Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in Rhode Island

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.

Coach Dave Gray Scholarship Fund

The Coach Dave Gray Scholarship Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships for students who plan on pursing post-secondary education. This scholarship fund was established by John and Shana Mackie in 2017 with funds raised through their 2017 “Party for a Purpose”, an annual party for their friends and family with the goal of raising awareness for a different worthy local ministry or cause each year. John and Shana named the fund in honor of Coach Dave Gray who has dedicated his career to working with youth in Western Pennsylvania. Through his classes, camps, training and other activities, Coach Dave impacts the lives of thousands of kids in a positive way. Dave’s programs instill confidence, self-esteem, promote a healthy, active lifestyle and are fun for kids. This scholarship fund will honor Coach Dave’s commitment to the community and help benefit students from Western Pennsylvania for years to come.

Award Type: Single-Year Award

The Prevention of Musculoskeletal Youth Sports Injuries Grant provides essential funding for new investigators focused on clinical and social research aimed at reducing youth sports injuries. This initiative emphasizes the importance of clinical relevance in project proposals, ensuring that outcomes are practical and applicable. Only one grant will be awarded per institution each year, supporting innovative approaches to enhance youth sports safety and health.

The Generation Regen Challenge, presented by BMO, aims to promote regenerative agriculture in Canada and the U.S. by providing $200,000 to innovative social enterprises and non-profits. This initiative seeks to enhance local farming practices, soil health, animal welfare, and biodiversity, while ensuring food security for underserved communities. By supporting projects that restore ecosystems and sequester carbon, the challenge encourages a sustainable agricultural future. Applications are open to eligible organizations focused on impactful solutions in their communities.

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.

Our Mission

The mission of the American College Health Foundation (ACHF) is to promote, improve, and advance the health, well-being, and overall success of college students.

ACHF will accomplish this mission by funding sustainable college health initiatives and programs, including education, research, and professional development in partnership with the American College Health Association and its members.

Kathy Mac Nurse Scholar Travel Funding Opportunity

The American College Health Foundation, through the Kathy Mac Scholar Fund, will offer funding to partially offset meeting registration, hotel and travel expenses for one nurse or nurse practitioner, who has never been to an ACHA meeting, to attend the ACHA Annual Meeting.

Applicants will be responsible for any remaining travel expenses not covered by the ACHF Kathy Mac Scholar Fund and will be required to submit proof of the availability of these funds.

Post-meeting requirements for award recipients will include the following:

• Make a brief presentation to the ACHF Board during their annual business meeting at the ACHA Annual Meeting.
• Provide a written evaluation of the Scholar’s annual meeting experience that could be published in Action, Impact, ACHF webpage, or in other publications.
• Become involved in a health center or campus project following the meeting.

Our Mission

AISES is a national nonprofit organization focused on substantially increasing the representation of Indigenous peoples of North America and the Pacific Islands in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) studies and careers.

AISES Scholarships

Funding the STEM futures of American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and First Nations Students.

AISES recognizes education as a means of empowerment, personal growth, and fosters the diversity Indigenous students will bring to STEM landscapes. We provide financial aid to Indigenous students in STEM through scholarships funded by our dedicated donors and partners.

Indian Motorcycle + Polaris Trade Scholarship

Indian Motorcycle along with the Polaris Foundation are proud to partner with AISES to offer academic and vocational scholarships for the 2026/2027 academic year. As a leader in power sports, we bring cutting edge innovation to the product we design and the experiences we create for those who play, work and thrive outside.

The Reeves Foundation supports research aimed at understanding and treating macular degeneration, a condition that has personally affected the founder's family. Established in 1997, the foundation allocates 50% of its grants to research and the other half to local charities in Columbus, Indiana. Nonprofit organizations exempt under IRS code 501(c)(3) are eligible to apply, but funds cannot be used for administrative costs. The foundation prioritizes equipment purchases and partnerships with other funding sources.

Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area seeks to ensure that our community thrives today, tomorrow, and forever by building our Community’s Endowment to support high impact charitable projects, helping donors achieve their charitable goals, and leading and partnering in community-level initiatives.

Scholarships

CFHZ awards over $1 million in scholarships each year for students to attend schools of higher education throughout the nation. Our scholarships are possible thanks to the generosity of donors who invest in our community’s future by furthering the education of others.

All Holland/Zeeland area individuals interested in post-secondary education are encouraged to apply for CFHZ scholarships.

The Foundation proudly administers over 100 scholarships, each with unique eligibility criteria that must be met before a candidate can be considered.

Kaminski Family Scholarship

• Graduating senior who attends public, private, or home school in the primary service area of the Community Foundation
• Enrolling in a 2 or 4-year degree program at an accredited post-secondary school (including vocational/technical school) within the United States
• Financial need (must submit the page of the FAFSA Submission Summary showing the Student Aid Index amount)

Excellence in Medicine Awards

The AMA Foundation’s Excellence in Medicine Awards honor physicians and medical advocates who exemplify the highest values of the profession—volunteerism, community engagement, leadership, and service to underserved populations. Each recipient is recognized at a ceremony during the AMA Annual Meeting in Chicago and receives a $2,500 grant honorarium directed to a nonprofit health organization of their choice. Since 2005, more than 100 honorees have been celebrated through this program, with over $250,000 awarded to strengthen community health and advance equitable care nationwide. 

Excellence in Medicine Awards- Dr. Jacqueline A. Bello Friend of the AMA Foundation Award

Honors volunteers, AMA staff and donors for their active engagement and unwavering support of the AMA Foundation. Recipients are those who inspire hopefulness and encourage others to join them in giving their time and personal resources to further advance the Foundation’s mission.

The AVID: Syage Family Scholarship Fund aims to support high school seniors from Orange County, CA, who have been enrolled in the AVID elective class for at least three years. This scholarship, administered by Scholarship America, promotes educational advancement by offering financial assistance for undergraduate studies. Applicants must demonstrate community commitment, have a minimum GPA of 3.0, and show financial need, making this opportunity crucial for those seeking to further their education at four-year colleges.

Community Foundation of the North State

The Community Foundation builds trust through relationship, integrity, and by providing safe places for donors to give their resources.

We are a nonprofit, public charity serving the people of Shasta, Siskiyou and Tehama counties, with a mission to impact the region through the power of giving.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of the North State manages many scholarship funds that are awarded to graduating high school seniors as well as students already in an undergraduate program. Some scholarships were started by families or individuals; others by businesses or organizations. All scholarships share one important focus: helping young people reach their educational goals.

Pucek Family Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund was established in honor of Bill, Jeannette, and Sidney Pucek.

Scholarship awards from this fund aim to benefit and support North State students pursuing an associate degree or certification in a vocational program.

The AVID Scholarship Fund, managed by Scholarship America, supports high school seniors in Orange County, CA, who are enrolled in the AVID elective for at least three years. Eligible students must plan to attend a four-year college and demonstrate financial need, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The scholarship emphasizes community commitment and is available through a single application for multiple funds.

The Pūkoʻa Fellows Program, launched by the Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) at the Aspen Institute, is a 12-week virtual initiative aimed at Pasifika students in the diaspora. The program fosters exploration of diasporic identity and community responsibility through weekly sessions, mentorship, and a student-led event. Participants will connect with a national network of Pasifika organizers, enhancing their advocacy skills and building supportive campus spaces. This program is open to college students aged 18-26.

The Limited Competition: NIGMS Mature Synchrotron Resources for Structural Biology program aims to support advanced technologies at synchrotron facilities, providing biomedical researchers with cutting-edge X-ray beamlines, user training, and expert assistance. This initiative intends to continue funding through a reissued Notice of Funding Opportunity, inviting eligible organizations to apply. Applications will undergo NIH standard peer-review processes to ensure only the most meritorious proposals are funded.

The Eloise Strother Wyly Scholarship Fund, managed by the Center for Scholarship Administration (CSA), offers financial assistance to deserving students attending Clemson University or Winthrop University. Eligible applicants must be high school seniors from Walhalla High School, demonstrate financial need, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years, contingent on full-time enrollment and good academic standing, covering tuition, fees, books, and supplies.

The ASTR Thomas Marshall Graduate Student Awards aim to support graduate students researching theatre or performance by assisting with the costs of attending the annual ASTR conference. This grant offers up to three honorariums of $800 each, along with complimentary conference registration. Eligibility is open to any graduate student in relevant fields, with selection based on the applicant’s interest and academic achievements.

The Latin Americans United for Progress Dream Scholarship, administered by the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area, supports Hispanic students pursuing post-secondary education. Applicants must be graduating seniors or early college students, demonstrate financial need, and submit a personal statement. With over $1 million awarded annually in scholarships, this program aims to empower the next generation of leaders from the Hispanic community, promoting educational advancement and cultural appreciation.

Hubertus W. V. Willems Scholarship

The Hubertus W. V. Willems Scholarship is one of many funding opportunities available to students through NAACP's Inspire Initiatives. We offer scholarships to outstanding and qualified students pursuing undergraduate degrees. Through the generosity of our donors, we advance efforts to ensure equity in educational opportunity that prepares students for success in school, work, and life.

Scholarship amount:

• $3,000

This a non-renewable scholarship opportunity.

The AVID: Dad's House Scholarship, administered by Scholarship America, supports high school seniors in Orange County who have participated in the AVID program for at least three years. With an estimated award of $3,000 for undergraduate studies, applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a GPA of 2.5. The scholarship encourages community commitment and aims to assist those planning to enroll full-time at accredited four-year institutions.

The Louis A. Woitishek Educational Scholarship, administered by the Center for Scholarship Administration, provides financial support to full-time students at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Eligible applicants must be residents of Clark County, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5, and demonstrate financial need. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, and required educational materials for up to four years. This initiative aims to empower deserving students to achieve their academic goals.

The Veridian Credit Union Scholarship offers four $2,500 awards to high school seniors and four $2,500 awards to post-secondary students enrolled in accredited programs. To qualify, applicants must be the primary owner of a Veridian Credit Union account in good standing. This initiative, managed by the Iowa Credit Union Foundation, supports educational advancement and aims to foster financial success among its members.

The NIDDK Inflammatory Bowel Disease Genetics Consortium (IBDGC) aims to enhance understanding of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) through genomic research. By leveraging patient cohorts and advanced data science, the IBDGC seeks to identify genetic risk factors and develop predictive biomarkers for disease outcomes. This initiative will improve medical management and advance precision medicine for IBD patients, addressing the need for effective diagnostics and treatment strategies in this chronic condition.

Excellence in Medicine Awards

The AMA Foundation’s Excellence in Medicine Awards honor physicians and medical advocates who exemplify the highest values of the profession—volunteerism, community engagement, leadership, and service to underserved populations. Each recipient is recognized at a ceremony during the AMA Annual Meeting in Chicago and receives a $2,500 grant honorarium directed to a nonprofit health organization of their choice. Since 2005, more than 100 honorees have been celebrated through this program, with over $250,000 awarded to strengthen community health and advance equitable care nationwide. 

Jack B. McConnell, MD, Award for Excellence in Volunteerism

Honors senior physicians (55+ years old) who are committed to providing medical care to those without access to health care in the U.S.

The Rare Disease Endpoint Advancement Pilot Program, initiated by the FDA, aims to enhance the development of novel efficacy endpoints for drugs addressing rare diseases. This initiative encourages collaboration between sponsors and the FDA throughout the endpoint development process. By fostering innovation through guidance and public workshops, the program seeks to equip FDA staff and improve evaluation methods for rare disease therapies. The pilot program is set to run until September 30, 2027, providing vital support for drug development in this area.

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.

The NIDDK is expanding its Gastroparesis Consortium into the Disorders of Gastrointestinal Interoception Consortium (DGIC) to explore various GI disorders linked to interoceptive processing. This initiative aims to include multiple Clinical Research Centers and a Scientific Data Research Center, focusing on multidisciplinary approaches to uncover mechanisms connecting GI function to symptoms. The effort seeks to identify biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets for future clinical trials, enhancing understanding and treatment of complex gastrointestinal conditions.

The 3M Skilled Trades Scholarship, funded by the SkillPointe Foundation, supports students pursuing careers in high-demand fields such as carpentry, construction management, and welding. It aims to address the skills gap by providing funding for vocational education, helping individuals gain essential skills for the workforce. Eligible applicants include those enrolled in postsecondary training programs, with scholarships to be used within a year of acceptance. This initiative seeks to empower workers and meet the needs of employers.