Best Private Grants for Nonprofits in South Carolina

Lester Educational Fund

Fund provides scholarships to help students obtain an education in a profession or vocation.

Amount

$1,000+

Community Foundation of Washington County Maryland

We are one of more than 750 similar tax-exempt public charities throughout the United States that work to make their community a better place to live. We are a local organization staffed by residents of the community and led by a board of trustees who have an in-depth knowledge of the issues that shape our County.

This Community Foundation was created by and for the people of Washington County MD, and exists to improve the quality of life for all of our citizens, now and for generations to come, by building community endowments, addressing needs through grant making and providing leadership on key community issues.

About Our Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Washington County, MD offers more than 100 scholarships for graduating high school students and non-traditional students in continuing education.

Meritus Healthcare Foundation Scholarship Fund

This fund provides scholarships to deserving students from any Washington County public or private high school accepted into a designated health care program.

Tenney Family Scholarship

Anyone who has pondered how to leave a legacy needs to talk with Georgia Tenney.

It’s no secret that a good chunk of Georgia’s heart is entwined in Whitko Schools. A lifelong Pierceton resident, she spent over 30 years as the Middle School Secretary and is currently serving her third term as an elected school board member. Her Wildcat spirt was shared with her late husband Bob who retired as a custodian for the schools system. Together they cheered on Whitko sports until he could no longer attend games.

When Bob passed in January of this year, a couple of teachers approached Georgia with the idea of establishing a scholarship fund to which the Whitko community can contribute. Georgia put those thoughts into action and contacted the Community Foundation of Whitley County to help her fulfill a dream. It has taken shape in the form of an endowed scholarship that will benefit Whitko grads for generations to come. 

“I have always felt very fortunate in what I have been given and have long wanted to find a way to give back. After Bob passed, I told myself it was time to put a scholarship in place.” In addition to wanting to help local students achieve their educational and career goals, Georgia wanted to share a legacy of charitable giving with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. “I want this to be something of which they can all be proud,” she reflected.

The Petfinder Emergency Medical Grant assists Petfinder members in providing urgent medical care for pets in need. Grants range from $100 to $1,000 and are awarded monthly until funds are depleted. Eligible expenses cover various emergency treatments, with a focus on saving one pet's life or improving its quality of life. Applicants must be active Petfinder members and agree to share their stories on social media, promoting both the grant and the pets they help.

This funding opportunity aims to enhance the global response to rabies through innovative, cost-effective tools. The initiative focuses on reducing human rabies cases and advancing canine rabies elimination, particularly in high-burden regions. Research areas include tracking vaccination efforts, managing rabies exposure investigations, improving laboratory systems, and assessing the economic impact of interventions. Ultimately, it seeks to develop strategies that protect public health and ensure the sustainability of rabies-free status in the U.S.

The Fordney Foundation Grant supports talented individuals in dance, aiming to foster professional careers and enhance community engagement in dance sports. Established in 2002, the foundation offers financial assistance to young dancers (ages 6-25) and promotes ballroom dancing across diverse ethnic backgrounds. Its DanceStart Program aids families in supporting their children's dance education at competitive levels, emphasizing the importance of physical conditioning and personal expression through this art form.

Claud Hyatt Scholarship

The Claud N. Hyatt Scholarship was established in 2023 as a permanent fund of Taos Community Foundation. Mr. Hyatt started his teaching career in 1964, and dedicated his entire career to teaching history at Clayton High School. His desire to give back to the Clayton community has made this scholarship possible. The award is available to graduating seniors of Clayton High School who are pursuing advancement of higher education beyond high school. The scholarship is available to those applying to 2 or 4 year colleges and universities as well as vocational / trade schools. Award amounts will be determined at the time of committee review and will be within the range of $2,000 and $8,000. The awards will be paid out in annual installments for up to four years for those students attending a 4 year institution, 2 years for those students attending a 2 year institution, or per unit for certificate programs. Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA and be enrolled as a full time student to continue eligibility for the scholarship.

The ARS Resident Research Grant aims to foster innovative research in rhinology, supporting residents engaged in basic, translational, or clinical projects. Applicants must collaborate with a preceptor and obtain departmental approval. Eligible residents in U.S. or Canadian programs can apply, ensuring that their projects align with the standards of the American Rhinologic Society. This grant does not cover salary for the Principal Investigator but allows funding for assistants.

The Marliave Scholarship Fund, established in honor of Elmer C. Marliave and his family, supports students in Engineering Geology and Geological Engineering. This scholarship recognizes outstanding academic achievement and potential contributions to the profession. Awarded by the AEG Foundation, recipients are designated as "Marliave Scholars" based on their qualifications and involvement in professional societies. The program aims to foster excellence and commitment within the field, promoting future leaders in geoscience.

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.

Project Lead the Way (PLTW) provides innovative, hands-on learning experiences for students in PreK-5, fostering confidence and career readiness. With support from 3M, PLTW Launch aims to enhance STEM education by increasing exposure, supporting experiential learning, and improving teaching quality. This partnership ensures that students and teachers have the necessary tools and resources to thrive in a rapidly evolving world, empowering the next generation of leaders in science and technology.

The US Flu Vaccine Effectiveness (VE) Network aims to enhance the effectiveness of vaccines against influenza and other respiratory pathogens, which are significant contributors to morbidity and mortality. This funding opportunity invites proposals for surveillance studies, including annual VE assessments, acute respiratory illness tracking, household transmission research, and immunogenicity studies. Applicants can apply for either Component A or B, with the option to include additional components based on their primary selection.

The EEFF Educational Leadership Grant, initiated in 2008 by the Edward E. Ford Foundation, supports innovative proposals from independent schools that aim to impact educational practices nationally. Schools can apply without prior invitations, and grants are awarded based on proposal quality. Eligibility includes serving grades 9-12, having a diverse mission, and a head of school in their third year. The program encourages original thinking and partnerships beyond the school community, aiming for significant, replicable change.

The Regenerative Agriculture Foundation Grant supports organizations that promote regenerative practices, emphasizing the value of people, plants, animals, and the planet. With a focus on BIPOC-led initiatives, the foundation encourages systemic change in agricultural systems through collaborative funding. Grants are available to U.S.-based organizations that align with RAF's vision and engage in transformative efforts. The competitive grantmaking process is by invitation only, ensuring targeted support for impactful projects.

The First Book Grant for Scholars of Color (FBG) offers up to $55,000 to support early-career, pre-tenured scholars of color in completing significant research projects related to Christian faith and life, religious trends, and social issues. This grant aims to facilitate the publication of their first book, enhancing the connection between academic scholarship and the church in North America, while prioritizing projects that are already underway.

The Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research Centers are offering supplemental funding for Special Interest Projects (SIPs) aimed at enhancing public health practices. These projects will focus on innovative health promotion and disease prevention strategies to mitigate leading health risks in the U.S. The initiative supports ten specific SIPs, including studies on cancer care, alcohol use reduction, and emergency preparedness, thereby fostering research that translates into real-world health improvements.

The Roy J. Shlemon Scholarship Award, offered by the Geological Society of America, supports graduate students pursuing research in environmental and engineering geology. Award amounts vary annually, with at least one scholarship for Master's and one for Doctoral research. The program encourages applications from women, minorities, and persons with disabilities, and requires evaluations from two faculty members. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed, emphasizing the competitive nature of the funding.

Central Kentucky Community Foundation

Established in 1960 as North Central Education Foundation, Central Kentucky Community Foundation is one of more than 780 community foundations in the United States today. We serve the Lincoln Trail Region, offering our donors and partners a variety of ways to touch our community through philanthropic giving.

Robin Bohannon Scholarship

Applicant must reside in one of 9 counties served by CKCF (Breckinridge, Grayson, Hardin, Hart, LaRue, Marion, Meade, Nelson, and Washington)

Mary O' Neill Mini Grant

Dr. Barbara O’Neill, an AFCPE member and Past President of AFCPE, has made a restricted donation to AFCPE in honor of her late mother, Mary O’Neill, a financially capable woman. The donation will support an annual $5,000 mini-grant for development and implementation of an innovative, high-impact financial educational nonprofit project. 

Winner is notified by October 1 and announced at AFCPE Symposium.

The OREF Multimodal Musculoskeletal Perioperative Pain Management Grant invites research proposals aimed at enhancing perioperative pain management strategies. This funding opportunity emphasizes opioid-sparing techniques and effective regional anesthesia methods to improve patient outcomes in orthopedic surgeries. Eligible applicants include Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) in collaboration with PhDs or MDs, fostering a diverse range of expertise in pain management research.

The Lozier Foundation

Formed in 1986, The Lozier Foundation is a family foundation funded by Allan and Dianne Lozier. The foundation’s focus is education, social services and issues involving women and children with an emphasis on the inner city and underrepresented populations.

Our Mission: The Lozier Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life for the underrepresented communities in the Omaha/Metro area.

Grants

Funding Priorities

• Education
• Women & Girls
• North Omaha Initiatives
• Human Services

Grantseekers wishing to apply to the Lozier Foundation should begin by reviewing the Mission, Values, Funding Priorities and Funding Eligibility Statements.

The Lozier Foundation grant applications include: Capital Application; Education Application; General Application; and Program Application.

Organizations may receive general operating, program, and capital grants. While The Lozier Foundation prefers to provide ongoing general operating support, organizations can receive a program and/or capital grant in the same calendar year.

Lozier Foundation Education Application

The Education Application follows the foundation guidelines provided here.

Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation

For more than 50 years, NCCF has been taking on tough problems to improve the quality-of-life in Northwest CT by supporting nonprofits that speak to the charitable passions of our generous donors.

NCCF is a Community Foundation, a tax-exempt public charity that enables donors to establish funds that support the work of local nonprofits through grants and provide scholarships to local students.

Robyn A. Macsata Memorial Fund

This fund was established in honor Dr. Robyn Ann Macsata. This scholarship will be awarded to a female Torrington High School student who intends to pursue the study of medicine. 

The Rauschenberg Dancer Emergency Grants offer one-time financial assistance of up to $3,000 for professional dancers facing urgent financial crises. Applicants must demonstrate a critical need due to circumstances like housing instability, healthcare costs, or food insecurity. Eligible dancers must be 21 or older, reside in the U.S., and have an income below specified thresholds. This program aims to support dancers in overcoming financial hardships exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and other unforeseen challenges.

The America’s Horse Cares Grant Program, provided by the American Quarter Horse Association, aims to enhance the welfare and training of American Quarter Horses in therapeutic settings. By funding educational workshops from March to September 2026, the program seeks to elevate horsemanship standards and ensure proper horse care. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, focusing on equine-assisted activities for individuals with various challenges, thereby fostering transformative experiences through education and responsible practices.

The R3PEATS Rigor Scholar Cohort Awards (K12) are designed to empower early-career researchers by enhancing their skills in rigorous scientific practices. This initiative promotes collaboration across institutions to develop best practices in research methodologies, including preregistration and randomization. Participants will gain essential training to ensure excellence and transparency in scientific research, aligning with the NIH's commitment to improve replicability and reproducibility in the field.

Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation

For more than 50 years, NCCF has been taking on tough problems to improve the quality-of-life in Northwest CT by supporting nonprofits that speak to the charitable passions of our generous donors.

NCCF is a Community Foundation, a tax-exempt public charity that enables donors to establish funds that support the work of local nonprofits through grants and provide scholarships to local students.

Steven A. Chupka Memorial Scholarship

For Oliver Wolcott Vocational-Technical High School graduating seniors; preference may be given to students who participate in community service and who have an academic focus in electronics, but students pursuing other fields of study also are eligible to apply.

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.

The Clark H. and Louise A. Criss Charitable Fund

The Clark H. and Louise A. Criss Charitable Fund was established to assist Stark County, OH high school graduates attending a two or four year university, college, or technical school. 

Amount:

• Varies. Minimum $500.

Renewable:

• Yes