Best Grants for New Nonprofits in North Carolina

The Judith R. Walkowitz Article Prize, awarded annually by the North American Conference on British Studies, recognizes the best published article addressing gender and sexuality in British culture. This prize honors Professor Walkowitz’s significant contributions to the fields of gender and cultural studies. Open to scholars in North America, it encourages diverse perspectives across disciplines and time periods, with a cash award of $250 to support ongoing research and scholarship in British Studies.

The Grassroots Organizing National Grant Program, funded by the Ben & Jerry's Foundation, supports small, community-led organizations in the U.S. working to confront social and environmental injustices. Grants of up to $30,000 per year are available for two years, prioritizing organizations with budgets under $350,000. The program emphasizes grassroots organizing and community empowerment, inspired by the legacy of John Lewis. Eligible applicants must focus on collective action and local leadership to drive social change.

John J. Murphy Family Scholarship

Named in honor of John J. "Jack" Murphy, Olean native and former CEO and Chairman of Dresser Industries, this scholarship was established initially through a grant from the Communities Foundation of Texas and is continued with donations from generous donors. Selection criteria includes scholastic achievement, school and community participation, demonstrated leadership potential and financial need.

The Tennant Foundation offers equipment donations to eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that promote a cleaner, safer, and healthier world. Donations focus on organizations that are charitable, educational, scientific, or literary. However, certain groups such as political or religious organizations, social clubs, and private foundations are ineligible. The foundation also considers the impact of donations on its partners and distributors before making decisions.

Ayla Lankerd Scholarship for Dreams

Applicants must exemplify Ayla’s attributes of independence, wittiness, intelligence, tenacity, nonconformity, courage, competitiveness, desire for perfection and quirky sense of humor. Ayla Lankerd was born on August 31, 2010 and attended Marshall Public Schools until a sudden illness took her from earth on June 8, 2021. Although she was only alive for 10 short years, she lived each moment to the fullest. She was a competitive gymnast and loved to play soccer and basketball. She liked owls, sloths, rainbows and peace signs. She was unapologetically herself. At one time, she wanted to cure cancer and then wanted to be a rock scientist (her words). She created beautiful artwork from the pictures in her mind. She was a leader, never really caring what others thought of her, only concerned with her self-realization. She had anxiety but always worked herself through it and overcame it. She always pushed through. This scholarship fund was created in her memory as a way to remember her beautiful soul that left this earth too soon. This scholarship also gives the family an opportunity to provide support to other students that embody Ayla’s personality traits so they can go forth and carry out their dreams whether it’s to cure cancer, become a rock scientist or make a living in artistry. 

The ACLS Digital Justice Development Grants, funded by The Mellon Foundation, aim to enhance justice and equity in digital scholarly practice. These grants support projects that engage with historically marginalized communities, including people of color and those with disabilities. By providing resources and coaching for sustainable project development, the program promotes inclusion in the digital humanities, ensuring that diverse voices contribute to shaping digital knowledge and cultural heritage.

The Church, Church, Hittle & Antrim Scholarship, provided by the Central Indiana Community Foundation, aims to support aspiring law students from underrepresented backgrounds. This scholarship offers financial assistance along with a 75-hour paid summer internship, helping students gain practical experience in the legal field. Applicants must demonstrate their commitment to pursuing a legal career through a personal statement, addressing how their unique experiences can enrich the profession. The initiative emphasizes inclusivity and access in law education.

Judy Lutz Davidson Scholarship

A scholarship awarded to Marshall-area graduating seniors or previous graduates pursuing a degree in the legal support services, such as but not limited to legal secretary, paralegal, legal clerk, legal assistant, compliance specialist or title examiner. GPA is not a determining factor, however, transcripts are requested. Students who receive this scholarship are encouraged to apply for further support in subsequent years. 

The ACLS Digital Justice Seed Grants support projects that enhance equity and justice in digital scholarship, particularly focusing on marginalized communities. Funded by The Mellon Foundation, these grants foster innovative methodologies and resource sharing across disciplines. By promoting inclusivity in digital humanities, the program empowers scholars to engage with under-studied materials and develop sustainable practices, ensuring broader access to digital tools and expertise for impactful research initiatives.

The Perry J. Gehring Diversity Student Travel Award recognizes outstanding undergraduate and graduate students from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups who are presenting at the Society of Toxicology Annual Meeting. Awardees, selected from participants in the SOT Undergraduate Diversity Program, receive a plaque and a travel stipend to support their attendance. This initiative honors Perry J. Gehring's legacy in promoting diversity in toxicology and encouraging students from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in biomedical sciences.

The BC Ricci Institute–Harvard-Yenching Institute Joint Visiting Researcher Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for full-time faculty from Asia-based institutions to conduct research at two prestigious institutes in Boston during the 2026-2027 academic year. This six-month fellowship emphasizes the study of East Asian culture and provides access to extensive library resources. Eligible applicants must hold a doctoral degree and focus on interdisciplinary approaches within the humanities and social sciences.

About Us

A Vibrant Region with Opportunity for All

Who We Are

The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties is a community-based social impact investor whose mission is to engage, invest, and lead—working toward a vision of community vibrancy with opportunity for all. Our team of experienced staff and dedicated trustees is committed to boldly leading and supporting transformational community investments. We channel charitable contributions from donors through nonprofit partners that are meeting current community needs and steward community resources responsibly to ensure greater capacity for the future.

No organization has all the answers, but together, with our partners and donors, we have the means and the will to chart a new course—one that will build upon generations of philanthropy and strengthen the fabric of Herkimer and Oneida counties.

Scholarship Opportunities

We help those seeking educational opportunities that will enrich their lives—and enhance our community.

Please note that scholarships administered by the Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties are awarded through a variety of different mechanisms, including by school district selection, public application, or through our community partners, such as Utica Dollars for Scholars.

Wallace S. and Janis J. Sweet/Westminster Presbyterian Church Memorial Scholarship

Awarded by Wallace S. and Janis J. Sweet/Westminster Presbyterian Church Memorial Scholarship Fund

A scholarship fund established through the generosity of many friends of the Sweet Family to help deserving students pay for expenses of an education beyond the high school level.

Candidates are identified by Utica Dollars for Scholars.

The Scott A. Flahive Memorial Scholarship, established by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, honors a dedicated law enforcement officer who tragically lost his life in the line of duty. This scholarship supports local high school graduates pursuing degrees in criminal justice or law enforcement, with eligibility based on residency, academic performance, and intent to serve in the field. Applicants must submit transcripts and relevant documentation to be considered for this meaningful opportunity.

The Richard “Rick” Roy Washburn Memorial Scholarship Fund supports students pursuing construction careers within 75 miles of specific Minnesota high schools. Named after a dedicated Ulland Brothers Inc. employee, this scholarship offers $1,000 annually for up to two years, promoting education in fields like Diesel Mechanics and Civil Engineering. Eligible applicants must maintain a 2.8 GPA and demonstrate community involvement, ensuring they are well-rounded candidates for this financial assistance.

FCA Foundation Scholarship

Award:

• One time award of $5,000. 

The Mary E. Wilsberg Scholarship, established in 1988 by Mary E. Wilsberg, supports Grand Haven or Spring Lake High School graduates pursuing graduate education, including PhD programs. The scholarship emphasizes academic excellence and community service, requiring a minimum GPA of 3.0. Financial need is not a priority for applicants, who must demonstrate involvement in their school and community. This scholarship simplifies the application process by allowing candidates to apply for multiple foundation scholarships with a single submission.

The Resilient Student Scholarship, established in 2023 by AIAA and Club for the Future, aims to support high school seniors pursuing STEM degrees at U.S. institutions. This $10,000 scholarship is designed for students facing unique challenges, including disabilities or socioeconomic hardships. Recipients will receive mentorship from AIAA professionals to guide them toward successful careers in aerospace, fostering a new generation of innovators in the field.

The Don Forsyth 'Circle K' Scholarship, offered by The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, recognizes outstanding members of Circle K clubs in New York State. This scholarship aims to support students committed to serving individuals with Down Syndrome through careers in special education, speech, physical, or occupational therapy. Established in 1968, the foundation empowers local communities and provides meaningful financial assistance to students demonstrating exceptional community service.

Waneta Drake Miller Edmison Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to graduating seniors of accredited high schools in the Sioux Falls area. Plans to attend an accredited college, university, community college or technical school.

Multiple scholarships are awarded.

The Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) Phase II aims to enhance technological innovation in the private sector, focusing on improving the lives of individuals with disabilities through research and development. Administered by the US HHS Administration for Community Living, this program supports small businesses in addressing the needs of these individuals. Grants are available for a 24-month project period, allowing projects to expand upon Phase I results to achieve greater commercial application and societal impact.

The Trent R. Dames & William W. Moore Fellowship, established by Dames and Moore in 1990, supports graduate studies for practicing engineers or earth scientists who are ASCE members. This fellowship aims to advance engineering science and enhance societal welfare through innovative applications in geotechnical engineering and earth sciences, addressing social, economic, environmental, and political issues. Annually, two recipients are selected to further their academic pursuits in these critical fields.

The AccessLex Bar Success Research Grant Program aims to fund innovative and rigorous studies focused on the bar examination, including predictors of performance and effective preparation methodologies. By encouraging collaborations among educational institutions and stakeholders, the program seeks to enhance bar passage rates for at-risk students. Grants ranging from $150,000 to $300,000 are available for projects lasting 12 to 24 months, promoting well-designed research that addresses critical issues in legal education.

The Eastern Band of Cherokees Community Foundation's Unrestricted Fund provides vital support for local nonprofit organizations serving tribal members in several counties. Founded in 1991, the foundation aims to enhance community assets through grants ranging from $500 to $1,000, with a total grantmaking cap of $4,500. This fund allows for flexible responses to community needs, fostering development and outreach that benefits the Eastern Band of Cherokees.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is inviting eligible organizations to submit unsolicited research proposals targeting key areas like housing affordability and homelessness. This initiative aims to foster high-quality research that informs housing policies and programs. Projects must secure matching funds of at least 50% of the total cost and align with HUD's research priorities to qualify for cooperative agreements, ensuring ongoing collaboration throughout the research process.

The Inja & Kwang Choi, MD Family Scholarship, awarded by the Erie Community Foundation, supports deserving seniors from local high schools who aspire to pursue careers in medicine or engineering. With over $800,000 in scholarships distributed in 2023, this initiative helps students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher achieve their educational goals, fostering the next generation of professionals in critical fields.

This funding opportunity aims to bolster the cancer surveillance workforce through educational initiatives. By enhancing collaborations with cancer partners and developing tools for improved data quality, this program will expand the capacity of registrars. Efforts will focus on recruitment and retention, ultimately ensuring compliance with Public Law 102-515. Strengthening the cancer registrar workforce will lead to timely and accurate cancer data submission, supporting public health objectives.

The Building Communities of Recovery program aims to enhance access to long-term recovery support for individuals facing substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health issues. By empowering organizations to mobilize community resources, this initiative fosters a collaborative environment that promotes sustained recovery. Funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the program emphasizes the importance of community connections in the recovery process, ensuring that individuals receive the support they need to thrive.