Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Utah

The Lawrence A. Taylor Research Fund in Petrology and Geochemistry offers financial support to two PhD students demonstrating outstanding research in Petrology and/or Geochemistry. Funded by Dong-Hwa Shin (Dawn) Taylor, this grant aims to alleviate some financial burdens associated with their doctoral studies, fostering excellence in these critical fields. Eligible candidates must be AGU student members currently enrolled in relevant doctoral programs and engaged in applicable research.

The Alliant Credit Union Foundation, established in 2008, is dedicated to bridging the digital divide for underserved communities. By providing reliable broadband, digital literacy resources, and technology equipment, the foundation aims to promote economic empowerment and self-sufficiency. They support 501c3 organizations that share similar missions and emphasize the importance of financial literacy. Their initiatives include collaboration with community leaders and organizations to deliver essential resources where they are needed most.

The Translational Transplantation Tolerance Cooperative Study Group, supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, aims to advance transplant tolerance strategies that promote long-term graft survival without lifelong immunosuppression. This initiative focuses on developing, optimizing, and evaluating methods to induce immune tolerance in allogeneic transplants through collaborative efforts across multiple centers, utilizing translationally relevant models to ensure effective outcomes.

The TTP Bridge Program aims to enhance the safety and accessibility of bridges in Tribal communities, addressing the urgent need for infrastructure improvements. With aging bridges affecting economic development and children's transportation, this program allows federally recognized Indian Tribes to apply for funding for planning, construction, and rehabilitation of bridges. By focusing on TTP bridges in poor condition, the initiative seeks to strengthen economic foundations and ensure better connectivity with markets, benefiting both families and communities.

The AHA Quest for Quality Prize recognizes hospitals and health systems that demonstrate exceptional leadership in improving care quality and advancing health. Applicants should showcase innovative models of care and effective partnerships with community organizations. One winner and two finalists will be honored at the 2026 AHA Leadership Summit in Denver. This award aims to inspire hospitals to commit to patient-centered care and address healthcare disparities, ultimately enhancing community health outcomes.

The National MS Society offers annual Research Grants for investigator-initiated proposals addressing key research questions from the Pathways to MS Cures Roadmap. These grants support diverse studies, including clinical and nonclinical research aimed at stopping MS disease activity, restoring function, and preventing new cases. Eligible applicants must hold an M.D. or Ph.D. and demonstrate relevance to the Society's research priorities. This funding opportunity promotes collaboration and focuses on underserved MS populations.

The North Ottawa Hospital Auxiliary Fund Scholarship, supported by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, offers financial assistance to students pursuing medical and healthcare-related degrees. Established in memory of Marjorie Hren Blohm, this scholarship prioritizes applicants from the Tri-Cities area who demonstrate financial need and academic achievement. Applicants must be at least second-year college students accepted into a relevant program, ensuring that qualified candidates receive the support they need to succeed in their educational pursuits.

The Pauline H. Bruce Memorial Scholarship, administered by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, offers $2,000 to students in Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, and Rappahannock counties. This scholarship honors Pauline Bruce, a dedicated educator with over 40 years of service in local public schools. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate a strong desire and aptitude for success in their college education, reflecting the spirit of community and educational excellence.

The Buckley Schools Marie Guyton Scholarship Endowment, established by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, offers three scholarships annually to graduating seniors from Buckley Community Schools. These include the Marie Guyton Valedictorian Scholarship and the Eleanor Smith Salutatorian Scholarship, both of which require no application, as well as the competitive Marie Guyton Leadership Scholarship. This initiative aims to recognize and support the academic achievements and leadership potential of local students.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation offers Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Awards to support research training in cystic fibrosis. The program provides up to $66,000 in salary support for the first year and $67,000 for the second year, along with $9,000 for research and travel expenses. Applicants focusing on CFTR protein function restoration or gene correction strategies are encouraged to apply. Open to U.S. citizens and residents, preference is given to recent graduates beginning their research careers.

The Benzie Central Legacy Scholarship Endowment, established by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Benzie County Central Schools pursuing postsecondary education. This scholarship emphasizes character, citizenship, and community service, while financial need and academic achievement are considered secondary. It aims to empower students to achieve their educational goals, fostering a spirit of giving back to the community that nurtured them.

The ASTRO-LUNGevity Residents/Fellows in Radiation Oncology Seed Grant aims to advance the research careers of residents and fellows focusing on radiation oncology and its impact on lung cancer treatment. This $50,000 award supports innovative basic, translational, and clinical research projects. A no-cost extension may be granted at ASTRO and LUNGevity's discretion, but the total project duration cannot exceed two years.

The Mary Beth Williams Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, honors the life of Mary Beth Williams, who tragically passed away in 1997. This scholarship supports students from Rappahannock County with a minimum GPA of 2.5, demonstrating financial need, and pursuing higher education in agriculture or related fields. Award amounts vary, reflecting the foundation's commitment to fostering educational opportunities in the community.

The Lucas Allen Erin’s Elderberries Scholarship Fund, established by a local entrepreneur, supports Fauquier County High School students pursuing their career goals. This $1,000 award requires applicants to be in good academic standing, demonstrate initiative, and provide a letter of recommendation from their employer. Priority is given to those exhibiting financial need and a work history. Managed by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, this fund aims to empower local students and enhance their educational journeys.

The AWS Welding Workforce Grants aim to enhance welding programs by providing up to $50,000 for essential resources such as new equipment and training. This initiative addresses the growing demand for skilled welders while supporting educational institutions. Eligible applicants include secondary schools, community colleges, and post-secondary programs. Preference is given to proposals that significantly increase welding graduates and address geographic areas with high needs. Note: Applications are currently closed and will reopen in January 2026.

The Lois R. Snead Arts & Crafts Scholarship Fund, managed by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, supports students in Rappahannock County who are pursuing education in arts or crafts. Eligible applicants must be graduating high school seniors and demonstrate community service and academic initiative. Priority is given to first-generation students in financial need, ensuring that local talent can thrive in creative fields. This scholarship reflects the Foundation's commitment to fostering community and artistic growth.

The Lane E. Warren Scholarship Fund, managed by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, offers a $1,000 award to a Madison County resident who is a high school graduate or graduating this year. This scholarship honors Lane E. Warren, a promising student whose life was tragically cut short. The selection criteria emphasize financial need and community service, supporting students pursuing college or certificate programs in their educational endeavors.

The National Institutes of Health is funding a groundbreaking project to enhance our understanding of Type 1 diabetes (T1D) through multimodal AI. This initiative aims to integrate diverse datasets to explore the interactions of biological processes in T1D development. By leveraging advanced AI models, the research will uncover critical insights, identify biomarkers, and pave the way for personalized medicine approaches, ultimately improving prevention and treatment strategies for this complex disease.

The Gina M. Finzi Memorial Student Summer Fellowship Program, funded by the Lupus Foundation of America, aims to engage students in lupus research across various disciplines. Six awards of $4,000 each will be granted for projects spanning 10 weeks between May and September 2026. Eligible applicants include undergraduate and graduate/medical students, with specific allocation preferences. This initiative promotes valuable research experiences under the guidance of established faculty at accredited institutions.

Pfizer, in collaboration with the American Headache Society, invites innovative proposals for quality improvement initiatives targeting gaps in headache medicine. The focus is on enhancing patient outcomes through effective diagnosis, treatment, and management strategies, as well as education in medical training. This grant aims to develop widely usable tools and information that promote patient-centered care and equity for those affected by migraine and headache disorders.

The Cooley, Dearing And Rinker Foundation Scholarship, managed by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, supports graduates from public schools in Winchester, Frederick, Rappahannock, and Warren Counties. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and show commitment to their college education. Award amounts typically range from $1,000 to $5,000, helping students pursue their academic goals. The foundation has a strong history of addressing community needs since its establishment in 2000.

LaVern Smith Scholarship

Scholarships awarded to members of a 4-H or a FFA chapter within Calhoun County. Applicants must be seniors in high school or enrolled in a technical school or college, and under the age of 19 at the time the application is submitted. GPA is not a determining factor.

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 George Brown 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 George K. Brown Scholarship was created in 2020. It honors the late George K. Brown, philanthropist, businessman, and a member of one of Marion’s founding families. 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. Special consideration will be given to applicants who intend to pursue an education and career in or related to business or management.

The Abortion Bridge Collaborative Funds, initiated by the Women Donors Network, aim to enhance abortion access across the U.S. in response to the 2022 Dobbs decision. The fund prioritizes support for 501c3 organizations committed to reproductive justice, focusing on immediate community needs and sustainable solutions. Emphasizing grassroots leadership and innovative approaches, the fund seeks to build a robust infrastructure for reproductive care, ensuring equitable access for all individuals in need.

The St. Baldrick’s Foundation Fellowship Award supports pediatric oncology training through a two-year fellowship, with a potential third year based on need and achievements. This initiative, powered by community fundraising events, aims to advance research for childhood cancer cures. The award provides a salary capped at $97,500 per year, covering salary and benefits for fellows. This fellowship not only fosters professional growth but also contributes significantly to the fight against childhood cancers.

The St. Baldrick’s Foundation Research Grant Award supports innovative research aimed at curing childhood cancers. With funding of $100,000 per year for two years, this grant is designed for hypothesis-driven projects that can be laboratory, clinical, or epidemiological in nature. Established through community-driven fundraising events, the foundation empowers volunteers and donors to make a significant impact in the fight against cancer, ensuring a brighter future for young survivors.