Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in Pennsylvania

The Frank N. Andersen Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of a dedicated philanthropist in Saginaw. Established to support local students pursuing education in Career and Technical Education (CTE), it provides financial assistance ranging from $500 to $4,000. Eligible applicants include Saginaw County high school seniors and undergraduate students with specific GPA requirements. This scholarship continues Mr. Andersen's tradition of uplifting the community, reflecting his belief in the importance of education and helping others.

The Land Trust Bird Conservation Initiative, led by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, aims to support land trusts in conserving private lands for bird protection. With funding for up to fourteen grants, the initiative encourages capacity building and management projects that enhance bird habitats. Eligible organizations can apply for grants to expand conservation efforts through collaboration and innovative strategies, fostering partnerships that leverage additional funding and community support. This initiative highlights the importance of birds in land stewardship and conservation.

The Marvin and Janice Brandle Scholarship, offered by the Saginaw Community Foundation, supports students pursuing Career and Technical Education (CTE) in Saginaw County. Eligible applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.0, demonstrate financial need, and be enrolled full- or part-time in an undergraduate or graduate program. Scholarships typically range from $500 to $4,000, addressing the growing demand for skilled workers in trades such as welding, carpentry, and electrical work.

The Pama Brantley-Phillips Scholarship, established in 2001, honors a beloved special education teacher dedicated to helping students with disabilities. This scholarship aims to support individuals pursuing a degree in special education within the Tri-City area. With awards typically ranging from $500 to $4,000, it addresses the growing demand for skilled educators in special education, fostering a new generation of professionals who can make a meaningful impact in their communities.

The Beacon Scholarship for Rural America, sponsored by Carrot-Top Industries, Inc., offers $1,000 scholarships to support low-income students from rural areas pursuing higher education. Eligible applicants must be graduating high school seniors, current college students, or adult learners with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and reside in a rural area. The scholarship aims to empower students by alleviating financial burdens as they enroll in accredited college programs.

The Pat Brady Community Service Scholarship, established by the Saginaw Community Foundation, honors the legacy of Pat Brady, a dedicated athlete and educator. Awarded annually to a deserving student-athlete from Saginaw County, this scholarship recognizes those who have demonstrated a commitment to their community while excelling in both athletics and academics. With a focus on supporting high school seniors pursuing higher education or vocational training, this scholarship fosters the development of future leaders in the community.

The Raymond and Mary Jane Barry Educational Scholarship Fund, established by the Saginaw Community Foundation, aims to support students from Saginaw County pursuing careers in technical fields. With awards ranging from $500 to $4,000, this fund honors the Barrys' commitment to education and community service. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum 2.7 GPA and demonstrate enrollment in a Career and Technical Education program or an undergraduate degree. This scholarship encourages students to overcome challenges with humor and determination.

The Rev. Dr. Roosevelt and Dr. Nurame Austin, Sr. Scholarship, established by the Saginaw Community Foundation, honors Pastor Roosevelt Austin's dedication to his church and community. This scholarship supports graduating high school seniors from Saginaw County pursuing undergraduate degrees or Career and Technical Education (CTE) training. With awards ranging from $500 to $4,000, it fosters educational opportunities for students in skilled trades, reflecting Pastor Austin's belief in the power of education.

Who We Are

Saginaw County is home. It is a beautiful community you’d be foolish to underestimate. We may have our challenges, but seeing its cities, villages and townships continue to grow and flourish gives us a sense of satisfaction and pride like none other.

Back in 1984, The Saginaw Community Foundation was founded to enhance the quality of life in our county by providing leadership, education, and support for philanthropy. Today, we still continue this mission of supporting the needs of our community through targeted grants, investments, and scholarships.

In addition to our grantmaking and scholarship programs, the Foundation also offers donor advised funds, which allow donors to recommend charitable grants to organizations of their choice. We also manage several endowed funds, which provide ongoing support for specific causes or organizations.

Saginaw Community Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors composed of community leaders and volunteers. A staff of professionals oversee our day-to-day operations and work with donors and community organizations to identify and address community needs.

CTE Scholarships

Dreaming of a career in welding? Maybe managing your own auto mechanics garage fuels your thoughts or you would love to become an electrician. Perhaps studying to become a chef in a culinary arts program suits your tastes.

No matter what your career path may be, there is little doubt that in recent years interest in Career and Technical Education (CTE) has grown. The increased need for workers skilled in the trades has resulted in larger numbers of students seeking out CTE programs.

Schools offering CTE encompass a wide variety of hands-on education, from HVAC to carpentry to cosmetology. In the past, financial assistance has been hard to come by for these areas of study, but that is no longer the case. Saginaw Community Foundation has several scholarship opportunities for those who have the desire to pursue CTE.

According to leading economists, not everyone needs a four-year degree. In fact, millions of good-paying jobs are opening up in the trades. And some pay better than what the average college graduate makes.

For aspiring welders, electricians, carpenters, and other valued skilled trade workers, there is great opportunity to take advantage of tailored CTE programs. The demand is massive as an estimated 3 million trade jobs in the United States remain vacant.

Our CTE scholarship awards range between $500 – $4,000 typically.

Reverend William D. Aldridge, Sr., Scholarship

The Reverend William Desmond Aldridge, the second oldest of five children, was born May 1, 1927, in Europa, Miss. The Reverend Aldridge was called to the ministry in 1944 at the age of 17. He completed three years of study at Rusk College before accepting his first pastorship in 1948. The Reverend Aldridge was named pastor of Christ Community Church on Easter Sunday in 1954, making him one of the longest-serving pastors in Saginaw County.

The Reverend Aldridge taught in the Buena Vista School District for nearly 10 years and has always placed a high priority on encouraging youth to seek academic excellence. Mary Viola “Jean” Aldridge, his wife of 50 years, was a teacher in the Buena Vista School District as well.

The Reverend Aldridge also worked at the General Motors Malleable Iron Plant and retired in 1981 after 28 years of service.

The Edward Payson and Bernice Piilani Irwin Scholarship honors Bernice Pi'ilani Irwin, a notable figure in Hawaiian journalism. Open to undergraduate and graduate students residing in Hawaii, the scholarship aims to support those pursuing careers in journalism or communications. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75 while attending an accredited U.S. college or university. This scholarship is an excellent opportunity for aspiring journalists to follow in Bernice's footsteps.

The AABCF Research Grants, offered by the American Association of Birth Centers Foundation, provide funding up to $5,000 for research projects focused on the birth center model of care. Open to individuals and organizations, these grants aim to enhance knowledge and practices in maternity and women's health care. Projects must demonstrate a clear plan and ability to complete the research on schedule, ensuring impactful contributions to the field.

Anita Tarr Turk Fund for Breast Cancer Research

The Anita Tarr Turk Fund for Breast Cancer Research was established in October 2011 as an endowed field of interest fund. Its purpose is to distribute grants annually to one or more charitable, educational or scientific organizations conducting top-level research searching for the cause of, and cure for, breast cancer.

Anita Tarr Turk encouraged the Community Foundation for Monterey (CFMC)’s board to consider grants to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation and the California Breast Cancer Research Program. The Fund may also consider proposals from organizations conducting similar research. Due to the narrow field of interest and suggested organizations in the fund’s establishing documents, organizations are invited to share research projects for CFMC to consider.

Grant Amount

• $60,000/year

The William H. Scheide Prize, established in 1990 by the American Bach Society, honors exceptional publications on Bach or related figures by early-career scholars in North America. Awarded biennially with a prize of $1,000, it recognizes works published within the last two years. Nominations are open to all Society members, and self-nominations are encouraged. Each winner also receives a two-year membership in the American Bach Society.

The Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF) offers the Emerging Investigator Fellowship Grant to support post-doctoral fellowships and clinical investigator training for promising pediatric cancer researchers. This grant aims to accelerate advancements in childhood cancer treatment by funding innovative research ideas. Applicants must have completed a minimum of two years in their fellowship or be within two years of their junior faculty role. This initiative fosters the next generation of researchers dedicated to combating childhood cancer.

William L. & Mary Ann Brown STEM Endowment Scholarship Program

The William L. & Mary Ann Brown STEM Endowed Scholarship Program was established by William L. and Mary Ann Brown to provide need-based scholarship support to seniors graduating from a high school in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, enrolled at a UNCF member institution, four-year HBCUs, and four-year institutions.

Successful applicants must be graduating high school seniors entering their first year of college, pursuing a STEM degree, including, but not limited to, fields in physical sciences, mathematics, the biological sciences, the chemical sciences, computer sciences, and engineering. Applicants must be enrolled or planning to enroll as a full-time student.

Eleanor & James Latta Jr. Scholarship Fund

Mission Statement

In the spirit of the A. Duie Pyle company focus on supporting people in as many ways as possible, the Latta Scholarship goal is to assist the children or stepchildren of A. Duie Pyle employees to enter into or continue attending an accredited college or technical school. Applicants must be children or stepchildren of A. Duie Pyle employees, should be able to demonstrate academic success, community and/or school contribution and a solid-grasp of future professional plans.

If you are an A. Duie Pyle employee and would like your child to apply for the Latta Scholarship, full details and an application can be accessed here. For any additional questions you can reach out to pylemarketing@aduiepyle.com. or grants@chescocf.org

Background

The Eleanor & James Latta Jr. Scholarship Fund was established through donations from A. Duie Pyle, Inc. and from private donors for the benefit of children of employees of A. Duie Pyle. The fund is administered through the Chester County Community Foundation, and award winners are selected by the fund's scholarship committee, none of whom work at A. Duie Pyle.

Eleanor Pyle was Duie Pyle's daughter, and in 1942 she married James Latta, Jr. At the time, Mr. Latta was serving his country in the U.S. Army. Shortly after the wedding, Mr. Latta shipped out and served in the China-Burma-India Theater, and did not return home until April of 1945. Beginning in 1946, Jim Latta worked alongside Duie Pyle as the company continued to grow.

As Mr. Pyle's health declined in the early 1960's, Mr. Latta assumed the decision making for the future of the company. Mr. Latta led Pyle through rapid expansion, diversification, and a Teamster strike, and Pyle's resulting decertification. Throughout his leadership, Eleanor, his wife of 52 years, was by his side and involved in the company's activities. As Mr. Latta's health problems began to compound during 1985, much of the responsibility for the day to day decision making was transferred to Mr. and Mrs. Latta's three sons: Jimmy, Duie, and Peter. Mr. Latta remained a guiding force for his sons until his passing on June 16, 1995. Mrs. Latta continued as the matriarch of the company for many more years, until her passing on September 29, 2011.

The company experienced tremendous growth and solidified its identity as an outstanding place to work under the leadership of Eleanor and James Latta, Jr. They were always big proponents of education, and this scholarship fund is in memory of their tremendous contribution, and for the benefit of the employees of A. Duie Pyle, who they both so dearly respected and valued.

In 2013, shortly before his retirement, Pyle's President, Steve O'Kane, started the Eleanor & James Latta Jr. Scholarship Fund for the benefit of children of employees of A. Duie Pyle, in memory of Eleanor & James Latta Jr.

The Goodridge Brothers Scholarship, offered by the Saginaw Community Foundation, supports residents of Saginaw County pursuing careers in technical education, such as welding or auto mechanics. This initiative recognizes the growing demand for skilled tradespeople and aims to alleviate financial barriers for students. Scholarships typically range from $500 to $4,000, promoting educational opportunities in urban and regional planning and enhancing the community's workforce capabilities.

The BJA FY 2026 National Center for Veterans Justice aims to enhance support for veterans in the criminal justice system. By providing specialized training and resources to law enforcement and service providers, the center will address critical gaps in veteran identification and coordination among agencies. This initiative seeks to improve outcomes for veterans experiencing issues like PTSD and military sexual trauma, ultimately strengthening public safety and ensuring effective responses to their unique needs.

The FY26 Autism Research Program Clinical Trial Award aims to rapidly implement clinical trials that significantly impact autism treatment and management. Projects may range from small proof-of-concept trials to large-scale studies assessing efficacy in relevant populations. Applications are encouraged to partner experienced and early-career investigators and must include community collaborations to enhance research impact. At least one community partner is required to provide ongoing consultation throughout the project.

The Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond

The Community Foundation of Richmond is a philanthropic organization dedicated to improving quality of life across the Richmond region by connecting people, ideas, and resources for lasting community impact. The Foundation manages charitable funds, supports local nonprofits, and leads strategic initiatives that address community priorities such as education, health, economic opportunity, and equity. Through grantmaking, donor services, and community leadership, the Foundation works to strengthen nonprofits, respond to emerging needs, and build a more resilient, inclusive, and thriving Richmond-area community.

The Woman's Club Scholarship

The long-standing scholarship program honors the life and leadership of one of its founding members and past presidents, Mary Munford. Her accomplishments on behalf of education and especially the education of women in Virginia are legendary. Through her efforts and encouragement, the Education Endowment Fund was established. Now known as The Woman's Club Scholarship Fund, it has continued to flourish with the consistent and generous support of The Woman’s Club members. Hundreds of students from Richmond have had their education aspirations affirmed and supported by the Fund.

The purpose of the Fund is to support post-secondary education scholarships for qualifying graduates of the Richmond metropolitan area high schools. Scholarships are intended to reflect The Woman’s Club’s long history of supporting educational opportunities for women in the Greater Richmond region. Scholarship recipients, referred to as Mary Munford Scholars, are chosen annually and are invited to a reception honoring their accomplishment. Recipients are also encouraged to attend the annual spring meeting of The Woman’s Club designated to recognize the work of The Woman's Club Scholarship Fund. 

The FY26 Autism Research Program's Idea Development Award from the US DOD aims to support groundbreaking research that improves outcomes for Autistic individuals. This award encourages innovative, high-risk projects that can lead to significant advancements in autism research. Applications must address specific areas of interest or justify the importance of the research problem. A unique Partnering Principal Investigator option allows two researchers to collaborate on a single project, enhancing the potential for impactful discoveries.

The Sandusky Bay Kiwanis Community Services Scholarship supports graduating seniors from several high schools in Erie County, Ohio, including Huron, Margaretta, Perkins, Sandusky, and St. Mary’s Central Catholic. To qualify, applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.8 and demonstrate a commitment to community service and financial need. This scholarship aims to empower students to contribute positively to their communities while furthering their education.

The FY26 Autism Research Program Career Development Award aims to support early-career investigators in conducting innovative research that can significantly impact autism. It encourages applications addressing specific areas of interest and mandates community collaboration for projects involving pilot clinical trials. Proposals must include partnerships with community members for effective planning and implementation, ensuring that the research is grounded in the needs of the autism community.

The AEESP Award for Outstanding Contribution to Environmental Engineering & Science Education recognizes exceptional teaching and educational initiatives in the field. Annually awarded by the AEESP Foundation, recipients receive a plaque, a cash prize of $500, and a $750 travel allotment for the awards ceremony. Nominations are open to all ranks, encouraging contributions that enhance student learning and improve engineering education practices.

The AEESP Award for Outstanding Teaching in Environmental Engineering & Science recognizes exceptional professors dedicated to teaching in environmental engineering. It honors those who demonstrate excellence in classroom engagement, innovative teaching practices, and mentorship. Open to nominations from all ranks, this award includes a plaque, a $500 cash prize, and a $750 travel allowance for the awards ceremony. Past winners are ineligible, ensuring fresh talent is acknowledged annually.

Maury and Betty Hull Endowed Scholarship

The Maury and Betty Hull Scholarship was created to honor their lives and appreciation for their hometown, Forks, WA. The scholarship was established to help community students pursue their higher education dreams.

Award Information

Awards begin at $2,000 and are at the discretion of the committee.

The Myasthenia Gravis Network (MGNet) Scholar Program is designed to enhance research capabilities in myasthenia gravis through individualized training and mentorship. Funded by the Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network (RDCRN), this program supports scholars with up to $75,000 for salary and research costs, aiming to prepare them for independent careers in clinical and translational research. Eligible candidates include MDs, PhDs, and mid-career faculty committed to advancing MG research.