Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in Utah

The CFSI Education Fund Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana, awards multiple $2,000 non-renewable scholarships to students over 25 who have some college experience but no degree. This program aims to support those returning to complete their post-secondary education, including vocational training. By empowering individuals from Clark and Floyd counties, the scholarship fosters educational advancement and community growth, reflecting the foundation's commitment to enriching lives through learning.

The NIHCM Foundation's Trade Journalism Award honors outstanding reporting aimed at specialty audiences, focusing on enhancing the affordability, accessibility, and quality of healthcare in the U.S. A $15,000 prize will be awarded to the winner. Entries, which can be individual stories or series published in 2025, must provide valuable insights relevant to health plans, policymakers, and stakeholders, addressing the critical issues of rising healthcare costs and access.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. Scholarship award amounts range from $1,000 - $5,000 for a single year.

Robert and Judy Dreiling Scholarship

This scholarship offered to northern Nevada residents who are high school graduates or who have earned a high school equivalency certificate and adults seeking education to attain better employment.

The ideal candidates will be enrolled in an Associate's Degree track or certificate program at the school of their choice; the degree track or certificate program should result in a good lead to a good job. 

The scholarship will pay up to $5,000 for an Associate’s Degree or certificate program at private trade schools or community colleges for one or more candidates. You will be asked to write brief essays discussing: your life, your plans for the future, why you chose your certificate program, and how your education will impact your life and your family.

The NIHCM Foundation's Policy Research Award honors outstanding research published in peer-reviewed journals that significantly contributes to improving the affordability, accessibility, and quality of healthcare in the U.S. The winner will receive a $20,000 prize. Eligible entries must address healthcare affordability and be published in 2025, with a maximum of three submissions per author. This award aims to recognize innovative insights that can inform policymakers and stakeholders in the healthcare sector.

The Mary Kay Ash Foundation Domestic Violence Shelter Grant Program supports shelters across the U.S. that provide essential services to women and children escaping abusive situations. Established in 2000, this grant aims to uphold the mission of eradicating domestic violence through financial assistance to dedicated organizations. Eligibility is limited to shelters recognized by state domestic violence coalitions, while those funded in the previous cycle are ineligible. Join the fight against domestic violence by applying for this vital support.

The Joan M. Wismer Foundation, established in 2001, honors the legacy of Joan Marilynn Wismer, who was dedicated to charitable work and community service. The foundation focuses on improving lives through education, youth development, safety, humanitarian services, and medical research. It primarily supports IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and churches, while emphasizing the importance of sustainable funding and effective financial management in its grant-making process.

The Hayden Family Scholarship, established by Ms. Jerry Hayden in memory of her father, supports students pursuing an associate's or bachelor's degree, or workforce training in Alabama. It is open to part-time and full-time students at accredited U.S. institutions and can be renewed annually for up to four years, contingent on maintaining eligibility. Funds can be utilized for tuition, housing, and educational supplies, emphasizing the importance of exploring additional financial resources.

The Museum Grants for African American History and Culture (AAHC) program, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, aims to enhance the capacity of African American museums. This initiative supports professional development for museum staff and promotes accessibility to collections at these institutions and HBCUs. By fostering institutional growth, the program plays a vital role in preserving and showcasing African American history and culture through museum initiatives.

The Undergraduate Development Program Student Travel Award offers undergraduate science majors a unique opportunity to attend the Society of Toxicology Annual Meeting from March 21–23, 2026. The program aims to inspire students pursuing research careers in toxicology and related biomedical sciences. Participants will engage with professionals, attend sessions, and explore various educational and career paths. SOT emphasizes inclusiveness, encouraging diverse perspectives to enhance innovation in the field.

Grand Rapids Community Foundation

Connecting people, passion and resources

The Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that connects people, passion and resources. With our partners, the Community Foundation uses the tools of philanthropy to find solutions to pressing issues. We provide grants to support the work of nonprofits, scholarships to local students and other forms of support to communities working to eliminate barriers to opportunity, prosperity and belonging.

Our Mission is to build and manage our community’s permanent endowment and lead the community to strengthen the lives of its people.

We envision a magnetic and interconnected West Michigan community.

Integrity, Excellence, Inclusion, Sustainability and Bold Aspirations

Give and Receive Openly, Build Trust with Each Other, Create Brave and Safe Space, Embrace Vulnerability, Accountability

Our North Star

For West Michigan to grow and prosper, we must make sure that everyone can apply their talents and creativity to fuel our future. It is only by connecting across perspectives and overcoming inequities that we can build and sustain an inclusive economy and thriving community.

Opportunities for students

Apply for scholarships to support your ambitions

Each year Grand Rapids Community Foundation supports hundreds of students on their college or career training journeys. We are excited to remove barriers to academic success so that students like you can pursue what you're passionate about.

Scholarship Fund Details

Support for West Michigan Students

Attending college or trade school increases opportunity and opens doors to careers. Donor partners who establish a scholarship fund give students a boost on their path to higher education. Students who complete the general scholarship application are considered for these scholarships.

Open to full time, third-year or higher undergraduate students who are 2+ year residents of Kent County enrolled in a STEM major.

The SHC Student Research Grant supports research utilizing herbarium resources across various taxa, including plants, fungi, lichens, and algae. Eligible projects may involve fieldwork, data collection, or meta-analysis of herbarium data, with an emphasis on enhancing herbarium collections. Three grants are awarded annually: two for $500 and one specifically for undergraduates for $250. Applicants must be student SHC members with projects likely to lead to publication.

The Clinical Data, Safety and Statistical Centers (CDSSC) program, supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), aims to enhance clinical research through comprehensive support. This includes statistical analysis, protocol development, and oversight of safety monitoring in studies related to asthma, autoimmune diseases, and transplantation. By coordinating these efforts, the program seeks to facilitate impactful research outcomes and improve public health outcomes through informed data-driven decisions.

The Childhood Asthma in Urban Settings Clinical Research Network (CAUSE) aims to enhance asthma prevention and treatment in economically disadvantaged pediatric populations. Funded by the NIH, CAUSE supports multi-site clinical studies to identify innovative strategies and treatment targets for asthma. Utilizing systems biology, the network seeks to discover specific disease endotypes suitable for new therapeutic approaches, addressing the high burden of asthma in urban settings.

About the Emporia Community Foundation

Our Mission

To connect caring people with causes that build stronger communities within the Emporia area which includes Chase, Coffey, Greenwood, Lyon, Morris, Osage and Wabaunsee counties.

Team Schnak Strong Fund

The purpose of the Team Schnak Strong Fund is to provide funds to qualified individuals to cover expenses related to the treatment of childhood Type I Diabetes. Grant requests will be considered for children up to the age of 21. Full time students at Emporia State University or Flint Hills Technical College are eligible until the age of 24.

The Sophie Kosiorek Scholarship, provided by the Erie Community Foundation, awards $800,000 in scholarships to over 500 deserving students annually. This scholarship specifically supports a four-year member of the Seneca High School girls basketball team, recognizing the positive attitude and strong team ethic exemplified by Sophie. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, ensuring that the scholarship supports both athletic and academic excellence.

Shaw's Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations that enhance community well-being, focusing on hunger, youth education, and health. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified and serve specific regions like California and Hawaii. An employee sponsor is mandatory for applications in these areas. The grant review process typically takes about eight weeks, and the foundation prioritizes collaborations with local partners to maximize community impact.

The Kowalik Family Christopher Gott Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Erie Community Foundation, aims to support a high school senior from the City of Erie who embodies Christopher Gott's passion for learning and skill development. In 2023, the foundation provided over $800,000 in scholarships to more than 500 students pursuing further education. This scholarship honors Christopher, a devoted nurse and classical guitarist, who epitomized the spirit of continuous personal growth.

The James V. Gray Memorial Scholarship II, awarded by the Erie Community Foundation, supports Erie County graduating seniors pursuing two-year programs with a minimum GPA of 2.5. In 2023, the foundation awarded over $800,000 in scholarships to help over 500 students achieve their educational dreams. This need-based scholarship honors James Vincent Gray, a dedicated teacher and coach, reflecting the foundation's commitment to education and community development.

About

Macchia Family Foundation

Aims to assist those who cannot assist them selves, or who have attempted to better their own lives and/or the lives of their families but have come up just a little short.

• Assisting children and people in need
• Supporting social, educational and philanthropic programs that better peoples lives
• Providing a helping hand to those who need it

The Get Schools Cooking Grant supports medium-sized U.S. school districts in transforming their meal programs from processed to scratch-cooked foods. In partnership with the Chef Ann Foundation, it offers a multi-year journey that includes workshops, assessments, and collaborative planning, with a value of nearly $250,000 per district. Eligible districts must demonstrate commitment to fresh, whole foods, leadership support, and self-operated food service.

The James V. Gray Memorial Scholarship, established by the Erie Community Foundation, honors a dedicated educator and coach. This need-based scholarship supports Erie School District graduating seniors who have been accepted into accredited colleges with a minimum GPA of 3.0. In 2023, the Foundation awarded over $800,000 in scholarships to assist more than 500 deserving students in their pursuit of higher education.

Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM)

The Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM) is dedicated to promoting high-value care and achieving optimal outcomes for acutely ill patients. As part of this mission, SHM seeks to address inequities in acute patient care and contribute to a greater dialogue on this important issue. As the home for hospitalists, SHM activates and engages our community to

• Advocate for our specialty, our members, and the diverse patients we serve.
• Promote high-value care and optimal outcomes for acutely ill patients.
• Meet the evolving educational needs of a dynamic specialty.
• Cultivate an inclusive community for hospitalists and support career growth and wellbeing.
• Advance the research and innovation of healthcare delivery, quality, safety, and experience across the care continuum.

Society of Hospital Medicine: Junior Investigator Award

SHM’s Junior Investigator Award was created to recognize junior/early-stage investigators. Junior/early-stage investigators are defined as faculty in the first 7 years of furthest postgraduate training. Applicants must be a hospitalist and a clinician investigator or non-clinicians (i.e., a PhD) researching Hospital Medicine relevant topics. Nominations from mentors and self-nominations are both welcome. Applicants may request feedback about their applications after adjudication of the winner. The winner will present the Junior Investigator Award commendation talk (30 minutes) during SHM Converge.

The James R. Herdzik Memorial Scholarship Award, administered by the Erie Community Foundation, offers financial assistance to Erie School District graduating seniors who plan to attend an accredited four-year college or university. This need-based scholarship aims to support students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher who demonstrate a strong commitment to community service. In 2023, over $800,000 in scholarships was awarded to help deserving students pursue their educational goals.

The Goodwine Scholarship, offered by the Erie Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from public or private high schools in Erie County pursuing a two-year associate degree or certificate. In 2023, the foundation awarded over $800,000 in scholarships to more than 500 students, ensuring they have the opportunity to further their education and skills. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 to qualify for this valuable support.

The IUSE: Innovation in Two-Year College STEM Education (ITYC) program, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), aims to enhance STEM education at two-year colleges. This initiative encourages innovative projects that promote student success in foundational STEM courses. Eligible institutions can request up to $500,000 for three years, with an extra $100,000 for those without NSF funding in the last five years, facilitating a total budget of $600,000 for impactful educational projects.

The Food Access and Retail Expansion (FARE) Fund Grant, part of America’s Healthy Food Financing Initiative, aims to enhance access to nutritious food in underserved regions. With a budget of $60 million over five years, the initiative supports innovative fresh food retail projects, offering grants and loans to address barriers in food access. This funding is crucial for catalyzing sustainable food enterprises and improving local food systems, ultimately fostering healthier communities.

The Growing Convergence Research (GCR) initiative by the National Science Foundation (NSF) promotes innovative solutions to complex societal and scientific challenges through multidisciplinary collaboration. By integrating diverse expertise, GCR aims to address specific problems and foster new research paradigms. Proposals must outline a five-year plan, divided into two phases, with budgets not exceeding $1.2 million for Phase I and $2.4 million for Phase II. Successful projects are expected to lead to transformative advances in science and technology.