Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in South Carolina

The United Charitable Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, offers scholarships for graduate students pursuing advanced degrees in various fields. Established in 1964, this fund aims to improve community quality of life through education, environmental preservation, and support for non-profits. Scholarships are renewable for up to three years, requiring a minimum GPA of 2.0 and enrollment at a U.S. university. Join us in making a lasting impact through education and community service.

Coast Guard Foundation

Founded in 1969, we’re a vital partner to the U.S. Coast Guard—tackling the toughest challenges confronting our heroes.

We’re there for members from enlistment to long after retirement, and our work strengthens the entire community. Through close collaboration with Coast Guard leadership, we’re able to respond to new and emerging needs effectively. Our investments support families, bolster unit morale, honor the Coast Guard’s mission at the national level, and more. Every day, Coast Guard members risk their lives to protect our country. When we stand together and show them our appreciation, we can ensure they remain always ready—no matter what.

Children of Commissioned Officers Scholarship - Returning Applicants

Description

Scholarship for Children of Active-Duty, Retired or Active Reserve Coast Guard Commissioned Officers

This application is intended for returning applicants only.

Support for education is a cornerstone of our commitment to the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard and their families. If you are the child of an active duty or retired Coast Guard commissioned officer you are eligible to apply.

When we began the scholarship program in 1990, we focused on one goal — providing Coast Guard families the opportunity to send their children to college. Since that time, the cost of higher education has sky-rocketed, making our original aspiration even more relevant for today’s Coast Guard families.

Coast Guard Foundation

Founded in 1969, we’re a vital partner to the U.S. Coast Guard—tackling the toughest challenges confronting our heroes.

We’re there for members from enlistment to long after retirement, and our work strengthens the entire community. Through close collaboration with Coast Guard leadership, we’re able to respond to new and emerging needs effectively. Our investments support families, bolster unit morale, honor the Coast Guard’s mission at the national level, and more. Every day, Coast Guard members risk their lives to protect our country. When we stand together and show them our appreciation, we can ensure they remain always ready—no matter what.

Children of Commissioned Officers Scholarship - First-Time Applicants

Description

Scholarship for Children of Active-Duty, Retired or Active Reserve Coast Guard Commissioned Officers

This application is intended for first-time applicants only. 

Support for education is a cornerstone of our commitment to the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard and their families.

If you are the child of an active duty or retired Coast Guard commissioned officer you are eligible to apply. 

When we began the scholarship program in 1990, we focused on one goal — providing Coast Guard families the opportunity to send their children to college. Since that time, the cost of higher education has sky-rocketed, making our original aspiration even more relevant for today’s Coast Guard families.

Scholarship Overview

Since 1980, the Northern New York Community Foundation has awarded more than $28 million in scholarships to students from Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.

10th Mountain Division (Light) Scholarship

The Fort Drum Chapter of the National Association of the 10th Mountain Division has established the 10th Mountain Division (Light) Scholarship for active or former 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) members or family members — spouse or child — of an active or former 10th Mountain Division (LI) soldier. The applicant or their military sponsor must also be a member of the National Association of the 10th Mountain Division. Membership information is available from the Association. Scholarship applicants may live anywhere and be in any year of full-time undergraduate study.

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 Tito Villalobos Moreno Memorial Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, aims to support graduating high school seniors from specific Texas counties pursuing education in health care and social services. This scholarship provides financial assistance for tuition, fees, and books, helping students further their education and positively impact the community. Established to honor Tito Villalobos Moreno, this initiative reflects a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for future generations through education.

Jacquie Porter Scholarship for Aspiring Early Childhood Teachers in Austin ISD

Aspirations of becoming an early childhood educator.

Awards

• (1) $5,000.00

The Shenoy Undergraduate Research Fellowship in Neuroscience (SURFiN) by the Simons Foundation aims to engage undergraduate students from underrepresented backgrounds in neuroscience research. The program offers paid research assistantships at various labs across the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Selected fellows will gain hands-on experience and mentorship during the 2024-2025 academic year, fostering diversity and innovation in scientific research. This initiative supports students in their academic journey while promoting inclusivity in the scientific community.

The Stephen P. Taylor Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports current college students pursuing Bachelor's, Associate's, or Technical/Vocational degrees. This renewable scholarship aims to assist individuals who are either enrolled full-time or part-time and demonstrates financial need. Eligible applicants must reside or work in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, or New Mexico and maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA. Since 1964, millions have been awarded to enhance community quality of life.

The San Antonio Area Foundation's Legacy Scholars program provides substantial scholarships to high school juniors in Bexar and Webb counties. Focusing on students with proven leadership and community involvement, this initiative aims to bridge opportunity gaps and support education in all areas of study. With renewable funding for up to three years, the program promotes attendance at Texas colleges, encouraging students to participate in events that foster their academic success and community engagement.

W. Thomas Musser Memorial Charitable Fund

Mission Statement

This fund has been initiated in memory of W. Thomas Musser (Tom Musser) and will provide grants to charitable organizations whose missions and activities most closely reflect those that Tom believed in and supported during his life time. A component of the fund will also be used to provide scholarships to individuals pursuing post-secondary education.

Scholarship

The W. Thomas Musser Memorial Scholarship Fund has been established to honor the life and legacy of W. Thomas (Tom) Musser. Tom believed deeply in the importance of education and life-long learning. 

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) is announcing funding for comparative clinical effectiveness research across the cancer care continuum. This initiative aims to empower researcher-community partnerships to tackle significant healthcare challenges faced by patients and caregivers in the U.S. The focus is on enhancing care delivery and outcomes by addressing barriers to screening, treatment, and follow-up care for cancer patients. Applications are encouraged to identify strategies that improve patient-centered outcomes.

About our scholarships

We partner with Civic Federal Credit Union to provide both professional development and student scholarships.

Over many years, the scholarships have provided nearly $3.5 million to credit union members to further their education. This investment not only advances the professional development and educational goals of Civic members, but also strengthens the communities they serve — amplifying their leadership impact and deepening their ability to drive meaningful change across North Carolina.

Civic Foundation Scholarship

Each year, Civic proudly awards $5,000 scholarships to 25 Civic members who are graduating high school seniors and are planning to attend a four-year college or university. These one-time scholarships are paid directly to the student’s school in a single installment and may be applied toward tuition, textbooks, computers, or other educational expenses.

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 Sally P. and Glenn L. Ramsdell Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports students pursuing degrees in Accounting and Business Administration. Open to full-time students, including high school seniors and graduate students, this renewable scholarship offers funding for tuition, fees, and books for up to three years. Applicants must demonstrate academic promise and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. This initiative aims to foster educational advancement and community enrichment.

The Hearst Journalism Awards Program, established in 1960, supports journalism education at the college level, offering scholarships for outstanding student work. With up to $700,000 in awards, it features various competitions in writing, photojournalism, audio, television, and multimedia. Open to undergraduate journalism majors at accredited institutions, the program encourages campus media participation. The Hearst Foundation, a philanthropic organization, has contributed over a billion dollars to education and the arts, reinforcing its commitment to nurturing future journalists.

The Rapier Education Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports high school seniors and college students pursuing degrees in the USA. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and be enrolled full-time. The fund covers tuition, fees, and books, and is renewable for up to three years. Since 1964, the foundation has awarded millions in grants to enhance community living through education and other initiatives, making a lasting impact on the San Antonio area.

The Proyecto Ayuda Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, offers financial assistance to full-time high school seniors from specific districts. Eligible students must come from Spanish-speaking households and be first-generation college students. The scholarship supports various areas of study for up to three years, assisting a total of 20 students annually. It aims to improve educational opportunities and empower the next generation within the community.

The Sidney Awards, presented by the Sidney Hillman Foundation, celebrate outstanding journalism that serves the common good. Established to honor Sidney Hillman’s legacy, these monthly awards recognize investigative work and commentary that promote social justice. Nominations for the awards can be submitted for any medium, with a winner announced each month, receiving a $500 honorarium and a certificate. This initiative has been a prestigious platform for impactful storytelling for over 65 years.

The Tom Woodward Memorial Visual Arts Scholarship

The Tom Woodward Memorial Visual Arts Scholarship benefits students pursuing postgraduate studies at an accredited two-year or four-year college, university, or trade school. Art is not a required major for eligible applicants. This scholarship is renewable.

Application Requirements:

• High School Transcript, Essay, 3 Pieces of Artwork and References.

The J. Kent Trinkle Scholarship Fund, offered by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports Bexar County high school graduates in pursuing higher education. This scholarship is available for full-time and part-time students across all areas of study, covering tuition and books. Renewable for up to three years, applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5. Since 1964, the foundation has impacted countless lives through its commitment to community enhancement.

The Jimmy and Ethel Harper Scholarship Fund, administered by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports students pursuing any area of study in the USA. Eligible applicants include full-time high school seniors, college students, and graduate students from Bexar County, who demonstrate good citizenship and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. The scholarship is renewable for up to three years and covers tuition, books, and supplies, ensuring that financial need is considered but not a determining factor.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) invites research applications focused on early-onset cancers (ages 18-49), aiming to uncover their etiology and biological mechanisms. This funding opportunity supports studies that explore modifiable risk factors, biological responses, and improved identification of at-risk individuals. The initiative seeks to address the concerning rise in these cancers among young adults, facilitating essential prevention and control strategies. Applicants can choose between exploratory or research project formats, with project durations ranging from 2 to 5 years.

The Cancer Center Support Grants (CCSGs) aim to bolster NCI-Designated Cancer Centers by funding comprehensive, clinical, and basic cancer research. These grants facilitate the integration of diverse research capabilities, promoting innovative approaches to cancer prevention, diagnosis, and therapy. CCSGs encourage collaboration among researchers and the development of Shared Resources, ultimately enhancing the understanding of cancer and its treatment. This initiative supports the continuous discovery and dissemination of crucial research findings for community benefit.

The Jean Y. and Robert W. Fish Memorial Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, offers financial support to high school seniors from Bexar County pursuing higher education. This renewable scholarship covers tuition, fees, and books for students enrolled full-time in accredited colleges or universities. Applicants must demonstrate good citizenship and financial need, with a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0 for renewal. Since 1964, this fund has helped many students achieve their educational goals.

The Friends of Carver Scholarship - Barrett Scholarship, provided by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports current high school seniors from IDEA San Antonio schools or Carver Academy with a minimum 2.5 GPA. This scholarship is renewable for up to three years for students pursuing full-time education in any accredited U.S. institution. Preference is given to Black/African American young women, promoting educational equity and community development in San Antonio.

Northern Piedmont Community Foundation

The Northern Piedmont Community Foundation (NPCF) began in December 2000 when nine concerned citizens from Virginia’s Piedmont region were searching for solutions to the charitable needs in Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, and Rappahannock counties. With modest beginnings, our funds have grown to over $39 million in support of local charities, scholarships and community need in our northern Piedmont region.

Scholarships

Northern Piedmont Community Foundation manages the scholarship application process for dozens of scholarships for students in Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, and Rappahannock counties (as well as a handful serving students from surrounding counties too). 

Fauquier NAACP – Dr. Ellsworth Weaver Education Scholarship

The Dr. Ellsworth Weaver Education Scholarship celebrates the legacy of Dr. Ellsworth Weaver, a former president of the Fauquier County NAACP Branch 7059 and a dedicated advocate for education and equality. Each year, a $1,000 scholarship is awarded to one graduating senior from each of Fauquier County’s three public high schools. Eligible applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and plan to attend an accredited trade, technical, or vocational school, community college, or four-year university. Selection is based on academic achievement, leadership, service, citizenship, and extracurricular involvement.

Minority students, those facing financial or personal hardships, and individuals committed to improving their communities are strongly encouraged to apply. As part of the required essay, applicants should describe a significant challenge or barrier they encountered during their educational journey and explain how they overcame that difficulty.