Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in Virginia

The Grass Roots Gay Rights Foundation offers Tier B grants to 501(c)(3) organizations supporting the LGBTQ community in the Greater Bay Area. Annually, two $10,000 grants are selected through a voting process by event hosts, ensuring community involvement. Eligible organizations can apply during the specified application period after an initial screening. This initiative underscores the Foundation's commitment to empowering local nonprofits and enhancing support for LGBTQ initiatives.

The U.S. Embassy in Tokyo is launching a competition to promote study abroad programs for Japanese students seeking graduate education in the United States. This initiative invites proposals from American and Japanese non-profit organizations to create innovative programs aimed at increasing enrollment of Japanese students in U.S. graduate schools across various fields, enhancing cross-cultural exchange and educational opportunities.

The Charles Homer Barton Scholarship Fund supports the dependent children of police officers and sheriff's deputies in Fairfax and Loudoun Counties, focusing on academic achievement and good citizenship. Established in memory of Deputy Charles Homer Barton, who heroically lost his life in a plane crash while aiding others, the scholarship aims to aid those pursuing undergraduate education at accredited institutions. Special consideration is given to children of officers killed in the line of duty.

The Kelly Elizabeth Baker Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia, supports a graduating senior from St. Mary of Sorrows Catholic Church. Selection is based on the applicant's civic and religious activities, academic achievements, and personal development during their high school years. This scholarship aims to recognize and reward students who demonstrate commitment to their community and personal growth, encouraging their continued education and contributions to society.

The GE Transportation AAF "Raymond Clarke" Dare to Dream Scholarship, administered by the Erie Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Erie High School who have a minimum GPA of 2.2 and are accepted to accredited universities or trade schools. This scholarship aims to facilitate access to higher education for deserving students, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to educational advancement in the community.

The Goller Family Scholarship Fund honors the legacy of the Goller family from Ney, Ohio, supporting Defiance County residents pursuing higher education. This annual $1,000 scholarship is non-renewable and awarded to one student committed to academic achievement and community service. Eligible candidates must graduate from a public high school in Defiance County and demonstrate strong work ethic and character. The scholarship aims to empower students to build meaningful lives through education, reflecting the family’s values of hard work and commitment.

The Martin Family Scholarship, sponsored by the Erie Community Foundation, provides financial assistance to graduating seniors from Erie County High Schools. With over $800,000 awarded in 2023, this scholarship prioritizes students with at least a 3.0 GPA who demonstrate financial need and have engaged in extracurricular activities. Eligible applicants must have completed two years of a foreign language and participated in school sports or clubs, promoting a well-rounded educational experience.

The Douglas & Deborah Murphy Scholarship, offered by the Erie Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Erie High School who aspire to continue their education or training. To be eligible, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. In 2023, the foundation awarded over $800,000 in scholarships to more than 500 students, helping them pursue diverse career paths beyond high school.

The Gary & Helen Howell Family Scholarship Fund, established by the Erie Community Foundation, offers financial support to high school seniors from local schools such as McDowell and Cathedral Prep who demonstrate financial need and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. In 2023, the foundation awarded over $800,000 in scholarships to more than 500 students pursuing post-secondary education, showcasing its commitment to enhancing educational opportunities in the community.

The Barbara Hodgdon Award, presented by the Shakespeare Association of America (SAA), honors exceptional scholarship in the field of Shakespeare and Performance. Established in memory of Barbara Hodgdon, this award encourages innovative research across various media and time periods related to Shakespeare's work. Eligible submissions must be authored by SAA members and published two years prior to the award presentation. This recognition promotes new discussions and insights within the realm of Shakespearean performance studies.

The LaRue Ottaway Scholarship, offered by the Union City Community Foundation, provides financial support to 15-20 graduating seniors each year pursuing degrees in the medical field. With an average funding of $20,000 annually, this scholarship emphasizes academic excellence, requiring a minimum GPA of 3.0. Recipients are chosen based on criteria set by the donor, ensuring a fair selection process that highlights deserving candidates from the Union City Area.

Walter M. Otey, III Scholarship Fund

Fund provides scholarships to talented and needy young men and women to obtain a college education. The Fund perpetuates Mr. Otey’s interest in Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Roanoke College’s Programs and Virginia Western Community College’s Nursing Program.

Amount

• $ 2000
• non-reneewable

N.R. Burroughs Educational Award

Fund provides scholarship assistance to qualified and deserving young men and women pursuing an undergraduate degree.

Amount

• $1,000+

The E. K. Sloane Piano Fund Grant, established by the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and schools in Hampton Roads for purchasing or repairing pianos. Since its inception in 1997, the fund has allocated over $4.3 million to benefit more than 80 organizations, ensuring access to quality musical instruments for public performances. This initiative honors the legacy of E.K. Sloane, who was passionate about music and community service.

The E. Price Ripley Memorial Foundation Fund

Fund provides higher education scholarship assistance to deserving young people in their chosen field of endeavor.

Amount

$2,000+

Minnesota Nurses Association Foundation

The Minnesota Nurses Association Foundation (MNAF), a non-profit corporation affiliated with the Minnesota Nurses Association, provides funding for nursing research grants and scholarships.

Each year, MNAF provides thousands of dollars in scholarships and grants to members and students. They are excellent opportunities to advance the nursing profession through research and education. Members are encouraged to apply.

MNA Legacy Scholarships

Children, grandchildren, or dependents of active or retired MNA members in good standing are eligible to apply for an MNA Legacy Scholarship. Applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate program. 

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

Active/Inactive Military and Military Veteran Scholarship

At a very early age in Alabama, Lee Essie Smith was a self-taught musician. After losing her mother as a young teenager, she began putting her God-given musical talent to work as a pianist for several churches. By the time she graduated from high school, she had learned the cosmetology trade and met Charlie McMillan, Jr.

After his wife’s death, Mr. McMillan continued his community service with the Democratic Party, Habitat for Humanity and Mt. Olive Baptist Church as an usher. Although he did not serve very long in the military, Mr. McMillan continues to exemplify the values and physical energy of the “Army Strong” slogan. He is the patriarch of the family – always dapper – and a regular attendee at church services.

The Dr. John P. Sheehan Scholarship, awarded by the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, provides financial support to graduates from Utica's public and parochial schools for pursuing higher education or vocational training. This initiative aims to empower local students by facilitating access to educational opportunities, thereby enhancing their lives and contributing to community growth. Eligible candidates must be attending a college in the U.S. and be students from specific schools in Utica.

The Leonard J. Capuana Scholarship, awarded by the Leonard J. Capuana Scholarship Fund, supports students from Herkimer and Oneida counties who demonstrate leadership qualities and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. Established by the Leonard J. Capuana West Utica Democratic Club, this scholarship aims to empower graduates planning to attend college or university. Through partnerships with organizations like Utica Dollars for Scholars, it seeks to enhance educational opportunities and foster community growth.

The Joseph S. Keelty ’44 Honor Scholarship is designed for entering students from Maryland, particularly those from the Baltimore area. This four-year scholarship covers tuition based on secondary school preparation and extracurricular contributions. It provides financial support to deserving students, encouraging their academic pursuits at Washington & Lee University.

The James F. Densler Award, presented by the American Pediatric Surgical Association, recognizes individuals who promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in pediatric surgery. This prestigious award celebrates those who have made significant contributions to diverse care delivery and team dynamics, fostering an inclusive environment within the surgical community. Nominees should exemplify dedication to enhancing the lives of underserved populations through their work in pediatric surgery.

Margaret Jones Irvin Scholarship Fund

Fund provides higher education scholarship assistance to students pursuing an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral degree.

Amount

$1,000+

Fund provides scholarships to further the education of young men and women who appear to be able, deserving, and in real need of financial assistance in their post high school education in the fields of either technical, vocational, academic, or professional education.

Amount

• $1,000+

Sterling High School Alumni Association Scholarship Fund in Memory of Dwight David Huggins

Dwight David Huggins (Class of 1962) contributed to this scholarship with a gift from his estate in 2024. His intent was to assist deserving African American/Black students residing in Greenville County, in need of financial assistance to be able to attend institutions of higher learning while seeking to become lifelong learners and productive, self-sufficient members of our society. The preference for descendants of Sterling High School Alumni and Israel Metropolitan AME church is in recognition of him being a former member of both organizations.

John I. Smith Charities Scholarship

Established in 1989 by John I. Smith Charities to provide educational incentives and financial assistance to individuals residing in government-subsidized housing with the goal of helping students achieve self-sufficiency and become contributing citizens of the community through educational attainment.

Funding Amount

• $800.00 per semester for up to 4 years.
• At least one scholarship will be awarded annually.
• Award amount and number of awards are determined annually based on the Community Foundation of Greenville’s Spending Policy for Endowment Funds.
• Scholarship funds will be paid per semester to the approved educational institution in the name of the student and applied only to the costs of tuition, room, and board, or required fees.

Greenville County Fire Chiefs’ Association Scholarship

In 1995, the Greenville County Fire Chiefs’ Association established a scholarship fund to promote higher education for firefighters and their spouses or children.

Funding

• A minimum of $5,000 will be awarded annually and the number and amount of each award will be determined annually.
• Scholarship funds are paid to an approved educational institution in the name of the student.
• Scholarship funds are awarded for one academic year and are not subject to automatic renewal. 

Tampa Jazz Club

The Tampa Jazz Club was incorporated as a non- profit organization in 1995, with the objective of “generating interest in preserving, understanding and performing jazz.”

Tampa Jazz Club Scholarship

The Tampa Jazz Club is committed to encouraging talented young jazz students and to presenting great live jazz in Tampa.

Since 2003, we have awarded Tampa Jazz Club scholarships to graduating area high school seniors who went on to study jazz performance or education. To date, we have awarded $24,750 to 22 graduates.