Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in Tennessee

The Karl Hirsch Memorial Grants, established in honor of Karl Hirsch, support innovative research in paleontology and related fields. These grants fund activities such as museum travel, specimen collection, and advanced analyses. Preference is given to first-time applicants and WIPS members, although active membership is no longer a requirement. Past grant recipients must have met reporting obligations to be eligible. This initiative aims to foster diverse research projects and advance the field of paleontology.

The Gerald M. Friedman Fund Grant, established in 2002, honors the contributions of Gerald M. Friedman to sedimentary geology. It supports graduate students in their research and travel for professional development. Eligible candidates must be in good academic standing and have completed at least one semester of graduate study. This fund, initiated by Friedman's former students, reflects his legacy in academia and the field of sedimentary geology.

The ACS Professor Award, presented by the American Cancer Society, recognizes full professors who have significantly advanced cancer research. This honorific award aims to support innovative pursuits in cancer research with a budget of up to $80,000 per year for five years. Applicants are expected to demonstrate impactful contributions and leadership in the field, along with a commitment to mentorship and community engagement. The award highlights the importance of ongoing advocacy and research in improving cancer treatment and prevention.

The Gabriel, Joseph and Lila Mandour Karam Scholarship, established by the late Joseph G. Karam, supports educational opportunities for students attending 2-year or 4-year colleges, universities, or vocational schools. Administered by the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, the fund has awarded nearly $60,000 to various nonprofits since 2012. The scholarship reflects a commitment to the dramatic arts and technological development, continuing Joseph's philanthropic legacy and vision for community enrichment.

The AGA Pilot Research Award offers $40,000 for one year to independent investigators at any career stage, focusing on innovative research in gastroenterology or hepatology. Applicants must hold an MD, PhD, or equivalent degree, and AGA membership is required at the time of application. This award encourages early career researchers and supports projects with new directions, emphasizing mentorship for those in the early stages of their careers.

The Hart Family Scholarship, established by Todd and Terry Hart, supports students residing in the 1969 Fire District area of the Town of Trenton. It aims to provide educational opportunities for those accepted into accredited colleges, universities, or vocational schools in the U.S. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and must have lived in the area for at least three years. This scholarship reflects a commitment to enhancing community vibrancy through education.

Changing the Way America Thinks About Race Scholarship

Changing the Way America Thinks about Race Scholarship Fund (CHATR) provides scholarships to Black and Brown students in the state of Washington who are pursuing undergraduate studies. CHATR is particularly interested in supporting Black and Brown students from Bremerton High School, The Why Not You Academy, and those who are active in the Rainier Athletes Mentorship program in the Bellevue School District who are interested in using their college experience to help facilitate changing the way America thinks about race. Awarded funds may be used for tuition, books, room and board, and travel to/from school.

Amount

• 2 awards, $5,000 each

The Nicholas R. Rizzi Foundation Grant aims to assist individuals in financial need who seek to further their education through accredited programs. Established in 2005 to honor Nicholas R. Rizzi, the foundation has awarded over $38,000 in scholarships and grants. Each year, eligible applicants can receive up to $1,000 for tuition and related expenses based on financial need, academic performance, and recommendations. The foundation prioritizes direct payments to educational institutions.

The EMF SAMFund Financial Assistance Grants support young adult cancer survivors facing financial hardships due to their diagnosis. With 80,000 young adults diagnosed with cancer each year in the U.S., these grants provide critical assistance for essential living expenses like rent, car payments, and education. By prioritizing applicants who demonstrate financial need and articulate how the grant will aid their recovery, the program aims to alleviate financial toxicity and empower survivors to move forward with their lives.

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation's College Scholarship Program offers financial support to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need. Scholarships cover significant educational expenses, including tuition and living costs, potentially providing up to $55,000 annually. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.75 or higher and plan to enroll in an accredited four-year institution. This competitive program not only alleviates financial burdens but also connects students to a network of over 3,400 Cooke Scholars.

The Mount Rest Fund Grant, established by the East Tennessee Foundation, continues a legacy of support for women and children in Knox County. Founded in 2004, it honors the historical commitment of the Mount Rest Home, which began in 1894. The grant focuses on projects related to early childhood education, health drivers, and addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Eligible organizations must serve the local community and comply with non-discrimination policies to qualify for funding.

The Northern California DX Foundation Grant supports amateur radio projects that promote education and international goodwill. It provides financial assistance for well-designed DXpeditions to rare locations, especially those generating global interest. Grants are typically awarded to expeditions that align with the foundation's mission, ensuring participants have a financial stake in their initiatives. The foundation emphasizes thorough review of operator qualifications, equipment appropriateness, and operational plans before granting support.

Community Foundation of Noble County

At the Community Foundation of Noble County we are passionate about making Noble County an even better place to call home. Since 1991, area residents have been turning to the Community Foundation of Noble County to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible, as we see it as our mission to serve as a catalyst for positive change. The Community Foundation of Noble County is a public charity 501 (c) 3 entity.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Noble County offers a wide range of scholarships to support local students in achieving their academic and career aspirations. 

Kile, David O. & Marjorie B. Kile Scholarship

This scholarship is available to any Noble County resident who is at least 19 years of age with a high school diploma, or GED, in pursuit of higher education in a field of their choice. This scholarship is available to applicants planning to attend, or are currently enrolled, either full-time or part-time, in an accredited vocational school, or two-year or four-year college or university. The award is given one time, with no restriction on applying in subsequent years, for educational purposes only.

This funding opportunity aims to advance mechanistic research on precision probiotic therapies through a phased R61/R33 award mechanism. The initiative supports innovative studies identifying unique host characteristics that influence probiotic responses, addressing the variability in clinical outcomes. By focusing on person-specific features, the goal is to enhance the effectiveness of probiotics and overcome barriers to treatment success, ultimately leading to tailored probiotic interventions that better meet individual health needs.

The Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Topical PCORI Funding aims to support high-quality, patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER) focusing on individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This funding opportunity recognizes the diversity of conditions under IDD and the varying support needs among individuals. PCORI encourages the use of both person-first and identity-first language, acknowledging the preferences within the disability community, and aims to enhance the quality of healthcare delivery for these populations.

The CIRI Foundation offers the Higher Education Scholarship to support Alaska Native students pursuing post-secondary education. Scholarships provide $200 per credit hour for undergraduates and $400 for graduates, with a maximum of $9,000 per year. Eligible applicants must be CIRI shareholders or descendants, maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA, and be enrolled in accredited institutions. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities and promote cultural heritage.

The Fordney Foundation Grant supports talented individuals in dance, aiming to foster professional careers and enhance community engagement in dance sports. Established in 2002, the foundation offers financial assistance to young dancers (ages 6-25) and promotes ballroom dancing across diverse ethnic backgrounds. Its DanceStart Program aids families in supporting their children's dance education at competitive levels, emphasizing the importance of physical conditioning and personal expression through this art form.

The Excellence Annual Scholarship, offered by the CIRI Foundation, supports full-time undergraduate and graduate students with a minimum GPA of 3.5. This merit-based scholarship recognizes academic excellence and community service, providing up to $10,000 for one academic year. Funding covers direct educational expenses and personal expenses, ensuring Alaska Native beneficiaries can pursue their educational and career aspirations while preserving their rich cultural heritage.

The ILSG Student Research Fund, established by the Institute on Lake Superior Geology, aims to support student research in the Lake Superior region with annual awards totaling US$1,000. This initiative encourages the presentation of research findings at ILSG meetings, fostering academic growth and collaboration. The fund originated from a US$10,000 contribution by the Board of Directors in 2005, with ongoing financial support from annual meeting proceeds, ensuring its sustainability for future student researchers.

The Paralyzed Veterans of America Research Foundation offers grants and fellowships aimed at enhancing the quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injuries and diseases. With a history of funding over $54 million since 1976, the foundation supports innovative research across categories like Basic Science, Clinical Applications, Design & Development, and Fellowships. Grants can reach up to $200,000, fostering advancements in medical technologies and training for future experts in spinal cord research.

The Deems Taylor/Virgil Thomson Awards, established in 1967 by the ASCAP Foundation, honor exceptional books, articles, and liner notes about music. With total prizes of $4000, awards are given to top submissions in Pop and Concert Music genres. Eligible works must be published in the previous year and meet specific criteria. The foundation aims to celebrate the legacy of Deems Taylor and Virgil Thomson, prominent figures in American music history.

The Local Filmmaker Fund by the People's Media Fund supports filmmakers in Greater Philadelphia, enhancing their skills and film projects through a 12-month cohort program. This initiative prioritizes under-resourced filmmakers committed to social justice, offering funding up to $400,000. Eligible applicants must be at least 18 years old, live in designated areas, and either direct their film or secure fiscal sponsorship. The program fosters community storytelling and aims to amplify diverse voices in media.

Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln

The Community Foundation offers many advantages to donors, professional advisors, nonprofit organizations and the community at large. We constantly strive to ensure that the giving process is as streamlined and safe as possible so our donors can focus on the most important aspect of philanthropy - helping others.

Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation serves the counties of Cass, Christian, Logan, Macoupin, Menard, Montgomery, Morgan and Sangamon in central Illinois, and administers an annual scholarship program for approximately 50 scholarship funds.

Fred E. Droste Memorial Scholarship

Graduating senior from a high school in Macoupin or Montgomery Counties who is pursuing a degree in a STEAM-related field.

The R Accelerated Award Grants by Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation aim to support innovative pediatric oncology research. These grants are designed for early-career scientists focused on developing less toxic therapies for childhood cancers. Eligible applicants must be first-time principal investigators with a strong institutional backing and a commitment to pediatric cancer research. The program emphasizes the importance of scientific rigor and aims to accelerate the discovery of effective treatments, thereby improving outcomes for children with cancer.

The New Century Scholars Doctoral Scholarship, offered by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation, supports doctoral students who aspire to a teacher-investigator career in communication sciences and disorders in the U.S. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in a research doctoral program and show commitment to higher education. The foundation will award up to 15 scholarships of $10,000 each for the current cycle, fostering the next generation of educators and researchers in this vital field.

The Clinical Research Grant: Collaborative Research Studies, offered by the American Speech Language Hearing Foundation, supports mid-career investigators in conducting innovative research on treatment efficacy in communication disorders. Emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration, this grant encourages studies that yield pilot data for larger projects, with a budget cap of $50,000. Eligible applicants must hold a PhD in relevant fields and show commitment to independent research, avoiding overlap with other ASHFoundation grants.

The American Speech Language Hearing Foundation offers Clinical Research Grants aimed at fostering independent research studies that enhance treatment efficacy for communication disorders. These grants support early-career investigators and experienced researchers embarking on new projects. Proposals must demonstrate potential for significant impact, and funding of up to $75,000 over two years is available. This initiative seeks innovative solutions to improve the lives of individuals with communication challenges.