Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in Rhode Island

The Alaska Community Foundation

The Alaska Community Foundation connects people who care to the causes that make a difference and matter most to them. We encourage and nurture philanthropy through building and managing permanent endowments, convening stakeholders, working with partners to strengthen Alaskan communities, and providing donors with flexible giving options that are strategic to their philanthropic objectives.

Scholarships at ACF

Each year, more than 60 scholarships are available to Alaska students—and it all starts with one simple application. With one login and one application, you’ll be considered for every scholarship you may be eligible for. Whether you’re taking your first step toward college, training for a career, or continuing your education, these scholarships are here to help carry you forward, backed by donors who believe in Alaska’s students and the futures they’re building. 

George & Stephanie Suddock Foundation Scholarship Fund

The purpose of the George & Stephanie Suddock Foundation Scholarship Fund is to provide graduating Alaskan high school students with the opportunity to pursue a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in the United States. The George & Stephanie Suddock Foundation prefer for the student to intend to return to Alaska if pursuing higher education out of state.

Awards will be given to a cohort of five (5) students from across the state of Alaska to ensure statewide representation.

Cherokee Nation Foundation

The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving the Cherokee Nation, a federally recognized tribe of more than 470,000 citizens. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities to Cherokee students so they can reach their full potential. The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Scholarships

Cherokee Nation Foundation offers a diverse range of scholarships to help reverse the trend of rising student debt. Students may receive up to two CNF scholarships per academic year. All opportunities are reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens, unless otherwise noted in the description.

Cherokee Nation Behavioral Health Scholarship

Applicant must be a full-time student with at least 60 credit hours pursuing a degree in a behavioral health field or a doctoral candidate enrolled in an accredited clinical psychology program and maintain a 3.0 GPA. Undergraduate recipients must demonstrate a likelihood of providing professional services within the Cherokee Nation Reservation, and graduate or doctoral recipients must be agreeable to a period of grant payback in service to the Cherokee Nation upon graduation and successful certification. Graduate or doctoral recipients must agree to a period of grant payback in service to the Cherokee Nation for a period that is equal to the number of scholarship years provided while pursuing the behavioral health degree. Such agreement shall be evidenced by a signed agreement for grant payback through service hours. Paid practicums will be available as determined by the review committee for eligible recipients enrolled in an accredited clinical psychology doctoral program. Funding for this scholarship opportunity is made possible thanks to the Public Health and Wellness Fund Act.

Ella C. White Memorial Scholarship Fund 

The Ella C. White Memorial Scholarship Fund is committed to empowering students in our community to pursue their dreams through higher education. Since its inception in 1972, the fund has awarded 913 scholarships, totaling an impressive $828,200, to deserving students.

​Focused on supporting graduating seniors from Hilton Head Island High School, Bluffton High School, and May River High School, the fund also offers the potential for continued support throughout college. Scholarship recipients are selected based on financial need, academic achievement, and their commitment to building a brighter future.

Our Scholarships

The Scholarship Committee will consider these criteria in making their selection:

• Academic achievement: Copy of your most recent high school transcript, reflecting last 3 years
• Financial need: Must provide proof of parent(s) income
• Letters of recommendations: one from your guidance counselor and one from a current teacher
• A copy of your award letter from the institution you will be attending.

Scholarship Renewals

The Ella C. White Memorial Scholarship is a renewable scholarship. Students may apply for scholarships for two additional years or up to the third year of college. Students are not eligible to receive scholarships for their final year or senior term of college. To be considered for additional assistance, students must provide their most recent college GPA and demonstrate financial need.

The NIOSH Centers for Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing Safety and Health provide critical support to enhance worker safety and health in the vital AgFF sector. With a focus on high-quality interdisciplinary research, these centers aim to translate scientific findings into practical solutions, improve health outcomes, and engage with partners to promote best practices. By addressing health hazards and improving data coordination, these centers strive for a meaningful impact on the well-being of AgFF workers across the nation.

Cherokee Nation Foundation

The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving the Cherokee Nation, a federally recognized tribe of more than 470,000 citizens. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities to Cherokee students so they can reach their full potential. The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Scholarships

Cherokee Nation Foundation offers a diverse range of scholarships to help reverse the trend of rising student debt. Students may receive up to two CNF scholarships per academic year. All opportunities are reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens, unless otherwise noted in the description.

Cherokee Nation Deputy Principal Chief Leadership Scholarship

This award recognizes students who exemplify leadership qualities and an interest and desire to give back to the Cherokee people. Applicant must be a current, full-time student at a two- or four-year higher education institution, or a graduating high school senior accepted to a two- or four-year higher education institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA. This is a one-year, $5,000 award not limited by residence.

The Children’s Relief Fund 

The Children’s Relief Fund (CRF) is a non-profit organization founded in 1991 by Rose and Frank Fotia. Their son Gregory had multiple disabilities and was the inspiration behind CRF. Our group consists of volunteers who raise money to help fund therapy, equipment, summer programs and other group activities for disabled children in the Hilton Head Island and Bluffton area.

Gregory Fotia Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is available to high school students and home-schooled students.

Career Fields applicable: Career field that benefits special needs children (e.g. Special Education, Pediatrics, Various Therapies)  

Service Area: All Hilton Head/Bluffton High Schools

Number of Awards: One or two

Duration/Renewal: One year

Financial Need: No

Criteria: A completed online application form and 250-word essay describing education and career choices.  Two character references.

The Alaska Community Foundation

The Alaska Community Foundation connects people who care to the causes that make a difference and matter most to them. We encourage and nurture philanthropy through building and managing permanent endowments, convening stakeholders, working with partners to strengthen Alaskan communities, and providing donors with flexible giving options that are strategic to their philanthropic objectives.

Scholarships at ACF

Each year, more than 60 scholarships are available to Alaska students—and it all starts with one simple application. With one login and one application, you’ll be considered for every scholarship you may be eligible for. Whether you’re taking your first step toward college, training for a career, or continuing your education, these scholarships are here to help carry you forward, backed by donors who believe in Alaska’s students and the futures they’re building. 

Toby Gamble and Janet Helen Tolan Gamble Educational Fund

Scholarship to benefit students graduating from an Anchorage high school who are interested in vocational studies, pre-med, law, theology, sports or other areas specified in the scholarship guidelines.

The Toby Gamble and Janet Helen Tolan Gamble Educational Scholarship was established at The Alaska Community Foundation in 2015, with the inaugural scholarship cycle beginning in the spring of 2018. The Gambles wanted to support the post-secondary goals of students in Anchorage, a place they made their home for nearly sixty years.

Washington County Community Foundation

The Washington County Community Foundation seeks to improve the quality of life in Washington County by promoting and facilitating philanthropy. We accomplish this by assuming four philanthropic roles of Grantmaker, Donor Service Organization, Fundraiser, and Community Leader. Fostering philanthropy by offering charitable gifting opportunities to donors on an individualized basis and at reasonable fees, we make charitable giving easier, more satisfying, and more effective. 

The Foundation is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation organized under the laws of Pennsylvania, which is registered with the Pennsylvania Charities Bureau and annually files the Federal Form 990.

Scholarships for Post-Secondary (Undergraduate) School

The Foundation provides both need-based and merit-based scholarships to students in Washington County, with a few scholarships also available to students in Greene County. All scholarships are made payable to the educational institution the student is attending. 

Douglas T. Corwin, M.D. Memorial Scholarship Fund

For a current year graduating senior who resides within Washington County, and who is pursuing any bachelor’s degree program.

The Children’s Relief Fund 

The Children’s Relief Fund (CRF) is a non-profit organization founded in 1991 by Rose and Frank Fotia. Their son Gregory had multiple disabilities and was the inspiration behind CRF. Our group consists of volunteers who raise money to help fund therapy, equipment, summer programs and other group activities for disabled children in the Hilton Head Island and Bluffton area.

Dr. Robert Bokat Humanitarian Scholarship

This scholarship is available to high school students and home-schooled students.

Career Fields applicable: Humanities/Education/Medical. The committee's decision is based heavily on volunteerism. 

Service Area: All Hilton Head/Bluffton High Schools

Number of Awards: One

Duration/Renewal: One year

Financial Need: No

Criteria: A completed online application form and 250-word essay describing education and career choices. Two character references.

The AWS Outstanding Achievement Awards honor exceptional contributions in welding, spanning historical structures, innovative fabrication, safety, and technical advancements across various categories.

Kenneth L. Brown Memorial Safety and Health Award

This award, sponsored by AWS and selected by the Safety and Health Committee, is presented annually to an individual who best encourages the advancement of welding safety and health through conducting research, education activities, development of safe practices, or the dissemination of knowledge through publications or other means; thereby, fostering public awareness, welfare and education.

The nominee is selected at least 10 months in advance of FABTECH.

Washington County Community Foundation

The Washington County Community Foundation seeks to improve the quality of life in Washington County by promoting and facilitating philanthropy. We accomplish this by assuming four philanthropic roles of Grantmaker, Donor Service Organization, Fundraiser, and Community Leader. Fostering philanthropy by offering charitable gifting opportunities to donors on an individualized basis and at reasonable fees, we make charitable giving easier, more satisfying, and more effective. 

The Foundation is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation organized under the laws of Pennsylvania, which is registered with the Pennsylvania Charities Bureau and annually files the Federal Form 990.

Scholarships for Post-Secondary (Undergraduate) School

The Foundation provides both need-based and merit-based scholarships to students in Washington County, with a few scholarships also available to students in Greene County. All scholarships are made payable to the educational institution the student is attending. 

John & Sophie Choratch Scholarship Fund

For current year graduating seniors of any Washington County high school, whose parent or guardian is employed as, or who volunteers as, a first responder (e.g., fire, emergency/rescue, police). Special consideration will be given to those students whose parent or guardian has been killed in the line of duty or who have otherwise been affected by local tragedy.

The ASPB Excellence in Education Award, established in 1988, honors exceptional teaching and mentoring in plant biology. It recognizes individuals, regardless of society membership, who demonstrate outstanding contributions in education, curricular development, or creation of effective teaching resources. This monetary award emphasizes the importance of quality education in advancing plant science, reflecting the mission of the American Society of Plant Biologists to promote growth and development in the field.

Cherokee Nation Foundation

The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving the Cherokee Nation, a federally recognized tribe of more than 470,000 citizens. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities to Cherokee students so they can reach their full potential. The Cherokee Nation Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Scholarships

Cherokee Nation Foundation offers a diverse range of scholarships to help reverse the trend of rising student debt. Students may receive up to two CNF scholarships per academic year. All opportunities are reserved for Cherokee Nation citizens, unless otherwise noted in the description.

Cherokee Nation Businesses Scholarship

Must be enrolled fulltime with a minimum of 12 hours in an accredited College or University and have a minimum of 48 hours completed and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Recipients must demonstrate a likelihood of providing professional services within the Cherokee Nation Businesses upon graduation and will receive priority review for consideration in the CNB Internship Program. Approved areas of study: Business, Accounting, Finance, Information Technology, Engineering, Human Resources, Marketing, Mass Communications, Museum Studies, Film Studies.

Community Foundation for Muskegon County

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.

Scholarships

Our scholarship funds seek to empower and encourage Muskegon County residents to pursue their dreams, hone in their gifts, and give back to our community.

If you’re a high school or homeschooled senior, current college student, early college senior, or adult learner, the Community Foundation for Muskegon County may have a scholarship for you. We manage one of the largest scholarship programs in our area, with over $1 million committed to students in over 500 new and renewed scholarships awarded each year.

Foundation for MCC - Edward H. & Wilma Kyvig Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Kyvig family, who established the Edward H. & Wilma Kyvig Scholarship of the Foundation for Muskegon Community College. The Kyvig family established this scholarship to honor their parents, Edward and Wilma who both were instructors at Muskegon Community College. Edward and Wilma were very passionate about education and the importance of students obtaining a college degree. This scholarship was established to assist a student of good academic standing who shows potential and who is deserving of financial assistance.

Developing Deuel County 

Deuel County has faced the challenges of continued development, sustained job growth, population growth and quality housing for quite some time. These challenges seem to be inherent in the rural areas of our country and demand continued attention if the communities are to hold their own in today’s economy. 

To that end, there have been a number of development organizations through the years that have done their best to promote growth. Some have been based at the city level and some at the county level. Without giving a history lesson listing all the development organizations of the past, it should be sufficient to note that Deuel Area Development, Inc. (DADI) is the current group working to develop business and housing in Deuel County. 

You have probably also heard of the Deuel County Community Foundation (DCCF). The foundation is another ‘development’ organization but it works not with business and housing, but rather with others in Deuel County to offer quality-of-life enhancements to the area.  

Deuel County Community Foundation Scholarship

• $500.00 Scholarships will be awarded during second semester of first year.

This grant aims to address drug shortages by exploring the landscape of products susceptible to health fraud and finding ways for outsourcing facilities to fulfill these needs. By funding research and development, the initiative seeks to enhance the production of critical medications, thereby stabilizing the drug supply chain and protecting public health from fraud-related risks.

Washington County Community Foundation

The Washington County Community Foundation seeks to improve the quality of life in Washington County by promoting and facilitating philanthropy. We accomplish this by assuming four philanthropic roles of Grantmaker, Donor Service Organization, Fundraiser, and Community Leader. Fostering philanthropy by offering charitable gifting opportunities to donors on an individualized basis and at reasonable fees, we make charitable giving easier, more satisfying, and more effective. 

The Foundation is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation organized under the laws of Pennsylvania, which is registered with the Pennsylvania Charities Bureau and annually files the Federal Form 990.

Scholarships for Post-Secondary (Undergraduate) School

The Foundation provides both need-based and merit-based scholarships to students in Washington County, with a few scholarships also available to students in Greene County. All scholarships are made payable to the educational institution the student is attending. 

Kiwanis Club of Washington Scholarship Fund

For students who reside within the boundaries of the Avella Area School District, McGuffey School District, Trinity Area School District, Washington School District, and/or attended the Western Area Career & Technology Center and who plan to enroll in a certificate, associate, or bachelor’s degree program. Qualified applicants who are planning to attend or currently attending Penn Commercial Business/Technical School and/or have a strong community service background will be given special consideration.

Arizona Community Foundation

For more than four decades, the Arizona Community Foundation has worked in tandem with generous individuals, families, and organizations to address some of the biggest challenges facing our state.

Scholarships

In partnership with our generous donors, we award millions of dollars annually to help students achieve their educational goals. Through our online system, students complete one application and are matched with available scholarships, based on their eligibility requirements.

Bishop Henry L. Barnwell Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Committee will award scholarships to students attending an accredited higher learning institution in financial need. Eligible students must show how they promoted the principles of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through their participation in school, community, and/or faith-based events within the last year.

Key Club Scholarship

An opportunity offered by Redding Kiwanis to graduating seniors from Enterprise and Shasta High schools who are dues paying members of their high school Key Club.

The Key Club Scholarship was established by the Redding Kiwanis to fund Key Club Scholarships for graduating seniors from Enterprise and Shasta High schools. Key Club International is the high school organization sponsored by Kiwanis International. Key Clubs assist Kiwanis in carrying out its mission to serve the children of the world. This scholarship is centered around active service to their school and community. Students must be an active, due paying member of their high school Key Club.

Washington County Community Foundation

The Washington County Community Foundation seeks to improve the quality of life in Washington County by promoting and facilitating philanthropy. We accomplish this by assuming four philanthropic roles of Grantmaker, Donor Service Organization, Fundraiser, and Community Leader. Fostering philanthropy by offering charitable gifting opportunities to donors on an individualized basis and at reasonable fees, we make charitable giving easier, more satisfying, and more effective. 

The Foundation is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation organized under the laws of Pennsylvania, which is registered with the Pennsylvania Charities Bureau and annually files the Federal Form 990.

Scholarships for Post-Secondary (Undergraduate) School

The Foundation provides both need-based and merit-based scholarships to students in Washington County, with a few scholarships also available to students in Greene County. All scholarships are made payable to the educational institution the student is attending. 

McDonald Family Cookie Jar Scholarship Fund

For a current year graduating senior who resides within the boundaries of any Washington County school district, who plans to enroll in a certificate, associate, or bachelor's degree program, and who demonstrates financial need. In the selection process, preference shall be given to students from under-represented, disadvantaged and/or diverse populations.

The Cherokee Nation Council Leadership Scholarship, offered by the Cherokee Nation Foundation, provides a one-year, $5,000 award to Cherokee Nation citizens. Eligible applicants include current full-time students or graduating high school seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA, intended for those attending two- or four-year institutions. The scholarship aims to empower Cherokee students by alleviating financial burdens and fostering educational attainment within the community, with specific awards designated for each Council district and additional at-large recipients.

The Mary Clutter Leadership in Science Public Service Award, established by the American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB), honors individuals who significantly contribute to plant science and public policy leadership. Renamed in 2019, this award recognizes efforts that advance ASPB's mission, encouraging diverse contributions to the field. Recipients, who may not be plant scientists themselves, are invited to address the Society at its annual meeting, highlighting their achievements and the importance of their work in the broader scientific community.

Caesar Rodney Rotary Scholarship

Awards:

• One time award of $4,000.
• One award per each high school listed above

Community Foundation for Muskegon County

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.

Scholarships

Our scholarship funds seek to empower and encourage Muskegon County residents to pursue their dreams, hone in their gifts, and give back to our community.

If you’re a high school or homeschooled senior, current college student, early college senior, or adult learner, the Community Foundation for Muskegon County may have a scholarship for you. We manage one of the largest scholarship programs in our area, with over $1 million committed to students in over 500 new and renewed scholarships awarded each year.

Eleanor Polley Women's Golf Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Dennis Sruba and Joanne Polley, who established the Eleanor Polley Women's Golf Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County in memory of Eleanor Polley. Eleanor Polley was Executive Director of the White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce when she died suddenly in 1995 at the age of 49. She was an untiring booster of the White Lake area and Muskegon County as a whole. She was also an avid promoter of women's golf. The Eleanor Polley Women's Golf Scholarship Fund was established in Eleanor's memory as part of the White Lake Community Fund by her family, her many friends, and the White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. It will provide scholarships to women college students who are also avid golfers.

Athletes for Animals Grants offer essential funding to non-profit animal welfare organizations in the U.S. and Canada. These grants support programs focused on adoptable companion animals, specifically canines and felines, ensuring they are spayed or neutered prior to adoption. Organizations are encouraged to demonstrate their commitment to animal welfare by not euthanizing adoptable animals. Applications are accepted semi-annually, with a wait period of 18 months between applications.

Washington County Community Foundation

The Washington County Community Foundation seeks to improve the quality of life in Washington County by promoting and facilitating philanthropy. We accomplish this by assuming four philanthropic roles of Grantmaker, Donor Service Organization, Fundraiser, and Community Leader. Fostering philanthropy by offering charitable gifting opportunities to donors on an individualized basis and at reasonable fees, we make charitable giving easier, more satisfying, and more effective. 

The Foundation is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation organized under the laws of Pennsylvania, which is registered with the Pennsylvania Charities Bureau and annually files the Federal Form 990.

Scholarships for Post-Secondary (Undergraduate) School

The Foundation provides both need-based and merit-based scholarships to students in Washington County, with a few scholarships also available to students in Greene County. All scholarships are made payable to the educational institution the student is attending. 

Olivia Scott Scholarship Fund

For current year graduating seniors of any Washington County high school, who demonstrate academic excellence, sportsmanship, and/or the ability to work with others towards a common goal.

Excellence in Welding Awards

The Excellence in Welding Awards recognize outstanding individuals whose contributions have advanced the welding industry. Nominees are put forward by their peers, and winners are selected by the Excellence in Welding Committee based on their impact, leadership, and dedication to the profession.

Award recipients are celebrated during the Excellence in Welding Awards Ceremony at FABTECH, an event open to all FABTECH attendees.