Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in South Dakota

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region

The Community Foundation is a devoted advocate for the vitality and well-being of the Rappahannock River Region. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages and distributes charitable giving in the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg.

Scholarships

One of The Community Foundation’s strategies for preserving and growing the quality of life in our region is supporting higher education for area students. Generous individuals and families, companies and organizations establish endowed scholarship funds and the proceeds from these funds benefit deserving students. Donors work with foundation staff to determine appropriate criteria for each fund. The Community Foundation currently administers more than fifty scholarship funds.

The Baron P. “Deuce” Braswell II Memorial Scholarship Fund

This scholarship fund was created in memory of Baron P. “Deuce” Braswell II of Spotsylvania. Baron was the son of Baron Purnell Braswell and Gwendolyn Sue Braswell and he died tragically January 20, 2006. He was a junior and an honor student at Courtland High School. Baron was a very spiritual person and was an active member of the football, basketball, baseball and track teams, known for thanking God for his athletic abilities.

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region

The Community Foundation is a devoted advocate for the vitality and well-being of the Rappahannock River Region. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages and distributes charitable giving in the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg.

Scholarships

One of The Community Foundation’s strategies for preserving and growing the quality of life in our region is supporting higher education for area students. Generous individuals and families, companies and organizations establish endowed scholarship funds and the proceeds from these funds benefit deserving students. Donors work with foundation staff to determine appropriate criteria for each fund. The Community Foundation currently administers more than fifty scholarship funds.

The Betty Booker Lontz Scholarship Fund

This scholarship fund was established in August 2013 by Betty Lontz, a life-long swimmer and devoted and beloved swim instructor. Growing up in Bon Air, Virginia, Betty’s parents collaborated with four other families to build the Bon Air Pool. By 5 years old, she was swimming with the Midgets – children several years older – rather than the Mites. By age ten, she was swimming on a National championship relay team and, though the expense of the trip prevented it, invited to the 1960 Olympics.

Betty began teaching swimming when she was 14 years old. She trained with the West Hampton College swimmers while in high school and took a job at the pool at The Homestead when she graduated. The late 1960’s found Betty at Fort Lee, Virginia teaching lifeguarding skills to returning Vietnam veterans preparing for the United States Special Services. It was there she met her first husband, Bill Lontz. Having been known to say, “If I can find a guy who can out swim me, I’ll marry him,” she was true to her word and married him after two dates. They were married 39 years until his death in 2007.

The young couple moved to Europe for two years, where Betty started another swimming program. On returning to Virginia and the Fredericksburg area, she was instrumental in establishing the pool at Curtis Park. Her well-known Fredericksburg Swim School business (originally called Country Swim School) began in 1975. Over the years, Betty taught swimming and water safety skills to more than 10,000 children -- including some who became Olympic caliber swimmers.

Betty Lontz passed away on November 5, 2015. She attributed her lifetime of swimming with her resiliency in the face of the genetic condition Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. “Wellness is my story,” said Betty. She believed that, “it’s just smart for people to stay healthy.” In the face of growing social issues that stem from illness, it just makes sense for people to preserve and grow an asset like physical health. On the individual, societal and global levels, the study of wellness is a key to vitality and well-being, including reducing costs to society. “Pathology is important, but promoting good health and preventing illness make so much sense.”

Each year, at least two $500 scholarships will be given to area graduating high school seniors.

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region

The Community Foundation is a devoted advocate for the vitality and well-being of the Rappahannock River Region. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages and distributes charitable giving in the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg.

Scholarships

One of The Community Foundation’s strategies for preserving and growing the quality of life in our region is supporting higher education for area students. Generous individuals and families, companies and organizations establish endowed scholarship funds and the proceeds from these funds benefit deserving students. Donors work with foundation staff to determine appropriate criteria for each fund. The Community Foundation currently administers more than fifty scholarship funds.

The Brandon Thomas Lawn Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is in memory of Brandon Thomas Lawn who attended Colonial Forge High School in Stafford County. Brandon was the victim of a work related summer job accident and passed away on August 12, 2003. He was an active Master Altar Server at St. William of York Catholic Church. Brandon demonstrated a deep love of family and faith in God. He was quick to help and listen to others and will be remembered as an individual who strived to achieve. He held a GPA of 4.3, an SAT score of 1440, and was an active member of the National Honor Society.

Brandon’s favorite sport was wrestling. He received three varsity letters in wrestling, one in cross-country, and three academic letters. He was the Commonwealth District Champion for the 2001-2002 season and placed fifth in AAA State Wrestling Competition in the 2002-2003 season. Brandon volunteered as a coach for younger children in other wrestling programs in the Stafford County community. Brandon dreamed of attending the United States Air Force Academy. Brandon was known to his close friends for “doing the right thing, no matter what anyone else thinks.”

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region

The Community Foundation is a devoted advocate for the vitality and well-being of the Rappahannock River Region. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that manages and distributes charitable giving in the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg.

Scholarships

One of The Community Foundation’s strategies for preserving and growing the quality of life in our region is supporting higher education for area students. Generous individuals and families, companies and organizations establish endowed scholarship funds and the proceeds from these funds benefit deserving students. Donors work with foundation staff to determine appropriate criteria for each fund. The Community Foundation currently administers more than fifty scholarship funds.

The Brian Conner Memorial Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is in memory of Brian Conner, a 1995 graduate of Courtland High School. The fund will provide scholarships to graduating seniors of Spotsylvania High Schools who have lettered in cross country or long distance track, who have exhibited leadership abilities, and who have demonstrated a desire to exceed expectations in all endeavors. Brian loved long distance running and received 12 Varsity letters for cross-country, indoor and outdoor track. He also received an academic letter for his high scholastic achievements. Brian is remembered for his motivation and his desire for individual and team success. He encouraged others to excel through his own performance, his compassionate manner and caring smile. He attended Mary Washington College for two years until joining the United States Marine Corps in 1997. The Marines considered him a leader with character. 

Society of Toxicology

Founded in 1961, the Society of Toxicology (SOT) is a professional and scholarly organization of scientists from academic institutions, government, and industry representing the great variety of scientists who practice toxicology in the US and abroad. The Society’s mission is to create a safer and healthier world by advancing the science and increasing the impact of toxicology. SOT operates under four guiding principles:

• Serving the needs of the scientific discipline and our members to enhance human, animal, and environmental health.
• Life-long learning and intellectual scientific stimulation.
• Diversity of representation in all activities of the Society.
• Integrity.

OTSS Annual “Paper of the Year” Award

Description

Each year, the Taylor & Francis Paper of the Year Award is presented to the best paper in the area of ocular toxicology published in Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology.

Nominations from the membership will not be solicited. The OTSS Executive Committee will review and select the best paper among publications in Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology between 01 January and 31 December of the year preceding the Society of Toxicology (SOT) Annual Meeting.

The award will be announced at the reception of the Ocular Toxicology Specialty Section (OTSS) held during the SOT Annual Meeting. The recipient will receive a certificate of recognition from Taylor & Francis at the OTSS reception and a subscription to Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology.

Society of Toxicology

Founded in 1961, the Society of Toxicology (SOT) is a professional and scholarly organization of scientists from academic institutions, government, and industry representing the great variety of scientists who practice toxicology in the US and abroad. The Society’s mission is to create a safer and healthier world by advancing the science and increasing the impact of toxicology. SOT operates under four guiding principles:

• Serving the needs of the scientific discipline and our members to enhance human, animal, and environmental health.
• Life-long learning and intellectual scientific stimulation.
• Diversity of representation in all activities of the Society.
• Integrity.

OTSS Career Achievement Award

Description

The Ocular Toxicology Specialty Section (OTSS) recognizes a Senior Investigator for the achievement or contribution of a particularly influential body of work to the field of ocular toxicology. This award is presented to SOT members who are scientists in academia, industry, or those who have had an impact on regulation in the field.

Nomination is required for this award. The nominator (or self-nomination) should provide a discussion of the role that the candidate’s work has played in any of the below 4 points of criteria. A curriculum vitae and bibliography are required to be included. A letter of recommendation from another investigator in the field is not mandatory but encouraged. Nominations of candidates not selected will be considered for two additional award cycles unless the nomination is withdrawn by the nominator.

Nominations are encouraged with respect to any of the following criteria:

• Contribution to the field of ocular toxicology—depth and breadth of scientific contributions and significance of contributions for advancing the field
• Major influence in the education/training/mentorship of young scientists in the field of ocular toxicology including training in government, industry, or academia
• Leadership and service to the ocular toxicology field including involvement in the Specialty Section or other meetings/organizations related to ocular toxicology
• Influence on regulatory and risk/safety assessment decisions related to ocular toxicology

The award will be announced at the OTSS reception held during the SOT Annual Meeting. The recipient will receive a certificate, monetary award of $1,000 and will give a short (approximately 10 mins) presentation of their work at the OTSS reception held during the SOT Annual Meeting.

Society of Toxicology

Founded in 1961, the Society of Toxicology (SOT) is a professional and scholarly organization of scientists from academic institutions, government, and industry representing the great variety of scientists who practice toxicology in the US and abroad. The Society’s mission is to create a safer and healthier world by advancing the science and increasing the impact of toxicology. SOT operates under four guiding principles:

• Serving the needs of the scientific discipline and our members to enhance human, animal, and environmental health.
• Life-long learning and intellectual scientific stimulation.
• Diversity of representation in all activities of the Society.
• Integrity.

MDCPSS Lifetime Career Achievement Award

Description

The MDCPSS Lifetime Career Achievement Award honors a senior investigator whose body of work represents an outstanding and sustained contribution to the field of toxicology as it relates to medical devices and/or combination products.

This award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated scientific excellence, leadership, mentorship, and influence in advancing the safety evaluation, regulatory science, and innovation in this specialized area of toxicology.

Nominations of candidates not selected will be considered for up to two additional years, unless withdrawn by the sponsor.

Award Recognition

The awardee will receive a plaque and will be recognized at the MDCPSS Reception during the SOT Annual Meeting.

Society of Toxicology

Founded in 1961, the Society of Toxicology (SOT) is a professional and scholarly organization of scientists from academic institutions, government, and industry representing the great variety of scientists who practice toxicology in the US and abroad. The Society’s mission is to create a safer and healthier world by advancing the science and increasing the impact of toxicology. SOT operates under four guiding principles:

• Serving the needs of the scientific discipline and our members to enhance human, animal, and environmental health.
• Life-long learning and intellectual scientific stimulation.
• Diversity of representation in all activities of the Society.
• Integrity.

MDCPSS Early Career Achievement Award

Description

The MDCPSS Early Career Achievement Award recognizes the research accomplishments of young scientists in the early stages of their careers who have demonstrated excellence in toxicological research related to medical devices and/or combination products.

Award Categories

Up to two award recipients will be selected:

• One undergraduate or graduate student
• One postdoctoral fellow or early-career scientist (≤5 years post-graduation)

Award Recognition

• Each recipient will receive a plaque and a monetary award to support travel to the SOT Annual Meeting.
• Awardees will be recognized at the MDCPSS Reception and invited to give a 5-minute overview presentation of their work.

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

Mathy Mezey Scholarship

In 2013, the John A. Hartford Foundation, Inc. created a permanent NEF Scholarship for $50,000 in honor of Mathy Mezey, EdD, RN, FAAN, a noted international geriatric expert. Funds from this scholarship will be used to award nurses engaged in graduate geriatric nursing programs.

The Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond

The Community Foundation of Richmond is a philanthropic organization dedicated to improving quality of life across the Richmond region by connecting people, ideas, and resources for lasting community impact. The Foundation manages charitable funds, supports local nonprofits, and leads strategic initiatives that address community priorities such as education, health, economic opportunity, and equity. Through grantmaking, donor services, and community leadership, the Foundation works to strengthen nonprofits, respond to emerging needs, and build a more resilient, inclusive, and thriving Richmond-area community.

The Woman's Club Scholarship

The long-standing scholarship program honors the life and leadership of one of its founding members and past presidents, Mary Munford. Her accomplishments on behalf of education and especially the education of women in Virginia are legendary. Through her efforts and encouragement, the Education Endowment Fund was established. Now known as The Woman's Club Scholarship Fund, it has continued to flourish with the consistent and generous support of The Woman’s Club members. Hundreds of students from Richmond have had their education aspirations affirmed and supported by the Fund.

The purpose of the Fund is to support post-secondary education scholarships for qualifying graduates of the Richmond metropolitan area high schools. Scholarships are intended to reflect The Woman’s Club’s long history of supporting educational opportunities for women in the Greater Richmond region. Scholarship recipients, referred to as Mary Munford Scholars, are chosen annually and are invited to a reception honoring their accomplishment. Recipients are also encouraged to attend the annual spring meeting of The Woman’s Club designated to recognize the work of The Woman's Club Scholarship Fund. 

The Jennifer Thoma Memorial Ballet Scholarship, offered by the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation, aims to support dancers pursuing summer intensive training programs. This scholarship is available to high school seniors, undergraduates, and returning students, fostering growth in both education and the arts. By providing essential funding, the foundation encourages the development of dance skills, ensuring that aspiring dancers can reach their full potential while contributing to the vibrant cultural landscape of San Luis Obispo County.

The ASTR Jessica Berson Dance Research Assistance Fund Grant aims to support contingent faculty engaged in dance-based scholarship within theatre. This initiative acknowledges the critical role of non-tenure track faculty and provides them with a $1000 honorarium, conference registration, and a one-year ASTR membership. The grant encourages research and attendance at the annual ASTR conference, ensuring broader access to resources and professional opportunities for those who often lack institutional support.

The Gary Paul Piantanida Scholarship, established by Paul and Edna Piantanida in memory of their son Gary, offers financial support to high school seniors, undergraduates, and returning students in San Luis Obispo County. This scholarship honors students who exemplify strong work ethic, dependability, and integrity, reflecting the values cherished by the Piantanidas. With a commitment to fostering educational opportunities, the Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County encourages applicants to pursue their dreams and contribute positively to their communities.

About Us

The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County is a resource for local charitable giving. Created by and for the people of San Luis Obispo County, The Community Foundation is an enduring source of charitable funds to meet the changing needs and interests of the region. We envision San Luis Obispo County as an inclusive haven where everyone, regardless of background, feels free to fully participate. In collaboration with our community partners and donors, we seek to foster a safe, respectful environment with ample opportunity for all to reach their potential and contribute to the success of our community. We invite you to join us in celebrating diversity, making sure all of our neighbors feel seen, and free from dehumanizing rhetoric and violence, as we shape a future where all residents can flourish. 

2025-2026 Scholarship Applications

Big dreams start here! With support from generous individuals, families, and businesses, the Community Foundation offers scholarships that help San Luis Obispo County students reach new heights in their education and careers.

Garris Family Scholarship

The Garris Family Scholarship was established to support deserving students from public high schools or home-schooled programs in San Luis Obispo County in achieving post-secondary education. 

The Dorsi Blastervold Family Scholarship, offered by the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors and graduate students from the Lucia Mar Unified School District with a minimum GPA of 2.9. This scholarship aims to help students achieve their educational goals and foster a diverse and inclusive community. Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year are now open, encouraging students to reach new heights in their education and careers.

Stark Community Foundation

Since 1963, Stark Community Foundation has been helping individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits like you support the causes you care about.

In addition to personalized donor services, we manage a competitive grantmaking program and award grants to address local needs. Today, the Foundation stewards over 1,000 charitable funds totaling $485 million in assets and has granted more than $300 million to nonprofits in our community and beyond.

Scholarships

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.

The Charles E. Feiock Advised Charitable Scholarship Fund

The Charles E. Feiock Advised Charitable Scholarship Fund assists students who have graduated from a public, private, or charter school located in Monroe County, Ohio. 

The Burt W. and Virginia Polin ELKS Bureau Scholarship, offered by the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation, supports high school seniors, undergraduates, and returning students in their educational pursuits. This scholarship honors the legacy of the Polins and the values of the Elks Club, promoting charity, justice, and community service. With the foundation's commitment to inclusivity and support, applicants are encouraged to apply for this opportunity to help achieve their academic and career goals.

The Bernhard H. Singsen Scholarship, offered by the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation, supports young men from local high schools in pursuing a full-time liberal arts education. This scholarship aims to foster careers in education, civil or social service, and medicine. Open to high school seniors, undergraduates, and returning students, it embodies the foundation's commitment to empowering youth and enhancing community engagement in San Luis Obispo County.

The ASTR Selma Jeanne Cohen Conference Presentation Award supports scholars participating in plenary or working sessions at the ASTR conference. This award encourages exploration of the intersections between theatre and dance, providing funds for travel and hotel expenses. Eligible applicants include graduate students, independent scholars, and faculty members accepted to present at the 2025 conference. The award offers a $1000 honorarium and complimentary registration, promoting active engagement in ASTR's community.

The Music and Entertainment Industry Educators Association (MEIEA) offers Student Enrichment Grants to support educational activities in the music and entertainment fields. Grants of up to $1,000 are available for accredited institutions that are MEIEA members. Eligible projects include workshops, guest speakers, and community service initiatives. Special consideration is given to first-time applicants and projects promoting diversity and inclusion, aiming to enrich student experiences and foster greater engagement within the industry.

National Federation of the Blind of Maryland

The National Federation of the Blind of West Virginia (NFBWV), an affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind, is an organization that believes in the full capacity of blind people, and has the power, influence, diversity and determination to help transform our dreams into reality. Members work together for a brighter tomorrow by raising expectations so that blind persons can live the life they want.

The National Federation of the Blind of West Virginia is a 501c(3) nonprofit volunteer membership organization comprised of blind and interested sighted persons of all ages, their families and friends. Our committed local chapters, divisions, committees, programs, and well-trained leaders help newly blind people adjust to vision loss, and promote the full participation and integration of blind people in our communities. We bring our collective experiences together to effect change at the state and national level.

Allen-Sprinkle Memorial Gift

Each year the National Federation of the Blind of West Virginia (NFBWV) awards a scholarship to a worthy blind individual who is pursuing or planning to pursue a full-time program of post-secondary study or training and is a resident of West Virginia. This award is known as the Allen-Sprinkle Memorial Gift. Both Sid Allen and Jack Sprinkle were long time leaders in the organized blind movement in West Virginia. The gift is One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), and the scholarship will be given at the annual banquet of the NFBWV State Convention.

The Student Enrichment Grants: Level II Awards, offered by the Music & Entertainment Industry Educators Association (MEIEA), provide up to $500 for non-institutional members to support student activities in music and entertainment. Eligible applicants include faculty in good standing, promoting diverse initiatives. Grants can fund workshops, guest speakers, and community projects, with a focus on enhancing student education and engagement in the industry. Special consideration is given to first-time applicants and impactful projects.

Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri

The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri Inc. was established in 2009 as a 501(c)3 public charity to help donors support their favorite charities while receiving maximum tax advantage.

We serve as a vehicle for charitable giving, helping donors give to the causes they care about. Donor gifts will strengthen nonprofits increasing programs and services. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to establish a fund with us. 

St Joseph School District Foundation Tarpley, Bill Scholarship

This fund was established in honor of Bill Tarpley, who served as Principal of Central High School by his family and friends. The fund provides graduating seniors with a learning disability an opportunity to attend vocational school or college.

Guidelines:

• One scholarship will be awarded on a one-time basis and disbursed in August.

Amount:

• No less than $300 depending on available funds.

Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri

The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri Inc. was established in 2009 as a 501(c)3 public charity to help donors support their favorite charities while receiving maximum tax advantage.

We serve as a vehicle for charitable giving, helping donors give to the causes they care about. Donor gifts will strengthen nonprofits increasing programs and services. 

McLaughlin, Delbert & Mary Teaching Scholarship

This fund was established in memory of Delbert and Mary McLaughlin by their son, Bill McLaughlin to provide academic scholarships to graduating seniors of the St. Joseph School District pursing a degree in Education.

The Craft Archive Fellowship supports archival research on underrepresented craft histories in the U.S., including feminist, queer, Black, Indigenous, and other marginalized communities. It offers a $5,000 stipend for scholars and artists to conduct research in chosen archives, encouraging innovative approaches. Participants will present their findings in a virtual program, and their work will be published in Hyperallergic, broadening accessibility and awareness of vital craft research.

The Strategic Health Partners Scholarship, offered by the Cobb Community Foundation, supports children of W-2 employees of Strategic Health Partners. Eligible applicants include U.S. citizens or legal residents with a combined family income under $330,000. Scholarships provide up to $2,500 for the first year and $1,000 for up to three renewals, contingent upon maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0. This initiative aims to facilitate educational opportunities for families in need.

The Terry Linda Potter Scholarship, awarded by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports students from Northwest Ottawa County pursuing health-related degrees. Established in memory of Terry Linda Potter, this scholarship prioritizes financial need and academic performance. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to further education and submit necessary documentation, including transcripts and recommendation letters. This fund honors Terry's legacy, providing vital financial assistance to aspiring healthcare professionals in the Tri-Cities area.