Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in New York

The Pfizer Scholarship, administered by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, provides $1,000 awards to graduating seniors from select high schools in New London County, CT, and Westerly High School, RI, pursuing STEM studies at accredited colleges. Since 1983, the foundation has awarded over $11.9 million in scholarships, supporting students in achieving their educational and career goals. Notably, children of Pfizer employees are ineligible for this scholarship.

The Sean Duzant Memorial Scholarship, established in memory of a talented athlete and lab technician, provides $2,000 to students from Southeastern CT pursuing studies in biology or demonstrating excellence in soccer. This scholarship honors Sean's legacy and passion for education, aiming to support those who share his dedication. Since 1983, the Community Foundation has awarded over $11.9 million in scholarships, helping students achieve their educational goals and rewarding careers.

The Shirley Bradway Serafin Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, provides financial support to residents of Northeastern Connecticut pursuing nursing studies. Since 1983, over $11.9 million in scholarships have been awarded to help students achieve their educational goals. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and can receive up to $5,000 over four years, with awards disbursed to colleges by August 1.

About the Foundation

Our Mission

Beyond Batten Disease Foundation was established to eradicate juvenile Batten disease by raising awareness and funds to accelerate research for a treatment or cure.

About Funding

BBDF is dedicated to collaboratively developing, funding, and managing fundamental, preclinical, IND-enabling, translational and clinical research to improve the lives of children and young adults with CLN3 disease. Since 2008, BBDF has been the largest funder of juvenile Batten (CLN3) disease research, ranging from basic discovery research to translation into therapies. To inform our research initiatives, BBDF gathers information from one-on-one meetings, broad group discussions, scientific peer-reviewed publications, conference proceedings, drug pipelines, and tailored merit reviews into the foundation’s decision-making processes. Input comes from across the Research and Development spectrum including academia, biotechnology, the pharmaceutical sector, and clinicians, caregivers, and patients.

Our research funding decisions are based on these research objectives:

1) Supporting basic research to discover new mechanisms of disease, targets, and treatments

2) Supporting projects which facilitate execution of clinical trials such as expanding patient registries

3) Identifying biomarkers and other innovative clinical endpoints

4) Supporting projects that de-risks pharmaceutical investments in Batten disease

Foundation-Directed Research

The largest portion of the foundation’s portfolio is directed research. The foundation fills gaps in juvenile Batten disease research by funding high-impact projects and breakthrough technologies that will lead to disease mitigation and cure.

BBDF’s Principal Scientist regularly interacts with leaders in research and development across the entire therapeutic pipeline for Batten, as well as for adult forms of neurodegeneration (e.g., Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease), and other related rare genetic diseases. To supplement this dialogue, BBDF creates specialty boards and steering committees to lead the development of its projects. A specialty board typically comprises ~200 years of combined experience specific to the proposed activity.

Investor-Initiated Research (Applying for a research grant)

In addition to directed research, BBDF accepts and awards research proposals. Because great ideas do not follow a schedule, we do this on a rolling submission basis. All budgets are carefully reviewed along with the proposed body of work. Applicants may be asked to revise their budgets and/or allow BBDF to share a summary of the proposal with other funders for the purpose of gathering additional support. Sometimes, the foundation will offer the applicant additional funding to incorporate additional expertise or methods into his or her plan.

The William Emberton Scholarship, established in memory of Bill Emberton, awards $1,000 to students in Eastern Connecticut who demonstrate a strong interest in literature and poetry. Since 1983, the Community Foundation has distributed over $11.9 million in scholarships. This scholarship honors Bill's legacy as a passionate literary advocate and civic volunteer, supporting local students in their educational pursuits and fostering a love for literature.

The Lucrecia C. Lester Memorial Scholarship, established in 2015 by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, provides financial assistance to high school seniors from Colleton, Hampton, Jasper, or Beaufort Counties in South Carolina. This scholarship aims to support students pursuing post-secondary education, emphasizing financial need and academic determination. The foundation has invested over $125 million in the Lowcountry since its inception, striving to enhance community well-being through philanthropic leadership.

The Viola A. and Henry W. Turner Memorial Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, supports high school seniors from Southeastern CT pursuing a four-year degree, particularly in education. Since 1983, over $11.9 million in scholarships have been awarded. The scholarship provides approximately $500, with awards sent to colleges by August 1, and is primarily need-based.

The Live Like D.J. – Dwon Fields Jr. Scholarship, established in 2021 by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, honors Dwon Fields, Jr. This scholarship supports high school seniors and recent graduates from Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton, and Jasper Counties, who demonstrate kindness and compassion. By fostering educational opportunities, this fund aims to empower students to make a positive impact in their communities, reflecting the values exemplified by D.J. throughout his life.

The Joyce H. Power Scholarship Endowment, established in December 2022 by Joyce H. Power, supports Southern Beaufort County residents pursuing post-secondary education. This scholarship is aimed at students who have experienced the loss of a parent and have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, requiring a minimum GPA of 2.5. Funded by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, it plays a vital role in enhancing educational opportunities for deserving students in the region.

The Joan and Wade Webster Scholarship Program, established by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry in 1995, aims to provide annual post-secondary educational scholarships for students in southern Beaufort County. It supports those with a minimum GPA of 3.0 who demonstrate a commitment to sound financial principles. This scholarship not only aids in educational pursuits but also encourages students to develop financial self-sufficiency, ultimately empowering them to positively impact their community.

The Jim Ferree Educational Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, supports graduating seniors from Beaufort County, SC, aiming for post-secondary education at accredited institutions. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, demonstrate extracurricular involvement beyond golf, and write an essay on how golf has shaped their personal growth. This initiative fosters educational opportunities for youth impacted by the game of golf, positively influencing their futures.

The ARRL Foundation offers grants for amateur radio projects, focusing on education, licensing, and community support in the U.S. Organizations can apply three times a year for funding, with a preference for youth initiatives and sustainable projects. Notably, grants are awarded exclusively to organizations, not individuals, and emergency communication equipment requests are ineligible. This funding aims to enhance amateur radio's public service and technological advocacy.

Mission & Vision

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.

Our Vision:

We envision a Greater Rochester region transformed by enduring philanthropy, where every person, neighborhood, and future generation can thrive.

Greece Community Partners Scholarship

Purpose of Scholarship

To recognize and provide financial support to graduating high school students who are residents of Greece.

Number and Size of Awards

One award of $1,000; paid in one lump sum in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.

Donor Information

This scholarship was established by the Greece Summerfest ’99 Committee, now known as Greece Community Partners, Inc.

The Beaufort County Law Enforcement Educational Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, supports high school seniors in Beaufort County pursuing higher education. This scholarship benefits children of current or former law enforcement personnel, promoting academic achievement with a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0. Since its inception, it has aimed to empower students to succeed and contribute positively to their communities, reflecting the foundation's mission of community connection and support.

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.

Washington Goes Purple Scholarship

This scholarship is open to students that reside in Washington County, MD, are continuing their education, and have been affected by substance use.

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.

Washington County Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Scholarship

Founded by alumni of Washington County Hospital’s School of Nursing, this fund serves to provide scholarships to deserving students who are continuing their education in Nursing.

The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Scholarship, established by the Nu Delta Omega Chapter in 2025, awards a $1,000 scholarship to female high school seniors from Beaufort and Jasper County public schools. Eligible candidates must demonstrate academic excellence with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and possess leadership qualities. Recipients are required to enroll full-time in a post-secondary institution and attend the AKA Scholarship Lunch and Learn workshop on April 4, 2026.

The Dr. Horacio R. Villarreal Scholarship Fund aims to enhance the quality of life in the Coastal Bend by supporting current college students pursuing careers in the medical field. Funded by the Coastal Bend Community Foundation, this scholarship is available to juniors and seniors from specific counties with a minimum GPA of 3.0, providing essential financial assistance to future healthcare professionals.

The Jalufka - Patricia Jalufka Endowed Scholarship, offered by the Coastal Bend Community Foundation, aims to enhance educational opportunities for high school and college students from the Coastal Bend. This scholarship targets those majoring in Education, particularly in teaching reading or diagnosing reading disabilities, providing support to foster academic excellence and community development.

The Greater Houston Community Foundation (GHCF) administers a variety of unique scholarship funds that grant over $5.7 million annually to college students. The scholarship funds have been established by thoughtful and generous donors and each has a unique set of eligibility criteria and award structure.

Pi-Squared Scholarship

Benefiting graduating seniors of Spring ISD (Texas), Klein ISD (Texas), and Houston ISD (Texas).

The Institutional Translational Research Training Program (T32) aims to prepare trainees for advancing basic research into clinical applications. This program focuses on developing essential skills in experimental design, statistical analysis, and effective science communication. Participants, including advanced predoctoral students and postdoctoral fellows, will engage in a two-year training program that fosters collaboration among neuroscientists and clinicians, ultimately equipping them to tackle basic research challenges and translate discoveries into viable therapies.

The New York City Good Neighbor Committee Grants support local organizations in NYC focusing on arts, education, and human services. This initiative aims to strengthen the Ford Foundation's ties with community-based organizations, providing them with unrestricted funding to address local needs. Eligible applicants must be based in New York City, possess 501(c)(3) status, and be accountable to the communities they serve. The program is designed to enhance the quality of life for marginalized individuals and foster community engagement.

Hilcorp Future Leaders of America Scholarship

Benefiting select communities across the United States where Hilcorp operates.

The Hilcorp Future Leaders of America Scholarship Program was developed to give back to the communities in which Hilcorp Energy Company operates to develop future leadership talent as the next innovators, educators, and business leaders.

Award Amount

Multiple scholarships awarded annually. The scholarship is comprised of up to four (4) annual awards of $2,500, for a total award of up to $10,000.

The four annual (4) awards may be received over a period of up to 6 years, allowing for deferment if needed.

Dominique's Musician Corner Scholarship, established in 2016 in memory of Dominique Williams, supports students from Beaufort or Jasper Counties in South Carolina and Chatham County in Georgia pursuing post-secondary education in performing arts. This merit-based scholarship does not require financial information and focuses on specific eligibility criteria to ensure the most deserving candidates receive assistance in their artistic endeavors.

The WGPF: National Register Signage Grant Program, administered by the William G Pomeroy Foundation, aims to support public properties and historic districts in the U.S. that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. By providing grants for signage, the program helps these sites commemorate their historic significance and share their achievements with the community, fostering awareness and appreciation for the nation's heritage.

The Joan & Bob Rutman Scholarship, established in 2001 by longtime New London residents, aims to support graduating high school seniors from various Connecticut towns in pursuing four-year degrees. With an approximate award of $4,000, this scholarship reflects the Rutmans' commitment to giving back to their community. Financial need is taken into consideration, ensuring that deserving students receive the assistance they need to further their education and build successful careers.

The John Coleman Prince, American Legion Post 9 Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, supports graduating high school seniors from New London. This $1,000 award honors veteran Anthony John "Tony" Basilica and encourages civic engagement through postsecondary education. Eligible students must demonstrate interest in community activities like NJROTC or scouting, paving the way for a brighter future through higher education.