Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in Northern Mariana Islands

Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation

Vision: We envision a vibrant, prosperous northern Chautauqua community, rich in opportunity today and tomorrow.

Our Mission

To realize our vision we focus on:

• strategic and responsive grant making
• encouraging local philanthropy and building permanent endowments for the future
• actively serving as a community leader and partner for the benefit and enrichment in our community.

Scholarships

Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation proudly manages over 200 individual scholarship funds,

David J Lewandowski Memorial Award

The David J Lewandowski Memorial Award is presented to a graduating senior from Dunkirk, Forestville, or Fredonia who is entering a career in the trades, agriculture, conservation, forestry, or emergency services.

The TFish Fund Grant aims to alleviate poverty in East Asia by empowering small but impactful NGOs to achieve sustainability and transparency. Founded in 2011, the Transparent Fish Fund partners with select organizations that focus on poverty alleviation. By providing financial aid, capacity building, and promoting accountability, the fund bridges the gap between Western donors and local NGOs, fostering a philanthropic spirit while addressing the complex social issues faced in the region.

The Connie Celeste Sherman Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by family, supports students from Hampden County. Managed by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, the fund assists those enrolling in accredited U.S. post-secondary schools. Eligible applicants include undergraduates and graduates, with awards up to $3,000. Students should verify the potential impact on financial aid and can use scholarships for tuition, fees, and other educational expenses, while considering tax implications.

The Facility and Instrumentation Request Process (FIRP) enables the research community to propose projects requiring access to specialized instrumentation and facilities funded by the Facilities for Atmospheric Research and Education (FARE) Program. This solicitation offers three submission tracks: Education and Outreach, Single Facility Request, and Field Campaigns. Proposals are accepted anytime, with preference given to those submitted to programs within the Division of Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences (AGS) of the National Science Foundation.

The Dan Trant Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, supports Westfield residents who are student athletes. This fund is part of a broader initiative, offering over 160 scholarships to assist students pursuing diverse fields of study. Eligible applicants include undergraduate and graduate students attending accredited institutions. Awards can reach up to $3,000, with students advised to consult financial aid offices regarding any potential impacts on their aid packages.

The Middle School Music Grant, offered by the Peter R Marsh Foundation, aims to enrich the musical education of public middle school music teachers across the U.S. By facilitating performances at senior facilities, the grant fosters emotional connections between students and seniors, while providing essential classroom equipment. Funds cover music supplies, instruments, and transportation, ensuring students have the resources to thrive musically and socially. This initiative not only enhances music education but also promotes community engagement and empathy.

Greater Salina Community Foundation

Our mission is to build permanent endowment funds and meet charitable community needs. The Foundation achieves its mission by:

• Enabling donors to fulfill their charitable desires
• Increasing the capacity of nonprofit organizations to fulfill their individual missions
• Facilitating prudent management and care of funds
• Promoting community philanthropy through education
• Providing affiliate services to neighboring communities
• Meeting needs through grants, scholarships, and pass-through funds

Scholarship Program

The community foundation offers a wide variety of scholarships for students, provided by the generosity of local donors. Whether you are a high school senior, a current college student, or a non-traditional student we work with donors to help you take the next step in your education.

Donald A. Smischny Educator Scholarship

For Kansas high school seniors, students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs, or current professionals pursuing a teaching career at USD 327 in Ellsworth, Kansas.

Renewals

Scholarship recipients are eligible for renewal for up to three years providing the recipient satisfies one of the following criteria:

• Enrolled full-time at an accredited post-secondary institution and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale); OR
• Remain in good professional standing as determined by existing yearly evaluation procedures completed by USD 327.

Greater Salina Community Foundation

Our mission is to build permanent endowment funds and meet charitable community needs. The Foundation achieves its mission by:

• Enabling donors to fulfill their charitable desires
• Increasing the capacity of nonprofit organizations to fulfill their individual missions
• Facilitating prudent management and care of funds
• Promoting community philanthropy through education
• Providing affiliate services to neighboring communities
• Meeting needs through grants, scholarships, and pass-through funds

Scholarship Program

The community foundation offers a wide variety of scholarships for students, provided by the generosity of local donors. Whether you are a high school senior, a current college student, or a non-traditional student we work with donors to help you take the next step in your education.

Coyne Family Scholarship

For first-generation college student whose parents immigrated to the US.

Renewals

• Students are eligible to reapply as part of the total applicant pool. 

The Coors Light Líderes Grant Program honors exceptional Latino leaders across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, awarding five individuals with a $10,000 grant each for their nonprofit organizations. This initiative, active for 17 years, aims to empower emerging leaders who demonstrate significant community impact through innovative programs. Eligible nominees must be between 21-39 years old, associated with a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and committed to fostering positive change in their communities.

The purpose of America’s Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI) is to improve access to healthy food in underserved areas, to support food supply chain resiliency, to create and preserve quality jobs, and torevitalize low-income communities by providing financial and technical assistance, either directly orthrough other partners and intermediaries, to eligible fresh, healthy food retailers and enterprises toovercome the higher costs and initial barriers to entry in underserved areas. HFFI offers fundingopportunities and technical assistance to eligible applicants.

The Make a SPLASH! Grant Contest invites municipal entities and non-profits in the U.S. to apply for the Inclusive Design Award. This award recognizes splash pads that prioritize inclusivity and accessibility. Winners will receive a customized Life Floor safety surface, valued at $50-65k, promoting community engagement and safety. With two opportunities to win, this initiative aims to enhance splash pad designs, ensuring they cater to all individuals. Join us in making splash pads safer and more accessible for everyone!

The Lucius H. Tarbell and Dorothy J. Tarbell Scholarship Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, provides financial support for students attending Western New England University. Eligible students can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships, which may offset tuition, fees, and other educational costs. The program is open to undergraduate and graduate students from various backgrounds, particularly those from Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden, Berkshire Counties, and Hartford County in Connecticut.

The A. Allen Graffham Paleontology Research Grant, administered by the Association of Applied Paleontological Sciences, provides $1000 annually to support researchers publishing on specimens collected by AAPS members. Established in honor of A. Allen Graffham, a pioneering figure in paleontology, this grant fosters collaboration and acknowledges contributions to the field. Eligible applicants must be affiliated with AAPS members and prioritize proper acknowledgment of fossil sources in their research.

The J. Thomas Dutro Jr. Student Award, presented by the Paleontological Research Institution, recognizes the significance of systematic research in paleontology. This $500 award is open to graduate students (Masters or Ph.D.) engaged in systematic paleontology research. Eligible expenses include research supplies, bench fees, and travel for fieldwork or conferences, supporting the academic growth of promising paleontologists.

The Dermatology Foundation offers a Research Grant of $25,000 annually to support innovative projects in dermatology and cutaneous biology. This funding is aimed at junior investigators in the early stages of their academic careers who demonstrate a strong commitment to skin research. Eligible applicants must conduct research within ACGME-approved departments in the U.S. and must not have received funding from other sources for the same project.

The Cognitive Neuroscience (CogNeuro) Program by the National Science Foundation aims to fund proposals that deepen our understanding of the neural mechanisms of cognition and behavior. Successful applications will connect physiology, cognition, and behavior while also promoting outreach and mentoring within the field. Research topics include action, perception, memory, and decision-making. The program encourages broader impacts such as STEM outreach and public engagement in research, with a focus on diverse communities.

Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation

Vision: We envision a vibrant, prosperous northern Chautauqua community, rich in opportunity today and tomorrow.

Our Mission

To realize our vision we focus on:

• strategic and responsive grant making
• encouraging local philanthropy and building permanent endowments for the future
• actively serving as a community leader and partner for the benefit and enrichment in our community.

Scholarships

Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation proudly manages over 200 individual scholarship funds,

Dunkirk Area Labor Council Scholarship

The Dunkirk Area Labor Council Scholarship supports graduating students who are furthering their education in the trades or manufacturing technology.

The Margrit H. Sutton-Annen Student Loan Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, provides up to $3,000 for full-time students attending two- or four-year colleges, with a preference for those of Swiss descent. Students complete a single online application to be matched with various scholarships. Eligibility includes students planning to enroll in accredited post-secondary institutions in the U.S., primarily from Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties.

The Whitehall Foundation offers research grants to support innovative and scientifically meritorious projects in neurobiology, focusing on sensory and motor functions in both invertebrates and vertebrates. Grants are aimed at independent investigators at accredited institutions in the U.S., with a maximum duration of three years, and a competitive renewal option available. Emphasis is placed on aiding early-career scientists and those transitioning into new research areas, fostering a diverse scientific community.

The AGA Research Scholar Award offers $100,000 per year for three years to early-career faculty in digestive disease research. Applicants must hold an MD or PhD and be in a full-time faculty position in North America. The award fosters scientific independence by requiring a minimum of 50% research effort. AGA membership is mandatory, and applicants are encouraged to self-assign their proposals to specific research categories. This award aims to support promising junior researchers in their pursuit of independent research careers.

The New Century Scholars Research Grant, offered by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation, provides up to four grants of $25,000 each to support innovative research in communication sciences and disorders. This funding opportunity encourages both experienced and new investigators to explore novel ideas and methodologies, including artificial intelligence applications. Researchers must demonstrate potential for independent research, with a focus on significant contributions to the field. Applications are due after completing an Intent to Submit Form by March 5.

The PCORI Engagement Award: Convening Support Grant invites Letters of Intent for projects that facilitate multi-party convenings, fostering collaboration among patients, families, caregivers, and the healthcare community. With a funding limit of $125,000 for projects lasting up to one year, applicants can choose to focus on Patient-Centered CER discussions or dissemination of PCORI findings. This initiative aligns with PCORI’s mission to enhance patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research.

The PCORI Engagement Award: Capacity Building aims to enhance the capacity of patients and stakeholders in patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER). Projects can last up to two years with funding up to $300,000. Successful proposals will demonstrate understanding of CER, community engagement, and commitment from stakeholders. The initiative encourages the use of existing tools and resources to foster patient involvement in research processes, aligning with national health priorities and addressing pressing healthcare issues.

The Engagement Award: Dissemination Initiative, part of the Eugene Washington PCORI program, focuses on promoting active involvement of patients, families, and caregivers in health research. It supports organizations in effectively communicating PCORI-funded research findings to their audiences, enhancing understanding and application in healthcare decisions. Projects must demonstrate stakeholder engagement and a solid evaluation plan. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between research and community application, ensuring impactful dissemination of critical health information.

The CAA Professional Development Fellowship in Art History provides crucial support for recent PhD graduates and scholars from multicultural and underrepresented backgrounds in the field of art history. This fellowship awards $10,000 to assist with job-search expenses, image licensing, and publishing costs. Additionally, each recipient gains a one-year CAA membership and free registration for the upcoming Annual Conference, encouraging diverse voices in the art community to flourish.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:

• Encouraging philanthropy
• Developing a perpetual, flexible endowment
• Assessing and responding to emerging and changing needs
• Serving as a resource, catalyst, and coordinator for charitable activities
• Promoting efficiency in the management of charitable funds

The Scholarship Program

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 may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. 
• Most scholarships are for students who live in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties. However, some are also available to students who live in Berkshire County and Hartford County in Connecticut.
• We offer scholarships to those who attend on either a full-time or part-time basis. 
• Any student who plans to enroll for the upcoming fall semester, in any year of college as an undergraduate or graduate student and who will attend an accredited post-secondary school in the United States may apply.
• 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.

Rintoul Family Fund

To support students from Hampden or Hampshire County attending a two- or four-year college, studying agriculture or other related majors.

The NewSchools: Teaching Reimagined Grant offers a unique funding opportunity of $150,000 to $250,000 for innovative ideas aimed at reimagining the role of educators and enhancing student outcomes. With a focus on leveraging generative AI, the grant supports early-stage organizations and initiatives that prioritize diverse teaching strategies and community involvement. The application deadline is January 8, 2026, with a priority deadline of December 1, 2025, for updates on eligibility.