Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in Rhode Island

The ACS-Hach High School Chemistry Classroom Grant aims to enhance chemistry education by providing funding for innovative teaching ideas. Since its inception in 2008, over 700 teachers have benefited from grants of up to $1,800. Eligible applicants are U.S. high school chemistry educators, and the funding can be used for laboratory supplies, instructional materials, professional development, and student-led field studies, fostering a deeper understanding of chemistry.

The Creation & Development Fund, administered by the National Performance Network, supports the creation and mobility of artistic works that promote racial and cultural justice. It fosters collaboration between artists and communities through financial support, enabling artists to develop meaningful relationships and present their work. The fund emphasizes equity, access, and the importance of public engagement, ensuring that diverse voices are represented while addressing systemic injustices in the arts.

The NSF Geosciences Core Research program funds innovative projects across atmospheric, geospace, earth, and ocean sciences. It encourages proposals that push the boundaries of knowledge in fundamental research, promoting interdisciplinary approaches. This initiative seeks transformative ideas that may not have immediate commercial applications but are crucial for advancing scientific understanding and addressing complex environmental challenges. Researchers are invited to explore various domains or integrate multiple disciplines to enhance our comprehension of the Earth and its systems.

The Congressional Science Fellowship Program offers a unique opportunity for Ph.D. holders to work at the intersection of science and government in Washington D.C. This prestigious fellowship, sponsored by ASA, CSSA, and SSSA, allows participants to apply their expertise as special assistants to Congress members. The fellowship begins in September 2025 and concludes in August 2026, providing an annual stipend and relocation expenses. Ideal for early to mid-career scientists, it encourages the use of scientific knowledge in public policy.

Our Mission

KidsGardening creates opportunities for kids to play, learn, and grow through gardening, engaging their natural curiosity and wonder.

We want every child to experience the unique transformation that occurs when they spend time caring for a garden, be it outside, in a classroom, or in a cup on the kitchen windowsill. Since 1982, KidsGardening has served as a premier support provider for youth garden programs nationwide.

We support educators and families with grant funding, original educational resources, inspiration, and community to get more kids learning through the garden.

Growing the Future Intergenerational Garden Grant

In celebration of Miracle-Gro’s 75th anniversary, Miracle-Gro and KidsGardening are partnering to fund 75 intergenerational youth garden grants in 2026.

Intergenerational gardens provide opportunities for older gardeners to pass along traditions, knowledge, and skills to the next generation or share the experience of developing skills if new to gardening. In turn, young people bring their curiosity, wonder, and contagious enthusiasm for learning and life, exciting everyone involved in the growing process.

The 2026 Growing the Future Intergenerational Garden Grant is designed to support gardens that intentionally bring children and older adults together through shared gardening experiences.

Funding Priorities

The selection of winners is prioritized based on demonstrated need and program impact. KidsGardening considers a variety of factors when determining needs, including:

• Socioeconomic & Sociodemographic Factors: How does the program exist within or engage a community that has been systematically denied resources, whether physical assets and money or representative leadership and community services? Organizations affected by multiple socioeconomic and sociodemographic factors are given priority.

• Program Funding and Support: Does an organization have access to consistent, substantial monetary support or prior grant funding? Or are pre-existing resources (financial or otherwise) limited? Organizations experiencing the latter are given priority.

• Impact: Will grant funding dramatically expand learning opportunities for program participants? Does the intended impact reflect the needs of the community? Organizations working with more than 50 youth will be given priority.

Award Packages

Grantees will receive:

• A $500 cash award check
• A $250 coupon to purchase essential gardening supplies from ScottsMiracleGro.com

The Sarah Bradley Tyson Memorial Fellowship, established in 1928, honors Sarah Tyson's commitment to women's agricultural education. It offers an annual scholarship to a full-time graduate student in agriculture or horticulture at an accredited U.S. institution. Eligible candidates must have relevant experience in these fields. This fellowship not only supports academic advancement but also aims to empower women pursuing careers in agriculture, reflecting Tyson's legacy of fostering education and community involvement.

The Sharing Language Diversity Fellowship supports Ph.D. students engaged in Indigenous language documentation and data archiving. Funded by the Endangered Language Fund, it encourages sustainable public sharing of linguistic materials, aiming for equitable access to research. With grants up to $30,000, recipients must publicly archive documentation materials within three years, ensuring compliance with community wishes and best practices. This initiative fosters a culture of Open Access in linguistics, benefiting both scholars and Indigenous communities.

Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society

Alpha Omega Alpha, founded in 1902, is the national medical honor society. Its mission is:

• Alpha Omega Alpha — dedicated to the belief that in the profession of medicine we will improve care for all by:
• recognizing high educational achievement;
• honoring gifted teaching;
• encouraging the development of leaders in academia and the community;
• supporting the ideals of humanism; and
• promoting service to others.

Helen H. Glaser Student Essay Award

To encourage medical students to write scholarly essays relevant to medicine. Winning essays will be published in an issue of The Pharos.

Only one entry may be submitted per student.

Requirements

• Essays must be written while the student is in medical school, must be the work of a single author, and must be an original work. The essay must not be offered to, or published by, any other journal or entered in any other contest prior to submission or during, the AΩA selection process.
• The essay must be related to medicine.
• Essays should not be fictional or written in first person, but academic/scientific in theme.
• The essay must not exceed 15 double-spaced pages of 12-point type with minimum 1-inch margins, exclusive of reference listing. The author’s name and essay title must be on each page, and all pages must be numbered.
• Unique references, numbered consecutively, should be limited to 20. (Reference citation of a website is not acceptable unless a site is the sole source of the information or has official academic credentials. Examples of acceptable sites are official government web pages such as that of the National Institutes of Health.)
• The Pharos Editorial Board suggests that authors review George Orwell’s “6 Rules for Writing”.
• Essays that are not selected as award recipients may be submitted to other contests/publications after the winners are announced.
• Essays not meeting all requirements will not be considered.

The Tommy Wilson Memorial Grant, established by Dr. George T. Wilson and his wife Irene, honors their son Tommy, who had cerebral palsy. This grant supports recreational programs for individuals with disabilities and aims to positively impact their lives. Applicants must be nonprofit organizations with a successful history of programming for individuals with disabilities. The grant prioritizes programs serving economically disadvantaged individuals and may only fund applicants once every five years.

About Borealis Philanthropy

Borealis Philanthropy is a philanthropic social justice intermediary that works to resource grassroots leaders and social justice movements for transformative change. We help funders expand their reach and strengthen their impact through donor collaboratives that support a variety of issues, communities, and movements. Borealis is home to nine donor collaboratives, including the Disability Inclusion Fund and Disability x Tech.

DIF x Tech Fund

For the Disability Inclusion Fund at Borealis, part of our efforts for disability rights and justice includes the ways disability and technology are working towards shared goals in our movements. The DIF x Tech initiative, supported by the Ford Foundation’s Technology & Society Program and the MacArthur Foundation’s Technology in the Public Interest, invites proposals that are working to bring about transformational change at the intersections of disability, justice, and technology

About the Disability Inclusion Fund and DIF x Tech

The Disability Inclusion Fund (DIF) supports U.S.-based groups run by and for people with disabilities to lead transformational change. The Fund is supported by donors including the Presidents’ Council on Disability Inclusion in Philanthropy, which is comprised of foundation presidents who are committed to disability inclusion as part of improving diversity, equity, and inclusion within philanthropy.

Part of the efforts of disability rights and justice includes the ways disability and technology are working towards shared goals in our movements. This newly launched initiative is housed at the Disability Inclusion Fund (DIF) and supported by Ford Foundation’s Technology & Society Program and the MacArthur Foundation’s Technology in the Public Interest. 

DIF x Tech Fund Values

All Disability x Tech award decisions will align with the DIF guiding values. The DIF guiding values are:

• Participation: Movement funding accountable to the disability rights movement. Those impacted by injustice/exclusion should be involved in strategies to advance justice/inclusion.
• Intersectionality: Acknowledging that disabled people have multiple and intersecting social and political identities that can influence their ability to have access and inclusion including race, gender identity, class, sexual orientation.
• Radical inclusion: Deeply committed to removing barriers and ensuring access so that those most affected by intersecting identities can participate, valuing lived experience.
• Leadership of those most impacted by ableism: Emphasis is given to organizations led by people subject to systemic bias and impacted by underrepresentation, particularly disabled people of color, queer, gender nonconforming and women with disabilities.
• Cross-movement solidarity: Intentional focus on collaboration and bridge- building amongst disability justice activists and across movements.
• Sustainability: Resources and tools that support the growth of grassroots disabled-led organizations, and expand operational capacities for ongoing movement building. 

What we fund

We invite proposals that are at the nexus of technology, disability rights and justice. This opportunity may be a good fit for your organization, if you are doing work in any of these areas below:

• Disabled people sharing technical skills and knowledge with others in the community.
• Disabled people leading policy, rights, and disability justice activism work related to tech. 
• Disabled people participate in all stages of the design and development of new tech that will enrich lives of people with disabilities.
• Enabling collective and equitable access to digital infrastructure. 
• Expanding the participation, leadership, and thought partnership of overlooked and under-resourced people with disabilities in all areas of the technology sector.
• Partnerships between disability-focused engineering design labs and maker spaces within schools, centers for independent living, or local nonprofit organizations.
• Permissible Policy Work:
  • We may support nonpartisan policy education and advocacy related to disability and technology. Any lobbying must remain within applicable 501(c)(3) limits and Borealis grant restrictions.

The Olney Medal, established in 1944 by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC), honors exceptional achievements in textile chemistry and related fields. It recognizes significant contributions to the development of chemical processes and agents in textile manufacturing. Open to all AATCC members for nominations, the award emphasizes the importance of innovation and public recognition in advancing textile sciences, a legacy of its founder, Dr. Louis Atwell Olney.

Chautauqua Region Community Foundation

Mission: In partnership with our community, we ignite positive change and create a legacy of impact.

Scholarships

The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation annually awards more than $2 million in scholarships to students pursuing higher education, job training and certification. The Foundation hosts several different scholarship opportunities throughout the year. 

Space Camp Scholarship

Open to students (grades 4-12) or adults from Chautauqua County, NY or Warren County, PA to support the cost of attending U.S. Space Camp. 

The NABG Scholarships support full-time undergraduate and graduate students in Geoscience programs at accredited institutions, with over $300,000 in funding raised through donations and events. Candidates must exhibit academic excellence, aiming to equip them for future careers in the geosciences. This initiative, backed by the National Association of Black Geoscientists, fosters diversity and prepares the next generation of professionals in the field.

The Paul Purcell "Kids Win!" Annual Baird Education Grant honors the legacy of former Baird CEO Paul E. Purcell, who dedicated his life to educational causes. Established in 2020, this grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations that ensure all children, regardless of circumstances, have access to quality education. Funded by Baird and its associates, it prioritizes programs serving diverse and underserved populations, embodying Purcell's belief that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed.

The Institute of Education Sciences (IES) offers research training programs aimed at advancing education research through two key initiatives: the Early Career Development and Mentoring Program and the Methods Training Program. These programs support emerging researchers in developing their skills and enhancing their research capabilities to address vital education issues. The funding is designed for early career investigators and current education researchers, fostering rigorous and relevant research that informs education policy and practice.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) invites applications for the Toward Translation of Nanotechnology Cancer Interventions (TTNCI) program. This funding opportunity focuses on advanced pre-clinical research aimed at developing nanotechnology-based cancer diagnostics and therapeutics. TTNCI awards will support the maturation of innovative nanomedicines using nanoparticles and nano-devices, enhancing cancer treatment efficacy. Successful projects will progress towards further NCI translational programs, such as the NExT initiative.

The Jerry Newson Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, supports Davidson County residents pursuing education at accredited four-year colleges or universities. This fund honors Jerry Newson Jr., who valued the transformative power of education. Prioritizing students majoring in social sciences, it aims to empower individuals to give back to their communities. With over 30 years of community engagement, the Foundation fosters positive change through collective philanthropy.

Connecting Passion to Purpose

Marshall County Community Foundation is a public charity where local roots help great ideas take flight. We are community-minded partners and trusted investors. We help shape the vision for Marshall County. Our passion is to connect caring people with opportunities to make an impact.

Our mission is to serve all of Marshall county — its people and its future — by growing and managing endowment funding and fostering philanthropy.

Investing in the Scholars of 
Marshall County

Marshall County Community Foundation administers a number of scholarships, from traditional awards for graduating seniors to those geared towards current students, professionals, and other special circumstances.

Each scholarship has its own application guidelines, deadlines, and application process, so please be sure to read the instructions of the scholarship you’re applying for carefully.

All Marshall County Scholarships

We administer a number of scholarships, which range from the traditional academic and athletic awards to corporate and special circumstances offerings. These scholarships are open to all residents of Marshall County, as long as other requirements are met.

Applying for a scholarship is free, so we invite you to spend some time finding opportunities for which you are a good fit. You can learn more about each scholarship by clicking on each of the below scholarship titles.

Scholarship applicants must intend to major in mathematics at an accredited two-year or four-year public or private institution of higher learning.

The Science of Science: Discovery, Communication and Impact (SoS:DCI) program aims to enhance the public value of scientific activities through interdisciplinary research. It encourages proposals that investigate the mechanisms of scientific discovery, improve understanding of communication and outcomes, and explore how science contributes to evidence-based policymaking and public value creation. SoS:DCI seeks to advance empirical research that informs these critical areas.

Larimer County Scholarship

The Larimer County Scholarship is designed to support post-secondary pursuits of students throughout the region and is funded through contributions from many community members and legacy gifts. 

The Larimer County scholarship is available to students who have participated in community or philanthropic activities designed to strengthen our community. Activities could include volunteering or fundraising to provide funding to local nonprofits or school-based initiatives.   

This scholarship is available to high school seniors living in Larimer County. The scholarship is open to students pursuing any kind of secondary education including four-year degrees, two-year degrees, trade schools, etc. 

Scholarship amount:

• $4,000

Number of awards:

• 3

Scholarship awards are one-time awards. The amount awarded to a selected recipient may be used for the cost of attendance. All scholarships will be paid directly to the recipient’s school and must be used for the upcoming academic year. Award disbursement is contingent upon the outside scholarship policies of a recipient’s college or university.

The Judge William Wayne Justice Endowed Presidential Scholarship in Law recognizes a third-year law student demonstrating academic excellence and a commitment to civil rights and civil liberties. Established in honor of Judge William Wayne Justice, this scholarship is supported by a generous gift from Elizabeth Parrish. It aims to promote public interest lawyering, providing critical financial support to enhance access to justice and empower future legal leaders.

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

Bud & Katherine Rae Aviation Scholarship

The Bud and Katherine Rae Aviation Scholarship was organized by friends of the late Bernard “Bud” Rae in 1983 to honor his many years of service to the aviation community. Among the principal organizers and donors of the scholarship fund are the Aviation Division of the Saginaw County Sheriff’s Department, the Saginaw Valley Air Museum and Mrs. Katherine Rae.

The purposes of the scholarship are to assist in preparation for an aviation career, to promote safety in aviation through education, training and research, to promote scientific study of aviation-related phenomenon, to develop aviation-oriented community leaders and to perpetuate the spirit of community service personified by Bud Rae.

The BRAIN Initiative Connectivity across Scales (BRAIN CONNECTS) invites innovative research proposals aimed at advancing technologies for understanding brain connectivity. This funding opportunity supports specialized projects focused on creating comprehensive atlases of brain wiring, emphasizing human and non-human species. Successful applications will contribute to a network aimed at enhancing the analysis and interpretation of brain circuits, ultimately leading to better strategies for treating brain disorders. Proposals must demonstrate novel approaches to data collection and integration.

The Powering Affordable Reliable Technology (PART) Energy Program, managed by the Rural Utilities Service, seeks Letters of Interest for loan applications to fund renewable energy generation and energy storage projects. With approximately $410 million available from the Inflation Reduction Act, the program offers up to 75% financing for project costs, along with potential loan forgiveness options. This initiative aims to enhance energy infrastructure in rural areas, promoting sustainable energy solutions.

The Mary W. Jackson Undergraduate Scholarship, offered by the AIAA Foundation, provides $10,000 to support students pursuing studies in aerospace sciences. Honoring NASA mathematician Mary W. Jackson, this scholarship aims to enhance access to educational opportunities for underrepresented students. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.50 and be enrolled in an accredited U.S. institution. This initiative reflects AIAA's commitment to fostering diversity and innovation in the aerospace sector.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

PNM Pueblo Education Endowment Everett F. Chavez Scholarship

The PNM Everett F. Chavez Memorial Scholarship was established to honor the life and legacy of Everett F. Chavez. The purpose of the PNM Everett F. Chavez Memorial Scholarship is to provide financial assistance to eligible students from one of the nineteen Pueblo Nations of New Mexico who are pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in the field of engineering. This opportunity is a merit-based award.

The Cottrell IMPACT Award recognizes the significant contributions of Cottrell Scholars and Holland Award recipients in advancing science through leadership and service. It encourages excellence in academic leadership while raising the profile of awardees nationally. The award includes a $5,000 cash prize and highlights recipients at the Cottrell Scholar Conference and in professional journals, fostering a community of innovative researchers committed to impactful science.