Best Grants for Minorities in Pennsylvania

Osborn scholarship

The Osborn scholarship is for BIPOC students with demonstrated financial need, who are enrolled in or planning to pursue an accredited bachelor’s or master’s degree program in landscape architecture or civil engineering. Priority will be given to students with a demonstrated a commitment to developing public infrastructure and/or public places in the State of Washington. The intention of the scholarship is to create opportunities for those who have faced historic barriers to access to these professions in the United States. The scholarship founders believe that the design challenges of the 21st century require diverse voices to solve. They look forward to the stronger design solutions to which future scholarship recipients will contribute. Scholarship applicants must demonstrate the grit, resiliency and aptitude that is necessary for success in these professions. This may be demonstrated by any combination of at least two of the following characteristics: overcame a significant personal challenge to maintain at least a B average at school, honor roll grade point average, demonstrated ability to juggle multiple responsibilities, demonstrated service contributions to their community.

Awards

• $5,000 - $10,000

Rene Hernandez Scholarship Fund

Hispanic graduating seniors in Travis and Williamson county.

Awards

• (1) $2,000.00

The Estelle Massey Osborne Scholarship supports exceptional African American nurses pursuing master's degrees. Applicants must have at least two semesters remaining in their program, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.6, and hold a current RN license. This scholarship, provided by Nurses Educational Funds Inc., honors Estelle Massey Osborne, the first African American nurse to earn a master's degree in the U.S. It aims to promote nursing leadership through financial assistance for advanced education.

The BJA FY 2026 Tribal Justice Training and Technical Assistance Program aims to enhance Tribal justice systems through specialized technical support. This funding opportunity addresses critical issues such as violent crime and substance-use related crime, including opioids. By assisting federally recognized Indian Tribes, the program promotes the development of sustainable legal and corrections infrastructure while fostering collaboration with federal, state, and local partners. Applications are due by October 28, 2026, at 8:59 p.m. ET.

Overview

In 1966, Mr. Bernard H. Jones founded Urban Youth Action (UYA), a youth support program that provided developmental and social growth opportunities to Black inner-city youth in Pittsburgh. Urban Youth Action offered daily life studies and other programs to help young people transition from adolescence to adulthood. Participants learned the importance of doing well in school and working hard to achieve their dreams. They also explored ideas about family and community. These young people were admonished to take pride in everything they did. In addition, Urban Youth Action taught them fundamental skills to succeed, such as how to dress and prepare for an interview, balance a checkbook, and plan and run a business. They were exposed to business and civic leaders who imparted knowledge to them that would have otherwise been unavailable.

After years of incredible, transformative work with Black inner-city youth, the Urban Youth Action Program stopped offering formal programming around 2012. However, the work and legacy of Urban Youth Action will continue through annual grant support and youth flex funds provided to organizations that exemplify the vision of Urban Youth Action.

Urban Youth Action Flex Grant

The Urban Youth Action Flex Grant supports eligible applicants who provide consistent programming or services in youth education and enrichment.

The fund is intended to assist Black middle or high school students with expenses related to enrichment activities or their education, career or entrepreneurial development. Eligible use of grant funds includes, but is not limited, to field trips, bus fares, school supplies, technology, out-of-school time activities and traveling expenses. 

• Depending upon fund availability, grant amounts will be up to $1,000 per applicant; 
• Only one application per applicant per year can be submitted; 
• Funds may be used to support more than one youth;
• Funds will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Annual support is not guaranteed. 

The Coors Light Líderes Grant Program honors exceptional Latino leaders across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, awarding five individuals with a $10,000 grant each for their nonprofit organizations. This initiative, active for 17 years, aims to empower emerging leaders who demonstrate significant community impact through innovative programs. Eligible nominees must be between 21-39 years old, associated with a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and committed to fostering positive change in their communities.

This funding opportunity aims to enhance health outcomes by addressing healthcare disparities related to non-communicable and chronic diseases in Latin America and among U.S. Hispanic populations. It encourages innovative, interdisciplinary research teams to develop and implement clinical and community-based interventions. Key partnerships with institutions in Latin America are essential for collaboration. Deadlines for applications range from February 2024 to June 2026, with specific dates for standard, renewal, and AIDS-related grant submissions.

This funding opportunity aims to address health and healthcare disparities in non-communicable and chronic diseases across Latin America. It encourages innovative, multi-disciplinary research focused on clinical epidemiology and public health policy evaluation. Collaborations should include key partners from Latin American institutions, fostering meaningful partnerships to tackle significant health challenges faced by U.S. Hispanics/Latinos. The initiative highlights multiple application deadlines for standard and AIDS-related grants, promoting timely submissions for impactful research.

The National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) is offering funding for innovative research aimed at improving health outcomes for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander populations. This grant will support preparatory and pilot activities that focus on understanding health disparities, testing interventions for chronic diseases, and promoting health behavior changes in collaboration with community partners. Projects should address critical health issues such as cancer, diabetes, and maternal health.

The Korean American Community Foundation (KACF) offers a community grant to support programs enhancing the economic security of low-income Korean Americans. This multi-year grant provides up to $100,000 annually for organizations focused on education, employment, and financial stability. KACF prioritizes partnerships that address the unique challenges faced by Korean Americans, fostering a culture of giving and community engagement to empower individuals and transform lives.

The Behavioral Health Integration Initiative aims to enhance the health of American Indian and Alaska Native individuals by expanding access to integrated behavioral health care. It supports Tribal and Urban Indian Organization health systems in providing culturally responsive and trauma-informed services. The initiative focuses on improving care coordination, promoting early identification of mental health issues, and integrating various health services to improve overall health outcomes and quality of life for AI/AN communities.

The Zero Suicide Initiative aims to enhance suicide prevention within Indian health systems by implementing the Zero Suicide framework. This program focuses on culturally informed strategies to empower Tribal health systems, fostering leadership, workforce development, and effective suicide risk identification. It emphasizes timely engagement and evidence-based treatment, ensuring continuity of care and quality improvement, ultimately enhancing outcomes for American Indian and Alaska Native individuals at risk for suicide.

The Healthy Lifestyles in Youth program, funded by the Indian Health Service, aims to empower Tribes and Tribal Organizations to deliver essential public health services. This new cohort of NPHR awards supports initiatives that foster healthier lifestyles among youth in Indigenous communities, addressing critical health disparities and promoting well-being through culturally relevant programs and services.

The Indigenous Scholarships: Arts Fund facilitates artistic development for Aboriginal Australian, Torres Strait Islander, Native American, Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian artists. Offering up to $5,000, it supports projects in each other's countries, with applications due in March and September. Since 2002, over $1 million has been awarded to more than 500 artists, fostering cultural exchange and growth in the arts between Australia and the USA.

The Graduate Education Indigenous Scholarships, including the Aurora Indigenous Education Scholarship, support Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islanders to pursue full-time graduate studies in the US. Offering up to $40,000 for living and educational expenses, this initiative encourages Indigenous individuals to engage in Masters, Ph.D., or Postdoctoral Research. Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents, actively seeking placement in accredited institutions, and plan to study for at least one year.

The Substance Abuse Prevention, Treatment, and Aftercare program aims to combat substance abuse in American Indian and Alaska Native populations. It focuses on enhancing care coordination, expanding culturally competent behavioral health services, and implementing early intervention strategies for at-risk youth. By supporting Tribal and community-led initiatives, the program fosters collaboration among families, youth, and community partners to create effective prevention, treatment, and recovery solutions.

The FY 2026 funding opportunity aims to support Indian Tribes and intertribal consortia in implementing approved Nonpoint Source management programs under the Clean Water Act Section 319. This initiative, funded by the EPA, focuses on addressing NPS pollution through best management practices as outlined in Tribal NPS Management Program Plans, ensuring the protection of water resources and promoting sustainability in Tribal lands.

Our Mission

UNCF envisions a nation where all Americans have equal access to a college education that prepares them for rich intellectual lives, competitive and fulfilling careers, engaged citizenship and service to our nation.

UNCF’s mission is to build a robust and nationally-recognized pipeline of under-represented students who, because of UNCF support, become highly-qualified college graduates and to ensure that our network of member institutions is a respected model of best practice in moving students to and through college.

UNCF’s North Star is to increase the total annual number of African American college graduates by focusing on activities that ensure more students are college-ready, enroll in college and persist to graduation. This is done through a three-pillar strategy. Positioning member institutions as a viable college option for students and investing in institutional capacity to improve student outcomes; creating transformational support programs to ensure students are enrolling and persisting through college completion; building awareness of educational attainment and cultivating college-going behaviors within the African American community.

About the UNCF Lighted Pathways Program

Increasing the number of Black investment management professionals one opportunity at a time

According to The American College and the CFP Board, African Americans only make up 5% of financial advisors and 2% of certified financial planners (CFP), even though African Americans represent 13.4% of the U.S. population.

The UNCF Lighted Pathways programs meets the disparity and lack of Black talent in asset management through the UNCF Lighted Pathways initiative which provides scholarships and internships to African American undergraduate students interested in the investment management industry. Through this initiative, UNCF Lighted Pathways aims to create a career pathway to attract, develop, and retain Black talent for the asset management industry.

The UNCF Lighted Pathways Program excites, educates, and empowers young people by supporting personal and professional development, driving company performance, and providing the asset management industry the talent they need to meet today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities. This program offers students a glimpse inside the dynamic, global asset management industries and the career opportunities, potential and rewards within them.

Students are afforded the opportunity to receive $5,000 in scholarships and/or participate in internships in the financial industry provided by the program’s partners.

The CAFE Group 

We resource leaders, invest in their genius, and bring people together to reimagine what philanthropy can do.

Founded by Liz and Don Thompson, The CAFE Group is a national nonprofit transforming how change is resourced. 

With a focus on education equity, social capital, and philanthropic transformation, we pair catalytic funding, community-rooted leadership development, and cross-sector collaboration to strengthen the people and institutions shaping a more just future. Everything we do is grounded in relationship, because we believe the way resources move matters just as much as where they land.

The 1954 Project Luminary Award

The 1954 Project Luminary Award celebrates transformational education nonprofit leaders dedicated to serving Black students and communities through powerful investments in their organizations' ability to create lasting change.

The Luminary Experience

Each Luminary organization gets more than funding. Through The 1954 Project, leaders gain a community, a platform, and space to grow with tailored support over the course of the three year journey.​

• $1 Million, Unrestricted: Catalytic funding to expand what’s working.
• Leadership Coaching + Capacity Support: Guidance from peers and experts who are committed to helping you build a lasting, impactful organization.
• National Network: Luminaries join a powerful community of innovators, change-makers, and visionaries driving systemic progress to support students and communities across the U.S.

The 1954 Project’s Impact Areas

We focus on three interconnected areas critical to advancing equity:

• Innovation in Teaching and Learning: Create education models that center Black students through culturally affirming approaches that challenge traditional structures and transform how learning happens, ultimately serving all students. 
• Diversity in Education: Build pathways that increase and sustain Black educators and education leaders who transform where and how students learn.
• Pathways to Economic Mobility: Build pathways to wealth, ownership, and economic power for Black students, families, and communities through innovative educational programming.

Our Selection Criteria

We seek out extraordinary applicants who embody our values and vision across three categories:

Leader: We look for leaders whose influence and vision contribute to the collective well-being and advancement of the Black community. These leaders:

• Are Visionary: They demonstrate a strategic and pragmatic mindset, articulating a transformative vision for significant, positive change.
• Show Demonstrated Commitment: They embody steadfast dedication to your cause, inspiring and influencing others, and galvanizing community involvement.
• Are Adaptive: They assertively tackle challenges, turning setbacks into opportunities for innovation, while maintaining humility and thoughtfulness in problem-solving.

Organization: We look for organizations that drive significant change, anchored by a deep love for people and driven by the genius within communities of color. These organizations: 

• Have a Defined Problem: They clearly identify the issue they are addressing and explain in detail how your organization tackles root causes. 
• Take a Strategic Approach: They have clear, measurable, and achievable organizational goals with a well-defined strategy informed by thorough analysis. 
• Show Demonstrated Impact: They have a tested model that has produced positive results, incorporating continuous learning and iteration. 
• Have a Transformation Plan: They present a clear plan for using the $1M award to advance your organization's mission, vision, and long-term goals. 
• Embrace Collaboration: They use collaborate to build partnerships based on trust, love, and common goals. 

Radical Imagination: We seek leaders who challenge and redesign societal norms to build a just and equitable future. They demonstrate:

• Community-Rooted Leadership: They maintain and cultivate genuine community ties, integrating professional expertise and personal commitment to drive visionary, impactful strategies. 
• Long-Term Commitment: They are in it for the long haul, committing to sustained impact across generations and prioritizing long-lasting solutions over short-term gains. 
• Collectivism: They embody the philosophy of "I am because we are," actively engaging in collaborative networks and fostering community-reflective solutions. 

The Dementia CAReS Grants aim to enhance the lives of American Indian and Alaska Native communities affected by dementia. By providing funding, training, and support, this initiative focuses on developing actionable strategies within Tribal and Urban Indian settings. Key activities include establishing a network of dementia champions and promoting local best practices. The goal is to empower communities to improve dementia care and outcomes through collaborative efforts and innovative approaches.

The Tribal Institutional Review Board Establishment and Enhancement (TIRBEE) award aims to assist federally recognized AI/AN Tribes, Tribal colleges and universities, and Tribal health organizations in creating or enhancing Institutional Review Boards (IRBs). This initiative is crucial for ensuring ethical research practices within Tribal communities, fostering cultural sensitivity in research, and protecting the rights of AI/AN participants. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization.

The Tribal Self Governance - Planning program provides essential support for tribes to prepare for managing healthcare services for their communities. Through the Cooperative Agreements, the Indian Health Service aims to empower tribal organizations to take charge of their health needs, facilitating a smoother transition to self-governance in healthcare. This initiative reflects a commitment to enhancing tribal autonomy and improving health outcomes, with three awards available to eligible applicants.

The Tribal Management Grant program is designed to empower tribes and tribal organizations by enabling them to take over functions and services of the Indian Health Service. Under the Public Law 93-638, this initiative aims to enhance their health management capabilities, fostering self-determination and improved healthcare delivery. The Indian Health Service plans to provide between five and sixteen awards to support this vital development in tribal health management.

The Tribal Self-Governance Planning and Negotiation Cooperative Agreements are designed to assist tribes in planning and preparing to manage healthcare services for their members through the Tribal Self Governance Program. The Indian Health Service will provide three awards under this initiative, aiming to empower tribal organizations in their efforts to enhance healthcare delivery and self-determination.

The USA Swimming Foundation's HBCU Grant program is a $1 million initiative aimed at enhancing swimming opportunities in communities served by Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Launched in 2021, the program provides annual grants of $100,000 over ten years, supporting youth water safety lessons and university swim clubs. This initiative is designed to empower HBCUs to expand their aquatic programming, fostering inclusivity and safety in swimming across diverse communities nationwide.

The Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention program aims to reduce suicide rates among American Indian and Alaska Native populations. By enhancing care coordination and culturally relevant behavioral health services, it targets at-risk youth with early intervention strategies. This initiative emphasizes community engagement and collaboration among families, youth, and partners, fostering a comprehensive approach to prevention and support for those affected by suicide.