Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in New York

Through the generosity of fundholders and donors, NCCF has awarded more than half a million dollars in scholarships to assist students in Northwest Connecticut with the cost of higher education.

NCCF awards more than $530,000 in scholarships a year. 

Donald E. Heisinger Scholarship

Academic Focus:

• Accounting, Finance, or Business

Award:

• $750

Established by the Dillon Family, this scholarship is awarded to a student whose primary residence is in Torrington and who pursues, or intends to pursue, a degree in accounting, finance, or business at an accredited university or college. This scholarship is not financially need-based. (No FAFSA required)

The Rare Disease Endpoint Advancement Pilot Program, initiated by the FDA, aims to enhance the development of novel efficacy endpoints for drugs addressing rare diseases. This initiative encourages collaboration between sponsors and the FDA throughout the endpoint development process. By fostering innovation through guidance and public workshops, the program seeks to equip FDA staff and improve evaluation methods for rare disease therapies. The pilot program is set to run until September 30, 2027, providing vital support for drug development in this area.

The Fiscal Year 2027 Regional Nutrition Hubs initiative by the US HHS aims to enhance nutrition services across regional health centers. By providing targeted technical assistance, the program seeks to improve health outcomes through effective nutritional interventions. This initiative supports HRSA's mission to expand access to high-quality healthcare services, ultimately benefiting communities by addressing dietary needs and managing health conditions. With a focus on collaboration, the program is set to strengthen the health infrastructure at the local level.

The Stickley Scholarship Fund, established by L. & J. G. Stickley, Inc., offers four annual scholarships for graduating high school students who are children of full-time employees with over two years of service. This initiative promotes educational equity by making higher education more accessible, emphasizing the importance of financial need, community service, and academic achievement. Awarded in honor of Edward J. Audi, this scholarship aims to empower students to pursue their academic goals.

The Veridian Credit Union Scholarship offers four $2,500 awards to high school seniors and four $2,500 awards to post-secondary students enrolled in accredited programs. To qualify, applicants must be the primary owner of a Veridian Credit Union account in good standing. This initiative, managed by the Iowa Credit Union Foundation, supports educational advancement and aims to foster financial success among its members.

Through the generosity of fundholders and donors, NCCF has awarded more than half a million dollars in scholarships to assist students in Northwest Connecticut with the cost of higher education.

NCCF awards more than $530,000 in scholarships a year. 

Patrick Dillon Scholarship

Academic Focus:

• Unspecified 

Award:

• $750

Established by the Dillon Family, this scholarship is awarded to a student whose primary residence is in Torrington, is either a first-generation immigrant to the United States or is the child of a first-generation immigrant, and who attends, or will attend, an accredited university or college. This scholarship is not financially need-based. (No FAFSA required)

The Warren A. Morrow Memorial Scholarship, offered by Veridian Credit Union, supports high school seniors and post-high school students pursuing post-secondary education at accredited institutions. To qualify, applicants must be members in good standing at a credit union affiliated with the Iowa Credit Union League. This scholarship aims to foster financial success and educational advancement, ensuring that students can achieve their academic goals without financial barriers.

The Peter N. Whitcher Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance to eligible children of current or deceased members of the Iron Workers District Council of Western New York. This scholarship aims to support students pursuing high school graduation, higher education, or professional development, thus enhancing their educational opportunities and fostering equity in the community. Established by a key figure in the American labor movement, it reflects a commitment to uplift future generations through accessible education.

The Women's Fund Scholarship Award, established in 2014 by the Ashland County Community Foundation, provides financial assistance to female residents of Ashland County. It aims to empower women by supporting their education and job training goals, thereby improving their lives and their families' futures. This scholarship is available to high school seniors, college students, and non-traditional students, offering crucial resources for career advancement.

The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts Grant supports innovative visual arts projects through a diverse grantmaking program. It funds artists and organizations that challenge the status quo and promote inclusivity in the contemporary art landscape. Grants are available for curatorial research, exhibitions, and public programs, encouraging creativity and exploration. The foundation prioritizes projects that reflect the diverse population of the United States and reject bigotry, fostering an environment of free expression and artistic growth.

The Korean American Community Foundation (KACF) offers Community Grants to support organizations in New York and New Jersey addressing economic security for low-income Korean and Asian Americans. Grants of up to $100,000 are available for projects focused on education, workforce development, and community advocacy. Organizations must be registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits with a minimum operational history of six months. KACF prioritizes comprehensive support and measurable outcomes in its funding decisions.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. Scholarship award amounts range from $1,000 - $5,000 for a single year.

Edward Arciniega Scholarship

For graduating seniors from Churchill County High School, Charter School, or from a Churchill County Home-school program, intending to study at a 2-4 year college, having studied a foreign language for at least 4 years. This is a single year award for students who have at least four years of study in a language other than English in grades 6-12, and who have demonstrated an aptitude for language and academic accomplishment. This is a one-time award of up to $1,000.

Regional Core Centers Grant

The goal of this grant is to enable eligible organizations to build capacity in order to achieve their mission, and to support direct consumer financial assistance programs in eligible organizations. The ceiling for local patient organizations and hemophilia treatment and sickle cell centers is $8,000; the ceiling for national organizations and the eight HHS-designated federally designated and funded regional core coordinating centers is $10,000. 

Types of Grants Considered

Three types of grants will be considered:

• Project Grants that strengthen the organization’s ability to better serve its constituents
• Patient Financial Assistance Grants
• Project Grants for supplemental funding of the HHS-Designated Federally-Funded Regional Core Coordinating Centers’ annual meetings

The Hillman Emergent Innovation Grant supports innovative, nursing-driven solutions aimed at enhancing health equity for marginalized groups, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others facing healthcare barriers. This program encourages transformative proposals that challenge traditional care strategies, demonstrate best-in-class potential, and showcase scalability. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, government entities, and faith-based organizations that adhere to inclusive practices. Priority is given to proposals fostering community engagement and measurable outcomes.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.

Scholarships

We offer hundreds of different scholarships for students in and around Kansas City.

Allen P. and Josephine B. Green Foundation, Inc. Scholarship Program

Scholarships are available for students who graduate from Mexico High School and who plan to attend an accredited college or university in the United States.

The Traditional scholarship will be $7,500.00 per year payable in the amount of $3,750.00 per semester for students who plan to attend an accredited college or university. The scholarship is renewable for a total of four years. Summer school sessions will not be considered as a semester. In the event the recipient attends a college that is based on the trimester system the scholarship will be in the amount of $2,500.00 per trimester

Subject to the other rules of the scholarship program, once a recipient receives a scholarship, the recipient may continue to receive the scholarship if the student maintains a first year grade point average of 2.5 or better, a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better, and is a full time student.

The scholarship award will be paid directly to the college, university or technical school to be applied toward the recipient’s tuition, books, educational fees, and on campus resident costs.

MIND (Maximizing Innovation in Neuroscience Discovery) Prize

The Pershing Square Foundation’s (PSF) brain initiative funds cutting-edge research that revolutionizes our ability to predict, prevent, and treat neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). Advancing our fundamental understanding of the brain and cognition to ultimately combat neurodegeneration and related diseases is a goal of increasing urgency. Breakthroughs in basic scientific and translational research will yield critical tools for and knowledge of NDDs, including Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia, which affect millions of people worldwide.

The MIND (Maximizing Innovation in Neuroscience Discovery) Prize supports and empowers early-to-mid-career investigators to rethink conventional paradigms around NDDs. Modeled after the Pershing Square Sohn Prize for Young Investigators in Cancer Research, the MIND Prize catalyzes interdisciplinary approaches and facilitate collaborations across academic departments and institutions. It fuels the groundbreaking research that will accelerate our understanding of NDDs at every level.

Projects may range from the invention of novel tools, techniques, and technologies for mapping and analyzing the brain to bold approaches that demonstrate extraordinary therapeutic potential. Research domains may include—but are not limited to—neurobiology, brain imaging and mapping, machine learning, drug delivery, and synthetic biology. Applicants are encouraged to propose bold, hypothesis-driven, high-risk, high-reward research with the potential for transformative impact. Tool and technology development are permitted when they support the testing of a clearly defined biological hypothesis. Screening may be part of the proposed work, but should not be the sole focus. Clinical components are permitted, but proposals should not center on clinical trials or medical device testing in humans.

MIND Prize winners each receive $250,000/year for three years, and they become part of a unique network of researchers associated with PSF. Generally, at least six prizes will be awarded annually. Benefits include:

• Facilitated partnerships with like-minded researchers within and across institutions
• Networking programs such as collaborations and discussions with industry mentors, introductions to philanthropic and for-profit investors in the business community, special industry networking and entrepreneurship events, and more
• An annual retreat
• Opportunities to present at conferences and events (hosted by PSF and other organizations)

Alger Regional Community FoundationThe Alger Regional Community Foundation (ARCF) is a locally based 501(C)(3) nonprofit corporation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Alger County through grants and scholarships.ARCF is a unique institution. It is a permanent, yet flexible, collection of endowment funds contributed by people from all walks of life who want to make a difference in our community.Clarence A. Thunander Endowment Scholarship FundGiven to an Alger County graduate who is continuing his/her education at an institution of higher learning in the medical-related field. The student receiving this award will be required to have completed 50 hours of satisfactory college credit with 10 hours in a medical-related field and provide college transcripts. They must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale. They must be attending an accredited college and pursuing a minimum of a 4-year degree in a medical-related field.

South Dakota Community Foundation

As a statewide community foundation, we work with donors, nonprofits and community leaders to strengthen philanthropy in South Dakota every day.

Scholarships

At South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF), we proudly manage more than 350 scholarship funds in partnership with generous donors who are committed to supporting students. These scholarships offer countless opportunities to help ease the financial burden of continuing their education.

Read-Veflin American Legion Post 180 Scholarship

To provide financial support to high school graduates with first preference to students who are residents of the original New Effington, SD school district.

The Pūkoʻa Fellows Program, launched by the Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) at the Aspen Institute, is a 12-week virtual initiative aimed at Pasifika students in the diaspora. The program fosters exploration of diasporic identity and community responsibility through weekly sessions, mentorship, and a student-led event. Participants will connect with a national network of Pasifika organizers, enhancing their advocacy skills and building supportive campus spaces. This program is open to college students aged 18-26.

South Dakota Community Foundation

As a statewide community foundation, we work with donors, nonprofits and community leaders to strengthen philanthropy in South Dakota every day.

Scholarships

At South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF), we proudly manage more than 350 scholarship funds in partnership with generous donors who are committed to supporting students. These scholarships offer countless opportunities to help ease the financial burden of continuing their education.

Perry & Doreen Evans Scholarship

To provide financial support to graduates of South Dakota high schools with preference to high schools within Clark and Codington counties.

The Perry & Doreen Evans Scholarship has been established to provide financial assistance to students pursuing post-secondary education. First preference will be given to students residing in Clark County, with secondary preference given to students residing in Codington County.

Four $5,000 renewable scholarships for a maximum of four years to students attending a college or university. Student must maintain and provide proof of a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) and enrolled as a full-time student.

Four $2,500 renewable scholarships for a maximum of two years to students attending a technical college. Student must maintain and provide proof of a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA (based on 4.0 scale) and enrolled as a full-time student. 

South Dakota Community Foundation

As a statewide community foundation, we work with donors, nonprofits and community leaders to strengthen philanthropy in South Dakota every day.

Scholarships

At South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF), we proudly manage more than 350 scholarship funds in partnership with generous donors who are committed to supporting students. These scholarships offer countless opportunities to help ease the financial burden of continuing their education.

Norm & Margo Meriweather Veterinarian Scholarship

To provide financial support to graduates of the Miller area pursuing a degree in veterinary science.

This scholarship was established to help South Dakota students, reach their goal to becoming a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Preference will be given to a student who has been admitted to or is currently attending a School of Veterinary Medicine and plans to practice in South Dakota following graduation. 

South Dakota Community Foundation

As a statewide community foundation, we work with donors, nonprofits and community leaders to strengthen philanthropy in South Dakota every day.

Scholarships

At South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF), we proudly manage more than 350 scholarship funds in partnership with generous donors who are committed to supporting students. These scholarships offer countless opportunities to help ease the financial burden of continuing their education.

Milton & Leona Lindell Scholarship

To provide financial support to graduates of the Veblen area who are approved by the local committee.

The Robert Lehman Foundation Grant supports visual arts initiatives, including exhibitions, art education programs, scholarly publications, and lectureships. It aims to enhance the role of visual arts in culture, particularly for underserved communities lacking access to art education. The Foundation also funds capital projects that advance cultural programming and broaden audience engagement. By promoting these endeavors, the Foundation seeks to improve lives through artistic access and education.

The AGA Pilot Research Award offers $40,000 for one year to independent investigators at any career stage, focusing on innovative research in gastroenterology or hepatology. Applicants must hold an MD, PhD, or equivalent degree, and AGA membership is required at the time of application. This award encourages early career researchers and supports projects with new directions, emphasizing mentorship for those in the early stages of their careers.

The Small Animal Theriogenology Residency Program Grant, supported by the American Kennel Club (AKC), AKC Canine Health Foundation, and Theriogenology Foundation, invites proposals from accredited veterinary schools in the U.S. to fund residency positions in canine reproductive health. With funding up to $150,000, the program aims to advance training in clinical genetics and prepare candidates for board certification, ultimately enhancing the health of purebred and purpose-bred dogs.

South Dakota Community Foundation

As a statewide community foundation, we work with donors, nonprofits and community leaders to strengthen philanthropy in South Dakota every day.

Scholarships

At South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF), we proudly manage more than 350 scholarship funds in partnership with generous donors who are committed to supporting students. These scholarships offer countless opportunities to help ease the financial burden of continuing their education.

Josie A. Stewart Scholarship

To provide financial support to graduates of Perkins County and Corson County high schools.

The Josie A. Stewart Scholarship Fund was established in 2000 by the Stewart family to recognize outstanding students from Lemmon High School and honor Josie as a prominent educator in the community. For over 34 years, Josie taught, influenced, and impacted the lives of scores of students in the Lemmon area. Her passion for education followed many of her students after high school by quietly providing them with financial assistance for their college education. In 2015, the Stewart family expanded the scholarship to welcome applicants from Corson and Perkins Counties, extending the reach of Josie’s legacy as a champion of education.

The Limited Competition: NIGMS Mature Synchrotron Resources for Structural Biology program aims to support advanced technologies at synchrotron facilities, providing biomedical researchers with cutting-edge X-ray beamlines, user training, and expert assistance. This initiative intends to continue funding through a reissued Notice of Funding Opportunity, inviting eligible organizations to apply. Applications will undergo NIH standard peer-review processes to ensure only the most meritorious proposals are funded.