Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in Vermont

Bojangles Promise of Tomorrow Scholarship

The Bojangles Promise of Tomorrow Scholarship was established at the Community Foundation in 2024 by Arnold Dale Haywood in the spirit of helping students take a step towards building a brighter future. Mr. Haywood’s parents, John and Diane, were humble, hardworking, and ethical people. They understood that the foundation of parenting is to give their children love and support, as well as encouragement to always believe in the promise of tomorrow. They gave him the chance to chase his dreams.

Mr. Haywood has established the Bojangles Promise of Tomorrow Scholarship to honor his parents and to give local youth the same encouragement and opportunities that were afforded to him.

The Doyle O. and Lelia Jane Bateman Scholarship

The Doyle O. and Lelia Jane Bateman Scholarship, established at the Community Foundation in 2018, honors the memory of husband and wife of 46 years, Doyle and Jane Bateman. Jane worked as a successful realtor in Waynesboro for over 25 years and enjoyed giving back to her community.

The Doyle O. and Lelia Jane Bateman Scholarship will provide college scholarships to deserving students of any age, to include high school seniors (public, private, and homeschool) as well as adult students residing in Staunton, Waynesboro and Augusta County. Selection considerations for the scholarship include, but are not limited to, financial need, involvement in school and community activities, and a strong desire to succeed in school and life.

Taylor Farms Scholarship

This year’s program continues the expanded format, offering three distinct scholarship divisions designed to support both Taylor Farms Employees and their children. 

Taylor Farms Scholarship : Innovative Scholarship

Award: Five (5) applicants will be awarded a $1,500 renewable scholarship. Once awarded, applicants may renew their scholarship for one (1) additional year if the below requirements are met.

Taylor Farms Scholarship

This year’s program continues the expanded format, offering three distinct scholarship divisions designed to support both Taylor Farms Employees and their children. 

Taylor Farms Scholarship : Extraordinary Scholarship

Award: 20 applicants will be awarded a $ 7,500 renewable scholarship. Once initially awarded, applicants may renew their scholarship for three (3) additional years if the below requirements are met.

American Society of Plant Biologists

Mission

The American Society of Plant Biologists was founded in 1924 to promote the growth and development of plant biology, to encourage and publish research in plant biology, and to promote the interests, growth, and education of plant scientists in general. Over the decades the Society has evolved and expanded to provide a forum for molecular and cellular biology as well as to serve the basic interests of plant science. It publishes the highly cited and respected journals Plant Physiology and The Plant Cell. Membership spans six continents, and our members work in such diverse areas as academia, government laboratories, and industrial and commercial environments. The Society also has a large student membership. ASPB plays a key role in uniting the international plant science disciplines.

ECPS Travel Award

The Early Career Plant Scientists section of ASPB is currently accepting applications for travel awards for the annual meeting in Ottawa, July 18-22.

Priority will be placed on funding students, but all eligible Early Career Researchers will be considered. 

The Denver Foundation

For 100 years, The Denver Foundation has been building a stronger, thriving Metro Denver, Colorado, and beyond. We’ve received $2.1 billion from generous donors and given $1.6 billion in grants to support community initiatives. We’re the foundation of Denver, connecting and collaborating to address the current and future challenges of our community.  

Cameron Holland Scholarship Fund

The Cameron Holland Memorial Scholarship is established to remember Cameron and recognize a Ralston Valley senior student who has established academic, athletic and character traits that are complementary to Cameron’s memory. Cameron was dedicated to academic achievement, participated in football and track and had a kind and generous personality. 

This scholarship is a one-time award. Award amounts may be used toward the recipient’s tuition, fees, required books and supplies, room and board, and other qualified educational expenses. Award must be used for the upcoming academic year.

Scholarships will be awarded once each year through a competitive process based on:

• Academics
• Athletic engagement
• Kind, sensitive, and respectful character

Mission and Vision

The Mission of the Foundation is to improve the quality of life in the Coastal Bend by building community endowment and addressing social, educational, environmental, and cultural needs through the awarding of grants and scholarships.

The Foundation’s Vision is to provide the Coastal Bend with:

• Efficient gift options to meet donors’ charitable wishes
• Effective grants to charitable organizations and scholarships to students
• Ethical leadership to promote and enhance area philanthropy

Scholarships

The CBCF scholarship is open each year. Scholarships awarded will be for the following academic year. Scholarships are available only to students who graduated from a high school in one of the counties in the CBCF Service Area: Aransas, Bee, Jim Wells, Kleberg, Nueces, Refugio and San Patricio. Thanks to our generous donors, the Coastal Bend Community Foundation (CBCF) offers scholarships to students from over 100 funds.

Downes - Jay and Rheba Downes Memorial Scholarship

Purpose

In memory of James Ed (Jay) Downes, an Alice businessman and civic leader, and his wife, Rheba. Mr. Downes founded and served as chief executive of Energy Dynamics, an oilfield equipment and service provider in the domestic and international markets. He was named 1995 Citizen of the Year by the Alice Chamber of Commerce and is a member of its Hall of Honor. He served on the Alice Industrial Foundation Board, the Alice/Jim Wells County Transportation Committee and served as president of the Jim Wells County Master Planners Association in 1993-1994. Jay was an avid golfer and understood the value of a university education. He died unexpectedly in 2000. His wife, Rheba, passed away in 2013.

U.S. Venture Sponsorships, supported by the Us Venture Schmidt Family Foundation, aim to enhance community engagement by addressing the root causes of poverty through collaboration and social innovation. Grants typically do not exceed $10,000, ensuring that eligible public charities, especially those with 501(c)(3) status, can benefit. Each organization can receive one sponsorship grant annually, reflecting U.S. Venture's commitment to giving back and fostering meaningful partnerships.

The AΩA Fellows in Leadership Program, established by the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, aims to cultivate leadership skills among mid-career medical professionals. Recipients receive $30,000 to develop a year-long project focused on enhancing their leadership capabilities. This initiative emphasizes servant leadership and innovative thinking, addressing the increasing complexities in healthcare. The program seeks to empower leaders who can effectively navigate the evolving landscape of medicine while promoting the core values of the AΩA society.

Marshfield Area Community Foundation Scholarships

The mission of the Marshfield Area Community Foundation is “Connecting people who care with causes that matter to enrich the quality of life in the Marshfield area”. Education is a valuable tool and a cause that matters to all of us. Through assisting students with financial support to receive an education, not only do students and the families of those students benefit, but also our community benefits, which further allows us to achieve our mission of enriching the quality of life in the Marshfield area.

Geographical Area

The official geographic service area of Marshfield Area Community Foundation, Inc., beginning to our west and traveling clockwise, includes the following communities in addition to Marshfield (It also includes towns and rural areas between these communities.): Chili, Granton, Neillsville, Loyal, Greenwood, Withee, Owen, Spencer, Unity, Colby, Curtiss, Pittsville, Abbotsford, Dorchester, Stetsonville, Medford, Stratford, Rozellville, Hewitt, Auburndale, Blenker, Milladore, Sherry, Arpin.

Dan Helwig Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is for students pursuing a degree in architecture, drafting, or construction. Preference to students from Marshfield, Columbus, or Neillsville High School who will be attending school full-time attending a 4-year school. Financial need is considered as a tiebreaker.

The NIOSH National Center of Excellence for the Prevention of Childhood Agricultural Injury (U54) aims to enhance the safety and well-being of youth in the agriculture sector. This initiative will conduct vital research, improve data collection, and implement effective interventions to mitigate risks faced by young workers. By collaborating with various stakeholders, the center seeks to translate scientific findings into practical solutions that promote healthier working environments for children in agriculture, forestry, and fishing industries.

The NIOSH Centers for Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing Safety and Health provide critical support to enhance worker safety and health in the vital AgFF sector. With a focus on high-quality interdisciplinary research, these centers aim to translate scientific findings into practical solutions, improve health outcomes, and engage with partners to promote best practices. By addressing health hazards and improving data coordination, these centers strive for a meaningful impact on the well-being of AgFF workers across the nation.

Central Alabama Community Foundation

Established in 1987 by community leaders, the Central Alabama Community Foundation serves the River Region counties of Lowndes, Macon, and Montgomery. CACF was created to provide a permanent charitable resource dedicated to strengthening nonprofits and meeting local needs in the Montgomery area.

Through a variety of funds, CACF supports projects and programs in education, health, human services, cultural arts, recreation, historic preservation, and other civic concerns.

Every year, CACF awards grants to nonprofit projects and programs providing services in Lee, Macon, and Montgomery counties.

Shirley Ann Mesher Scholarship

The Shirley Ann Mesher Scholarship shall provide scholarships to students attending, or planning to attend, or are already enrolled in an accredited junior college, a four-year college or university, or a graduate or professional degree program. Eligible candidates must demonstrate financial need, maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0, be of African American or Native American descent. Preference for applicants with a history of participating in community service and who provide at least one letter of recommendation.

The IATSE Local 798 Fund offers emergency financial assistance to performing arts and entertainment professionals facing unexpected critical needs. This support helps cover essential living expenses, including housing, utilities, and healthcare, to prevent eviction or service shut-offs. Eligible applicants must be union members for at least two years and have experienced unforeseen financial hardship due to circumstances beyond their control, such as injury or natural disasters.

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.

 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 Faculty Travel Grant for AGU Annual Meeting supports early-to-mid career faculty from under-resourced institutions, including community colleges and minority-serving institutions. This program aims to facilitate attendance at the AGU Annual Meeting, which attracts over 22,000 geoscience professionals globally. Awardees receive a $1,700 travel stipend, access to professional development workshops, and networking opportunities, enabling them to enhance their research and teaching capabilities through collaboration and innovation.

The J. Leeds Barroll Dissertation Prize, awarded by the Shakespeare Association of America, honors exemplary doctoral work with a significant focus on Shakespeare. This prestigious award is conferred annually during the SAA’s Annual Luncheon. To be eligible, applicants must be SAA members in good standing, and dissertations must be approved between September 1, 2024, and September 1, 2025. This prize encourages innovative research and scholarship in Shakespeare studies.

The SAA First Book Award, presented by the Shakespeare Association of America (SAA), honors the legacy of Jerome Singerman and supports early career scholars. This prestigious award recognizes the best monograph with a significant Shakespeare component, published as the first book by a current SAA member between September 1, 2024, and September 1, 2025. The award will be announced during the SAA’s Annual Luncheon, celebrating contributions to Shakespeare studies.

The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History offers $3000 short-term research fellowships for doctoral candidates, faculty, and independent scholars in American history. Founded in 1994, this nonprofit enhances history education through diverse programs in all 50 states, providing access to over 60,000 historical documents. The fellowships support research at New York City archives, fostering scholarship and recognition by esteemed organizations, ultimately benefiting thousands of teachers and millions of students.

Mark and Kay Burkett Scholarship

Applicants must be American citizens demonstrating financial need and academic achievement, and must have a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA. Students must reside in or have attended high school within the geographic region served by Innovia Foundation.

Previous recipients are eligible to re-apply. 

The OREF Michael P. Kelly Sr Leadership Fellowship Program is a one-year virtual fellowship aimed at developing leadership skills in orthopedic residents. The program includes individual coaching, clinical research mentoring, educational opportunities, and an annual leadership retreat. It prioritizes candidates like orthopedic residents (PGY3-PGY5), fellows, and early-career surgeons who show a commitment to orthopedic clinical research and leadership in the orthopedic community.

The Don Rossi Scholarship, established by the National Golf Course Owners’ Association in 1993, supports college juniors and seniors majoring in Sports Administration or related fields. This scholarship aims to foster careers in golf-related industries, encouraging students nationwide to pursue their aspirations. Funded by the Coastal Community Foundation, it reflects a commitment to education and community growth, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder talented individuals from achieving their goals.

L.L.Bean Charitable Donations supports outdoor initiatives that bring communities together. The program encourages partnerships with inspiring individuals and organizations. To apply, ensure requests are made at least eight weeks before the event. Please note that the program does not fund individuals, advertising, specific schools, or projects outside the U.S. For more information, visit their website to learn how to get involved.

Mondovi Grange/Wilson Farm Scholarship

Applicants must be graduating seniors or graduates of schools in Lincoln County, Washington, or from that part of Spokane County in the Reardan-Edwall School District, or a direct descendant of someone previously employed by Dale D. Wilson, regardless of their current residence location.

Previous recipients are eligible to re-apply. 

Columbia Community Foundation

Our Mission

To serve the citizens of Columbia Station, Ohio and neighboring communities through the implementation of their charitable aspirations by awarding educational scholarships and community grants.

Columbia Community Foundation Scholarship

Scholarship Criteria

• Must be an upcoming graduate from the class of 2026
• Must be a resident of Columbia Township or a Senior at Columbia High School

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.