Best Grants for Charities in Tennessee

The John S. Russo Memorial Scholarship, administered by the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, supports graduating high school seniors from New Britain pursuing technical college degrees, especially in manufacturing. This scholarship emphasizes financial need and qualities like community involvement and leadership. By encouraging students with innovative thinking and a passion for technical education, the foundation aims to foster a skilled workforce that contributes positively to the local community.

The Cushing Scholarship was created in 2014. According to Marsha, “We are not as interested in a student’s financial status as we are on how they look at life.”

The WesTex Drilling Co – Robt. B. Cockrell Memorial Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Abilene, supports graduating seniors from select Abilene high schools. Applicants must have a 3.5 GPA and plan to pursue careers in engineering, science, or math. Scholarships range from $500 to over $5,000, with payments directed to educational institutions in August and January. This fund is part of a larger initiative to assist students in achieving their educational goals.

The Todd Moore Memorial Scholarship, administered by the Community Foundation of Abilene, honors a passionate golfer and student. This scholarship supports high school seniors from select schools who have played varsity golf. Awards range from $500 to over $5,000, with payments made directly to educational institutions. Todd's legacy lives on through this scholarship, reflecting his love for golf and education. Eligible students must demonstrate academic commitment and athletic participation in golf during high school.

The Stanley and Claudie Wilson Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Abilene, supports deserving students from Taylor County and surrounding areas who aim to pursue higher education, particularly in legal or literary fields. Applicants must be graduates in the top 20% of their class or possess a minimum 3.0 GPA. Scholarships range from $500 to over $5,000, with awards sent directly to educational institutions for fall and spring semesters.

Mission: To continually improve the Marion Area community through philanthropy, leadership and civic engagement. Rocco Nicolosi Memorial ScholarshipIndividuals selected for the Nicolosi Scholarship must have attended a high school located in Marion County throughout his or her entire high school experience and have ranked in the upper 25th percentile of his or her high school senior class.To preserve Rocco’s memory and discourage future tragedies, applicants must write an essay on the topic of “Why Young People in Marion Need to be Drug, Alcohol, and Substance Free.”

The Excellence in Community Practice Award, presented by the Society for Vascular Surgery, honors members demonstrating exceptional leadership in their communities as practicing vascular surgeons. This prestigious award recognizes individuals for their significant contributions to patient care and community health, showcasing their commitment to advancing vascular surgery. Nominees must have a minimum of 20 years of experience and be SVS members for at least 5 years, highlighting their dedication to the field.

Scott Elliott Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Scott Elliott Memorial Scholarship was established in 2019 by the family and friends of Scott Elliott after he lost his courageous battle against cancer. As a way to honor his legacy, the Scott Elliott Memorial Scholarship incorporates Scott’s life-long passion and commitment to swimming and education. He swam competitively for most of his life, and eventually would go on to become a swimming coach and mentor for 20 years at various clubs and programs around West Chester.

Scott’s impact on the West Chester swimming community is unmatchable. He was able to transform a pool deck into a magical place for so many people—a place where the strongest friendships were formed, the most intimidating obstacles were overcome, and new realizations of one’s potential began to take hold. The lessons Scott taught will not be forgotten, the memories he forged will not diminish.

The level of dedication Scott showed for swimming was only exceeded by his devotion to his wife and two children, Trevor and Piper. Scott was a very involved, loving parent and partner. He led by example through his commitment to bettering the community, his charismatic and approachable personality, his dedication to the sport of swimming, and his ever-relenting ability to persevere given any circumstance. Along with the many memories Scott’s friends and family will share along the way, the Scott Elliott Memorial Scholarship Fund will serve as a constant reminder of their father’s giving nature and very beloved personality.

In Scott’s tenure as a coach and mentor, he encouraged positive development among his swimmers both in and out of the pool. This scholarship embodies Scott’s commitment to helping others become the best version of themselves.

In addition to the Scott Elliott Memorial Scholarship Fund, supporters can remember and honor Scott by participating in the Annual Run to Find a Way #ScottStrong. The most recent run was held on June 4th, 2022. Visit the Run Sign Up Website by clicking here to register for this event.

Mission: To continually improve the Marion Area community through philanthropy, leadership and civic engagement. Quintin & Alice Linn ScholarshipThe Linn Fund is a scholarship, created in 2022, to support Marion County students pursing degrees and careers in economics, finance, mathematics, and statistics.

The African-American Community Foundation - Paul R. and Frieda M. Miller Memorial Scholarship, managed by The Dayton Foundation, offers financial support to African-American high school seniors in Montgomery County planning to attend historically Black colleges. This scholarship honors the legacy of educators Paul R. and Frieda M. Miller, aiming to promote educational success. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate financial need, with preference for those majoring in education.

The African-American Community Foundation offers the Pearl A. Dale and Audrey Parker Scholarship to support students who demonstrate resilience and academic achievement. Established by The Dayton Foundation, this scholarship honors the legacy of Pearl Dale, who overcame significant barriers in her education. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, score at least 21 on the ACT, and demonstrate financial need. This initiative fosters educational opportunities for African-American students, ensuring they have the resources to succeed.

The African-American Community Foundation - Robert S. Early, Sr. Memorial Youth Scholarship, established in 2017 by the Roosevelt High School Class of 1968, supports African-American graduates from Montgomery County high schools. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and be accepted into an accredited college or vocational program. The scholarship emphasizes participation in sports, particularly golf, baseball, or softball, honoring Robert S. Early's legacy as a dedicated community member and scholar.

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 Catherine Ferguson Scholarship

For more than 110 years, Rotary members have been addressing challenges around the world. Rotary links 1.2 million members to form an organization of international scope. It started in 1905 with the vision of one man, Paul Harris, in Chicago. He formed Rotary so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas, form meaningful, lifelong friendships, and give back to their communities. Rotary is truly international. Only 16 years after being founded, Rotary had clubs on six continents. Today, members in nearly every country are committed to service.

Locally, the Marion Rotary Club was chartered in 1922, as club number 1051, with 23 charter members led by Fred Guthery, the first president. The Marion Rotary Club, along with the Marion Rotary Foundation, which was incorporated in 1959, has contributed to many organizations and scholarships over the years. 

The Marion Rotary Club Catherine Ferguson Scholarship migrated to Marion Community Foundation in 2017. It honors the late Catherine Ferguson, the first woman inducted into the Marion Rotary Club and its long-standing club secretary. It provides financial support for Marion County graduating seniors. Recipients will have been a resident of Marion County for at least two full years and maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher.

The African-American Community Foundation - Scott Neal Simpson Scholarship, established in 1999 by The Dayton Foundation, honors Scott Simpson, a promising athlete and scholar. This scholarship supports Montgomery County high school graduates pursuing higher education at accredited institutions. With a focus on leadership, academic achievement, and community involvement, it aims to empower students who demonstrate resilience and dedication to their education, fostering a brighter future for the community.

The Shell Creek Watershed Scholarship, offered by the Lower Platte North Natural Resources District, awards three $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors from specific high schools in the Shell Creek Watershed Monitoring Program. Eligible students must have completed at least one year in the program and plan to pursue studies in science or natural resources. The scholarship is disbursed in two installments, contingent upon maintaining a GPA of at least 3.0 in college.

The Hanover Insurance Community and AVID Scholarship Program, administered by Scholarship America, aims to support high school seniors from specific areas in Massachusetts and Michigan who plan to pursue higher education. By providing scholarships, this initiative seeks to eliminate financial barriers and promote educational success for underrepresented students. With a focus on equity and accessibility, the program encourages eligible students, particularly those in the AVID program, to further their academic aspirations.

The Dayton Daily News Si Burick Scholarship honors the legacy of sports editor Si Burick, awarded annually to a graduating senior from specific counties in Ohio pursuing journalism. The scholarship emphasizes academic success and journalistic aspirations, supporting students with a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrated financial need. Established by The Dayton Foundation, this initiative reflects a commitment to fostering talent in journalism while contributing to the community's cultural and educational landscape.

The Gusto Impact Awards, launched by Gusto, honor small businesses making significant contributions to their communities. With $325,000 in prizes across five regions, winners will receive advertising and cash rewards to enhance their impact. Eligible candidates are small businesses in the U.S. with under 75 employees and less than $7 million in revenue. This initiative celebrates local heroes, from baristas to nonprofits, showcasing the vital role of small enterprises in driving community progress.

The United Nations Association of Connecticut Scholarship, managed by the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, provides financial support ranging from $2,000 to $3,000 for current high school students in Connecticut. Eligible applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, engage in international issues, participate in Model UN or similar programs, and study a foreign language. This initiative aims to empower students committed to global citizenship while ensuring equitable access to educational opportunities.

The Daryl Jones Memorial Scholarship honors a beloved coach and mentor from the Dayton area. It is designed for high school graduates who aspire to follow in his footsteps by pursuing a career in education or mentorship. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and be accepted into a two- or four-year college. This scholarship aims to support those who embody Daryl's values of community, teamwork, and dedication.

The Pagan Scholarship honors Jack and Shirley Pagan by supporting students in their pursuit of post-secondary education. Managed by the Coastal Bend Community Foundation, this scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities in the Coastal Bend region. Eligible applicants include high school seniors and current college students from Nueces or San Patricio County, Texas, who demonstrate a minimum GPA of 2.5 and a commitment to automotive, veterinary, or business fields.

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) is inviting innovative research applications on the causal relationships between human behaviors and oral-systemic health impacts, particularly for people with chronic conditions. This funding opportunity encourages the exploration of biological, environmental, and psychosocial factors contributing to health outcomes. Projects should aim for translation into clinical trials to manage dental and craniofacial conditions effectively. Collaboration among diverse health experts is strongly encouraged.

The Burney - Cecil E. Burney Scholarship, established in memory of Cecil E. Burney, aims to enhance the quality of life in the Coastal Bend by supporting students who have graduated from high schools in the CBCF seven-county area. Eligible applicants must be graduating seniors or current college students maintaining a GPA of 3.0, and they must be enrolled full-time at an accredited college or university in the United States.

The Charles Pankow Student Fellowship, offered by the ACI Foundation, supports undergraduate and graduate students in concrete-related studies. Awardees receive a $10,000 educational stipend, recognition in Concrete International, and travel expenses for ACI conventions. To qualify, students must complete an internship in a construction environment before the award year. This fellowship not only fosters educational growth but also connects students with industry mentors, preparing them for successful careers in the concrete industry.

The Dan L. Hickey Memorial Scholarship, established in 1998 by his children, honors the legacy of Mr. Hickey, a U.S. Air Force veteran and educator. This scholarship supports graduating high school seniors from Dayton Public High Schools who plan to major in education, reflecting Mr. Hickey's commitment to teaching and student development. By investing in future educators, the scholarship aims to foster a new generation dedicated to excellence in education.

The New Britain-Berlin Rotary Club Scholarship, administered by the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, supports graduating seniors from local high schools, especially INTERACT Club members. This scholarship aims to promote educational attainment and community engagement, assisting students in pursuing further education or technical training that fosters personal growth and career success. By investing in youth leadership and service, it encourages a vibrant community and strengthens the region's educational landscape.

The Cindy Wright Memorial Scholarship, established in 2022, honors the memory of Cindy Wright, a beloved community member and family figure. This scholarship supports graduating seniors from the Miami Valley with a minimum GPA of 2.5 who are accepted into higher education institutions. Applicants must demonstrate community service, with financial need considered if qualifications are equal. The scholarship reflects Cindy's legacy of love and commitment to family and community.