Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in South Carolina

The Ferris Burtis Scholarship Fund, established in 2002 by two dedicated musicians, supports talented young musicians pursuing classical music careers. Funded by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, it aims to alleviate the financial burden of education, ensuring access for graduating high school seniors accepted into conservatories. This initiative reflects the foundation's mission to strengthen communities through philanthropy, fostering opportunities for economic mobility and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Berkshire Taconic region.

The Jacques Parker and Marie Deguard Scholarship, offered by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, supports high school seniors in the region pursuing higher education in visual arts or architecture. Scholarships are renewable for up to five years, covering costs for college, apprenticeships, or specialized courses. This initiative aims to promote economic mobility and provide opportunities for creativity, ensuring a lasting impact on students' lives in Berkshire, Columbia, northeast Dutchess, and northwest Litchfield counties.

The NEA Professional Excellence Grants aim to empower state and local affiliates by providing funding for innovative practices and resources that enhance the education profession. These grants support initiatives focused on student success, professional development, and the establishment of a quality educator workforce. Typical funding ranges from $3,000 to $25,000, enabling affiliates to implement programs that address specific learning needs and foster community partnerships.

The D. Scott Cooper Nursing Foundation Scholarship, offered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating seniors from high schools in Gregg, Rusk, or Smith Counties pursuing a nursing degree. This scholarship emphasizes financial need, requiring FAFSA documentation, and provides funding for one year. Established to foster educational pursuits, it reflects the Foundation's commitment to empowering young individuals to achieve their dreams in the field of nursing.

The Julia L. Atz Scholarship Fund, established by the Noble County Community Foundation, offers $2,500 to college seniors or post-graduate students pursuing careers in classical music performance or conducting. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.00 or above and may reapply for funding in subsequent years. Preference is given to Indiana residents, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to supporting local talent and enhancing the cultural landscape of the community.

The Military-Civilian Charitable Foundation Scholarship aims to support children of active or retired military personnel in the San Antonio area by providing scholarships for higher education. Established in 1954, this foundation integrates military and civilian communities, emphasizing the importance of education for military families facing unique challenges. Scholarships are available to high school seniors across all military branches, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to fostering patriotism and community support.

The Pride Foundation Scholarship is designed to support LGBTQ+ students who demonstrate leadership in their communities and fields of study. Open to residents of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington, applicants must pursue post-secondary education in the 2025-2026 school year. The scholarship prioritizes those facing systemic barriers, including discrimination and financial need, ensuring resources reach LGBTQ+ students who need them most.

The Toward An Inclusive Architecture Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, aims to empower Tennesseans of color by providing financial support for architectural education. This initiative not only covers educational expenses at accredited architecture schools but also enhances professional growth through internship placements at partner firms. By fostering diversity in architecture, the scholarship seeks to create a more inclusive and thriving community in Tennessee.

The Helen Elbert Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating seniors planning to major in music, particularly piano. Established in 1989, the Foundation has a strong commitment to education and community support. This scholarship is not based on financial need and will provide one year of assistance to students attending any college in the United States. It aims to empower young musicians to pursue their educational dreams.

The C4O Organizing Grant, offered by the National Education Association Staff Organization, supports collaborative strategic organizing projects. It provides resources for training, coaching, and workshops aimed at enhancing member engagement and addressing equity in education. Eligible projects include those that align with NEA Strategic Goals, fostering leadership among members on critical issues affecting their practice. This grant aims to empower educators and improve opportunities for all students.

The Russell Sage Foundation's Future of Work Grant Program seeks innovative research proposals that explore the impact of job quality changes on low- and moderately paid workers in the U.S. The program emphasizes studies on employer practices, labor market dynamics, and public policies. It prioritizes projects utilizing new data or unique methods, focusing on issues like job automation, labor market shifts post-COVID-19, and the effects of emerging technologies on workforce wellbeing.

The Lora Dawson Davisson Memorial Scholarship, established by the Muskingum County Community Foundation, honors a 1982 graduate of Sheridan High School. This scholarship supports Perry County residents enrolled in vocational or degreed nursing programs (LPN, RN) who have completed their first semester. It aims to enhance educational opportunities and nurture future healthcare professionals in the community.

Gabby's Dream Scholarship honors the memory of Gabriella Garven, who tragically passed away but chose to be an organ donor, saving five lives. This scholarship aims to support Muskingum County high school seniors pursuing higher education. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher and demonstrate involvement in extracurricular activities. By providing financial assistance, this scholarship helps students achieve their dreams, reflecting Gabby's spirit of kindness and generosity, and empowering them to make a positive impact in their communities.

The Lighthouse Wealth Management Scholarship is designed for residents of Ashland County who aim to pursue a major in Business or Finance at an accredited college or university. This scholarship welcomes applications from high school seniors, continuing students, and non-traditional students, ensuring that financial support is available for those committed to their education. Prior recipients are eligible to reapply, fostering continued support for their academic journeys.

The AHA Institutional Research Enhancement Award (AIREA) aims to bolster cardiovascular and brain health research at smaller educational institutions that lack significant NIH funding. With a budget of $100,000 annually over two years, the award supports various research areas, encourages student involvement, and strengthens institutional research environments. Eligible applicants include accredited U.S. non-profit institutions with specific funding limitations, ensuring that deserving projects receive vital support for advancing health-related research.

The Mina Powell Scholarship, offered by the Ashland County Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from any high school who are members of Zion Lutheran Church in Loudonville. This scholarship aims to assist students who have been accepted into accredited two or four-year colleges or universities, providing them with the financial resources needed to pursue their higher education goals.

The Richard "Obie" Oberweiser Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of a dedicated first responder who served as an EMT-I and volunteer firefighter. Established by his family, this scholarship aims to support students pursuing careers in emergency services. Applicants must be current or former graduates of Chelan or Douglas County with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Obie's commitment to healthcare and his passion for helping others continue to inspire future generations.

The Helen Duranleau-Brennan Theater Scholarship, offered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, supports students pursuing theater studies. Eligible applicants must be graduates from specific Davenport high schools, maintain a 3.0 GPA, and be enrolled in a four-year program or graduate school for theater. This scholarship provides up to $1,000 annually, renewable for up to four years, encouraging students committed to theater-related disciplines and community service.

The Dewey Lee Curtis Symposium Scholarships, offered by the Decorative Arts Trust, support graduate students and emerging professionals in the decorative arts field to attend biannual symposia. These scholarships, named in honor of historian Dewey Lee Curtis, cover symposium registration, lodging, and a travel stipend. With a mission to promote the appreciation of decorative arts, the Trust encourages collaboration and learning through expert lectures and exclusive museum tours.

The Amber Huber Memorial Scholarship honors a dedicated athlete from Byron High School, supporting students who embody hard work and competitive spirit. This scholarship is available to students striving to achieve their athletic goals, reflecting Amber's legacy. It is renewable for four years, ensuring continued support for those who meet the criteria. Academic performance will be moderately considered in the selection process, fostering the development of future leaders in athletics.

This funding opportunity aims to enhance the development of a diverse workforce skilled in translational research related to Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. It supports institutional training programs at both predoctoral and postdoctoral levels, encouraging interdisciplinary approaches integrating data science and clinical research. By fostering knowledge in essential areas such as disease biology and drug discovery, this initiative aims to equip researchers with the skills necessary for impactful contributions in the field.

The Lowe's Foundation Gable Grants Program aims to address the skilled trades labor shortage by investing $50 million over five years to train 50,000 job-ready workers. The program supports community and technical colleges, as well as community-based nonprofit organizations, to enhance their skilled trades education initiatives. Eligible organizations can apply for grants from March 1, 2025, to October 1, 2025, to foster workforce development in essential trades such as HVAC, plumbing, and construction.

The Cancer Care Specialists of Illinois Scholarship offers financial assistance for tuition to high school seniors and healthcare professionals in oncology/hematology within Central and Southern Illinois. The scholarship supports educational pursuits and professional development in these fields. Applications are accepted monthly, with a deadline for 2025 set for December 1st. Eligible candidates must maintain a GPA of 3.0 and reside in specific counties, ensuring support for local talent in healthcare.

The Don E. & Charlotte Williams Scholarship, administered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, offers financial support to students pursuing higher education, including community colleges and trade schools. Annually, it provides up to $3,500 for full-time students and $75 per semester hour for part-time students. This need-based scholarship is renewable for up to four years, contingent on maintaining a 2.0 GPA and fulfilling other criteria, prioritizing applicants who are descendants of former employees of the Don E. Williams Company.

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.

Katrin Lamon Fellowship

This opportunity is provided to honor the life and legacy of Katrin Lamon.

The purpose of the Katrin Lamon Scholarship program is to provide financial assistance to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native graduate students pursuing degrees full-time at an accredited institution in literature, communication, journalism, or other related fields.

This opportunity is a need-based award.

The Indigenous Tomorrows Fund (ITF) is a youth-led initiative by Native Americans in Philanthropy aimed at supporting Indigenous youth leadership and community-driven solutions. In its 2025 pilot year, ITF will award up to 24 grants of $30,000 each to projects that enhance cultural continuity and sustainable futures. Priorities include promoting food justice, advancing community health, and strengthening cultural connections, particularly those addressing inequity and fostering long-term healing.

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.

Ruth Muskrat Bronson Scholarship

This opportunity is provided to honor the life and legacy of Ruth Muskrat Bronson.

The purpose of the Ruth Muskrat Bronson Scholarship program is to provide financial assistance to eligible federally recognized Tribal members of Oklahoma pursuing graduate or professional degrees full-time in Nursing or a health-related field.

This opportunity is a need-based award.