Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in Tennessee

The Helen M. Free Award for Public Outreach, established by the American Chemical Society, recognizes outstanding volunteer achievements in public outreach that enhance public appreciation for chemistry. Awardees, selected based on their advocacy, creativity, and impact, receive a crystal award and a $2,000 prize. Nominees must be ACS members whose volunteer efforts have significantly increased public awareness of chemistry's importance. This annual award highlights activities that engage diverse audiences, promoting the significance of chemical sciences in everyday life.

Jack 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. .

The Allen and Rosalind Humes Humanitarian Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, supports high school seniors from Berlin and Deep River, CT, and residents of Winchester, NH. Eligible candidates must be active members of a faith community and average students, ranked in the middle third of their class. This scholarship aims to foster future success in humanitarian disciplines such as social work, nursing, and teaching, encouraging a commitment to serving others.

The Paul - Olga Paul Scholarship honors Olga R. Paul, a dedicated English teacher at Bishop High School for over 30 years. This scholarship supports students with a Bishop mailing address who are pursuing a teaching degree, maintaining a GPA of 2.0 or higher, and attending college full-time. Financial need and academic achievement are considered in the selection process, with preference given to future educators. The scholarship amount varies.

The Ruth M. and Adolph J. Betterini Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, supports graduating seniors from Berlin and New Britain High Schools. Eligible students must maintain at least a C+ average and intend to pursue a bachelor's degree in engineering or a medical field. Preference is given to those demonstrating financial need and good citizenship, ensuring that motivated individuals can further their education and contribute positively to their communities.

The Packaging Innovation Program by the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR) seeks innovative research proposals to develop sustainable packaging alternatives for U.S. specialty crops. With increasing restrictions on single-use plastics, this initiative aims to enhance global market access for U.S. producers. Collaborating with Clemson University and the Foundation for Fresh Produce, the program supports three research tracks, focusing on applied R&D, technology acceleration, and pilot-scale manufacturing projects to advance eco-friendly packaging solutions.

The Jalufka - Patricia Jalufka Endowed Scholarship, offered by the Coastal Bend Community Foundation, aims to enhance educational opportunities for high school and college students from the Coastal Bend. This scholarship targets those majoring in Education, particularly in teaching reading or diagnosing reading disabilities, providing support to foster academic excellence and community development.

The Dr. Horacio R. Villarreal Scholarship Fund aims to enhance the quality of life in the Coastal Bend by supporting current college students pursuing careers in the medical field. Funded by the Coastal Bend Community Foundation, this scholarship is available to juniors and seniors from specific counties with a minimum GPA of 3.0, providing essential financial assistance to future healthcare professionals.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion 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.

Marion Rotary Club’s Warren G. Harding Scholarship

The Marion Rotary Club Warren G. Harding Scholarship migrated to Marion Community Foundation in 2017. It honors the late Warren Gamaliel Harding, the 29th President of the United States, serving from March 4, 1921, until his death in 1923.

Rotary’s Harding scholarship is given to students who attend Harding High School and/or who intend to pursue an education and career in, or related to, journalism, business, history, government, or political science.

The Austrian-Hungarian Singing – Sick Benefit Society Donau, Inc. Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, supports graduating high school seniors pursuing higher education, particularly in fields related to Austrian or German culture. Preference is given to students of Austrian, German, or Swiss-German descent or members of the Austrian-Hungarian Club. This initiative not only aids academic pursuits but also promotes cultural heritage preservation.

The S.P. Shah Fellowship, offered by the ACI Foundation, supports PhD students focused on concrete materials with a $10,000 stipend for educational expenses. Recipients gain recognition in Concrete International magazine, mentorship, and coverage for travel to ACI conventions. The fellowship encourages international students attending institutions in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico, and requires no internship. Finalists must attend an interview at the Spring ACI Convention, making this an excellent opportunity for aspiring leaders in the concrete industry.

The H. D. Segur and Friends Scholarship, established by the Connecticut Community Foundation, provides a one-time award for graduating high school students entering college. As one of the largest scholarship providers in the Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills region, this initiative aims to support students in achieving their educational dreams. With a rich history dating back to 1923, the Foundation is dedicated to addressing community issues and fostering equitable outcomes for local residents.

Scholarship Overview

Since 1980, the Northern New York Community Foundation has awarded more than $28 million in scholarships to students from Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.

Rotary Purple Heart Scholarship

The Community Foundation administers the Rotary Purple Heart Scholarship. This is available to Jefferson, Lewis or St. Lawrence County residents who were awarded a Purple Heart by the U.S. armed forces or are a dependent — spouse or child, or grandchild — of a U.S. military member or veteran who was awarded the Purple Heart. Purple Heart Scholarship applications are reviewed throughout the year until all available funds for the academic year are awarded.

The ACI Foundation offers the Robert F. Mast Memorial Fellowship for graduate students in structural engineering, focusing on reinforced concrete design. This prestigious fellowship includes a $10,000 educational stipend, recognition in Concrete International magazine, coverage of travel expenses to ACI conventions, and mentorship opportunities. International students enrolled in institutions in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico are eligible, provided they demonstrate English proficiency. The fellowship aims to support the next generation of leaders in the concrete industry.

The Graton Fellowship, offered by the Sundance Institute, supports Indigenous artists from California-based tribes by providing a $25,000 grant and a year of comprehensive support. This includes access to mentorship, strategic creative services, and participation in the Sundance Film Festival. The initiative aims to empower artists to share their unique stories through film, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of California Indian tribes and fostering a greater understanding of their perspectives.

The Altrusa Club of Dayton Kay Webster Scholarship honors the late Kay Webster, a passionate advocate for children's literacy and former president of the Altrusa Club. Established in her memory, this scholarship supports graduating seniors from Montgomery or Greene County, Ohio, who demonstrate academic excellence and financial need, particularly those majoring in education or related fields. With a legacy of promoting literacy, the scholarship continues Kay's mission to impact the lives of children positively.

The ACI Presidents' Fellowship, offered by the ACI Foundation, supports graduate students in construction, design, education, or materials. Awardees receive a $10,000 stipend for educational expenses, recognition in industry publications, and travel support for two conventions. This fellowship emphasizes mentorship and professional development, ensuring that recipients are well-prepared for their future careers. International students are eligible, provided they study in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico, and no internship is required.

East End Neighborhood Association Scholarship Fund

Mission Statement

The sole purpose of this fund shall be to support agencies and other charitable causes as recommended by the Fund Advisors and approved by the Board of the Community Foundation.

The Pride in the Hills Scholarship, established by the Connecticut Community Foundation, offers a one-time award to graduating high school students who identify as LGBTQ+ or as allies of the LGBTQ+ community. This initiative, part of the Foundation's commitment to support local students, reflects over a century of dedication to enhancing educational opportunities in the Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills region. With generous donor support, this scholarship aims to help students achieve their college dreams.

The National Institute of General Medical Sciences Predoctoral Basic Biomedical Sciences Research Training Program (T32) aims to cultivate a diverse array of skilled scientists to meet the biomedical research challenges of the nation. This program supports U.S. institutions in developing evidence-based biomedical graduate training and mentoring approaches. By integrating didactic, research, and career development components, it prepares trainees for impactful careers addressing critical health-related research needs.

The Alleen O. McCoy Scholarship, established in 2024, honors the legacy of a dedicated educator whose commitment to learning inspired many. This scholarship supports students from Dayton Public High Schools aiming to attend college, with a preference for those attending historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). It seeks to empower future leaders who share Alleen's passion for education and community impact, ensuring her influence continues through the next generation.

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.

The Jack and Ruth Calder Scholarship, offered by the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from specific local high schools who reside in particular towns. With an average award of $300, preference is given to students who are actively involved in their communities through volunteering or have received notable recognition. This scholarship is a valuable opportunity for those dedicated to making a difference.

Rene Hernandez Scholarship Fund

Hispanic graduating seniors in Travis and Williamson county.

Awards

• (1) $2,000.00

The Amazing Grace Sulak Scholarship, established in 2017 by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, honors Grace Sulak and aims to support high school seniors from Bluffton, May River, or Hilton Head Island High Schools. To be eligible, students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate involvement in athletics and community service. This scholarship reflects the foundation's commitment to empowering local youth through educational opportunities.

The U.S. Hillman Book Prize, awarded by the Sidney Hillman Foundation, honors exceptional journalism that serves the common good. Open to global journalists, it recognizes books published in English in the U.S. within the last year. Winners receive a $5,000 honorarium and a certificate at an annual ceremony in New York City. The foundation also promotes entries with a U.S. impact while continuing the SEIU Award for Reporting on Racial and Economic Justice.

The Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis Fellowship, supported by Pfizer, Inc., aims to enhance training for healthcare professionals in recognizing and managing ATTR cardiac amyloidosis. This competitive program focuses on clinical practice, research, and education, fostering a deeper understanding of the condition. It specifically targets fellowship programs for Cardiologists and Advanced Practice Providers in Heart Failure, ensuring a strong emphasis on advancing knowledge and care in this critical area of cardiology.