Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in Tennessee

The William Emberton Scholarship, established in memory of Bill Emberton, awards $1,000 to students in Eastern Connecticut who demonstrate a strong interest in literature and poetry. Since 1983, the Community Foundation has distributed over $11.9 million in scholarships. This scholarship honors Bill's legacy as a passionate literary advocate and civic volunteer, supporting local students in their educational pursuits and fostering a love for literature.

The Viola A. and Henry W. Turner Memorial Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, supports high school seniors from Southeastern CT pursuing a four-year degree, particularly in education. Since 1983, over $11.9 million in scholarships have been awarded. The scholarship provides approximately $500, with awards sent to colleges by August 1, and is primarily need-based.

The St. Mary Catholic Community School Scholarship, established in 1989 by Dr. John Birdzell and the Crown Point Rotary, aims to enrich the quality of life in South Lake County. This non-renewable scholarship is available to graduating high school seniors who are alumni of St. Mary's Catholic Community School and actively involved in religious activities. Award recipients are invited to a special Scholarship Awards Night on May 7, 2026.

The Tri Kappa Scholarship, established by the Crown Point Community Foundation, aims to enrich the quality of life in South Lake County by providing financial assistance to graduating high school seniors who are residents of Crown Point, IN, and involved in community service. This non-renewable scholarship invites awardees to a special Scholarship Awards Night on May 7, 2026, at the Halls of St. George.

The Walter J. Bernacki Memorial Scholarship, established by the Crown Point Community Foundation, aims to support graduating high school seniors from Lake Central, Portage, or Crown Point High Schools. Eligible applicants must be senior football players with a minimum GPA of 3.25 and are encouraged to have work experience during high school. This non-renewable scholarship promotes community engagement and academic achievement, culminating in an awards ceremony on May 7, 2026.

The National Geographic Content Scholarship, offered by the United Negro College Fund, supports juniors and seniors from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Recipients receive a $10,000 award and participate in a one-week immersion program with National Geographic, gaining valuable industry experience and mentorship. This program seeks passionate individuals interested in creative storytelling and environmental advocacy, promoting diversity and inclusion within the media field.

The Hearst Journalism Awards Program, established in 1960, supports undergraduate journalism education with up to $700,000 in awards through various competitions. Open to ACEJMC-accredited students, it includes writing, photojournalism, audio, television, and multimedia contests. Each participating university can submit two entries per competition, promoting excellence in journalism while providing schools with stipends. While primarily for journalism majors, exceptions exist for photojournalism entrants, fostering inclusivity and creativity in the field.

The Crown Point Youth Baseball Scholarship, administered by the Crown Point Community Foundation, supports graduating high school students from Crown Point who have a minimum GPA of 2.75 and have participated in Crown Point Cal Ripken Baseball for at least three years. This scholarship aims to provide financial assistance to enhance educational opportunities for local youth, fostering community engagement and growth through sports participation and academic achievement.

The Grossman-Sada Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports full-time college students engaged in international exchange programs between Mexico and the U.S. This scholarship covers the cost of attendance for students pursuing a Bachelor's degree in any field. Since 1964, the foundation has played a vital role in enhancing community life through various grants and scholarships, emphasizing meaningful contributions for future generations.

For 30 years, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation has served as a partner in philanthropy to credit unions, with a mission to empower and inspire credit unions in the Carolinas through collaborative opportunities to enrich our communities. A great example of this collaborative philanthropy is our scholarship program. 

More than 20 credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina have active managed funds at the Foundation. The generosity of these credit unions helps hundreds of high school seniors as well as undergraduate and graduate students receive scholarship funds each year.

As a member of any of the following credit unions, you may apply for a scholarship. 

Summit Credit Union’s Elizabeth Hamilton Scholarship Fund

At Summit Credit Union, we believe that higher education is important - and that academic achievement should be rewarded. Each year, we give out a number of scholarships to deserving students from the region.

Jerry McGee Endowed Scholarship

The Jerry McGee Endowed Scholarship was created in honor of Jerry McGee for his 24+ years of service as executive director of the North Carolina Athletic Directors' Association (NCADA). This award is unique in that it honors student-athletes who have distinguished themselves by overcoming adversity and returning to excel beyond expectations in their respective scholastic athletic sport(s).

Recipients of the Jerry McGee Endowed Scholarship will be eligible to apply for the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association Scholarship (NIAAA) provided each meets the criteria set forth by the NIAAA. NIAAA scholarship applications are due by May 1 to the NIAAA.

Awards

• 2, $3000

Wilburn Clary Medal

The Clary Medal, made possible through the generosity of the Eddie and Jo Allison Smith Family Foundation, recognizes outstanding high school student-athletes annually in memory of Wilburn C. Clary.

Consideration given to the following criteria:

• Applicant must demonstrate excellence in athletic participation through awards, honors, and special recognitions.
• Applicant must demonstrate success in other, non-sport, extra-curricular activities.
• Applicant must demonstrate active involvement within their community through volunteer service programs, scouts, or other similar activities.
• Applicant must demonstrate a desire to excel in all areas of life - athletics, education, sportsmanship, teamwork, leadership, honesty and integrity.

Awards

• 2, $3000

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 Robert C. Dowd Scholarship

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 Robert C. Dowd Scholarship migrated to Marion Community Foundation in 2017. It honors the late Bob Dowd and 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 based on a 4.0 scale.

Special consideration will be given to applicants who intend to pursue an education and career in or related to finance, economics, business, music, or theater.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

NextEra Energy (NEE) Foundation Scholarship

The purpose of the NextEra Energy (NEE) Foundation scholarship, in partnership with NextEra Energy Foundation, is to provide financial assistance to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native undergraduate and graduate students enrolled full-time at an accredited institution and pursuing degrees with a focus in environment, energy, cultural sustainability, or a major in a STEM or STEM-related discipline. Native American students pursuing degrees that prepare them for the renewable energy workforce are encouraged to apply. 

This program will award 16 scholarships in the amount of $5,000 per academic year. This opportunity is a need-based award.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

Wilson-Hooper Veterinary Medicine Assistance Program 

The Wilson-Hooper Veterinary Medicine Assistance Program, created in the memory of Jane Wilson Hooper and Colonel Philip L. Hooper, provides financial assistance to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native students pursuing a degree in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Veterinary Technology (Associate of Applied Science) full-time at an accredited institution. 

The maximum amount of an academic year award is $5,000. This opportunity is a renewable, merit-based award.

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.

The Perry Township School Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Perry Township School Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to assist high school graduates or high school seniors who have permanent residency in Perry Township in Carroll County, Ohio or who had a permanent residence on the date they began their post high school education. Applicants must have been accepted at and are planning to enroll, or are currently enrolled, at an accredited college, university, or technical school with at least a two-year course of study to pursue further education.

Amount:

• Varies. Minimum $500.

Renewable:

• Yes

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 Harold W. Hall Scholarship

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 Harold Hall Scholarship was created in 2024. It honors the late Harold Hall, philanthropist and businessman. His scholarship provides financial support for Marion County graduating seniors who 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 on a 4.0 scale.

The American Academy of Optometry Foundation

The American Academy of Optometry (AAOF) is an association of optometric professionals who strive to stay at the top of their field. You will find like-minded colleagues within the American Academy of Optometry, an organization committed to promoting the art and science of vision care through lifelong learning.

The Academy’s membership is comprised of optometrists, vision scientists, and other qualified professionals who have committed themselves to the rigorous process required to achieve its prestigious designation, Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO).

For more than a century, the Academy has provided Fellows access to the best minds in optometry, vision science, research, and more. Today’s Fellows welcome the opportunity to attend the Academy’s premiere event, its annual meeting. Other members include students, residents, and Candidates for Fellowship.

Each fall attendees from around the world gather for thousands of hours of continuing education and exposure to the most recent research, networking, and latest products and services. Fellows particularly value the opportunity to connect with colleagues and mentors while enjoying an exceptional level of camaraderie.

OD to PhD Scholarship Program

The OD/PhD Scholarship Program funds optometrists receiving a PhD in eye and vision related fields. Examples of appropriate PhD programs include but are not limited to: Vision Science, Physiological Optics, Biomedical Sciences, Public Health, Education (emphasis on Optometric Education), Neuroscience, and Psychology. The program provides vital support to those who will teach and lead the next generation of optometry students and advance the profession’s cutting-edge research.

The American Academy of Optometry Foundation is proud to partner with EssilorLuxottica to offer the OD to PhD Fellowship, an opportunity created to support optometrists who are ready to take the next step into vision science research. This fellowship is open to individuals who have completed or are completing the clinical training required for the optometry degree and who are enrolling in a PhD program in vision science or a related biomedical discipline.

This competitive fellowship provides financial support during the early years of doctoral training. Awardees receive funding in their first year and may receive additional support in the second year based on successful academic and research progress as detailed in their annual progress report.

Note, awardees may receive the fellowship for up to one successive, two-year period. 

About us

SIR Foundation is a scientific foundation dedicated to fostering research in interventional radiology for the purposes of advancing scientific knowledge, increasing the number of skilled investigators, and developing innovative therapies that lead to improved patient care and quality of life. The foundation is committed to fostering the development and enhancement of innovative, minimally invasive, image-guided therapies from inception to mature clinical application and to conduct educational programs in the service of its mission.

Dr. Gary J. Becker Young Investigator Award

Promotes excellence in academic research for members early in their careers. This award honors the founding editor of the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology (JVIR) and recognizes the importance of the young investigator in developing interventional solutions for the future.

About

In 1990, SIR Foundation established the Dr. Gary J. Becker Young Investigator Award as a way to recognize promising young practitioners of interventional radiology early in their careers and encourage their pursuit of academic careers. Each year, the author of the most outstanding clinical science research paper submitted receives this distinguished award.

Award

$3,000 honorarium along with complimentary registration to the SIR Annual Scientific Meeting.

The award will be presented during the SIR Foundation Awards Ceremony at the SIR Annual Scientific Meeting.

For 30 years, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation has served as a partner in philanthropy to credit unions, with a mission to empower and inspire credit unions in the Carolinas through collaborative opportunities to enrich our communities. A great example of this collaborative philanthropy is our scholarship program. 

More than 20 credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina have active managed funds at the Foundation. The generosity of these credit unions helps hundreds of high school seniors as well as undergraduate and graduate students receive scholarship funds each year.

As a member of any of the following credit unions, you may apply for a scholarship. 

Telco Community Credit Union Scholarship Fund

At Telco Community Credit Union, supporting education is an important part of our mission to help members build brighter financial futures. We are proud to award multiple scholarships each year to high school seniors within our field of membership who are pursuing their dreams through higher education at a community college or university. By investing in students today, we’re helping to strengthen the communities we serve for generations to come.

Applicants who are not selected for a Telco scholarship are automatically entered into the wider Carolinas Credit Union Foundation scholarship pool for additional opportunities.

The Miller Family Scholarship offers financial assistance to graduating seniors from the North East, PA school district or residents of North East. This renewable scholarship is aimed at students pursuing college, university, or vocational education, requiring a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. It supports local talent and encourages higher education in the community.

The Joann and C.W. Carpenter Endowed Scholarship, established in 2016 by C.W. Carpenter in memory of his wife JoAnn, supports high school seniors from CCISD. With awards ranging from $100 to $16,000, this scholarship aims to assist those in financial need pursuing higher education, including vocational schools. This initiative reflects the Carpenter's commitment to community service and educational support, ensuring that deserving students receive the help they need to succeed.

The Warren L. and Florence W. Calvert Memorial Scholarship Fund, established in 1974, supports deserving geological students pursuing graduate studies in Economic Geology. Awarded first in 1978, the fund is sustained by contributions from HGS members and investment returns. Recipients, selected based on academic merit and endorsements from Earth Science professionals, must carry a minimum of 9 credit hours and can renew for subsequent years with satisfactory progress.

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) seeks to advance its mission by continuing support for a Clinical Research Network on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). AMR is a major health challenge that limits treatment options and allows resistant infections to persist. Individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes and cancer are particularly vulnerable, resulting in increased illness and death as well as higher healthcare costs in the United States. The program aims to design, implement, and manage clinical research addressing key clinical questions in AMR. Research will focus on bacterial and fungal infections associated with AMR. Areas of emphasis include clinical testing of new antibiotics and other treatments such as bacteriophage therapy, methods optimizing the use of existing antibiotics, evaluating novel diagnostic tests including using diagnostics to refine treatment strategies, and mentoring the next generation of AMR clinical researchers. Grant authorities that allow NIAID to forecast this opportunity are as follows: Sections 301 and 405 of the Public Health Service Act as amended (42 USC 241 and 284) and under Federal Regulations 42 CFR Part 52 and 2 CFR Part 200.

The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin awards nearly $300,000 in annual scholarships to support Central Wisconsin students’ educational needs. 

The Community Foundation proudly supports students in Portage and Waushara counties with over $325,000 in scholarships annually, thanks to the generosity of local individuals and families. Award amounts range from $500 to $40,000, opening doors to educational opportunities.

The Community Foundation provides scholarships for a wide range of students, including high school seniors, college students, non-traditional learners, and those pursuing specific fields of study.

Jeffrey Badura Memorial Scholarship

Criteria for Selection:

• Participated in interscholastic athletic competitions and extra-curricular activities.

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.

Cornell Goodman Scholarship

Adam and Gina Goodman created this scholarship fund in 2011 to honor the memory of Adam’s grandfathers Maurice V. Cornell and Bertram Goodman, longtime residents of the Marion area.

Maurice (1912-2001) was a graduate of Mt. Vernon High School and The Ohio State University. He held membership in Lombda Chi Alpha fraternity, Elks Lodge #32, 32nd degree Mason, Rotary, First Presbyterian Church, the Marion Country Club, and Symposiarchs. He served in the US Navy during World War II in the South Pacific. He was vice president of Marion Power Shovel for eight years and retired as the regional manager of Bucyrus-Erie Co. after 10 years.

Bertram (1921-2003) was an orthodontist in Marion from 1946-1980. He was a US Navy veteran who served in the Korean Conflict. He was a member of the Marion Lions Club and Temple Israel.

The scholarship supports students who have attended a high school in Marion County. The fund gives special consideration to students pursuing a college degree in a business-oriented field, such as accounting, economics, finance, or marketing. Recipients must rank in the upper 25th percentile of their high school graduating class, or, if in college, maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better.