Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in New York

Stark Community FoundationStark 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. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.Aaron Seesan Memorial Scholarship FundThe Aaron Seesan Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to assist graduating seniors from Massillon Washington High School or Stark County high schools who have been accepted by or will attend a two-year or four-year college/university, a post-high school technical education program, or nursing school. Criteria is based on: 3.0 minimum GPA, demonstration of outstanding involvement in extracurricular school activities, and community service activities outside of school. Personal interview required.Renewable Scholarship: No

The Emily and Frank Smiddy Scholarship Endowment, established by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, offers financial support to graduating seniors from Benzie County high schools pursuing postsecondary education in sciences or STEM fields. This scholarship can be renewed annually for up to four years, helping students achieve their educational goals and contribute to the community's growth and development.

The Ed and Nessa Laing Scholarship Endowment supports graduating seniors pursuing post-secondary education in trade or technical fields. Established by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, it prioritizes students from Suttons Bay Public Schools, followed by those from Leelanau County and surrounding areas. Financial need and community involvement are key considerations for applicants, ensuring that those who demonstrate leadership and commitment to their communities receive assistance in their educational pursuits.

The Central Lake School District Osborn Scholarship Endowment, established by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Central Lake Public Schools who rank in the top 20 percent of their class and show exemplary academic performance. This initiative reflects the Foundation's commitment to empowering local students and fostering educational excellence within the community. The scholarship aims to provide financial assistance to help deserving students pursue their higher education goals.

Mid Shore Community Foundation Mid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.The Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors through a pooled scholarship application - students complete one online application in consideration for all scholarships to which they meet eligibility. All applications are reviewed and considered by the Foundation’s Scholarship Committee. American Legion, Blake Blackston Post #77 ScholarshipAwarded to students graduating from high schools in Talbot County

The Johnson & Johnson Scholarship offers $5,000 merit-based scholarships to New Jersey residents pursuing degrees in nursing or health sciences. Applicants must be juniors or seniors enrolled at accredited UNCF Member Institutions or other four-year institutions, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. This initiative supports the mission of UNCF, which has raised over $6 billion to help minority students thrive in higher education, advocating for the importance of education and community engagement.

The Stephen Francis McNally Scholarship Fund offers need-based scholarships up to $4,250 for undergraduate students at UNCF-member institutions or accredited HBCUs. Established in honor of Steve McNally, this fund aims to support students facing financial challenges that hinder their college completion. With over 70% graduation rates for recipients, the scholarship not only alleviates financial burdens but also empowers students to thrive and succeed in their academic pursuits.

The African-American Community Foundation - Colbert Family Scholarship, established in 2018, aims to support graduating seniors from Dayton Public Schools who plan to pursue a nursing degree. Administered by The Dayton Foundation, which has a rich history of community philanthropy, this scholarship focuses on enhancing educational opportunities for students in need. It promotes inclusivity and addresses regional challenges while fostering the next generation of healthcare professionals in Greater Dayton.

The Alice and Richard Henriquez Memorial Fund and Youth World Awareness Program, established by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, supports young individuals (ages 14-22) from Berkshire, Columbia, northeast Dutchess, and northwest Litchfield counties. It provides grants for international travel experiences aimed at promoting peace and justice. Since 1995, this initiative has encouraged students to engage in humanitarian work abroad, fostering cultural understanding and personal growth while addressing social injustices.

The AAUW- TC Minnie Votruba Moore Scholarship Endowment, managed by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, supports women in the Grand Traverse Region seeking to enhance their educational credentials. Eligible applicants must have completed at least two years of college and be enrolled in a minimum of nine credit hours per term in an accredited program. This scholarship empowers local women to achieve their personal and career goals through education.

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. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.

The Central Presbyterian Church - Raisner Family Scholarship Fund

The Central Presbyterian Church-Raisner Family Scholarship Fund assists deserving Stark County students who are active in the church or who are children or dependents of an active member of Central Presbyterian Church who are pursuing first-year post-secondary education. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and demonstrate financial need.

Amount:

• Varies. Minimum $500.

Renewable:

• No

The New York Life Foundation Grief Reach Grants aim to enhance the capacity of nonprofit organizations serving grieving children. This program, offered in partnership with the National Alliance for Children's Grief, provides $15,000 grants over one year to support internal improvements like organizational development and strategic collaborations. The initiative focuses on strengthening infrastructure and sustainability, ensuring that children have the resources they need to cope with loss effectively.

Grand Traverse Regional Community FoundationThe Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation began in 1992 when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our region then, now, and forever.

This vision lives on within our organization today as we support the people and places of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians.

Together with our partners, we spark positive change for a variety of local causes, including youth, arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services, across our region.Giving JAR Scholarship FundAvailable to graduating seniors from Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska or Leelanau Counties that are planning to attend college with a goal of becoming teachers, coaches or other vocations ultimately giving back to youth within the communities they choose to live in. Financial need, academic performance, and community service involvement will be considered.

The Pediatric Rheumatology Symposium (PRSYM) Abstract Award supports students and residents attending the ACR’s Pediatric Rheumatology Symposium, providing essential clinical insights into pediatric rheumatic diseases. This opportunity encourages medical students and residents to engage in pioneering research, enhancing their understanding and management of these conditions. Applicants must be authors of accepted abstracts and demonstrate significant contributions to their work. This award fosters the next generation of healthcare professionals in pediatric rheumatology.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Ralph & Alice Kramp Scholarship Endowment Fund in Memory of Randy Kramp

The Ralph and Alice Kramp Scholarship Endowment Fund in Memory of Randy Kramp was created in 2010.

Randy Kramp, a lifelong Auroran, was forty years old when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. After a three-year battle, he died in June of 2010 of complications from the treatment. Mr. Kramp joined Cub Scouts as soon as he reached the age of eligibility and that began a lifelong enjoyment and commitment to the values of scouting. After he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, he assumed the role of adult leadership as a Wood Badger. He remained active in scouting his entire life.

Scholarships from this fund are available to current or former Boy Scouts in the Fox Valley who are pursuing a higher education toward a career in the field of fire service or emergency medical service.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. The most common scholarship award amount is $1,000 for a single year. Scholarships are designated as non-renewable one-year awards or renewable multi-year awards depending upon the scholarship fund criteria, as established by the donor of the scholarship fund.

The Guyon Scholarship for Veterans, established by Ann Guyon in memory of her husband Bill, supports U.S. military veterans from specific Wisconsin counties. It offers a non-renewable $1,000 scholarship for college costs during the first semester. Eligibility includes being a veteran and planning to attend an accredited institution. Financial need is considered, ensuring that the scholarship benefits those who require support for their educational pursuits.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Mary Virginia Hughes and Wesley C. Hughes Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund was created upon receipt of bequests from the estates of Mary Virginia Hughes and Wesley C. Hughes.

Their parents, Wayne and Sadie Hughes, owned and operated a farm in Newark.

Mary Hughes lived and worked on the family farm her entire life and was a member of the Millbrook United Methodist Church.

It was important to both Mary and Wesley to use their legacies to support the education of local students.

Scholarships from the fund are available to students graduating from a high school located in Kendall County for attendance at an accredited college or university.

These awards are reserved for students pursuing a major in the field of agriculture.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. The most common scholarship award amount is $1,000 for a single year. Scholarships are designated as non-renewable one-year awards or renewable multi-year awards depending upon the scholarship fund criteria, as established by the donor of the scholarship fund.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Kayla’s Hope Foundation Scholarship Fund

Kayla’s Hope Scholarship Fund was created by Hans, Ruthie and Hannah Lehmann of Saint Charles, IL to honor the life of their beautiful daughter and sister, Kayla Brooke Lehmann (April 5, 2003- April 7, 2018). Scholarships from the fund are awarded to graduates of St. Charles East High School, St. Charles North High School, Geneva High School and Batavia High School who will continue their education studying Music, Literature, psychiatry or psychology.   

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. The most common scholarship award amount is $1,000 for a single year. Scholarships are designated as non-renewable one-year awards or renewable multi-year awards depending upon the scholarship fund criteria, as established by the donor of the scholarship fund.

This grant opportunity from the US Department of Health and Human Services aims to explore the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on healthcare safety. It invites applications to investigate how AI systems can enhance patient safety and improve healthcare delivery. Applicants are encouraged to identify both the benefits of AI technologies and the potential risks to ensure safe implementation. This initiative addresses the need for effective, efficient, and affordable healthcare while safeguarding patient welfare.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Helen Schlicht McGeachy & Arthur C. Schlicht Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund provides scholarships to students graduating from Aurora Central, Aurora Christian, East Aurora, Marmion Academy, Rosary or West Aurora High School.

Students entering the field of education, engineering, science, medicine or nursing are eligible to apply for these awards.

This fund was established by Arthur C. Schlicht (1936-2020) in memory of his mother Helen Schlicht McGeachy.

Helen McGeachy (1910-1994) was a graduate of East Aurora High School. An outstanding typist and secretary, she ultimately became secretary to the presidents of CA&E Railway and Walker Process Equipment of Aurora. Arthur Schlicht was vice-president/national sales manager at Walker Process Equipment. He earned a degree in chemical engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology.

This fund was created in 1994 and established as an endowment in 1995.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. The most common scholarship award amount is $1,000 for a single year. Scholarships are designated as non-renewable one-year awards or renewable multi-year awards depending upon the scholarship fund criteria, as established by the donor of the scholarship fund.

The Gerry & Sherry Fortner Education Endowed Scholarship, established by former teachers Gerry and Sherry Fortner, supports Hamilton County students pursuing a degree in education. This scholarship reflects the Fortners' commitment to fostering educational opportunities for local youth, ensuring that every student has access to resources necessary for their academic success. Preference is given to students from Hamilton Heights, Noblesville, Sheridan, and Westfield High Schools, continuing the legacy of the Fortners' passion for education.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

Frank and Marie Cleary Memorial Scholarship Fund

• Must be a parishioner of St. Mary’s Church in Pahokee.
• Demonstrate financial need.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Equity in Access Research Grants aim to enhance equitable access to care for blood cancer patients and survivors. This program funds research to identify effective interventions that increase participation in clinical trials among underrepresented groups. Projects can receive up to $500,000 annually for a maximum of five years, with a total budget cap of $2.5 million. The initiative seeks to address systemic barriers that hinder clinical trial enrollment and improve healthcare access.

The Dale & Delores Willi Scholarship, offered by the St. Croix Valley Foundation, provides financial support to students from Hudson High School or homeschool programs who maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and plan to pursue music in college. This scholarship awards $2,000 per year for up to two years, focusing on applicants who demonstrate financial need and a strong passion for music, thereby aiding their academic and musical development.

Napa Valley Community Foundation

There are more than 800 Community Foundations in the US, each devoted to a specific region. We operate independently, with a common goal in mind: to be a platform for local people who want to pay it forward. To deliver resources to effective charitable programs. And to make our communities stronger and more successful by doing these two things.

Among our peers, Napa Valley Community Foundation ranks first on several key measures of donor satisfaction and impact, according to a recent donor survey conducted by the Center for Effective Philanthropy. Our donors say that we deeply understand their interests, and deeply understand the needs of Napa Valley. That, in a nutshell, is our job.

Coppola Family Travel Scholarship

The Coppola Family Travel Scholarship benefits Napa County High School students in grades 10-12 who have a desire to explore the world. This one-time award (“educational enrichment grant”) can be used to pay for tuition and associated costs for participation in a summer enrichment program in the United States or in Europe. Applicants must show a commitment to hard work and diligence in the pursuit of their goals. 

About Legacy Foundation

Legacy Foundation is the community foundation for Lake County, Indiana. We connect people, knowledge, and funding to build an equitable, accessible, and inclusive Lake County, now and for generations to come.

Legacy Foundation is supported by a broad base of individuals, families, and businesses connected by the desire to improve Lake County, Indiana. With a growing portfolio of over 300 funds and approximately $80 million in assets, Legacy Foundation is a trusted source for philanthropic giving in the region.

For over 30 years, Legacy Foundation has been empowering people, providing strategic leadership, and impactful philanthropic support to create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Mission Statement

Transforming Lake County by providing strategic leadership and impactful philanthropic support to ensure equitable opportunity for all communities that we serve.

Vision Statement

Create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Scott Campion Scholarship for Special Education Teacher

Use the chart below to see which scholarships are the best fit for you! You must complete the Legacy Universal Application to apply.

Scholarship eligibility requires students to attend an accredited 2 or 4 year public or private institution of higher learning. All scholarships are for full-time students, unless otherwise noted. Renewable awards are for 4 years of undergraduate study and cannot be used for post graduate coursework; all awards are paid directly to the school or may be used for book reimbursement.