Best Grants for 501(c)(3) in North Carolina

The Maternal and Child Health Encounters Networks (MCHEK) program, funded by the US HHS: Health Resources & Services Administration, aims to enhance maternal and infant health by preventing exposure to harmful substances throughout pregnancy. Through a national expert call center, it provides evidence-based guidance on medications, nutrition, and environmental factors. By translating complex scientific data into accessible information, MCHEK empowers families and healthcare providers to make informed choices that improve health outcomes.

The AHA Quest for Quality Prize recognizes hospitals and health systems that demonstrate exceptional leadership in improving care quality and advancing health. Applicants should showcase innovative models of care and effective partnerships with community organizations. One winner and two finalists will be honored at the 2026 AHA Leadership Summit in Denver. This award aims to inspire hospitals to commit to patient-centered care and address healthcare disparities, ultimately enhancing community health outcomes.

The National MS Society offers annual Research Grants for investigator-initiated proposals addressing key research questions from the Pathways to MS Cures Roadmap. These grants support diverse studies, including clinical and nonclinical research aimed at stopping MS disease activity, restoring function, and preventing new cases. Eligible applicants must hold an M.D. or Ph.D. and demonstrate relevance to the Society's research priorities. This funding opportunity promotes collaboration and focuses on underserved MS populations.

The DoW Arthritis Translational Research Award, funded by the U.S. Army Medical Command, aims to support high-impact translational research focused on accelerating findings into clinically relevant solutions for arthritis. This award is intended for preclinical or animal research, emphasizing the significance of the proposed outcomes in advancing arthritis research and benefiting Service Members, Veterans, and their Families. Applications must include preliminary or published data to demonstrate the feasibility and relevance of the research.

The DoW Alzheimer’s Transforming Care Award aims to support innovative clinical research and trials enhancing dementia care for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. This funding opportunity encourages collaborative partnerships and requires preliminary data, focusing on interventions that do not solely test pharmacological solutions. Community collaboration is essential, and studies leveraging existing cohorts, including those with younger participants, are encouraged. The award supports both new and existing partnerships among principal investigators.

The Graduate Education Indigenous Scholarships, including the Aurora Indigenous Education Scholarship, support Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islanders to pursue full-time graduate studies in the US. Offering up to $40,000 for living and educational expenses, this initiative encourages Indigenous individuals to engage in Masters, Ph.D., or Postdoctoral Research. Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents, actively seeking placement in accredited institutions, and plan to study for at least one year.

The SMART Scholarship Program, managed by Scholarship America, provides substantial support to STEM students, offering full tuition, stipends between $30,000 and $46,000, and summer internships at DoD facilities. This initiative aims to eliminate financial barriers for high school seniors and current college students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. With applications opening annually on August 1, the program fosters a strong community of scholars dedicated to innovation and research in STEM fields.

The David Nason Journalism Scholarship, established by the Nason family and the American Australian Association, supports Australian journalism students and journalists. It offers up to $20,000 for graduate studies or investigative projects in the US. Eligible applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents, and either pursuing graduate studies or have a media project agreement in the US. This scholarship promotes the advancement of journalism through international education and experience.

The Jefferies-Park Scholarship, established in 1988 by Evelyn Jefferies-Park, honors her commitment to education. It supports graduating seniors from Ord High School, Nebraska, who are in the top 15% of their class and plan to pursue a four-year degree. This scholarship reflects the legacy of generosity fostered by the Lincoln Community Foundation, which has provided over $606,000 in scholarships to local students in 2025 alone.

The TPC Group Mark of Excellence Scholarship Program, administered by Scholarship America Inc, supports the children of full-time employees pursuing higher education. This initiative aims to eliminate financial barriers and promote educational access for students aged 24 and under. The program encourages academic achievement and assists those planning to enroll in accredited colleges or vocational schools, ensuring that eligible applicants receive the necessary support to realize their educational aspirations.

The Wellroot Family Services Scholarship Program, administered by Scholarship America Inc., supports students in financial need who exhibit academic excellence, leadership, and personal growth. Eligible applicants include high school seniors and current undergraduates with a minimum GPA of 2.0, planning to enroll full-time in accredited institutions. The program emphasizes holistic evaluation, considering academic performance, community involvement, and personal challenges overcome, ensuring that deserving candidates receive the support they need to succeed.

The Greater Evansville USBCA Scholarship, established by the Greater Evansville USBCA, supports students from Posey, Vanderburgh, and Warrick counties who engage in community service and bowling activities. Eligible applicants must have been members of the USBCA for two of the past four years or be children of members with a minimum 2.0 GPA. The selection process considers academic performance, bowling involvement, community service, and submitted essays and recommendations.

The New Britain-Berlin Rotary Club Scholarships, managed by the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, support graduating seniors from local high schools, including technical schools. Priority is given to INTERACT Club members who demonstrate leadership and community service. This initiative aims to encourage youth to actively engage in their communities and make a positive impact through volunteerism. The scholarship reflects the Foundation's commitment to fostering educational attainment and community development.

The Handweavers Guild of America (HGA) offers scholarships to students in accredited fiber arts programs in the U.S. and Canada. These scholarships, awarded based on artistic and technical excellence rather than financial need, support education in fiber arts, textile research, and conservation. Annually, funds of $4,000 or more are allocated for tuition. Applicants can apply under categories of artistic merit or scholarly research in the textile industry, with only one scholarship awarded per individual per year.

The Gene Haas Foundation Community Grants aim to support 501(c)(3) organizations in Ventura, Clark, and Cabarrus Counties focused on providing essential services to underserved populations, especially children and the elderly. With over $30 million in funding since 1999, the Foundation prioritizes local charitable initiatives that enhance community welfare. Importantly, grants cannot be used for equipment purchases or individual support, ensuring that funds directly benefit community needs.

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) aims to support innovative research for validating therapeutic targets in Alzheimer's Disease-Related Dementias (ADRD). This initiative focuses on overcoming barriers in treatment development by ensuring well-validated targets linked to disease mechanisms. By employing a phased award mechanism, NINDS seeks to enhance the rigor of target validation, facilitating the transition from basic discoveries to clinical applications, ultimately accelerating the development of effective therapeutic strategies.

The John and Olive Cornellisson Scholarship Fund, managed by the Greater Salina Community Foundation, supports students graduating from USD 239 or 240 high schools pursuing higher education in agriculture or vocational training. Open to high school seniors, current college students, and non-traditional students, the fund emphasizes financial need over GPA. Previous recipients can apply for renewal, ensuring continued support for those striving to advance their education.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Marion Rotary Club’s Warren Brown Scholarship

The Marion Rotary Club was chartered in 1922, as club number 1051, with 23 charter members led by Fred Guthery, the first president. The Marion Rotary Club, along with the Marion Rotary Foundation, which was incorporated in 1959, has contributed to many organizations and scholarships over the years.

The Marion Rotary Club Warren Brown Scholarship migrated to Marion Community Foundation in 2017. It honors the late Warren Brown of Wyandot, Inc. and provides financial support for Marion County graduating seniors. Recipients will have been a resident of Marion County for at least two full years and maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher based on a 4.0 scale. Special consideration will be given to applicants who intend to pursue an education and career in or related to business or management.

The Gina M. Finzi Memorial Student Summer Fellowship Program, funded by the Lupus Foundation of America, aims to engage students in lupus research across various disciplines. Six awards of $4,000 each will be granted for projects spanning 10 weeks between May and September 2026. Eligible applicants include undergraduate and graduate/medical students, with specific allocation preferences. This initiative promotes valuable research experiences under the guidance of established faculty at accredited institutions.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation offers Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Awards to support research training in cystic fibrosis. The program provides up to $66,000 in salary support for the first year and $67,000 for the second year, along with $9,000 for research and travel expenses. Applicants focusing on CFTR protein function restoration or gene correction strategies are encouraged to apply. Open to U.S. citizens and residents, preference is given to recent graduates beginning their research careers.

The Biocodex Microbiota Foundation invites early career researchers in the microbiome field from U.S. institutions to apply for the 2024 grant. This initiative focuses on groundbreaking research into gut microbiota's role in human health and disease, particularly in areas like circadian rhythms and metabolic disorders. The grant supports operational costs, allowing for innovative projects aimed at fostering independent research careers in microbiota studies.

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds. 

Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

Edward A. and Shirley B. Livi Scholarship Fund

To support residents of Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire Counties who are pursuing fine or performing arts beyond their college freshman year.

Additional Guidelines

• Students can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships from the Community Foundation.
• Scholarship awards could impact the financial aid offered by a college, and students are advised to check with their college financial aid offices about this.
• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. Some part and/or all the award could be considered taxable income. It is advisable students check with the college or tax accountant regarding this matter.

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.

MIRK, Inc. Scholarship

Eligibility:

Applicant must be a current graduating seniors of any high school located in Wayne County, Ohio. Applicant musts have a demonstrated financial need, a drive for success, and a strong work ethic. Emphasis shall be given to students who have overcome great adversity or challenges, either academically or otherwise. Although not required, student with Individual Education Plans (IEP) and 504 Plans are encouraged to apply.

Two renewable scholarships shall be made:

• one to an applicant pursing a four-year degree at an accredited college or university;
• one to an applicant pursing a 2-year (or less) degree or a training certificate at an accredited or licensed trade, vocational, or technical school.

Renewable (up to 4 years)

Up to $5,000 each

Two (one 4-year degree, one 2- year degree/certificate or less)

The College Life Protected Graduate Research Grant supports research that enhances the value of higher education. Focused on systemic risks, it invites proposals on topics like mental health's impact on student success, campus safety compliance, and the effects of medical withdrawals. The grant is open to individuals in postsecondary education, who can re-apply regardless of prior submissions, promoting continued exploration of these critical issues.

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.

Don and Teara Buren Scholarship

Eligibility:

This scholarship was established in memory of Sara Cottrel and is available to graduating or graduated high school students attending Congress Community Church located at 10691 Franchester Rd., West Salem, Ohio.

Applicant should demonstrate a balance among:

academic achievement of at least a 3.75 GPA if attending high school or at least a 3.50 cumulative GPA if attending an accredited college, university or technical school;

participation in extra-curricular activities; and

participation in community service and/or part-time employment.

Preference will be given to those with the greatest financial need.

If no eligible students from Congress Community Church qualify, then the scholarship will be available to any Northwestern High School graduating senior, based on the criteria listed above.

Past recipients may reapply, up to a maximum of four years. These applications will be included in the pool of candidates for the current year's selection process.

The Walters Services, Inc. Fabe & Beverly Walters Scholarship Fund, established by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, aims to alleviate the financial burden of higher education for children and spouses of employees under 26. This scholarship supports full-time or part-time students, emphasizing academic achievement, community volunteerism, financial need, and an essay submission. The initiative embodies core values of love, integrity, and teamwork, fostering educational opportunities for future generations.