Best St. James Parish Grants for Nonprofits in Louisiana

The Cody and Zach Skilled Trades Scholarship, offered by the Saginaw Community Foundation, supports graduates from Merrill High School and the Great Lakes Bay Region pursuing Career and Technical Education (CTE). With an emphasis on practical skills in various trades, this scholarship helps bridge the gap in financial assistance for students aiming for lucrative careers in fields like welding, carpentry, and more. Awards typically range from $500 to $4,000, promoting a skilled workforce in the community.

The Donald Stuart Corsaut Memorial Scholarship, established by the Saginaw Community Foundation, honors a dedicated man who believed in helping others succeed. This scholarship supports residents of Saginaw County pursuing Career and Technical Education (CTE) or undergraduate degrees, with awards ranging from $500 to $4,000. Applicants must maintain a GPA between 2.5 and 3.0 and demonstrate commitment to skilled trades, reflecting the growing demand for skilled workers in various fields.

The Dr. Louis G. Economou Memorial Scholarship, established by the Saginaw Community Foundation, honors the legacy of Dr. Economou, a dedicated educator and community leader. This scholarship supports high school seniors in Saginaw County with a minimum GPA of 2.8 who demonstrate commitment to academics and extracurricular activities, particularly in varsity sports. Awards range from $500 to $4,000, aiming to assist students pursuing higher education or Career and Technical Education. The foundation emphasizes leadership, teamwork, and community service.

The Emily Anne Dressler Memorial Scholarship, established in 1993 by the Saginaw Community Foundation, honors a remarkable young woman whose joyful spirit touched many lives. This scholarship aims to support high school seniors from Saginaw County pursuing their educational goals, particularly in Career and Technical Education (CTE) fields. With awards ranging from $500 to $4,000, it empowers students to achieve their dreams while tackling the growing demand for skilled trades in today's job market.

Casting your Future – UAW Local 668 Scholarship

The International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) is one of the largest and most diverse unions in North America and is committed to improving the lives of working men and women around the globe. Here in Saginaw, Amalgamated UAW Local 668 proudly represents the hourly employees at the General Motors Saginaw Metal Casting Operations plant and the Knight Facilities Maintenance Group at the same facility.

Our commitment is unwavering to the education of the youth of this country. The success of our middle class is directly dependent on education which provides the skills required to compete in a global economy.

Clifford H. Spicer Memorial Scholarship

Clifford Spicer, founder of Spicer Engineering, was a registered professional engineer and professional land surveyor. A member and past president of the Michigan Society of Professional Engineers, Michigan Society of Land Surveyors, Michigan Waterworks Association and Michigan Water Pollution Control Federation, he served also on the Board of Appeals on Zoning for the City of Saginaw for 21 years.

At Spicer Engineering’s 50th Anniversary celebration in 1994, Mr. Spicer was honored by community leaders, including Governor John Engler and employees of Spicer Engineering. Former Saginaw Township Manager Frank Jones remarked, “Clifford Spicer … instilled in all employees his own extremely high professional work ethic. A finer gentlemen and engineer I have yet to meet.” Mr. Spicer died in 1997 at the age of 94.

The FY26 Autism Research Program Career Development Award aims to support early-career investigators in conducting innovative research that can significantly impact autism. It encourages applications addressing specific areas of interest and mandates community collaboration for projects involving pilot clinical trials. Proposals must include partnerships with community members for effective planning and implementation, ensuring that the research is grounded in the needs of the autism community.

The FY26 Autism Research Program's Idea Development Award from the US DOD aims to support groundbreaking research that improves outcomes for Autistic individuals. This award encourages innovative, high-risk projects that can lead to significant advancements in autism research. Applications must address specific areas of interest or justify the importance of the research problem. A unique Partnering Principal Investigator option allows two researchers to collaborate on a single project, enhancing the potential for impactful discoveries.

The FY26 Autism Research Program Clinical Trial Award aims to rapidly implement clinical trials that significantly impact autism treatment and management. Projects may range from small proof-of-concept trials to large-scale studies assessing efficacy in relevant populations. Applications are encouraged to partner experienced and early-career investigators and must include community collaborations to enhance research impact. At least one community partner is required to provide ongoing consultation throughout the project.

The FY26 Orthopaedic Research Program Clinical Research Award supports vital clinical research addressing orthopaedic-specific factors and interventions. It aims to generate evidence that optimizes patient outcomes and informs clinical care, benefiting Service Members, Veterans, and the public. Applications should focus on priority areas such as Ligamentous Trauma and Military Women’s Health, ensuring significant impact on patient care and mitigation of orthopaedic injuries.

The DoW Orthopaedic Applied Research Award supports innovative research aimed at improving treatment and functionality for individuals with combat-related orthopaedic injuries. Applicants are required to present preliminary data and focus on applied research that evaluates new solutions, including pharmacologic agents and rehabilitation techniques. This initiative emphasizes the importance of military relevance, aiming to benefit Service Members, their families, and Veterans, while clinical research proposals are not permitted.

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Six Decades of Human(e) Progress

At IHS, we build bridges across coalitions working to renew the liberal project—creating a 21st century that's freer, more tolerant, and more prosperous than any in human history.

This work takes on new urgency in a world of rising illiberalism and authoritarianism. Thanks to the generosity of over a thousand individual donors and foundations, IHS continues to find new ways to support the thinkers and leaders who are carrying liberal principles forward.

Impact

IHS works where ideas take root. We place smart bets on the people and research projects that are redrawing the boundaries of human potential in classrooms, in policy, and in public life.

Free Society Grants

For Faculty

Free Society Grants support faculty seeking to develop or expand undergraduate programming grounded in the liberal tradition. Grants are awarded based on project scope and need. The next application cycle opens March 13, 2026; the deadline is June 15, 2026. Funding decisions will be announced by August 7, 2026.

Support for Undergraduate Programming

These grants are designed for faculty who want to cultivate sustained intellectual engagement through mentorship, structured reading, and rigorous discussion—inside and beyond the classroom. The goal is not simply exposure to ideas, but intellectual formation.

All grants include access to ScholarsEdge digital tools, including registration support, to help ensure smooth execution and sustained engagement.

The NSF SBIR/STTR programs are launching a pilot emphasis on advancing scientific instrumentation and enabling technologies to drive innovation and economic growth in the U.S. This initiative supports startups and small businesses developing critical scientific equipment and platforms, with funding opportunities up to $2 million for R&D. By prioritizing next-generation instrumentation, NSF aims to enhance the scientific enterprise and foster breakthroughs essential for the future of AI-driven discoveries and broader scientific advancements.

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Administering programs and enforcing regulations supporting agriculture and forestry

Volunteer Fire Assistance Grants

Get funding in rural areas to build firefighting capacity

Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) grants are available to assist rural fire departments in Louisiana. These grants:

• Address critical preparedness needs for firefighter safety
• Increase initial attack capability suppression efforts and training
• Protect state and private lands threatened by wildfire.

Definition: A rural volunteer fire department is defined as “an organized, not for profit, fire protection organization that provides service primarily to a community or city with a population of 10,000 or less or to a rural area, as defined by the Secretary of Agriculture, whose firefighting personnel is 80 percent or more volunteer, and that is recognized as a fire department by the laws of the State.” 16 U.S.C. 2106.

Louisiana Volunteer Fire Assistance - Wildland Fire Grant

This is a 50/50 matching fund program meant to assist rural fire departments in building firefighting capacity. Federal funds will pay up to 50% of approved program expenditures, with the local fire department paying at least 50% or more. Cost-share assistance WILL NOT exceed the awarded funds obligated for a qualified department.

The Louisiana Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) Grants provide essential funding to rural fire departments, enhancing their capacity to combat wildfires. This 50/50 matching fund program aims to support departments recognized by local governing bodies, ensuring they have the necessary resources for firefighter safety and training. Eligible departments must meet specific criteria, including a minimum of 80% volunteer personnel and compliance with state regulations. The grants focus solely on wildland firefighting needs, excluding structural fire items.

The Louisiana Forest Productivity Program offers financial assistance to landowners in Louisiana to establish and enhance timber crops. By supporting forestry practices, this program aims to improve productivity and offset costs associated with tree planting and management. Eligible participants must own at least 10 contiguous acres of suitable land and commit to maintaining the forestry usage for ten years. This initiative plays a vital role in promoting sustainable forestry and enhancing the state's agricultural landscape.

The Louisiana Forest Legacy Program aims to protect privately-owned forestlands through land acquisition and conservation easements, ensuring the sustainability of vital natural resources. This voluntary initiative, supported by the USDA Forest Service and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, helps maintain timber production, wildlife habitats, and community benefits while preventing forest fragmentation due to development. By engaging willing landowners, the program promotes responsible forestry practices and safeguards the ecological integrity of Louisiana's forests.

The Louisiana Agricultural Workforce Development Program supports businesses in establishing internship programs, fostering the next generation of agriculture professionals. This initiative provides financial assistance, reimbursing up to 50% of intern hiring costs, with a maximum award of $5,000. Eligible businesses include agricultural producers and related entities, while interns must be Louisiana students or beginning farmers. The program operates annually from July 1st to August 31st, promoting hands-on experience in the agriculture sector.

The Goodridge Brothers Scholarship, offered by the Saginaw Community Foundation, supports residents of Saginaw County pursuing careers in technical education, such as welding or auto mechanics. This initiative recognizes the growing demand for skilled tradespeople and aims to alleviate financial barriers for students. Scholarships typically range from $500 to $4,000, promoting educational opportunities in urban and regional planning and enhancing the community's workforce capabilities.

The Ken and Eileen Gross Memorial Scholarship, established by friends of the couple, supports Saginaw County high school seniors pursuing a teaching degree. With a focus on fostering education, this scholarship honors Ken, a dedicated educator, and Eileen, a successful property manager. Eligible students must demonstrate a minimum 3.0 GPA and financial need, ensuring that those committed to teaching can pursue their aspirations. Awards typically range from $500 to $4,000, empowering the next generation of educators.

William L. & Mary Ann Brown STEM Endowment Scholarship Program

The William L. & Mary Ann Brown STEM Endowed Scholarship Program was established by William L. and Mary Ann Brown to provide need-based scholarship support to seniors graduating from a high school in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, enrolled at a UNCF member institution, four-year HBCUs, and four-year institutions.

Successful applicants must be graduating high school seniors entering their first year of college, pursuing a STEM degree, including, but not limited to, fields in physical sciences, mathematics, the biological sciences, the chemical sciences, computer sciences, and engineering. Applicants must be enrolled or planning to enroll as a full-time student.

Improving Metastatic Prostate Cancer (mPCa) Care Through Innovative Strategies

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® and Pfizer Global Medical Grants (Pfizer) are collaborating to offer a new grant opportunity seeking proposals for investigator-initiated research to improve mPCa care. Pfizer (hereafter, “Grantor”) is providing $1 Million in funding to support quality improvement studies to advance health care quality, the delivery of quality care, and improve health care provider performance in mPCa care. The Grantor will serve as the funding organization. Grants are available to all investigators from institutions within the United States. 

Aim

To promote the advancement of scientific knowledge, health care provider performance, and/or health care quality improvement focused on improving mPCa care.

A total of $1 Million is available to fund all projects. The intent is to fund 2-5 studies. There is a funding cap of $250,000 per study. Exceptional studies with budgets above this amount will be considered based on scientific merit and must contain a robust justification. All budgets must include line-item information and robust justification.

ASTS-iMDx Research Grant for Understanding the Health Economics of in-house vs send-out diagnostics

As new diagnostics become available to the transplant community, the development of in-house expertise and infrastructure vs send out testing becomes a critical decision. In-house diagnostic testing provides faster results, improving immediate patient care and reducing follow-up visits, while send-out testing (reference labs) is better for complex, rare, or high-volume specialized tests. This grant will support health econometric research projects comparing in-house vs outsourced testing and the potential impact on patient care. The output of this research would show a model of the costs and benefits of diagnostic testing in transplantation to educate transplant centers and labs on their choice of assays.

Amount:

• $100,000 fpr 12 months.

Funds Support:

No more than 25% of grant can go towards the individual applicant’s salary; no indirect costs, but salary support for post-docs and collaborators are permitted at the NIH cap. Funds for this grant are being supplied by Insight Molecular Diagnostics (iMDx).

The Bernie Smillie Memorial Scholarship was established in 2010, in memory of Freeland resident and business owner Bernie Smillie. Bernie passed away in 2000, due to complications from a lung transplant he had received in 1994. In 2005, family and friends of Bernie established the Bernie Smillie Memorial Golf Outing. Proceeds of this outing has helped to promote organ donor support and awareness and establish this scholarship fund.

Bernie Smillie Memorial Scholarship - Medical

Evaluation Criteria

• Leadership ability
• Financial need
• Academic performance
• Standardized test scores
• Special skills
• Awards and honors
• Community service
• Work experience
• Extracurricular school activities
• Overall involvement
• Career goals as demonstrated in essay
• Letter of recommendation.

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) invites applications for the Superfund Hazardous Substance Research and Training Program (P42 Clinical Trial Optional). This program supports interdisciplinary research centers focused on biomedical and environmental science. Eligible institutions must be accredited higher education establishments. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time, and successful submissions will undergo a rigorous peer-review process to ensure quality and relevance in addressing hazardous substance issues.

This funding opportunity aims to advance HIV/AIDS research by implementing human new approach methodologies (NAMs) to reduce the reliance on specific pathogen free (SPF) animal models. It emphasizes the integration of NAMs-enabled frameworks for in vitro testing while supporting essential SPF colony resources. The initiative seeks to enhance research rigor and reproducibility through innovative strategies that prioritize human-relevant models, ultimately improving HIV research outcomes and facilitating collaborative development in the field.

The Bernie Smillie Memorial Scholarship was established in 2010, in memory of Freeland resident and business owner Bernie Smillie. Bernie passed away in 2000, due to complications from a lung transplant he had received in 1994. In 2005, family and friends of Bernie established the Bernie Smillie Memorial Golf Outing. Proceeds of this outing has helped to promote organ donor support and awareness and establish this scholarship fund.

Bernie Smillie Memorial Scholarship - Michigan Resident

Evaluation Criteria

• Financial need (20)
• Work experience (20)
• Overall involvement at work, school and community activities (20)
• Career goals as demonstrated in essay (20)
• Letters of recommendation