Best Quality of Life Grants in Vermont

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California's Innovative Conservation Program (ICP) has funded innovative water savings projects since 2001, with $250,000 available biannually. The program aims to evaluate and demonstrate the reliability of new water-saving technologies. Nearly 400 proposals have sought $36 million in funding. The ICP, supported by multiple agencies, encourages projects that can benefit Southern California's water efficiency, inviting proposals from outside its service area to enhance regional water management.

The Bezos Scholars Program, supported by the Bezos Family Foundation, is a transformative, no-cost leadership development initiative designed for high school juniors. Each year, selected scholars from the U.S. and Africa engage in a year-long program, developing leadership skills through civic engagement and community projects. Participants receive personalized college advising, funding for their projects, and an all-expenses-paid trip to the Aspen Ideas Festival, fostering a diverse community of changemakers committed to making a difference.

The AAAAI Distinguished Scientist Award recognizes exceptional contributions in allergy and immunology research, honoring those who have significantly advanced the field and demonstrated leadership. This prestigious award is presented by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, a leading organization for over 7,000 professionals dedicated to improving patient care and promoting research in allergic diseases. The award highlights the commitment to excellence and innovation within the specialty.

The Thoroughbred Education and Research Foundation (TERF) offers grants to support thoroughbred health, welfare, and education. Focused on enhancing equine research and safety in racing, TERF prioritizes funding for scholarships, educational programs, and veterinary medicine. Eligible applicants must be recognized 501(c)(3) organizations, with a commitment to transparency in reporting. This initiative aims to significantly impact the thoroughbred industry by fostering improved care and understanding of these horses, contributing to their overall welfare.

The Thoroughbred Education and Research Foundation (TERF) offers grants to support education and research related to Thoroughbred horses. The foundation prioritizes funding for scholarships, educational programs, and equine research aimed at promoting thoroughbred health and welfare. Eligible applicants include qualified 501(c)(3) organizations, while those previously funded must submit reports before applying again. Notably, TERF does not provide funds for facilities caring for unwanted horses or cover overhead costs for grants.

The Moody's Community Impact Grant Program supports organizations with tax-exempt status to foster social and economic equality. Established by Moody's Foundation, it prioritizes initiatives that empower underestimated communities and entrepreneurs, driving innovation and ecological restoration. The foundation focuses on inclusive growth, providing resources for small businesses and community resilience. Eligible organizations must be registered charities under U.S. IRS guidelines, while ineligible entities include individuals and those promoting unlawful discrimination.

The Store-Based Giving Program by Ross Stores Foundation supports socioeconomically disadvantaged youth by providing gift cards for school or professional clothing. Organizations must be federal tax-exempt and serve at least 60% low-income youth. Eligible programs include academic achievement and life skills initiatives. Award amounts typically range from $300 to $500, depending on budget and mission alignment. Applications are not accepted from organizations that have received donations within the past 12 months.

The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF) provides grants focused on HIV/AIDS care, advocacy, and education. Grants are awarded annually based on a review process, emphasizing projects that align with Ms. Taylor’s vision. Eligible organizations must have at least three years of experience in HIV/AIDS programs and can apply only once per year. ETAF prioritizes funding for direct care and prevention initiatives, while restricting support for multi-year proposals and non-HIV specific projects.

The AAAAI Special Recognition Award honors individuals who significantly contribute to the allergy and immunology community. Offered by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, this prestigious award recognizes outstanding efforts in advancing care and research in the field, promoting optimal patient outcomes. The AAAAI, with over 7,000 members worldwide, is a leading authority in allergy and immunology, dedicated to enhancing the knowledge and practice of these critical health areas.

The Sociedad Amigos de Colombia de Indiana (SADCO) Scholarship, managed by the Central Indiana Community Foundation, supports Latinx and Hispanic students pursuing post-secondary education. Applicants must be Indiana residents with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, demonstrating financial need and community service. Preference is given to first, second, or third generation Latinx and/or Hispanic students. Scholarship funds assist with tuition, fees, and other educational expenses, reinforcing the foundation's mission to build inclusive opportunities.

The Project Cure CRC Early-Career Investigator Award, offered by the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, seeks to attract innovative early-career faculty to colorectal cancer research. This award supports groundbreaking research aimed at enhancing our understanding and treatment of colorectal cancer. With no application deadlines, submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis, allowing awardees to receive funding for their original preclinical, translational, or early clinical research projects, fostering the next generation of CRC research leaders.

The Joseph O. & Geraldine C. Waymire Nursing Scholarship, established by the Waymire family, supports students pursuing nursing careers. It is open to high school seniors from accredited Marion County institutions and those enrolled in nursing programs at various educational levels. Funds can be used for tuition, fees, and other educational expenses. The scholarship aims to foster a diverse nursing workforce, reflecting the mission of the Central Indiana Community Foundation to enhance community opportunities.

The FY26 Pancreatic Cancer Research Program (PCARP) Idea Development Award promotes innovative, high-risk research aimed at significant advancements for pancreatic cancer outcomes. This award supports projects with preliminary data, focusing on impactful discoveries. It features a Partnering Principal Investigator option, enhancing funding for collaborations between experienced mentors and early-career researchers. All applications must align with the FY26 PCARP Focus Areas, ensuring relevance and potential for transformative results in pancreatic cancer research.

The RSLAAIS Leadership Award, presented by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), honors exemplary leaders within state, regional, or local allergy societies. This prestigious award recognizes individuals for their significant contributions to community involvement, clinical education, and the advancement of the AAAAI's mission. Candidates are nominated by the RSLAAIS Board of Governors and must demonstrate a commitment to enhancing their local allergy societies and the broader medical community.

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

Rita Reis Wieczorek Scholarship for Maternal-Infant and Pediatric Nursing

Created in 2020, by Rita Reis Wieczorek, EdD, RN, PNP, FAAN, together with NEF. Dr. Wieczorek is an NEF Board Member Emeritus and longtime board member. This scholarship is the first NEF Scholarship to focus on maternal-infant and pediatric nursing. For over four decades Dr. Wieczorek has devoted her career to providing the best maternal-infant and pediatric care to her patients as well as teaching the highest standards of care to master's and doctoral nursing students, motivating them to excel in their care for the well-being of mothers, infants and children.

American Brain Foundation

The American Brain Foundation funds research across the spectrum of the brain and nervous system, because it is our best hope for improving treatments, advancing prevention strategies, and discovering cures. Brain diseases, disorders, and injuries are interconnected. When we cure one, we will cure many.

Next Generation Research Grants

The American Brain Foundation’s Next Generation Research Grants (NGRGs) support early career investigators conducting high-quality research aimed at better understanding, treating, and curing brain diseases. These grants are offered in collaboration with disease-focused partner organizations and reflect ABF’s Cure One, Cure Many research philosophy: the belief that breakthroughs in one area of research accelerate progress across many others.

Lawrence M. Brass, MD Clinical Research Training Scholarship in Stroke

This award aims to recognize the importance of good clinical research and to encourage early career investigators in clinical studies related to stroke, vascular neurology, and neurocritical care.

For the purpose of this scholarship, research is defined as “patient-oriented research conducted with human participants, or translational research specifically designed to develop treatments or enhance diagnosis of neurological disease. These areas of research include epidemiologic or behavioral studies, clinical trials, studies of disease mechanisms, the development of new technologies, and health services and outcomes research.” Disease-related studies not directly involving humans or human tissue are also encouraged if the primary goal is the development of therapies, diagnostic tests, or other tools to prevent or mitigate neurological diseases.

The Jurgens, Virgil Scholarship, funded by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offers a $375 award to a Beatrice High School senior who excels in baseball and ranks in the top 25% of their class. The Foundation, established in 1987, provides financial support for educational opportunities. This scholarship aims to assist deserving students in pursuing higher education, emphasizing the importance of academic achievement and community involvement.

The Eastern Bird Banding Association is offering the Memorial Fund Research Grants to support research utilizing avian marking techniques, such as banding. Applicants must submit a detailed project proposal, including significance and budget, alongside their background in ornithology. Grants are open to all, particularly encouraging student applications, with no lifetime award limit per individual. Projects must focus on species within EBBA territory, ensuring marking techniques are integral to the research.

Incyte Corporation, a biopharmaceutical leader, offers healthcare sponsorships to support organizations focused on improving patient care and access to healthcare information. Eligible applicants include medical schools, associations, non-profits, advocacy groups, and hospitals. Requests should align with Incyte's commitment to enhancing the lives of patients affected by cancer and other diseases, ensuring compliance with regulatory guidelines. Organizations must enter a written agreement with Incyte to receive funding.

The Residential Curbside Recycling Cart Grant Program, offered by The Recycling Partnership, supports communities in enhancing their recycling efforts through grant funding and technical assistance. It encourages the implementation of cart-based recycling systems, conversion from bins to carts, and expansion of service areas to ensure equitable access. This initiative also includes vital education and outreach support, helping residents improve their recycling habits and ultimately achieve higher recycling rates.

Our Story

Established over 50 years ago, our founders redefined local philanthropy, fostering connections around a shared sense of place and purpose. As Virginia's largest community foundation, we bring people together to pool resources, co-create solutions and align actions for impactful change in the Richmond region.

Scholarships are offered to students living in the Richmond region and other Virginia locations. Each scholarship was established by a generous individual, family, or organization with a desire to assist high school students, recent high school graduates, and adult learners to continue their education. 

John E. Thomasson Scholarship

The John E. Thomasson Scholarship Fund was established in 2001 to support postsecondary educational opportunities for youth of African American or other minority heritage in the Louisa County (Virginia) Public Schools or Fluvanna County (Virginia) Public Schools. Scholarships will be awarded on a competitive basis to students who have been admitted to an accredited two-year technical school, four-year Historically Black College or University or the school of their choice. Preference will be given to applicants planning to attend Virginia State University, Hampton University, Virginia Union University, or Norfolk State University.

Estimated Award Amount

• (2) $1,000 

Incyte Corporation invites organizations to submit membership requests aimed at enhancing healthcare access for patients and advocates. As a biopharmaceutical leader, Incyte supports initiatives that align with its mission to improve patient lives through grants and contributions. Eligible entities include medical schools, associations, non-profits, and advocacy groups. Requests should comply with Incyte's regulatory standards and be submitted at least 60 days prior to the required decision date.

The OVW Fiscal Year 2026 Tribal Sexual Assault Services Program provides crucial support to Indian Tribes and organizations in addressing sexual assault through intervention and advocacy. This program aims to assist victims of all ages, including youth and children, as well as their families and those affected by the trauma, except for perpetrators. Applications must be submitted by September 3, 2026, at 4:59 PM ET in JustGrants.

The BJA FY 2026 Second Chance Act aims to enhance education and employment opportunities for adults and youth transitioning from incarceration. By funding state, local, and tribal governments, as well as community organizations, this initiative seeks to improve academic and vocational training in prisons. The program focuses on developing marketable skills, leveraging technology, and aligning with local job markets to foster job readiness, improve employment outcomes, and reduce recidivism.

The Celine Wyatt Memorial Scholarship honors a remarkable young athlete who embodied determination and leadership. This scholarship is aimed at empowering high school senior girls from Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, or Pennsylvania who excel in softball and aspire to pursue higher education. By supporting these young women, the scholarship continues Celine's legacy of positivity, resilience, and encouragement, ensuring that her spirit of hard work and dedication inspires future generations of student-athletes.

Troutville Volunteer Fire Department Scholarship Fund

Fund provides higher educational scholarship assistance to deserving students.

Amount

• $1,000+
• non-renewable

The FY26 DoW Pancreatic Cancer Research Program Focused Pilot Award aims to drive innovative and impactful research in pancreatic cancer, enhancing patient quality of life. This award encourages the development of preliminary data to support future clinical or real-world applications. While allowing for clinical research studies, it does not permit clinical trials or preclinical animal studies, ensuring a strong patient-centered approach in its research focus.