Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in Virginia

The Wake Forest Capacity Building Grant, part of the Educating Character Initiative, aims to enhance character education in U.S. higher education institutions. Established in 2023 with support from Lilly Endowment Inc., the initiative has already provided $35 million in grants to 146 institutions. In 2026, new grants will be awarded to colleges and universities focused on fostering moral, civic, and intellectual character among their faculty, staff, and students.

The Council of Independent Colleges

Founded in 1956, the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) is an association of nonprofit independent colleges and universities, state-based councils, and higher education affiliates that works to support college and university leadership, advance institutional excellence, and enhance public understanding of independent higher education’s contributions to society.

CIC is the major national organization that focuses on providing services to leaders of independent colleges and universities and state-based councils. CIC offers conferences, seminars, publications, and other programs and services that help institutions improve educational quality, administrative and financial performance, student outcomes, and institutional visibility.

NetVUE Grant Programs

NetVUE offers a variety of grants to member institutions, supporting programming for students and professional development for faculty members and staff. Grants support projects ranging from one to four years in length. Grant programs are tailored to differing circumstances among member institutions, including their particular areas of interest, their bandwidth and capacity for administering projects, and the depth of their previous engagement with vocational exploration and discernment. NetVUE grants are administered by the Council of Independent Colleges, with generous support from Lilly Endowment Inc.

NetVUE Grants for Reframing the Institutional Saga

Many NetVUE member colleges and universities have strong historical ties to a specific religious tradition, a particular educational philosophy, or a pioneering educator. These elements of an institution’s heritage are important, but their significance may not always be clear in the midst of changes in the institution’s demographic profile, surrounding community, and founding organizations. These changes can influence student recruitment and retention, curriculum design, and the composition of faculty. The purpose of this grant program is to enable institutions to produce an updated account of their history and mission in light of their current context.

The College Now Greater Cleveland Manufacturing Scholarship offers financial assistance to high school graduates pursuing training in manufacturing. Awarded funds, up to $2000, are sent directly to educational institutions for related expenses. Applicants must reside in specific Ohio counties and be enrolled in eligible programs. This scholarship aims to support individuals seeking vocational training, certifications, or degrees within a two-year timeframe, fostering career development in the manufacturing sector.

The Justin J. Watt Foundation Grant supports after-school athletic opportunities for middle school children, focusing on programs that promote teamwork, leadership, and perseverance. Applications are accepted at specific times throughout the year, depending on the sport. Funding is available for essential uniforms and equipment but excludes non-essential items. Organizations must meet specific eligibility criteria, ensuring they serve students in need and provide safe environments for athletic activities.

The Leifur Eiríksson Foundation Fellowship supports U.S. and Icelandic scholars in graduate research or study exchanges between the two countries. Applicants must be enrolled in accredited institutions and demonstrate a well-defined research project. The fellowship covers up to $25,000 in costs, including travel. The program promotes academic collaboration and cultural exchange, helping scholars enhance their education while fostering international relationships. Applications must be submitted by the deadline with all required documentation.

The Institutional Impact Grants by Wake Forest University aim to support U.S. colleges and universities in fostering moral, civic, and intellectual character among their community members. In 2026, these grants will empower institutions committed to character development for faculty, staff, and students, promoting a holistic educational environment. This initiative underscores the importance of character in education, aligning with the university's mission to cultivate ethical leaders.

The Pharmacy Resident Research Grant, offered by the ASHP Foundation, aims to support practice-based research conducted by residents in ASHP-accredited pharmacy residency programs. This grant not only fosters the development of research skills among pharmacy residents but also encourages mentoring relationships with senior investigators. Research proposals should align with the ASHP Foundation Research Agenda and focus on advancing pharmacy practices within various healthcare settings to enhance patient care.

About Community Foundation of South Alabama

Since its inception, the Community Foundation has grown to over 500 funds and awarded over $98 million in grants and scholarships throughout the eight counties of southwest Alabama, improving the lives of many residents in our corner of the world.

We amplify the gifts from generous donors through wise investment, support others in efforts to enhance our community, and lead and collaborate on initiatives which have a broad impact.

Scholarships

The more than 40 scholarship funds at the Foundation were created by generous donors who wanted to help the students in our community achieve a brighter future. We are committed to assisting the most promising students with scholarships for professional certificate programs, two and four-year undergraduate degrees and graduate school. The scholarship funds at the Foundation award grants to high school, community college and university students to be used for tuition, books, and fees.

Hilliard P. and Helen P. Jenkins Scholarship

Recipient must: (1) be an African-American resident of Baldwin County; (2) attend a two- or four-year public and accredited institution as a full-time student; (3) intend to pursue a Liberal Arts, Health/Medical, Social Sciences, or Physical Sciences degree, and (4) have a minimum high school GPA of 3.0.

About Community Foundation of South Alabama

Since its inception, the Community Foundation has grown to over 500 funds and awarded over $98 million in grants and scholarships throughout the eight counties of southwest Alabama, improving the lives of many residents in our corner of the world.

We amplify the gifts from generous donors through wise investment, support others in efforts to enhance our community, and lead and collaborate on initiatives which have a broad impact.

Scholarships

The more than 40 scholarship funds at the Foundation were created by generous donors who wanted to help the students in our community achieve a brighter future. We are committed to assisting the most promising students with scholarships for professional certificate programs, two and four-year undergraduate degrees and graduate school. The scholarship funds at the Foundation award grants to high school, community college and university students to be used for tuition, books, and fees.

Gus Shopoff Scholarship Fund

For a graduating senior who is a member of Team Focus, plans to attend any school of higher learning, is well rounded, has exemplary grades and community involvement.

J.M. Rubin Foundation

The J.M. Rubin Foundation's current focus is to provide scholarships to residents of Palm Beach County at any recognized educational institution. At the discretion of the Board, we provide charitable support to some organizations. However, we strive to limit this giving to local institutions or to the benefit of our local community.

Scholarship Overview

The J.M. Rubin Foundation, Inc. is a Florida not-for-profit charitable corporation established in 1973. It has been approved by the Internal Revenue Service to make individual scholarship grants to recipients who must be bona fide residents of Palm Beach County, Florida.

In addition, all applicants must be U.S. citizens. The scholarship recipients need not attend any particular school, so long as the recipient is a candidate for certification or a degree. The recipients will be selected on the basis of academic and/or athletic achievement or promise as the basic criterion. Financial need is an additional factor, however, it is not required. The recipients will be selected from applicants on an objective and nondiscriminatory basis, including personal interviews if deemed necessary.

The Matthew Tobin Cappetta Archaeological Scholarship, offered by the Society for American Archaeology, supports graduate students focusing on the archaeology or ethnoarchaeology of the American Southwest and South American Andes. It covers tuition, course materials, and travel for field studies, encouraging collaboration with Native American communities. The scholarship prioritizes applicants from historically underrepresented groups and is renewable upon reapplication annually, provided students maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.

The Joan H. Hensley Scholarship, established by Communities Foundation of Texas, aims to support graduating high school seniors or past graduates from Dallas County. It provides scholarships for those pursuing degrees at accredited trade or vocational schools or community colleges. Eligible candidates are evaluated based on school and community involvement, leadership potential, financial need, and an essay response. This initiative has been fostering educational opportunities since 1953, contributing to the growth of thriving communities.

The Greystar Scholars Fund, managed by Communities Foundation of Texas, offers scholarships up to $5,000 for high school seniors and college students who are dependents of Greystar team members. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 and be pursuing a degree at accredited institutions in the U.S. Notably, dependents of high-ranking executives are excluded from eligibility. This initiative aims to support education and empower families within the Greystar community.

The Gigi and Louise Gartner Scholarship provides scholarships of up to $10,000 for high school seniors and college students from Dallas County, TX. Applicants must pursue degrees in holistic medicine or related fields, maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and be U.S. citizens or legal residents. This initiative, supported by the Communities Foundation of Texas, aims to empower students in their educational journeys and promote careers in integrative health and wellness.

The Mentored Clinician Scientist Grant, funded by the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation, supports the career development of clinician scientists by providing dedicated research time for up to five years. Eligible applicants must have a proven track record in research, evidenced by receiving NIH K08 or K23 funding. This grant is renewable annually based on scientific progress and available funding, fostering a strong future in academic surgery.

The OREF Resident Clinician Scientist Training Grant aims to prepare residents for research-intensive careers in orthopaedic surgery. Grants up to $20,000 are available for one year, covering research expenses without salary. Projects must demonstrate clinical relevance and be feasible for residents as independent studies. Both laboratory and clinical research are encouraged, with potential for publication. Progress reports and annual reviews are required to ensure funding compliance.

The Resident Research Project Grant, offered by the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation, provides crucial funding for orthopaedic surgery residents in ACGME-accredited programs across the U.S. This grant supports innovative research initiatives, enhancing the educational and professional development of residents. Eligible applicants include domestic non-profit and private educational institutions, ensuring a wide reach for impactful research. With a limit of one submission per individual annually, this grant fosters focused research contributions in the orthopaedic field.

The General James H. Doolittle Scholarship, administered by the Communities Foundation of Texas, offers scholarships up to $5,000 for college juniors, seniors, or graduate students majoring in aerospace science, aeronautical engineering, or related fields. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75 and have completed at least 52 college credit hours. This scholarship opportunity aims to support the educational aspirations of students pursuing careers in the aerospace industry.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. Scholarship award amounts range from $1,000 - $5,000 for a single year.

Otto A. Huth Scholarship Fund

Aging out of foster care or child welfare custody in Nevada?

The Otto A. Huth Scholarship Fund is established to provide support for youth who are about to age out of foster care or have already aged out of foster care in the state of Nevada who are seeking support for post-high school education (university, community college, business school, and trade school) at institutions located within the United States. Applicants must apply before their 21st birthday.

Applicants may apply for a scholarship for a maximum of 5 years for up to $40,000 in total. Annual scholarship awards are not to exceed $10,000. Scholarship awards may cover tuition, on-campus room & board, books, student health insurance, on-campus meal plans, and other education-related expenses.

Arizona Community Foundation

For more than four decades, the Arizona Community Foundation has worked in tandem with generous individuals, families, and organizations to address some of the biggest challenges facing our state.

Scholarships

In partnership with our generous donors, we award millions of dollars annually to help students achieve their educational goals. Through our online system, students complete one application and are matched with available scholarships, based on their eligibility requirements.

The Maria Gomez Dream Scholarship

Sponsored by the MG Dream Foundation, the Maria Gomez Dream Scholarship was established in memory of a friend and daughter who lost her battle with cancer in 2014. Maria cared about her community, giving her time and talents to make the world a better place. Through this scholarship, the MG Dream Foundation honors Maria by supporting college-bound youth in pursuit of higher education. Our vision is to set forth a ripple effect and create a positive generational change in students' lives.

The Pharmacy Residency Excellence Award: New Preceptor Award aims to honor preceptors in their first 3-5 years of residency training who demonstrate excellence and innovation. Established in 2006, the award recognizes individuals who contribute significantly to residency education and serve as role models. Recipients are acknowledged at the ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting, promoting their achievements widely. This award is part of ASHP's commitment to enhancing pharmacy education and practice.

Kids' Chance of Pennsylvania Scholarship

The mission of Kids’ Chance of Pennsylvania, Inc. (Kids’ Chance of PA) is to provide scholarship grants for college and vocational education to children of Pennsylvania workers who have been killed or seriously injured in a work-related accident resulting in financial need.

The hardships created by the death or serious disability of a parent often include financial ones, making it difficult for deserving young people to pursue their educational dreams. That's where we come in - helping those dreams become a reality!

We are dedicated to supporting the higher education of the children of seriously injured or killed Pennsylvania workers. Since our inception in 1997, we have provided over 1,150 scholarships totaling more than $3.2 million to deserving students! If you are one of these children, we encourage you to take the time to fill out this application. Additionally, if you receive a KCPA scholarship, you may be eligible to receive supplemental grant money through an agreement with the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency/Pathways to Higher Education (PHEAA/PATH) Program

Scholarships are awarded on an annual basis and must be reapplied for each year. 

Unless noted otherwise in the scholarship description and criteria statement, applicants can attend accredited schools of their choice within the United States.

CFNJ scholarships awards vary. On average, awards range from $500 to $2,500. However, the award could be larger based on the number of qualified applicants and the parameters set by donors who have established the funds. 

Harry H. Loudenslager Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a college-bound, male graduating high school senior who is a resident of Camden, Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland, or Cape May counties. Scholarships are based on need and merit.

The Harvard Charles Warren Center Dissertation Completion Grant offers a ten-month stipend for PhD candidates in American history to complete their dissertations without teaching obligations. Eligible applicants must have completed two chapters and be in the G-5 to G-7 stages of their program. This grant covers health insurance and facilities fees, ensuring that students can focus fully on their research without financial distractions.

The Mobile County Education Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of South Alabama, provides scholarships to Mobile County School students with a minimum GPA of 3.5 and financial need. This initiative supports students pursuing professional certificates, undergraduate, and graduate degrees, ensuring that local talent can thrive. The scholarship rotates among Mobile County Public High Schools, empowering students to achieve their educational goals and contribute positively to the community.

Unless noted otherwise in the scholarship description and criteria statement, applicants can attend accredited schools of their choice within the United States.

CFNJ scholarships awards vary. On average, awards range from $500 to $2,500. However, the award could be larger based on the number of qualified applicants and the parameters set by donors who have established the funds. 

J. Oscar and Susan Florence Hunt Scholarship

This scholarship will be awarded to a college-bound, graduating senior from Gloucester or Salem counties. Preference is given to the residents of Swedesboro, Auburn, Pedricktown, and Penns Grove, in the order of priority stated. Scholarships will be awarded based on need and merit.

Unless noted otherwise in the scholarship description and criteria statement, applicants can attend accredited schools of their choice within the United States.

CFNJ scholarships awards vary. On average, awards range from $500 to $2,500. However, the award could be larger based on the number of qualified applicants and the parameters set by donors who have established the funds. 

Keith Hightower Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a college-bound, graduating high school senior from Warren, Morris, Sussex, or Somerset counties. Applicants must have participated in a science or math competition or in independent scientific research during high school.