Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in North Carolina

What is a Community Foundation?

We are one of more than 750 similar tax-exempt public charities throughout the United States that work to make their community a better place to live. We are a local organization staffed by residents of the community and led by a board of trustees who have an in-depth knowledge of the issues that shape our County.

This Community Foundation was created by and for the people of Washington County MD, and exists to improve the quality of life for all of our citizens, now and for generations to come, by building community endowments, addressing needs through grant making and providing leadership on key community issues.

Lawrence and Genevieve Martin Scholarship Fund

This scholarship honors Larry and Geney Martin by assisting a young man or woman graduating from a Washington County, MD public high school who plans to pursue a career in the building industry.

The Joann and C.W. Carpenter Endowed Scholarship, established in 2016 by C.W. Carpenter in memory of his wife JoAnn, supports high school seniors from CCISD. With awards ranging from $100 to $16,000, this scholarship aims to assist those in financial need pursuing higher education, including vocational schools. This initiative reflects the Carpenter's commitment to community service and educational support, ensuring that deserving students receive the help they need to succeed.

Bright Minds Scholarship

The Bright Minds Scholarship, in conjunction with the Salem Five Charitable Foundation, supports academic excellence and community leadership across Essex and Middlesex counties. We recognize that the journey to a four-year degree requires significant dedication—and significant resources.

To support that journey, we provide a scholarship award designed to make a real-world impact on the cost of higher education.

The Award

• 5 Scholars Selected Annually: Each year, we name five exceptional students as Bright Minds Scholars.
• Up to $20,000 total: Awarded as $5,000 annually over four years of undergraduate study.
• Maintain good academic standing to receive support throughout your entire bachelor's degree program.

The Salem Five Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. Scholarship awards are granted without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or disability. Final selection of scholarship recipients is at the sole discretion of the Salem Five Executive Committee in partnership with the Phillips Scholarship Fund.

Welcome to the Greater Houston Community Foundation Scholarship Application Site!   

The Greater Houston Community Foundation (GHCF) administers a variety of unique scholarship funds that grant over $5.7 million annually to college students. The scholarship funds have been established by thoughtful and generous donors and each has a unique set of eligibility criteria and award structure.

Scholarship Application Info:  

Greater Houston Community Foundation administers over 60 different scholarship programs, each with differing eligibility requirements. Eligibility for some scholarships may be dependent on employment, course of study, high school, or college. 

Bratcher Family Foundation Scholarship

This is a renewable scholarship, meaning recipients can renew the award for multiple years funding if they meet the GPA and enrollment requirements and complete the renewal application for each academic year they plan to be enrolled.

About the Scholarship Award

• One (1) new scholarship awarded annually. Scholarship award amounts and renewal durations vary by degree type:
  • 4-year degree at a college/university - $6,000 per academic year
    • Renewable for up to four (4) years of funding maximum ($24,000 in total), as long as the student meets renewal requirements
• 2-year degree at a trade school/community college - $4,000 per academic year
  • Renewable for up to two (2) years of funding maximum ($8,000 in total), as long as the student meets renewal requirements

What can the scholarship be used for?

• The scholarship will be mailed directly to the student's college to be used towards tuition, required academic fees, and/or book expenses. 
• Scholarship funding cannot be distributed directly to the student. Funding cannot be used for room and board, rent, meal plans, parking passes, or other similar living expenses.

Are there any requirements I must meet if I'm selected as a scholarship recipient?

• Recipients must attend an accredited university, community college, or trade school in the United States.
• Recipients must enroll in at least 12 credit hours for both the fall and spring semesters (or be enrolled full-time according to your school if it is on a different system).
• Recipients must submit college enrollment information online through GHCF Scholar the summer before the academic year begins. This information is required in order for the scholarship check to be mailed to the student's college. Instructions will be included in the student's award letter.
• Recipients must meet certain criteria in order to receive subsequent annual awards (i.e., renewals): maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75, be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours per semester, and complete the renewal application for each academic year they planned to be enrolled.

The Wilson Rawls Scholarship, offered by The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, supports literary-minded students graduating from local high schools. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities for students from Edgerton, Evansville, Hillcrest, Idaho Falls, Janesville, and Skyline High Schools. With a commitment to fostering talent in the arts, the scholarship enables recipients to pursue their academic goals at four-year colleges or universities, promoting the growth of creativity and literature in the community.

The Early Career Research Development Grant from the Emergency Medicine Foundation supports early career faculty in developing comprehensive career plans and leading impactful research projects. With over $20 million awarded since its inception, EMF aims to enhance emergency medicine research and improve health policy. This grant encourages partnerships between research universities and community emergency departments, fostering collaboration that promotes patient care and effective health policy.

The Carolyn and Bill Franck Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, provides essential financial support for graduating high school seniors from Henry County or Martinsville pursuing post-secondary education in various fields. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of at least 2.5 and demonstrate financial need through the FAFSA. This scholarship aims to empower deserving students by facilitating their educational aspirations in accredited institutions.

The Clarence Lee Lester Educational Fund, administered by the Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, provides scholarships to deserving students pursuing higher education. Eligible applicants must be graduating seniors with a minimum 2.5 GPA and a connection to First Baptist Church in Martinsville, VA. This scholarship aims to support capable individuals in their academic journeys, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder their educational aspirations. For more information, contact the Foundation directly.

The Gianforte Family Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations in Montana that empower individuals and families to achieve sustainable improvements in their lives. With a focus on education, family strengthening, and relationship restoration, the foundation encourages projects that directly benefit Montanans. Since its inception in 2004, it has contributed over $130 million to various initiatives. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and reapply annually, as the foundation does not automatically renew grants.

The NRF Foundation Student Ambassador Program offers NRF University Members the chance to appoint a student as their campus representative for a year. This role allows ambassadors to connect the NRF Foundation with their campus, fostering a community of retail advocates. Responsibilities include promoting NRF programs and events, enhancing student participation in the NRF Student Association, and cultivating leadership skills. Ideal candidates are motivated, resourceful, and ready to lead their peers in engagement activities.

The Steve Rolland Youth Peacemaker Award Fund recognizes high school students in Duluth who exemplify community service and peacemaking qualities. Named after a respected Duluth Police officer, the fund offers a $2,500 award to support youth who volunteer in their communities and embody the values of compassion and justice as articulated by Martin Luther King Jr. This award aims to inspire the next generation of leaders dedicated to making a positive impact.

The Davis B. and Barbara J. Francis Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, provides educational scholarships to deserving students in the Roanoke Valley. It aims to support graduating seniors or former graduates pursuing careers in technical theatre or performing arts. Applicants must demonstrate significant contributions to their school's theatre arts program and enroll in an accredited college or technical school. Financial need is considered but not the primary criterion.

The Dillon Family Scholarship Fund, established by James M. Dillon, provides financial assistance for higher education to deserving students from specific regions in Virginia. Administered by the Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, this scholarship supports students who demonstrate financial need and academic potential. Eligible candidates must be graduating seniors from designated public high schools, enrolling in accredited colleges or trade schools. Preference is given to graduates from Alleghany High School, ensuring targeted support for local students.

The Dorothy and Julien Meyer, Sr., M.D. Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, provides scholarships to graduating seniors from Roanoke Valley high schools pursuing premedical studies. This fund aims to support deserving students with financial need, ensuring they can achieve their educational goals. The Foundation administers various scholarships and encourages students to inquire for detailed eligibility criteria and application processes.

The Riley Burnell Criminal Justice Memorial Scholarship Fund provides financial support to a Koochiching County resident pursuing a career in criminal justice. Established in memory of Riley Burnell, this scholarship awards $2,500 for one year to students demonstrating financial need and maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Eligible applicants must show good citizenship and community involvement while aiming for fields such as law enforcement, conservation, or border patrol.

The Northwoods Educational Opportunities Fund offers financial aid to high school seniors and graduates from Mercer and Chequamegon (Park Falls) schools, as well as residents of the Town of Sherman. Awards can reach up to $20,000 over four years. Eligible applicants must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher and demonstrate financial need, community service, and leadership engagement. This initiative aims to support students in pursuing vocational or post-secondary educational programs.

The Edwin K. Mattern, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, supports graduating seniors from the Roanoke Valley pursuing higher education in engineering or architecture. This renewable scholarship emphasizes academic achievement and financial need, requiring recipients to maintain a minimum GPA. Established to empower deserving students, the fund reflects the foundation's commitment to fostering educational opportunities in the community.

The Lawrence E. and Mabel Jackson Rudberg Scholarship Fund supports graduating seniors from Two Harbors Senior High School and Duluth area high schools. This scholarship, established by educators Lawrence and Mabel Rudberg, aims to promote access to higher education. Eligible students must demonstrate financial need and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Awards can reach up to $20,000 over four years, helping students achieve their college aspirations.

The Iron River Lions Club Marie Larson Scholarship Fund offers $2,000 to graduating high school seniors from public or private schools in the Iron River area. Established by Marie Larson, this fund supports students pursuing higher education, with its origins tracing back to a golf tournament begun in 2008. The scholarship honors Larson's legacy and her commitment to the community, encouraging local youth to achieve their educational goals.

George W. and Donna Mae Russell Scholarship Endowment

George and Donna Russell wanted to make a difference for the future, so instead of investments for themselves, they invested in students who will go off to college and return with a good education and great ideas for their community. When George Russell died in 2001, he left part of a farm to the Community Foundation of Wabash County. The sale of the farm was used to establish an annual scholarship for a worthy student from a Wabash County high school who is pursuing a degree or a vocational education. Applicants are selected based on financial need, academic achievement, moral character, leadership, and attitude toward school and community.

John L. Eckert Memorial Educational Scholarship Endowment

Family and friends of John Eckert established The John L. Eckert Memorial Scholarship Endowment to memorialize the life of John and his dedication to education. Mr. Eckert was Manchester Community School’s superintendent from 1982 to 1992. From 1971 to 1982, he was the superintendent for the Rochester Community School Corporation, and before that Mr. Eckert was a teacher for Huntington Community Schools and for Southwood High School.

The Morency Family Scholarship supports young adults from foster care backgrounds in pursuing higher education or vocational training. This scholarship aims to assist those who may face financial barriers after high school graduation. With a focus on applicants from specific counties in Illinois and Iowa, the scholarship provides up to $2,000 annually and is renewable until graduation or age 25, contingent on maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.0.

The Mike Condon Memorial Scholarship offers financial support to students interested in construction, with awards of up to $1,500 per year. Applicants must have a minimum 2.25 GPA and reside in Clinton, Scott, or Muscatine counties. The scholarship allows for reapplication up to four times, emphasizing trade experience. Preference is given to those with relevant educational backgrounds or participation in construction-related activities, ensuring a focus on developing skills in this vital industry.

The Loren and Tammy Bockwoldt Family Scholarship, administered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, awards up to $2,000 annually to three qualified students, totaling no more than $6,000. Applicants must be high school seniors from Durant or Wilton, Iowa, with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and demonstrated financial need. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years, supporting students aiming for full-time enrollment in accredited post-secondary institutions.

The Kellly Marie Mcquate Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors from Rock Island or Scott County, IL, who have lost a parent. This need-based scholarship awards up to $500 and focuses on financial need as the primary criterion. Applicants must plan to enroll full-time in college, with merit evaluated through school and community activities. This scholarship represents a significant opportunity for eligible students to pursue their educational goals.

The George S. Souten Performing Arts Scholarship, offered by the Four County Community Foundation, supports high school seniors from Armada, Capac, Imlay City, and Romeo who plan to major or minor in performing arts. Applicants must demonstrate a strong background in the arts and submit an essay. Awardees will be recognized during the Foundation's Scholarship Celebration in May and at their respective high school awards events.

Robert & Pauline Hoover Scholarship Fund

The Robert and Pauline Hoover Scholarship was established in 2006 as part of Robert’s estate plan after he died. Robert had a degree in banking from Columbia University in New York City. When he finished his graduate degree, he came back to his native Chester Township to engage in farming and banking. Robert was the North Manchester Kiwanis Star of Service recipient and had a passion for civic and business affairs.