Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Northern Mariana Islands

Community Foundation for Muskegon County

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

The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.

Scholarships

Our scholarship funds seek to empower and encourage Muskegon County residents to pursue their dreams, hone in their gifts, and give back to our community.

If you’re a high school or homeschooled senior, current college student, early college senior, or adult learner, the Community Foundation for Muskegon County may have a scholarship for you. We manage one of the largest scholarship programs in our area, with over $1 million committed to students in over 500 new and renewed scholarships awarded each year.

Darrell H. and Rosaline M. Smith Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Rosaline M. Smith, who established the Darrell H. and Rosaline M. Smith Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Rosaline a former Treasurer for the City of Muskegon, and Darrell Smith, a longtime employee of the Muskegon Post Office, who cared deeply for each other and shared more than 50 years of marriage. Music was something they loved and had very much in common. The Darrell H. and Rosaline M. Smith scholarship was created to honor Darrell, who is no longer with us, and to provide a helping hand to graduating seniors of any Muskegon County high school who have demonstrated academic achievement and will pursue a music degree.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. Scholarship award amounts range from $1,000 - $5,000 for a single year.

Austen Marie Path to Music Memorial Scholarship

The Austen Marie Path to Music Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of Austen Marie Lynch to help support fellow musicians pursue a career in music, extending to others the opportunity to fulfill her own dream of becoming a career artist. Austen was a hardworking, tenacious, and talented musician. Her dream was to attend college and become a career musician. She was a singer, a songwriter, a guitarist, a poet, an artist, and a lover of ALL music. At 17 years old, Austen passed from a rare and terminal cancer in the comfort of her own bed surrounded by her loved ones, her guitars, and her record collection. 

This scholarship will be awarded to fellow musicians to attend school and fulfill their dream of becoming a career artist. There will be no GPA or academic requirement, but the applicant must show their dedication to music and ability to overcome life's challenges. Eligible applicants will be graduating seniors from a Nevada high school who plan to attend an institute of higher education to pursue a major or minor in music. This is a one-time award of up to $5,000 and has the potential to be renewed for additional years with reapplication.

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

Sturtevant and Kidwell Girl Scout Gold Award Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Michigan Pine and Dunes Girl Scout Council Board of Directors, who established the Girl Scouts Gold Award Scholarship Fund of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. In 1993, a young Girl Scout came to the Foundation to inquire about establishing a scholarship fund to benefit girls in Muskegon, Oceana, Lake and Newaygo counties who have been active in Girl Scouting. It was her intent that the Girl Scouts would raise money over five years for this fund, and the Girl Scout Board of Directors agreed to match the monies raised by the senior Girl Scouts involved in fundraising projects. Their fund became a reality in late 1996, and we look forward to working with them to present scholarships to senior Girl Scouts who will be continuing their education.

South Dakota Community Foundation

As a statewide community foundation, we work with donors, nonprofits and community leaders to strengthen philanthropy in South Dakota every day.

Scholarships

At South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF), we proudly manage more than 350 scholarship funds in partnership with generous donors who are committed to supporting students. These scholarships offer countless opportunities to help ease the financial burden of continuing their education.

Major General Duane L. 'Duke' Corning Scholarship

To provide financial support to scholarships established by the National Guard Association of South Dakota and the South Dakota National Guard Enlisted Association.

The funding for this scholarship endowment is made possible by donations from the South Dakota National Guard Officer and Enlisted Associations, honoring the memory of Major General Duane L. “Duke” Corning. It reflects his love and dedication to these associations, as well as his loyalty, dedication, and service to his state, nation, and fellow individuals.

The Pauline Miguel Scholarship, established by the daughters of Pauline Miguel, honors her dedication to the educational success of Tohono O’Odham Nation members. This scholarship awards a $1,000 grant annually to a graduating senior from specific high schools in Southern Arizona, provided they maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher. This initiative reflects the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona's commitment to fostering future leaders in the community through educational support.

Epps Scholarship

The Epps Scholarship Fund was established at the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation by attorneys Willie and Mischa Epps to support the aspirations of college-bound high school seniors with an expressed interest in pursuing a legal education. This fund honors Dr. Willie James Epps, Sr. and Dr. Barbara Bacon Epps, both born and raised in rural, poor and segregated Mississippi, but excelled in school and became a part of the first generation in their respective families to attend college. Both went on to earn Ph.D.’s in the field of education and to teach at various schools, colleges and universities across the country. They instilled in their two children that faith and education are the keys to success. Their children became licensed attorneys who regularly attend church. Willie and his wife Mischa chose a non-traditional path to promote the scholarship opportunity by working in partnership with churches that disseminate the application and deadline information throughout their congregations.

The Epps Scholarship Fund awards scholarships to college-bound high school seniors based on demonstrated academic achievement, financial need, and an express interest in pursuing a legal education.

Scholarships will be awarded on an annual basis and disbursed in equal payments in August and January. Each scholarship awarded will be a minimum of $2,000 annually to be paid in two equal installments.

This scholarship is not renewable.

Innovia Foundation

Each year, Innovia awards over $500,000 in scholarships to deserving students like you who are college-bound or pursuing vocational or technical training. Single scholarship awards range between $500 and $10,000.

Rika Ream Environmental Scholarship

Applicants must be residents of Spokane County who are accepted or enrolled as a full-time college student to pursue a degree in environmental sciences, environmental studies, ecology, recreational management, or land management. Previous recipients are eligible to re-apply. 

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

M. Janice Nelson Scholarship

A generous bequest from M. Janice Nelson, EdD, RN, was left to NEF and this scholarship was created to honor her in 2023. Throughout her career as an educator, administrator, founding dean, and professor, Dr. Nelson was active in many professional nursing organizations, including NEF, as President, Board Member, and Emeritus. This scholarship is dedicated to doctoral study with emphasis on nursing education and professional service through leadership in professional nursing organizations.

A. M. and May Abel Memorial Scholarship

Anthony M. Abel, brother of W. H. Abel of Montesano, was born in Sussex, England and raised in Salina, Kansas.

He earned his law degree from the University of Kansas, and established a successful law practice in 1903. There he married May Rosmond. Abel went on to become one of western Washington’s most highly regarded lawyers.

The A. M. and May Abel Memorial Scholarship is open to all applicants who satisfy the general eligibility requirements of the Scholarship Program.

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

Miriam M. Powell Scholarship

Seeking to discover a meaningful career led Miriam Powell to enroll in the Cornell University-New York Hospital School of Nursing. In 2004, after a gratifying career in nursing, Ms. Powell decided to support a scholarship for one nurse each year with an annual gift to NEF. These scholarships were referred to as the Miriam M. Powell Fellowship. In 2015, the Fellowship Fund was made a permanent scholarship. Ms Powell’s scholarship is dedicated to clinical nursing leadership and scholarship.

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

M. Elizabeth Carnegie African American Scholarship

In the past, Dr. Carnegie contributed to this fund each year with other donors to award an annual scholarship. Former recipients often give to this fund. On her death (2008), Dr. Carnegie left $125,172.06 to NEF to be used explicitly for "black nurses enrolled in doctoral programs in memory of Dr. M. Elizabeth Carnegie." Dr. Carnegie was an educator and author in the field of nursing, known for breaking down racial barriers. She was the first black nurse to serve as a voting member on the board of a state nursing association. She was later president of the American Academy of Nursing and edited the Journal of Nursing Research.

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

Maxine E. Elkan Scholarship

The Maxine E. Elkan Scholarship was created in 2025 by Diane Mancino, EdD, RN, CAE, FAAN. This permanent scholarship is awarded to a PhD or EdD student. Maxine Elizabeth Elkan, graduate of the third class of the Montefiore Hospital School of Nursing in 1928, served as a psychiatric nurse, American Red Cross Nurse, public health and industrial nurse. Late in her career, Maxine worked as a private duty nurse at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital's Harkness Pavillion. She was also a professional photographer, designer of women’s clothes, and mastered the recorder. Preference will be given to a student pursuing a career as a nurse educator.

National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky

The National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky is a chartered affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB). The National Federation of the Blind (national office and all state affiliates) are tax-exempt non profit agencies and are classified as 501c(3) organizations. The NFB is a Better Business Bureau (BBB) Accredited Charity as well as a Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) Approved Charity.

National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky (NFBK) Scholarship

NFB of Kentucky scholarships may be awarded in amounts that range from $500 to $2,000 to deserving candidates. These scholarships may be awarded to either full time or part time students who meet the criteria set forth.

National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky

The National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky is a chartered affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB). The National Federation of the Blind (national office and all state affiliates) are tax-exempt non profit agencies and are classified as 501c(3) organizations. The NFB is a Better Business Bureau (BBB) Accredited Charity as well as a Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) Approved Charity.

Greater Louisville Scholarship

Mittie Lake Scholarship

The National Federation of the Blind of Greater Louisville scholarship has named the Mittie Lake Memorial Scholarship in honor of Ms. Mittie Lake, a charter member of the National Federation of the Blind of Greater Louisville who understood and championed the value of higher education. Our minimum award for the Mittie Lake Scholarship is $500 for one winner.

About the Scholarship

The Mittie Lake Memorial Scholarship is named in honor of Mittie Lake who was a long-time Federationist and charter member of the National Federation of the Blind of Greater Louisville. Mittie was a student at the KY School for the Blind. During her middle years, Mittie lost all of her sight.

Mittie had an enthusiasm for life and all of its many offerings. The fact that Mittie became totally blind did nothing to stop her from living the life she wanted. Mittie was married and raised a family and she worked tirelessly in her church nursery for more than thirty years, providing nurturing care for hundreds of babies and young children. Mittie sang with numerous choirs, quartets and ensembles. She was a strong advocate for Braille and its use in all aspects of daily life. Mittie chose to use a guide dog and treated her guides not only as the tools she needed to live her life independently, but as valued friends and companions who were never without love, affection, and a treat or two.

In honor of her life experiences, preference will be given to students who are guide dog users and who utilize Braille as part of their daily lives.

Dr. George H. Hitchings Memorial Scholarship

Born in Hoquiam in 1905, George H. Hitchings grew up in a family of shipbuilders. Hitchings’ father, George, Sr., worked at and eventually managed the Hoquiam shipyard that his father-in-law, Peter Matthews, established in 1897. 

From the late 1960s until his death in 1998, Dr. Hitchings became increasingly involved with philanthropy. He served as President of the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, a nonprofit foundation which supports biomedical research, and he led several charities in the Research Triangle Park area of North Carolina, where Burroughs Wellcome had relocated in 1968. In 1983, Dr. Hitchings founded the Greater Triangle Community Foundation, which serves the Triangle area.

While preference will be given to applicants interested in studying science or medicine, the George H. Hitchings Memorial Scholarship is open to all applicants who satisfy the general eligibility requirements of the Scholarship Program.

National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii

The ultimate purpose of the NFB of Hawai`i is the complete integration of the blind into society on a basis of equality. This objective involves the removal of legal, economic and social discriminations; the education of the public to new concepts concerning blindness; and the achievement by all blind people of the right to exercise to the fullest their individual talents and capacities. It means the right of the blind to work along with their sighted neighbors in the professions, common callings, skilled trades, and regular occupations.

The National Federation of the Blind defends the rights of blind people of all ages and provides information and support to families with blind children, older Americans who are losing vision, and more. We believe in the hopes and dreams of blind people and work together to transform them into reality. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.

We are the transformative membership and advocacy organization of blind people. Securing Independence. Protecting Rights. Enhancing Education. We Are Blind People.

National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii Scholarship

Each year, the National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii awards up to three scholarships to residents of Hawaii during the annual State Convention. The scholarship is for any blind or visually impaired individual attending or planning to attend a post-secondary institution. This may include undergraduate or graduate college, business, or trade school. Scholarship winners may be attending our annual State Convention, as well as monthly chapter meetings. 

Dr. John D. “Jack” Ehrhart Memorial Scholarship

Dr. John D. Ehrhart was a standout athlete in tennis, football, and basketball who graduated from Hoquiam High School in 1935 and went on to study at Stanford University and earn his M.D. degree from Stanford Medical School.

In high school, Jack won the Pacific Northwest Junior Tennis Championship, and in later years he was instrumental in helping young people learn to play tennis. He remained an avid sports fan all his life. He practiced medicine in Aberdeen for nearly 30 years before his life was cut tragically short in 1974 when the plane he was piloting through dense fog crashed in the hills of East Aberdeen.

The Dr. John D. “Jack” Ehrhart Memorial Scholarship is open to all applicants who satisfy the general eligibility requirements of the Scholarship Program

Each year, Innovia awards over $400,000 in scholarships to deserving students like you who are college-bound or pursuing vocational or technical training. Single scholarship awards range between $500 and $4,000.

Lucille I. Hudon Scholarship

Financial need, academic merit, and extra-curricular and community involvement and work experience are taken into consideration.

All scholarship grant funds must be used for tuition, books, fees and school-related expenses for the upcoming school year only. Any other use is contrary to the intended purpose of the scholarship and would make your scholarship award taxable and could lead to a revocation of funds.

National Federation of the Blind

Founded in 1940, the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) is the largest and most influential membership organization of blind persons in the United States. With fifty thousand members, the NFB has affiliates in all fifty states plus Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico, and over seven hundred local chapters. As a consumer and advocacy organization, the NFB is considered the leading force in the blindness field today.

The goals of the NFB are to ensure opportunity, security and equality for all blind citizens. The purpose of the National Federation of the Blind is two-fold—to help blind persons achieve self-confidence and self-respect and to act as a vehicle for collective self-expression by the blind.

Members of the NFB strive to educate the public that the blind are normal individuals who can compete on terms of equality with our sighted peers.

The NFB has created a wide array of services to blind and visually impaired persons of all ages. We provide public education about blindness, information and referral services, scholarships, literature and publications about blindness, aids and appliances and other adaptive equipment for the blind.

National Federation of the Blind of Idaho (NFBI) Scholarship

The National Federation of the Blind of Idaho (NFBI), awards merit-based scholarships to blind/visually impaired, functionally blind, high school seniors or college students annually. 

There will be three (3) merit-based scholarships in the amount of $3,000 awarded at the state convention of the NFBI in Boise Idaho. Scholarship finalists will have their expenses paid and are required to attend the convention.

Please note, individuals are limited to receiving an NFBI scholarship a maximum of two (2), times.

Each year, Innovia awards over $400,000 in scholarships to deserving students like you who are college-bound or pursuing vocational or technical training. Single scholarship awards range between $500 and $4,000.

Lillian M. Bailey Scholarship

Applicants must be graduating seniors of the Selkirk School District who have demonstrated good citizenship, appreciation of American heritage and the American way of life, have displayed upstanding moral character, strong academic progress and responsibility toward others.

Each year, Innovia awards over $400,000 in scholarships to deserving students like you who are college-bound or pursuing vocational or technical training. Single scholarship awards range between $500 and $4,000.

John Granville Marshall Memorial Scholarship

Applicants must upload a portfolio of design work from the Mead Design Studio OR an essay of 500- words or less describing their journey pursuing a passion or curiosity.

National Federation of the Blind of Maryland

With more than 50,000 members, the National Federation of the Blind is the largest and most influential membership organization of blind people in the United States. The NFB improves blind people’s lives through advocacy, education, research, technology, and programs encouraging independence and self-confidence. It is the leading force in the blindness field today and the voice of the nation’s blind.

The NFB has affiliates in all fifty states plus Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico, and over seven hundred local chapters.

Indiana State Affiliate Scholarship

When the application for the national scholarship is submitted, the applicant is automatically eligible for the state level scholarship. The application that is used for the national scholarship is the same one that is used for the state scholarship; however it is mailed to our scholarship committee chair person.

The state level Scholarship is awarded to 1 student for 1,000, Or 2 students for 500 each.

The Novak Family Scholarship

Walter M. Novak was born on April 19, 1921, the second son of Michael and Apolonia, Polish immigrants who had arrived in America just after the turn of the century. They were determined that their two sons receive a college education and through years of hard work in Hoquiam mills, survival through the Great Depression, and with help from their large vegetable garden, fishing, and clamming they were able to send both sons to the University of Washington where they each received Mechanical Engineering degrees.

Walter has inspired many people throughout his life with his dedicated work ethic, intelligence, honesty, concern and care for his employees and friends and his love for his family. He is the true product of the “American Dream” and these scholarships given in his name are meant to help others achieve their goals.

National Federation of the Blind of Louisiana

The National Federation of the Blind of Louisiana provides a network of support and encouragement and promotes an understanding of the real problems of blindness... the attitudes and misconceptions which we and the general public have about blindness. We believe that with training and opportunity (and these are important) the average blind or visually impaired person can lead a perfectly normal life--not just dream about it.

National Federation of the Blind of Louisiana Scholarships

Each year at its State Convention, the National Federation of the Blind of Louisiana (NFBL) awards merit-based scholarships to recognize the achievement of blind scholars. 

Previous winners of NFBL scholarships and others who have applied in the past are encouraged to reapply. 

Each year, Innovia awards over $400,000 in scholarships to deserving students like you who are college-bound or pursuing vocational or technical training. Single scholarship awards range between $500 and $4,000.

Gary L. Carrow Memorial Scholarship

Applicants must be graduating seniors from Central Valley School District who have participated in the instrumental music program. Applicants must have maintained a 3.0 GPA or higher, and plan to enroll in a post-high school program at full-time status.

Previous recipients of this award are eligible to reapply. 

National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania

The National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania is a state affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind.

The National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania is a 501c(3) nonprofit volunteer membership organization comprised of blind and interested sighted persons of all ages, their families and friends. Our committed local chapters & divisions, committees, programs, and well-trained leaders help newly blind people adjust to vision loss, and promote the full participation and integration of blind people in our communities. We bring our collective experiences together to effect change at the state and national level.

National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania Scholarship

For college-bound blind or low vision students.

William and Bess Osheroff Memorial Scholarship

William Osheroff was born in Omaha and grew up in Erickson, Nebraska. He earned his Bachelor of Science and his Masters and Doctor of Medicine degrees from the University of Nebraska.

A member of the Grays Harbor Medical Association and the American Medical Association, Dr. Osheroff became known on the Harbor as an excellent physician who cared deeply about the community. A general practitioner, he trained to work as a cardiologist and introduced cardiac care services to the Harbor after recognizing that such services were badly needed in the community. Before the technology became commercially available, Dr. Osheroff developed a device for sending EKG tracings over the phone, allowing him to keep better track of his patients’ heart conditions. In 1972, he became a member of the American College of Cardiology.

Like her husband, Bess Osheroff cared deeply about the communities of Grays Harbor and worked to improve the quality of life and health of her neighbors. Born in Jessup, Pennsylvania and raised in Emporia, Virginia, Bess Osheroff became a Registered Nurse through New York City’s Cumberland Hospital School of Nursing.

Together, Bess and her husband helped organize the first Red Cross Blood Drive on Grays Harbor. Bess continued to organize blood drives for twenty years. William and Bess had a daughter and four sons, one of whom died in 1977. Bess died in November 1996, a month after seeing her son Doug, a Stanford physics professor, win the Nobel Prize in Physics.

While preference will be given to applicants interested in studying science or medicine, the William and Bess Osheroff Memorial Scholarship is open to all applicants who satisfy the general eligibility requirements of the Scholarship Program.