Best Grants for Minorities in Pennsylvania

Excellence in Medicine Awards

The AMA Foundation’s Excellence in Medicine Awards honor physicians and medical advocates who exemplify the highest values of the profession—volunteerism, community engagement, leadership, and service to underserved populations. Each recipient is recognized at a ceremony during the AMA Annual Meeting in Chicago and receives a $2,500 grant honorarium directed to a nonprofit health organization of their choice. Since 2005, more than 100 honorees have been celebrated through this program, with over $250,000 awarded to strengthen community health and advance equitable care nationwide. 

Excellence in Medicine Awards- Pride in the Profession Award

Honors physicians who aid underserved populations in the U.S.

The CareQuest Emergent & Relief Fund aims to address the unique challenges faced by historically underserved communities in the healthcare system, particularly in oral health. This fund supports innovative approaches, urgent clinical responses, and immediate relief efforts for community crises. Grants are targeted at organizations demonstrating commitment to equity in health services, ensuring that aid reaches those most in need. With a focus on transformative change, this initiative seeks to enhance access and improve health outcomes across diverse populations.

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.

Lightbown Family Scholarship Fund

The Lightbown Family Scholarship Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships for students from Allegheny County pursuing a career in education. Corinne Elsie Lightbown passed away peacefully on Jan. 7, 2017 at the age of 86 having lived a full and rewarding life. Connie, as she was known to friends, loved life, people, friends and family as well as traveling and discussing movies, political issues and literature. She was an English teacher for 34 years with the Mt. Lebanon High School and taught in London, England, and Japan. A firm believer in the value of a good education, she established this scholarship fund in her name to support students in their academic studies. She never married so had no children of her own, yet her many students became a part of her extended family through the years. Many remained in touch with her and considered her as a mentor and friend. It was her wish that this scholarship would continue beyond her life in this same spirit.

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

The Lancaster Equity Fund Grant offers up to $5,000 to support individuals from Black, Indigenous, and Immigrant communities in Lancaster. This grant aims to alleviate costs related to project execution, from self-compensation to logistical challenges. The Equity Council, in partnership with the Lancaster County Community Foundation, is dedicated to fostering systemic change by empowering BIPOC communities to take an active role in addressing societal issues. This initiative is a valuable opportunity for both seasoned and emerging leaders.

The Health Career Connection Internship, offered by John Muir Health, is a 10-week full-time program aimed at empowering underrepresented college students in healthcare. This internship provides valuable mentorship, networking opportunities, and real-world experience, focusing on diverse backgrounds. It encourages participants to explore careers in health professions, particularly those from low-income and first-generation college student backgrounds. The program is designed to inspire and motivate interns as they embark on their professional journeys.

The Toward An Inclusive Architecture Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, aims to empower Tennesseans of color by providing financial support for architectural education. This initiative not only covers educational expenses at accredited architecture schools but also enhances professional growth through internship placements at partner firms. By fostering diversity in architecture, the scholarship seeks to create a more inclusive and thriving community in Tennessee.

Mission Statement

Beckley Area Foundation exists to inspire and facilitate generous charitable giving that advances our community.

The Beckley Area Foundation is committed to enriching lives and strengthening communities across Southern West Virginia.

Scholarship

Supporting Student Success

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.

Surayria T. Hasan Scholarship

Eligibility

Both need and merit will be considered in selecting applicants; Must be a minority student from Raleigh County, West Virginia; Pursuing either a masters in nursing degree, a nurse practitioner degree, or physician’s assistant degree at a West Virginia school, preferably in Raleigh County.

LSC’s Basic Field Grants aim to enhance access to civil legal services for low-income individuals across the U.S. and territories. These grants support eligible organizations for up to three years through a competitive application process. The funding is allocated to specific service areas, which change annually, and focuses on providing comprehensive legal assistance. The program includes three types of service areas, ensuring diverse populations, including agricultural and Native American communities, receive necessary legal support.

The Bob Zylstra STEM Scholarship, offered by the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, supports undergraduate students who identify as female or as students of color from West Michigan. This scholarship aims to empower students pursuing STEM majors by removing barriers to education and fostering diversity in these fields. Each year, the foundation awards scholarships ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 to help students achieve their academic and career aspirations.

The Wayfinders: Launching Spiritual Activists Grant Program, initiated by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), empowers college students to pursue anti-racism and anti-poverty initiatives on their campuses. This innovative program connects participants with mentorship and financial resources to develop justice and spirituality projects. With support from the 1001 New Worshiping Communities initiative, students will receive coaching and guidance throughout the academic year, culminating in a retreat to share experiences and insights.

The Dalmas A. Taylor Memorial Summer Policy Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for doctoral students in psychology to engage in public policy work during a full-time, 8-12 week summer program. Funded by the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues, this fellowship emphasizes participation in policy activities, including crafting policy briefs and attending key events in Washington, DC. With a stipend of $3,000 and additional travel support, it aims to foster commitment to ethnic minority issues in the field of psychology.

The Risk and Protective Factors of Family Health initiative invites research proposals to explore family health and resilience, addressing health disparities in minority communities. Key submission deadlines are set for various dates from February 2025 to February 2027. This program is supported by the National Institutes of Health, highlighting the importance of family well-being as a critical area for advancing health equity. Proposals should focus on interventions that improve family health outcomes.

Steve's Foundation Grant is a small private funding opportunity providing grants between $500 and $5,000, averaging $2,600. It supports organizations that empower disadvantaged individuals, focusing on cost-effective programs that yield significant impacts. The foundation prioritizes proposals from non-profits that directly assist those in need, especially children and marginalized communities. Applications are evaluated annually in May or June, but due to high demand, the foundation cannot respond to every inquiry.

The REACHing Communities (REACH) Consortium (U01) Clinical Trials Optional grant aims to advance health equity among racial and ethnic minorities through cooperative agreements. It focuses on research, outreach, and mentoring diverse students and researchers. Although the grant information has not been updated in over six months, it remains under observation for potential updates. The initiative is part of the FDA Office of Minority Health and Health Equity's commitment to improving minority health.

This funding opportunity by the FDA aims to enhance education and public awareness regarding the risks associated with skin lightening products, such as hydroquinone. The initiative encourages innovative, community-based strategies that engage stakeholders in promoting health equity. Proposals should focus on outreach activities that strengthen the scientific understanding of these products while addressing public health concerns. This is a vital step in ensuring safer use and informed consumer choices.

The Department of Defense Research and Education Program aims to support Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions by enhancing defense-related research and educational capabilities. This initiative encourages collaboration with other educational institutions and government organizations to increase STEM graduates and strengthen national defense. Eligible applicants include accredited minority institutions and community colleges. The program is open until July 31, 2029, providing a significant opportunity for institutions meeting the defined criteria.

The Spotlight Fund Grants aim to enhance racial equity in K-12 education by providing flexible funding to BIPOC educators. With grants ranging from $500 to $1,000 per educator, these funds are essential for sourcing tools and materials that support diverse student needs. As schools face budget cuts exacerbated by COVID-19, this initiative focuses on proven strategies that foster an inclusive learning environment for students of color, ensuring they have equal opportunities to thrive.

The Center for Arab American Philanthropy (CAAP) Grant supports Arab American organizations in arts, culture, media, and human services. Grants of up to $10,000 are available to U.S.-based nonprofits that serve the Arab American community and hold valid 501(c)(3) status. CAAP aims to strengthen community organizations and foster philanthropy, ensuring impactful support for eligible groups dedicated to empowering the Arab American population across the nation.

The Innovations for Healthy Living program invites eligible U.S. small businesses to apply for SBIR grants aimed at improving minority health and eliminating health disparities. The initiative encourages innovative proposals for effective, affordable, and culturally acceptable solutions. Key deadlines for applications span from June 2024 to December 2026, with optional Letters of Intent recommended 30 days prior to submission. This funding opportunity supports projects that address health challenges faced by underserved populations.

The Technologies for Improving Minority Health and Eliminating Health Disparities (R41/R42) program invites small business concerns to develop innovative technologies aimed at enhancing minority health and addressing health disparities. This initiative emphasizes the creation of effective, affordable, and culturally acceptable solutions for NIH-defined populations. Key deadlines for applications span from June 2024 to December 2026, with optional Letters of Intent encouraged 30 days prior to submission.

The Grant for Grassroots Exchange: U.S.-Japan Community Networking supports initiatives that foster connections between grassroots communities in the U.S. and Japan. With funding up to $10,000, projects should enhance mutual understanding through events like workshops and conferences. Eligibility is limited to U.S. organizations with 501(c)(3) status, and priority is given to collaborations with underrepresented groups. This grant aims to strengthen community ties and promote cultural exchange on a local level.

The Career Enhancement Fellowship, offered by Citizens & Scholars, supports junior faculty from diverse backgrounds in the humanities and humanistic social sciences. With stipends up to $35,000, funding for research, and travel support, this program nurtures academic diversity and enhances campus perspectives. Since 2001, over 400 fellows have advanced their careers while fostering a rich academic community. The fellowship promotes innovative scholarship and leadership roles, contributing to a more inclusive academic environment.

The Hillman Innovations in Care Grant seeks innovative, nursing-driven proposals to address the impact of racism on health equity for marginalized communities. This includes addressing health disparities faced by BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and economically disadvantaged populations. The program encourages bold, evidence-based interventions that enhance healthcare delivery and outcomes. Grants of up to $600,000 will support projects that demonstrate potential for broad replicability and sustainability over a 36-month period.

Proteus Fund

Proteus Fund partners with foundations, individual donors, activists, and other allies to work strategically towards racial, gender, queer, and disability justice and an inclusive, fully-representative democracy. We curate an ecosystem of mutually reinforcing, aligned donor collaboratives and fiscally sponsored projects that deploy a creative array of strategies and tactics to further this vision.

RISE Together Fund: Small Grants

Call For Application

RISE Together Fund (RTF), an initiative of Proteus Fund, is announcing an open call for inquiries for our 2026 Small Grants Fund for U.S. public charity organizations or fiscally sponsored projects of such organizations, that support Black, African, Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim and South Asian (BAMEMSA) communities.

As part of RTF’s commitment to prioritizing the needs and sustainability of the fields we collectively support, RTF will provide organizations with general operating grants to allow for organizational flexibility when possible. 

About RTF's Small Grants Fund

BAMEMSA movements have a strong history of organizing and collaboration, and are well poised with the knowledge, learning and experience to build an inclusive, multiracial democratic future and respond to the current unconstitutional threats facing the country. Through this fund, RTF aims to resource community power building organizations that use a multiplicity of approaches to create change rooted in the strength and leadership of BAMEMSA movements.

RTF supports groups that build community power, strengthen movement bases, defend civil and human rights including freedom of protest, speech, religion, and association, end the criminalization and surveillance of our communities, and respond to the rise in xenophobia, Islamophobia, and hate. RTF values groups that are intersectional in their approach and have or are developing sustainable long-term strategies to support BAMEMSA communities and movements.

Priority Issue Areas

• Protecting and advancing the rights of immigrant and refugee BAMEMSA communities by responding to harmful policies and practices, and strengthening community-led advocacy at the local, state, or federal level.

• Mobilizing BAMEMSA communities for nonpartisan civic engagement and election protection by increasing nonpartisan voter participation, combating voter suppression, and building sustained civic infrastructure ahead of, during, and between elections.

• Advocating for U.S. policy changes that end violence in Gaza and the West Bank by elevating Palestinian voices, influencing public discourse, and engaging in advocacy that shifts U.S. political, diplomatic, or funding decisions.

• Challenging harmful national security frameworks and their impacts on BAMEMSA communities by documenting, exposing, and organizing against surveillance, Islamophobia, and policies rooted in the War on Terror, particularly in the context of 9/11’s 25-year legacy.

• Responding to emerging opportunities and threats affecting BAMESMA communities such as influencing policy developments, addressing civic issues in the U.S., or developing narratives to change public discourse. This includes work addressing weaponizing issues around bodily autonomy and LGBTQ+ identity to fracture movements and communities.

Priority Strategies

RTF values organizations that take an intersectional approach and are intentionally building long-term community power. We prioritize support for groups that strengthen movement ecosystems, deepen their base, and defend the rights of BAMEMSA communities through the following strategies:

• Convening, Collaboration, and Movement Coordination: Bringing together organizations, leaders, and coalitions to align shared goals, coordinate strategies to advance shared visions, and reduce fragmentation across the field. This includes facilitating strategic convenings, developing platforms for collaboration, building cross-issue or cross-regional partnerships, developing shared agendas or issue campaigns, and strengthening trust and alignment among movement actors.
• Community Power-Building, Base Building, Civic Engagement, and Organizing: Expanding and activating a grassroots base within BAMEMSA communities to drive collective action and policy change. This includes community leadership development, public education campaigns, community organizing, nonpartisan voter engagement and election protection, and ongoing nonpartisan civic participation efforts that build sustained community power.
• Legal and Policy Advocacy Infrastructure: Advancing legal strategies and policy advocacy that expand and protect the rights of BAMEMSA communities. This includes impact litigation, legal advocacy, know-your-rights efforts, policy development, and advocacy at a local, state, or federal level.
• Communications and Narrative Strategy: Shaping public discourse and advancing narratives that reflect the experiences, dignity, and demands of BAMEMSA communities. This includes developing messaging strategies, producing and amplifying media, countering harmful or divisive narratives (including those targeting immigrants, religious minorities, LGBTQ+ communities, and reproductive rights), and increasing the voice share of BAMEMSA community members.
• Bolstering Movement Infrastructure: Strengthening the internal capacity and long-term sustainability of organizations and the broader movement ecosystem. This includes organizations supporting leadership development and pipelines, data and technology infrastructure, security and safety, and other core functions that enable groups to operate effectively and respond to evolving challenges.

Limited funding may be available for requests above $25,000.

PetSmart Charities offers Natural Disaster Response Grants to support organizations addressing the urgent needs of pets affected by major disasters. Grant funds can be utilized for shelter supplies, veterinary care, structural repairs, and supplemental staff expenses within 30 to 45 days post-disaster. In special cases, funding may extend up to 60 days. Eligible applicants include authorized disaster responders and nonprofit organizations directly impacted by the disaster, ensuring timely assistance to affected animals and their caretakers.

The ICRG Seed Grant supports innovative research aimed at understanding and treating gambling disorders. With a focus on pilot studies, secondary data analysis, and developing new methodologies, it encourages both established and early-career researchers to apply for funding up to $40,000. The grant emphasizes the importance of addressing critical issues in gambling research while ensuring the inclusion of diverse participant groups. This initiative aims to enhance public education and promote responsible gaming practices.

The Institutional Challenge Grant aims to foster collaborative research by requiring institutions to adapt their policies and enhance capacities for meaningful partnerships. It encourages applications from diverse leadership teams in youth-serving areas, focusing on addressing inequalities in youth outcomes. The grant outlines four key goals: strengthening partnerships, pursuing a joint research agenda, facilitating institutional change, and enhancing collaborative capacities for producing actionable research evidence.