Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Rhode Island

The Combined Pilot Research Grants by the Plastic Surgery Foundation and ACAPS aim to fund innovative pilot research projects in academic plastic surgery, focusing on education and global health. Grants of up to $15,000 are available for one-year projects. Applicants must hold a relevant degree, be affiliated with a U.S. or Canadian institution, and have ties to ACAPS. This initiative encourages pioneering research that addresses significant questions in the field, promoting the development of surgeon scientists.

The Richard M. Fisher Memorial Scholarship, offered by the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation, supports students pursuing careers in construction trades and vocational fields. Established in memory of Richard Fisher, a dedicated public works inspector, this scholarship is open to high school seniors, undergraduates, and returning students. By providing vital financial assistance, the scholarship aims to empower local students to achieve their educational and career aspirations, fostering a brighter future for the community.

Our Story

Established over 50 years ago, our founders redefined local philanthropy, fostering connections around a shared sense of place and purpose. As Virginia's largest community foundation, we bring people together to pool resources, co-create solutions and align actions for impactful change in the Richmond region.

Scholarships are offered to students living in the Richmond region and other Virginia locations. Each scholarship was established by a generous individual, family, or organization with a desire to assist high school students, recent high school graduates, and adult learners to continue their education. 

R.C. and Betsy Williamson Scholarship

The R.C. and Betsy Williamson Scholarship Fund was established in 2009 by Brad Williamson, their son, to honor his father and mother. R.C. Williamson was born in Middlesboro, Kentucky. He married Betsy Berry of Staunton, VA in 1949 and they moved to Richmond in 1950. R.C. spent his working career with the Natural Gas Company of VA, Inc. (MR ABLE PROPANE) until his death in January of 2008. R.C. passionately believed in the value of education and was himself the recipient of post-secondary scholarships.

The purpose of the scholarship fund is to support post-secondary educational scholarships for qualifying graduates of public or private high schools in the Central Virginia area. Scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate Christian values, financial need, commitment to their community and academic achievement.

This scholarship is available for up to a total of four years, provided you:

• Have maintained good academic standing.
• Continue to be enrolled in an accredited two-year or four-year college or university, community college or trade school in the continental United States.

Estmated Award Amount

• $3,500 year 1, renew $1,000

The Elizabeth Nash Foundation Scholarship supports individuals affected by cystic fibrosis (CF) in their pursuit of higher education. Since its inception in 2005, over 200 scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 have been awarded to undergraduates and graduates at accredited U.S. institutions. The selection process considers academic performance, character, leadership, community service, and financial need. To qualify, applicants must have a CF diagnosis and be U.S. citizens.

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.

Holland Doctors of Audiology Scholarship

• Graduating senior, graduating early college student, or current college student who attends/attended public, private, or home school in the primary service area of the Community Foundation or in Hamilton or Saugatuck
• Enrolling/enrolled at an accredited post-secondary school within the United States
• Financial need (must submit the page of the FAFSA Submission Summary showing the Student Aid Index amount)
• Hard of hearing and hearing aid user and/or admitted and enrolling/enrolled at an accredited program in audiology (graduate-level candidates)
• Hard of hearing and hearing aid user and/or interested in studying audiology or hearing science (undergraduate-level candidates)
• Involvement in the school’s music program preferred.
• Potentially renewable for three additional years.

Our Story

Established over 50 years ago, our founders redefined local philanthropy, fostering connections around a shared sense of place and purpose. As Virginia's largest community foundation, we bring people together to pool resources, co-create solutions and align actions for impactful change in the Richmond region.

Scholarships are offered to students living in the Richmond region and other Virginia locations. Each scholarship was established by a generous individual, family, or organization with a desire to assist high school students, recent high school graduates, and adult learners to continue their education. 

Claude V. Simmons Scholarship

The Claude V. Simmons Scholarship Fund was established to support post-secondary educational opportunities for qualifying members of the Church of Francis de Sales in Mathews County, Virginia.

Awards

• $6,600

The Conagra Brands Foundation offers Community Impact Grants to nonprofit organizations in the USA that address food insecurity and promote healthy lifestyles. Eligible organizations must align with core focus areas like food access, nutrition education, and cooking skills. Grants support initiatives that foster community engagement and provide entrepreneurial skills. Nonprofits must uphold a non-discrimination policy protecting various characteristics. Applications are accepted through a Letter of Intent from January 1 to February 15, 2025.

The Pabst Steinmetz Foundation Grant supports innovative projects at the intersection of arts, education, and wellness. It aims to empower organizations that address critical community issues and foster sustainable models for change, particularly in Florida. The foundation encourages collaboration and seeks initiatives that create a ripple effect, enhancing community capacity and promoting impactful solutions. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) entities in the U.S. focusing on community betterment through creative approaches.

Community Foundation for Mason County, MI

At the Community Foundation for Mason County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues. As a leader in community philanthropy, building a vibrant community with great opportunities for all, we are focused on advancing education, increasing recreation opportunities, and community and economic development.

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.

Richard and Helen Daron Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Ludington Area School District, which established the Richard and Helen Daron Scholarship Fund of the Community Foundation for Mason County.

This scholarship is presented to graduating seniors of Ludington High School. Award recipients must pursue a degree or certification at any two- or four-year accredited college, university, or vocational/technical school. Award recipients are eligible to receive up to three renewals.

The BJA FY 2026 Harold Rogers Prescription Drug Monitoring Program aims to enhance the capabilities of agencies in collecting and analyzing prescription data for controlled substances. By establishing a centralized database, this initiative will aid in the prevention of drug diversion and abuse, particularly of opioids. The program emphasizes the integration of data with health information exchanges and electronic health records, fostering local decision-making while addressing the needs of tribal and rural areas to combat substance abuse effectively.

The Lisa and Douglas Goldman Fund, established in 1992, supports charitable organizations that enhance society, focusing on democracy and civil liberties. The fund prioritizes projects that ensure equal citizen participation in the democratic process and protect civil liberties, especially those implemented nationally or across multiple states. It operates by invitation only and emphasizes flexible, informed grantmaking to qualified projects that align with its mission and values.

The Charles Hall & Beatrice Joy Kolar Scholarship Fund, managed by the Crown Point Community Foundation, supports local students pursuing education in the trade industry. This fund provides financial assistance to graduating high school seniors, college students, and adult learners, focusing on those with greater financial need. Scholarships are non-renewable and are awarded based on specific criteria set by donors to enhance educational opportunities in South Lake County.

The Bryan C. Niedert Memorial Scholarship Fund, administered by the Crown Point Community Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors, college students, and adult learners from Crown Point and Lowell High Schools. Applicants must meet specific GPA requirements and pursue education in trades or business fields. This scholarship aims to enhance the community's quality of life by providing financial assistance tailored to meet diverse educational needs, ensuring that the next generation can thrive.

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.

Matt Solus Memorial Scholarship Fund

The scholarship supports high school or College of the Siskiyous students in Siskiyou County pursuing careers in fire science or law enforcement.

Matt Solus Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in memory of Matt Solus, the son of Fred & Elouise Solus of Yreka. Matt was a victim of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. Although Matt was on a heart transplant list, he succumbed to the disease at the age of 22. Matt was a 1997 graduate of Yreka High School. The Solus Family were pioneers in Siskiyou County, having first moved there in 1850. Matt was a member of the Explorer Program with the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Department and had a strong interest in law enforcement and fire science. The scholarship supports students in Siskiyou County pursuing careers in fire science or law enforcement.

The Community Foundation of Carroll County supports nearly 70 academic, sports, special circumstances, and 4-H scholarships. Search scholarships by name, or sort by application type.

The Ryan Legacy Scholarship

Melanie Ryan was an incredible mother, wife, friend, and nurse for almost 30 years. Her kindness, generosity, and compassion will be remembered forever by those who had the honor to know and love her. She passed away from Metastatic Triple Negative Breast Cancer in June of 2024. Her husband Tom was the love of her life and also and incredibly kind and caring husband, father, manager and friend. He passed away from Hodgkins Lymphoma in November of 2022. This scholarship remembers this beautiful couple by assisting graduating high school seniors and current college students in pursuing a college degree. Preference will be given to student athletes in memory of Tom’s love of sports and students pursuing a healthcare related degree in memory of Melanie’s incredible nursing skills and heart.

The Institutional Training Programs to Advance Translational Research on Alzheimer's Disease and AD-Related Dementias aim to cultivate a diverse workforce skilled in translational research. This initiative supports predoctoral and postdoctoral researchers from various educational backgrounds, including data science and clinical research. By fostering interdisciplinary training, the program equips trainees with essential knowledge in disease biology and drug discovery, ultimately enhancing the research capabilities for Alzheimer's and related dementias.

The Christine A. Loetel Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, aims to support students with cerebral palsy or similar disabilities. Applicants must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher and demonstrate financial need through FAFSA-SAI. This renewable scholarship requires an essay and may involve an interview. By providing financial assistance, the scholarship fosters educational opportunities and enhances the quality of life for deserving students in the region.

The Virginia Randolph Scholarship, established in 1963, honors the legacy of a pioneering educator in Henrico County. Managed by The Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond, this scholarship supports graduating high school seniors who demonstrate academic promise, community service, and financial need. It ensures a lasting tribute to Virginia Randolph’s commitment to education and helps empower the next generation of leaders in the region. Eligible students can receive tuition assistance for higher education pursuits.

The FY 2026 Innovative Coordinated Access and Mobility Pilot Program offers $11,959,671 in grant funding to enhance transit services for the transportation-disadvantaged. This initiative, led by the Federal Transit Administration, aims to improve coordination for non-emergency medical transportation, benefiting older adults, individuals with disabilities, and low-income communities. Eligible applicants include state transportation departments and local entities that provide public transit services. This competitive funding opportunity supports innovative projects to better serve these populations.

The Council of Independent Colleges

Founded in 1956, the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) is an association of nonprofit independent colleges and universities, state-based councils, and higher education affiliates that works to support college and university leadership, advance institutional excellence, and enhance public understanding of independent higher education’s contributions to society.

CIC is the major national organization that focuses on providing services to leaders of independent colleges and universities and state-based councils. CIC offers conferences, seminars, publications, and other programs and services that help institutions improve educational quality, administrative and financial performance, student outcomes, and institutional visibility.

NetVUE Grants to Individuals for Vocational Exploration

CIC is pleased to announce the first NetVUE grant program for individual projects by staff and faculty members. While NetVUE offers a number of grant programs for institutions, this new program—Grants to Individuals for Vocational Exploration—is its first program designed explicitly for individual projects by faculty members and staff at NetVUE member institutions.

Many employees at NetVUE member institutions engage and contribute to the exploration of vocation in undergraduate education through their scholarship, teaching, and practice. The NetVUE program seeks to support this work by offering them more resources to support new research and pedagogical innovation. Through the NetVUE Grants to Individuals for Vocational Exploration, CIC will offer funding and guidance to support projects that will generate artifacts or products (such as scholarly articles, course syllabi and learning activities, program designs, or other resources) that will develop and expand the existing field of scholarship, conversation, and pedagogy on vocation in undergraduate education.

This grant is intended to support innovative projects in the scholarship, pedagogy, leadership, and/or practice of vocation in undergraduate education. Proposals are welcome from both new and established scholars and practitioners. Particularly welcome are projects that seek to make vocational exploration and discernment available to all students, as well as projects that invite the NetVUE community toward fresh considerations and new frameworks in vocation as a lens for undergraduate education.

The Council of Independent Colleges

Founded in 1956, the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) is an association of nonprofit independent colleges and universities, state-based councils, and higher education affiliates that works to support college and university leadership, advance institutional excellence, and enhance public understanding of independent higher education’s contributions to society.

CIC is the major national organization that focuses on providing services to leaders of independent colleges and universities and state-based councils. CIC offers conferences, seminars, publications, and other programs and services that help institutions improve educational quality, administrative and financial performance, student outcomes, and institutional visibility.

NetVUE Program Development Grants

Colleges and universities that are members of NetVUE are already committed to campus activities that encourage vocational exploration by students. These institutions are making significant investments of their own resources to develop and sustain vocational exploration initiatives. In order to support NetVUE member campuses in their work, Lilly Endowment Inc. has provided funding to CIC to be used for NetVUE Program Development Grants. Many NetVUE campus leaders have observed that grants for program development at even modest levels would enable their institutions to strengthen and expand existing programs significantly.

NetVUE Program Development Grants may be requested in amounts up to $100,000 for use over two years to deepen, expand, or otherwise strengthen programs that are already underway (including those planned or initiated through recently completed NetVUE Professional Development Awards) and supported by the institution itself. A wide range of proposals that augment existing programs in vocational reflection and discernment will be considered; examples include

• mini-grants to support released time for designing or revising courses to include greater engagement with vocational reflection;
• programming that brings faculty members and administrative staff (from, for example, career services, student life, or campus ministry) into partnership for advising, mentoring, and/or experiential learning opportunities; and
• projects that integrate reflection on calling and vocational discernment into an institution’s general education requirements or into their major or minor field requirements.

The Joseph S. Onisko, Jr. Environmental Sciences Scholarship, established in 2020 by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, supports high school seniors from southern Beaufort County pursuing a degree in Environmental Sciences. This scholarship honors Joseph S. Onisko, Jr. and aims to assist students with outstanding achievements, a minimum GPA of 3.2, and a focus on marine sciences. The foundation has invested over $125 million to enhance the Lowcountry community.

The Grief Reach Grants: Community Education Cycle, funded by the National Alliance for Children's Grief (NACG), aims to empower organizations that support grieving youth. With $10,000 grants available, the initiative enhances access to essential bereavement resources and education, addressing the needs of children coping with loss. This program is crucial as 1 in 12 children will experience the death of a loved one by age 18, highlighting the urgent need for support in diverse communities.

The Jazz Road Creative Residencies Grant Program, initiated by South Arts, supports professional jazz artists in the U.S. by removing financial barriers to their creative practices. This initiative aims to enhance artistic growth through flexible residency activities, fostering community engagement and innovative collaborations. By providing crucial funding, it encourages artists to explore new creative visions, connect with diverse audiences, and build meaningful partnerships across the country, thereby enriching the jazz landscape.

The Rahsaan Roland Kirk Scholarship for the Arts, offered by The Columbus Foundation, honors the legacy of the innovative jazz musician Rahsaan Roland Kirk. This scholarship supports seniors from Columbus City Schools who are pursuing studies in music, music performance, or the arts. With a focus on artistic freedom and excellence, it aims to empower young artists to continue the rich traditions of Black American musical expression while fostering creativity and cultural appreciation in the community.

The Eviction Protection Grant Program (EPGP) aims to support low-income tenants facing eviction by offering competitive awards to around 16 nonprofit organizations and government entities. These grants will fund no-cost legal assistance, covering pretrial, trial, post-trial, and alternative dispute resolution services. The initiative, backed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, is designed to ensure that vulnerable tenants have access to essential legal resources, ultimately reducing eviction rates and promoting housing stability.

The Marc Chary Scholarship Program, established in 2025 by Mr. Marc Chary, aims to support African American high school seniors from Southern Beaufort and Jasper Counties in South Carolina. This scholarship is focused on those with financial need pursuing post-secondary education. With a commitment to enhancing educational opportunities, the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry continues to empower students to achieve their academic goals, fostering a thriving community through dedicated philanthropic efforts.