Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in Oregon

The NIAF Maaco Enterprises, Inc. Scholarship, offered by the National Italian American Foundation, supports outstanding Italian American students originally from Pennsylvania. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher. This prestigious scholarship aims to encourage cultural heritage and academic excellence among Italian Americans, ensuring their contributions to society are recognized and celebrated. Active NIAF membership is required, which can be through a parent or grandparent.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

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.

Community’s Memorial Scholarship

Memorial scholarships are one of the top categories of funds created at Marion Community Foundation, but not all donors who wish to memorialize a loved one in this distinctive and perpetual way start their own fund. The Community’s Memorial Scholarship Fund was created to memorialize a number of individuals collectively. All of the persons memorialized are recognized during Marion Community Foundation’s annual Scholarship Program.

The Mary H. Hollaway Trust provided seed money for this special purpose. Mary was well known in Marion, due to her long career with Fahey Bank. Upon her passing, she had arranged for several funds to be created from her estate, this scholarship among them. Other organizations she chose to support include the Marion Area Humane Society, Marion Palace Theatre, and the Marion Family YMCA.

The Community’s Memorial Scholarship is available to graduates and seniors from any Marion County high school who rank in the upper 50 percent of their class.

The Richard Perrone Scholarship, offered by the National Italian American Foundation, supports outstanding Italian American undergraduate students in Connecticut majoring in computer science or a related field. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher and hold an active NIAF membership, which can also be obtained through a parent or grandparent. This scholarship not only promotes academic excellence but also encourages students to embrace their Italian heritage.

The Salvatore “Sal” Catanese National Scholarship, offered by the National Italian American Foundation, supports outstanding Italian American incoming freshmen. Eligible students must demonstrate financial need and maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years, fostering educational growth within the Italian American community. Preference is given to those with Sicilian heritage, promoting the rich cultural legacy of Italian Americans in the United States.

The NASPGHAN Foundation/NASPGHAN George Ferry Young Investigator Development Award supports promising clinical, quality improvement, translational, or basic science research focused on gastrointestinal tract diseases, liver, pancreas, and nutritional disorders in children. Eligibility includes being a NASPGHAN member for at least two years, having a recent fellowship, and holding a junior faculty position. This award fosters innovative research to enhance pediatric gastroenterology and improve child health outcomes.

The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation/NASPGHAN IBD Young Investigator Award supports early-career researchers in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This three-year grant offers mentorship and funding up to $60,000 annually, plus additional support for research-related expenses. Eligible applicants must hold an MD or PhD, demonstrate relevant research experience, and commit at least 65% of their time to the project. The award also facilitates access to IBD Plexus resources, enhancing research capabilities in the field.

The Louis A. Caputo, Jr. Legal Scholarship, offered by the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF), supports outstanding Italian American students pursuing law. Applicants must hold an active NIAF membership and maintain a GPA of 3.5 or above, demonstrating a commitment to Italian culture and heritage. This scholarship aims to promote educational excellence and cultural pride among the Italian American community, fostering future leaders in the legal field.

The Marnell Foundation Scholarship, offered by the National Italian American Foundation, aims to support outstanding Italian American students from Nevada. Eligible candidates must maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher and have an active NIAF membership. This scholarship not only promotes academic excellence but also encourages the preservation of Italian culture and heritage among the community. It serves as an essential resource for students committed to pursuing their educational goals while honoring their rich cultural background.

The NASPGHAN Foundation offers a one-year grant to pediatric dietitians aimed at enhancing nutrition care for children with nutritional disorders. Grants ranging from $500 to $5000 will be awarded, with funding distributed in December 2025. Applicants must be Registered Dietitians, CPNP members in good standing, and have a sustained interest in pediatric nutrition. Recipients are required to provide a financial statement and present findings at the 2027 CPNP annual symposium.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Vocational Education Merit Award Fund

The Vocational Education Merit Scholarship was created to provide scholarships to two graduating high school seniors who have excelled academically and is a nomination based award.

Award Type: Single-Year Award

The Martini Foundation/National Italian American Foundation Villanova University Scholarship supports outstanding Italian American students at Villanova University, particularly those from northern New Jersey. Eligible candidates must demonstrate financial need, maintain a GPA of 3.25 or higher, and have an active NIAF membership. This scholarship promotes the importance of Italian heritage and culture, ensuring the legacy of Italian Americans continues to thrive in the United States.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

John-Elizabeth Blaho Miller Fund

The John-Elizabeth Blaho Miller Fund of The Pittsburgh Foundation was created to provide scholarship assistance for students, with a preference for students who have an awareness and appreciation of Hungarian culture, including its history, customs, and traditions, and who are undertaking a theological education in preparation for a ministry that draws upon Lutheran teachings in its worldview. John C. Miller was born in Budapest October 1910. In 1921 he immigrated to the United States with his parents (John Miller and Elizabeth Blaho Miller) where they resided in Ambridge, PA. For several years John was the manager of five motion picture houses owned by the Chateau Amusement Company. In 1955 he became a program supervisor at Buhl Planetarium where he retired at the age of 67 in 1977. In December 2001 John established this scholarship in memory of his parents.

Award Type: Single Year. Previous recipients are encouraged to re-apply in consecutive years.

The Cottrell Scholar Award supports early career faculty at U.S. and Canadian research universities, fostering innovative research and teaching in Chemistry, Physics, and Astronomy. This prestigious recognition emphasizes the importance of impactful research plans and educational strategies, aiming to enhance undergraduate and graduate science education. The award also encourages academic citizenship and collaboration within institutions, providing funding for three-year projects up to $120,000, thereby promoting excellence in both research and education.

The Disaster Resilience Program Fellowship supports low-income communities affected by disasters by mobilizing lawyers and law students to provide free civil legal aid. This initiative ensures access to essential legal services, helping families navigate recovery barriers. Attorney Fellows receive a salary while Student Fellows earn a stipend for their service. Participants engage in outreach, build community relationships, and receive comprehensive training to enhance their legal skills, contributing to the resilience of affected communities.

The Pittsburgh Young Professionals Scholarship Fund, established by The Pittsburgh Foundation, supports local students in their educational pursuits. It offers scholarships for high school seniors, undergraduates, and graduate students attending various educational institutions in the Greater Pittsburgh region. Eligible applicants must demonstrate volunteer experience, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, and be members of the Pittsburgh Young Professionals network. This initiative aims to foster professional and civic development among young individuals in the community.

The National Glaucoma Research Program, funded by BrightFocus Foundation, aims to support groundbreaking research in glaucoma. Established in 1978, the program has awarded over $35 million to 32 projects focusing on understanding and treating this disease. The Standard Awards provide $150,000 over two years for researchers with preliminary data to further their work. Eligible institutions must be non-profit and demonstrate their tax-exempt status to receive funding, fostering innovative solutions for glaucoma treatment.

The FWW Research Award supports innovative, short-term studies aimed at enhancing women's health, particularly in areas such as cardiovascular disease, female cancers, and hormonal impact on health. Eligible applicants include MDs and PhDs affiliated with accredited institutions. The program prioritizes research with direct clinical applications and seeks proposals that promise to attract additional funding for further study. Notably, sociological research is excluded from funding consideration.

CultureSource

CultureSource is a member association for non-profit arts and cultural organizations in Southeast Michigan serving Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Livingston, Monroe and St. Clair counties. As a regional service organization, we do this work through hosting professional development workshops that grow creative and leadership capacities, presenting programs that provide space for exchanging ideas about arts and culture, and leading initiatives that bring together stakeholders interested in the public accessing creative expression.

Our MISSION is to advance and cultivate creative and cultural expression in Southeast Michigan.

The Spector Craft Prize for Emerging Artists

The Spector Craft Prize (the “Prize”) is an annual initiative launched in 2025 to champion excellence in American craft. Founded by Abigail Klem Spector and Warren Spector through the Spector Family Foundation, the program supports craft artists at pivotal moments in their careers through awards, mentorship, and community-building.

In an era dominated by rapid technological advancement, the Spector Craft Prize stands as a vital counterbalance by preserving material connections in an increasingly virtual world, supporting creative expression amid declining public funding for arts education, and reconnecting makers and the public to our shared heritage of craft. By championing craft artists at pivotal moments in their careers, the Spector Family Foundation aims to strengthen the role of craft in contemporary American culture.

Aim of the Prize

The Spector Craft Prize for Emerging Artists seeks to identify and support exceptional emerging craft artists whose work demonstrates technical mastery, innovative vision, and deep engagement with American culture. The Prize aims to recognize artists who show significant potential for contributing to the field and who would benefit from the comprehensive support provided by the program.

Selected artists represent the future of American craft and demonstrate a commitment to strengthening craft's role in contemporary American culture through their practice, community engagement, and artistic vision. 

The Junior Faculty Development Award, funded by the American College of Gastroenterology, offers $450,000 over three years to support junior researchers in gastroenterology or hepatology. Aimed at ACG members, this award allows recipients to dedicate 50% of their time to clinical research, enhancing their skills and advancing their careers. Eligible candidates include those within seven years post-fellowship who can guarantee protected research time. The initiative fosters novel research that directly impacts gastrointestinal health.

The Health Services Research Grants, offered by the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, focus on enhancing physical therapy services through evidence-based studies. Researchers are encouraged to explore areas such as therapy utilization, cost-effectiveness, and access barriers using rigorous methodologies. Proposals must align with the 2023 APTA Research Agenda, addressing topics that improve patient outcomes and care delivery, particularly in underserved populations. This initiative aims to elevate the role of physical therapists and optimize healthcare access.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

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.

Collier Scholarship

The Collier Scholarship Fund was established in 2016 by Dr. Wayne Collier to honor the memory of his parents, Herbert & Freida Collier. He is an optometrist and noted community philanthropist in Bucyrus, Ohio, having been named the community’s 2015 Citizen of the Year.

The Collier Scholarship supports promising students and graduates of high schools in Crawford County—Bucyrus, Wynford, Colonel Crawford, and Buckeye Central—where he now lives, as well as his alma mater, Bellevue Senior High in Bellevue, Ohio. Special consideration is given to applicants who participated in music programs in high school or college.

The Pompe Disease Fund, supported by the Patient Advocate Foundation, offers vital financial assistance to individuals diagnosed with Pompe disease. This fund covers out-of-pocket healthcare costs including medication copays and health insurance premiums. Eligible patients must have a confirmed diagnosis and be receiving treatment or planning to start within 60 days. With over 3.8 million patients helped since its inception, the fund aims to alleviate financial burdens and enhance access to necessary treatments.

The Established Investigator Bridge Funding Award, supported by the ACG Institute for Clinical Research and Education and the American College of Gastroenterology, offers $300,000 in funding over two years for established researchers facing funding gaps. Designed for clinical gastroenterology and hepatology, this grant aims to sustain impactful research programs during federal funding lapses. Eligible applicants must be ACG members and have at least eight years of experience post-training, along with a proven track record of federal funding in relevant fields.

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 Church of Christ (Christian Disciples) Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Church of Christ (Christian Disciples) Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to help students who have permanent residence in Carroll County, Ohio or had a permanent residence on the date they began their post high school education.

The Pittsburgh Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four–year universities, graduate schools, and career/technical schools.

Kennametal Scholarship Fund

The Kennametal Scholarship Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to support students in Southwestern Pennsylvania with financial need pursuing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) related degrees. The purpose of the scholarship is to broaden the awareness of opportunities in STEM by supporting students who have been disproportionately affected by systemic barriers to educational achievement.

• Average Award: Varies
• Award Type: Multi-Year (up to 4 years).

The Furci Family Scholarship Fund, offered by the National Italian American Foundation, supports outstanding Italian American undergraduate students enrolled in at least 10 credits of Italian language or studies. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher and hold an active NIAF membership, which can be through a parent or grandparent. This scholarship aims to promote the rich Italian heritage and culture among future generations.

The Joseph and Margaret Rhodes Scholarship, offered by the National Italian American Foundation, is aimed at outstanding Italian American undergraduate students. Eligible candidates must complete 6 or more credits in Italian studies, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5, and demonstrate active community service. Applicants must also hold an active NIAF membership, which can include familial memberships. This scholarship supports the preservation of Italian heritage and culture through education.