Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in New York

The Mathematics Grades 6–12 Pre-service Teacher Course Work Scholarship, offered by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aims to support college students preparing to teach secondary school mathematics. Eligible candidates include those completing their sophomore year with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, pursuing a full-time teaching credential. This scholarship fosters high-quality mathematics education, ensuring that future teachers have the necessary resources to succeed in their academic and professional journeys.

In just one application, our Common Scholarship Application provides students access to more than 150 scholarship opportunities with awards ranging from $1,000 to more than $5,000.

In 2025, San Diego Foundation awarded a record-breaking $5.5 million in scholarships to nearly 1,400 students.

Rotary Club of San Diego Diana Venable Scholarship

Diana Venable was a successful San Diego entrepreneur who spent much of her adult life devoted to helping financially disadvantaged children and young adults achieve a sense of respect, responsibility, and academic achievement in order to overcome the repeated cycle of poverty. As a member of the Rotary Club of San Diego, Ms. Venable exemplified the Rotary Motto of “Service Above Self” by contributing her time, financial resources, leadership, and enthusiasm to the cause of helping others experience the fulfillment of a more rewarding life through personal and educational achievement. This Scholarship Fund is dedicated to carrying on a small portion of the legacy of Ms. Venable, who, unfortunately, died at an early age.

The purpose of the Diana Venable Scholarship Fund is to enable low to moderate-income students who have a record of academic achievement and personal growth, along with leadership potential for both professional careers and civic contributions, to attend a college program. The primary focus will be on students who have ties to Rotary School Programs at Hoover, San Diego High and Monarch or students who have past Rotary ties through the Club’s other school programs or Club members at large. Recipients will be chosen during the second semester of their junior year and must meet rigorous standards in their senior year including: academic performance, personal growth through extracurricular, community service, and other activities, financial need, a high degree of motivation, and excellent communication skills. Recipients are also expected to actively pursue other sources of financial aid. The Diana Venable Scholarship committee will select one recipient to receive $20,000 over 4-5 years.

This scholarship may be used for tuition, books, fees, room & board, and other educational expenses.

This scholarship may be renewable (depending upon available funds) for up to five consecutive years of undergraduate coursework provided the recipient maintains full-time enrollment, a minimum 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, and good citizenship record.

• Average number of awards: 1-2
• Average amount of award: not to exceed $5000 annually

The Opening Gates for Prospective Teachers Grant, established by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aims to honor Dr. James Gates by funding electronic student memberships for prospective mathematics teachers from PreK-12. This initiative supports the council's mission to enhance mathematics education by providing resources for future educators. Eligible applicants include leaders of teacher preparation programs who are NCTM members and actively involved in certifying teacher candidates in mathematics or related fields.

The BJA FY25 Capital Case Litigation Initiative aims to enhance the quality of legal representation in state capital cases, ensuring effective public representation and support for indigent defendants. This initiative is part of the OJP's commitment to uphold the rule of law, protect civil rights, and address public safety challenges. Through federal leadership and funding, OJP seeks to bolster law enforcement efforts and combat violent crime, thereby improving community safety and justice.

Golden Garden Scholarship

The Golden Garden Scholarship supports Buckingham and Louisa highschool seniors who plan to attend a two‑year community college or a four‑year university as full‑time students. Established to support first‑generation college students—particularly students of color—with financial need, the award provides $2,500 per year, renewable for up to four years, and seeks candidates who demonstrate an interest in the Arts & Humanities, have a minimum 2.75 high‑school GPA, and a commitment to healthy lifestyle choices. Recipients must reside in Buckingham or Louisa County, remain enrolled full‑time throughout the scholarship term, and uphold good character and citizenship.

About Us

Who We Are

The Wayne County Community Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) community organization that works to strengthen the community we all share by helping donors make a lasting difference with their philanthropic endeavors – connecting their dreams and passions with causes that matter.

Established in 1978 with a single gift of $1,000, WCCF has become the steward of over 620 separate funds created from bequests and gifts, each with their own philanthropic purpose to support the future of our community now – and for many years to come.

The mission of Wayne County Community Foundation is to provide philanthropic leadership to our community.

Mark W. Carrabine Memorial Math Award

Eligibility:

• This scholarship is available to a student who graduated from high school located in Wayne County, Ohio (including home school), who excel in the field of mathematics.
• Applicant musts be enrolled or enrolling in a two-or four-year higher educational institution.

The selection committee will accept and review no more than one application from each high school located in Wayne County. Student shall submit their application to their respective guidance counselor, who, in consultation with the school’s math department, shall select one application to be forwarded to the selection committee for final consideration.

One Year

$3,000

Varies

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Janine and Sidney Adams, Jr., Aviation Careers Scholarship Fund

The Janine and Sidney Adams, Jr. Aviation Careers Scholarship Fund was established by Janine “Jan” Adams in memorial tribute to her loving husband of 26 years, Sidney “Sid” Adams, Jr. Jan stated that there were three areas of special interest to Sid, economic development, education, and aviation. Establishing this fund honors all three of these areas of special interest. Giving back to his community was paramount to Sid. You could find Sid’s hand on many committees and projects promoting his beloved community, receiving numerous awards and recognition along the way. He was a founding member of Battle Creek Unlimited, serving on its Board for over 25 years, many of those years as chair.

Sid valued education. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Alcorn State University, taught at Western Michigan University and was a life learner never missing an opportunity to take a class, seminar, or workshop. He established a summer aviation camp introducing area youth to careers in aviation. At the advent of the personal computer, Sid jumped in and built his first computer. He then worked with the Kellogg Company on a project that donated to area schools and non-profits over 4,000 laptops and computers that he refurbished with the help of students from the Computer Networking classes at the Calhoun Area Career Center. He worked with these students teaching them software and hardware skills. Aviation was a huge part of Sid’s life. He earned his first set of wings serving as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division, U.S. Army. At the age of 46, he became a private pilot purchasing his beloved Cessna Cardinal soon achieving his instrument certification. He joined the Civil Patrol, where he served as a first Lieutenant. Sid was appointed to the Michigan Aeronautics Commission and served 11 years, 2 years as Commission Vice Chair and 3 years as Chair. He was inducted into the Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame in 2023. His impact on our community was immeasurable. Jan, a longtime educator with Battle Creek Public Schools, met Sid in his pursuit of giving computers away to youth. Sid’s persistence paved the way for their union, and the rest, “as they say,” is history!

The Suzanne H. Lee Trust Grant supports charitable organizations in the Brockport, New York area, focusing on diverse program areas including religious, scientific, educational, health and medical research, and arts and culture. It exclusively funds nonprofit organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS tax code, and does not accept applications from individuals. This grant aims to enhance community welfare through targeted funding.

In just one application, our Common Scholarship Application provides students access to more than 150 scholarship opportunities with awards ranging from $1,000 to more than $5,000.

In 2025, San Diego Foundation awarded a record-breaking $5.5 million in scholarships to nearly 1,400 students.

Wen Bo Wang Scholarship

Be graduating high school seniors and plan to enroll full-time at an accredited four-year university in the United States in fall.

The Science of Science: Discovery, Communication, and Impact (SoS:DCI) program fosters research that enhances the public value of scientific endeavors. It invites proposals that explore mechanisms of scientific discovery, improve understanding of communication outcomes, and assess societal benefits of science. Emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches, the program prioritizes proposals that broaden participation in science, engage diverse teams, and support America's leadership in global scientific innovation. The goal is to create impactful, evidence-based policies and advance the science of science.

Canon U.S.A Donations focuses on supporting local communities and environmental initiatives. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and adhere to guidelines that prioritize youth support and environmental sustainability. Canon emphasizes good standing with charity watchdogs and will not consider requests for individual needs or certain types of fundraising activities. This initiative reflects Canon's commitment to corporate social responsibility and community engagement.

The NCI Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00) aims to support early-stage postdoctoral researchers transitioning to independent faculty positions. This initiative focuses on talented individuals with doctoral degrees in research or clinical fields, providing essential NCI funding during this key career juncture. Researchers engaged in cancer control, prevention, and data sciences are encouraged to apply for this opportunity, which emphasizes experimental studies with human participants, thus aligning with NIH's clinical trial definitions.

The Robert J. Tarte Scholarship for Italian Studies, offered by the UNICO Foundation, supports students of Italian descent pursuing a major or minor in Italian Studies or Language. Valued at $1,000, this scholarship is awarded to full-time undergraduate students attending accredited institutions in the U.S. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 and continue their studies through the 2026-2027 academic year, with preference given to those demonstrating financial need.

The Allegheny County Airport Authority Charitable Foundation Scholarship Fund, established by The Pittsburgh Foundation, supports students pursuing careers in aviation. Eligible applicants must reside in specific Pennsylvania counties, demonstrate financial need, and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. Preference is given to military veterans. This initiative reflects the Foundation's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and fostering community engagement within the aviation sector.

The BRAIN Initiative Connectivity across Scales (BRAIN CONNECTS) invites innovative research proposals aimed at advancing technologies for understanding brain connectivity. This funding opportunity supports specialized projects focused on creating comprehensive atlases of brain wiring, emphasizing human and non-human species. Successful applications will contribute to a network aimed at enhancing the analysis and interpretation of brain circuits, ultimately leading to better strategies for treating brain disorders. Proposals must demonstrate novel approaches to data collection and integration.

The Professional Development Scholarship, offered by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, supports educators in enhancing their expertise in history, number theory, or discrete mathematics. This scholarship aids in completing coursework, developing classroom activities, and delivering professional presentations. Eligible applicants must have a minimum of three years of teaching experience and currently teach mathematics at the 6-12 grade levels. Projects must be completed by August 31 of the following year.

The NextTech initiative aims to propel the development of cutting-edge diagnostic and therapeutic devices that address critical health challenges. This funding opportunity encourages researchers to innovate solutions that can move from concept to clinical readiness, specifically targeting technologies aligned with the NIH's BRAIN and HEAL initiatives. Successful proposals will focus on overcoming barriers to human trials, ensuring that new medical devices can effectively monitor and treat neurological and addiction-related disorders.

The Teacher Professional Development Grant (Pre-K-5) aims to enhance mathematics teaching skills for classroom teachers in grades Pre-K-5. Sponsored by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, this grant supports professional development initiatives that foster effective teaching practices. Eligible applicants include experienced classroom teachers and organizations that support mathematics education. Project activities should occur between June 1 and May 31, with a focus on improving student learning outcomes in mathematics.

Community Foundation of Northern Nevada

Established in 1998 as a Nevada nonprofit 501(c) 3 Corporation, the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada has distributed more than $200 million in grants and scholarships from over 300 charitable funds to strengthen our Nevada home. 

Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Northern Nevada’s Scholarship Program is intended to help students cover the ever-increasing cost of tuition. Some of our scholarships are based on financial need, but others represent an award for achievement. These scholarships typically go to students who have excelled in an academic area or have shown they can balance academics, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities. There are also scholarships designated for students who have overcome adversity, students pursuing degrees in high-need areas, and adult learners outside the traditional college age group. Community Foundation scholarships can help cover tuition, books, and on-campus housing.

General Fred Michel Memorial Scholarship

You are eligible to apply for a scholarship if you:

• provide strong evidence of interest in aviation as a career
• are a senior graduating from a northern Nevada high school, or are enrolled in or accepted to an accredited institution of higher education (2-year, 4-year, trade school, or certificate program)
• are pursuing or plan to pursue a degree in a field related to aviation
• have a minimum 1000 SAT and/or minimum 20 ACT score
• have a minimum 2.75 GPA
• agree to maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA and submit an unofficial copy of transcripts at the end of each semester you are receiving an award

The Andrew McMorris Foundation offers Aviation Grants for students in grades 6-12 aiming to pursue their dreams in aviation. Inspired by Andrew's passion for flying, these scholarships support attendance at Flight School Summer Camps or flying lessons. Candidates must demonstrate a genuine love for aviation and embody values of kindness and community commitment. This initiative honors Andrew's adventurous spirit and encourages young enthusiasts to explore the aviation world and strive for their pilot's license.

In just one application, our Common Scholarship Application provides students access to more than 150 scholarship opportunities with awards ranging from $1,000 to more than $5,000. 

In 2025, San Diego Foundation awarded a record-breaking $5.5 million in scholarships to nearly 1,400 students.

William “Peasy” Johnson Scholarship

Plan to enroll full-time at an accredited four-year university, community college, or licensed career/technical school in the United States in fall.

Our Consortium

ROAR (Rare Organic Acidemias Research) is a multi‑center study that brings together patients, families, clinicians, and researchers to better understand rare organic acidemias such as PA, MMA, GA‑1, IVA, and others. Our goal is to improve lifelong care and future treatment options for the rare disease community.

ROAR works in partnership with patient organizations, clinicians, and research networks to ensure that study findings are shared, accessible, and meaningful. Families play a central role in shaping our questions and informing our direction.

Rare Organic Acidemias Research (ROAR) Consortium Pilot and Feasibility Grants

The overall mission of the ROAR pilot & feasibility grant is to support small projects which advance diagnosis, enhance clinical trial readiness, and improve therapies and outcomes for individuals with organic acidemias. Potential pilot projects may include data-mining of existing data, genotype-phenotype correlations, observational studies, patient-reported outcomes assessments, focus groups with patients and advocacy groups, interventional clinical trials (with prior NIH approval), biomarker studies, ancillary studies to ROAR clinical projects, or other similar projects. Upon completion of funding, we expect that the data generated from ROAR pilot projects will be leveraged for larger grant applications and larger projects within and outside the consortium. Moreover, we expect that the data generated will inform the design of future clinical trials and clinical studies in organic acidemias and ultimately, will impact the lives of individuals with organic acidemias by improving the diagnosis, management, and treatment for these disorders. 

Annual funding of up to $40,000 (total cost, including indirect costs) is available to support one pilot project for a one-year period. The ROAR Consortium intends to fund at least 1 award this cycle starting on October 15, 2026.

The Charles Koch Foundation invites innovative proposals for research that aligns with its vision of social progress and mutual benefit. Focused on supporting 501(c)(3) non-profit public charities and universities in the U.S., the Foundation emphasizes original projects of high standards. While it welcomes a broad range of ideas, it typically does not fund for-profit ventures, overhead costs, or certain areas like medical treatment and political activities.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Edite Balks Walter, M.D. Scholarship Fund

This fund was established to help women seeking degrees in biology, chemistry, physics and human or animal medicine. Dr. Walter is a graduate of the former Springfield High School. Through the assistance of various scholarships, she graduated cum laude from Kalamazoo College. Dr. Walter remains an inspiration and believes, "Women Can Do Science and Should Do Science."

The EPSCoR Centers of Research Excellence in Science and Technology initiative, led by the National Science Foundation, aims to enhance the research capabilities of EPSCoR jurisdictions. By fostering STEM capacity and promoting geographic diversity, this program invites proposals that align with its goals. The focus is on strengthening local research infrastructure and talent development to boost competitiveness in science and technology fields across the nation.

Adirondack Community Foundation

For three decades, Adirondack Community Foundation has been a steady hand, helping our region grow from within.

Our Mission: Connecting people, ideas, and resources to improve lives and expand opportunities throughout the Adirondack region.

Kindling Awards

Celebrating the everyday neighbors who bring us together and spark love of community.

In the Adirondacks, we lean on one another. Our towns are held together by the quiet, steady efforts of people who show up for their neighbors. Whether it’s the parent turning a school into a welcoming community hub, a neighbor strengthening opportunities for local seniors, or a small group of friends organizing to tackle a local need, these individuals are the "living kindling" of our region.

The Kindling Awards are named after the essential ingredient that starts the warm fire we all gather around. This year, we are shifting our focus from events to people. We want to honor the unsung heroes who spark connection, foster a sense of belonging, and keep the spirit of community alive and well in our neck of the woods.

How It Works

We are looking for nominations of the everyday residents and small groups who do great things without seeking the spotlight. If selected, we will profile these community heroes to celebrate their story. Thirty of the best nominations will receive a Kindling Award.

To keep that light shining, each honoree will choose a local community-based organization they work with, such as a library, youth group, volunteer fire department, or nonprofit, to receive a $1,000 grant in their honor. It’s an award for the person, in support of the community love they help create.

The Ongoing Spark: We don't want the story to end with the award! Over the following months, we will follow up with the chosen organization to highlight the great work they are doing with the grant, showing how your nominee’s "spark" continues to grow and support the community.

Kindling Awards Criteria

We seek to honor those who provide the "kindling" for a healthy, vibrant and connected community. We evaluate nominations based on three simple pillars:

• Sparking Connection: Does this person create opportunities for people to meet, interact, problem-solve, and build genuine relationships?
• Fostering Belonging: Do they go out of their way to make sure everyone—especially those who might feel isolated or new to the area—feels welcome and included?
• Community Heart: Is their work rooted in a love for their town or the Adk region? We look for those who strengthen the "social glue" that makes our communities supportive and resilient.

The Career Awards for Medical Scientists (CAMS), established by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, offers $700,000 over five years to support early career physician scientists transitioning to independence in academic biomedical research. This highly competitive program aims to enhance research innovation and public service by fostering a diverse scientific workforce. Proposals in basic biomedical, disease-oriented, or translational research, particularly those incorporating artificial intelligence or addressing climate change and human health, are encouraged.