Best Otsego County Grants for Nonprofits in New York

The Joan L. Conroy Scholarship, established in 2024, supports Ph.D. nursing students dedicated to educating future nurses. It honors Joan L. Conroy's legacy, emphasizing her love for education and nursing. Applicants must have two semesters left in their program and demonstrate a commitment to geriatric nursing and home health care. This scholarship is funded by the Nurses Educational Funds Inc., a nonprofit organization that promotes nursing leadership through educational scholarships.

The Jane Eleanor Knox Scholarship, established by a $50,000 bequest from Dr. Knox, supports doctoral nursing students committed to leadership in the field. Applicants must possess a current RN license and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.6 while enrolled in accredited nursing programs. Preference is given to those focusing on nursing research or organizational studies. This scholarship fosters the advancement of nursing education and leadership through financial support from Nurses Educational Funds, Inc.

Changing the Way America Thinks About Race Scholarship

Changing the Way America Thinks about Race Scholarship Fund (CHATR) provides scholarships to Black and Brown students in the state of Washington who are pursuing undergraduate studies. CHATR is particularly interested in supporting Black and Brown students from Bremerton High School, The Why Not You Academy, and those who are active in the Rainier Athletes Mentorship program in the Bellevue School District who are interested in using their college experience to help facilitate changing the way America thinks about race. Awarded funds may be used for tuition, books, room and board, and travel to/from school.

Amount

• 2 awards, $5,000 each

Selkirk Pickleball Growth Program

At Selkirk, we are committed to growing the sport of pickleball by making it accessible to everyone. The Selkirk Growth Program enables schools and community programs worldwide to access Selkirk equipment.

Our original goal was to give away 3,000+ paddles a year; we have now given away more than 40,000 paddles since we started in 2019. As part of our Growth Program, we are donating gently-used paddles to:

Schools.

• First responders.
• Senior centers.
• Churches.
• Parks & recreation departments.
• Other community organizations looking to expand their programs.

We will also provide a discount on additional paddles, balls, and nets for schools and charities involved in the program.

CDC Foundation

The CDC Foundation helps the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the public health system save and improve lives by unleashing the power of partnerships to protect the health, safety and security of all communities, everywhere. The CDC Foundation is authorized by Congress to mobilize philanthropic partners, corporations, organizations and individuals to support the critical health protection mission of CDC and the public health system.

The CDC Foundation manages hundreds of programs each year aimed at protecting communities across the country from a variety of health threats—from chronic disease conditions including cardiovascular disease and cancer, to infectious diseases like malaria and HIV to emergency responses, such as Ebola and Zika.

Contractor for Implementation and Evaluation of Healthy Native Babies Project Materials

This RFP request proposals from Tribes, Tribal Serving Organizations (TSOs) and Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) [T/TSOs/UIOs] to implement and evaluate the updated Healthy Native Babies Project (HNBP) materials within their service areas. This initiative aims to strengthen culturally relevant infant safe sleep education, increase community awareness and support Native families in reducing sleep related infant deaths. Selected T/TSOs/UIOs will adapt, disseminate and assess the use of HNBP materials in ways that reflect the cultural, linguistic and community-specific needs of the Native populations they serve. 

This project is a rapid turnaround project to support T/TSOs/UIOs in:

• Implementing HNBP materials in clinical, community, and family setting
• Training staff and community partners
• Evaluating reach, effectiveness, and community feedback
• Identifying barriers, facilitators, lessons learned, and best practices for future replication

The Brian A. Kelley Memorial Scholarship

The Brian A. Kelley Memorial Scholarship is a $1,000 award presented by the Kelley Family Charitable Foundation. Brian's legacy is defined by his extraordinary compassion and generosity, which touched numerous lives in his community through countless acts of kindness. He was passionate about supporting local youth sports and was proud to be an alumnus of Bradford High School.

When Brian experienced his first heart attack, our community rallied around him, understanding that the road to recovery would be long and challenging. Despite his remarkable resilience, he was later diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Although he fought with unwavering courage, he ultimately succumbed to the disease.

In tribute to Brian’s determined spirit and selflessness, we established the Brian A. Kelley Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship honors Brian’s memory by recognizing individuals who embody strength, kindness, and a commitment to serving their community, inspiring others to follow in his footsteps.

Citizen Security Research Initiative

IPA's Citizen Security Research Initiative (CSRI) supports rigorous impact evaluations, pilot studies, infrastructure and public goods projects, and foundational and contextual research to inform policies and programs on building safer communities and strengthening justice and law enforcement systems. Funding for CSRI comes from the United States Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).

Supported projects will generate actionable evidence to inform policy and programming in the citizen security and justice sector, with a focus on studies that challenge common beliefs, pioneer innovative interventions, and produce evidence where little currently exists. Priority areas of research include:

• Countering organized crime
• Combating drug trafficking and production
• Preventing crime and violence
• Strengthening law enforcement and criminal justice institutions

Budgets are expected to adhere to the budget caps outlined in our Call for Proposals (US$75,000 for pilots, US$400,000 for full impact evaluation studies, US$250,000 for infrastructure and public goods creation projects, US$75,000 for foundational and contextual research projects). In recognition that research in some locations or with some populations is more costly, on a case-by-case basis, we will consider budgets over the above award maximums with appropriate justification.

Awards are normally paid on a cost-reimbursable basis.

The Scott A. Flahive Memorial Scholarship, established by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, honors a dedicated law enforcement officer who tragically lost his life in the line of duty. This scholarship supports local high school graduates pursuing degrees in criminal justice or law enforcement, with eligibility based on residency, academic performance, and intent to serve in the field. Applicants must submit transcripts and relevant documentation to be considered for this meaningful opportunity.

The Runschke Family Scholarship, established by Gernot and Anne Runschke, supports students from Northwest Ottawa County pursuing vocational or trades programs. It aims to empower local youth by easing educational costs, while emphasizing community involvement and academic potential. Financial need is not a primary consideration, allowing a diverse range of applicants to qualify. This scholarship reflects the Runschke family's commitment to enhancing education and workforce development in their community.

The Ray and Sue Barrett Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports high school seniors in the Tri-Cities pursuing higher education in law, criminal justice, mental health, social work, or psychology. Established in honor of Ray and Sue Barrett, who valued education and mental health, this scholarship considers financial need and requires a minimum 2.5 GPA. Applicants must submit transcripts and relevant documents to qualify.

The P.E.O. Chapter DS Scholarship supports female students from the Tri-Cities area pursuing higher education. Established by the P.E.O. Sisterhood in 2005, it emphasizes academic achievement, financial need, and community involvement. Eligible candidates include graduating high school seniors and non-traditional students. The scholarship prioritizes applicants with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and those intending to attend Cottey College. The application process is straightforward, allowing candidates to apply for multiple scholarships with one submission.

The Paul J. Laninga Memorial Scholarship, established by Tamara Laninga in memory of her husband, supports graduating seniors from Northwest Ottawa County pursuing careers in accounting or business. This competitive scholarship prioritizes students demonstrating financial need and academic excellence, while encouraging applications from those planning to attend public universities. It aims to honor Paul's zest for life and create positive opportunities for future leaders in business.

The Pat and John MacTavish Fund, established in 2007 by John Mac Tavish in memory of his wife Pat, provides scholarships aimed at encouraging young women to pursue higher education in the hard sciences. Awarded by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, scholarships are competitive and based on criteria such as financial need and academic achievement. Applicants from Northern Ottawa County or specific school districts are eligible. The fund emphasizes the importance of education in fields such as math, chemistry, and computer science.

The North Ottawa Hospital Auxiliary Fund Scholarship, supported by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, offers financial assistance to students pursuing medical and healthcare-related degrees. Established in memory of Marjorie Hren Blohm, this scholarship prioritizes applicants from the Tri-Cities area who demonstrate financial need and academic achievement. Applicants must be at least second-year college students accepted into a relevant program, ensuring that qualified candidates receive the support they need to succeed in their educational pursuits.

The Michael Herman Scholarship, established by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, honors a talented young soccer player who passed away tragically at 15. This scholarship is awarded to graduating high school seniors from the Tri-Cities area who have played soccer and wish to continue participating in college-level soccer. Financial need is not a priority, and all eligible students are encouraged to apply for this opportunity to further their education while pursuing their passion for sports.

The Melissa Skiera Myers Scholarship, managed by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports female students pursuing degrees in math, science, and business. Funded by Melissa Skiera Myers to alleviate educational financial burdens, this scholarship prioritizes first-generation college students and those overcoming challenges. Applicants need to submit transcripts and specific documents. With a competitive selection process, the fund aims to empower Tri-Cities women, including adult learners, to achieve their academic goals without the weight of student debt.

Ann Query Scholarship

Graduating senior who attends public, private, or home school and resides in the Zeeland Public School District area (student does not have to attend Zeeland Public Schools to be eligible)

The Mary E. Wilsberg Scholarship, established in 1988 by Mary E. Wilsberg, supports Grand Haven or Spring Lake High School graduates pursuing graduate education, including PhD programs. The scholarship emphasizes academic excellence and community service, requiring a minimum GPA of 3.0. Financial need is not a priority for applicants, who must demonstrate involvement in their school and community. This scholarship simplifies the application process by allowing candidates to apply for multiple foundation scholarships with a single submission.

Alice O. Rydell Interior Design Scholarship

Graduating senior or graduating early college student who attends public, private, or home school in the primary service area of the Community Foundation.

The Marv VandenBosch Scholarship, established by Sandra VandenBosch and her children in memory of Marv VandenBosch, supports Tri-Cities students pursuing careers in criminal justice or law enforcement. This scholarship considers financial need and requires applicants to have a minimum GPA of 2.5. The Grand Haven Area Community Foundation administers the scholarship through a competitive process, ensuring that each applicant is thoroughly reviewed to promote academic achievement and community involvement.

The Marvin R. and Pearl E. Patterson Family Fund Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports students aspiring to study graphic or fine arts, as well as those interested in environmental sciences. Open to high school graduates from the Tri-Cities area, this scholarship considers leadership, community involvement, and academic achievements, although financial need is not a requirement. Applicants must provide transcripts and relevant documents to qualify for this opportunity.

The Marjorie M. Hendricks Environmental Education Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports Tri-Cities area residents pursuing a degree in environmental science. Established in memory of Marjorie Hendricks, a dedicated environmentalist, this scholarship prioritizes students with financial need and those attending GVSU or Aquinas College. Applicants must submit academic transcripts and other required documents to be considered for this competitive award, which honors Marjorie's significant contributions to environmental conservation.

The Marion A. and Ruth K. Sherwood Family Scholarship Fund supports current college students from the Tri-Cities area, promoting academic achievement and community involvement. Funded by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, this scholarship emphasizes financial need and aims to assist students in continuing their education. Applicants must submit transcripts and additional documentation to demonstrate eligibility. This initiative reflects the Sherwoods' commitment to fostering educational opportunities and community betterment.

The Lynne Sherwood Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, aims to support local youth in achieving their educational aspirations. This competitive scholarship considers various factors including financial need and academic achievement. Applicants must reside in West Michigan and submit necessary documents such as transcripts and the Student Aid Report. Lynne Sherwood's legacy as a community leader and educator continues to inspire future generations through this scholarship opportunity.

The Louise Wachter Wickham Scholarship, established in 1997 by Donna Wickham Furth, supports high school seniors pursuing a degree in elementary education. This scholarship is awarded based on financial need and academic performance. Recipients must demonstrate commitment to education and may need to submit additional documents such as transcripts and recommendation letters. The fund honors Louise Wachter Wickham, a dedicated teacher who believed in the transformative power of education.

Cathy Geerlings Indomitable Spirit Scholarship

Graduating senior or graduating early college student with substantial work history or record of volunteering who attends public, private, or home school in the primary service area of the Community Foundation; or a current college student with substantial work history or record of volunteering whose permanent address lies within the primary service area of the Community Foundation; or a currently employed worker from the greater Holland/Zeeland area, employed 20 or more hours per week, in human resources, manufacturing, skilled trades, semi-skilled trades, or other production-related areas with a greater Holland/Zeeland area company including temporary staffing agencies.

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.

Zenko Family Fund 

This fund was established in 1990 by Margaret L. Zenko as a means to assist individuals to help themselves become productive members of our community. Her husband, Edward, was a graduate of Pigeon Creek School and a self-educated engineer who started Progressive Engineering, which made parts for airplanes during World War II. They both had a keen interest in the Grand Haven Lighthouse and Pier and in retirement, Edward's energy was funneled into getting the lights installed on the catwalk. The Zenko Family Fund continues to give scholarships to deserving local students who show through their work ethic that education is important.