Best Grants for Teachers in New York

Transportation Research and Policy

Arnold Ventures (AV) is a philanthropy dedicated to improving the lives of all Americans through evidence-based solutions that maximize opportunity and minimize injustice.

The Infrastructure team has been investing in efforts to build better, faster, and lower-cost infrastructure with a focus on housing, energy, and transportation. For transportation, we are investing in policymaking and research that tackles the inefficiencies that make U.S. transportation infrastructure so difficult and expensive to build. 

Purpose

Transportation policy represents an avenue for improving the systems moving people, goods, and services. The Infrastructure team is seeking proposals evaluating the effectiveness and/or benefits of existing transportation or transportation-adjacent policies on outcomes for communities in the United States.

Eligible Projects and Topic Areas of Interest

This Request for Proposals (RFP) aims to bolster the knowledge base of potentially effective policies, programs, and interventions by funding efforts that align with key AV Infrastructure policy areas.

AV is primarily focused on traditional surface transportation — road and public transit — but is open to proposals in aviation, maritime, passenger and freight rail, trucking, and more.

We seek proposals for: 1) research, expanded data sets, or analysis; 2) administrative or legislative policy reforms at the federal, state, or local level; or 3) models of effective implementation including proposals for implementing agencies to partner with researchers or program evaluators to conduct baseline and post-intervention research on implementation effectiveness that will advance the knowledge base and provide illustrative examples within, but not limited to, the following topic areas:

• Transportation Capital Investment Reform. Evaluating how capital funding is prioritized and selected at the federal, state, or regional level, including discretionary grant programs and formula-based funding. What reforms could ensure projects deliver higher public returns?

• Cost Estimation, Oversight, and Accountability. Why do major transportation projects frequently exceed budgets and timelines, and how can we identify strategies to improve transparency, cost realism, and performance oversight?

• Access in Mobility Outcomes. Measuring how current transportation investments affect access to jobs, services, and economic opportunities for workers and families, and what policy changes could improve access.

• Performance-Based Project Selection. How can public agencies shift from current, politically driven allocations to datadriven, performance-based decision-making on capital project selections?

• Institutional Barriers to Reform. What organizational, legal, or procedural hurdles prevent DOTs and MPOs from adopting better practices (e.g., outcome-based planning, integrated land use/transportation policy)?

• Permitting and Permit Reform. How do current local, state, and federal permitting practices affect project cost, quality, timeline, and other concerns?

• Intergovernmental Dynamics. How do federal, state, and local funding structures and requirements enable or constrain effective transportation investment? What governance structures would improve outcomes when it comes to transportation planning and project delivery?

• Data Sets and Root Causes of High Delivery Costs. Expanded data sets on unit costs and/or research illuminating the root causes of why transportation and transit projects cost so much and take so long to deliver. What policy and practice changes could manage project delivery risks and improve the likelihood that projects will be delivered on s chedule and on budget?

• Domestic Content. How do Buy America and domestic content requirements affect the cost, speed, innovation, and effectiveness of transportation infrastructure projects?

• Procurement Process. How do current procurement practices affect project cost, quality, innovation, and accountability — and what policy and regulatory reforms could improve outcomes?

• Other. AV also welcomes innovative proposals on other transportation issues that align with our mission.

These research, policy development, and implementation proposals can be relevant to federal surface transportation reauthorization legislation or federal administrative changes; state reforms to Departments of Transportation; and/or local-level reforms relevant either to regional transportation agencies, transit agencies, or municipal governments.

The Edward P. Suchecki Family Scholarship, established by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports local high school senior athletes pursuing a business career. Named after Ed Suchecki, a dedicated coach and businessman who valued education, this scholarship prioritizes financial need and favors football and golf players. Applicants must submit their transcripts and other required documents. This initiative aims to empower young athletes to achieve their educational goals.

The AHRQ Improving Diagnostic Safety in Ambulatory Care (R18) program invites proposals aimed at enhancing diagnostic safety within the diverse ambulatory care landscape. This funding initiative seeks to support the development, testing, and evaluation of interventions designed to improve diagnostic quality and safety, addressing the complexities of outpatient care. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization, emphasizing the importance of timely submission.

The ECMC Foundation focuses on eliminating equity gaps in postsecondary education by 2040 through strategic grantmaking and investments. They support organizations aiming to remove barriers to completion, build institutional capacity, and transform the postsecondary ecosystem. Eligible entities include nonprofit organizations, government entities, and postsecondary institutions. However, funding is not available for personal scholarships, political activities, or projects outside the U.S. that do not align with the Foundation's mission of diversity and inclusion.

The Gretchen Miller Bowker Scholarship, offered by the Central Indiana Community Foundation, provides financial assistance to women pursuing education in STEM fields. Designed to support tuition, room and board, and related fees, this scholarship aims to empower women in their educational journeys. Eligibility includes demonstrating financial need and enrollment in a qualifying program. With a commitment to building a community of opportunity, this scholarship is a vital resource for aspiring female STEM students.

The Glick Education Award, offered by the Central Indiana Community Foundation, supports educational opportunities for dependents of Gene B. Glick Company employees. Eligible applicants include high school seniors and current post-secondary students. Selection criteria focus on academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, work experience, and financial need. Awards cover tuition, fees, and other educational expenses at accredited institutions. This initiative aims to foster educational attainment within the community, promoting access regardless of race or identity.

The Katherine P. Douglas Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, supports high school seniors and adult learners from Steuben, Chemung, and Schuyler counties pursuing degrees in math, science, health sciences, nursing, or public health at Corning Community College. Applicants must be in the top 15% of their graduating class and provide three recommendations. This scholarship aims to eliminate financial barriers to education, fostering access to higher learning.

The Rod's Tire and Service Scholarship Fund, managed by the Central Kansas Community Foundation, offers $2,500 to assist graduating Marion County high school seniors pursuing higher education or vocational training. The foundation, established in 1994, focuses on enhancing community welfare through charitable giving and emphasizes support for students majoring in agricultural fields. This scholarship aims to empower local youth and strengthen the community by investing in their educational futures.

The Clifford and Rubye Angleton Scholarship Fund, managed by the Central Kansas Community Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors and college students from Butler County, Kansas, pursuing higher education. Scholarships are based on available funds and applicants' merit. Recipients may renew their scholarships for up to three years with satisfactory academic progress. This initiative emphasizes the importance of rural philanthropy and aims to empower local students to achieve their educational goals.

The Colin and Sally Rowell Memorial Scholarship Fund, managed by the Central Kansas Community Foundation, offers financial assistance to graduating seniors from Butler County, KS high schools pursuing higher education or vocational training. This scholarship aims to support students with a demonstrated interest in education or agriculture, emphasizing financial need and potential for success in college. It reflects the foundation's mission to strengthen communities through charitable giving, promoting rural philanthropy in the central Kansas region.

The Dr. Chao-ying & Sue Wu Early Learning Scholarship, established by the Chuckanut Health Foundation in 2022, honors the vital contributions of Dr. Chao-ying and Sue Wu to the health and education of Whatcom youth. This scholarship aims to eliminate financial barriers for local students pursuing careers in early learning, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to investing in community potential and fostering opportunities for future generations.

The Grigg-Lewis Foundation Grant supports projects benefiting residents of Eastern Niagara County and Western New York. The foundation focuses on arts, education, health, and community improvement. Grants of $90,000 or more are reviewed quarterly, while smaller requests are considered at staff discretion. Applicants must demonstrate sustainability and provide a 501(c)(3) letter. The foundation prioritizes collaborations among nonprofits but gives lower priority to scholarships and religious organizations not historically supported by its founder.

The Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Research Network aims to enhance the lives of children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) and their families. By establishing a robust research infrastructure, the program will generate evidence-based solutions to foster well-being and community engagement. It focuses on identifying effective interventions and measures that can be integrated into essential services and supports, ultimately helping CYSHCN thrive throughout their lives.

The Isabelle Rowe Nursing Scholarship supports non-traditional students aged 21 and older from the Fox Valley and Waupaca areas pursuing nursing degrees. Established in 2007 by Julian Rowe in honor of his wife, Isabelle, this fund provides non-renewable scholarships of $2,000 for 4-year colleges and $1,000 for 2-year institutions. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5, have work experience in healthcare, and demonstrate financial need, with opportunities to reapply annually.

The Debra Slater Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Ashland County Community Foundation, assists graduating seniors from Hillsdale High School and continuing college students pursuing accredited two or four-year degrees. Eligible applicants must major in Agriculture or Animal Sciences and maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher, with preference given to current or former members of FFA or 4-H. This scholarship aims to support future leaders in agriculture and contribute to the community's growth.

The Allison Adams Wieczorek Scholarship supports graduate nurses pursuing degrees in maternal-infant and pediatric nursing. Established through the Nurses Educational Funds, Inc., this scholarship honors the contributions of Allison Adams Wieczorek, a dedicated board member with extensive experience in financial services. Applicants must have at least two semesters of study remaining and meet specific eligibility criteria, including holding a current RN license and maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.6. This initiative fosters nursing leadership and education.

The Dashanna K. McNeil Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of a dedicated nursing professional who inspired many through her passion for healthcare. This scholarship encourages aspiring nurses at various educational levels to pursue their dreams in nursing. It supports individuals planning to attend accredited nursing institutions, fostering a new generation of compassionate caregivers, just as Dashanna did throughout her impactful career.

Cures Within Reach

Cures Within Reach is the philanthropic leader in drug, device and nutraceutical repurposing research, which has the potential to transform the lives of patients with unsolved diseases by delivering treatments that can be used in the near-term. Our focus: we find and fund proof-of-concept clinical trials that, once successful, de-risk and catalyze follow-on funding, building the clinical evidence required for regulatory approval or to support off-label use by patients everywhere.

Clinical Repurposing Research to Impact US Veterans/Military

This Request for Proposals (RFP) from Cures Within Reach (CWR) is seeking clinical repurposing trials from US-based research institutions using already approved treatments to address unmet and high-priority medical needs of US veterans and/or active US military, such as mental health, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and brain injuries. Our strongest preference is for proof of concept, pivotal, Phase I or Phase IIA clinical repurposing trials. Eligible trials may be conducted at accredited US-based academic, nonprofit and governmental research institutions and/or health systems involved with medical research, including Veterans Administration (VA) health systems and hospitals. 

Repurposed therapies must be approved and/or generally recognized as safe for human use by some regulatory agency, such as the US Food and Drug Administration, European Medicines Agency, Health Canada or Japan’s Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency, and may include drugs, devices, nutraceuticals or diagnostics, as well as combination therapies. These repurposed therapies must be tested in a new indication for which they are not already approved or used widely in clinical practice as standard of care. Repurposed therapies also may be added to current standard of care to improve patient outcomes and/or quality of life.

The Edith M. Pritchard Scholarship, offered by Nurses Educational Funds Inc., supports nurses pursuing master's or doctoral degrees in nursing education and public health. Applicants must hold a current RN license, maintain a GPA of 3.6, and have at least two semesters of study remaining post-award notification. This scholarship promotes nursing leadership and is funded through donations, reflecting over a century of commitment to nursing education.

The Joette P. Delia Curiano Scholarship is designed for graduating high school seniors from specific schools in the Greater Capital Region who plan to pursue a degree in health care or nursing. Applicants must demonstrate both academic excellence and financial need. This scholarship is part of a universal application process, allowing students to apply for multiple scholarships with one form, thereby increasing accessibility to educational funding.

The Retail Merchants Association of Tyler Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating seniors planning to major in Business. Eligible students must be from specific Smith County high schools and demonstrate financial need through FASFA. This scholarship, amounting to $1,000, can be used for tuition, fees, and educational supplies. The unique application process matches students with scholarships, ensuring they apply only once and receive consideration for multiple opportunities.

The CFSCNY Women's Fund Grant aims to empower women and girls in South Central New York by supporting innovative projects that promote economic self-sufficiency, mental health, and personal safety. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and selected local government agencies. The fund prioritizes initiatives that create positive change, strengthen social support, and enhance leadership development. Proposals should align with the foundation's commitment to racial justice, equity, and community development.

The R. Don Cowan Music & Performing Arts Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports students pursuing studies in music and performing arts, including musical theater and dance. Applicants must be graduating seniors or current college students from Smith County, with no specific financial need requirement. This scholarship is available for one year and allows recipients to major in any subject while continuing their performing arts education.

This grant aims to enhance global polio eradication efforts through innovative modeling approaches. It focuses on developing effective strategies for cVDPV2 outbreak response and optimizing surveillance following global WPV eradication. The initiative also seeks to build a skilled public health workforce in statistical and mathematical modeling, assess economic impacts of response strategies, and foster capacity among students to address polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

The Charles B. Decker Memorial Scholarship, established in 1991, supports college and graduate students from the Tri-Lakes area pursuing journalism careers. This scholarship emphasizes the importance of education in the Adirondack region by providing essential financial assistance to students dedicated to journalism. Candidates are evaluated based on financial need, demonstrated commitment to journalism, and academic achievements, ensuring that the scholarship aligns with the foundation's mission to invest in educational opportunities.

The Carson Bailey Memorial Scholarship, established by the Children's Brain Tumor Foundation, honors the memory of Carson Bailey, a dedicated student and beloved family member. This scholarship is aimed at brain tumor survivors who have been diagnosed before the age of 21 and seek to pursue higher education. It provides $1000 to eligible applicants, supporting their educational aspirations while promoting inclusiveness and respect for all backgrounds within the brain tumor community.

The Carson Bailey Memorial Scholarship for Siblings, established by the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation, honors the memory of Carson Bailey. This scholarship aims to support brain tumor survivors pursuing their educational goals. Eligible applicants must have been diagnosed with a brain or spinal cord tumor before age 21, reside in the U.S., maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher, and be at least a senior in high school. A $1000 scholarship is available for those attending various educational institutions.