Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Texas

The PEN/Voelcker Award for Poetry Collection, established by a bequest from Hunce Voelcker, is presented annually by PEN America to recognize a distinguished collection of poetry published in the calendar year. This award honors the importance of poetry collections as an art form and is open to all U.S. residents or citizens, regardless of age or poetic style, with a cash prize of $5,000. It aims to celebrate and expand the scope of American poetry.

James Weldon Johnson Scholarship

The James Weldon Johnson Scholarship, powered by Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., is one of many funding opportunities available to students through the NAACP's Inspire Initiatives. We offer scholarships to outstanding and qualified students pursuing undergraduate degrees. Through the generosity of our donors, we advance efforts to ensure equity in educational opportunity that prepares students for success in school, work, and life.

The James Weldon Johnson Scholarship is open to first- or second-year male students who will matriculate to full-time enrollment at an accredited academic institution in Fall 2025.

Scholarship amount:

• $1,500

Amount of Scholarships:

• 15

This is a non-renewable scholarship opportunity.

The PEN Open Book Award, presented by PEN America, recognizes literary works by authors of color published in the U.S. during the year. With a focus on diversity, it awards a $10,000 prize and a residency in Italy to authors who have not yet garnered significant media attention. This award promotes underrepresented voices in literature, celebrating fiction, nonfiction, and poetry that challenge the norms and enrich the literary landscape.

The PEN/Robert J. Dau Short Story Prize for Emerging Writers, awarded by PEN America, recognizes twelve emerging writers annually for their debut short story published in a literary outlet. Each winner receives a $2,000 cash prize, and their stories are published in an anthology by Catapult. The prize aims to foster new voices in fiction, inspired by Robert J. Dau's legacy, highlighting the importance of literary excellence and encouraging the next generation of writers.

The BioLEAP Classroom Grant, funded by the National Anti Vivisection Society, provides educators with up to $1,000 to purchase humane anatomy models, replacing traditional animal dissection methods. This initiative supports the use of innovative learning tools like 3D digital models and synthetic specimens, enhancing educational experiences while promoting ethical practices in science education. Eligible applicants must be U.S. educators teaching an anatomy lab in the upcoming school year.

Wichita Falls Area Community Foundation

For over 25 years, the Community Foundation has remained committed to leaving a legacy for future generations by promoting philanthropy, providing charitable opportunities, and facilitating donors’ interests. We work alongside donors and community partners to help meet area needs, create solutions, and inspire action to build a vibrant community today and a stronger community for tomorrow. 

Scholarships

The Community Foundation is home to 50 scholarship funds established by generous individuals, organizations and businesses to help students from our community and surrounding areas pursue their dreams through education. 

A.P. and Christine Clark Memorial Scholarship

A. P. Clark was the first one of his family to go to college. He had a good job in Fort Worth in the late 1930s and his mom argued with him about quitting it to go to college. He knew the importance of education and how hard it is for first time students who have no idea of what to expect. This scholarship was created in 2013 to honor his foresight and hard work. The award is for graduating seniors from WFISD attending MSU or Vernon College, pursuing any field of study. Student must have financial need, and be a US citizen. 

South Dakota Community Foundation

As a statewide community foundation, we work with donors, nonprofits and community leaders to strengthen philanthropy in South Dakota every day.

Scholarships

At South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF), we proudly manage more than 350 scholarship funds in partnership with generous donors who are committed to supporting students. These scholarships offer countless opportunities to help ease the financial burden of continuing their education.

Wilfred Jaspers Scholarship

To provide financial support as recommended by the scholarship selection committee in accordance with the selection criteria.

This scholarship, established in 2000 for Roslyn High School alumni, has now been made available to college students from the Britton, Langford, and Webster School Districts following the dissolution of the Roslyn School District.

The Sustainable Disaster-Relief Fund, established by Vanguard Charitable in 2006, aims to support communities affected by natural disasters. By providing funding for rebuilding efforts and necessary infrastructure, this initiative helps ensure that affected areas are better prepared for future disasters. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations in good standing, focusing on charitable purposes like operating expenses and specific projects. The fund plays a critical role in enhancing community resilience and promoting effective disaster recovery.

South Dakota Community Foundation

As a statewide community foundation, we work with donors, nonprofits and community leaders to strengthen philanthropy in South Dakota every day.

Grants

The South Dakota Community Foundation offers an array of grants to help state nonprofits realize their dreams and continue investing in their communities. 

Lamport Family Foundation College Grant

The purpose of this grant is to provide scholarships to graduates of Marshall County schools in memory of Steve Lamport and the Lamport Family. Applicants must exhibit the qualities of leadership, good citizenship, honesty, and personal initiative. The amount and number of scholarships awarded shall be determined by the Advisory Council and will be based on the amount of funding available for distribution. Funds will be distributed for the second semester (or quarter) and will be distributed directly to the postsecondary institution. 

South Dakota Community Foundation

As a statewide community foundation, we work with donors, nonprofits and community leaders to strengthen philanthropy in South Dakota every day.

Scholarships

At South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF), we proudly manage more than 350 scholarship funds in partnership with generous donors who are committed to supporting students. These scholarships offer countless opportunities to help ease the financial burden of continuing their education.

South Dakota Beadle Club Foundation

To provide financial support for South Dakota Beadle Club activities and scholarships.

The South Dakota Beadle Club took its name from General William Henry Harrison Beadle who served the people of South Dakota in many ways in promoting a sound system of public schools. One of the stated purposes of the South Dakota Beadle Club is to emulate the motives and ideals of General Beadle in his support of the public schools of the state. 

This funding opportunity seeks to enhance awareness and education on viral hepatitis among high-risk populations and healthcare professionals. It focuses on two components: community education and professional training. By fostering coalitions and providing resources, the initiative aims to improve testing, treatment, and care for hepatitis B and C, ultimately reducing morbidity and mortality linked to these infections. The goal is to empower communities and healthcare providers with the knowledge and tools needed for effective prevention and intervention.

The Tobacco Centers of Regulatory Science (TCORS) program, supported by the NIH and FDA, aims to foster research centers that enhance the scientific understanding of tobacco regulation. These centers will conduct hypothesis-driven projects on critical topics such as addiction, health effects, and marketing. By providing a multidisciplinary approach, TCORS seeks to inform public health strategies and ensure effective implementation of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act.

The Sports 4 Life Grants, co-founded by the Women’s Sports Foundation and ESPN, aim to promote the health and development of girls in underserved communities. This initiative focuses on increasing participation and retention rates of Black, Hispanic, and Native American girls in sports through funding for coaching, equipment, and facilities. By fostering leadership and self-esteem, the program seeks to empower young girls and provide them with lifelong benefits from sports participation.

The Transformational Partnerships Fund offers catalytic grants of up to $100,000 to support partnerships among degree-granting institutions, focusing on student-centered solutions. These grants aim to explore innovative collaborations that enhance stability and success for students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. Eligible institutions must demonstrate a commitment to transformational partnerships, with priority given to those serving diverse populations and improving educational outcomes. Interested applicants can find more information on the grant process and criteria.

The Facilities for Atmospheric Research and Education (FARE) Program, managed by the National Science Foundation (NSF), supports advanced research in atmospheric sciences through specialized facilities like the Lower Atmosphere Observing Facilities (LAOF) and Community Instruments and Facilities (CIF). These resources enable the geosciences research community to conduct essential fieldwork and studies by providing access to state-of-the-art instrumentation and logistical support. Detailed information is available on the NSF website.

 About NPCF

The Northern Piedmont Community Foundation (NPCF) began in December 2000 when nine concerned citizens from Virginia’s Piedmont region were searching for solutions to the charitable needs in Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, and Rappahannock counties. With modest beginnings, our funds have grown to over $39 million in support of local charities, scholarships and community need in our northern Piedmont region.

NPCF manages a wide variety of funds established by local individuals, families, businesses, or charitable institutions. Through our investment strategies, the returns from these funds are put back into the community through grant cycles, and scholarships, along with the personal causes the fund holder holds dear. 

On the nonprofit side, the staff at NPCF is committed to building deep bonds with our region’s nonprofits, educating and supporting them in their health as businesses and their resilience in their missions of supporting our most vulnerable. 

We believe that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. By working on both sides of the equation — growing our citizens’ resources while maximizing local nonprofits’ use of those resources — NPCF is ensuring that each link in the chain is healthy, strong, and contributing to the wellness of the Northern Piedmont community. 

Scholarships

Northern Piedmont Community Foundation manages the scholarship application process for dozens of scholarships for students in Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, and Rappahannock counties (as well as a handful serving students from surrounding counties too). 

St. Luke’s Foundation Scholarship Fund (Universal Application)

The St. Luke’s Foundation Scholarship is open to seniors who are residents of Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, or Rappahannock counties, and are alumni of any private school in Culpeper County, although priority is given to St. Luke’s alumni. The qualifying candidate should possess a minimum GPA of 3.0, demonstrate good academic standing, have community service experience and possess an academic record that displays leadership and initiative. Up to three scholarships are available for $1,000 – $2,000 depending on GPA. This award is renewable for all four years provided the student maintains a GPA of 3.0 and submits transcripts annually to NPCF

The Joint DMS/NIGMS Initiative aims to enhance research at the intersection of mathematical and biological sciences, fostering collaborations and innovative activities. Funded by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, this program offers two funding tracks: Track 1 supports projects with budgets up to $600,000 for three years, while Track 2 accommodates budgets up to $1,200,000 for three to four years. This initiative addresses critical questions in the biological and biomedical fields.

Beyond the Net Grant Program

The Internet Society Foundation’s Beyond the Net Grant Program offers funding to support Internet Society Chapters to implement innovative projects that make a local impact by providing meaningful access to an open, trusted, and globally-connected Internet, as well as strengthening the Chapters’ presence in the surrounding community. 

Program Objectives

• Strengthen the impact of the Internet Society and the Internet Society Foundation’s mission and global initiatives with complementary local activities. 
• Develop new and strengthen existing relationships and partnerships at the local level.

Focus Areas

The Foundation will support Internet Society Chapters to implement initiatives within one or more of the following thematic areas:

Projects that support community-centered connectivity for unconnected and under-connected populations by providing easy, sustainable solutions, and training on productive use of the Internet.

Projects that make access affordable and resilient for unconnected and under-connected populations by improving, supporting, or advocating for the development of local Internet interconnection infrastructure (e.g., IXPs).

Projects that equip recently connected people with knowledge and skills to protect themselves and their communities online.

Projects that advocate for and educate policy makers, courts, decision makers, and commercial entities about threats to the Internet as an open and accessible platform for free expression and the exchange of ideas, safeguarding fundamental rights, ensuring the well-being of users, and fostering trust in digital technologies.

The Kia Pet Adoption Grant, funded by the Petfinder Foundation as part of the Accelerate the Good program, supports organizations in the US, Canada, and Mexico with free or reduced-fee adoptions for dogs and cats. Grants are awarded monthly based on the number of adoptable pets listed on Petfinder.com until funds are depleted or November 1st. Grantees are required to report adoptions and share stories of pets adopted through this initiative.

The Meinders Retail Florist Education Grant Fund, established in September 2021 by Herman and LaDonna Meinders, aims to support the floral industry by providing grants for reduced or free registration fees to industry events. With an initial contribution exceeding $500,000, the fund promotes educational initiatives that attract young talent and address industry challenges. Managed by the AFE Education Committee, it is expected to distribute over $10,000 in its first year, ensuring sustainable support for vital educational programs.

The Communities Outreach Programme by the Islamic Development Bank aims to enhance the socio-economic development of Muslim minority communities in non-member countries. Established in 1981, it focuses on education, health, and capacity building to empower these communities. The programme supports initiatives that foster entrepreneurship, women's empowerment, and youth development, ensuring inclusive growth. By addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, it strives to improve living conditions and promote productivity, ultimately contributing to sustainable development in diverse regions.

The Hemophilia Alliance Foundation's Impact Grants aim to support organizations enhancing services for individuals with inherited bleeding disorders. Since its inception in 2009, the foundation has awarded over $6.6 million, enabling innovative projects that expand capacity and collaboration. Eligible applicants include local organizations and federally-funded treatment centers, emphasizing creativity in project proposals. Priority will be given to initiatives that address unserved populations and foster educational advancements in the community.

The Veterans Cemetery Grants program, administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, provides financial assistance to establish, expand, and improve Veterans cemeteries across the United States. With over $910 million awarded, this initiative ensures that state and tribal governments can maintain these sacred sites, supporting the interment of Veterans and their eligible family members. Grants cover up to 100% of project costs, reinforcing the commitment to honor those who served.

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

Saginaw County Child Development Centers Scholarship

A group of concerned citizens met in 1966 to investigate the feasibility of founding a child care agency as part of the local community’s services to needy families. This meeting resulted in the founding of the Saginaw County Child Development Centers, Inc. (SCCDC) in May 1967. The agency started with a staff of five and at the time of its dissolution in 1998, it had a staff of more than 200 and served nearly 1,200 economically disadvantaged and at-risk preschool children throughout Saginaw County.

In its 31-year history, SCCDC provided a variety of programs including home day care programs, emergency food programs, training programs for staff and parents, a food reimbursement program for home day care providers, Michigan School Readiness program, Head Start and housing programs. The success of the program was its partnership within the communities it served to provide an opportunity for children and families to move from poverty to a self-sufficient lifestyle. The agency was dissolved when Saginaw County Community Action Committee was required by the government to operate the Head Start program, instead of delegating to SCCDC.

The Asheville Young Woman Leadership Award, established by Dr. Andrea Gravatt, honors exceptional high school junior women in Buncombe County who exhibit remarkable leadership and community involvement. Funded by local women, this annual award aims to acknowledge these young leaders' achievements while inspiring future contributions to their communities. Recipients can utilize the funds for accredited post-high school education or enrichment programs, fostering a new generation of empowered female leaders.

The CDC is offering FY 2027 funds for a cooperative agreement to enhance national surveillance for human prion diseases, or transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), in the U.S. This initiative aims to confirm suspected cases and monitor emerging diseases through a specialized center utilizing advanced diagnostic techniques. Since 1997, this center has facilitated disease confirmation and trend evaluation, ensuring accurate surveillance and fostering confidence that novel prion diseases are not emerging in the country.

The Chattooga Club Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, aims to support current Club employees in pursuing higher education amidst rising costs. Eligible applicants must be employed at the Club and either be high school seniors or graduates. This initiative enhances educational opportunities for dedicated employees, contributing to their academic and professional growth.