Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in North Carolina

The Henny Penny Leadership Award, provided by The Dayton Foundation, recognizes graduating seniors from Preble County, Ohio, or children of Henny Penny employees who exhibit exceptional leadership abilities. This award encourages students to pursue their educational goals at two- or four-year institutions while fostering their entrepreneurial spirit. The Dayton Foundation, a long-standing philanthropic partner, aims to enhance community welfare through strategic grantmaking and support for various initiatives in education, health, arts, and more.

The Herbert Scott Memorial Scholarship, established by The Dayton Foundation in 2016, supports graduating African-American seniors from Dayton Public Schools who are in foster care or have aged out. This scholarship aims to provide educational opportunities by funding students accepted into accredited technical schools, community colleges, or universities. The Dayton Foundation, a prominent philanthropic partner in Greater Dayton, is dedicated to enhancing the community's social and economic fabric through strategic grantmaking and support for equitable opportunities.

The Jean Penny Scholarship, established by The Dayton Foundation in 2022, aims to assist students from the Miami Valley in completing their college degrees. This scholarship honors Jean Penny, a Miami University graduate and co-founder of Penny and Penny Advertising, known for her love of education and generous spirit. The foundation, committed to strengthening local communities through philanthropy, emphasizes support for education, workforce development, and equitable opportunities.

The Ken Broo Memorial Scholarship, offered by The Dayton Foundation, recognizes exemplary graduating seniors who are accepted into a two- or four-year institution and plan to major in business or accounting. This scholarship aims to honor Ken Broo's legacy of hard work and mentorship, encouraging students to demonstrate their commitment through community service and volunteerism. The Dayton Foundation, established in 1921, is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Greater Dayton, Ohio.

The George W. Mallinckrodt Fellowship at Harvard Kennedy School supports MC/MPA students who demonstrate courage, vision, and a strong commitment to ethics and good governance. This fellowship is aimed at individuals who aspire to improve public policy and leadership, contributing to a just and sustainable society. It is based on merit and financial need, without discrimination based on citizenship or other protected classifications. Applications are accepted after admission applications are submitted.

Gregory D. Spring Perseverance Scholarship

Established in memory of Gregory D. Spring, this scholarship is for a graduating senior from Allegany-Limestone Central School, Ellicottville Central School, Franklinville/Ten Broeck Academy, Portville Central School, Hinsdale Central School or Olean High School with a preference for a student who intends to pursue a degree or certification in a trade or technical program. 

The Alexander-Bickley Scholarship, established in 2016, supports female graduating seniors from Dayton Public Schools pursuing STEM degrees at accredited colleges. Inspired by Manuel Bickley's entrepreneurial spirit, this scholarship aims to empower recipients to achieve academic excellence and pursue their aspirations. Preference is given to applicants who have participated in band, emphasizing the importance of creativity alongside academic goals. This initiative reflects a commitment to fostering educational opportunities and honoring the legacy of the Bickley family.

The DoW Alzheimer’s Transforming Research Award supports innovative research aimed at reducing the risk and preventing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. It emphasizes projects that enhance understanding of risk factors and develop effective risk reduction strategies. Clinical research is permitted, but trials and animal studies are not. Collaboration and preliminary data are essential for proposal consideration, and an option for multiple principal investigators is available to foster partnerships.

The FY26 Alzheimer’s Research Program's Transforming Diagnosis Award (TrDA) promotes innovative research aimed at overcoming significant barriers to accurate diagnosis and monitoring of Alzheimer's disease. This award encourages community collaboration and requires preliminary data. It supports studies leveraging existing cohorts, especially those including individuals aged 65 and younger. The TrDA also offers a partnership option for multiple principal investigators, fostering collaborative research efforts while ensuring at least one independent investigator meets eligibility criteria.

The Graduate Professional Advancement Grant at Montana State University provides funding for graduate students in their 3rd semester or higher to present at professional conferences. This grant encourages scholarly research and supports students by covering travel costs, up to $750. Applications are reviewed monthly on a first-come, first-serve basis, and funding is limited based on availability. Students must be in good standing and have their committee on file to be eligible.

The Emergency Department Alternatives to Opioids Program aims to implement practices that offer alternatives to opioid treatments in hospitals. This initiative focuses on reducing the harmful consequences of opioid use for pain management, promoting safer treatment options, and minimizing the risk of opioid misuse and overdose. Specifically, it targets healthcare organizations to enhance their pain care strategies, ultimately contributing to better patient safety and health outcomes.

National Federation of the Blind of Maryland

The National Federation of the Blind of West Virginia (NFBWV), an affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind, is an organization that believes in the full capacity of blind people, and has the power, influence, diversity and determination to help transform our dreams into reality. Members work together for a brighter tomorrow by raising expectations so that blind persons can live the life they want.

The National Federation of the Blind of West Virginia is a 501c(3) nonprofit volunteer membership organization comprised of blind and interested sighted persons of all ages, their families and friends. Our committed local chapters, divisions, committees, programs, and well-trained leaders help newly blind people adjust to vision loss, and promote the full participation and integration of blind people in our communities. We bring our collective experiences together to effect change at the state and national level.

Allen-Sprinkle Memorial Gift

Each year the National Federation of the Blind of West Virginia (NFBWV) awards a scholarship to a worthy blind individual who is pursuing or planning to pursue a full-time program of post-secondary study or training and is a resident of West Virginia. This award is known as the Allen-Sprinkle Memorial Gift. Both Sid Allen and Jack Sprinkle were long time leaders in the organized blind movement in West Virginia. The gift is One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), and the scholarship will be given at the annual banquet of the NFBWV State Convention.

The Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM) program aims to enhance maternal health outcomes by providing technical assistance across all U.S. states and territories. This initiative focuses on implementing best practices to improve safety during childbirth, ultimately saving lives. By supporting jurisdictions and birthing facilities involved in AIM, the program seeks to promote quality improvements in maternal health care, ensuring safer births and better health for mothers and infants.

Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area seeks to ensure that our community thrives today, tomorrow, and forever by building our Community’s Endowment to support high impact charitable projects, helping donors achieve their charitable goals, and leading and partnering in community-level initiatives.

Scholarships

CFHZ awards over $1 million in scholarships each year for students to attend schools of higher education throughout the nation. Our scholarships are possible thanks to the generosity of donors who invest in our community’s future by furthering the education of others.

All Holland/Zeeland area individuals interested in post-secondary education are encouraged to apply for CFHZ scholarships.

The Foundation proudly administers over 100 scholarships, each with unique eligibility criteria that must be met before a candidate can be considered.

Ruth Westerman Oren Nursing Scholarship

• Recent graduate of an Ottawa County high school or technical school or Ottawa County adult resident making a career transition to nursing
• Pursuing a nursing degree to become a Registered Nurse (RN) through an accredited nursing program within the United States
• Priority given to past recipients who have a strong performance record in their nursing studies

The Arnold Fields Community Endowed Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, provides a $1,000 award to a deserving high school senior from Hampton County. Eligible applicants must be graduating from one of the specified high schools with a minimum GPA of 2.25 and plan to pursue further education at a college or university. This scholarship aims to support local students in achieving their educational goals.

The David W. McCoy Scholarship, established by David W. McCoy in 2021, supports qualified students from Troy Buchanan High School pursuing undergraduate degrees in STEM fields. Administered by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, this scholarship aims to empower the next generation of leaders by providing essential financial resources. Eligible applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to their education, ensuring that deserving students have the opportunity to thrive in higher education.

The Delesky-Wetmore Scholarship, established in October 2025 by Cathy Delesky and Doug Wetmore through the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, aims to support high school seniors in Beaufort, Jasper, Hampton, or Colleton Counties, South Carolina. This scholarship focuses on students with financial need pursuing a four-year degree in STEM, finance, or economics, requiring a minimum GPA of 3.5 and above-average ACT or SAT scores.

About Us

We are YOUR Community Foundation! Our mission is to bring people and resources together to strengthen the quality of life, both now and in the future, for the residents of Randolph County.

The Community Foundation of Randolph County, Inc. is here to make our community the very best place to live, work, and raise a family. As a non-political private organization, we are uniquely able to provide grant money for innovative projects that have a major impact on our community.

Ann & Wayne Hinchman Scholarship

Wayne and Anna (Ann) Hinchman were both born in Adams County in 1915. Wayne graduated from Geneva High School and Manchester College. He taught history, science, and physical education and coached. He helped found the Winchester High School track and football programs. He was principal of Willard Elementary School for 35 years. He was also a long- time referee for high school and college basketball games. Wayne served as Deacon and Elder for the First Presbyterian Church of Winchester. Anna Hinchman was a graduate of Berne High School. She was president of the Women’s Association of the First Presbyterian Church, taught Sunday School and was the director of Vacation Bible School. Ann was also a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader and loved working in her beautiful garden that she kept at her home for decades. 

The Dunkirk Community Funds: Marilee & Gayle Gaunt Scholarship, established in 2007 by The Dunkirk Foundation, honors the memory of Betty L. Gaunt's daughters, Marilee and Gayle, who tragically passed away in 1966. This scholarship aims to support residents of Dunkirk, IN, or those living within two miles of its boundary, by providing financial assistance for educational and vocational training at post-secondary institutions.

The CareQuest Institute for Oral Health® is inviting proposals for school-based and school-linked initiatives aimed at improving oral health access for high-risk children. This grant opportunity seeks to address systemic barriers to oral health through innovative programs that engage schools and communities. Ideal projects may include workforce development, community engagement strategies, policy advocacy, and the use of technology. Proposals should focus on creating equitable oral health solutions that enhance both health and academic success for children and their families.

The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation awards Research Fellowship Awards to support post-doctoral individuals pursuing innovative research in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). With a maximum award of $70,000 per year for up to three years, the program encourages research aimed at understanding and preventing IBD progression. Eligible applicants must hold an MD or PhD and demonstrate relevant research experience. This initiative fosters the development of future independent researchers in the field of IBD.

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

Mathy Mezey Scholarship

In 2013, the John A. Hartford Foundation, Inc. created a permanent NEF Scholarship for $50,000 in honor of Mathy Mezey, EdD, RN, FAAN, a noted international geriatric expert. Funds from this scholarship will be used to award nurses engaged in graduate geriatric nursing programs.

Angell Family Scholarship

The Angell Family Scholarship is for graduating high school seniors that attended Linton-Stockton, White River Valley, Dugger Union, or Sullivan High School. This scholarship is intended for students pursuing a one- or two-year vocational or occupational degree at Vincennes University or Ivy Tech which will lead directly to employment once completed. (Students seeking four-year degree paths should view other scholarship options offered by the Foundation.) The Angell Family Scholarship Fund was established in 1998 to provide scholarships for graduating high school seniors that reside in the Angell family (former) business marketing area in Greene and Sullivan counties.

The Fetal, Infant, and Child Death Review Program aims to enhance the effectiveness of fetal, infant, and child death review teams across state, local, and tribal levels. By providing essential leadership and technical assistance, the program ensures standardized practices for conducting quality fatality reviews and collecting vital data. These efforts will facilitate the dissemination of findings, ultimately informing prevention strategies and improving outcomes for vulnerable populations.

Community Foundation for Northeast Florida

The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida connects people who care with causes that matter. Since 1964, we have served the citizens of Duval, St. Johns, Nassau, Baker, Clay, and Putnam counties through a range of charitable and civic activities, while helping individual donors achieve their philanthropic goals. We believe in Giving Back. Forever Forward.

Scholarships

Thanks to generous donors, The Community Foundation offers several scholarships each year that benefit students in Northeast Florida who are seeking post-secondary degrees.

Bernie G. Yvon Memorial Fund Scholarship

For High School Seniors & College Students in The Theatre/Performing Arts

The purpose of the fund is to perpetuate the legacy of Bernie G. Yvon by supporting students pursuing study in the Theatre/Performing Arts with need-based scholarships. In this tenth year (2026), amounts up to $2000 each will be available from contributions to the fund via The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida. In selecting the successful candidate(s), the review committee will consider the following:

• Knowledge of Bernie G. Yvon
• Theatre/Performing Arts potential and past experiences
• Financial need
• Academic record
• Two letters of recommendation
• GPA

The Minnesota STEM and Youth Leadership Grants, offered by the H.B. Fuller Company Foundation, focus on empowering young individuals through STEM education and leadership development. These grants are intended for tax-exempt organizations that serve communities near H.B. Fuller facilities, aiming to address racial inequities in education and employment. The initiative underscores the company's commitment to community support and creating opportunities for youth to thrive in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.

The Student Research Fellowship Awards program provides financial support of up to $2,500 for students conducting research on Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) for a minimum of 10 weeks. Aimed at undergraduate, medical, and graduate students, the initiative encourages research interest in IBD. Up to 16 awards are available, and research must be conducted under a qualified mentor at an accredited institution, ensuring a professional academic environment for the study of this critical health issue.