Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Virginia

The Pabst Steinmetz Foundation Grant supports innovative projects at the intersection of arts, education, and wellness. It aims to empower organizations that address critical community issues and foster sustainable models for change, particularly in Florida. The foundation encourages collaboration and seeks initiatives that create a ripple effect, enhancing community capacity and promoting impactful solutions. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) entities in the U.S. focusing on community betterment through creative approaches.

The Indigenous Tomorrows Fund (ITF) is a youth-led initiative by Native Americans in Philanthropy aimed at supporting Indigenous youth leadership and community-driven solutions. In its 2025 pilot year, ITF will award up to 24 grants of $30,000 each to projects that enhance cultural continuity and sustainable futures. Priorities include promoting food justice, advancing community health, and strengthening cultural connections, particularly those addressing inequity and fostering long-term healing.

The Dr. Donald W. Bentley Memorial Scholarship Endowment honors the legacy of Dr. Bentley, a dedicated educator and Watauga County native. Established by his wife, Audrey Bentley, this scholarship supports both undergraduate and graduate students attending Virginia Tech. It prioritizes academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, while also considering financial need among applicants from North Carolina, particularly Watauga County, ensuring that deserving students can pursue their educational aspirations.

The AHA Institutional Research Enhancement Award (AIREA) aims to bolster cardiovascular and brain health research at smaller educational institutions that lack significant NIH funding. With a budget of $100,000 annually over two years, the award supports various research areas, encourages student involvement, and strengthens institutional research environments. Eligible applicants include accredited U.S. non-profit institutions with specific funding limitations, ensuring that deserving projects receive vital support for advancing health-related research.

The NIDCD Mentored Career Development Award for Postdoctorate Au.D./Ph.D. Audiologists (K01) aims to support the career development of promising audiologists through rigorous postdoctoral research in biomedical, behavioral, or clinical sciences. This initiative encourages independent investigation in health-related research relevant to NIDCD's mission. Applications are due on various dates, with the next deadline on June 13, 2024, providing opportunities for advancing research in audiology and related fields.

The Mitchell Patrick Mielnik Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, honors the legacy of Mitchell Mielnik, a passionate hockey player who exemplified integrity. This scholarship supports scholastic hockey players demonstrating excellence in athletics and academics. By fostering Mitchell's spirit of generosity, the foundation aims to empower young athletes to excel in their personal and professional lives, ensuring a positive impact on the community for years to come.

About Us

The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County is a resource for local charitable giving. Created by and for the people of San Luis Obispo County, The Community Foundation is an enduring source of charitable funds to meet the changing needs and interests of the region. We envision San Luis Obispo County as an inclusive haven where everyone, regardless of background, feels free to fully participate. In collaboration with our community partners and donors, we seek to foster a safe, respectful environment with ample opportunity for all to reach their potential and contribute to the success of our community. We invite you to join us in celebrating diversity, making sure all of our neighbors feel seen, and free from dehumanizing rhetoric and violence, as we shape a future where all residents can flourish. 

2025-2026 Scholarship Applications

Big dreams start here! With support from generous individuals, families, and businesses, the Community Foundation offers scholarships that help San Luis Obispo County students reach new heights in their education and careers.

Gary Grossman Scholarship

The Gary Grossman Scholarship was established to provide scholarship support for promising LGBTQIA+ students to achieve their full academic and leadership potential.

Community Foundation for Mason County, MI

At the Community Foundation for Mason County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues. As a leader in community philanthropy, building a vibrant community with great opportunities for all, we are focused on advancing education, increasing recreation opportunities, and community and economic development.

The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.

Virginia Scott Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Ludington Area School District, which established the Virginia Scott Memorial Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Mason County.

This scholarship is presented to a graduating senior of Ludington High School with a cumulative grade point average of 2.8 or higher on a 4-point scale. The recipient must pursue a degree or certification at any two or four-year accredited college, university, or vocational/technical school.

The New York Life Foundation Grief Reach Grants aim to enhance the capacity of nonprofit organizations serving grieving children. This program, offered in partnership with the National Alliance for Children's Grief, provides $15,000 grants over one year to support internal improvements like organizational development and strategic collaborations. The initiative focuses on strengthening infrastructure and sustainability, ensuring that children have the resources they need to cope with loss effectively.

Community Foundation for Mason County, MI

At the Community Foundation for Mason County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues. As a leader in community philanthropy, building a vibrant community with great opportunities for all, we are focused on advancing education, increasing recreation opportunities, and community and economic development.

The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.

Bethany Lutheran Church Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Bethany Lutheran Church Congregational Council, which established the Bethany Lutheran Church Scholarship Fund of the Community Foundation for Mason County.

In the 1870s, Danish immigrants to the Ludington area met to pursue a dream to worship God, provide Christian education, and support one another through fellowship. In 1878 they established the Danish Evangelical Lutheran Church, which later became Bethany Lutheran Church. Danish language worship services were held into the 1940s. A mural depicting Bethany's longest-serving pastor, The Reverend John Christensen, can be viewed from the parking lot west of the James Street Plaza. The congregation continued to worship and serve the community from its 1101 South Madison location until 2018 when, due to declining membership and financial support, it sold the church building to the Salvation Army and accepted the invitation of Grace Episcopal Church to share its building. Bethany held worship services there until March of 2019. As a memorial to all those who were a part of Bethany's ministry and in support of young people desiring post-high school education, Bethany's last act of service was establishing an endowed scholarship fund through the Community Foundation for Mason County.

The Ben Paley Scholarship Fund, established in 2019 by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, honors the life of musician Ben Paley. It supports talented high school seniors from Berkshire County and northwest Litchfield County pursuing undergraduate music studies. This scholarship reflects Ben's passion for music and his positive outlook on life, aiming to inspire future generations of musicians to follow their dreams.

The Robert Martz DiGiacomo Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Stark Community Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors in Lake Township. This scholarship honors students who excel academically and athletically, demonstrate outstanding moral character, leadership skills, and a strong devotion to their families. Since its inception in 1963, the Foundation has been dedicated to improving lives through philanthropy and fostering long-term community solutions.

The Ferris Burtis Scholarship Fund, established in 2002 by two dedicated musicians, supports talented young musicians pursuing classical music careers. Funded by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, it aims to alleviate the financial burden of education, ensuring access for graduating high school seniors accepted into conservatories. This initiative reflects the foundation's mission to strengthen communities through philanthropy, fostering opportunities for economic mobility and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Berkshire Taconic region.

The Ohio Children’s Foundation Grant aims to enhance the lives of at-risk children and families through funding for early childhood education programs. With nearly $1 million awarded in grants over three years, the Foundation supports initiatives that promote school readiness, advocate for public policies, and provide resources for parents. Prioritizing children aged 0-5, the Foundation seeks innovative programs that address early brain development and minimize toxic stress, ensuring a brighter future for vulnerable families.

Adult Treatment Court Program

Overview

The Department of Justice began supporting treatment courts over 25 years ago. Through the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, Congress first authorized the Attorney General to make grants to states, state courts, local courts, units of local government, and federally recognized Indian tribal government to establish treatment courts. In 1995, the Office of Justice Programs established the Drug Court Discretionary Grant Program, occurring just 6 years after the implementation of the nation’s first treatment court in Miami, Florida. This work was merged into the Bureau of Justice Assistance in 2003.

The Adult Treatment Court Program supports state, local, and tribal efforts to plan, implement, and enhance the operations of adult treatment courts, including tribal healing to wellness courts. Adult treatment court programs are a tool for criminal court partners and the judiciary to facilitate coordinated approaches that address the needs of nonviolent individuals involved in the justice system who have substance use disorders and/or co-occurring mental health needs.

These courts effectively integrate evidence-based substance use disorder treatment, random drug testing, equitable sanctions and incentives, and recovery support services in judicially supervised court settings to reduce recidivism and substance use and misuse, as well as prevent overdoses. These initiatives can incorporate cultural elements and approaches.

Category 1: Planning and Implementation (Anticipated Award Amount: $950,000)

Planning and Implementation grants are available to eligible jurisdictions ready to commit to a 6-month planning phase followed by an implementation and/or launch of an ATC that supports core capacity and provides critical behavioral health treatment, case management and coordinated judicial supervision, sanctions and incentives, and other supportive services, such as transitional housing, peer recovery services, relapse prevention and employment services, that can reduce recidivism.

The CLIMB Near Peer Mentorship Program by John Muir Health offers a year-long mentorship initiative aimed at developing family medicine learners into community-engaged providers. This program supports high school, undergraduate, and medical students by pairing them with mentors in the healthcare field. Participants engage in weekly virtual meetings and receive guidance throughout their educational journey, fostering a diverse and inclusive future in healthcare professions.

The Jacques Parker and Marie Deguard Scholarship, offered by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, supports high school seniors in the region pursuing higher education in visual arts or architecture. Scholarships are renewable for up to five years, covering costs for college, apprenticeships, or specialized courses. This initiative aims to promote economic mobility and provide opportunities for creativity, ensuring a lasting impact on students' lives in Berkshire, Columbia, northeast Dutchess, and northwest Litchfield counties.

The Health Career Connection Internship, offered by John Muir Health, is a 10-week full-time program aimed at empowering underrepresented college students in healthcare. This internship provides valuable mentorship, networking opportunities, and real-world experience, focusing on diverse backgrounds. It encourages participants to explore careers in health professions, particularly those from low-income and first-generation college student backgrounds. The program is designed to inspire and motivate interns as they embark on their professional journeys.

The Barbara Berger Clark Memorial Nursing Scholarship

The family of Barbara Berger Clark created this scholarship in her memory to support the next generation of nurses who share her commitment to public health and to serving their communities. Open to all nursing students, including those entering the field later in life or as a second career, this scholarship especially honors those who share Barbara’s commitment to public health nursing, prevention, and advancing health equity.

Number and Size of Awards

Number of recipients and individual total award amounts vary annually. Award paid in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters. Award renewability varies and is dependent on the length of the recipient’s program of study. Minimum award size $5,000.

Allowed Use of Award

Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education.

The David B. Gianas Memorial Scholarship, offered by the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation, provides vital educational support for students with documented special needs. This scholarship aims to empower individuals who face unique challenges in achieving their educational aspirations due to financial constraints or a lack of encouragement. Open to high school seniors, undergraduates, and returning students, it seeks to foster inclusivity and uplift the community by helping students reach their fullest potential.

The Botany in Action Fellowship Program at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is designed for PhD students in plant-based research. It provides $6,000 for research and outreach expenses, an all-expenses paid trip for science outreach training, and opportunities to connect with the public through various outreach initiatives. This program nurtures the next generation of plant scientists committed to impactful research and educational outreach, fostering a deeper understanding of plant science.

The Walt Disney Company UNCF Enhanced Scholars Program offers scholarships and internships to high-achieving college juniors interested in off-camera careers in the entertainment industry. With a scholarship of up to $5,000 and mentorship opportunities during the 2025-2026 academic year, this program aims to create a diverse pipeline of professionals. Selected students will gain invaluable experience through a summer internship with The Walt Disney Company, enhancing their career readiness in various business areas.

Drs. Keith and Monica Taylor's Family Scholarship, established in 2021, aims to support qualified African American students facing financial hardships in their pursuit of higher education. This scholarship fund prioritizes those who demonstrate a need for assistance and encourages applicants who have overcome challenges. The Community Foundation of the Lowcountry manages this initiative, ensuring that deserving students receive the financial support necessary to achieve their educational goals.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Helen Schlicht McGeachy & Arthur C. Schlicht Scholarship Endowment Fund

This fund provides scholarships to students graduating from Aurora Central, Aurora Christian, East Aurora, Marmion Academy, Rosary or West Aurora High School.

Students entering the field of education, engineering, science, medicine or nursing are eligible to apply for these awards.

This fund was established by Arthur C. Schlicht (1936-2020) in memory of his mother Helen Schlicht McGeachy.

Helen McGeachy (1910-1994) was a graduate of East Aurora High School. An outstanding typist and secretary, she ultimately became secretary to the presidents of CA&E Railway and Walker Process Equipment of Aurora. Arthur Schlicht was vice-president/national sales manager at Walker Process Equipment. He earned a degree in chemical engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology.

This fund was created in 1994 and established as an endowment in 1995.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. The most common scholarship award amount is $1,000 for a single year. Scholarships are designated as non-renewable one-year awards or renewable multi-year awards depending upon the scholarship fund criteria, as established by the donor of the scholarship fund.

The Ian Amendolare Blue Collar Trade Award Fund supports students from West Canada Valley Junior/Senior High School pursuing a degree or certification in trades like HVAC, trucking, welding, or farming. This award emphasizes promise and effort rather than academic grades, reflecting a commitment to fostering talent in essential skilled trades. The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, a leader in community investment, manages this fund to empower local youth and strengthen the community's future.

The Community Foundation of NCW is a tax-exempt philanthropic organization that helps individuals, families, businesses, and agencies support charitable causes throughout Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan counties.

Stella Knoebel / Saddlerock Evangelical Presbyterian Church Music Scholarship

Stella Knoebel was a significant part of the music department at First Presbyterian Church of Wenatchee (now called Saddlerock Evangelical Presbyterian Church). To honor her legacy, the church established an endowment fund to provide scholarships to students who are members of the congregation and preference will be given to those who plan to continue their education in the field of music.

The Cybersecurity Traineeship, in collaboration with Northern Virginia Community College, aims to equip participants with essential cybersecurity skills. This program targets individuals with no prior experience, guiding them towards entry-level roles in the cybersecurity field. Participants engage in a 7-week online bootcamp, potentially followed by 12 weeks of paid on-the-job training. Trainees receive financial support totaling $19,200, ensuring a comprehensive training experience while enhancing the cybersecurity workforce in Virginia.