Best Polk County Grants for Nonprofits in Tennessee

The Columbus Hilltop Lions Community Service Scholarship Fund, established by The Columbus Foundation in 1943, aims to support high school seniors from the Hilltop area of Columbus who demonstrate a strong commitment to community service. The scholarship offers $2,000 over two years to eligible candidates who have completed at least 30 hours of volunteer service. This initiative reflects the foundation's long-standing dedication to enhancing the quality of life in central Ohio.

The D. W. Vanderhorst Charitable Trust Scholarship Fund, established by The Columbus Foundation, aims to support high school graduates from the 43204 Zip code pursuing higher education. This fund honors Wayne Vanderhorst's legacy, who dedicated his life to helping others succeed. Scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 are available for students in public service, engineering, business, and other fields. Preference will be given to students with strong attendance records and financial need.

The Ian Van Heyde Memorial Culinary Scholarship Fund, established by Stephen and Nancy Van Heyde, honors their son Ian, a culinary arts student from Whetstone High School. This fund provides scholarships to students pursuing postsecondary education in culinary arts, food management, or restaurant management. Award amounts start at $1,500, aimed at supporting talented individuals from central Ohio's public culinary programs. Previous recipients are encouraged to apply again, fostering continued growth in the culinary field.

The Installed Building Products Building for Tomorrow Scholarship, established by The Columbus Foundation, aims to support employees and their families in pursuing educational goals. Award amounts include $5,000 annually for the duration of a program or degree, with a special $10,000 scholarship for a candidate demonstrating the highest financial need. Open to anyone attending accredited institutions in the U.S., preference is given to those in construction-related fields.

The James Hantak Scholarship, established by The Columbus Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Columbus City Schools, Upper Arlington High School, or volunteers and athletes from Lancaster Special Olympics with special needs. The scholarship offers $5,000 annually for educational pursuits, with an additional $10,000 scholarship awarded based on financial need. Preference is given to athletes and volunteers from Special Olympics. This initiative aims to enhance opportunities for students in central Ohio, promoting inclusivity and community engagement.

The Jane Tschappat Nursing Advancement Scholarship, established by The Columbus Foundation, aims to support nurses pursuing advanced education in Ohio. Initiated in 1943, it honors Jane Tschappat, a dedicated nurse and public health leader. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in accredited programs, hold a valid RN license, and demonstrate financial need. The scholarship offers a minimum award of $1,000, empowering nurses to navigate the evolving healthcare landscape and enhance their professional qualifications.

The Jean T. Grant Scholarship, established by The Columbus Foundation, honors the legacy of Jean Terry Grant, a devoted librarian and arts advocate. Providing $1,000, this scholarship supports graduating seniors from Columbus City Schools pursuing studies in music or the arts. Jean's commitment to education and the arts inspires future generations, ensuring that her passion for creativity and philanthropy continues to impact the community positively.

The Marcia L. Wetherbee Scholarship, established by The Columbus Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors from central Ohio who plan to pursue higher education. With a minimum award of $1,000, this scholarship honors Marcia Wetherbee, a passionate community advocate and social worker. Eligible candidates must have a GPA between 2.5 and 3.8 and demonstrate commitment to their education. This scholarship aims to empower the next generation of leaders in the community.

The Marian and Wayne Sinsel Scholarship, established by Marian Sinsel to honor her late husband Wayne, provides financial support to hearing impaired residents of Appalachian Ohio or Fairfield County. This scholarship aims to assist candidates who are 22 years or younger and plan to pursue education at a post-secondary institution in the U.S. with a minimum award of $1,000, ensuring it does not displace existing state or federal funding.

The Robert L. and Pauline H. Minton Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the children of Pauline H. Minton, honors their parents' legacy as dedicated Battelle employees and single parents. This scholarship aims to support children of full-time Battelle staff who are pursuing education at public or nonprofit colleges in the U.S. With an award amount of $1,000, it reflects a commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for deserving students in central Ohio.

Jean Griswold Foundation 

The Jean Griswold Foundation (JGF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Caregivers through educational opportunities and scholarships. 

Mission

The mission of the Jean Griswold Foundation is to support Caregivers by providing educational scholarships* to enable them to further their training, enhance their careers, and better assist the clients they serve.

By offering educational scholarships, our Foundation will not only make a positive impact on the Caregivers themselves, but also the clients they assist and the home healthcare agencies where they are employed, as well as help advance the overarching home-care industry.

The Jean Griswold Foundation is proud to continue the service created by Dr. Jean Griswold, through spearheading this strategic journey of growth and professional development.

Scholarships

The Jean Griswold Foundation Scholarship Program awards scholarships to deserving Caregivers who wish to further their education in a care-related field. Applicants do not have to be associated with Griswold in any way, and the funds will be paid directly to the institution where the caregiver will be receiving education.  

Summer Scholarship Program

The Jean Griswold Foundation has awarded over $150,000 in scholarships to exceptional Caregivers nationwide since 2022. 

Our Mission

The Sundance Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the discovery and development of independent artists and audiences. Through its programs, the Institute seeks to discover, support, and inspire independent film and media artists from the United States and around the world, and to introduce audiences to their new work.

Sally Menke Editing Fellowship

Description of Fellowship

The Sally Menke Editing Fellowship will include the following elements:

• Two editing mentors; collaboration with Sundance Institute staff to identify the mentors who will be available from July 2026 through May 2027. You will engage in monthly meetings with one or both of the mentors for advice on the editing process and potential opportunities for career development. When appropriate, there might be a key moment to observe mentors at work during an essential part of their process.

• Invitation to join the American Cinema Editors as an associate member. Benefits include receiving the ACE CinemaEditor Magazine, invitations to events, and screeners, with the opportunity to vote for the Feature Film Best Editing categories as part of the ACE Awards.

• Invitations to join periodic informal gatherings of the cohort of Menke fellows.

• Invitation to join the Art of Editing event at the 2027 Sundance Film Festival, where the annual Menke fellow is announced.

• Participation as an editor for two of the directing fellows at the 2026 Sundance Directors Lab (fellow must be available to attend in person at the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, anticipated dates June 10–23, 2026).

Lucile Cornetet Scholarship Fund

Miss Cornetet was a retired schoolteacher with Columbus Public Schools. She taught for 39 years, 34 of those as a Latin teacher. It was Miss Cornetet's desire to make a scholarship available to Columbus Public School graduating seniors and/or graduates who studied Latin.

Award Amount:

Minimum $500

Greater Columbus Community Helping Hands, Inc. Scholarship Fund

The scholarship provides support to underserved students.

Award Amount:

• Minimum $500

Gideon Development | King Lincoln District East Side Resident Scholarship

Gideon Development founded this scholarship to support students from the King Lincoln District as they pursue higher education.

Award Amount:

• Minimum $500

Franklin County Retired Teachers Association Peggy Grate Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Franklin County Retired Teachers Association scholarship fund assists current teachers in a Franklin County public school system as they return to school to pursue their Master's degree.

Award Amount:

• Two $1,000 graduate level scholarships

Dr. Gregory I. Brooks Scholarship Fund

Friends and family established this fund in memory of Dr. Gregory I. Brooks, a physician who was active in the Dublin, Ohio community for more than two decades. Dr. Brooks served as team physician for Dublin City Schools, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of many students and their families. This fund supports annual scholarships for graduates of Dublin City Schools.

Award Amount:

• Three $1,000 scholarships

Dorothy A. Cornelius Scholarship Fund of the Ohio State University Nurses Organization (OSUNO)

The scholarship was created to honor the professionalism and ideals of Dorothy Alice Cornelius, an international nursing leader. A resident of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, Ms. Cornelius believed that one nurse could make a difference. After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, Ms. Cornelius served in the U.S. Navy Nurses Corps during World War II. Her nursing career included positions as executive director of the Ohio Nurses Association and the American Journal Nursing Company. She was an active American Red Cross volunteer and served on numerous committees and commissions for the State of Ohio and federal governments. The fund provides scholarships for registered nurse members of the OSUNO to pursue advanced nursing education.

Award Amount:

• Minimum $500

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region

The Community Foundation is a devoted advocate for the vitality and well-being of the Rappahannock River Region. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages and distributes charitable giving in the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg.

Scholarships

One of The Community Foundation’s strategies for preserving and growing the quality of life in our region is supporting higher education for area students. Generous individuals and families, companies and organizations establish endowed scholarship funds and the proceeds from these funds benefit deserving students. Donors work with foundation staff to determine appropriate criteria for each fund. The Community Foundation currently administers more than fifty scholarship funds.

The Irene Miller Memorial Nursing Scholarship Fund

This scholarship fund was created in memory of Mrs. Irene Miller of Caroline County. Mrs. Miller began her career in public health nursing in 1940 and joined the Fredericksburg Department of Health in 1948. In 1954 she became nursing supervisor for the planning district and in 1968 she went on to serve as a Virginia Regional Supervisor covering 14 counties and 4 city service areas.

By establishing the Irene A. Miller Memorial Nursing Scholarship Fund in her will, Mrs. Miller wished to support the further education of a Caroline County student or students who wish to pursue a career in nursing. 

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region

The Community Foundation is a devoted advocate for the vitality and well-being of the Rappahannock River Region. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages and distributes charitable giving in the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg.

Scholarships

One of The Community Foundation’s strategies for preserving and growing the quality of life in our region is supporting higher education for area students. Generous individuals and families, companies and organizations establish endowed scholarship funds and the proceeds from these funds benefit deserving students. Donors work with foundation staff to determine appropriate criteria for each fund. The Community Foundation currently administers more than fifty scholarship funds.

The Craig “Cujo, Jr.” Bennett Scholarship Fund

Established in June 2015, the Craig “Cujo, Jr.” Bennett Scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who has excelled in the face of adversity. This scholarship was established in memory of Craig Daniel Bennett, known as Cujo, Jr – a reference to his father’s flight call sign and to the way a seemingly harmless and vulnerable young person could grow into a passionate and powerful individual. Challenged by extensive multiple physical issues, he defied the negative predictions of skeptical doctors again and again. Craig sometimes encountered people who had difficulty seeing past his wheelchair to who he really was – for them he was a source of surprise and, once his dynamic personality made itself known, a source of inspiration. Craig was a goal-oriented fighter who whitewater rafted the New River and was elected Homecoming King at Bluefield College. He had dreams of walking to receive his diploma and of sky diving.

Craig wanted to be seen as “normal”. Those who knew him saw more than that, he was extraordinary.

Knowing that his life expectancy was shorter than average, Craig asked his parents to establish a scholarship in his memory. Craig Daniel was the recipient of a Bootstrap Scholarship, which is given to nominees that demonstrate the effort and will to succeed in the face of adversity. Award winners are chosen by how well they demonstrate the concept of "pulling yourself up by your bootstraps." The Craig “Cujo, Jr.” Bennett Scholarship Fund also recognizes a student who uses determination and force of will to overcome odds, to meet hardship and to succeed in achieving their dreams.

Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program

Program Overview:

Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian (LB21) projects build a library and archival workforce that can meet the information needs of communities and increase the institutional capacity of libraries, archives, and library and information science graduate programs across the country.  

The program supports projects that:  

• provide training and professional development to library and archives professionals;  
• develop faculty and information leaders; and 
• recruit, educate, and retain the next generation of library and archives professionals. 

Projects can support the recruitment, education, training, and retention of pre-professionals, students, faculty, and the current library and archives workforce. 

Project Type

Planning:

Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program

Program Overview:

Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian (LB21) projects build a library and archival workforce that can meet the information needs of communities and increase the institutional capacity of libraries, archives, and library and information science graduate programs across the country.  

The program supports projects that:  

• provide training and professional development to library and archives professionals;  
• develop faculty and information leaders; and 
• recruit, educate, and retain the next generation of library and archives professionals. 

Projects can support the recruitment, education, training, and retention of pre-professionals, students, faculty, and the current library and archives workforce. 

Project Type

Forum:

Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program

Program Overview:

Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian (LB21) projects build a library and archival workforce that can meet the information needs of communities and increase the institutional capacity of libraries, archives, and library and information science graduate programs across the country.  

The program supports projects that:  

• provide training and professional development to library and archives professionals;  
• develop faculty and information leaders; and 
• recruit, educate, and retain the next generation of library and archives professionals. 

Projects can support the recruitment, education, training, and retention of pre-professionals, students, faculty, and the current library and archives workforce. 

Project Type

Community-Centered Implementation

Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program

Program Overview:

Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian (LB21) projects build a library and archival workforce that can meet the information needs of communities and increase the institutional capacity of libraries, archives, and library and information science graduate programs across the country.  

The program supports projects that:  

• provide training and professional development to library and archives professionals;  
• develop faculty and information leaders; and 
• recruit, educate, and retain the next generation of library and archives professionals. 

Projects can support the recruitment, education, training, and retention of pre-professionals, students, faculty, and the current library and archives workforce. 

Project Type

National Implementation

Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program

Program Overview:

Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian (LB21) projects build a library and archival workforce that can meet the information needs of communities and increase the institutional capacity of libraries, archives, and library and information science graduate programs across the country.  

The program supports projects that:  

• provide training and professional development to library and archives professionals;  
• develop faculty and information leaders; and 
• recruit, educate, and retain the next generation of library and archives professionals. 

Projects can support the recruitment, education, training, and retention of pre-professionals, students, faculty, and the current library and archives workforce. 

Project Type

Early Career Research

Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program

Program Overview:

Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian (LB21) projects build a library and archival workforce that can meet the information needs of communities and increase the institutional capacity of libraries, archives, and library and information science graduate programs across the country.  

The program supports projects that:  

• provide training and professional development to library and archives professionals;  
• develop faculty and information leaders; and 
• recruit, educate, and retain the next generation of library and archives professionals. 

Projects can support the recruitment, education, training, and retention of pre-professionals, students, faculty, and the current library and archives workforce. 

Project Type

Applied Research

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Clemens-Clair Future Educators Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is named for Clemens J. Rosen and Clair J. Hemphill – two fathers who encouraged and paid for their daughters to pursue college educations. Both believed an educated woman had more opportunities and would be better able to take care of herself and her family.

Clemens Rosen (1919-2016) did not finish grade school as he was needed on the farm. However, nobody could beat him in Scrabble. He served in WWII on a B24, was shot down twice and was held in a Nazi POW camp until the end of the war. He then took employment in Peoria, IL, first working for Western Electric and then as a foreman for Caterpillar Tractor Company.

Clair Hemphill (1912-1979) finished high school and was a life-long farmer in Elwood, Illinois. Clair’s father was a farmer as was his grandfather and others before him. Clair’s mother was a teacher until she married. He had a strong belief in women pursuing education and was proud that his daughter did just that.

This scholarship is a $10,000 scholarship, awarding $5,000 for two consecutive years providing that students maintain their enrollment status.