Best Grants for New Nonprofits in South Dakota

Arizona Community Foundation

For more than four decades, the Arizona Community Foundation has worked in tandem with generous individuals, families, and organizations to address some of the biggest challenges facing our state.

Scholarships

In partnership with our generous donors, we award millions of dollars annually to help students achieve their educational goals. Through our online system, students complete one application and are matched with available scholarships, based on their eligibility requirements.

Bishop Henry L. Barnwell Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Committee will award scholarships to students attending an accredited higher learning institution in financial need. Eligible students must show how they promoted the principles of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through their participation in school, community, and/or faith-based events within the last year.

Key Club Scholarship

An opportunity offered by Redding Kiwanis to graduating seniors from Enterprise and Shasta High schools who are dues paying members of their high school Key Club.

The Key Club Scholarship was established by the Redding Kiwanis to fund Key Club Scholarships for graduating seniors from Enterprise and Shasta High schools. Key Club International is the high school organization sponsored by Kiwanis International. Key Clubs assist Kiwanis in carrying out its mission to serve the children of the world. This scholarship is centered around active service to their school and community. Students must be an active, due paying member of their high school Key Club.

The Children’s Relief Fund 

The Children’s Relief Fund (CRF) is a non-profit organization founded in 1991 by Rose and Frank Fotia. Their son Gregory had multiple disabilities and was the inspiration behind CRF. Our group consists of volunteers who raise money to help fund therapy, equipment, summer programs and other group activities for disabled children in the Hilton Head Island and Bluffton area.

Dr. Robert Bokat Humanitarian Scholarship

This scholarship is available to high school students and home-schooled students.

Career Fields applicable: Humanities/Education/Medical. The committee's decision is based heavily on volunteerism. 

Service Area: All Hilton Head/Bluffton High Schools

Number of Awards: One

Duration/Renewal: One year

Financial Need: No

Criteria: A completed online application form and 250-word essay describing education and career choices. Two character references.

The Children’s Relief Fund 

The Children’s Relief Fund (CRF) is a non-profit organization founded in 1991 by Rose and Frank Fotia. Their son Gregory had multiple disabilities and was the inspiration behind CRF. Our group consists of volunteers who raise money to help fund therapy, equipment, summer programs and other group activities for disabled children in the Hilton Head Island and Bluffton area.

Gregory Fotia Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is available to high school students and home-schooled students.

Career Fields applicable: Career field that benefits special needs children (e.g. Special Education, Pediatrics, Various Therapies)  

Service Area: All Hilton Head/Bluffton High Schools

Number of Awards: One or two

Duration/Renewal: One year

Financial Need: No

Criteria: A completed online application form and 250-word essay describing education and career choices.  Two character references.

Central Alabama Community Foundation

Established in 1987 by community leaders, the Central Alabama Community Foundation serves the River Region counties of Lowndes, Macon, and Montgomery. CACF was created to provide a permanent charitable resource dedicated to strengthening nonprofits and meeting local needs in the Montgomery area.

Through a variety of funds, CACF supports projects and programs in education, health, human services, cultural arts, recreation, historic preservation, and other civic concerns.

Every year, CACF awards grants to nonprofit projects and programs providing services in Lee, Macon, and Montgomery counties.

Shirley Ann Mesher Scholarship

The Shirley Ann Mesher Scholarship shall provide scholarships to students attending, or planning to attend, or are already enrolled in an accredited junior college, a four-year college or university, or a graduate or professional degree program. Eligible candidates must demonstrate financial need, maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0, be of African American or Native American descent. Preference for applicants with a history of participating in community service and who provide at least one letter of recommendation.

The Golden Trowel Award, presented by the Archaeological Institute of America, recognizes the local society with the highest proportional membership increase over the past year. This prestigious award highlights the vital role that local societies play in promoting archaeology and supporting the AIA's mission. By fostering community engagement and growth, the award encourages societies to enhance their programs and initiatives, ultimately enriching the field of archaeology.

Beyond the Net Grant Program

The Internet Society Foundation’s Beyond the Net Grant Program offers funding to support Internet Society Chapters to implement innovative projects that make a local impact by providing meaningful access to an open, trusted, and globally-connected Internet, as well as strengthening the Chapters’ presence in the surrounding community. 

Program Objectives

• Strengthen the impact of the Internet Society and the Internet Society Foundation’s mission and global initiatives with complementary local activities. 
• Develop new and strengthen existing relationships and partnerships at the local level.

Focus Areas

The Foundation will support Internet Society Chapters to implement initiatives within one or more of the following thematic areas:

Projects that support community-centered connectivity for unconnected and under-connected populations by providing easy, sustainable solutions, and training on productive use of the Internet.

Projects that make access affordable and resilient for unconnected and under-connected populations by improving, supporting, or advocating for the development of local Internet interconnection infrastructure (e.g., IXPs).

Projects that equip recently connected people with knowledge and skills to protect themselves and their communities online.

Projects that advocate for and educate policy makers, courts, decision makers, and commercial entities about threats to the Internet as an open and accessible platform for free expression and the exchange of ideas, safeguarding fundamental rights, ensuring the well-being of users, and fostering trust in digital technologies.

 About NPCF

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.

NPCF manages a wide variety of funds established by local individuals, families, businesses, or charitable institutions. Through our investment strategies, the returns from these funds are put back into the community through grant cycles, and scholarships, along with the personal causes the fund holder holds dear. 

On the nonprofit side, the staff at NPCF is committed to building deep bonds with our region’s nonprofits, educating and supporting them in their health as businesses and their resilience in their missions of supporting our most vulnerable. 

We believe that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. By working on both sides of the equation — growing our citizens’ resources while maximizing local nonprofits’ use of those resources — NPCF is ensuring that each link in the chain is healthy, strong, and contributing to the wellness of the Northern Piedmont community. 

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). 

St. Luke’s Foundation Scholarship Fund (Universal Application)

The St. Luke’s Foundation Scholarship is open to seniors who are residents of Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, or Rappahannock counties, and are alumni of any private school in Culpeper County, although priority is given to St. Luke’s alumni. The qualifying candidate should possess a minimum GPA of 3.0, demonstrate good academic standing, have community service experience and possess an academic record that displays leadership and initiative. Up to three scholarships are available for $1,000 – $2,000 depending on GPA. This award is renewable for all four years provided the student maintains a GPA of 3.0 and submits transcripts annually to NPCF

The Simons Postdoctoral Fellowships in Plant Biology, offered by the Simons Foundation, aim to support early-career researchers pursuing fundamental studies in plant biology. Candidates with diverse backgrounds, including engineering and computational modeling, are encouraged to apply. This flexible program enables collaborations between disciplines, fostering innovative approaches to plant science. Eligible applicants should have obtained their Ph.D. within the last three years and may include both U.S. citizens and foreign researchers. Awards will be granted to nonprofit research institutions.

The Bentley and Roberta Pollard Family Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of West Texas, honors the legacy of Bentley and Roberta Pollard. This scholarship supports Gold Star families and families of U.S. military veterans seeking higher education. It aims to empower students from Lubbock County high schools, emphasizing financial need and the importance of education in building a brighter future for the community. Over 100 scholarships are awarded annually to deserving individuals.

The U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation honors exceptional graduates with the Distinguished Graduate Award, recognizing their significant contributions to the nation and communities over the past 40 years. This prestigious award celebrates those who exemplify the core values of integrity, service, and excellence, serving as an inspiration for current cadets and graduates. Nomination is exclusive to U.S. Air Force Academy alumni, reinforcing the legacy of the Long Blue Line.

The U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation's Leadership Achievement Award recognizes alumni who have exemplified exceptional leadership, integrity, and character in their professional endeavors. This prestigious honor is awarded to graduates who have achieved notable accomplishments 16 to 39 years post-graduation, thereby enriching the legacy of the Long Blue Line. Nominations must be submitted by fellow graduates and reapplication is necessary for previous nominees.

The Sullenberger Award for Courage, presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation, recognizes exemplary acts of bravery by graduates of the Academy. This prestigious award honors those who demonstrate outstanding leadership and service, reflecting the core values of integrity, service before self, and excellence. Nominations can be submitted by anyone, and the award celebrates acts that positively impact the Academy and its legacy.

The Rotary Club of Portsmouth's Helping Professions Grant provides essential financial support to residents of the Seacoast looking to enter or advance in direct care professions. With scholarships and grants of up to $5,000, this initiative aims to address the growing shortage of skilled caregivers, ensuring quality care for families and individuals in the community. Eligible applicants can pursue training in various in-demand roles, enhancing their skills and career prospects.

Columbia Community Foundation

Our Mission

To serve the citizens of Columbia Station, Ohio and neighboring communities through the implementation of their charitable aspirations by awarding educational scholarships and community grants.

Columbia Community Foundation Scholarship

Scholarship Criteria

• Must be an upcoming graduate from the class of 2026
• Must be a resident of Columbia Township or a Senior at Columbia High School

South Dakota Community Foundation

As a statewide community foundation, we work with donors, nonprofits and community leaders to strengthen philanthropy in South Dakota every day.

Scholarships

At South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF), we proudly manage more than 350 scholarship funds in partnership with generous donors who are committed to supporting students. These scholarships offer countless opportunities to help ease the financial burden of continuing their education.

Wilfred Jaspers Scholarship

To provide financial support as recommended by the scholarship selection committee in accordance with the selection criteria.

This scholarship, established in 2000 for Roslyn High School alumni, has now been made available to college students from the Britton, Langford, and Webster School Districts following the dissolution of the Roslyn School District.

South Dakota Community Foundation

As a statewide community foundation, we work with donors, nonprofits and community leaders to strengthen philanthropy in South Dakota every day.

Grants

The South Dakota Community Foundation offers an array of grants to help state nonprofits realize their dreams and continue investing in their communities. 

Lamport Family Foundation College Grant

The purpose of this grant is to provide scholarships to graduates of Marshall County schools in memory of Steve Lamport and the Lamport Family. Applicants must exhibit the qualities of leadership, good citizenship, honesty, and personal initiative. The amount and number of scholarships awarded shall be determined by the Advisory Council and will be based on the amount of funding available for distribution. Funds will be distributed for the second semester (or quarter) and will be distributed directly to the postsecondary institution. 

South Dakota Community Foundation

As a statewide community foundation, we work with donors, nonprofits and community leaders to strengthen philanthropy in South Dakota every day.

Scholarships

At South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF), we proudly manage more than 350 scholarship funds in partnership with generous donors who are committed to supporting students. These scholarships offer countless opportunities to help ease the financial burden of continuing their education.

South Dakota Beadle Club Foundation

To provide financial support for South Dakota Beadle Club activities and scholarships.

The South Dakota Beadle Club took its name from General William Henry Harrison Beadle who served the people of South Dakota in many ways in promoting a sound system of public schools. One of the stated purposes of the South Dakota Beadle Club is to emulate the motives and ideals of General Beadle in his support of the public schools of the state. 

The James C. Gaither Junior Fellowships at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace offer approximately fourteen 10-12 month fellowships annually to graduating seniors or recent graduates. These fellowships enable Junior Fellows to assist senior associates with research, co-author publications, and engage with policymakers. To be eligible, applicants must be nominated by participating universities and must not have enrolled in graduate studies. This program aims to cultivate a new generation of policy experts committed to global peace.

The Oleta Lambert Scholarship, established by the Rotary Club of Sacramento Foundation, aims to promote higher education and the spirit of Rotary. This annual scholarship honors long-time Rotarian Oleta Lambert and is open to high school students from Sacramento County pursuing studies at accredited universities or community colleges. By supporting local students, the Rotary Club reinforces its commitment to service and community enrichment, fostering educational opportunities and ethical standards.

About

Since awarding our first grants in 2002, the Lawrence Township Community Foundation (LTCF) has provided over $1,400,000 in grant funding for more than 50 local nonprofit organizations who serve the people of Lawrence Township. Operating with a completely volunteer board of directors, the LTCF serves as a careful clearinghouse for funds donated by corporate sponsors who have entrusted this significant funding to the Foundation.

In 2023, The Lawrence Township Community Foundation established the LTCF Community Service Scholarship to recognize outstanding Lawrence Township students with a history of volunteering in Lawrence Township.

Amount

$500 (two honorees will be selected and announced in late May)

The John A. Kilpatrick Memorial Scholarship, established in 2016 by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, supports qualified recipients pursuing post-secondary education. This scholarship is specifically for current or former members of the U.S. Marine Corps who have been stationed at Parris Island, SC, with a preference for applicants who have lived in New Jersey. The foundation has dedicated over $125 million to enhance the Lowcountry community since its inception.

Elaine Lonneman Scholarship

To provide financial support to family members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 426.

David Webb Memorial Scholarship

To provide financial support for graduates of Cheyenne-Eagle Butte, Faith, Dupree, Timber Lake, Mc Laughlin and McIntosh High School.

The RPAC Fundraising Grants, offered by the National Association of Realtors, support state and local associations in organizing fundraising events aimed at boosting RPAC contributions. These grants require a fundraising goal three times the amount requested, ensuring tangible results. The initiative emphasizes developing detailed fundraising plans that comply with state laws regarding corporate treasury funds. This program is vital for enhancing RPAC participation and advancing property ownership advocacy.

The Beaufort Jasper Water & Sewer Authority Scholarship, established in 2024, offers financial support to students from Beaufort and Jasper Counties, South Carolina. This scholarship is both merit-based and need-based, aiming to assist deserving students in pursuing their post-secondary education. Funded by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, it reflects a commitment to fostering educational opportunities in the region.

The Dr. Glenn Neil Love Medical Scholarship, established in 2014, provides annual financial assistance to individuals pursuing medical training and education. It aims to support nontraditional applicants currently employed in healthcare who demonstrate financial need and a commitment to advancing their skills. Priority is given to those seeking additional certifications or training to enhance their expertise in the medical field.