Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Northern Mariana Islands

Mission: To continually improve the Marion Area community through philanthropy, leadership and civic engagement. Harris ScholarshipThe Harris Scholarship Fund was created in 2017 by the LaRue United Methodist Church to honor the generosity of the late Everett and Elvida Harris and to support students active with the church.In addition to being a current and active member of the LaRue Methodist Church, recipients of the Harris Scholarship will be a high school senior, graduate, or candidate for graduation from any high school in Marion County with a GPA of 2.0 or greater.

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.

Mission: To continually improve the Marion Area community through philanthropy, leadership and civic engagement. Kaufman Family Memorial ScholarshipThe Kaufman Family Memorial Scholarship Fund was created in 2019 to honor the adventurous spirit of Martin T. Kaufman II. 

Mission: To continually improve the Marion Area community through philanthropy, leadership and civic engagement. Marion Elks Lodge No. 32 ScholarshipThe Benevolent & Protective Order of the Elks is a fraternal service organization with more than 600 members in Marion. The Marion Lodge, the second in Ohio, was instituted in 1885 and recognizes former U.S. President Warren G. Harding as a member.

The Elks Scholarship at Marion Community Foundation was established in 2004 and grows annually with regular contributions from Lodge members. It makes awards to students from Marion and contiguous counties who are in the upper 40th percentile of their graduating class and maintain a GPA of 2.5 or better. Recipients are determined based on an essay which demonstrates their understanding of the ideals and mission of the Benevolent & Protective Order of the Elks and a commitment to the social values embodied by members of the Elks.

The Bauer Trust Fund Grant supports charitable organizations benefiting blind or handicapped persons. Established by Anthony F. Bauer, it aims to provide lasting support for those in need. To be eligible, organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and primarily operate in Connecticut. The fund does not support general operating costs, endowments, individuals, or political activities. This initiative reflects Mr. Bauer's legacy of generosity and commitment to aiding vulnerable communities.

USA Football’s Flag Equipment Grant supports youth organizations and schools in need of flag belts and footballs for girls flag football programs. Eligible applicants include legally designated non-profits in good standing with USA Football. The grant provides USA Football-branded equipment, with quantities determined by the application responses. Organizations are unable to select items from a catalog, as awards are issued directly from warehouse partners, ensuring accessibility for participants.

The AED Grant, offered by USA Football, supports youth organizations, middle schools, and high school girls flag football programs in acquiring essential Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). This initiative ensures that lifesaving equipment is readily available during emergencies. Recipients receive specific AED models, comprehensive training, and certification to guarantee proper usage. Eligible applicants must be non-profits in good standing with USA Football, promoting safety and preparedness on the field.

The U.S. Embassy in Tokyo is launching a competition to promote study abroad programs for Japanese students seeking graduate education in the United States. This initiative invites proposals from American and Japanese non-profit organizations to create innovative programs aimed at increasing enrollment of Japanese students in U.S. graduate schools across various fields, enhancing cross-cultural exchange and educational opportunities.

The Stanley V. and Mary G. Mahalick Scholarship is a one-year award for deserving students from Mahanoy Area High School or Marian Catholic High School. Funded by the Center for Scholarship Administration, this scholarship supports students with a minimum GPA of 2.5 who demonstrate financial need and good moral character. Recipients may reapply for additional funding up to four years, provided they maintain full-time enrollment in an accredited college or university.

The CSA Grace D. Dreher Memorial Scholarship supports deserving students from Stroudsburg High School. Funded by the Grace D. Dreher Memorial Trust, it offers one-year scholarships for full-time college enrollment at accredited institutions in the U.S. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and have a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Current recipients may reapply, but awards are not guaranteed and depend on the applicant pool each year.

The CSA Elizabeth Soeder Scholarship provides financial support to deserving students from Cape May County, NJ, facilitating their pursuit of higher education. This scholarship is available for one academic year and is open to high school seniors and current college students who demonstrate financial need and academic ability, maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0. Recipients can reapply for funding in subsequent years, with awards not guaranteed, ensuring a competitive selection process.

The Lemelson Foundation Grant supports initiatives in invention education and entrepreneurship, aiming to empower young inventors and foster innovation. With over $300 million provided since its inception, the Foundation focuses on strengthening ecosystems for invention in the U.S. and developing countries. Organizations interested in aligning with their mission are encouraged to take an eligibility quiz and submit inquiries through their contact form. This commitment is crucial for driving impactful solutions to global challenges.

Jack Sherman Scholarship

Applicants must be pursuing a two- or four- year degree or advanced education and/or training in the skilled trades and show evidence of involvement in co or extra-curricular activities or volunteerism related to the applicant’s field of interest. Transcripts and scores are requested, but not necessarily a determining factor. .

Merrily Jane Lloyd Memorial Scholarship

A scholarship awarded to a graduating senior residing in the greater Albion area with plans to attend a two- or four-year institution as a full-time student. Concord, Homer, Marshall, Marshall Opportunity, Marshall Academy, and Springport High Schools may each nominate one student whom demonstrates the characteristics that Merrily embodied: dignity, class, grace, compassion and selflessness. The committee will then select a recipient from this pool of nominees. Financial need and involvement in co- and extra-curricular activities such as, but not limited to, employment and student organizations, may be determining factors. Personal interview with the committee may be requested.

The American Indian Services: Trade Scholarship offers financial support for American Indian and Alaska Native students pursuing trade education. Since its inception over 40 years ago, the program has awarded scholarships to more than 35,000 Native students. Eligible applicants can receive up to $2500, with distinct deadlines for January and September awards. This initiative aims to empower Native students by facilitating access to trade school opportunities.

Brad Keselowskis Checkered Flag Foundation (BKCFF)

Brad Keselowski is a co-owner of Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing, where he drives the #6 Ford Mustang full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series. Off-track, Brad is the sole owner and founder of Keselowski Advanced Manufacturing as well as Brad Keselowskis Checkered Flag Foundation's president and founder. 

In 2009, Brad visited Walter Reed Medical Center, where he became inspired to give back to the men and women that answered the call to serve our country and were injured in the line of duty. Consequently, he founded BKCFF in 2010 with the mission to honor and assist those who serve. Since its founding, BKCFF has raised upright of $3.8 million to serve this mission.  

Brad Keselowskis Checkered Flag Foundation Grant Program

BKCFF was established to support those who are suffering financial, medical, or other hardship resulting from service to the United States or communities within. Funding decisions are made through an equitable and comprehensive application process, with financial support directed to 501(c)(3) public charities that provide services to our target constituents.

The purpose of the grant program is to empower and give hope to our nation’s heroes: military professionals, veterans, first responders, and others who provide courageous service and sacrifice. BKCFF requires all organizations seeking a grant to complete a comprehensive application, which is available on the Foundation’s website or can be requested by contacting the Foundation directly.  

The U.S. Hillman Book Prize, awarded by the Sidney Hillman Foundation, honors exceptional journalism that serves the common good. Open to global journalists, it recognizes books published in English in the U.S. within the last year. Winners receive a $5,000 honorarium and a certificate at an annual ceremony in New York City. The foundation also promotes entries with a U.S. impact while continuing the SEIU Award for Reporting on Racial and Economic Justice.

The Wyeth Foundation for American Art aims to promote the study and appreciation of historic American art through financial support for research, conservation, and innovative exhibitions. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $25,000 and are awarded to non-profit organizations. The foundation emphasizes the importance of scholarship and excellence in American art, while not funding projects focusing solely on art from the last three decades.

The Japan America Society / Japan Society Capacity Building Grant Program supports grassroots initiatives aimed at enhancing mutual understanding between the U.S. and Japan. With grant amounts up to $30,000 for 12 months, eligible organizations can apply for projects in fundraising, strategic planning, public relations, and more. The program prioritizes projects that foster collaboration and demonstrate sustainability, ensuring a lasting positive impact on communities.

The Teaching the Bible Grant, offered by the Presbyterian Mission Agency, supports Presbyterian-related schools, colleges, and universities in enhancing biblical education. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for initiatives such as lecture series, Bible studies, and new curriculum development. This funding not only encourages academic engagement but also fosters community learning experiences, allowing students to explore and reflect on their faith collectively. Applications are accepted quarterly, with deadlines on the first Friday of March, June, and September.

The Grant for U.S.-Japan Community Grassroots Exchange Program aims to foster cultural exchange between the U.S. and Japan by funding grassroots programming initiatives. Eligible projects must include at least ten events within a 12-month period, focusing on various Japan-related topics. The grant, offering up to $30,000, prioritizes innovative outreach and sustainability. Applications are welcome from U.S. universities and nonprofit organizations that promote cultural exchange, ensuring diverse audiences are engaged.

The JFNY Grant for Japanese Studies provides funding of up to $5,000 for U.S.-based institutions with 501(c)(3) status to enhance understanding of Japan through academic projects. Eligible projects include conferences, lectures, and symposia, whether in-person or virtual. The grant covers expenses such as honoraria, travel, accommodation, and research materials. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and submission is required at least three months prior to the project start date.

The Council of Independent Colleges

Founded in 1956, the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) is an association of nonprofit independent colleges and universities, state-based councils, and higher education affiliates that works to support college and university leadership, advance institutional excellence, and enhance public understanding of independent higher education’s contributions to society.

CIC is the major national organization that focuses on providing services to leaders of independent colleges and universities and state-based councils. CIC offers conferences, seminars, publications, and other programs and services that help institutions improve educational quality, administrative and financial performance, student outcomes, and institutional visibility.

NetVUE Grant Programs

NetVUE offers a variety of grants to member institutions, supporting programming for students and professional development for faculty members and staff. Grants support projects ranging from one to four years in length. Grant programs are tailored to differing circumstances among member institutions, including their particular areas of interest, their bandwidth and capacity for administering projects, and the depth of their previous engagement with vocational exploration and discernment. NetVUE grants are administered by the Council of Independent Colleges, with generous support from Lilly Endowment Inc.

NetVUE Professional Development Awards

Colleges and universities that are members of NetVUE are committed to campus activities that encourage vocational exploration by students. Many NetVUE campus leaders have observed, however, that supplemental funding at even modest levels to support opportunities for the professional development of staff and faculty members would enable their institutions to strengthen vocational exploration programming. In an era of careful institutional budgeting, institutional operating funds are not always available for such professional development opportunities. NetVUE Professional Development Awards seek to address this need.

NetVUE Professional Development Awards may be requested for use over one year for professional development activities that enhance the knowledge, skills, and expertise of faculty and staff members who play important roles in undergraduate vocational initiatives. The purpose of this grant is to develop campus conversations about vocation and to deepen the capacity of those who lead vocational exploration efforts at NetVUE member institutions. A special initiative within this grant, focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion, allows for proposals of up to $25,000.

Funds may be used for a range of purposes, but not to substitute for faculty and staff costs that the institution is presently providing for its vocational exploration activities. Grant funds could, for example, support reading groups, faculty/staff retreats, or bringing speakers to campus; funds may be used to provide materials, pay expenses for travel and/or meals, and offer modest stipends.

The Russell Sage Foundation is launching the Causal Research on the Criminal Justice System Grant to support early-career scholars in conducting causal research related to the criminal justice system, including police, courts, and probation. This initiative aims to build a pipeline of researchers and enhance collaboration through a capstone conference. Eligible applicants must be tenure-track assistant professors in the U.S. The next deadline is expected in April 2026, with a budget limit of $100,000 for one-year projects.

The Carnegie Young Leaders for Civic Preparedness Fellowship Program invites young individuals aged 14-24 to engage in community projects, bridging divides and tackling pressing issues nationwide. In 2025, 500 changemakers will form 100 teams, enhancing their civic skills through collaboration and discussions. Participants will receive stipends and reimbursement funding, while committing to regular meetings and project work. This initiative aims to empower diverse youth populations, providing equitable access to civic education and leadership opportunities as America approaches its 250th anniversary.

The Professional & Technical Training Scholarships-Mission San Rafael Scholarship, offered by 10,000 Degrees, aims to support Marin County students with financial need pursuing vocational programs that lead to a license or certificate. Eligible applicants include Marin residents or San Rafael Unified School District graduates, attending accredited training institutions. This initiative provides not only financial aid but also essential resources to ensure students' success in their educational journeys.

The Teaching Credential Scholarship, administered by 10,000 Degrees, offers two opportunities for aspiring educators. The Marin Retired Teachers Association Scholarship supports Marin County high school graduates pursuing fifth-year teaching credentials or master's degrees in education. Meanwhile, the Building Better Teachers Scholarship aids early care and education teachers in advancing their studies towards a bachelor's or master's degree. Both scholarships encourage applicants to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and are aimed at fostering the next generation of educators.

The Spring Scholarships, offered by Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation (MVCF), provide vital tuition support for students pursuing higher education, including college and professional development programs. MVCF fosters community collaboration to enrich the cultural landscape and ensure the sustainability of the Island. Since 1982, their commitment has been to honor the past, support the present, and invest in the future of Martha’s Vineyard's diverse community.