Best Grants for Capital Funding in Vermont

The Harvard Extension School Grant for the Premedical Program offers financial support to admitted premedical candidates who have completed at least two premedical courses with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. To be eligible, applicants must meet the priority deadline and demonstrate financial need. This grant typically covers up to two courses per year for a limited number of candidates, providing essential assistance for those pursuing a career in medicine.

The Kwan Fong Scholarship, offered by Harvard University, provides financial support for one course each fall and spring term to candidates enrolled in the ALM in management or finance program. To be considered, applicants must complete all required financial aid application materials by the priority deadline. This scholarship aims to promote accessibility to Harvard's educational offerings, helping students achieve their academic goals in a flexible and affordable manner.

The J. Kent Trinkle Scholarship Fund, offered by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports Bexar County high school graduates in pursuing higher education. This scholarship is available for full-time and part-time students across all areas of study, covering tuition and books. Renewable for up to three years, applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5. Since 1964, the foundation has impacted countless lives through its commitment to community enhancement.

Arnold Ventures invites proposals for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate social programs and policies. Focused on evidence-based solutions, this RFP aims to fund rigorous research that identifies effective interventions for pressing social issues. By supporting RCTs, Arnold Ventures seeks to enhance the understanding of what works in policy implementation, thereby informing decision-makers and improving resource allocation. Proposals exceeding $500,000 may require additional approval time.

The Medical Student Travel Award aims to support medical students interested in pathology by providing up to $1,200 for travel expenses to the CAP Annual Meeting in Las Vegas (October 3-6, 2026). This award facilitates valuable learning experiences through networking opportunities and insights into the pathology field, enhancing the awardees' understanding of residency training and the role of pathologists in healthcare.

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.

Collier Scholarship

The Collier Scholarship Fund was established in 2016 by Dr. Wayne Collier to honor the memory of his parents, Herbert & Freida Collier. He is an optometrist and noted community philanthropist in Bucyrus, Ohio, having been named the community’s 2015 Citizen of the Year.

The Collier Scholarship supports promising students and graduates of high schools in Crawford County—Bucyrus, Wynford, Colonel Crawford, and Buckeye Central—where he now lives, as well as his alma mater, Bellevue Senior High in Bellevue, Ohio. Special consideration is given to applicants who participated in music programs in high school or college.

The U.S. Western Digital STEM Scholarships aim to support underrepresented and underserved youth in pursuing STEM degrees. Offered by Western Digital and administered by Scholarship America, this program provides a $5,000 award to students transferring from community colleges to four-year universities. Eligibility includes a minimum GPA of 2.7 and demonstrated financial need. Preference is given to first-generation college students and those from historically underrepresented backgrounds, fostering diversity in STEM fields.

The ACS Award for Encouraging Underrepresented and Economically Disadvantaged Students into Careers in the Chemical Sciences recognizes individuals who inspire students from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in chemical sciences and engineering. This award includes a $5,000 honorarium and a $10,000 grant for an academic institution to enhance its outreach efforts. It aims to foster inclusivity and appreciation for chemistry as a vital science, promoting equal opportunities regardless of personal characteristics.

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 Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Vocational Education Merit Award Fund

The Vocational Education Merit Scholarship was created to provide scholarships to two graduating high school seniors who have excelled academically and is a nomination based award.

Award Type: Single-Year Award

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

John-Elizabeth Blaho Miller Fund

The John-Elizabeth Blaho Miller Fund of The Pittsburgh Foundation was created to provide scholarship assistance for students, with a preference for students who have an awareness and appreciation of Hungarian culture, including its history, customs, and traditions, and who are undertaking a theological education in preparation for a ministry that draws upon Lutheran teachings in its worldview. John C. Miller was born in Budapest October 1910. In 1921 he immigrated to the United States with his parents (John Miller and Elizabeth Blaho Miller) where they resided in Ambridge, PA. For several years John was the manager of five motion picture houses owned by the Chateau Amusement Company. In 1955 he became a program supervisor at Buhl Planetarium where he retired at the age of 67 in 1977. In December 2001 John established this scholarship in memory of his parents.

Award Type: Single Year. Previous recipients are encouraged to re-apply in consecutive years.

The Accelerator Programs: Reach Grant, offered by Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, aims to bridge gaps in pediatric cancer research by funding pre-clinical studies necessary for clinical trial readiness. With a mission rooted in Alex Scott’s legacy, the program supports innovative research that can lead to effective treatments for children with cancer. By facilitating the transition from laboratory to clinical settings, the Reach Grant plays a crucial role in advancing pediatric oncology and improving outcomes for young patients.

The Jack and Jill of America Foundation offers College Prep Grants aimed at enhancing college readiness for African American children. These grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations dedicated to building a pipeline of talent. Eligible applicants include public agencies and organizations aligned with the Foundation's mission. The funding excludes scholarships, operational costs, and individual applicants, focusing solely on direct program implementation costs.

The Pittsburgh Young Professionals Scholarship Fund, established by The Pittsburgh Foundation, supports local students in their educational pursuits. It offers scholarships for high school seniors, undergraduates, and graduate students attending various educational institutions in the Greater Pittsburgh region. Eligible applicants must demonstrate volunteer experience, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, and be members of the Pittsburgh Young Professionals network. This initiative aims to foster professional and civic development among young individuals in the community.

The Joseph, Rose, Myron, and Norman Fink Memorial Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, provides financial assistance to current high school seniors from San Antonio pursuing higher education. This renewable scholarship supports students in all areas of study who demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. Established in 1964, the fund aims to enhance the quality of life through educational opportunities, ensuring that contributions make a lasting impact in the community.

The Dermatology Foundation's Dermatologist Investigator Research Fellowship offers $30,000 to advance early-career researchers in dermatology. This fellowship is designed for dermatologists committed to an academic career in medical and surgical dermatology. It supports research training for those with substantial experience in other fields transitioning to skin research. Eligible candidates must meet specific educational and training criteria, ensuring focused dedication to cutaneous research while adhering to funding guidelines.

The Forensic Pathology Advanced Training Grant, supported by the College of American Pathologists Foundation, aims to address the physician shortage in pathology by providing CAP Junior Members with a four-week rotation at an ACGME Accredited Forensic Fellowship Training Program. This initiative offers hands-on experience, mentorship, and training in forensic pathology, while funding up to $5,000 for eligible expenses. The program is open to all CAP Junior Members in accredited US residency programs who have completed their first year.

The Point Foundation Flagship Scholarship is dedicated to empowering LGBTQ students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees at accredited U.S. institutions. It provides financial assistance, mentoring, and leadership development opportunities, ensuring these students have the support necessary to excel academically and professionally. Scholarships are renewable for up to four years, and recipients benefit from a vibrant community of scholars and alumni, enhancing their educational journey and future career prospects.

The National Glaucoma Research Program, funded by BrightFocus Foundation, aims to support groundbreaking research in glaucoma. Established in 1978, the program has awarded over $35 million to 32 projects focusing on understanding and treating this disease. The Standard Awards provide $150,000 over two years for researchers with preliminary data to further their work. Eligible institutions must be non-profit and demonstrate their tax-exempt status to receive funding, fostering innovative solutions for glaucoma treatment.

The CDC's grant aims to enhance global public health emergency responses by engaging partners to improve rapid detection and intervention strategies. It seeks to build sustainable programs that strengthen resilience in communities affected by humanitarian crises. With periodic openings for applications, this initiative ensures a diverse roster of partners ready to tackle emerging public health threats effectively. The program underscores the importance of federal support in managing complex health emergencies worldwide.

The Florence Emma Eichler Scholarship, offered by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports students pursuing any field of study in the USA. Applicants must be full-time students maintaining a minimum 2.0 GPA, having graduated from high schools in Bexar or Llano County. This renewable scholarship provides funding for tuition, room and board, and transportation fees, aiding in the educational journey of deserving students for up to three years.

The Bernie Smillie Memorial Scholarship was established in 2010, in memory of Freeland resident and business owner Bernie Smillie. Bernie passed away in 2000, due to complications from a lung transplant he had received in 1994. In 2005, family and friends of Bernie established the Bernie Smillie Memorial Golf Outing. Proceeds of this outing has helped to promote organ donor support and awareness and establish this scholarship fund.

Bernie Smillie Memorial Scholarship - Medical

Evaluation Criteria

• Leadership ability
• Financial need
• Academic performance
• Standardized test scores
• Special skills
• Awards and honors
• Community service
• Work experience
• Extracurricular school activities
• Overall involvement
• Career goals as demonstrated in essay
• Letter of recommendation.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:

• Encouraging philanthropy
• Developing a perpetual, flexible endowment
• Assessing and responding to emerging and changing needs
• Serving as a resource, catalyst, and coordinator for charitable activities
• Promoting efficiency in the management of charitable funds

The Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds.

• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. 
• Most scholarships are for students who live in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties. However, some are also available to students who live in Berkshire County and Hartford County in Connecticut.
• We offer scholarships to those who attend on either a full-time or part-time basis. 
• Any student who plans to enroll for the upcoming fall semester, in any year of college as an undergraduate or graduate student and who will attend an accredited post-secondary school in the United States may apply.
• Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

Christine Balch Memorial Scholarship Fund

Supporting Hampden County residents attending medical school

The Francisca H. Eschauzier Scholarship, offered by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports current high school seniors from Bexar County pursuing higher education. This scholarship covers tuition, fees, and books for students enrolled in associate or bachelor's degree programs. It aims to assist those who lack financial resources to attend college, ensuring that deserving students can further their education and enhance their future opportunities.

The Franque and Phillip Curtis Scholarship, provided by the San Antonio Area Foundation, offers financial assistance to graduating high school seniors from Bexar or Kendall County who demonstrate a need for aid to pursue higher education. This renewable scholarship supports full-time students in various fields of study at accredited institutions within the USA. Established to enhance community impact, it has been empowering students since 1964, ensuring they can achieve their educational goals and improve their quality of life.

The Zimmer Biomet Foundation offers product donations to support medical mission trips and charitable surgeries in the U.S. They aim to improve community health by providing essential medical resources to underserved patients. Requests must be submitted 90 days in advance by qualified medical professionals affiliated with non-profit organizations. The foundation prioritizes donations for uninsured patients and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, fostering a commitment to diverse and equitable healthcare access.

The EEF High School Graduate Scholarship, offered by the Environmental Education Foundation, supports students from the Geneva Lake area pursuing environmentally-focused college degrees. Applicants must demonstrate a passion for conservation, have a solid high school record, and plan to attend an accredited four-year college. Financial need is considered alongside the fulfillment of other criteria. This scholarship encourages students to continue seeking additional funding for their education.