Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in Rhode Island

The Joe and Janet Barr Early Career Cornea and Contact Lens Research Award supports first- or second-year MS or PhD students in vision science or physiological optics. Established in 2012 in honor of Joseph T. Barr, this $2,000 seed funding facilitates research in cornea/ocular surface or contact lenses. Recipients are required to attend the annual American Academy of Optometry meeting and submit progress reports detailing their research outcomes. Preference is given to North American applicants.

The Dr. Ralph and Marian Falk Medical Research Trust offers the Falk Transformational Awards to provide critical bridge funding for successful Catalyst Award recipients. These awards, which can be up to $1M for a period of 2-3 years, aim to advance healthcare innovations, overcome scientific challenges, and promote new treatment avenues. Managed by Health Resources in Action, the program emphasizes improving medical treatments and finding cures for diseases that currently lack definitive solutions.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Collier Scholarship

The Collier Scholarship Fund was established in 2016 by Dr. Wayne Collier to honor the memory of his parents, Herbert & Freida Collier. He is an optometrist and noted community philanthropist in Bucyrus, Ohio, having been named the community’s 2015 Citizen of the Year.

The Collier Scholarship supports promising students and graduates of high schools in Crawford County—Bucyrus, Wynford, Colonel Crawford, and Buckeye Central—where he now lives, as well as his alma mater, Bellevue Senior High in Bellevue, Ohio. Special consideration is given to applicants who participated in music programs in high school or college.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Community’s Memorial Scholarship

Memorial scholarships are one of the top categories of funds created at Marion Community Foundation, but not all donors who wish to memorialize a loved one in this distinctive and perpetual way start their own fund. The Community’s Memorial Scholarship Fund was created to memorialize a number of individuals collectively. All of the persons memorialized are recognized during Marion Community Foundation’s annual Scholarship Program.

The Mary H. Hollaway Trust provided seed money for this special purpose. Mary was well known in Marion, due to her long career with Fahey Bank. Upon her passing, she had arranged for several funds to be created from her estate, this scholarship among them. Other organizations she chose to support include the Marion Area Humane Society, Marion Palace Theatre, and the Marion Family YMCA.

The Community’s Memorial Scholarship is available to graduates and seniors from any Marion County high school who rank in the upper 50 percent of their class.

The Kids' Chance of Tennessee Scholarship provides vital financial support to young individuals who have lost a parent in a work-related accident or who have experienced severe injuries. This scholarship aims to assist students aged 16-25 who are legal residents of Tennessee, demonstrating financial need and maintaining a GPA of 2.5 or higher. By offering this opportunity, Kids' Chance of Tennessee empowers students to pursue higher education and achieve their academic goals.

The Kids' Chance of New Jersey Scholarship provides financial support for college and vocational education to children of New Jersey workers who have suffered serious injuries or fatalities in work-related accidents. This initiative helps alleviate the financial burdens faced by families during difficult times, ensuring that deserving young individuals can pursue their educational aspirations. Eligible applicants must be dependents aged 18-26 of injured workers with an accepted workers' compensation claim.

The First Responders Children's Foundation Scholarship Fund offers college scholarships to children of first responders, emphasizing financial need and academic merit. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.7, provide a current transcript, and demonstrate community involvement. Scholarships are renewable for up to four years based on eligibility criteria. Preference is given to students whose parents have experienced line-of-duty disabilities or deaths. This program supports the educational aspirations of those who have sacrificed for their communities.

The NCI Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00) supports talented postdoctoral researchers in transitioning to independent faculty positions. This program provides essential NCI research funding to facilitate the development of competitive, independent research careers. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant's organization, emphasizing the importance of timely submissions for prospective awardees.

The Craig H. Neilsen Foundation's Psychosocial Research Postdoctoral Fellowship supports early-career researchers in spinal cord injury (SCI) psychosocial studies. It aims to enhance professional interest and training in this vital field, focusing on areas such as caregiving, employment, and technology access. The fellowship offers mentored training, covering salary and up to $35,000 for non-personnel costs over two years, ensuring comprehensive support for fellows to advance their careers.

The Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) supports small-scale research at institutions that receive limited NIH funding, emphasizing biomedical research for undergraduate students. This program aims to enhance the research environment and provide valuable experiences for students. Eligible institutions must award baccalaureate science degrees and have received no more than $6 million in NIH support over four of the last seven years. This funding opportunity encourages investigator-initiated minimal risk clinical trials to advance NIH missions.

About our scholarships

We partner with Civic Federal Credit Union to provide both professional development and student scholarships.

Over many years, the scholarships have provided nearly $3.5 million to credit union members to further their education. This investment not only advances the professional development and educational goals of Civic members, but also strengthens the communities they serve — amplifying their leadership impact and deepening their ability to drive meaningful change across North Carolina.

Civic Foundation Scholarship

Each year, Civic proudly awards $5,000 scholarships to 25 Civic members who are graduating high school seniors and are planning to attend a four-year college or university. These one-time scholarships are paid directly to the student’s school in a single installment and may be applied toward tuition, textbooks, computers, or other educational expenses.

The Hearst Journalism Awards Program, established in 1960, supports undergraduate journalism education with up to $700,000 in annual awards. The program includes multiple competitions in writing, photojournalism, audio, television, and multimedia categories. Each participating university can submit two student entries per competition, fostering excellence in journalism. Open to journalism majors or minors, the program encourages students to engage actively in campus media. The Hearst Foundation, founded by William Randolph Hearst, has contributed significantly to education and the arts nationwide.

The Robert E. Gross Award for Excellence in Pediatric Research and Achievement, presented by the American Pediatric Surgical Association, honors an individual whose significant contributions have transformed pediatric surgery practices. This prestigious award recognizes enduring changes in clinical management that are widely accepted by pediatric surgeons as standard. Nominations are required for this award, which showcases the commitment of APSA to advancing surgical care for children through advocacy and education.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

John T. & Lois Schmidt Scholarship

The John T. & Lois Schmidt Scholarship Fund was created in 2017 to support seniors and graduates of Marion County high schools who are also members of the U.S. Armed Forces, veterans, or children or grandchildren of those on active duty or veterans. The Schmidt Fund favors applicants from Elgin High School and those with GPAs of 2.5 or better.

The Schmidt Scholarship honors John and his military service. John served in the U.S. Army during World War II, from January 1943 to January 1946 and was stationed in several overseas and exotic locales, including New Guinea, Netherland East Indies, Morotai, and Mindanao in the Philippine Islands. At the end of his service, he received an honorable discharge as a staff sergeant and had earned the Bronze Star for valor and the Bronze Arrowhead—awarded to those present on D-Day on the beaches of Normandy, France.

Prior to his military career, John graduated from Agosta High School (1941) and shortly after his service, married Lois (Kraner) in 1948. He was employed by Marion Power Shovel, Marion Industries, and retired after 29 years with Whirlpool. He was a member of the Marion County Farm Bureau, Disabled American Veterans, and VFW Post 7201. John passed in 2009 at the age of 86.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Charles E. Orcena Scholarship

The late Charles Orcena was a longtime teacher in the mathematics department of Marion Technical College. This scholarship honors his memory and provides scholarships to seniors or graduates from any Marion County high school to attend Marion Technical College, with special consideration for students who have a learning or physical disability.

The fund was created in 2014 by Charles’ nephew and wife, Jason and Alycia Orcena, and supported by gifts from his family, as well as colleagues at Marion Technical College.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Catherine Amelia Thew Brown Scholarship

Dorothy Ellen Thew, a lifelong member of the Marion community, left, as part of her legacy, a gift to create three scholarship funds at Marion Community Foundation. Dorothy, a noteworthy person in her own right, designated that three scholarship funds be created from her estate to honor beloved members of her family.

The Catherine Amelia Thew Brown Memorial Scholarship honors Dorothy’s sister’s work at the former Silver Street Elementary School.

Well educated, Dorothy was a 1936 graduate of Marion Harding High School and attended Hunter College, and Indiana, East Carolina, and Toledo universities. She enlisted in the U.S. Navy Waves in 1943 and had a naval career which spanned 30 years. Dorothy worked at the selective service board from 1943-1955 and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Marion Depot until its closing in 1961. She retired from the Columbus Defense Supply Center in 1979.

Her civic involvements mirrored her military career. She was a lifetime member of the American Legion and a Plank-Owner of the Navy Lone Sailor Memorial Association and Fleet Reserve Association, as well as the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, American Association for Retired Persons, the American and Marion County Historical societies, Marion Senior Citizens and Central Christian Church of Marion.

The Center for Scholarship Administration

The Center for Scholarship Administration (CSA) provides corporations, foundations, trust funds, and individual philanthropists scholarship selection and administration management that is experienced, professional, and cost efficient while lending the program an integrity not inherent in internal selection committees.

Dudley West Scholarship

The Dudley West Scholarship is providing scholarships for deserving students. The Center for Scholarship Administration, Inc. (CSA), a non-profit, independent organization is the facilitator of the scholarship fund.

The recipients may attend any accredited public or private, two-year or four-year college, university, trade, technical, vocational, undergraduate, or graduate school, located in the United States, in any field of study leading to a degree, diploma or certificate. Recipients must be enrolled full-time each semester and working towards an undergraduate or graduate degree.

This scholarship is for one year only; however, current recipients may reapply and be considered for additional funding along with other new applicants. Scholarship recipients must be enrolled full-time. Scholarship recipients are limited to four total years of scholarship award and are expected to have been enrolled consecutive years during that time. Students must reapply for additional scholarship awards each year. An award is not guaranteed, and students will be included in the pool of new scholarship applicants.

Scholarships for High School Seniors

Mid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.

Omer and Marie Dulin Scholarship

Awarded to Mid-Shore students, who are planning to pursue programs in Agriculture.

The Gibson Foundation, now known as Gibson Gives, is dedicated to enhancing lives through music by supporting 501(c)(3) organizations. Their mission is to inspire and amplify the power of music through guitars for all generations. With a commitment to music education and wellness, Gibson Gives is making a positive impact worldwide, ensuring that music continues to shape the lives of musicians and enrich communities. Donations are reviewed monthly, requiring a minimum of four weeks for processing.

The Edwards Lifesciences Foundation Grants program aims to improve the health of underserved communities by supporting initiatives focused on education, screening, and treatment of cardiovascular disease. The Foundation seeks to enhance care access for patients, promote awareness of heart health, and foster community engagement through volunteer opportunities. By 2025, the goal is to positively impact the lives of 2.5 million patients affected by structural heart issues. The program emphasizes collaboration and innovation in healthcare.

The Amy Erickson Memorial Award, provided by the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, supports full-time medical students entering their third or fourth year. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and be enrolled in clinical courses focusing on complementary and alternative therapies. This scholarship not only assists students in their educational pursuits but also aligns with the foundation's mission to enhance community well-being through philanthropy.

The Hanger Foundation's Veteran Grant aims to empower veterans facing physical challenges by providing support for rehabilitation services and athletic programs. This grant seeks to positively impact veterans' lives, particularly those with limb differences, through community engagement and employee involvement in charitable efforts. With a focus on 501(c)(3) organizations, the foundation invests in projects that address trauma and promote social activities, ensuring that veterans receive the assistance they need.

The Aarón Sánchez Impact Fund, a program of the Emeril Lagasse Foundation, aims to uplift Latino youth through food. This grant offers up to $20,000 to non-profit organizations focused on nutrition education and food access for youth aged 0-18. Eligible applicants must have 501c3 status and serve a community where at least 60% of the population is Latino. This fund is by invitation only, encouraging innovative projects that align with its mission.

Napa Valley Community Foundation

We work side-by-side with local donors and nonprofits to tackle the most important challenges our Valley faces.

Our Board and staff are completely dedicated to the people and causes of Napa Valley and represent communities from American Canyon to Calistoga. They share skills, perspectives and the collaborative spirit that define our Napa Valley diversity.

Judith B. Cutcomb Scholarship

The Judith B. Cutcomb Scholarship is offered by CalRTA Napa Valley and administered by Napa Valley Community Foundation. It is awarded in memory of Judith B. Cutcomb, a St. Helena educator. The Cutcomb Scholarship supports current St. Helena Unified School District teachers who are continuing their education or graduates of St. Helena High School studying to be educators. Previous recipients of the scholarship are eligible to reapply.

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 Relief Scholarship

Native Forward Scholars Fund, in partnership with PNM, established the Pueblo Student Relief Scholarship to assist Pueblo students who are facing financial hardships and challenges by providing them with a one-time relief scholarship. The fund will be utilized to help support students in emergency situations that include, but is not limited to – food insecurity, emergency travel costs, emergency housing costs, emergency healthcare costs, educational technology or technology-related resources, childcare costs, or other educational expenses.

Napa Valley Community Foundation

We work side-by-side with local donors and nonprofits to tackle the most important challenges our Valley faces.

Our Board and staff are completely dedicated to the people and causes of Napa Valley and represent communities from American Canyon to Calistoga. They share skills, perspectives and the collaborative spirit that define our Napa Valley diversity.

Daisy Cavalli Scholarship Fund

The Daisy Cavalli Scholarship Fund benefits graduating seniors who attend a Napa Valley Unified School District high school and will be enrolling in a trade school, community college, or four-year college/university. Recipients will receive funding for each year that they are enrolled as a full-time student.

Consideration is given to first generation college students (i.e. neither parent has obtained a Bachelor’s Degree).

The Vaccinated & Loved Campaign Grant, offered by Petco Love, supports organizations that provide free vaccine services to communities in need. Eligible applicants include 501c3 nonprofits, government agencies, and invited for-profit companies with a nonprofit purpose related to animal welfare. However, individuals and organizations outside the U.S. or not focused on animal welfare are ineligible for funding. This initiative aims to enhance public health and animal welfare through vaccination efforts.