Best Financial Assistance Grants in Ohio

The Emerging Voices Fellowship offers a five-month virtual mentorship for early-career writers from underrepresented communities, including Black, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, and disabled individuals. This program aims to enhance their publishing skills through one-on-one mentorship, workshops, and access to industry professionals. Participants also benefit from community-building events and an honorarium. Established by PEN America, this fellowship seeks to diversify the literary landscape and is open to various genres, fostering creative growth and professional development in a supportive environment.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Heather M. Howiler Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund

The Heather M. Howiler Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund is open to current graduating high school seniors in Indian Prairie School District 204. Students must earn a high school GPA of 3.0 and plan to attend a four-year college or university. 

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. The most common scholarship award amount is $1,000 for a single year. Scholarships are designated as non-renewable one-year awards or renewable multi-year awards depending upon the scholarship fund criteria, as established by the donor of the scholarship fund.

The Mount Sinai Hospital School of Nursing offers the Edith G. Ryan and Joan Herman Bilder Scholarship for master's and doctoral nursing students. Established in 2024, it honors distinguished alumni and supports those with a minimum GPA of 3.6. Applicants must have at least two semesters of study remaining and meet specific eligibility criteria, including current RN licensure and national nursing association membership. This scholarship aims to promote nursing leadership and academic excellence.

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. Louise Fitzpatrick Nursing Scholarship Award

M. Louise Fitzpatrick, EdD, RN, FAAN, was a 1970 NEF Doctoral Scholar and a longstanding member of the NEF Board of Directors. She served as the Dean of Villanova College of Nursing from 1978 until 2017. The scholarship award, established in 2015, by Dr. Fitzpatrick’s request, is given to graduate Nursing PhD or Nursing EdD candidates with community home/health focus or Nursing PhD or Nursing EdD candidates specializing in historical research. Upon her death in 2017, the president of Villanova University announced that in honor of Dean Fitzpatrick, the College of Nursing will be named the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing. Dr. Fitzpatrick bequeathed $30,000 to her scholarship fund making it a permanent scholarship named the “M. Louise Fitzpatrick Nursing Scholarship Award”.

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

M. Janice Nelson, EdD, RN, was the founding dean and a professor of the College of Nursing at Upstate Medical University who, throughout her career, was active in many professional nursing organizations, including NEF as a board member and President.

In 2023, a generous bequest was left to NEF to establish this scholarship and honor Dr. Nelson. The M. Janice Nelson Scholarship is dedicated to doctoral study with an emphasis on nursing education and service through leadership in professional nursing organizations.

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.

The NLN Cecelia Lou Vriheas Scholarship Award offers an $8,000 scholarship to first-generation nursing students from historically marginalized groups pursuing advanced degrees. This award aims to support those committed to becoming full-time nurse educators. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in accredited nursing programs and demonstrate academic excellence. The scholarship can be used for tuition, books, and related expenses, fostering diversity in nursing education and leadership.

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.

The Established Advocacy Grant, offered by the AADA, provides crucial financial support to state dermatology societies that have previously received multiple advocacy grant awards. This program aims to enhance health policy initiatives, focusing on specific legislative priorities. Eligible states must align their applications with AADA’s policy priorities and demonstrate their advocacy efforts through a detailed plan. Compliance with IRS regulations and timely reporting is mandatory for continued funding.

Help at Home Community Foundation: Support Fund

The Support Fund provides help to home care employees who experience a personal financial hardship for a variety of reasons.

What are qualifying events?

A qualifying event can be a significant event(s) or radical change of status in a person’s life that creates an immediate, unforeseen, and substantial financial requirement. Some examples include:

Natural Disaster, Medical Emergency, Death of an immediate family member. More information here.

Grant awards depend on the qualifying event and need which could range from $100.00-$500.00. The maximum amount applicants may receive in a calendar year is $500.00, unless otherwise approved by the Board.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

Frederick and Lilly McCarthy Catholic Scholarship Fund 2023

Applicant must be a graduating high school senior from Palm Beach or Martin County pursing a post-secondary education at any Catholic college or university.

The Michigan Botanical Foundation Grant supports research and educational initiatives that enhance the understanding and preservation of Michigan's flora. Grants are available for projects involving rare species, environmental awareness, and educational programs. The foundation welcomes applications from individuals and organizations that align with its goals. Grant amounts typically range from $100 to $1,500, with preference given to projects based in Michigan or the Great Lakes region. Funding decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.

Scholarships

Grand Haven Area Community Foundation scholarships are awarded competitively based on criteria set by donors. These criteria could include financial need, the school the applicant is attending, academic achievement, as well as personal or career goals. The Community Foundation has a rigorous internal selection process for each scholarship decision, and each applicant is reviewed in depth, and considered thoroughly.

Our scholarship program is simple. You are able to apply once for all foundation scholarships you may be eligible for. Once your application is submitted, you will be eligible for all those for which you meet the requirement.

Charles Robertson Scholarship Fund for Education

This scholarship fund is a memorial to the life of Charles Robertson, established by his wife and family. Chuck was the woodshop teacher at Grand Haven Junior High School for 36 years. During his life, Chuck's leadership and organizational qualities were always present and active. He took a broad world view and always found ways to do good things for others. This scholarship supports students who have graduated from a Tri-Cities area public high school. Chuck enjoyed working with his hands, he was a creative problem solver, and he had a curiosity about the world around him.

This scholarship keeps the memory of Chuck alive and hopefully inspires the award recipients to live a life of passion and active involvement.

Scholarships

Grand Haven Area Community Foundation scholarships are awarded competitively based on criteria set by donors. These criteria could include financial need, the school the applicant is attending, academic achievement, as well as personal or career goals. The Community Foundation has a rigorous internal selection process for each scholarship decision, and each applicant is reviewed in depth, and considered thoroughly.

Our scholarship program is simple. You are able to apply once for all foundation scholarships you may be eligible for. Once your application is submitted, you will be eligible for all those for which you meet the requirement.

Florence and Jack Sims Memorial Scholarship

The Florence and Jack Sims Memorial Scholarship Fund was established at the North Georgia Community Foundation in 2014. The Sims were active participants and supporters of their communities and the Baptist Church in White, Hall, and Oglethorpe Counties. Their Christian beliefs led them to follow Christ’s teaching in Matthew 22: v37-40 – to first love God and second to love thy neighbor as thyself. The Fund was established by their three children- Jackie, Michael, and Hal- to honor their faith and memory.

Recipients must attend a high school located in Hall County or White County, GA, or be homeschooled students residing in Hall County or White County, GA, and plan to attend an accredited U.S. college or university. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and should demonstrate active involvement in extracurricular and/or community activities such as volunteering, work, and church activities. In 2026, one scholarship award of $2,000 will be offered.

The Knowles Teaching Fellowship supports emerging high school science and mathematics teachers in the U.S. Ideal candidates possess a strong academic background, leadership skills, and a commitment to teaching. The fellowship emphasizes comprehensive development through mentoring and financial support, including grants for classroom materials and stipends to alleviate financial burdens. By fostering a community of over 500 educators, the program aims to enhance teaching quality and sustainability in the profession over a five-year trajectory.

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.

The Cole Eriksson Parker Eagle Scout Scholarship Fund

The Cole Eriksson Parker Eagle Scout Scholarship Fund was established to provide scholarships to high school graduates or graduating seniors who are Buckeye Council, Scouting of America, Canton, OH, Eagle Scouts.

Amount:

• Varies. Minimum $500.

Renewable:

• Yes

Scholarships and Awards

The National Federation of the Blind offers several scholarships and awards that honor blind individuals as well as teachers, professionals, entrepreneurs, and organizations whose work benefits the blind community.

Blind Educator of the Year Award

Recognize a blind educator who strives to guide, uplift, and advocate for their blind students and the needs of blind people.

The Blind Educator of the Year Award was established by the National Organization of Blind Educators, a division of the National Federation of the Blind, in 1991 to recognize outstanding blind teachers.

Every year, the award pays tribute to a blind teacher whose exceptional classroom performance, notable community service, and uncommon commitment to the NFB merit national recognition. A teacher not only provides information but also guidance, advocacy, and love. The recipient of the Blind Educator of the Year Award must exhibit all of these traits and must advance the cause of blind people in the spirit and philosophy of the NFB.

The Award

The Blind Educator of the Year Award is presented at the NFB National Convention.

The Performing Arts Global Exchange Grant (PAGE) fosters international performing arts in the U.S., promoting cultural understanding through diverse programming. It offers support to nonprofit presenters who engage artists from a curated roster, focusing on underrepresented regions like Morocco and South Africa. Grants require public performances and community interaction, emphasizing outreach to underserved areas. PAGE is supported by Mid Atlantic Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts, aiming to enhance accessibility to global artistic expressions.

The CAPSTONE Centers for Multidisciplinary Research in Child Abuse and Neglect aims to address the critical public health issue of child sexual abuse (CSA). This initiative focuses on overcoming research challenges and enhancing data infrastructure to support innovative studies on CSA interventions and long-term health outcomes. By emphasizing prevention and translational research, the Centers seek to create measurable impacts on public health, thus contributing to the well-being of affected children and communities.

The Wilhelm Family Foundation Grants aim to enhance access to artistic resources by funding diverse nonprofit arts organizations. Prioritizing projects that engage with environmental and climate issues, the foundation seeks to support creative expression and collaboration in underserved communities. Emphasizing equality and sustainability, it fosters artistic practices that empower individuals and promote cultural dialogue. Grants are typically awarded to small organizations, focusing on community engagement and longevity in the arts sector.

The BRAIN Initiative seeks innovative proposals for preclinical proof of concept studies on novel recording and modulation technologies aimed at diagnosing and treating central nervous system (CNS) disorders. This initiative supports diverse, multidisciplinary teams to enhance our understanding of the human CNS and prepare technologies for first-in-human studies. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time, with optional Letters of Intent encouraged 60 days prior to the proposal deadline.

The Learning Disabilities Research Centers program, supported by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, aims to enhance outcomes for children with learning disabilities such as dyslexia and dyscalculia. This initiative promotes collaborative research to improve SLD identification, understanding genetic factors, and testing innovative interventions. By fostering mentorship and collaboration, the program seeks to empower the next generation of researchers and enhance educational strategies for affected youth.

Patrick Michael Kelley Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established by the community in memory of Patrick Kelley, an outstanding student at GHS. Patrick was known for his academic ability, musical talent & service. He was a member of the GHS Band, played in two orchestras, was an Eagle Scout, attended the Governor’s Honors Program & was active in youth group. In 2026, this $3,000 scholarship is available to seniors at Hall County/Gainesville City public high schools planning to attend an accredited U.S. college/university.

Robert Couche Scholarship

The scholarship was established in 1988 by Robert Couche to give scholarships to deserving Black high school graduates living in the Gainesville-Hall County area seeking higher education.

To complete this scholarship, applicants must answer the following essay question: Please describe what you believe are the three most important qualities of a good leader. How have you displayed these qualities in your own life?

In 2026, one scholarship award of $1,500 will be offered.

The NCI Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00) aims to support talented postdoctoral researchers in their transition to independent faculty positions. This program provides essential NCI research funding to help awardees establish competitive, independent research careers. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant's organization, ensuring timely consideration for this critical funding opportunity.