Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in South Dakota

SparkForce: The FMA Foundation

Formerly known as Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs (or NBT), SparkForce is the charitable foundation of the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association. While our name has changed, our mission has not. Our purpose is to inspire, attract, and support individuals in discovering an interest in manufacturing and to encourage their pursuit of a manufacturing career.

2020 marked the 50th Anniversary of FMA. Started by one man and his vision, FMA has transformed into an association dedicated to helping metal manufacturers thrive and move the industry forward.

Scholarships

SparkForce, The FMA Foundation, awards scholarships twice each year to students pursuing degrees or certifications related to manufacturing careers.

3 Scholarship Awards, 1 Application

• Community College, Trade School, or University; The U.K. Gupta & Family Scholarship; and The John Grossheim Memorial Scholarship.

Scholarship funds can be used to cover tuition, school fees, books purchased through the college store, and required tools or equipment such as PPE (if available for purchase through the college store). Funds cannot be used for housing, meals, or costs unrelated to the program.

FMA Scholarship: The John Grossheim Memorial Scholarship

Preference to employees and their dependents of FMA member companies.

This scholarship is funded through the Outside Processors Council (OPC) Endowment.

SparkForce: The FMA Foundation

Formerly known as Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs (or NBT), SparkForce is the charitable foundation of the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association. While our name has changed, our mission has not. Our purpose is to inspire, attract, and support individuals in discovering an interest in manufacturing and to encourage their pursuit of a manufacturing career.

2020 marked the 50th Anniversary of FMA. Started by one man and his vision, FMA has transformed into an association dedicated to helping metal manufacturers thrive and move the industry forward.

Scholarships

SparkForce, The FMA Foundation, awards scholarships twice each year to students pursuing degrees or certifications related to manufacturing careers.

3 Scholarship Awards, 1 Application

• Community College, Trade School, or University; The U.K. Gupta & Family Scholarship; and The John Grossheim Memorial Scholarship.

Scholarship funds can be used to cover tuition, school fees, books purchased through the college store, and required tools or equipment such as PPE (if available for purchase through the college store). Funds cannot be used for housing, meals, or costs unrelated to the program.

FMA Scholarship: Community College, Trade School, or University

Open to eligible students pursuing degrees or certifications related to a career in manufacturing.

National Federation of the Blind

Founded in 1940, the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) is the largest and most influential membership organization of blind persons in the United States. With fifty thousand members, the NFB has affiliates in all fifty states plus Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico, and over seven hundred local chapters. As a consumer and advocacy organization, the NFB is considered the leading force in the blindness field today.

The goals of the NFB are to ensure opportunity, security and equality for all blind citizens. The purpose of the National Federation of the Blind is two-fold—to help blind persons achieve self-confidence and self-respect and to act as a vehicle for collective self-expression by the blind.

Members of the NFB strive to educate the public that the blind are normal individuals who can compete on terms of equality with our sighted peers.

The NFB has created a wide array of services to blind and visually impaired persons of all ages. We provide public education about blindness, information and referral services, scholarships, literature and publications about blindness, aids and appliances and other adaptive equipment for the blind.

National Federation of the Blind of Idaho (NFBI) Scholarship

The National Federation of the Blind of Idaho (NFBI), awards merit-based scholarships to blind/visually impaired, functionally blind, high school seniors or college students annually. 

There will be three (3) merit-based scholarships in the amount of $3,000 awarded at the state convention of the NFBI in Boise Idaho. Scholarship finalists will have their expenses paid and are required to attend the convention.

Please note, individuals are limited to receiving an NFBI scholarship a maximum of two (2), times.

Stark Community FoundationStark 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. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.Adrienne O’Neill Scholarship FundThe Adrienne O’Neill Scholarship Fund was established to assist students who are the first generation in their family to attend college. Applicant must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5, demonstrate financial need and intend to utilize this scholarship as the “last dollars” after all aid/scholarships have been awarded.Renewable Scholarship: Yes

The scholarships we award vary each year based on the unique criteria of each scholarship. In 2025, we awarded over $3 million in scholarships to over 500 students, including $1.3 million to 110 students in western NC through our Disaster Relief and Resilience Scholarship.

Depending on the scholarship, it may pay for tuition, room and board, books, fees and/or other related educational expenses. 

Junior Guild of Rocky Mount Scholarship Fund

This will be outlined in your award notification. The minimum scholarship award amount is $1,000.

NCCF scholarship awards are only issued to not-for-profit institutions and government entities such as public colleges or universities.

National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii

The ultimate purpose of the NFB of Hawai`i is the complete integration of the blind into society on a basis of equality. This objective involves the removal of legal, economic and social discriminations; the education of the public to new concepts concerning blindness; and the achievement by all blind people of the right to exercise to the fullest their individual talents and capacities. It means the right of the blind to work along with their sighted neighbors in the professions, common callings, skilled trades, and regular occupations.

The National Federation of the Blind defends the rights of blind people of all ages and provides information and support to families with blind children, older Americans who are losing vision, and more. We believe in the hopes and dreams of blind people and work together to transform them into reality. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.

We are the transformative membership and advocacy organization of blind people. Securing Independence. Protecting Rights. Enhancing Education. We Are Blind People.

National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii Scholarship

Each year, the National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii awards up to three scholarships to residents of Hawaii during the annual State Convention. The scholarship is for any blind or visually impaired individual attending or planning to attend a post-secondary institution. This may include undergraduate or graduate college, business, or trade school. Scholarship winners may be attending our annual State Convention, as well as monthly chapter meetings. 

This funding opportunity aims to establish a U.S. network for active surveillance of pediatric acute respiratory illnesses and gastroenteritis. The initiative will focus on respiratory and enteric viruses, assessing the effectiveness of prevention products such as vaccines. Recipients will follow CDC protocols to enroll patients and confirm viral infections, ultimately reducing hospitalizations and enhancing public health strategies for children's healthcare.

Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge

The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge is a charitable organization that has served the independent cities of Staunton and Waynesboro, and the counties of Augusta, Highland and Nelson since 1992. 

Kenny W. Rodeffer Scholarship

Established by the Rockingham Feeder Cattle Association, this scholarship honors the memory of Kenny Rodeffer, a Virginia Department of Agriculture Livestock Grader and farmer in Bridgewater, VA who was an avid supporter of improved livestock production and agriculture.

Description

The Kenny W. Rodeffer Scholarship supports graduating high school seniors from the counties of Augusta, Highland, Rockbridge, and Rockingham, who are pursuing a two- or four-year degree in an agricultural related field.

Selection Criteria Used by the Selection Committee

• Academic/scholastic achievement
• Involvement in agricultural youth programs such as 4-H clubs and FFA chapters
• Other extracurricular activities

Reineman Family Scholarship

This scholarship recognizes and provides financial support to graduating high school students who participate in Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection.

Number and Size of Awards

• One award of $6,000; paid as $1,500 per year for up to four consecutive years of undergraduate study. Award paid in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.

Allowed Use of Award

• Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is set to release a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) aimed at advancing informatics technologies for cancer research. This initiative will support the development of tools that enhance data acquisition, management, and analysis throughout the cancer continuum. By focusing on technologies with proven impact, the NOFO seeks to optimize and sustain resources critical for cancer biology, diagnosis, treatment, and epidemiology.

LPGA Amateur Golf Association

The LPGA Amateur Golf Association® is a passionate, inclusive group of women made up of over 18,500 members of all golf abilities throughout 130+ global chapters. This vibrant community connects women to learn, play and enjoy golf. We provide organized playing and learning opportunities for adults of all ages and abilities through a variety of local and national events. 

Women on Par Scholarship

About the Scholarship

The “Women on Par” Scholarship Program, provided by the LPGA Foundation, was established in 2007 by the EWGA Foundation (now the LPGA Amateur Golf Association™) to provide financial assistance to “non-traditional” female students. These scholarships are intended for women, aged 30 and older, who are attending a college or university for the first time or returning to school after an absence to complete their technical/vocational, Associate, or Bachelor’s degree. The scholarships are designed to help these women get “on par,” or get an equal footing, with their peers, friends, and other women who have had a chance to complete their college education.

Impact of the Scholarship

Since its inception, the Women on Par Scholarship has empowered more than 40 women to pursue their dream of earning a degree. This program provides more than financial support - it instills confidence, fuels ambition, and inspires recipients to achieve their goals and give back to their communities.

The National Pride Grant for LGBTQIA+ Small Businesses, opening for applications on April 22, 2025, offers $25,000 in funding distributed as $1,000 micro grants to 25 eligible LGBTQIA+ business owners. Designed to support diverse founder-led enterprises, this initiative encourages professional development and aids in achieving over $1 million in revenue. Eligible participants must have a U.S.-based business and meet specific criteria regarding ownership, revenue, and employee count.

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.

Bill Taylor Scholarship Endowment

Criteria

Enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians or their spouses, children or other immediate family members attending a two- or four-year college or university.

Community Foundation of Henderson County

Community Foundation of Henderson County was incorporated in 1982 by a group of fourteen dedicated and compassionate local leaders with the immediate need to manage two funds - the William C. Armstrong Scholarship Fund and the Charlie Renfrow Scholarship Fund, in addition to providing a permanent vehicle for citizens to give back to their community.

Our Mission is to help people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter. The Community Foundation of Henderson County is a highly visible, philanthropic leader directed by an engaged and committed board, staffed by qualified employees, empowering donors at all levels to invest in professionally managed charitable funds that address community needs.

Kermit Edney Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is for deserving students with financial need who are pursuing their college education. Recipients must show commitment to the pursuit of their college degree.

The AI for Economic Opportunity Fund, established by the GitLab Foundation, aims to catalyze transformative economic opportunities using advanced AI technologies. This funding round invites bold proposals that leverage AI to enhance economic mobility, improve service delivery, and create new educational pathways. Grantees will receive $250,000 in funding, technical support, and access to a network of practitioners. The fund seeks projects that demonstrate ethical awareness and promote fairness in AI deployment.

David & Priscilla Morris Scholarship

The David and Priscilla Morris Scholarship was established to provide tuition support for Black or African American students attending Western Michigan University.

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.

National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky

The National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky is a chartered affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB). The National Federation of the Blind (national office and all state affiliates) are tax-exempt non profit agencies and are classified as 501c(3) organizations. The NFB is a Better Business Bureau (BBB) Accredited Charity as well as a Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) Approved Charity.

Greater Louisville Scholarship

Mittie Lake Scholarship

The National Federation of the Blind of Greater Louisville scholarship has named the Mittie Lake Memorial Scholarship in honor of Ms. Mittie Lake, a charter member of the National Federation of the Blind of Greater Louisville who understood and championed the value of higher education. Our minimum award for the Mittie Lake Scholarship is $500 for one winner.

About the Scholarship

The Mittie Lake Memorial Scholarship is named in honor of Mittie Lake who was a long-time Federationist and charter member of the National Federation of the Blind of Greater Louisville. Mittie was a student at the KY School for the Blind. During her middle years, Mittie lost all of her sight.

Mittie had an enthusiasm for life and all of its many offerings. The fact that Mittie became totally blind did nothing to stop her from living the life she wanted. Mittie was married and raised a family and she worked tirelessly in her church nursery for more than thirty years, providing nurturing care for hundreds of babies and young children. Mittie sang with numerous choirs, quartets and ensembles. She was a strong advocate for Braille and its use in all aspects of daily life. Mittie chose to use a guide dog and treated her guides not only as the tools she needed to live her life independently, but as valued friends and companions who were never without love, affection, and a treat or two.

In honor of her life experiences, preference will be given to students who are guide dog users and who utilize Braille as part of their daily lives.

The Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) supports small-scale research grants at institutions with limited NIH funding, enhancing undergraduate biomedical research experiences. Eligible institutions must award baccalaureate science degrees and have received no more than $6 million in NIH support over the past seven years. This funding opportunity encourages institutions to foster research environments that benefit undergraduate students while addressing significant NIH research interests through minimal risk clinical trials.

The Pets in the Classroom Grant Program provides financial support to educators in the US and Canada, enabling them to incorporate small animals into their classrooms. This initiative aims to enhance students' educational and personal development through direct interaction with pets. The program, established by the Pet Care Trust, invites applications from teachers, librarians, and other school staff who support student learning, fostering a nurturing environment for young learners.

Community Foundation of Henderson County

Community Foundation of Henderson County was incorporated in 1982 by a group of fourteen dedicated and compassionate local leaders with the immediate need to manage two funds - the William C. Armstrong Scholarship Fund and the Charlie Renfrow Scholarship Fund, in addition to providing a permanent vehicle for citizens to give back to their community.

Our Mission is to help people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter. The Community Foundation of Henderson County is a highly visible, philanthropic leader directed by an engaged and committed board, staffed by qualified employees, empowering donors at all levels to invest in professionally managed charitable funds that address community needs.

Lorina Culpepper Career in Nursing Scholarship

Candidates for this scholarship will be currently employed in the nursing field in Henderson County and pursuing an advanced certificate or degree in nursing.

National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky

The National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky is a chartered affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB). The National Federation of the Blind (national office and all state affiliates) are tax-exempt non profit agencies and are classified as 501c(3) organizations. The NFB is a Better Business Bureau (BBB) Accredited Charity as well as a Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) Approved Charity.

National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky (NFBK) Scholarship

NFB of Kentucky scholarships may be awarded in amounts that range from $500 to $2,000 to deserving candidates. These scholarships may be awarded to either full time or part time students who meet the criteria set forth.

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.

Maxine E. Elkan Scholarship

The Maxine E. Elkan Scholarship was created in 2025 by Diane Mancino, EdD, RN, CAE, FAAN. This permanent scholarship is awarded to a PhD or EdD student. Maxine Elizabeth Elkan, graduate of the third class of the Montefiore Hospital School of Nursing in 1928, served as a psychiatric nurse, American Red Cross Nurse, public health and industrial nurse. Late in her career, Maxine worked as a private duty nurse at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital's Harkness Pavillion. She was also a professional photographer, designer of women’s clothes, and mastered the recorder. Preference will be given to a student pursuing a career as a nurse educator.

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.

M. Elizabeth Carnegie African American Scholarship

In the past, Dr. Carnegie contributed to this fund each year with other donors to award an annual scholarship. Former recipients often give to this fund. On her death (2008), Dr. Carnegie left $125,172.06 to NEF to be used explicitly for "black nurses enrolled in doctoral programs in memory of Dr. M. Elizabeth Carnegie." Dr. Carnegie was an educator and author in the field of nursing, known for breaking down racial barriers. She was the first black nurse to serve as a voting member on the board of a state nursing association. She was later president of the American Academy of Nursing and edited the Journal of Nursing Research.

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.

Miriam M. Powell Scholarship

Seeking to discover a meaningful career led Miriam Powell to enroll in the Cornell University-New York Hospital School of Nursing. In 2004, after a gratifying career in nursing, Ms. Powell decided to support a scholarship for one nurse each year with an annual gift to NEF. These scholarships were referred to as the Miriam M. Powell Fellowship. In 2015, the Fellowship Fund was made a permanent scholarship. Ms Powell’s scholarship is dedicated to clinical nursing leadership and scholarship.

The Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network (BPN) supports the development of biologic-based therapies for nervous system disorders. This initiative encourages innovative research in biologics, including proteins, antibodies, gene therapies, and cell therapies. The program facilitates collaboration with NIH-funded experts and contract research organizations, ensuring institutions retain IP rights for developed candidates. Key deadlines for grant applications span from January 2025 to July 2027, emphasizing the importance of timely submissions for interested applicants.

The Henry Luce Foundation’s Religion and Theology: Responsive Grants program seeks to enhance understanding of religion in society by supporting innovative projects that challenge traditional narratives and foster diverse voices. With a focus on racial justice and public discourse, the program encourages organizations to explore the intersections of religion, culture, and social movements. This initiative aims to cultivate inclusive knowledge communities and promote scholarship that contributes to a more equitable future.

Kalamazoo Community Foundation

Fueling Equity & Racial Justice Since 1925

KZCF is dedicated to our mission to create a thriving community where people, resources and expertise are mobilized to advance racial, social and economic justice in Kalamazoo County.

Scholarships & Education Grants

For All Levels of Education After High School

Kalamazoo Community Foundation is dedicated to creating pathways to higher education so students can thrive in their academic pursuits and for a lifetime. We oversee more than 60 scholarships and education grants (many of which are multiyear awards) for college, graduate school, career training and more.

Dominic & Barbara Court Family Arts Scholarship Fund

This fund was established from the estate of Barbara Court to provide scholarships for students enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program that would lead to a career in the arts.

Multiyear Award; Renews Annually