Best Private Grants for Nonprofits in Virginia

The Gage County Agricultural Society Scholarship, managed by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, awards four $500 scholarships to graduating seniors from Beatrice High School. Candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and have participated in Gage County Agriculture Society events. The foundation, established in 1987, supports educational opportunities and does not consider economic need in its selection process. Applications are available through local resources and online.

The Next Generation Undergraduate Scholarship, established by the Architects Foundation, aims to support diverse students pursuing architecture degrees. With a total award of up to $20,000, the scholarship is available to US citizens or permanent residents who are seniors in high school or second-year college students enrolled in NAAB-accredited programs. This initiative reflects a commitment to fostering inclusivity and excellence in the architectural profession, empowering future leaders to shape the built environment.

The Hematology Inclusion Pathway Resident Award supports underrepresented medical residents in hematology in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Participants receive $5,000 for research, mentorship from ASH members, and funding for the ASH annual meeting. Eligible candidates are in internal medicine or pediatric residencies, self-identify as underserved, and must conduct research with an ASH mentor. This program aims to enhance diversity and support crucial blood science research.

The Colonel David Marcus Memorial Scholarship Award supports students from Burlington, Camden, or Gloucester Counties pursuing post-high school education, particularly in military programs. Established by the Jewish Community Foundation, this scholarship prioritizes candidates who embody Col. Marcus's ideals. Eligible applicants must be high school seniors and may apply for multiple awards. The fund has a strong community leadership background, managing over $35 million in assets to support educational initiatives.

Yellow Dog Studio Memorial Scholarship

The Yellow Dog Studios Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of Mari Zimmerman-Thompson and Christopher Thompson. Mari and Chris became husband and wife in May of 2002. They lived their remaining years together as kindred spirits until July 2, 2015 when a tragic automobile accident took them from their family and friends.

Evaluation Criteria

• Special skills/interests (30)
• Career goals (20)
• Essay (15)
• Letters of recommendation (15)
• Extracurricular activities (5)
• Awards and honors (5)
• Overall involvement in work, school and community activities (5)
• Academic performance (5)

The D. Scott Cooper Nursing Foundation Scholarship, offered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating seniors from high schools in Gregg, Rusk, or Smith Counties pursuing a nursing degree. This scholarship emphasizes financial need, requiring FAFSA documentation, and provides funding for one year. Established to foster educational pursuits, it reflects the Foundation's commitment to empowering young individuals to achieve their dreams in the field of nursing.

The Military-Civilian Charitable Foundation Scholarship aims to support children of active or retired military personnel in the San Antonio area by providing scholarships for higher education. Established in 1954, this foundation integrates military and civilian communities, emphasizing the importance of education for military families facing unique challenges. Scholarships are available to high school seniors across all military branches, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to fostering patriotism and community support.

The Pride Foundation Scholarship is designed to support LGBTQ+ students who demonstrate leadership in their communities and fields of study. Open to residents of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington, applicants must pursue post-secondary education in the 2025-2026 school year. The scholarship prioritizes those facing systemic barriers, including discrimination and financial need, ensuring resources reach LGBTQ+ students who need them most.

The Next Generation Graduate Scholarship, established by the Architects Foundation, supports aspiring architects from diverse backgrounds. With an award of up to $20,000 over five years, it aims to enhance education accessibility in architecture. This initiative honors Whitney Young Jr.'s call for a more responsible profession, inviting students from technical schools, community colleges, and non-NAAB programs to apply. The scholarship not only aids in educational pursuits but also fosters a network of future leaders in architecture.

The Helen Elbert Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating seniors planning to major in music, particularly piano. Established in 1989, the Foundation has a strong commitment to education and community support. This scholarship is not based on financial need and will provide one year of assistance to students attending any college in the United States. It aims to empower young musicians to pursue their educational dreams.

The Donald & Janice Svehla Family Endowed Scholarship, established in 2022 by their sons, supports students from Lincoln Northeast High School pursuing higher education. This initiative, backed by the Lincoln Community Foundation, honors Donald and Janice's dedication to education and community involvement. In 2025, the scholarship contributed to over $606,000 awarded to 299 recipients. It emphasizes the importance of academic excellence alongside financial need, continuing a legacy of support for local students.

The Indian Land Tenure Foundation's Legal Reform Grant Program aims to empower American Indian nations by addressing systemic barriers to land ownership and control. This initiative promotes collaboration on projects like estate planning, land policy reform, and engaging government leaders in discussions about tribal sovereignty. By focusing on legal reforms, the program seeks to rectify longstanding inequities and enhance the ability of tribes to manage their land effectively.

The Conagra Brands Foundation offers Community Impact Grants to nonprofit organizations in the USA that address food insecurity and promote healthy lifestyles. Eligible organizations must align with core focus areas like food access, nutrition education, and cooking skills. Grants support initiatives that foster community engagement and provide entrepreneurial skills. Nonprofits must uphold a non-discrimination policy protecting various characteristics. Applications are accepted through a Letter of Intent from January 1 to February 15, 2025.

The Pediatric Lupus Research Grant aims to provide pilot funding for innovative research initiatives focusing on pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It supports various projects, including feasibility studies and the development of new methodologies or technologies. With a total funding of up to $90,000 for two projects over one year, this grant encourages collaborations and aims to significantly improve the lives of children affected by lupus in the U.S. and Canada.

About Legacy Foundation

Legacy Foundation is the community foundation for Lake County, Indiana. We connect people, knowledge, and funding to build an equitable, accessible, and inclusive Lake County, now and for generations to come.

Legacy Foundation is supported by a broad base of individuals, families, and businesses connected by the desire to improve Lake County, Indiana. With a growing portfolio of over 300 funds and approximately $80 million in assets, Legacy Foundation is a trusted source for philanthropic giving in the region.

For over 30 years, Legacy Foundation has been empowering people, providing strategic leadership, and impactful philanthropic support to create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Mission Statement

Transforming Lake County by providing strategic leadership and impactful philanthropic support to ensure equitable opportunity for all communities that we serve.

Vision Statement

Create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Milton and Ruby McClendon Scholarship

Use the chart below to see which scholarships are the best fit for you! You must complete the Legacy Universal Application to apply.

Scholarship eligibility requires students to attend an accredited 2 or 4 year public or private institution of higher learning. All scholarships are for full-time students, unless otherwise noted. Renewable awards are for 4 years of undergraduate study and cannot be used for post graduate coursework; all awards are paid directly to the school or may be used for book reimbursement.

The Nicholas B. Ottaway Foundation's Community Impact Fund Grants aim to enhance community well-being by supporting 501(c)(3) organizations focused on underrepresented populations. Grants range from $3,000 to $20,000 and are intended for projects in areas like disaster relief and sexual health. First-time applicants must submit a letter of intent before applying. The foundation prioritizes projects in regions where its members live and work, ensuring local engagement and impact.

The Luck Companies Foundation Grants aim to foster long-term positive impact in communities through values-based leadership and environmental stewardship. Established to support community growth, the foundation matches donations from associates and provides grants to purpose-driven organizations. It collaborates with local leaders and institutions to turn visions into reality, ensuring that their contributions benefit communities for decades. By reviewing requests quarterly, they prioritize initiatives that align with their mission and emphasize sustainable community development.

The Holy Cross Lutheran Church Matt 25 Scholarship, funded by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offers a $500 award to one deserving student from Beatrice High School. Established to support education, this needs-based scholarship is applicable for various higher education institutions, including colleges and trade schools. Applications can be obtained from the Student Services Office or the foundation's website. The foundation has been active since 1987, promoting academic excellence and community involvement.

Seeding Research, Networking, and Capacity Building at Minority-Serving Institutions

Introduction & Purpose

RWJF is committed to ensuring everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible. To achieve this goal, we support research that examines the historical and systemic factors that cause health inequities. Some of those determinants are poverty, discrimination, and limited access to quality education, housing, safe environments, and healthcare. As attacks on data and academic freedom and ongoing funding cuts to federal health equity research and programs continue, philanthropy’s work to achieve fair and equitable health, including a more equitable research funding ecosystem, is more important than ever. While philanthropic support for Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) has increased in recent years, there is more to be done to rectify historical disparities in funding. 

This call for proposals (CFP) provides support to health equity research centers at MSIs to strengthen research infrastructure and capacity-building. Capacity-building will help develop staff, skills, culture, resources, and systems that enable research to happen effectively. Specific work that RWJF may fund under this CFP includes specific skill or methodology training; faculty release time; support for research assistants, advisors, and project staffing; mentoring, professional development and collaboration, and more.

Through this CFP, RWJF will expand its efforts to transform deeply rooted beliefs about which data and research methods are valued, whose perspectives are prioritized, and which populations deserve resources. By supporting the infrastructure and capacity-building needs of MSIs, this opportunity strengthens their ability to generate critical evidence and to cultivate transformative, actionable solutions toward health equity. 

RWJF believes in health equity research that is grounded in systems thinking; supports and disseminates evidence identifying and implementing structural solutions to racial and health inequities. This CFP seeks mission-aligned institutions to participate in cohort-style peer learning to advance their ability to engage in health equity research and apply for competitive funding opportunities in the future.

Although no single philanthropy can fill the gap left by federal funding cuts, this CFP demonstrates strong support for research, historically underrepresented researchers, and research centers that are positioned to pave the way toward a future where health is not a privilege, but a right.

Kothari Family Fund Healthcare Scholarship

This scholarship, made in memory of Kathy Jowsey, is for graduates of Ten Broeck Academy/Franklinville High School who demonstrate financial need, have worked hard academically, and exemplify school spirit through extracurricular activities, sports and/or volunteerism. Preference for this scholarship will be given to students majoring in business, accounting, sports management or journalism.

The Henrietta Hutton Research Grant, established in 1964 in memory of a notable University of Oxford student, provides up to three grants of £500 each year. This grant supports undergraduate and Masters students conducting overseas field research lasting over four weeks. Emphasis is placed on independent projects that may not be related to academic studies, with a preference for research that includes geographical, social, or environmental elements.

The Jespen, Peter W. Scholarships, managed by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offer two $2,150 scholarships to graduating seniors from Beatrice High School. These scholarships support students pursuing higher education, including vocational training. Recipients are selected based on academic performance, extracurricular involvement, character, and financial need, with a FAFSA Student Aid Report required for need-based consideration. The Foundation has provided substantial financial support to local students since its establishment in 1987.

Louis R. & Helen E. Schwartz FFA Agricultural Scholarship

The Louis R. and Helen E. Schwartz FFA Agricultural Scholarship was established to help prepare Saginaw County students for a future in agriculture or an agriculture-related field. Both Lou and Helen Schwartz were raised on farms in Iowa, so they knew from first-hand experience that farming can be a difficult business. They moved to Frankenmuth when Lou opened area S&H Stores in 1962. The stores were sold to Quality Farm and Fleet in 1982.

Scholarships are awarded to students from Saginaw County, Michigan; Lyon County, Minnesota and Muscatine County, Iowa.

The U.S. Department of Justice is inviting applications for the FY26 Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS) to streamline the grant process for federally recognized tribes. This initiative combines various competitive funding opportunities into a single application, allowing tribes to address public safety and victimization comprehensively. Eligible areas include criminal justice, substance use, and support for victims of domestic violence. The deadline for applications is October 22, 2026.

Presser Foundation

Passionate about music, Theodore Presser wanted to give back to it. When he died in 1925, he had been widowed twice without any children. The bulk of his fortune was left to The Presser Foundation, which was formally established 14 years after his death. From 1995 to June 2021, The Presser Foundation gave more than $80 million to music organizations, undergraduate and graduate music students, and retired music teachers.

Originally, the Foundation sought to promote the causes of musical education and musical philanthropy by providing scholarships for promising students, supporting the construction of buildings for music organizations, and directing aid to retired music teachers. Over time, the Foundation has evolved to support a broad array of music genres, expand its grantmaking areas, convene its nonprofit partners at special events, and collaborate with fellow funders, while continuing to follow the original intent and wishes of Theodore Presser.

Assistance to Music Teachers

Theodore Presser, mindful of his own early struggles in the profession, was committed to the support of music teachers. He also felt a sense of gratitude for the thousands of teachers who were the primary customers of his music publication business. In 1906, he established the Presser Home for Retired Music Teachers in Philadelphia. When it was no longer practical to maintain an independent facility, the Foundation created the Assistance to Music Teachers Committee to carry on its basic mission of financial support for retired teachers with financial need.

Typically, the Foundation provides modest financial assistance and/or help with the cost of medical insurance. Awards are made to individuals living in the United States whose primary occupation was as a teacher of music. To be considered for Assistance, applicants must be nominated by a music institution for consideration. 

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 BJA FY 2026 Local Law Enforcement Crime Gun Intelligence Center Integration Initiative aims to support law enforcement agencies in establishing and expanding Crime Gun Intelligence Centers (CGICs). This initiative encourages interagency collaboration for the effective management and analysis of crime gun evidence, enhancing the ability to swiftly identify crime guns and their sources. In partnership with the ATF, this program seeks to reduce firearm-related crime and improve prosecution outcomes.