Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in Rhode Island

The Barbara and Frank Quadrato Veterinary Scholarship, established by the Connecticut Community Foundation, supports students pursuing veterinary medicine, prioritizing those from Woodbury or Bethlehem. Founded in 1923, the Foundation addresses critical community issues and provides scholarships to help students achieve their educational aspirations. As one of the largest scholarship providers in the Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills area, it has a long history of generosity from donors committed to fostering educational opportunities.

The Kansas Osteopathic Medical Service Scholarship aims to attract primary care physicians to rural Kansas. It provides $41,000 annually for up to four years of study at accredited osteopathic schools. Recipients must commit to practice in designated underserved areas of Kansas for one year for each year of funding received. Eligibility requires residency in Kansas and completion of financial aid applications by specified deadlines.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local 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 and career/technical schools.

Westmoreland County Housing Authority Scholarship Fund

The Westmoreland County Housing Authority Scholarship Fund was created at The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, a component of The Pittsburgh Foundation, to encourage higher education and as a result, promote community responsibility, develop self-sufficiency and increase self-esteem. WCHA Scholarships are to benefit high school seniors and adults entering secondary education who reside in Westmoreland County Housing Authority public housing, Westmoreland Non Profit Housing Corporation housing or participate in the Section 8 Program and wish to continue their education.

Award Type: Single Year Award. 

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local 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 and career/technical schools.

Unknown Donor Scholarship Fund

The Unknown Donor Scholarship Fund was established at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships to graduating high school seniors of Pittsburgh Public Schools with a preference for applicants who have faced social, economic, or educational barriers due to systemic gender inequity.

Award Type: Single Year Award. 

The Dr. Patricia L. Austin Family Physicians of Tomorrow Scholarship offers $10,000 in tuition assistance to medical students entering their final year. Sponsored by the AMA Foundation, this program supports a diverse group of students, including those of Eastern European descent and first-generation students. All applicants must be enrolled in accredited U.S. medical schools, ensuring equitable opportunities in pursuing their medical careers, while fostering representation in the field.

The Chaim Schwartz Foundation Grant supports initiatives that preserve and enrich Yiddish language, culture, theater, and art. Established in memory of Sandra Schwartz Tangri, the foundation aims to continue the rich social justice heritage of Yiddishkeit. Proposals can be project-specific or for general support, with grant amounts ranging from $500 to $5,000, and the application process is designed to be straightforward for non-profit organizations.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:

• Encouraging philanthropy
• Developing a perpetual, flexible endowment
• Assessing and responding to emerging and changing needs
• Serving as a resource, catalyst, and coordinator for charitable activities
• Promoting efficiency in the management of charitable funds

The Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds.

• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. 
• Most scholarships are for students who live in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties. However, some are also available to students who live in Berkshire County and Hartford County in Connecticut.
• We offer scholarships to those who attend on either a full-time or part-time basis. 
• Any student who plans to enroll for the upcoming fall semester, in any year of college as an undergraduate or graduate student and who will attend an accredited post-secondary school in the United States may apply.
• Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

Rintoul Family Fund

To support students from Hampden or Hampshire County attending a two- or four-year college, studying agriculture or other related majors.

The NewSchools: Teaching Reimagined Grant offers a unique funding opportunity of $150,000 to $250,000 for innovative ideas aimed at reimagining the role of educators and enhancing student outcomes. With a focus on leveraging generative AI, the grant supports early-stage organizations and initiatives that prioritize diverse teaching strategies and community involvement. The application deadline is January 8, 2026, with a priority deadline of December 1, 2025, for updates on eligibility.

The On My Way to Kindergarten Program offers essential resources to prepare children aged 3-5 for kindergarten. Developed with input from educators, it includes a bilingual activity book and online access to games, songs, and crafts in both Spanish and English. Funded by The Larry and Helen Hoag Foundation, this initiative aims to empower at-risk children and their families, ensuring they have the tools needed for a successful transition into school.

The Michigan Sugar Company FFA Mini-Grant aims to support FFA chapters in advancing agricultural education within its growing region. Grants between $500 and $3,000 will be awarded to eligible institutions, focusing on establishing new chapters and enhancing educational resources. Applications are welcomed from any FFA chapter or school district committed to agricultural education. Preference will be given to proposals that include matching funds. This initiative reflects Michigan Sugar Company's dedication to community involvement and responsible growth.

The Nourishing Neighbors Innovation Incubation Fund RFP invites organizations to submit innovative proposals aimed at ending hunger. With flexible funding ranging from $50,000 to $300,000, this initiative encourages diverse ideas, whether small or large-scale. Organizations are required to have a panel of advisors with lived experience and must operate within the U.S. This grant focuses on creating sustainable solutions, ensuring communities can achieve self-sufficiency in food access.

The Shubert Foundation's Shubert Scholars program offers unrestricted grants to support the training of theatre artists in the United States. Targeting preeminent graduate drama departments, it emphasizes merit-based scholarship support while promoting exemplary theatrical training. Funding is primarily allocated to not-for-profit professional theatres and dance companies, fostering artistic excellence in the performing arts. For further guidance, applicants are encouraged to consult the FAQs on the foundation's website.

The Health Services Research Grants, offered by the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, focus on enhancing physical therapy services through evidence-based studies. Researchers are encouraged to explore areas such as therapy utilization, cost-effectiveness, and access barriers using rigorous methodologies. Proposals must align with the 2023 APTA Research Agenda, addressing topics that improve patient outcomes and care delivery, particularly in underserved populations. This initiative aims to elevate the role of physical therapists and optimize healthcare access.

The Getty Foundation's Connecting Art Histories initiative enhances global art historical scholarship by fostering intellectual exchange among scholars, particularly in underrepresented regions. This ongoing grant program supports seminars and workshops that connect over 1,000 early to mid-career researchers from diverse areas, including Africa and Latin America, to promote collaborative research and career development. The initiative not only builds professional networks but also aims to strengthen the discipline of art history by addressing geographic and political barriers.

The Aaaron Ardoin Foundation offers Research and Education Grants aimed at supporting organizations that address the needs of individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease. With a focus on funding programs that advance awareness, treatment, and care, the foundation reviews grant requests biannually. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations dedicated to initiatives directly benefiting the sickle cell community, ensuring that funds are utilized efficiently and effectively.

The Disaster Resilience Program Fellowship supports low-income communities affected by disasters by mobilizing lawyers and law students to provide free civil legal aid. This initiative ensures access to essential legal services, helping families navigate recovery barriers. Attorney Fellows receive a salary while Student Fellows earn a stipend for their service. Participants engage in outreach, build community relationships, and receive comprehensive training to enhance their legal skills, contributing to the resilience of affected communities.

The Wish You Well Foundation Grant supports U.S. non-profit organizations focused on adult literacy. Grants typically range from $200 to $10,000 and require proof of 501(c)(3) status. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster adult and family literacy. Organizations are encouraged to apply for funding that aligns with their specific needs. The Foundation communicates via email regarding proposal receipt and funding decisions, ensuring timely updates to applicants.

The DEWALT Trades Scholarship, offered by the SkillPointe Foundation, supports individuals pursuing education in high-demand trade fields such as construction, manufacturing, and mechanics. This scholarship covers essential costs like tuition, tools, and transportation. Open to applicants 17 years and older who are enrolled in accredited programs, it aims to bridge the skills gap in the U.S. and create opportunities for a diverse range of students seeking to enhance their careers.

The National Endowment for Financial Education Grant supports innovative research aimed at enhancing the public's financial well-being. This grant prioritizes studies that address financial literacy, systemic inequality, and the effectiveness of financial education among U.S. youth. Eligible applicants include researchers from nonprofit organizations or educational institutions. The funding process involves multiple phases, including evaluations and proposals, ensuring that impactful projects receive necessary support. NEFE aims to foster rigorous research that contributes significantly to financial education.

The AAAS Mass Media Science & Engineering Fellowship is a prestigious 10-week summer program designed for science, engineering, and mathematics students to work at media organizations across the U.S. This fellowship enhances public understanding of science by equipping fellows with skills to communicate complex scientific concepts effectively. Participants will receive an $8000 stipend and gain invaluable experience in journalism, fostering collaboration between scientists and media professionals to create engaging science stories for the public.

The Jonathan and Barbara Silver Foundation offers a $20,000 grant annually to support sculptors and writers on sculpture, promoting creativity and artistic development. This grant is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents, as well as O-1 Visa holders, who demonstrate a strong commitment to sculpture. Eligible expenses include materials, research, and living costs. The foundation values diversity and does not discriminate based on background, ensuring a wide range of applicants can apply.

The Fund for Teachers Fellowship empowers educators to design personalized learning experiences that enhance their professional skills and student engagement. With over 20 years of experience, this initiative has supported more than 10,000 teachers, enabling them to transform their classrooms through unique fellowship opportunities. Eligible applicants include full-time teachers in the U.S. who have at least three years of teaching experience and plan to return to the classroom after their fellowship. This fellowship fosters innovative teaching practices and collaborative growth.

The Stone Owl Scholars Scholarships, offered by the Community Foundation of Abilene, provide a one-time award of $3,000 to 120 high school juniors and seniors who complete a 9-week program. This initiative aims to support students entering vocational schools or colleges, with additional matching scholarships available for those enrolling in specific institutions. The foundation manages over 150 scholarship funds, ensuring financial aid for a diverse group of students pursuing various educational paths.

The Crossroads Hospice Charitable Foundation is committed to enhancing community awareness of hospice and palliative care services. It supports nonprofit organizations that provide end-of-life care and grief recovery resources. Through educational initiatives and financial grants, the Foundation aims to promote excellent hospice care and assist caregivers. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and the Foundation does not fund administrative costs or general funding. Grant applications are accepted once per year.

The Salute to Citizens Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Abilene, honors individuals who enhance their communities through active citizenship. Open to Taylor County graduates pursuing higher education or trade certifications, applicants must demonstrate past contributions to society and outline their future commitment to community service. Established by Hannah Durbin, a dedicated Air Force veteran and educator, this scholarship aims to empower students with awards ranging from $500 to over $5,000.

The George L. Mosse Prize, awarded by the American Historical Association, honors exceptional works in European intellectual and cultural history since 1500. This prestigious award, with a prize amount of $1,000, recognizes scholarly distinction and originality. Eligible submissions include books published in 2024, with a focus on research accuracy and literary merit. Winners will be announced on the AHA website in October 2025 and celebrated at the January 2026 AHA annual meeting in Chicago.

The Jordan Fund, established by John & Kelly Olerud in 2003, is dedicated to supporting children with special needs and their families. This grant-making organization assists children with substantial disabilities up to age twenty-one, covering costs for respite, therapy, and essential equipment not provided by insurance. By funding 501(c)(3) organizations, the Jordan Fund aims to enhance the quality of life for these children and their families.