Best Grants for 501(c)(3) in South Dakota

Grand Rapids Community Foundation

Connecting people, passion and resources

The Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that connects people, passion and resources. With our partners, the Community Foundation uses the tools of philanthropy to find solutions to pressing issues. We provide grants to support the work of nonprofits, scholarships to local students and other forms of support to communities working to eliminate barriers to opportunity, prosperity and belonging.

Our Mission is to build and manage our community’s permanent endowment and lead the community to strengthen the lives of its people.

We envision a magnetic and interconnected West Michigan community.

Integrity, Excellence, Inclusion, Sustainability and Bold Aspirations

Give and Receive Openly, Build Trust with Each Other, Create Brave and Safe Space, Embrace Vulnerability, Accountability

Our North Star

For West Michigan to grow and prosper, we must make sure that everyone can apply their talents and creativity to fuel our future. It is only by connecting across perspectives and overcoming inequities that we can build and sustain an inclusive economy and thriving community.

Opportunities for students

Apply for scholarships to support your ambitions

Each year Grand Rapids Community Foundation supports hundreds of students on their college or career training journeys. We are excited to remove barriers to academic success so that students like you can pursue what you're passionate about.

Scholarship Fund Details

Support for West Michigan Students

Attending college or trade school increases opportunity and opens doors to careers. Donor partners who establish a scholarship fund give students a boost on their path to higher education. Students who complete the general scholarship application are considered for these scholarships.

Open to full time students who are residents of Kent County and graduates of a GRPS high school studying healthcare with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Preference for Challenge Scholar students through 2032.

The EMF Family Building Grants, offered by the Expect Miracles Foundation, support young adult cancer survivors in their fertility treatment and family-building efforts. These grants are designed for applicants with a clear family-building plan and financial strategy, helping bridge the gap in costs associated with fertility preservation, assisted reproductive technologies, and related services. By prioritizing those actively engaged in their journey, the foundation aims to empower survivors to pursue their dreams of family.

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) aims to fund research on how environmental factors influence Alzheimer’s disease-related dementias (ADRD). This includes studying toxins, sleep patterns, and stress in relation to ADRD pathology and resilience. Applicants should explore synergistic effects of these factors and their impact on neurobiological mechanisms. Emphasis is placed on lifespan studies and health disparities. Collaboration among experts in exposomics, neuroscience, and community engagement is encouraged to advance understanding in this critical area.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who has demonstrated the qualities of honesty, care, trustworthiness, and personal integrity, and who is active in sports and shows an interest in working with children or the elderly.

The FY26 Kidney Cancer Research Program's Idea Development Award supports innovative research that enhances understanding of kidney cancer, aimed at improving patient outcomes. Proposals should feature a strong hypothesis and a detailed research plan, with team members experienced in kidney cancer research. A unique aspect is the Partnering Principal Investigator option, fostering collaboration between two investigators, ensuring comprehensive project development while allowing for distinct submissions. This award emphasizes impactful partnerships to drive advancements in the field.

The Edwin & Lanier File Ratcliff Memorial Scholarship, administered by the Beckley Area Foundation, supports students from southern West Virginia pursuing higher education. Established to alleviate college expenses, the scholarship targets deserving individuals committed to their academic goals. The Beckley Area Foundation, founded in 1985, connects donors and community partners to enhance local initiatives, focusing on education, health, and community development. This scholarship embodies the foundation's mission to inspire charitable giving and strengthen regional communities.

The Amanda Reed Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of Amanda Reed, a Rockford resident and 2001 Boylan Central Catholic High School graduate, who tragically lost her life due to domestic violence. This scholarship supports individuals committed to stopping domestic abuse and promoting community safety. Applicants are encouraged to provide references from those familiar with their work in domestic violence prevention. Academic performance will be considered moderately in the selection process, fostering a compassionate and proactive community.

The Edwin and Ina Ayers Scholarship, established by the Ashland County Community Foundation, honors the legacy of caregiving in the Coe/Ayers family. This scholarship supports students pursuing baccalaureate nursing programs across the U.S., reflecting the family's commitment to healthcare and education. With nearly 200 years of nursing service from family members, this fund not only commemorates Edwin and Ina Ayers but also empowers future generations of nurses dedicated to compassionate care.

The Colleen Maher Inspirational Scholarship supports individuals with intellectual disabilities, aged 18-25, who are current students or graduates of Rockford Public Schools. This scholarship empowers them to pursue post-secondary education and develop skills for independent living. Inspired by Colleen Maher, who overcame challenges associated with Down syndrome, this initiative aims to ensure that others like her can access educational opportunities and work towards their dreams, fostering a more inclusive community.

The JADE Learning Electrical Technologies Scholarship supports students enrolled in North Carolina technical or occupational schools focused on electrical systems technologies. Eligible candidates include undergraduates, graduates, and apprentices who demonstrate financial need and strong academic performance. The scholarship application requires careful attention to specific donor-defined eligibility criteria. Applications open on December 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026, with preference given to those pursuing a two-year associate’s degree.

The Bill and Cay Harris Scholarship, established in 2010, supports graduating seniors from Ashland County high schools who demonstrate Christian service and leadership qualities. Funded by the Ashland County Community Foundation, this scholarship aims to assist students with a minimum GPA of 2.5 who are accepted to accredited colleges or universities. Preference is given to those majoring in History or Social Studies. Bill and Cay Harris, notable community figures, inspire future generations through this scholarship.

The Innovation Grants to Nurture Initial Translational Efforts (IGNITE) program, supported by the National Institutes of Health, aims to fund pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic studies. These studies will assess the biological activity of therapeutic agents, including small molecules and biologics, for diseases prioritized by participating institutes. The initiative emphasizes the development of non-opioid analgesics with minimal addiction risks. Although applications are not currently solicited, this notice encourages potential applicants to prepare collaborative projects.

The Graduate Education Fund offers the South Australia Defence, Space & Cyber Scholarship for scholars from the USA and South Australia. This scholarship supports PhD and Post-Doctoral research in Defence, Space, and Cyber Security, ensuring candidates have affiliations with educational institutions. Awarded funds, up to US $40,000, can cover tuition, travel, and living expenses. Applications are due in March for USA to Australia and September for Australia to USA, promoting collaboration in research between the two nations.

The SHC Student Research Grant supports research utilizing herbarium resources across various taxa, including plants, fungi, lichens, and algae. Eligible projects may involve fieldwork, data collection, or meta-analysis of herbarium data, with an emphasis on enhancing herbarium collections. Three grants are awarded annually: two for $500 and one specifically for undergraduates for $250. Applicants must be student SHC members with projects likely to lead to publication.

The Sex Worker Giving Circle Grant, launched by the Third Wave Fund, prioritizes funding for grassroots movements led by individuals directly impacted by gender oppression, especially within the sex work community. With a commitment to gender justice, the grant supports organizations that operate with a participatory approach to grantmaking, enabling them to address systemic inequalities. In recent years, the fund has distributed significant resources to empower and sustain these vital movements across the United States.

The Altrusa Club of Ashland Scholarship, established in the late 1950s, supports Ashland County students, particularly non-traditional women returning to education. Awarded annually, it targets graduating seniors with a GPA of 2.5 to 3.0 accepted into accredited colleges. Funded by the Ashland County Community Foundation, this scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities and empower individuals to contribute positively to the workforce and community.

The Ashland Noon Lions Club Scholarship supports educational opportunities for Ashland County high school seniors with a GPA of 2.0 or higher, accepted to accredited colleges. Established by the Ashland Noon Lions Club in 1920, this scholarship aims to foster civic and cultural welfare in the community. Applicants who have family ties to a Lions Club or are Leo Club members receive special consideration, enhancing the scholarship's community impact.

DREAMS Grant Program

DREAMS For Duchenne

Launched in 2023, Entrada DREAMS is a competitive annual grant program designed to fund efforts within the Duchenne muscular dystrophy community to better identify, understand and reach those who are currently underrepresented and underserved.

DREAMS and Belonging

Entrada is building a company culture where everyone can belong, contribute and grow. In the same way, we are committed to working toward a healthcare system that is equitable and inclusive. Entrada DREAMS is part of our commitment to support Duchenne-focused non-profit organizations in their efforts to address disparities in healthcare and to better serve all people living with Duchenne.

DREAMS and Impact

DREAMS has funded transformative projects that bridge healthcare disparities and strengthen community connections. Keep reading to learn more about past recipients and their projects.

This year, two nonprofit organizations will each receive a $50,000 USD grant to fund projects that advance equity, accessibility and inclusion for individuals with Duchenne. Entrada will award one grant to a U.S.-based nonprofit and another to a nonprofit in the UK or EU.

Healthcare Assistance Grant

The MS Focus Healthcare Assistance Grant assists uninsured individuals with the cost of visiting their MS specialist as well as dental assistance. The grant, which can pay for one visit and one follow-up, is designed to assist those already diagnosed with MS who may need a visit to their treating physician to renew a prescription or handle other important needs. 

Applicants give MS Focus staff authorization to negotiate costs directly with the provider, and the fee is paid directly to the doctor. 

The Altrusa International of Grand Rapids Scholarship, supported by the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, aims to empower students from Allegan, Kent, Ionia, Muskegon, Montcalm, and Ottawa Counties. This scholarship is intended for individuals returning to college or entering after a two-year hiatus, emphasizing inclusivity and support for those with financial need. Recipients can benefit from awards ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, which are directly applied to educational costs, enhancing opportunities for academic and career advancement.

The George Family Foundation's Youth Development Grant aims to empower youth from under-resourced communities by supporting initiatives that foster personal growth, educational enrichment, and workplace learning. By encouraging diverse interactions and community service, the foundation seeks to provide young people with the tools to thrive and positively impact their communities. Although unsolicited proposals are not accepted, Letters of Inquiry are welcomed during specific review periods.

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) is launching a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) under the NIH HEAL initiative to enhance research on joint health and pain. This initiative aims to refine the understanding of joint tissues and pain mechanisms, expand clinical phenotyping, and support preclinical testing of novel therapies. Collaborations among experts in neurobiology, pain science, and rheumatic diseases are encouraged to foster innovative solutions for joint pain management.

The Native American Research Centers for Health (NARCH) program supports federally-recognized American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes and organizations in advancing health-related research. It aims to enhance research careers and infrastructure through a competitive application process. Funded by the US Dept. of Health & Human Services, this initiative invites eligible entities to apply, ensuring that only high-quality proposals undergo peer review for potential funding.

Spencer Educational Foundation Inc

The Spencer Educational Foundation was founded by the Rims Atlanta Chapter in 1979. To this day, Spencer remains the premier organization funding the education of tomorrow's risk management and insurance leaders.

The Spencer Educational Foundation: awards merit-based scholarships and grants to university students pursuing careers in risk management, insurance, and/or actuarial science; provides grants that create experiential learning opportunities both on and off campus; funds the development of risk management and insurance curricula in colleges and universities; supports Risk Managers by creating internship opportunities within the risk management function of their companies; and operates across the United States and Canada. 

Spencer Educational Foundation: General Grants

Spencer’s goal to help build a talent pipeline of Risk Management and Insurance professionals is achieved in part by our collaboration with Risk Management and Insurance educators across the United States and Canada. Since 2010, Spencer has awarded over $4.5 million in General Grants to support over 225 student-centered experiential learning initiatives at universities and RMI non-profit orgs.

Spencer's General Grants Program supports student-centered initiatives that (1) provide experiential learning opportunities for Risk Management & Insurance students and (2) attract new talent to risk and insurance careers. 

The Alzheimer’s Association and ASNR Imaging Research Grant focuses on advancing imaging research in Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases. This partnership aims to support early-stage pilot projects that develop novel imaging tools and innovative data analysis methods. Up to three proposals will be funded, with each award capped at $200,000 for one year, promoting significant advancements in the field and enhancing research capabilities for better understanding of dementia.

The Carol Pederson Music Scholarship, managed by the Ashland County Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors and recent graduates from Ashland County high schools or members of the Mansfield Youth Orchestra. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of at least 2.5 and pursue a music major or minor in string instruments. This scholarship aims to provide financial assistance to students passionate about music, reflecting Carol Pederson's commitment to education and community engagement.