships provide financial support of up to $5,000 per year or $2,500 per term for undergraduate students. Applicants may apply for either a merit-based or need-based scholarship, ensuring access to education for all. The foundation aims to create opportunities and promote academic success among its members.

The IBMA Foundation is pleased to announce the permanent endowment of the Rick Lang Music Songwriter Scholarship, funded by a $50,000 gift from Rick and Wendy Lang of New Hampshire. Rick Lang is a GRAMMY-nominated writer who serves as the chair of the IBMA Songwriter Committee and volunteers with the IBMA Songwriter Mentor Program.

The Rick Lang Music Songwriter Scholarship is awarded annually to a student planning to study songwriting at the college level. Applicants are not required to have a declared major in songwriting, but they must already have demonstrated skills as a songwriter and plan to further their study of the art on a higher education level. Applicants must be current IBMA members. 

The first two recipients of this scholarship were Heather Alley (2020), a student at Morehead State University in Morehead, KY, and Jessica Lang (2021, no relation to the donors), a student at Belmont University in Nashville, TN.

“Our goal with the scholarship is to help our youth be able to afford to further their educations in the music field and realize their dreams,” the Langs said. “Young people are the future of bluegrass music, and we are glad to be able to help them along their journey! We are beyond excited about finally endowing the scholarship. This means it will perpetuate and be available to students each and every year.”

The new endowed fund is held at the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee in Nashville, TN, which invests and administers more than $500 million in charitable funds. The Rick Lang Music Songwriter Endowment Fund will distribute annual income to the IBMA Foundation to use in funding one or more Rick Lang Music Songwriter college scholarships each year and for expenses of administering that scholarship program.

Gifts to support this endowed scholarship are welcome from additional individuals, organizations and corporations interested in supporting the future of bluegrass songwriting.  

The Neil Rosenberg Bluegrass Scholar Award, presented by the IBMA Foundation, recognizes emerging academic scholars who deliver exceptional research on bluegrass music at juried conferences. Recipients earn a $500 honorarium and entry to the IBMA Business Conference and Awards Show. This award honors Neil Rosenberg, a prominent bluegrass historian, and aims to support graduate students and recent PhDs in their scholarly endeavors, promoting the preservation and study of bluegrass culture.

The Mike Auldridge Memorial Scholarship, established by the IBMA Foundation, honors the legacy of Bluegrass Hall of Fame member Mike Auldridge. It awards a $1,000 to $2,000 scholarship to students studying Dobro, steel guitar, or acoustic guitar at the college level. Applications are due by June 1 for the fall semester. This initiative supports the foundation's goal of fostering bluegrass music education and preserving its rich heritage.

The Allied Scientist Grant, offered by the Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation, supports graduate-level trainees in non-clinical disciplines crucial to interventional radiology. With funding up to $40,000 over two years, this grant fosters collaboration between established scientists and IR professionals to innovate and enhance patient care. Eligible applicants include trainees and post-doctoral fellows, with a focus on multidisciplinary research. The program aims to advance groundbreaking studies that bridge scientific knowledge and clinical application.

The Lawrence Cheung, MD Scholarship for Public Health and Advocacy, offered by the AMA Foundation, supports medical students dedicated to leadership in public health. Each year, recipients receive $10,000 to assist with tuition, focusing on those from California. This initiative is part of the Physicians of Tomorrow program, which fosters the next generation of physician leaders committed to health equity. Students must demonstrate their advocacy interest in their personal statements.

The Katy Daley Broadcast Media & Sound Engineering Scholarship, funded by the IBMA Foundation, supports individuals pursuing studies in broadcasting or sound engineering with a bluegrass music focus. Annually, $2,000 scholarships are available to current IBMA members, including adults seeking continuing education. Eligible fields include radio, television, digital media, and sound engineering. The application deadline is June 1 for fall semester scholarships, promoting professional involvement in the bluegrass music industry.

The Linda R. Benavides Memorial Scholarship-Community Fellowship Award, managed by the Coastal Bend Community Foundation, offers financial support to graduating high school seniors and GED recipients in the Coastal Bend area. Awards range from $100 to $16,000, with an average of $1,000. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and a commitment to community service, reflecting Linda Benavides' legacy of advocacy and leadership. This scholarship aims to uplift local students and foster educational opportunities.

The J. D. Crowe Banjo Scholarship, established by the IBMA Foundation, honors the legacy of renowned bluegrass musician J. D. Crowe. Funded by a generous $20,000 donation from Arthur Hancock III, this scholarship aims to support aspiring banjo players pursuing their education at the collegiate level. Eligible candidates must showcase high performance skills on the banjo and demonstrate a commitment to the bluegrass music industry, ensuring Crowe's influence continues for future generations.

The Coastal Bend Community Foundation Scholarship supports high school seniors from a seven-county area in Texas, providing grants ranging from $100 to $16,000, with an average award of $1,000. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities for local students attending accredited colleges or universities across the United States. The foundation, known for its integrity and community stewardship, has a longstanding commitment to philanthropy in the Coastal Bend region.

The Joann and C.W. Carpenter Endowed Scholarship, established in 2016 by C.W. Carpenter in memory of his wife JoAnn, supports high school seniors from CCISD. With awards ranging from $100 to $16,000, this scholarship aims to assist those in financial need pursuing higher education, including vocational schools. This initiative reflects the Carpenter's commitment to community service and educational support, ensuring that deserving students receive the help they need to succeed.

The Beatrice Educational Foundation Scholarship supports Beatrice High School seniors with financial aid for higher education. Established in 1987, the Foundation manages a $3.8 million Endowment Fund, providing over $55,000 in scholarships annually. Scholarships are awarded based on criteria set by the donor, focusing on academic merit and need. The Foundation aims to assist deserving students in pursuing undergraduate studies, ensuring funds are available when needed.

The ASTR Brooks McNamara Publishing Subvention supports costs related to reproducing illustrations for publications, including securing rights and acquiring images. It is available to independent or affiliated scholars with terminal degrees who are ASTR members. The award offers up to $600, with preference given to junior scholars. Projects will be evaluated based on their merit within theatre, dance, and performance studies, as well as the scholar's research endeavors.

Compeer Financial's High School Senior Scholarship Program offers 105 scholarships of $2,000 each to graduating seniors in its 144-county territory. Eligible candidates must demonstrate academic achievement, community involvement, and a passion for agriculture. Special consideration is given to dependents of Compeer clients and students from metropolitan areas. This competitive program aims to support the future leaders of agriculture and rural America, with awards paid directly to the recipients' colleges.

The American Academy of Optometry Foundation is inviting applications for the 2025-26 Allison Summers Pediatric Pilot Grant. This $10,000 grant aims to support mid-career optometrists in conducting pilot research that fosters new collaborations and innovative projects in pediatric optometry. Eligible candidates must be Fellows of the Academy and demonstrate a commitment to advancing pediatric research. The deadline for submitting the Letter of Intent is August 4, 2025.

The J.D. Fletcher Family Scholarship Award, established by the Tulsa Community Foundation in 1998, supports graduating seniors from Creek County, Oklahoma. Eligible applicants must plan to attend an accredited four-year college or university and pursue a bachelor's degree in science. This scholarship aims to foster education and empower local students to achieve their academic goals, contributing to a vibrant community and a brighter future.

The Joyce Bright Scholarship Award, established by the Tulsa Community Foundation in 1998, aims to provide financial assistance for higher education to deserving students. Eligible applicants are high school graduates from Tulsa County, Oklahoma, who have demonstrated academic excellence by ranking in the top 3% of their class. This scholarship reflects the Foundation's commitment to empowering local communities and supporting educational aspirations.

The RAE Family Community Scholarship, established by the Tulsa Community Foundation, supports high school graduates from Mayes County, Oklahoma, seeking to enroll in undergraduate programs. Since its inception in 1998, the Tulsa Community Foundation has been dedicated to enhancing the community through charitable efforts and grants, ensuring that all individuals and families can thrive. This scholarship is a vital resource for students aiming to further their education and make a positive impact in their communities.

The Terry Hessong Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Tulsa Community Foundation, supports students graduating from high school in Nowata County, Oklahoma. Established in 1998, the Tulsa Community Foundation is dedicated to enhancing communities through charitable initiatives. This scholarship exemplifies their commitment to investing in local education and empowering the next generation. By providing financial assistance, the foundation aims to foster academic achievement and enrich the lives of students in the region.

The Tulsa Achievement Investment Scholarship of Kappa Alpha Psi, established by the Tulsa Community Foundation, supports collegiate members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. This scholarship targets students who graduated from Tulsa County high schools and plan to attend accredited colleges in the U.S. Founded in 1998, TCF is dedicated to enhancing community welfare through philanthropic efforts, investing in educational opportunities to foster growth and development in Tulsa and beyond.

The Robinson Crowell & Rotary Club of Sacramento Foundation Annual Scholarships support local high school seniors from C.K. McClatchy, Sacramento Charter, and West Campus High Schools. Each school awards two scholarships, with amounts of $2500 and $1750, respectively. These scholarships promote higher education and embody the Rotary spirit of service. Candidates must be academically strong and committed to full-time undergraduate studies, while ensuring no familial ties to Rotarians.

The Gladys and Thomas “T.B.” Stewart Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Smith County and nearby districts pursuing education at any U.S. college. Established to empower students through financial assistance, this renewable scholarship requires FAFSA documentation to assess financial need. The foundation was created in 1989, promoting educational opportunities in East Texas, reflecting the commitment of its founders to uplift local youth through academic achievement.