Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in Puerto Rico

The Dr. Doris R. Corbett-Johnson Leaders for Our Future Award, presented by SHAPE America, honors young professionals under 36 who exhibit exceptional promise in scholarship, teaching, and leadership. This prestigious award is available in two categories: college/university and non-college/university, with a maximum of two recipients per category each year. By recognizing emerging leaders, SHAPE America aims to inspire a new generation dedicated to advancing health and physical education.

The Paul and Barbara Yamber Memorial STEM Scholarship, administered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, provides need-based financial support for students pursuing STEM fields. Annually, up to $10,000 is awarded, renewable for up to four years. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and a commitment to STEM education, ensuring that this scholarship significantly impacts their ability to attend college. Preference is given to undergraduates, making this a vital resource for aspiring STEM professionals.

Scholarship amounts vary depending on the scholarship applied for. Applicants are encouraged to apply for as many awards as they are eligible to increase the likelihood of receiving one or more awards.

Scholarships can be used for cost of attendance, direct education expenses, including tuition, books, and/or other school-related fees.

If you receive an award, be sure to complete your scholarship acceptance form (online portal). Scholarship awards are paid directly to the academic institution by the end of August.

Oneita J. Waltenberger Scholarship Fund

Established in 2015, this scholarship provides support to current or former residents of DeKalb County, IL, who are pursuing undergraduate or post-graduate education in the healthcare field. Current high school students, including high school seniors, do not qualify.

The Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation (MEAF) National Grant funds innovative projects that empower youth with disabilities, enhancing their leadership and employment skills. Grants typically range from $10K to $100K per year for one to two years. MEAF seeks proposals that break down employment barriers, support U.S. youth with disabilities, and promote inclusive practices. Projects should demonstrate a plan for national dissemination and measurable outcomes, particularly benefiting young veterans transitioning to civilian life.

The Bernick Family Foundation Scholarship, provided by CommunityGiving, aims to support high school seniors in their pursuit of higher education. This scholarship recognizes well-rounded students from the Bernick Service Area who maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better. With 10 scholarships available, each worth $2,000, the foundation seeks to inspire philanthropy and empower local communities through education. Applications are accepted online, and candidates must have or create a Scholarship Management System account to apply.

The NIAF Jim Cantalupo Scholarship is awarded to exceptional Italian American undergraduate students majoring in Italian, Spanish, or business, requiring a minimum GPA of 3.5. It aims to support those who demonstrate a commitment to Italian culture and heritage. Applicants must hold an active NIAF membership, which can be from a parent or grandparent. This scholarship reflects the National Italian American Foundation's dedication to preserving and promoting the Italian American community.

The Bill and Joyce Coborn Memorial Scholarship supports Coborn's employees and their dependents pursuing private high school or post-secondary education. Offered by CommunityGiving, this scholarship provides up to 20 awards of $1,000 each, fostering educational advancement and community empowerment. Eligible applicants include high school seniors, college students, and graduate students who are children of Coborn's employees with at least one year of service. This initiative honors the legacy of Bill and Joyce Coborn while promoting lifelong learning.

The HKS American Service Fellowship provides full scholarships and stipends for mid-career public service leaders to pursue a one-year Mid-Career Master in Public Administration at Harvard Kennedy School. Targeting U.S. military veterans, public employees, and alumni of service programs, this fellowship emphasizes skill development and community impact. Participants learn from esteemed faculty and engage with a network of changemakers, equipping themselves to address pressing societal challenges and enhance their leadership capabilities.

The Pathway to Careers scholarship, offered by the Arizona Community Foundation, aims to support Sedona/Verde Valley high school graduates pursuing vocational training or an Associate's degree at accredited institutions. This initiative addresses local employment needs by providing financial assistance to students in fields such as Agriculture, Automotive, Culinary, Nursing, and IT, ensuring they have the resources to achieve their educational and career goals.

The Wm. Wrigley's Foundation Scholarship, offered by the United Negro College Fund, supports undergraduate students enrolled in UNCF member schools for the 2025-2026 academic year. This scholarship provides up to $5,000 based on verified financial need. Eligible candidates must be majoring in specific fields such as engineering, business, or computer science, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. This initiative reinforces the commitment to enhancing minority education and fostering future leaders.

The UNCF General Scholarship, offered by the United Negro College Fund, provides essential financial support to students enrolled full-time at one of 37 UNCF Member Institutions for the 2024-2025 academic year. This scholarship aims to enhance access to higher education for minority students, helping them thrive and graduate. The application process is designed to create a pool of eligible candidates for various scholarship opportunities, emphasizing the importance of education and community engagement.

The Renee Starks Steed Memorial Scholarship, offered by the United Negro College Fund, supports HBCU students majoring in fashion-related fields. Aimed at sophomores, juniors, and seniors, it emphasizes academic excellence with a minimum GPA of 3.0. This need-based scholarship fosters diversity, prioritizing students of color, and is part of UNCF's broader mission to enhance educational opportunities for underrepresented communities. Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year are now open.

The NIAF Maaco Enterprises, Inc. Scholarship, offered by the National Italian American Foundation, supports outstanding Italian American students originally from Pennsylvania. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher. This prestigious scholarship aims to encourage cultural heritage and academic excellence among Italian Americans, ensuring their contributions to society are recognized and celebrated. Active NIAF membership is required, which can be through a parent or grandparent.

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.

Frederick Brown Fund

This fund was opened in honor of Frederick Brown by his daughters, Stacy and Bonnie, after his death in 2018. Frederick was a gifted surgeon. He was the first and, for many years, only, vascular surgeon in the Tri-Cities area. He obtained his pre-med degree with a double major in history and biology from Andrew's University and graduated from medical school in 1973. He did his general and thoracic surgery residency at Henry Ford Hospital in Dearborn. Frederick was full of humor, loved to travel, and had a generous presence in ensuring high quality and local health care could be available in West Michigan.

The R A Bowen Trust Scholarship, established in 1943 by Mr. Robert A. Bowen, Sr., supports deserving students from central Georgia pursuing higher education. This private scholarship aims to empower full-time students accepted into accredited four-year colleges or universities. Eligible candidates must reside in specific Georgia counties or plan to attend select institutions in Macon, GA. The Trust has a strong legacy of generosity, continuing to benefit local nonprofits and students for over four generations.

The Scott and Isabelle Black Fellowship at Harvard Kennedy School supports students in two-year degree programs focused on addressing societal issues such as homelessness, poverty, and education. Awarded based on merit and financial need, this fellowship aims to cultivate future leaders in government and nonprofit sectors. It encourages studies that explore the causes and solutions to problems affecting vulnerable populations, ensuring that graduates are equipped to make a meaningful impact in their communities.

The Richard Perrone Scholarship, offered by the National Italian American Foundation, supports outstanding Italian American undergraduate students in Connecticut majoring in computer science or a related field. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher and hold an active NIAF membership, which can also be obtained through a parent or grandparent. This scholarship not only promotes academic excellence but also encourages students to embrace their Italian heritage.

The Tribal Scholar Grant, offered by the Jeannette Rankin Foundation, supports women, nonbinary, and Two-Spirit students aged 25 and older attending Tribal Colleges. Grants of up to $2,500 annually are available, renewable for up to five years. This initiative aims to empower students pursuing technical or vocational education, associate’s, or bachelor’s degrees while addressing financial needs and promoting educational access for marginalized communities.

Scholarship amounts vary depending on the scholarship applied for. Applicants are encouraged to apply for as many awards as they are eligible to increase the likelihood of receiving one or more awards.

Scholarships can be used for cost of attendance, direct education expenses, including tuition, books, and/or other school-related fees.

If you receive an award, be sure to complete your scholarship acceptance form (online portal). Scholarship awards are paid directly to the academic institution by the end of August.

Esther Mae Nesbitt Medical Student Scholarship Fund

This scholarship supports past or current Illinois residents who are either accepted for enrollment or currently enrolled as a full-time student at an approved college of medicine. Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Preference is given to female applicants and current or former residents of DeKalb County, IL.

The Pat Ostrander 4-Star Collection Quartet Scholarship, established by Sweet Adelines International, offers $1,600 to two quartets to attend the 2026 A Cappella Academy or the Sweet Adelines International Convention. To qualify, quartet members must be active Sweet Adelines members and submit three recommendations, demonstrating their commitment. This initiative celebrates barbershop harmony and empowers quartets to enhance their skills through structured educational events, fostering a vibrant community of singers.

Coleman, Chambers & Rogers First Responders College Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 2017 by Coleman, Chambers & Rogers LLP. This scholarship was created out of awareness and gratitude for first responders in North Georgia. This scholarship is available to current and active members of the First Responders, their children and grandchildren for Gainesville, all municipalities and Hall County, Georgia.

For this scholarship, First Responder is defined as Police (including local & state), Fire or EMS workers. The 2026 scholarship will award one recipient in the amount of $1,200.

Council on Foundations

The Council on Foundations is a nonprofit membership association that serves as a guide for philanthropies as they advance the greater good. Building on our 75-year history, the Council supports over 1,000 member organizations in the United States and around the world to build trust in philanthropy, expand pathways to giving, engage broader perspectives, and co-create solutions that will lead to a better future for all. 

Council Awards

Our awards program recognizes excellence in philanthropy and honors leaders for their dedication to explore creative ways to advance the common good and fund solutions for complex issues. The Council Awards recognize exceptional leadership, innovation, and impact across the philanthropic sector.

Outstanding Corporate Philanthropy Leadership Award

The Outstanding Corporate Philanthropy Leadership Award will recognize an individual at a corporate foundation or a corporate giving program that is advancing the greater good. This award celebrates those who embody the integrity, leadership, and accomplishment that defines excellence in the field of philanthropy.  

Award Criteria

The criteria for this award reflects the characteristics and attributes of corporate philanthropy’s foremost leaders. The individual should possess qualities such as:

• Leadership: The individual has demonstrated admirable leadership in the face of crisis or has shown a unique capacity to take their organization and the field to new heights.
• Courage: The individual has taken stands on issues important to them and their work and is willing to push their organization and the field to do better.
• Integrity: The individual embodies qualities such as fairness, a commitment to equity, and a willingness to admit faults and learn from mistakes.
• Trust: The individual centers trust in their relationships with partners and other stakeholders and furthers public trust in philanthropy.

Through your nomination, you can acknowledge the work of a trustee or staff member working in philanthropy who has made a critical difference in the field and demonstrated leadership in times of crisis, charting new paths for the social sector.One supplemental material upload is required (no more than five total items) may be uploaded to provide documentation and support of achievements. These supplemental materials may include, but not limited to: reference letter, endorsement, or letter of support for the nomination from the community leadership (i.e., nonprofit, grantee partner, or a government leader), videos, news articles, report, or publication, organizational strategic plan or annual report, or individuals resume.

The Council on Foundations prohibits discrimination based on race, gender, sex, ethnicity, religion, or national origin, to each such award.

In 2025, the Community Foundation of Madison & Jefferson County awarded over $233,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors of the county’s public and private high schools. Nearly 50 different students earned money toward their college costs. Scholarships are available for a variety of applicants. Some are specific to schools, majors, need, or interests.

CFMJC scholarships may be used for tuition and related expenses like fees and required equipment at accredited colleges and universities. Room and board are not covered.

Rainbow Youth Scholarship

Criteria:

• Creative expression submission and letters of recommendation. Financial need will be considered in the event of a tie.

Required materials

• Creative expression submission (ex: essay, short fiction, poetry, artwork, video, song, etc.) demonstrating a dedication/commitment to the interests of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning community; 
• 2 letters of recommendation (one from within the student’s school system (counselor, teacher, etc.) and one from a source outside of the student’s school system); and 3) FAFSA SAI PDF upload

Scholarship amount:

• $1,000 | 1 scholarship - Applicants may choose to be anonymous. If so, no identifying information would be presented to the review committee and no public recognition would be made of the selected winner.

The Federal Pell Grant provides financial assistance to undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. Administered by the U.S. Department of Education, eligibility is determined through the FAFSA application. Award amounts vary based on the student's financial situation and enrollment status, with a maximum duration of six years of full-time enrollment. This grant aims to make higher education accessible to all qualified individuals, facilitating lifelong learning opportunities.

In 2025, the Community Foundation of Madison & Jefferson County awarded over $233,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors of the county’s public and private high schools. Nearly 50 different students earned money toward their college costs. Scholarships are available for a variety of applicants. Some are specific to schools, majors, need, or interests.

Ralph & Robyn Jones Family Memorial Scholarship

Criteria evaluated:

Academic achievement and financial need. Applicants with higher incomes than the eligibility range may be considered if extraordinary financial need can be demonstrated.

Required materials:

• FAFSA SAI PDF upload

Scholarship amount:

• $2,300 | Multiple scholarships may be awarded from this total amount

CFMJC scholarships may be used for tuition and related expenses like fees and required equipment at accredited colleges and universities. Room and board are not covered.

Council on Foundations

The Council on Foundations is a nonprofit membership association that serves as a guide for philanthropies as they advance the greater good. Building on our 75-year history, the Council supports over 1,000 member organizations in the United States and around the world to build trust in philanthropy, expand pathways to giving, engage broader perspectives, and co-create solutions that will lead to a better future for all. 

Council Awards

Our awards program recognizes excellence in philanthropy and honors leaders for their dedication to explore creative ways to advance the common good and fund solutions for complex issues. The Council Awards recognize exceptional leadership, innovation, and impact across the philanthropic sector.

Scrivner Award for Creative Grantmaking

The Robert W. Scrivner Award for Creative Grantmaking was originally created and endowed by friends and colleagues in 1984 as a tribute to Robert Scrivner, a former staff associate of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund and first executive director of the Rockefeller Family Fund.

This prestigious award has historically recognized outstanding creativity in grantmaking at the individual level. Starting in 2021, it now recognizes a grantmaking organization that, with a combination of vision, principle, and commitment, is making a critical difference in an innovative way.

Award Criteria

• Creativity: The grantmaking organization demonstrates a flexible and adaptable approach to grantmaking, leveraging innovative practices and creating new and better ways of operating.
• Vision: The grantmaking organization embodies their vision throughout their daily practices and procedures.
• Principle: The grantmaking organization operates with integrity and principles, and this is shown throughout their engagement with their nonprofit partners and other stakeholders.
• Trust: The grantmaking organization centers trust in its relationships with its nonprofit partners and other stakeholders and furthers public trust in philanthropy.

Through your nomination, you can acknowledge the work of a trustee or staff member working in philanthropy who has made a critical difference in the field and demonstrated leadership in times of crisis, charting new paths for the social sector.One supplemental material upload is required (no more than five total items) may be uploaded to provide documentation and support of achievements. These supplemental materials may include, but not limited to: reference letter, endorsement, or letter of support for the nomination from the community leadership (i.e., nonprofit, grantee partner, or a government leader), videos, news articles, report, or publication, organizational strategic plan or annual report, or individuals resume.

The Council on Foundations prohibits discrimination based on race, gender, sex, ethnicity, religion, or national origin, to each such award.