Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in North Carolina

The Growing Convergence Research (GCR) initiative by the National Science Foundation (NSF) promotes innovative solutions to complex societal and scientific challenges through multidisciplinary collaboration. By integrating diverse expertise, GCR aims to address specific problems and foster new research paradigms. Proposals must outline a five-year plan, divided into two phases, with budgets not exceeding $1.2 million for Phase I and $2.4 million for Phase II. Successful projects are expected to lead to transformative advances in science and technology.

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region

The Community Foundation is a devoted advocate for the vitality and well-being of the Rappahannock River Region. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages and distributes charitable giving in the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg.

Scholarships

One of The Community Foundation’s strategies for preserving and growing the quality of life in our region is supporting higher education for area students. Generous individuals and families, companies and organizations establish endowed scholarship funds and the proceeds from these funds benefit deserving students. Donors work with foundation staff to determine appropriate criteria for each fund. The Community Foundation currently administers more than fifty scholarship funds.

The Jeremy Daniel Hawley Skilled Trades and Technical Education Fund

Humility and hard work -- this scholarship was established in memory of Jeremy Daniel Hawley, who personified these two ideas. A 2001 graduate of Fredericksburg Christian High School and resident of King George county, Jeremy was admired by friends and family, fellow students and teachers for his character and integrity, his community service and his strong commitment to Christian values.

Jeremy was not known for his academic success, but rather for his strong internal compass and his drive to be successful on his own terms. He completed a community college certificate program in heavy equipment operation and began working for a builder while taking business classes at night. In less than a year he had progressed to crew supervisor in his job, but in 2003 an automobile accident took his life before he could realize his dream of running his own excavation business.

This scholarship is intended to promote hard work, skilled trades and personal character in the name of Jeremy Hawley. 

The ASES Research Grant, provided by the ASES Foundation, offers up to $20,000 for innovative shoulder and elbow research projects. It invites applications from principal investigators who are orthopaedic surgeons working in North America. The funding supports projects lasting between 12 to 24 months and aims to foster advancements in patient care through research. Applications are limited to one per principal investigator per year, promoting focused and impactful research initiatives.

The Community Practice Innovation Award by the Rheumatology Research Foundation aims to foster innovative ideas from the rheumatology community that enhance practice implementation and sustainability. Grants, up to $80,000 for one year, support projects in quality improvement, implementation, and pilot studies. Recipients are expected to share findings with the broader community through presentations and disseminate tools developed with the funding. This initiative emphasizes improving patient care through effective collaboration and innovative practices.

The Marshall J. Schiff, MD, Memorial Fellow Research Award, established by the Rheumatology Research Foundation, aims to support exceptional scholarship in rheumatology. This award not only honors Dr. Schiff's legacy but also recognizes fellows presenting at ACR Convergence. Recipients receive a $1,500 award plus $1,000 for travel expenses, ensuring they can attend this crucial meeting, which showcases the latest advancements in rheumatic disease research and care.

The Get Schools Cooking Grant supports medium-sized U.S. school districts in transforming their meal programs from processed to scratch-cooked foods. In partnership with the Chef Ann Foundation, it offers a multi-year journey that includes workshops, assessments, and collaborative planning, with a value of nearly $250,000 per district. Eligible districts must demonstrate commitment to fresh, whole foods, leadership support, and self-operated food service.

About Legacy Foundation

Legacy Foundation is the community foundation for Lake County, Indiana. We connect people, knowledge, and funding to build an equitable, accessible, and inclusive Lake County, now and for generations to come.

Legacy Foundation is supported by a broad base of individuals, families, and businesses connected by the desire to improve Lake County, Indiana. With a growing portfolio of over 300 funds and approximately $80 million in assets, Legacy Foundation is a trusted source for philanthropic giving in the region.

For over 30 years, Legacy Foundation has been empowering people, providing strategic leadership, and impactful philanthropic support to create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Mission Statement

Transforming Lake County by providing strategic leadership and impactful philanthropic support to ensure equitable opportunity for all communities that we serve.

Vision Statement

Create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

O'Shea Patrick McCarthy Scholarship

Use the chart below to see which scholarships are the best fit for you! You must complete the Legacy Universal Application to apply.

Scholarship eligibility requires students to attend an accredited 2 or 4 year public or private institution of higher learning. All scholarships are for full-time students, unless otherwise noted. Renewable awards are for 4 years of undergraduate study and cannot be used for post graduate coursework; all awards are paid directly to the school or may be used for book reimbursement.

ATS/PHA Early Career Award

One grant is available for early-career investigators interested in pulmonary hypertension research who are likely to make a strong and sustained impact in PH research. This grant is co-funded by the Pulmonary Hypertension Association and ATS.

Areas of interest for proposals include:

• Investigating the pathophysiology of PH
• Elucidating mechanistic pathways
• Identifying novel therapeutic targets or biomarkers in adult or pediatric pulmonary hypertension

The project should have potential applicability to human pulmonary vascular diseases.

Applicants may request up to $50,000 for one year for salaries or supplies or a combination thereof.

About Legacy Foundation

Legacy Foundation is the community foundation for Lake County, Indiana. We connect people, knowledge, and funding to build an equitable, accessible, and inclusive Lake County, now and for generations to come.

Legacy Foundation is supported by a broad base of individuals, families, and businesses connected by the desire to improve Lake County, Indiana. With a growing portfolio of over 300 funds and approximately $80 million in assets, Legacy Foundation is a trusted source for philanthropic giving in the region.

For over 30 years, Legacy Foundation has been empowering people, providing strategic leadership, and impactful philanthropic support to create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Mission Statement

Transforming Lake County by providing strategic leadership and impactful philanthropic support to ensure equitable opportunity for all communities that we serve.

Vision Statement

Create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Halfacre Excellence in Music Scholarship

Use the chart below to see which scholarships are the best fit for you! You must complete the Legacy Universal Application to apply.

Scholarship eligibility requires students to attend an accredited 2 or 4 year public or private institution of higher learning. All scholarships are for full-time students, unless otherwise noted. Renewable awards are for 4 years of undergraduate study and cannot be used for post graduate coursework; all awards are paid directly to the school or may be used for book reimbursement.

The Cooperative Development Fund Grant supports cooperative development, research, and technical assistance for cooperatives focused on seniors, international development, and affordable housing. Grants, typically ranging from $20,000 to $30,000, are awarded once a year, with a two-stage application process: a concept paper followed by a full proposal for selected applicants. Up to two grants are awarded annually, with decisions announced shortly after the Advisory Board meeting in January.

10,000 Degrees

What We Do

From college dreams, to graduation day, to your first career, we’ll be there for your entire journey—with near-peer support, scholarships, financial aid assistance, resources, and more.

Sonoma County Medical Association & Alliance Health Careers Scholarship

The Sonoma County Medical Association & Alliance Health Careers Scholarship Fund, administered by 10,000 Degrees, was established in 2001 to support students pursuing a career in medicine, nursing, or other allied health fields. This scholarship is open to undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree students.

The Parker B. Francis Fellowship for Pulmonary Research offers three years of funding, totaling $225,000, for clinical and basic scientists transitioning to independent research careers in pulmonary and critical care medicine. Eligible candidates include those with relevant doctoral degrees, U.S. or Canadian citizenship, and a track record of research experience. The fellowship encourages diverse research topics, including bioethics in pulmonary medicine, while requiring mentorship and adherence to strict eligibility criteria.

The Innovation Award by the American Lung Association offers $75,000 annually for up to two years, aimed at supporting promising investigators in lung disease research. With a legacy of over 120 years, the Association seeks to fund innovative projects that can significantly impact lung health. Eligible candidates must demonstrate prior excellence in their careers and have held a K or R type award within the last three to five years. This initiative fosters groundbreaking advancements in lung disease science.

The Mary L. Fenker Scholarship, established in memory of a dedicated educator, supports graduating seniors from Erie County, Ohio, pursuing undergraduate degrees. Since 1995, the Erie County Community Foundation has prioritized community needs, offering this scholarship to enhance the quality of life in the region. Preference is given to African American students from Sandusky High School, with financial need considered. Renewable for up to three years, the scholarship aims to empower students to achieve their educational goals.

About Us

Overview

The Alaska Community Foundation connects people who care to the causes that make a difference and matter most to them. We encourage and nurture philanthropy through building and managing permanent endowments, convening stakeholders, working with partners to strengthen Alaskan communities, and providing donors with flexible giving options that are strategic to their philanthropic objectives.

Mission

Inspiring the spirit of giving and connecting people, organizations, and causes to strengthen Alaska’s communities now and forever.

Vision

ACF envisions an Alaska where communities come together and have resources to thrive.

Holly Dick Scholarship Fund for California Students

A scholarship fund in support of post-high school education including vocational training that will provide a future career. This scholarship fund was created by Holly Dick who learned from her own life experiences how education can change lives.

Holly WaiHung Dick left mainland China with her family in 1947 for a better life in Hong Kong. Her life experiences taught her that education changes lives. After completing school in China, Holly was hired by Japan Airlines, where she met her future husband, an American, Mike Dick. Holly and Mike lived in Anchorage, where they loved to fish and enjoy friends, family, and their Alaskan life. Holly loved to help others along their path in life. She volunteered as a translator for immigrants and helped children in daycare settings.

The Catalyst Award, offered by the American Lung Association, supports innovative research on lung disease and biology. This mentored grant provides $50,000 annually for up to two years, prioritizing novel projects with collaborative training plans. The American Lung Association aims to improve lung health and prevent diseases through research, education, and advocacy, focusing on defeating lung cancer and fostering a tobacco-free future.

Who We Are

We weave the work of communities, connecting and uplifting passionate people, critical resources and transformational ideas. Working side by side with every corner and sector of our region, we have identified social and economic justice as the most critical elements to a thriving community. We serve to advance efforts in these areas by fostering impactful giving, trusted partnerships and authentic engagement for a more equitable southwest Washington.

John and Maradee Potter Scholarship

Maradee Potter established this scholarship to honor her husband, John who died in 2021. John was retired from his career as a proofreader legal editor. John and Maradee were married for 36 years. Maradee is honoring her husband and her work to provide scholarships for students who have graduated from high schools located in Clark County, Washington and have been a recipient of Special Education services with a documented disability. Maradee worked in the Vancouver Public Schools as a Special Education Teacher during her career and continues to be an advocate for people with disabilities by serving on the Clark County Community Services Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board and Homes for Community Living Board. It is important to the donor that people with disabilities have equitable access to education and the support necessary to pursue post-secondary education and career training.

Award Information

The number and amount of scholarships will be determined by the scholarship committee. The scholarship may be renewable. Renewal applicants must reapply each year.

The American Academy of Audiology offers the Investigator Research Grant to promote essential research in audiology and balance health care. With a funding limit of $20,000 for one-year projects, the grant aims to support innovative research that enhances the evaluation and management of hearing and balance disorders. Eligible applicants must hold a doctoral degree in audiology or hearing science and be affiliated with a non-profit institution in the U.S. or Canada, fostering collaboration between academia and clinical practice.

The GEMSSTAR for Emergency Medicine Supplemental Funding Program provides up to $25,000 over two years to support emergency medicine physicians who have received the NIA GEMSSTAR grant. This program aims to enhance the Professional Development Plan of GEMSSTAR awardees, ensuring they receive the necessary funding for their research endeavors. Eligibility is limited to those who have completed their clinical specialty training and are based at U.S. institutions, with funding contingent upon available resources.

The MCTS Legacy Scholarship Program, established by the Mobile County Training School Alumni Association in collaboration with UNCF, offers ten $3,500 need-based scholarships for MCTS attendees or their descendants. This initiative aims to support educational pursuits among students connected to MCTS, enhancing access to higher education. Recipients will be notified within eight weeks after the application deadline, promoting academic success and community engagement. The program reflects UNCF's commitment to empowering minority students and fostering leadership.

Stark Community Foundation

Since 1963, Stark Community Foundation has been helping individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits like you support the causes you care about.

In addition to personalized donor services, we manage a competitive grantmaking program and award grants to address local needs. Today, the Foundation stewards over 1,000 charitable funds totaling $485 million in assets and has granted more than $300 million to nonprofits in our community and beyond.

Scholarships

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties.

The Manzer-Keener-Wefler Scholarship Fund

The Manzer-Keener-Wefler Scholarship Fund assists applicants with a field of study in or related to photography, visual arts (including graphic design). 

This scholarship is renewable.

About Legacy Foundation

Legacy Foundation is the community foundation for Lake County, Indiana. We connect people, knowledge, and funding to build an equitable, accessible, and inclusive Lake County, now and for generations to come.

Legacy Foundation is supported by a broad base of individuals, families, and businesses connected by the desire to improve Lake County, Indiana. With a growing portfolio of over 300 funds and approximately $80 million in assets, Legacy Foundation is a trusted source for philanthropic giving in the region.

For over 30 years, Legacy Foundation has been empowering people, providing strategic leadership, and impactful philanthropic support to create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Mission Statement

Transforming Lake County by providing strategic leadership and impactful philanthropic support to ensure equitable opportunity for all communities that we serve.

Vision Statement

Create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Bill and Sue Modrak Scholarship

Use the chart below to see which scholarships are the best fit for you! You must complete the Legacy Universal Application to apply.

Scholarship eligibility requires students to attend an accredited 2 or 4 year public or private institution of higher learning. All scholarships are for full-time students, unless otherwise noted. Renewable awards are for 4 years of undergraduate study and cannot be used for post graduate coursework; all awards are paid directly to the school or may be used for book reimbursement.

This program aims to enhance education for healthcare professionals regarding new therapies and patient management in ulcerative colitis (UC). It focuses on multi-channel educational strategies to address the evolving landscape of UC treatment. Key areas include educating on new oral therapies, transitioning to advanced therapies, and managing isolated proctitis. Organizations such as healthcare institutions and medical education companies are eligible to apply, ensuring a comprehensive approach to improving UC care.

The Lily Smith Memorial Scholarship, established by the Central Kentucky Community Foundation, supports high school graduates from Nelson County pursuing a nursing degree. Founded in 1960, the foundation is committed to enhancing community well-being through philanthropy. This scholarship exemplifies their mission by providing financial assistance to future nurses, ensuring that local talent is nurtured and prepared to meet healthcare needs. The initiative reflects a deep commitment to education and community service.

The Kidney Health Equity Community Engagement Award by the National Kidney Foundation aims to enhance health equity in kidney care. This award encourages innovative proposals that address disparities in access to kidney care, education, and treatment. With a funding of $75,000 for one year, it supports healthcare professionals and researchers in implementing community-based solutions to improve outcomes for individuals affected by kidney disease. The initiative seeks to dismantle barriers and foster equitable health practices.

Cherokee Nation Foundation

The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving the Cherokee Nation, a federally recognized tribe of more than 470,000 citizens. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities to Cherokee students so they can reach their full potential. The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Scholarships

Cherokee Nation Foundation offers a diverse range of scholarships to help reverse the trend of rising student debt. Students may receive up to two CNF scholarships per academic year. All opportunities are reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens, unless otherwise noted in the description.

Senior Master Sergeant Texie C. Taylor, USAF Memorial Scholarship

Applicant must be a junior or senior undergraduate or graduate student majoring in physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, nursing (RN), engineering (aerospace, civil, chemical, electrical, mechanical) or mathematics with a minimum 3.0 GPA. This is a one-year scholarship reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens residing within the Cherokee Nation jurisdictional area.

Howard Hughes Medical Institute

More than 70 years ago, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) was founded with a mission to advance basic biomedical research and science education. Today, we invest in exceptional scientists at all career stages, catalyzing breakthroughs, new technologies, and the next generation of transformative clinical therapies. Our pathbreaking science takes place at more than 60 host institutions across the US, and at our Janelia Research Campus.

Cech Fellows Program

The Cech Fellows Program is a paid, nine-week summer research experience for rising college juniors and seniors designed to empower the next generation of scientific leaders through mentorship, hands-on research, and community. 

The Cech Fellows Program gives undergraduate students in the life sciences the opportunity to conduct hands-on research with leading scientists at HHMI laboratories across the US, from universities and research institutions to HHMI’s Janelia Research Campus outside of Washington, DC. Students are matched with HHMI scientists conducting fundamental research that advances our understanding of biology and health. 

This immersive program gives students the chance to contribute to real scientific discovery, receive professional mentorship, explore potential careers in biological and biomedical research, and connect with a community of like-minded peers.  

Gain Hands-On Experience in Research & Lab Work

The HHMI Cech Fellows Program is a 9-week, full-time, immersive research experience running from June 14, 2027 to August 12, 2027. Fellows: 

• conduct cutting-edge basic research in an HHMI lab for their own educational benefit  
• participate in professional development workshops   
• engage with a vibrant scientific community  
• build essential skills for future success in a scientific career   

Funding & Logistics 

As a Cech Fellow, students:  

• receive a $15,000 stipend if placed in an HHMI lab at a host institution, intended to cover travel, housing, meals, and incidentals. (Students are responsible for arranging their own housing.) 
• receive a $12,000 stipend if placed at HHMI’s Janelia Research Campus. (Students placed at Janelia have access to free, on-campus housing.)
• participate in an end-of-summer symposium at the Janelia Research Campus in Ashburn, VA, from August 10–12, 2027, at which they present their research and meet other Cech Fellows from across the country. Food, lodging, and travel to and from the symposium are provided by HHMI. 
• are matched with a local contact from their host lab who will provide suggestions for local housing options. Students are expected to travel to arrive at their host institutions by June 14, 2027.