Best St. Paul Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

About AWS

We Move Welding Forward

Founded in 1919, the American Welding Society is a nonprofit organization with a global mission: to advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying.

By fostering knowledge, embracing change, and providing real-world opportunities through scholarships, fellowships, and workforce development, AWS provides the tools to help members succeed—and to inspire future generations of welding professionals.

Outstanding Achievement Awards

The AWS Outstanding Achievement Awards honor exceptional contributions in welding, spanning historical structures, innovative fabrication, safety, and technical advancements across various categories.

Professor Koichi Masubuchi Award

This award is sponsored by the Center for Ocean Engineering at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The award will be given to one individual who has made significant contributions in the advancement of the science and technology of materials joining through research and development. The individual is to be 40 years old or younger and may live in any part of the world. The recipient need not be a member of AWS.

Complete nomination packets may be submitted for consideration to the AWS Awards Committee and must include an introduction letter of support and a complete resume or CV of the individual's qualifications.

The applicant is requested to indicate his/her birth year in the resume to verify that he/she is 40 years old or younger for the year in which the applicant is nominated.

Complete nominations must be received by the deadline of December 31. The award will be presented at the following year's FABTECH show. Submit your nomination to Wei Zhang at zhang.3978@osu.edu or at nationalawards@aws.org.

About AWS

We Move Welding Forward

Founded in 1919, the American Welding Society is a nonprofit organization with a global mission: to advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying.

By fostering knowledge, embracing change, and providing real-world opportunities through scholarships, fellowships, and workforce development, AWS provides the tools to help members succeed—and to inspire future generations of welding professionals.

Outstanding Achievement Awards

The AWS Outstanding Achievement Awards honor exceptional contributions in welding, spanning historical structures, innovative fabrication, safety, and technical advancements across various categories.

Distinguished Welder Award

This award recognizes an individual whose welding skills and experience would earn them the recognition of being an AWS Distinguished Welder.

A complete nomination packet should include information addressing the Definition and candidate's Application Criteria as outlined in the AWS Distinguished Welder Award Nomination Form. The focus of the nomination packet should include specifics of the individual's skills.

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

Roesler Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Roesler family who created The Roesler Memorial Scholarship Fund in memory of Henry Roesler, a well-known community leader in Montague. As if being major and a former police chief weren't enough, Henry like to be involved in a variety of community initiatives in Montague area. Henry's love and generosity for this community can still be felt today by the graduating seniors of Montague Area Public Schools.

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

Swenson Family Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Leland L. Swenson, who established the Swenson Family Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Dr. Leland Swenson practiced orthopedic surgery in Muskegon from 1949-1978 and worked at Hackley Occupational Health Clinic, completing orthopedic disability evaluations from 1985-2005. The Swenson family wished to continue with their charitable actions, and believe the Community Foundation would carry out their wishes. The Swenson Family Scholarship is designed to provide scholarships to students throughout Muskegon County.

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

Sturtevant and Kidwell Girl Scout Gold Award Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Michigan Pine and Dunes Girl Scout Council Board of Directors, who established the Girl Scouts Gold Award Scholarship Fund of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. In 1993, a young Girl Scout came to the Foundation to inquire about establishing a scholarship fund to benefit girls in Muskegon, Oceana, Lake and Newaygo counties who have been active in Girl Scouting. It was her intent that the Girl Scouts would raise money over five years for this fund, and the Girl Scout Board of Directors agreed to match the monies raised by the senior Girl Scouts involved in fundraising projects. Their fund became a reality in late 1996, and we look forward to working with them to present scholarships to senior Girl Scouts who will be continuing their education.

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

Stanley C. and Maxine G. Sutherland Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Stanley Sutherland, Jr., who established the Stanley C. and Maxine G. Sutherland Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Education was important to Maxine Sutherland. She graduated from Muskegon Junior College in 1940, received her nursing degree from the Hackley School of Nursing in 1942, and continued her education over the years until she received a B.S. in Education from Western Michigan University. Nursing was also important to Maxine, and over the years she was employed by Hackley Hospital, Visiting Nurses, and the office of her brother, Dr. Griffith. In her memory, her husband, Stanley Sutherland, Jr., has established the Maxine G. Sutherland Memorial , a donor advised , which will assist Muskegon County residents to pursue careers in nursing and other health related fields as well as support other projects and programs that were equally important to her.

Community Foundation for Muskegon County

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

The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.

Scholarships

Our scholarship funds seek to empower and encourage Muskegon County residents to pursue their dreams, hone in their gifts, and give back to our community.

If you’re a high school or homeschooled senior, current college student, early college senior, or adult learner, the Community Foundation for Muskegon County may have a scholarship for you. We manage one of the largest scholarship programs in our area, with over $1 million committed to students in over 500 new and renewed scholarships awarded each year.

JJohn E. and Bernice L. Sydnor Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Bernice Sydnor, who established the John E. and Bernice L. Sydnor Memorial Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. John E. Sydnor made community and education his lifetime passions. He served a long list of civic organizations, including the Community Foundation as a Trustee and supporter. His 38-year career as an educator has left a permanent mark of excellence on his community. The Foundation was one organization to which John chose to leave a contribution. The John E. Sydnor Memorial will present scholarships to African-American students graduating from Muskegon County high schools and attending an accredited college, university or technical/trade school. The youth and educators of John Sydnor's community will feel his strength forever, as this gift to Muskegon keeps John Sydnor's passion for education alive.

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

Sidney and Adelaide Slater Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Sidney and Adelaide Slater, who established the Sidney and Adelaide Slater Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Although we were never privileged to know them, Sidney and Adelaide Slater were well aware of the Community Foundation and its ability to carry out their charitable objectives. Their will established an annuity trust for a sole beneficiary and stated that, upon the death of that beneficiary, the remainder of the estate should go to the Community Foundation to establish the Sidney and Adelaide Slater Education. This scholarship will be used to help Muskegon County's needy and deserving students attend college, ensuring that the ideals that were important to the Slaters will endure for many years to come.

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

Sherman R. Poppen Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Sherman R. Poppen, who established the Sherman R. Poppen Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Nancy Poppen was an artist who wanted children to explore and develop their talents in the fine arts. Prior to her death, in 1993, she established a fund in her name to provide "individualized arts opportunities" for Muskegon Public Schools students in grades three through 12. Her husband, Sherman Poppen, has watched the talents of over one hundred students develop over these last few years. Feeling the need to continue to support their talents, he established the Sherman R. Poppen Scholarship Fund to provide scholarships for Muskegon High School graduates who have participated in programs funded through the Nancy K. Poppen Fund. Now these students, pursuing arts studies at accredited colleges and universities or under the tutelage of master artists, can be assured of continued support and backing.

Navigant Credit Union 

Navigant Credit Union is the longest-operating, member-owned credit union in Rhode Island. Since its founding in 1915, Navigant Credit Union has been dedicated to providing its members with unparalleled financial products and services, while working every day to stay committed to the financial well-being of the families, businesses and communities we serve. 

Navigant Credit Union Charitable Foundation Grant

For over a century, Navigant Credit Union has been committed to making a meaningful difference in the community. In 2017, we established the Navigant Credit Union Charitable Foundation to further amplify our impact in five strategic areas:

• Education & Financial Literacy: Organizational and capital support for programs, supplies, building products, sports facilities and teams.
• Social Services: Financial support for programs and organizations for children, veterans, hunger and housing.
• Public Health, Safety & Well-Being: Support for programs addressing public safety, emergency care and eradication of disease.

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

Shantz Kaydon Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Richard and Dolores Shantz, who established the Shantz Kaydon Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Richard Shantz, President and CEO of Muskegon's Kaydon Corporation for many years, felt strongly about college and the value of an education. In the tradition of giving back to the community and the company that was good to him, Dick Shantz and his wife, Dolores, established the Shantz Kaydon Scholarship to benefit the children and step-children of employees of Kaydon Corporation in its Muskegon locations. This scholarship award of $12,000 over four years will help to ensure that a quality education is received by children of Kaydon Corporation employees far into the future.

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

Sailor Classic Athletic Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Don Trygstad, who established the Sailor Classic Athletic Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Two men, with a commitment to Mona Shores and to athletes who learn and play on their athletic fields, started the Sailor Classic over a decade ago to raise money for items needed, that fall outside the Athletic Department's budget. In addition, the Classic gives the community an opportunity to celebrate all that the school does for kids. Most importantly, the Sailor Classic provides an annual scholarship to one male and one female student-athlete who are outstanding on the field, in the classroom, and in need of financial support.

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

Rocket Scholars Foundation Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the parents and alumni of Reeths Puffer Schools, who established the Rocket Scholars Foundation Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. The Rocket Scholars Foundation was created by parents and alumni with two purposes in mind:

• To continue to foster within the school system a culture of rigorous academic achievement for all students and
• To offer those students who have demonstrated high achievement, scholarships to help defray the increasingly expensive tuition costs at colleges, universities and accredited post-secondary vocational and technical schools.

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

Robert A. and Clara C. Harrell Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Robert A. and Clara C. Harrell, who established the Robert A. and Clara C. Harrell Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Clara is from Muskegon and her husband Bob is from East Detroit. Clara went to Muskegon Community College where she earned her Nursing degree. The Harrell's believe that education is vital and is the gateway to students becoming what they dream they can be. This scholarship is for graduating seniors of any Muskegon County High School.

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

Rich McCarthy Oakridge Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Nancy McCarthy, who established the Rich McCarthy Oakridge Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Rich McCarthy knew what matters most in life. His philosophy was: "One hundred years from now, it will not matter what kind of car I drove or what kind of clothes I wore. All that will matter is that I made a difference in the life of a child." His family members, who have established the Rich McCarthy Oakridge Scholarship in his memory, say he far surpassed his goal affecting the lives of scores of young people. The teaching veteran and coach had a rich career at Oakridge as well as several other area schools. Although he struggled with severe health problems for many years he is remembered by wife Nancy as "always smiling; his greatest joy was making people laugh." The scholarship will benefit students of Oakridge Schools.

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

Reverend Moses J. Jones Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Reverend Moses J. Jones, who established the Reverend Moses J. Jones Endowment Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Born in 1898, Reverend Moses J. Jones was one of Muskegon's most beloved ministers. The Pastor of John Wesley A.M.E. Zion Church of Muskegon for 36 years, he founded the Urban League of Muskegon and received numerous honors including the Ambassador of Goodwill Award. Reverend Jones committed his life to building racial harmony in Muskegon. He helped establish this Scholarship in 1982 to make awards to deserving youths based on their contributions to their community, school, and church. Through this, Reverend Moses J. Jones continues to support the values of community awareness and harmony by granting the lasting gift of education to Muskegon-area youth. Reverend Jones died in 1989. His legacy lives on through this fund.

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

Ravenna Community Educational Foundation Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of many people in the Ravenna Community, who established the Ravenna Community Educational Foundation Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Dolores E. (Dee) Swanson gave the initial gift to start this back in December 2006. At that time it was a Build A Fund, but a gift from Rudolph and Ruth Lonnee put it over the top late in 2007. The Ravenna Community Educational Foundation intends to use it to enhance the quality of education through educational opportunities by generating and distributing financial and other resources for the benefit of the students and staff of the Ravenna Community Schools.

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

Nan Riekse Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Nan Riekse, who established the Nan Riekse Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Nan Riekse has a lofty dream; it is her desire to inspire. By establishing the Nan Riekse Scholarship and the Nan Riekse Donor Advised Funds, she has taken an important step toward realizing her dream. Her Scholarship will support non-traditional students attending Muskegon Community College who have financial need. Her scholarships will target adult women who may be attending school after raising their children or perhaps rebuilding their lives following a divorce. The Donor Advised Fund will be used to benefit local churches and a senior care center. Nan is an outstanding example of the "Power of One".

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

Peter J. & Barbara J. Kutches Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Barbara Kutches, who established the Peter J. and Barbara J. Kutches Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Pete and Barbara Kutches are well known figures in the Muskegon area, even though they both grew up in Escanaba. Pete was a coach in the area stretching over 4 decades at Muskegon High School, Muskegon Catholic Central, and finally Reeths-Puffer before retiring in the late 1990's. He was best known as a football coaching winning state championships as a head coach at MCC and R-P, the only coach in the state of Michigan to do so. Barbara was a nurse for several years at Mercy Hospital, serving as a time as the director of nursing. They shared 62 years of marriage, 5 children, 15 grandchildren, and soon-to-be 15 greatgrandchildren. Pete was the 10th of 13 kids in his family and the only one to go on to get a college degree because of a scholarship he was awarded. Because of this, Pete and Barbara both felt stongly that they wanted to provide that opportuntity to area youth, specifically in the areas which they felt rewarded by in their careers - education and nursing. 

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

Paul and Libby Kara Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Paul M. Kara, who established the Paul and Libby Kara Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. The Paul and Libby Kara Scholarship Fund helps graduating seniors or adult/returning students with significant financial need. It is designed to help students with the "last dollars" needed to continue their education. Paul and Libby believe that every student should be able to achieve their educational goals.

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

Nancy Waters and Mark Waters Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Nancy and Mark Waters, who established the Nancy Waters and Mark Waters Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. In recognition of what this community has meant to their family, Nancy and son, Mark, started this to support the educational, economic and community development needs and interests of African Americans in the greater Muskegon region. Through their leadership they are demonstrating how the Community Foundation can reach and support all its citizens. Mark passed away in 2015.

Cattaraugus County Trappers Memorial Scholarship

Created by the Cattaraugus County Trappers Association, this scholarship will be awarded to a graduating high school student who plans to pursue a degree in Natural Resources Conservation, Fish & Wildlife Management, Forest Management or similar area of study at a 2- or 4-year college. Financial need will be considered. Applicants must include list of outdoors sports in which they participate, a statement on importance of the role of sportsmen in conservation and management of fish and wildlife and natural resources, and information on career path in their goal statement.

Deputy Wayne and Carol Krieger Scholarship

Established in memory of sheriff's deputy Wayne Krieger by his family, this scholarship benefits graduating seniors of Cattaraugus County and Allegany County high schools intending to study criminal justice, with a preference for a student who is a BOCES criminal justice student. 

Daniel and Patrick McCarthy Scholarship

Given through the generosity of the Catherine M. Cridler Trust and named in honor of Daniel McCarthy, one of the founders of Olean Business Institute, this scholarship is available to students pursuing undergraduate business studies. The fund was renamed in 2023 to include Patrick McCarthy, son of Daniel, who also served as director of Olean Business Institute for many years.

Carroll Swanson Memorial Scholarship for the Performing Arts

This fund was established to provide a scholarship for a student at the following schools: Allegany-Limestone, Olean and Portville who has participated in a school music program (band or choral).

Big 30 Athletic Fund

This scholarship is for four graduating high school seniors from Big 30 participant schools. One award overall from any Big 30 school, one for a student from Cattaraugus County, one for a student from Allegany County, and one for a student from Pennsylvania. Students must have participated in at least two sports for all four years of high school. Emphasis will be placed on involvement in sports, but academic achievement will also be considered. Financial need may be considered.

Who We Are

The Community Foundation of Central Illinois will make a sustainable philanthropic impact in our community through visible leadership in connecting people who care with causes that matter.

Vietnam Veteran’s Moving Wall Fund

The Vietnam Veteran’s Moving Wall Fund Scholarship was established to support the children of local veterans who served in the Vietnam War or subsequent conflicts. It was created in 1990 by the Vietnam Veteran’s Moving Wall Committee using remaining funds originally raised to bring the National Vietnam Veteran’s Moving Wall Exhibit to Glen Oak Park in Peoria, Illinois. The exhibit honors the 58,126 Americans who lost their lives during the Vietnam War.