Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in South Dakota

The Gerald E. Robinson Memorial Scholarship, established in 2018 by the Community Foundation of NCW, honors the legacy of Gerald "Jerry" Robinson, a devoted animal lover. This scholarship supports college students pursuing veterinary or pre-veterinary programs, ensuring that Jerry's passion for animals continues through future generations. Eligible applicants include high school seniors from Okanogan, Ferry, or Lincoln Counties, with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and experience in animal care.

Building a global community of creative problem solvers, effective collaborators, and empathetic individuals through theatre

Our Mission and Goals

The Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF) is the philanthropic arm of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA).

ETF advances the field of educational theatre by broadening representation and increasing access for all. ETF’s programs aim to support students, educators and the field at large by realizing three strategic goals:

• Subsidizing new, emerging, and underserved student theatre programs;
• Creating paths for theatre educators to develop new skills; and
• Commissioning research to showcase the value of a theatre education.

Educator & Program Grants

Giving school theatre programs a boost

The Thespian Growth & Excellence Fund is committed to supporting the ongoing development of theatre programs and the pursuit of excellence for educators, students, schools, and communities by offering a number of grants that assist in EdTA membership, teacher support, and programmatic resources for theatre in schools.

By the end of 2024, the Thespian Growth and Excellence Fund has awarded 349 grants to 276 schools, totaling $286,167 in assistance provided to school theatre programs, many at schools with Title 1 designations.

Equipment Upgrade (up to $5,000)

Can be awarded to help school theatre programs with large technical purchases that upgrade the resources available for theatrical use, such as lighting and sound equipment.

The EdTA Thespian Growth & Excellence Grants support theatre programs by providing financial assistance for troupe expenses, including travel to professional productions and participation in state conferences. Founded by the Educational Theatre Foundation, these grants aim to enhance educational theatre access and representation. By the end of 2024, 349 grants totaling over $286,000 will have been awarded, benefiting schools with Title 1 designations and empowering students and educators in their creative pursuits.

The Educational Theatre Foundation (EdTA) offers the Thespian Growth & Excellence Grants to support production expenses for school theatre programs. Grants of up to $1,000 can cover essential costs such as licensing fees, rentals, sets, and costumes. With a commitment to enhancing educational theatre, EdTA prioritizes applications based on demonstrated need, particularly for Title 1 schools, helping to foster creativity and collaboration in diverse educational settings.

The Hematology Inclusion Pathway Resident Award supports underrepresented medical residents in hematology in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Participants receive $5,000 for research, mentorship from ASH members, and funding for the ASH annual meeting. Eligible candidates are in internal medicine or pediatric residencies, self-identify as underserved, and must conduct research with an ASH mentor. This program aims to enhance diversity and support crucial blood science research.

The Carteret County Retired School Personnel Scholarship Endowment offers scholarships to graduating seniors from Carteret County public high schools with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Eligible students must apply for admission to an accredited college or university and plan to pursue a degree in education, demonstrating their commitment to serving as positive role models. Applications open on Dec. 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026.

The Carteret County Association of Home Builders Murdoch Scholarship offers financial assistance to graduating seniors and graduates from Carteret County high schools. Eligible students must be enrolled full-time in accredited technical schools or universities pursuing degrees in construction-related fields. Priority is given to those with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and demonstrated financial need. Applications open on December 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026, making it essential for interested candidates to prepare their submissions accordingly.

The Goble, Eldon and Frances Agriculture/Business Scholarship offers a $500 award to graduating seniors from Gage County, managed by the Beatrice Educational Foundation. Established in 1987, the foundation provides financial support to enhance educational opportunities in the Beatrice School District. Candidates are evaluated based on academic goals, achievements, and community involvement. Applications are available in the Student Services Office and online at www.beatricepublicschools.org, promoting academic excellence and civic engagement.

The USA Swimming Foundation's HBCU Grant program is a $1 million initiative aimed at enhancing swimming opportunities in communities served by Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Launched in 2021, the program provides annual grants of $100,000 over ten years, supporting youth water safety lessons and university swim clubs. This initiative is designed to empower HBCUs to expand their aquatic programming, fostering inclusivity and safety in swimming across diverse communities nationwide.

What We Do

At the North Carolina Community Foundation, we bring together generous people and connect them to causes and organizations they care about.

Our mission is to inspire North Carolinians to make lasting and meaningful contributions to their communities.

Our Philanthropic Network

We believe in the power of permanent philanthropy to strengthen our communities and people. By stewarding and growing donors’ gifts, our philanthropic network makes a powerful impact through robust grants and scholarships programs.

Hobbs Family Scholarship Endowment

Criteria

High school graduates from Columbus and Brunswick counties who wish to attend an institution of higher learning, with initial preference given to students from Columbus County. Priority will be given to students demonstrating financial need. Students must also demonstrate sound academic performance and a record of service to the community.

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.

Steve's Foundation Grant is a small private funding opportunity providing grants between $500 and $5,000, averaging $2,600. It supports organizations that empower disadvantaged individuals, focusing on cost-effective programs that yield significant impacts. The foundation prioritizes proposals from non-profits that directly assist those in need, especially children and marginalized communities. Applications are evaluated annually in May or June, but due to high demand, the foundation cannot respond to every inquiry.

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.

Virginia Scott Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Ludington Area School District, which established the Virginia Scott Memorial Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Mason County.

This scholarship is presented to a graduating senior of Ludington High School with a cumulative grade point average of 2.8 or higher on a 4-point scale. The recipient must pursue a degree or certification at any two or four-year accredited college, university, or vocational/technical school.

The BRAIN Initiative invites proposals for innovative devices aimed at recording and modulating the human central nervous system. This program supports efforts in developing therapeutic and diagnostic devices through clinical prototype implementation, safety testing, and small clinical studies. The goal is to gather critical data on device functionality and design, which may not be achievable through traditional non-clinical studies. This initiative requires NIH collaboration in project planning and progress monitoring.

The BRAIN Initiative aims to support clinical studies that advance next-generation devices for recording and modulation in the human central nervous system. This initiative encourages small clinical trials to gather crucial data for developing devices that address central nervous system disorders. Investigators are invited to explore both Non-Significant and Significant Risk studies to enhance understanding of brain function, paving the way for future clinical trials and market approval.

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.

Bethany Lutheran Church Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Bethany Lutheran Church Congregational Council, which established the Bethany Lutheran Church Scholarship Fund of the Community Foundation for Mason County.

In the 1870s, Danish immigrants to the Ludington area met to pursue a dream to worship God, provide Christian education, and support one another through fellowship. In 1878 they established the Danish Evangelical Lutheran Church, which later became Bethany Lutheran Church. Danish language worship services were held into the 1940s. A mural depicting Bethany's longest-serving pastor, The Reverend John Christensen, can be viewed from the parking lot west of the James Street Plaza. The congregation continued to worship and serve the community from its 1101 South Madison location until 2018 when, due to declining membership and financial support, it sold the church building to the Salvation Army and accepted the invitation of Grace Episcopal Church to share its building. Bethany held worship services there until March of 2019. As a memorial to all those who were a part of Bethany's ministry and in support of young people desiring post-high school education, Bethany's last act of service was establishing an endowed scholarship fund through the Community Foundation for Mason County.

S. Rudolph Light Medical Education Scholarship

The S. Rudolph Light Medical Education Scholarship provides financial assistance to medical students, dental students, and master's of nursing students.

KZCF scholarships may be applied to any items under your school’s cost of attendance (COA). Each school has a different COA that may include items such as tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, health insurance, etc. Scholarship payments are sent directly to your institution. 

This scholarship is a one-time award, meaning that it will not repeat in subsequent years. The money awarded can be applied to your education costs alongside other scholarships or funding that you may receive, and there are no necessary steps once funds are sent.

The HVAC Skills Lab Grant aims to support middle and high schools in the U.S. and Canada by providing equipment and resources to establish plumbing and HVAC skills labs. With a growing demand for skilled trades, this program encourages educational institutions to equip students with vital trade skills. Grant recipients will receive $25,000 worth of products and equipment, along with access to SkillCat's technical training platform, fostering a new generation of skilled professionals.

The HVAC Skills Lab Grant aims to refurbish existing plumbing and HVAC skills labs in middle and high schools across the U.S. and Canada. With a focus on preparing students for vital trade careers, the grant provides $10,000 in equipment to enhance hands-on learning. This initiative supports schools with technical training resources, promoting the growth of skilled labor in these essential fields. Schools that have not received a Skills Lab award in the past 24 months are eligible to apply.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Julie Herrick Easterly Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the family and friends of Julie Herrick-Easterly, who established the Julie HerrickEasterly Memorial Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Julie Herrick-Easterly, an only child and part of an established family tradition of journalism, worked as a copy editor for various newspapers across the country. Her father, Robert Herrick, was editor of the Muskegon Chronicle for 17 years. At age 34, Julie died from a terminal illness. Following Julie's death, her parents established this scholarship in her memory. Awards from the scholarship are given to a Muskegon area graduating senior who plans to pursue a career in journalism. The award represents an acknowledgment of the student's past achievements in this area of study. To the credit of the Herricks, Julie's love for journalism will always be remembered, and the family tradition will be perpetuated through the lasting gift of education.

The NIA Academic Leadership Career Award (K07) provides funding for established investigators to strengthen research capacity in aging and Alzheimer's Disease. The program supports the development of educational infrastructure, mentorship, and career development activities. Key deadlines for applications include February 12, June 12, and October 12 from 2025 to 2027. This award is specifically for research not involving independent clinical trials, allowing applicants to gain experience in trials led by others.

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.

ASPCA PRO

ASPCApro.org provides tools and resources for animal welfare professionals, veterinary personnel and volunteers. We take a progressive approach to helping the country's at-risk animals, promoting cutting edge research to advance the field.

ASPCA Research Grants

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®) research grants fund high-quality research with a clear potential to benefit animals, either directly or through effecting systems-level change. Proposals to extend existing studies, focused on other disciplines, will also be considered if they can clearly demonstrate substantial potential benefit to animal welfare.

This year we are soliciting proposals in the following six research areas:

• Access to Veterinary Care (AVC) Research
• Applied Behavior Research
• Cruelty Research
• Farm Animal Welfare Research
• Psychological Trauma Research
• Shelter Research

Proposals focused on evaluating the effectiveness of a program or service must demonstrate methodological rigor and a clear plan to produce generalizable scientific knowledge. Please view eligibility information for specific projects from the research area you are interested in. 

Psychological Trauma Research

Proposals related to developing and validating novel approaches to the objective documentation of animal cruelty and neglect in the absence of physical trauma (i.e., documenting psychological trauma) in dogs. Proposals are encouraged from any relevant discipline (e.g., physiology, psychology, ethology). Of particular interest is research that focuses on objective measures, including biomarkers and quantitative behavioral phenotyping.

The Frank and Audrey Senn, Sr. Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, honors the legacy of Frank and Audrey Senn, lifelong supporters of education and community service. This scholarship aims to assist members of Trinity United Methodist Church in Newberry, SC, with their pursuit of higher education, offering at least $1,000 annually for up to four years. Eligible applicants must demonstrate academic commitment and community engagement.

The NewSchools Learning Differences Grant Program aims to enhance educational opportunities for students who learn differently, particularly those affected by poverty and racism. The program invests in innovative solutions and models that support personalized education for these students, ensuring they have access to quality instruction and belonging within school communities. With a focus on equity, it seeks ideas that align with its core investment areas and addresses the needs of marginalized learners.

The Yass Prize & STOP Awards Initiative aims to revolutionize education by recognizing and supporting exceptional education providers focused on Sustainable, Transformational, Outstanding, and Permissionless (STOP) education. Established in 2021, the initiative awards funds to organizations serving Pre-K to 12th grade students across the United States, fostering impactful partnerships and innovative practices. With a commitment to transforming educational experiences, the initiative celebrates the vital work of educators in response to contemporary challenges.

Our mission is to enhance quality of life, today and in the future, by:

• Enabling donors to fulfill their charitable desires
• Building a permanent endowment
• Facilitating prudent management and care of funds
• Meeting needs through grants, awards, and scholarships

CFCC: Solomon Valley Community Foundation: Fine Arts Future Development Scholarship

Graduating high school seniors in the Solomon Valley area, including Mitchell, Cloud, and Jewell Counties, that are pursuing a major in Instrumental Music or Art.