Best Grants for BIPOC in North Dakota

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 Karl W. Schell 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 Karl W. Schell Scholarship migrated to Marion Community Foundation in 2017. It honors the late Karl Schell 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, management, or the real estate industry.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Paul and Libby Kara Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Paul M. Kara, who established the Paul and Libby Kara Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. The Paul and Libby Kara Scholarship Fund helps graduating seniors or adult/returning students with significant financial need. It is designed to help students with the "last dollars" needed to continue their education. Paul and Libby believe that every student should be able to achieve their educational goals.

The Arthritis National Research Foundation (ANRF) offers grants for research focused on Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA). With funding of up to $125,000 over two years, the ANRF encourages innovative projects that reveal the underlying mechanisms of PsA. Eligibility includes M.D. or Ph.D. qualifications and affiliation with a U.S. nonprofit research institution. Preference is given to senior post-doctoral researchers transitioning to independent status and new assistant professors. Applications without a Co-PI or those who have previously received ANRF funding will not be accepted.

The SABIC Innovative Plastics Scholarship supports the children of employees at the Mt. Vernon, Indiana facility, providing financial aid for post-secondary education. Eligible students include graduating seniors from any U.S. high school who are dependents of active employees. Selection is based on academic performance, leadership, and community involvement. Applicants must also submit an essay detailing their goals and achievements, along with an official grade transcript. This scholarship fosters educational advancement for employee families.

The ASN Pre-Doctoral Fellowship Award Program aims to support PhD students conducting original research in kidney biology and disease. Each fellowship provides $30,000 annually for two years, contingent upon satisfactory progress reports. Eligible candidates must be graduate students in accredited programs, committed to kidney-focused research, and must engage with ASN as members. The program encourages applications from underrepresented groups in medicine, fostering diversity and innovation in nephrology research.

The Quality Improvement Awards, sponsored by the Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation (APSF), aim to enhance patient safety during anesthesia care. This initiative invites current trainees and recent graduates to showcase their quality improvement projects. Winners will receive sponsorship to attend the Stoelting Conference in Massachusetts, where they will present their work. The APSF is committed to promoting a culture of safety and learning in anesthesia, ensuring that no one is harmed by anesthesia care.

The Investigator Initiated Research (IIR) Grants program by the Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation aims to enhance patient safety in anesthesia care through innovative research. Grants up to $200,000 (or $300,000 with waiver) are available for projects addressing critical safety issues, with a focus on studies leading to measurable improvements in outcomes. The program encourages collaboration and creativity, prioritizing research that lacks alternative funding sources, while also supporting junior investigators with mentorship opportunities.

The APSF/FAER Mentored Research Training Grant aims to enhance anesthesia patient safety by funding promising anesthesiologists who are within 10 years of their first faculty appointment. This two-year grant, totaling $300,000, supports the development of independent researchers focused on perioperative safety. Recipients must allocate 60% of their time to research and career development. With this initiative, the APSF and FAER seek to cultivate the next generation of safety scientists in anesthesia.

The Laine - Casey Laine Armed Services Scholarship, established to honor Lieutenant Casey Laine Swakon, supports students from the Coastal Bend area who have participated in JROTC or are part of ROTC programs. Eligible candidates include high school seniors, current college students, and veterans. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and complete at least 12 credit hours per semester, ensuring they are well-prepared for their academic pursuits.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Rocket Scholars Foundation Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the parents and alumni of Reeths Puffer Schools, who established the Rocket Scholars Foundation Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. The Rocket Scholars Foundation was created by parents and alumni with two purposes in mind:

• To continue to foster within the school system a culture of rigorous academic achievement for all students and
• To offer those students who have demonstrated high achievement, scholarships to help defray the increasingly expensive tuition costs at colleges, universities and accredited post-secondary vocational and technical schools.

The Edward Payson and Bernice Piilani Irwin Scholarship honors Bernice Pi'ilani Irwin, a notable figure in Hawaiian journalism. Open to undergraduate and graduate students residing in Hawaii, the scholarship aims to support those pursuing careers in journalism or communications. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75 while attending an accredited U.S. college or university. This scholarship is an excellent opportunity for aspiring journalists to follow in Bernice's footsteps.

The American Journalism Project is dedicated to enhancing local news organizations by investing in their business capacities and providing personalized coaching. They prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion, encouraging inquiries from organizations serving underrepresented communities. Their approach offers tailored support based on grantees' strategic challenges, fostering sustainable growth in revenue and programming. They seek grantees with strong public-service missions, independent 501(c)(3) status, and a commitment to transparency and accountability in their operations.

Armstrong County Community Foundation

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Michael Petronchek Musical Scholarship Fund

Mike Petronchek was a well known musician in our community. During the 40′s Mike played trombone in Angie Sgro and Johnny Murphy’s Dance Band. He loved the Big Band sound and attended many of the formal dances that were held at Laube Hall in Freeport to benefit charity. Mike served as a radio operator with the 8th Air Force during World War II because of his great “ear”. He received his bachelor’s degree from IUP and his master’s from Penn State.

For nearly four decades Mike shared his love of music with children here in Armstrong County. He was the Ford City High School music director from 1958 through 1984 and organized the county’s first elementary school band at Lenape Elementary. In his honor, the Michael Petronchek Musical Scholarship Fund was established for Ford City High School graduates pursuing an education in music.

Scholarship Details

• Available to High School Seniors
• Nonrenewable

All ACCF Scholarships are merit based.

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 R.T. Lewis Scholarship

The Marion Rotary Club R.T. Lewis Scholarship migrated to Marion Community Foundation in 2017. It honors the late R.T. Lewis and provides financial support for Marion County graduating seniors pursuing an education in business, management, land development, real estate, or who will be attending the Marion Campus of The Ohio State University.

Born in 1877, R.T. Lewis became known as “Mr. Marion” for his grocery business, downtown and land development, and philanthropic efforts. In 1957, as Ohio State University began offering classes in Marion, he was among the first to create student scholarships. He also supported the YMCA and the Palace Theatre. He was among the 23 charter members of the Marion Rotary Club when it was formed in 1922 under the leadership of Fred Guthery, the first president. The Marion Rotary Club, along with the Marion Rotary Foundation which R.T. helped start, was incorporated in 1959 and has contributed to many organizations and scholarships over the years. Rotary honored Lewis’ contributions with the creation of the R.T. Lewis Fellowship, which recognizes members who contribute $1,000+ to the Marion Rotary Foundation.

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.

Dr. Tarlok & Amar Purewal Scholarship

Dr. Tarlok and Amar Purewal, long-time Marion residents, strongly believe in helping young people find employment in the trades and careers that do not require a college degree, or even a high school degree. In collaboration with Jobs & Family Services, the Buckeye School, Tri-Rivers Adult Education, Marion Matters, and Marion Technical College, the Purewals created an endowment fund which blends a scholarship with a field of interest fund. The scholarship criteria does not require a high school degree — but does not exclude applicants with one — and will be awarded to applicants pursuing an education in the trades, apprenticeship, and skilled labor, or two-year degrees in fields that do not require traditional 4-year degrees. The Purewal Fund may award grants to an organization or program that assists individuals in obtaining training for gainful employment, especially for individuals with financial need for such training and education.

The Purewal Fund is an example of the flexibility community foundations have to match donors’ unique ideas to local needs.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Sherman R. Poppen Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Sherman R. Poppen, who established the Sherman R. Poppen Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Nancy Poppen was an artist who wanted children to explore and develop their talents in the fine arts. Prior to her death, in 1993, she established a fund in her name to provide "individualized arts opportunities" for Muskegon Public Schools students in grades three through 12. Her husband, Sherman Poppen, has watched the talents of over one hundred students develop over these last few years. Feeling the need to continue to support their talents, he established the Sherman R. Poppen Scholarship Fund to provide scholarships for Muskegon High School graduates who have participated in programs funded through the Nancy K. Poppen Fund. Now these students, pursuing arts studies at accredited colleges and universities or under the tutelage of master artists, can be assured of continued support and backing.

Armstrong County Community Foundation

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Joan Tatsak Memorial Scholarship

Joan Tatsak was a beloved friend, colleague and mentor to many of our friends and neighbors here in Armstrong County. She inspired and encouraged her peers and coworkers to achieve and strive for excellence. This unique fund is a fitting memorial. The Joan Tatsak Memorial Fund is a non-traditional scholarship fund that offers grants for entrepreneurship, leadership and scholarship.

Scholarship Details

• Available to Adult Students
• Nonrenewable

All ACCF Scholarships are merit based.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Stanley C. and Maxine G. Sutherland Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Stanley Sutherland, Jr., who established the Stanley C. and Maxine G. Sutherland Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Education was important to Maxine Sutherland. She graduated from Muskegon Junior College in 1940, received her nursing degree from the Hackley School of Nursing in 1942, and continued her education over the years until she received a B.S. in Education from Western Michigan University. Nursing was also important to Maxine, and over the years she was employed by Hackley Hospital, Visiting Nurses, and the office of her brother, Dr. Griffith. In her memory, her husband, Stanley Sutherland, Jr., has established the Maxine G. Sutherland Memorial , a donor advised , which will assist Muskegon County residents to pursue careers in nursing and other health related fields as well as support other projects and programs that were equally important to her.

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 Clinical Scientist in Nephrology Fellowship, funded by the American Kidney Fund, supports nephrologists pursuing academic careers. This prestigious program enhances training and promotes clinical research aimed at improving patient care and outcomes for those with chronic kidney disease. With a funding maximum of $90,000 per year for two years, it covers salary and training-related expenses, fostering the next generation of leaders in nephrology.

The Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF) offers Donor Designated Grant Programs aimed at funding innovative projects addressing childhood cancer. These grants support researchers dedicated to finding cures, enhancing treatment, and improving care. With an annual commitment to extraordinary researchers, PCRF ensures funds are directed towards promising advances in prevention and treatment. Since 1982, PCRF has raised over $51 million, significantly impacting survival rates and striving to eliminate childhood cancer through collaborative efforts and cutting-edge research.

$20K for changemakers with transformative ideas & firsthand insight in early childhood

About the Imagine Award

The Imagine Award by the Promise Fund offers $20,000 in flexible funding (see definition in FAQs) and a six-month cohort-based learning experience for community-rooted early childhood leaders with ideas for transformative impact. ​​Award recipients are at the idea stage and will launch a pilot within six months, testing their solutions with real users, gathering feedback, and refining their approach.

Imagine Award recipients will learn strategies for designing and executing lightweight tests for rapid learning while gaining clarity on their idea's direction using impact and business models. They will craft a compelling story about their work to build future partnerships and run a focused pilot with strong feedback loops for gathering data, all while growing alongside a supportive peer community.

What We Provide

Our grant dollars are flexible and meant to be used at award recipients’ discretion for the pursuit of tests or a pilot of a transformative idea. Read the FAQ for more information.

Direct, one-on-one support from our team to help you learn, get tailored help, and make relevant connections.

Multi-day gathering for peer connection, learning, and pilot design.

Access to a bench of mentors to guide you as you transition out of the program and navigate next steps with your pilot.

Light, tailored coaching to support pilot preparation, launch, and implementation.

Ongoing peer community and resources to continue learning and collaboration

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Lewis G. and Margaret R. Curtis Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Lewis and Margaret, who established the Lewis G. and Margaret R. Curtis Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Margaret Curtis wished to establish two scholarships; one for females pursuing careers in nursing or health care careers and the other for a male pursuing a vocational, technical or trade career scholarship. Mrs. Curtis, a nurse in the area, provided for this fund in her will in memory of her husband and herself. She stated that the income be used to award scholarships in two fields, nursing and vocational training.

The Trails Capacity Program, previously known as the Trail Fund Grant, aims to enhance community capacity for trail maintenance, research, and stewardship training across the nation. The program focuses on supporting non-Forest Service Federal lands, as well as state and local areas, fostering inclusivity and improved user behavior. By collaborating with diverse trail partners, it seeks to ensure effective stewardship and sustainable trail management, ultimately promoting public access and enjoyment of America's natural landscapes.

The Lawrence A. Taylor Research Fund in Petrology and Geochemistry offers financial support to two PhD students demonstrating outstanding research in Petrology and/or Geochemistry. Funded by Dong-Hwa Shin (Dawn) Taylor, this grant aims to alleviate some financial burdens associated with their doctoral studies, fostering excellence in these critical fields. Eligible candidates must be AGU student members currently enrolled in relevant doctoral programs and engaged in applicable research.

The W. Storrs Cole Memorial Research Award, offered by the Geological Society of America (GSA), supports innovative research in invertebrate micropaleontology. This prestigious award honors the legacy of Dr. W. Storrs Cole, a pivotal figure in the society's history. Recipients may be previous awardees and must have published significant works in the field. The GSA aims to advance geoscience through such initiatives, fostering scientific discovery and professional growth among earth scientists globally.

Retina Research Foundation

Across the nation, there were only a handful of voluntary groups with the will and the means to tackle retinal disdorders. Retina Research Foundation, established in 1969, was one of those organizations. By the 1980s, RRF had become a voice for retina research in an effort to reduce the incidence of retinal disease, which was fast becoming the leading cause of blindness in developing countries.

Undaunted, the Foundation steadily raised funds each year for vision scientists who were nationally recognized for their work in retina research. Government funding for eye research increased dramatically, and the field of retina research matured. As this body of knowledge grew, RRF programs were expanded to include major awards that recognize established retina scientists and contribute to their ongoing research. The Foundation also developed scientific exchange programs to disseminate knowledge of the dramatic advances that were being made in the laboratory.

RRF Pilot Study Grants

The mission of the Retina Research Foundation is to reduce retinal blindness worldwide by funding programs in research and education. As a public charity, RRF raises funds from the private sector and the investment of its endowment funds.

RRF is currently welcoming pilot study grant applications for the 2027 grant period. Each grant application must be signed by the principal investigator and either their Department Chair or Dean of Research.