Best Grants for 501(c)(3) in Ohio

Scranton Area Community Foundation

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

Scholarships

We are honored to be the stewards of over 90 scholarship funds established by philanthropically-minded individuals in our community. Generous donors entrust us to connect them to dynamic students to provide financial resources for their education through scholarships. Our donors establish scholarship funds with criteria they wish to be met by applicants. Our scholarship committee considers the criteria, evaluates the submitted applications, and chooses the best candidates for each scholarship.

Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation Nursing Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to individuals seeking financial support to obtain a certification or degree in the nursing field, including a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), or a Registered Nurse (RN), Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN), or nurse educator.

New Innovator in Food & Agriculture Research Award

The New Innovator in Food & Agriculture Research Award provides early-career scientists the investment needed to propel them into successful research careers.

The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) seeks nominations for its 2026 New Innovator in Food and Agriculture Research Award. Through this program, FFAR intends to provide early-career scientists with the investment needed to propel them into successful research careers. The New Innovator Award program supports and promotes exceptionally talented new faculty who are conducting critical and highly innovative research addressing significant food and agriculture challenges. These awards allow grantees to focus exclusively on research without the pressure of securing additional funding.

The New Innovator Award is a flagship program of FFAR’s Scientific Workforce Priority Area and seeks to promote career advancement of promising new scientists who intend to make a long-term career commitment to research in food and agriculture and bring innovative, ground-breaking research initiatives and thinking to bear on problems facing food and agriculture. Within the scope of the New Innovator Award program, investigators have the freedom to explore new avenues of inquiry that arise during their research. Therefore, FFAR is interested in the program of research to be explored and its impact as opposed to a list of very specific aims.

It is expected that, through this program, investigators will have the ability to pursue highly creative ideas, firmly establish their early lines of research into important food and agriculture scientific areas and provide funding stability in the critical early career years.

Each applicant can receive from FFAR up to $150,000 per year for a maximum of three years totaling a $450,000 investment.

To further support the grantees, and allow them to fully focus on their research, matching funds are not required for this program.

Local Agriculture Market Program

The Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP) supports the development, coordination, and expansion of direct producer-to-consumer marketing; local and regional food markets and enterprises; and value-added agricultural products. The primary goals of LAMP are to:

• Connect and cultivate regional food economies through public-private partnerships.    
• Support the development of business plans, feasibility studies, and strategies for value-added agricultural production and local and regional food system infrastructure.    
• Strengthen capacity and regional food system development through community collaboration and expansion of mid-tier value chains. 
• Improve income and economic opportunities for producers and food businesses through job creation; and   
• Simplify the application processes and the reporting processes for the program.

LAMP is an umbrella program created in the 2018 Farm Bill. LAMP encompasses the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP), Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP), Regional Food System Partnerships Program (RFSP), and Value-Added Producer Grants Program (VAPG). LAMP funding is divided between these grant programs.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating high school senior who is a current employee of a McDonald’s restaurant located in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

The Bladder Cancer Young Investigator Awards, funded by the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network, provide $50,000 to early career researchers in various scientific fields. These awards aim to foster innovation and collaboration in bladder cancer research, ultimately improving outcomes for patients. Eligible applicants include those within six years of completing their degrees and who do not hold the title of Associate Professor or higher. This initiative underscores BCAN's commitment to advancing bladder cancer research and supporting promising investigators.

The Patient-Centered Clinical Research Young Investigator Award (PCC-YIA) supports early-career scientists conducting innovative research in bladder cancer and upper tract urothelial cancer. This award facilitates studies focusing on patient-centered outcomes, quality of care, and health disparities. Eligible applicants must be within six years of their professional degree and have mentorship from an approved institution. The award promotes transformative research aimed at improving patient experiences and outcomes in clinical settings.

The Bladder Cancer Research Innovation Award, funded by the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network Inc, promotes innovative, high-risk projects aimed at advancing bladder cancer research. This two-year grant encourages novel methodologies and interventions that tackle critical barriers and knowledge gaps in the field. Eligible projects should demonstrate direct relevance to bladder cancer and upper tract urothelial carcinoma, fostering breakthroughs that could significantly enhance understanding and treatment of this disease.

The American Italian Cancer Foundation (AICF) offers a prestigious International Post-doc Research Fellowship Program aimed at supporting innovative research in cancer biology and treatment. Open to Italian citizens with advanced degrees obtained within the last three years, the program encourages applications for both basic and clinical research. Typically, applications are accepted from January to February, with fellowships granted for one year, potentially extendable for a second year.

The Gianforte Family Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations in Montana that empower individuals and families to achieve sustainable improvements in their lives. With a focus on education, family strengthening, and relationship restoration, the foundation encourages projects that directly benefit Montanans. Since its inception in 2004, it has contributed over $130 million to various initiatives. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and reapply annually, as the foundation does not automatically renew grants.

The NRF Foundation Student Ambassador Program offers NRF University Members the chance to appoint a student as their campus representative for a year. This role allows ambassadors to connect the NRF Foundation with their campus, fostering a community of retail advocates. Responsibilities include promoting NRF programs and events, enhancing student participation in the NRF Student Association, and cultivating leadership skills. Ideal candidates are motivated, resourceful, and ready to lead their peers in engagement activities.

The HEAL Initiative's new program aims to generate comprehensive datasets on human pain networks through advanced 'omics and physiology research. Utilizing primary human tissues, the initiative promotes collaboration among diverse experts to enhance the understanding of pain mechanisms. This cooperative agreement will foster best practices and data sharing, ensuring integrated approaches across various pain conditions. While applications are not currently being accepted, the initiative encourages multidisciplinary teams to prepare for future opportunities in pain research.

The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile Jr. Scholarship Program, established by the Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile Jr. Foundation in partnership with UNCF, supports students attending UNCF member institutions, HBCUs, or other accredited four-year colleges. This renewable merit-based scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities for residents of specific counties in Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana, particularly focusing on those majoring in education or STEM fields.

The HEAL Initiative Whole Joint Health Program aims to advance research on the biological mechanisms of joint pain by exploring the interactions of various tissues within the joint. This innovative program will support clinical studies that focus on non-pharmacological interventions to enhance healing and improve quality of life for individuals suffering from chronic joint pain. By fostering a comprehensive understanding of joint health, the initiative aligns with the NIH's broader goals to reduce chronic pain and opioid dependency.

The Combined Pilot Research Grants from the Plastic Surgery Foundation and the American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons aim to promote innovative research in maxillofacial surgery. With funding of up to $15,000 for one-year pilot projects, this initiative supports the preliminary phases of research, fostering the development of surgeon scientists and enhancing scientific knowledge in the field. Eligible applicants include MDs, DOs, or PhDs holding full-time positions in U.S. or Canadian institutions.

The Graduate Student Scholarship for Minority Students, offered by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation, supports graduate students from racial or ethnic minority groups who are U.S. citizens. This scholarship aims to promote academic achievement among students enrolled in communication sciences and disorders programs. Applicants must be full-time students and will be considered for multiple scholarship categories, but can only receive one award. The program emphasizes educational support for tuition and related expenses.

The Combined Pilot Research Grants by the AAPPS and PSF aim to promote innovative research in pediatric plastic surgery and hand surgery. With funding up to $15,000 for one-year pilot projects, these grants support the development of surgeon scientists and encourage applications that will enhance the scientific understanding and improve care for children with deformities requiring reconstructive surgery. This initiative fosters collaboration among various subspecialty organizations dedicated to advancing surgical research.

Dresser-Rand Employees Scholarship

This Scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors who are the children of employees of Dresser-Rand/Siemens Energy. Employees must have been Olean-based employees as of February 2, 2020 with at least 12 months of service.

The Schlumberger Foundation's Faculty for the Future Grant Program aims to empower women from developing countries to pursue advanced STEM research abroad. By providing fellowships of up to $50,000 for PhD candidates and $40,000 for postdoctoral researchers, the program supports women's education and encourages their return to home countries to advance local STEM fields. Since 2004, it has awarded 863 fellowships, fostering gender equality in STEM and enhancing community development through increased female participation in scientific careers.

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.

Deputy Wayne and Carol Krieger Scholarship

Established in memory of sheriff's deputy Wayne Krieger by his family, this scholarship benefits graduating seniors of Cattaraugus County and Allegany County high schools intending to study criminal justice, with a preference for a student who is a BOCES criminal justice student. 

Grand Rapids Community Foundation

The Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that connects people, passion and resources. With our partners, the Community Foundation uses the tools of philanthropy to find solutions to pressing issues. We provide grants to support the work of nonprofits, scholarships to local students and other forms of support to communities working to eliminate barriers to opportunity, prosperity and belonging.

Scholarships

Each year Grand Rapids Community Foundation supports hundreds of students on their college or career training journeys. We are excited to remove barriers to academic success so that students like you can pursue what you're passionate about.

Grand Rapids Combined Theatre Scholarships

Open to full-time theatre arts majors at an accredited college/university in the U.S., who also have current or previous involvement in Grand Rapids community theater (Civic, Circle, Actors, Jewish, Heritage, Master Arts theaters), or with the theater program at Aquinas, Calvin, GRCC, or GVSU. Four scholarships are awarded annually, three of those are in honor of Norma Brinks, David and Emma Nicollette and Paul Dreher.

Beckley Area Foundation

Beckley Area Foundation was established in January 1985 by ten community-minded citizens. It began with a gift of $1.1 million from the Dr. Thomas Walker Memorial Health Foundation as “seed” money for this Raleigh County project. BAF assets have grown to over $70 million with over 500 different funds managed by our three trustee banks. Today, Beckley Area Foundation is one of West Virginia’s largest community foundations.

Since its inception, BAF has distributed over $23 million to charities and other worthy projects in the fields of education, public recreation, health & human services, the arts, animal services and beautification.

Scholarships

The Beckley Area Foundation proudly manages scholarship funds established by individuals, businesses, and organizations dedicated to helping students pursue higher education. Many of these scholarships are tailored for specific schools, fields of study, or graduates from local high schools, while others offer broader opportunities. No matter the path, our scholarships aim to support students from our region as they work toward achieving their educational goals.

Most of these scholarships must be awarded to students from our geographic area or at least preference given to such students. While the majority of scholarships benefit Raleigh County applicants there are others designated for Fayette, Summers, Webster, and Wyoming students. 

Ross C. Todd Scholarship

Merit based award open to West Virginia blind students. Both graduating high school seniors and college upperclassmen, which at the time of application have achieved and maintained a 3.0 grade point average or better, are eligible to apply; All other considerations being equal, the two recipients having attained and maintained the highest grade point average within the applicant pool shall be named as recipients; West Virginia residents who are matriculating seniors or students already enrolled in a college/university.

This scholarship is renewable.

Beckley Area Foundation

Beckley Area Foundation was established in January 1985 by ten community-minded citizens. It began with a gift of $1.1 million from the Dr. Thomas Walker Memorial Health Foundation as “seed” money for this Raleigh County project. BAF assets have grown to over $70 million with over 500 different funds managed by our three trustee banks. Today, Beckley Area Foundation is one of West Virginia’s largest community foundations.

Since its inception, BAF has distributed over $23 million to charities and other worthy projects in the fields of education, public recreation, health & human services, the arts, animal services and beautification.

Scholarships

The Beckley Area Foundation proudly manages scholarship funds established by individuals, businesses, and organizations dedicated to helping students pursue higher education. Many of these scholarships are tailored for specific schools, fields of study, or graduates from local high schools, while others offer broader opportunities. No matter the path, our scholarships aim to support students from our region as they work toward achieving their educational goals.

Most of these scholarships must be awarded to students from our geographic area or at least preference given to such students. While the majority of scholarships benefit Raleigh County applicants there are others designated for Fayette, Summers, Webster, and Wyoming students. 

Louisa Holton Morris Music Scholarship

Music studies with preference to those specializing in organ music; Weighted for need and merit; West Virginia resident with preference to Raleigh County.​

This scholarship is renewable.

Who We Are

The Community Foundation of Central Illinois will make a sustainable philanthropic impact in our community through visible leadership in connecting people who care with causes that matter.

Vernon “Butch” Gudat Scholarship Fund

The Vernon “Butch” Gudat Scholarship Fund was established to create a living legacy in memory of Peoria Fire Captain Vernon “Butch” Gudat. College scholarships are provided to qualifying children and grandchildren of career and volunteer firefighters in Peoria, Tazewell, and Woodford counties.

Beckley Area Foundation

Beckley Area Foundation was established in January 1985 by ten community-minded citizens. It began with a gift of $1.1 million from the Dr. Thomas Walker Memorial Health Foundation as “seed” money for this Raleigh County project. BAF assets have grown to over $70 million with over 500 different funds managed by our three trustee banks. Today, Beckley Area Foundation is one of West Virginia’s largest community foundations.

Since its inception, BAF has distributed over $23 million to charities and other worthy projects in the fields of education, public recreation, health & human services, the arts, animal services and beautification.

Scholarships

The Beckley Area Foundation proudly manages scholarship funds established by individuals, businesses, and organizations dedicated to helping students pursue higher education. Many of these scholarships are tailored for specific schools, fields of study, or graduates from local high schools, while others offer broader opportunities. No matter the path, our scholarships aim to support students from our region as they work toward achieving their educational goals.

Most of these scholarships must be awarded to students from our geographic area or at least preference given to such students. While the majority of scholarships benefit Raleigh County applicants there are others designated for Fayette, Summers, Webster, and Wyoming students. 

Bill Weese Trades Scholarship

Residents of Webster County, WV; Recent graduates and adult career-switchers seeking a professional trade or retraining assistance; Must attend a trade school including vocational programs offering certification or degree programs designed to teach specific employment skills; Additional requirement details available in application.

This scholarship is renewable.

Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors. Applications are accepted from mid-November until mid-March. Scholarship award recipients will be announced at the high school awards ceremony. 

Maurice D. Taylor Memorial Music Scholarship

Established by the family of Mr. Taylor who was originally from Montrose and became a nationally recognized music and band instructor. The scholarship will benefit a student from Montrose or Elk Lake who will attend a post-secondary degree program to major in music.   

The Aman Armaan Ahmed Family SURF for Success Program offers summer undergraduate research fellowships for students from underrepresented groups in biomedical research. Awardees engage in 10 weeks of research related to digestive diseases under expert mentorship, receiving a stipend of $6,200. This initiative aims to inspire students to pursue careers in science and medicine, enhancing diversity in the field of gastroenterology and hepatology.