Best Steele County Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation

The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation began in 1992 when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our region then, now, and forever.

This vision lives on within our organization today as we support the people and places of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians.

Together with our partners, we spark positive change for a variety of local causes, including youth, arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services, across our region.

Community Partner Scholarships

In addition to Community Foundation scholarships, college-going and college-bound students may be eligible for scholarship opportunities available across the region from our community partners.

Kurt Gamelin STEM Scholarship

Community Partner: Cone Drive, Traverse City, Michigan

The Kurt Gamelin STEM Scholarship celebrates the vision and dedication of our recently retired President, Kurt Gamelin. Throughout his career, Kurt championed STEM education and believed strongly in investing in the next generation of problem solvers and innovators. At Cone Drive, STEM is at the core of what we do every day, driving the engineering, innovation, and precision manufacturing that have defined our company for over 100 years.

Each year, one student will receive a $5,000 scholarship to pursue a college degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, continuing Kurt’s commitment to opportunity, growth, and excellence.

The National Writers Series Scholarships, offered by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, support aspiring writers in 11th and 12th grades from Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties. Eligible applicants must submit an online application along with a manuscript in one of the following genres: Fiction, Nonfiction, Journalism, or Poetry. This initiative encourages local youth to showcase their creativity and talent in writing, fostering a love for literature and expression.

• Innovative: An approach that brings fresh thinking, tools, or models to homeownership in ways that challenge the status quo and demonstrate a disruptive, future-oriented vision with potential to inspire or shift broader field practice.
• Impactful: A solution with meaningful potential to expand homeownership through knowledge and action, featuring clear and measurable progress indicators that demonstrate capacity to shift trajectories for low- and moderate-income households.
• Bridge-Building: An initiative that effectively connects and unifies a wide range of stakeholders, fostering meaningful collaboration across sectors or perspectives. The strongest submissions will reflect strong community partnerships across the housing ecosystem.
• Durable: A sustainable pathway that addresses root causes of homeownership barriers rather than just symptoms, with compelling evidence of potential to elicit robust support from broad private, philanthropic, and public funding sources over time.

The Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM) Capacity Program aims to enhance the capacity of state, territorial, and Tribal entities in the U.S. to implement and sustain AIM Patient Safety Bundles. By promoting evidence-based maternal safety practices, the program strives to improve the quality of maternity care, enhance maternal health outcomes, and significantly reduce preventable maternal mortality and severe morbidity.

The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Part D provides supplemental funding aimed at enhancing the infrastructure and capacity of organizations to deliver high-quality, family-centered HIV care services. This initiative focuses on two key areas: HIV Care Innovation and Infrastructure Development, ensuring improved access to essential services for women, infants, children, and youth affected by HIV.

The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Part B AIDS Drug Assistance Program Training and Technical Assistance aims to enhance the capacity of ADAPs. By providing essential tools and expert guidance, the program seeks to improve health outcomes for individuals living with HIV in an evolving healthcare landscape. This initiative is funded by the US HHS through the Health Resources & Services Administration, ensuring support and resources are effectively allocated to meet the needs of vulnerable populations.

The Fetal, Infant, and Child Death Review Program aims to enhance the effectiveness of fetal, infant, and child death review teams across state, local, and tribal levels. By providing essential leadership and technical assistance, the program ensures standardized practices for conducting quality fatality reviews and collecting vital data. These efforts will facilitate the dissemination of findings, ultimately informing prevention strategies and improving outcomes for vulnerable populations.

The State Maternal Health Innovation Program (SMHI) aims to enhance maternal health across states by addressing critical gaps. It focuses on improving service quality, developing a skilled workforce, and utilizing enhanced data capabilities. Through innovative programming, the initiative strives to significantly reduce maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity, ensuring better health outcomes for mothers and their families.

The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Nutrition Training Program aims to enhance the nutrition and overall health of mothers and children. This initiative focuses on interdisciplinary graduate education, equipping a skilled workforce to support Title V and other MCH programs. It seeks to expand nutrition education and career pathways while improving access to quality nutrition services. Trainees will gain practical experience through placements at health centers, ultimately benefiting families and communities.

The Leadership Education in Adolescent Health (LEAH) Program, funded by the US HHS: Health Resources & Services Administration, aims to enhance the quality of care for adolescents and young adults. By establishing graduate training programs, LEAH prepares healthcare professionals to effectively address chronic disease prevention and improve access to team-based healthcare services for this population, ultimately fostering better health outcomes and empowering future leaders in adolescent health.

The FY 2027 Service Area Competition (SAC) funding aims to enhance healthcare access in underserved communities across the U.S. by providing grants for comprehensive primary and preventive health services. This initiative addresses essential health needs through competitive funding opportunities, ensuring that health centers can effectively serve their designated areas. Additional service areas may be announced as needed if current centers are unable to continue their operations, thus maintaining service continuity.

The FY 2027 Service Area Competition (SAC) aims to enhance health services in underserved communities across the U.S. and its territories. This funding opportunity supports comprehensive preventive and primary health care delivery. Each SAC announcement details service areas available for competition, with potential additional areas announced throughout the year. This initiative is crucial for ensuring continuous access to quality health care for vulnerable populations.

The FY 2027 Service Area Competition (SAC) aims to enhance health services in underserved communities across the U.S. by providing grants for comprehensive primary and preventive care. This initiative will support health centers in delivering high-quality services, addressing the needs of populations that face barriers to care. Each funding opportunity will specify service areas available for competition, ensuring effective resource allocation to improve community health outcomes.

The World Trade Center Youth Research Coordinating Center aims to establish a research cohort to study the health impacts on youth exposed to the 9/11 events. This initiative, backed by the NIOSH, will focus on individuals aged 21 or younger at the time of exposure, including those in utero. The Center will integrate diverse expertise to assess long-term health and educational effects while enhancing community engagement and stakeholder communication throughout its activities.

The CDC is providing supplemental funding to 34 American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes and organizations through the Strengthening Public Health Systems and Services initiative. Eligible recipients can apply for new project plans for FY 2027. This funding aims to align measurable outcomes with the Healthy People 2030 goals, enhancing public health services and systems in Indian Country.

The FY 2027 Service Area Competition (SAC) funding aims to enhance health services in underserved communities across the U.S. by providing grants for comprehensive preventive and primary health care. The initiative supports health centers in delivering essential services, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the care they need. Service areas for competition are announced periodically, and additional areas may be added if existing centers are unable to continue their services.

The State Occupational Safety and Health Surveillance Program (U60) aims to enhance state-level occupational safety and health (OSH) surveillance capacity. Funded by NIOSH, this initiative supports various state programs, fostering partnerships among health departments and universities. By utilizing diverse data sources, these programs assess workplace health impacts and develop tailored interventions, ultimately ensuring better health and safety for workers across the U.S. This collaborative approach addresses critical gaps left by regulatory programs.

Marion Community FoundationMarion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.Mission: To continually improve the Marion Area community through philanthropy, leadership and civic engagement. Dr. Kathy Dixon Memorial ScholarshipThe Dixon Scholarship supports the educational careers of area students wishing to attend Marion Technical College and The Ohio State University at Marion. Applicants can be from any high school in Marion and its six contiguous counties. Special consideration is given to college upperclassmen who are majoring in the fields of science or health care.

Mission: To continually improve the Marion Area community through philanthropy, leadership and civic engagement. Marion Elks Lodge No. 32 ScholarshipThe Benevolent & Protective Order of the Elks is a fraternal service organization with more than 600 members in Marion. The Marion Lodge, the second in Ohio, was instituted in 1885 and recognizes former U.S. President Warren G. Harding as a member.

The Elks Scholarship at Marion Community Foundation was established in 2004 and grows annually with regular contributions from Lodge members. It makes awards to students from Marion and contiguous counties who are in the upper 40th percentile of their graduating class and maintain a GPA of 2.5 or better. Recipients are determined based on an essay which demonstrates their understanding of the ideals and mission of the Benevolent & Protective Order of the Elks and a commitment to the social values embodied by members of the Elks.

Marion Community FoundationMarion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Mission: To continually improve the Marion Area community through philanthropy, leadership and civic engagement. Tasha Jones Memorial ScholarshipThe Tasha Jones Memorial Scholarship Fund was created in 2020 to honor the young life of Tasha Jones (1985-2020), a long-time and faithful employee of Edgefield Animal Care Center in Marion. The Tasha Jones Memorial Scholarship, created by her colleagues at Edgefield Animal Care Center, supports students pursuing a career in animal science, veterinary medicine, veterinary technician, or veterinary technology, who will be grateful, happy, and hardworking and pursue a goal of making life better for the animals and people they meet every day.

The BETA Scholarship Fund, managed by the Brown County Community Foundation, provides financial support to residents of Brown County, Indiana, under the age of 25. This scholarship is designed for individuals pursuing education or certification at vocational, trade, or skills schools. Since its inception, the Foundation has focused on enhancing educational opportunities for local youth, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder their academic aspirations.

Herold and Retta Reuss Public Safety Scholarship

Applicants must demonstrate the drive and ability to be successful in pursuing a college education and/or a certification process in the fields aforementioned. Financial information is requested, but not necessarily a determining factor. Students who receive this scholarship may apply for further support in subsequent years.

George Sherman Scholarship

Applicants must be pursuing a two- or four- year degree or advanced education and/or training in the skilled trades and show evidence of involvement in co or extra-curricular activities or volunteerism related to the applicant’s field of interest. Transcripts and scores are requested, but not necessarily a determining factor.

Ann and Anthony La Pietra Scholarship

Recipients are chosen based on their efforts and achievements in an area that reflects the lifelong pursuits of Ann and Anthony La Pietra, longtime Marshall residents. These areas include the fine arts, community service and advocacy to support people in need, prevent discrimination, protect the environment and work toward peace and understanding. Applicants should be pursuing studies/majors related to one or more of these areas. Academic success and financial need may be considered but are not necessarily determining factors. Students who receive this scholarship are encouraged to apply for further support in subsequent years. 

Brown County Community Foundation

BCCF operates as a 501 (c)(3) corporation. It professionally manages and distributes income from charitable bequests consistent with the donor’s wishes and interests. In other words, BCCF manages charitable funds, making grants to local, nonprofit organizations based on advice from donors. Donors can specify a specific organization or a general area of concern within the community to which their gift be directed.

Scholarships

The Foundation manages several academic scholarship funds, many established expressly for Brown County High School graduates. 

Additionally, through the Foundation’s affiliation with The Lilly Endowment Inc., over forty Brown County residents have received four-year full-tuition scholarships through the Endowment’s Community Scholars Program.

BCCF Scholarships are available to current high school graduates, students currently enrolled in college, past graduates planning to enroll, as well as G.E.D. graduates.

Lions Club of Brown County Scholarship

Purpose: To provide one-year tuition assistance to five Brown County residents pursuing either a four-year college academic degree or a multi-year vocational degree at a trade school or community college.

Scholarship winners are chosen by the Brown County Lions Club using the application form. The selection committee considers service to the community/school, academic or vocational achievement, character, personal circumstances and financial need. Applicants may state their personal circumstances and financial needs in the section titled Statement of Special Circumstances.

Brown County Community Foundation

BCCF operates as a 501 (c)(3) corporation. It professionally manages and distributes income from charitable bequests consistent with the donor’s wishes and interests. In other words, BCCF manages charitable funds, making grants to local, nonprofit organizations based on advice from donors. Donors can specify a specific organization or a general area of concern within the community to which their gift be directed.

Scholarships

The Foundation manages several academic scholarship funds, many established expressly for Brown County High School graduates. 

Additionally, through the Foundation’s affiliation with The Lilly Endowment Inc., over forty Brown County residents have received four-year full-tuition scholarships through the Endowment’s Community Scholars Program.

BCCF Scholarships are available to current high school graduates, students currently enrolled in college, past graduates planning to enroll, as well as G.E.D. graduates.

Norman Family Scholarship

Purpose

To provide support for educational scholarships for students who are accepted into and attend accredited two- or four-year public or private institutions of higher learning, including vocational training programs which prepare students for gainful employment.

Brown County Community Foundation

BCCF operates as a 501 (c)(3) corporation. It professionally manages and distributes income from charitable bequests consistent with the donor’s wishes and interests. In other words, BCCF manages charitable funds, making grants to local, nonprofit organizations based on advice from donors. Donors can specify a specific organization or a general area of concern within the community to which their gift be directed.

Scholarships

The Foundation manages several academic scholarship funds, many established expressly for Brown County High School graduates. 

Additionally, through the Foundation’s affiliation with The Lilly Endowment Inc., over forty Brown County residents have received four-year full-tuition scholarships through the Endowment’s Community Scholars Program.

BCCF Scholarships are available to current high school graduates, students currently enrolled in college, past graduates planning to enroll, as well as G.E.D. graduates.

P.E.O Chapter CU Scholarship

Purpose

To provide a scholarship to a female Brown County resident who is graduating from high school or completing a G.E.D. and will be attending an accredited post-secondary educational institution in the U.S. or Canada, full-time or part-time, in the fall of the academic year following high school graduation.

Awards winners are chosen by P.E.O using the application process.