Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in Virginia

The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region

Empowering generous people with meaningful giving opportunities.

Since 1968, The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region (CFGCR) has been dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Greater Capital Region. We work with — and for — all our neighbors across the community because together, we are stronger.

Ron Jones Memorial Scholarship 

Established to honor the memory of beloved coach and teacher Ron Jones. This is not an athletic award, rather, it was established to recognize students who have demonstrated a devotion to the community of Hoosick Falls through compassion, action, respect and excellence.

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.

Beulah Goode Memorial and Thelma Goode Scholarship Fund

For a graduating senior who is a member of Hope Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church of Mobile to attend any college. 

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.

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.

This scholarship was established to honor the memory of John F. Burt of Neshoba County. Mr. Burt was raised during the depression and as a result he was resilient, a hard worker and resourceful. He learned the importance of sharing with those in need. He served in the US Navy during WWII where he strengthened his beliefs about patriotism, commitment and service. After the war, he and his wife opened a grocery store where he continued to be in service of others. God, family, and fellowship were priorities of Mr. Burt’s; he was always willing to be of service to anyone he considered family and at times to complete strangers. Obviously, Mr. Burt’s experiences shaped his moral code and guided the compass of his life.  Scholarship funds to be used towards fees for tuition and/or books only.

The Special Needs Grant, provided by Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA), offers financial support to Active Duty members facing increased financial demands due to dependents in the Coast Guard Special Needs Program. Eligible members can receive up to $3,000 every 60 months for various services and resources tailored for special needs, including adaptive equipment and membership fees for relevant organizations. This grant aims to enhance the quality of life for families with exceptional needs.

About Us

Midlands Community Foundation (MCF) is here to serve and add value to donors’ philanthropic needs by providing them an opportunity to “invest in the power of community.” It is our goal to identify current and emerging issues, channel resources to address community needs, and help prepare for the future.

MCF Mission

The mission of Midlands Community Foundation is to be a catalyst for lasting impact in Sarpy and Cass counties and to give opportunities to organizations and individuals to pursue their charitable goals.

Scholarships Through MCF

Midlands Community Foundation is committed to the futures of communities in Sarpy and Cass Counties, and across the country. Supporting higher education of students is a direct investment in the futures of these communities.

Alex Shives Scholarship Application Guidelines

The purpose of the Fund is to distribute scholarships to assist qualified recipients in their pursuit of higher education who have graduated or will be a graduating senior from either Papillion LaVista or Papillion LaVista South High School and who have participated on the boys or girls golf team at either high school.

The Fund shall annually distribute one (1) scholarship in the total amount of $2,500, split evenly per semester (i.e., $1,250 Fall Semester, and $1,250 Spring Semester).

The Helen and Mario Garbin Scholarship, offered by the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, supports students from NCCF's 20-town service area pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies. With an average award of $500, this scholarship reflects a commitment to fostering education and community engagement. The foundation emphasizes attentive grant-making and collaboration to address local needs, ensuring that donors and organizations effectively work together for impactful results.

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 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 Exploring Christian Practices Initiative by Lilly Endowment aims to enhance access to settings that enable diverse individuals to engage in Christian practices. This initiative seeks to address spiritual interests, foster community connections, and support the growth of faith. By multiplying opportunities for exploration, it encourages meaningful participation in religious life and nurtures a deeper understanding of Christian traditions.

Who We Are

Founded in 1996, the Community Foundation of South Georgia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to making South Georgia a better place to live through effective philanthropy. We help individuals, families, nonprofit organizations and businesses establish and manage charitable funds that carry out their philanthropic interests. Serving a geographic area of 35 counties in South Georgia, we facilitate our donors’ charitable plans and goals by creating custom designed funds that meet their specific interests and ensure solid financial management and administration for each fund. 

Hosea Hall & Lilly Eason Vann Scholarship

For a graduating senior of a high school located in Thomas County, Georgia who has attained at least a 3.0 GPA in high school. The award is based on Academics, Financial Need, Leadership Qualities, Extracurricular Activities and Community Service.

The Alford Family Golf Scholarship

This scholarship is given in honor of the Alford Family and provides scholarship support to one male and one female varsity golfer who will continue to play at the NCAA Division II or III level.  

Consideration is given to the following verifiable and documented criteria:

• GPA and Class Rank.- Quality of reference letters.- Examples of an applicant's ways of giving back to the game of golf besides playing the game.- Leadership qualities with examples applicable to the applicant's team and as an individual.- Examples of sportsmanship as a player and integrity as a person 

Awards

• 2 , $1000

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. 

Siegel Family Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating high school senior or recent graduate (1-2 years out of high school) from the greater Newark area. Preference will be given to students who have been actively involved with GlassRoots, Inc., or Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson & Union Counties. Students will be evaluated on academic performance (2.5 GPA or better), extracurricular activities, community service, work (paid or unpaid), and unmet financial need.

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. 

Peter Eisen Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating high school senior who has experienced the loss of a biological parent before the age of 18. Students must have achieved a cumulative 3.0 GPA or better. Applicants will be evaluated on academic performance, extracurricular activities, community service, work (paid or unpaid), and unmet financial need

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. 

Kids In Business Merit Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to individuals who are or have been associated with the Kids In Business program (Newark) who wish to further their education at an accredited educational institution.

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. 

Community Foundation of New Jersey

Over our 46-year history, the Community Foundation of New Jersey has collaborated with individuals, families, organizations, and businesses to design charitable funds and implement the philanthropic solutions they want to see in their communities. We leverage $1.17 billion in assets and 1,200 funds to help our partners think boldly and creatively about ways to give.

Scholarship Fund Overview

Beyond a shared commitment to educational opportunity, families establish scholarship funds with a variety of goals and purposes in mind. They may offer traditional scholarships or customize fund awards for alternative scholarships.

Currently, CFNJ administers more than 135 scholarship funds. Our scholarship opportunities run the gamut, from those exclusive to a local high school or geographic region to those supporting specific majors or career pursuits. Last year, we awarded over $2 million in scholarship assistance to 271 scholars.

Applicants may be evaluated on academic performance; extracurricular activities; community involvement; paid or unpaid work; and a statement of their personal aspirations, educational goals, and demonstrated unmet financial need in our scholarship review process.

Hardyston Township First Aid Squad Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a college-bound, graduating high school senior who is a resident of Sussex County; has demonstrated a significant first response commitment to serving their community; and has shown a willingness to help others in whatever way they can. Service before self — whether as an EMS, fire, or other volunteer emergency first responder — is important. Students must have achieved a cumulative 3.0 GPA or better.

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, the region’s community foundation, administers a variety of scholarships to reward and assist capable and deserving students based on the criteria established by the fund donors.

Cave Spring Lions Club Scholarship Fund

Fund provides college scholarships to graduating seniors currently attending a high school in Roanoke City, Roanoke County, Salem, Vinton or home schooled students in these areas. The following criteria will be used as the basis for the scholarship awards: applicant’s prior academic performance; applicant’s performance on accepted tests designed to measure aptitude and ability for college work; and applicant’s prior leadership performance.

ESSAY TOPIC: Explain your view on leadership/volunteerism and the role that it has played in your life. (Maximum two pages)

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, the region’s community foundation, administers a variety of scholarships to reward and assist capable and deserving students based on the criteria established by the fund donors.

Clarissa Edwards Noland Memorial Scholarship Fund

Fund provides educational scholarships to deserving students intending to pursue a career in teaching or creative writing.

ESSAY TOPIC: What are your educational plans? What are your reasons for pursuing a career in Creative Writing or Teaching? (Maximum 500 words.)

Community Foundation of New Jersey

Over our 46-year history, the Community Foundation of New Jersey has collaborated with individuals, families, organizations, and businesses to design charitable funds and implement the philanthropic solutions they want to see in their communities. We leverage $1.17 billion in assets and 1,200 funds to help our partners think boldly and creatively about ways to give.

Scholarship Fund Overview

Beyond a shared commitment to educational opportunity, families establish scholarship funds with a variety of goals and purposes in mind. They may offer traditional scholarships or customize fund awards for alternative scholarships.

Currently, CFNJ administers more than 135 scholarship funds. Our scholarship opportunities run the gamut, from those exclusive to a local high school or geographic region to those supporting specific majors or career pursuits. Last year, we awarded over $2 million in scholarship assistance to 271 scholars.

Applicants may be evaluated on academic performance; extracurricular activities; community involvement; paid or unpaid work; and a statement of their personal aspirations, educational goals, and demonstrated unmet financial need in our scholarship review process.

Three Little Birds Scholarship

This fund was created by a family who tried many therapies for their children and recognized how overwhelming the financial burden can become over time. Their passion is now focused on helping other families that may not have the financial means but want to provide essential therapies for their children. They hope that the scholarship helps provide special, wonderful kids with the tools that they need to be successful in life.

Nestlé Purina Animal Welfare Grants focus on enhancing the well-being of pets and their owners through monetary donations to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt pet welfare organizations in the U.S. These grants support capacity building, capital improvements, and spay/neuter funding. The program aims to strengthen relationships between pets and people, particularly in communities near Nestlé Purina facilities, ensuring that both pets and their owners thrive together.

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, the region’s community foundation, administers a variety of scholarships to reward and assist capable and deserving students based on the criteria established by the fund donors.

Ethel Snidow Holland Memorial Scholarship Fund

Fund provides scholarship assistance for Roanoke Valley high school graduates who wish to continue their education in a college, university, or vocational field.

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, the region’s community foundation, administers a variety of scholarships to reward and assist capable and deserving students based on the criteria established by the fund donors.

H.B. and Ellen B. Wharton Scholarship Fund

Fund provides higher education assistance to worthy, qualified and necessitous students.

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, the region’s community foundation, administers a variety of scholarships to reward and assist capable and deserving students based on the criteria established by the fund donors.

Franklin County Ed-U-K8or Scholarship Fund

Fund provides educational scholarship assistance to needy, deserving individuals.

The RedRover Relief Urgent Care Grants provide crucial financial assistance for pet guardians facing economic hardships due to life-threatening situations affecting their pets. With an average grant of $250, this program aims to bridge funding gaps for urgent veterinary care. Eligibility includes a diagnosis from a veterinarian and a household income below $60,000. Applicants can expect a response within two business days after submission. Updates and photos may be requested from grant recipients.

The Neal Foundation Trust Grant supports organizations dedicated to the humane treatment of animals. With a focus on local community projects, the foundation funds initiatives aimed at reducing pet overpopulation and alleviating animal suffering. Eligible programs include spay/neuter services, fostering, and humane education. The foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate significant local impact, ensuring a compassionate approach to addressing the needs of abandoned and neglected animals.