Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in Washington

Cumberland Community Foundation ("CCF") manages more than 60 scholarship endowment funds created by local individuals, families, civic organizations, and corporations who want to provide a path to higher education for future generations. 

Each year, Cumberland Community Foundation announces more than $1,000,000 in college scholarships to students from southeastern North Carolina.

Beth Bryan Creative Arts Fund Scholarship

Graduating senior from any high school in Cumberland County.

The Clarence and Bonnie Shaffer Scholarship, administered by the Marshall County Community Foundation, aims to support students affiliated with Trinity United Methodist Church pursuing post-secondary education in ministry, music ministry, or education. Preference is given to first-year undergraduates, but graduate students may also qualify if no undergraduates apply. This scholarship represents a commitment to nurturing local talent and fostering educational opportunities within the community.

About The NRA Foundation

The heart of The NRA Foundation’s mission is preserving the core of our American values and traditions in our steadfast effort to Teach Freedom.

The NRA Foundation Supports Freedom, Family, and the Future of the Shooting Sports

Established in 1990, The NRA Foundation, Inc. (“NRA Foundation”) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that raises tax-deductible contributions in support of a wide range of firearm-related public interest activities of the National Rifle Association of America and other organizations that defend and foster the Second Amendment rights of all law-abiding Americans.

The heart of The NRA Foundation’s mission is preserving the core of our American values and traditions in our steadfast effort to Teach Freedom.

Established in 1990, The NRA Foundation, Inc. (“NRA Foundation”) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that raises tax-deductible contributions in support of a wide range of firearm-related public interest activities of the National Rifle Association of America and other organizations that defend and foster the Second Amendment rights of all law-abiding Americans. These activities are designed to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those participating in the shooting sports, and to educate the general public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context. Funds granted by The NRA Foundation benefit a variety of constituencies throughout the United States including children, youth, women, individuals with physical disabilities, gun collectors, law enforcement officers, hunters and competitive shooters.

Awards

The NRA is proud to recognize the contributions of those who have demonstrated dedication to the promotion of the Second Amendment, significantly impacted the preservation of the shooting sports, advanced the purposes and goals of the NRA and exemplified leadership through public service. Each year, women, youth, clubs, law enforcement officers and NRA Foundation volunteers are awarded for their efforts in pursuit of these principles.

NRA Sybil Ludington Women's Freedom Award

This national award is in honor of the brave woman, Sybil Ludington, who in 1777, galloped on her horse one night to rally troops against the British. Now to honor her accomplishment and the accomplishments of modern heroines, the NRA bestows the prestigious Sybil Ludington Women’s Freedom Award in her name.

Feld Entertainment's Charitable Contributions aim to support children in need through various initiatives. Their donations have significantly impacted organizations like St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. They offer cash and in-kind contributions to help underserved communities, providing tickets to nonprofit youth organizations and funding educational programs in the performing arts. Employees are encouraged to engage in local charity events, reinforcing the company's commitment to making a difference in the communities they serve.

The Katie Cannon Scholarship honors Rev. Dr. Katie Geneva Cannon, a pioneering figure in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). This scholarship aims to empower Presbyterian women of color, clergywomen, and college women by providing financial assistance for leadership development events and educational opportunities. It promotes spiritual growth and mission involvement within the church, ensuring that women are equipped for greater service and leadership roles. This fund is part of the Women's Ministry Fund at the Presbyterian Mission Agency.

About Us

Established in 1994, Grays Harbor Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that is known in our community for giving grants to other nonprofits in Grays Harbor County and for scholarships for Grays Harbor youth, but that is not our business.

Our real business is helping people, families, groups, and businesses be philanthropic or charitable. We provide the administrative and investment management services that make it easy for donors to be involved at whatever level they wish, and to accomplish their charitable goals with their tax deductible donations that improve the quality of life in Grays Harbor.

About Community Grants

The Grays Harbor Community Foundation addresses community needs by supporting our non profit community organizations throughout Grays Harbor county. The Foundation recognizes that the needs of our community are many, so we support organizations in arts and culture, education, health, and human services. Grant applications from all non profit organizations that meet our priorities and that serve local residents are welcomed and encouraged. We give high priority to investments that create positive, substantive change and attempt to resolve problems at their source.

Grays Harbor Community Foundation: Early Learning Grants

The Grays Harbor Community Foundation is dedicated to enhancing early learning opportunities in Grays Harbor County.

The Early Learning Grants program will be open throughout the year for organizations to apply at any time. The typical range of award is $5,000 to $10,000. However, any requests outside of that range can be discussed with our office prior to submittal.

GHCF looks for proposals that show:

• The strength of the applicant organization
• Show the ability to leverage other funding
• Address a community need
• Fit well within the GHCF’s giving priorities
• Have a positive impact on persons and/or the community
• Demonstrate the capacity to provide the necessary services using good administrative and financial management

Capital Projects

• Bids must be submitted at time of application
• Site visits are required
• Submit photos of proposed project

The Latham Foundation for the Promotion of Humane Education, established in 1918, emphasizes humane education to foster kindness and respect for all living beings. With a focus on innovative programs for teenagers and animal-assisted activities, the foundation invites U.S. organizations, particularly nonprofits, to apply for grants. However, funding does not extend to capital projects, salaries, or conference travel. Latham aims to instill core values that promote compassion within communities and across nations.

About RWJF

At the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, we take bold leaps to transform health in our lifetime and pave the way, together, to a future where health is no longer a privilege, but a right. We take our responsibilities seriously, and pledge to work in ways that reflect our values.

Connecting Champions for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in the Health Professions

RWJF seeks to fund one lead organization or consortium to serve as a national network-weaver for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in the health professions. The selected grantee will connect and support leaders, organizations, and institutions across the ecosystem, strengthening relationships, aligning strategy and communications, and facilitating shared learning and collective action. By building the connections and infrastructure needed for collaboration, the grantee will help advance belonging, accountability, and systems change across health professions education and healthcare institutions.

Achieving a healthcare system grounded in equity requires both a diverse health professions workforce and institutions committed to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). While diverse teams improve quality of care and health outcomes, RWJF has learned that increasing representation alone is insufficient without addressing structural and institutional barriers that shape belonging, leadership, advancement, and accountability. Structural racism and other forms of systemic inequity continue to limit opportunity across the health professions education and healthcare institutions.

Lasting change requires not only supporting diverse leaders, but also strengthening connections among educational institutions, healthcare organizations, professional associations, accrediting and credentialing bodies, students, advocates, community actors, and others within the health professions ecosystem, whose relationships, actions, practices, and mindsets shape health outcomes for the communities they serve. These relationships create the support, trust, shared learning, and coordinated action necessary to advance DEIB and build a more equitable healthcare system. 

The Gryphon Scholarship Program, administered by Scholarship America Inc., aims to support high school seniors and recent graduates from select metropolitan areas pursuing full-time undergraduate studies. With a focus on students demonstrating financial need, this initiative aligns with Scholarship America's mission to eliminate financial barriers to education. By fostering access and affordability for underserved communities, the program empowers students to achieve their academic goals while also promoting responsible debt management in their educational journey.

The Equity in Mathematics Grants (6-12), funded by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aim to enhance the achievement of historically underrepresented student groups in mathematics. Grants support innovative classroom materials and lessons, focusing on effective teaching strategies as per NCTM policy. Eligible applicants include classroom teachers and small groups of educators. Proposals should outline their plan for improving student outcomes while detailing the anticipated impact on underachieving students' performance.

Community Foundation of Wabash County

Since its creation in 1954, the Community Foundation has grown and continually adapted its priorities to meet the ever-changing needs of the community. Through these changes, challenges, and opportunities to grow as both a leader and provider, the Community Foundation has remained true to its mission and commitment to Wabash County citizens.

Our Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Wabash County offers a wide variety of post-secondary education scholarships to traditional, non-traditional, and graduate students. With nearly 70 different scholarship endowments created through the generosity of our donors, many students are eligible to apply.  

Wabash Baking Powder Company Scholarship

The Wabash Baking Powder Company Scholarship was established to preserve the company legacy as a flourishing enterprise and was once the largest private brand baking powder factory in the world, producing not only baking powder, but a variety of flavoring extracts, gelatin extracts, powdered skim milk, and cocoa for over 200 companies. The Wabash Baking Powder Company was located on the northwest corner of South Wabash Street and Water Street. The building was directly on the Wabash & Erie Canal and was believed to have originally been a warehouse for the import and export of Canal goods and merchandise.

About

Created by the community for the good of the community, the GLCCF is here to turn problems into opportunities through strategic grant making and initiatives created to address our region’s most pressing needs. We work with you to identify your charitable goals, and we ensure that they are carried out efficiently.

Work with us to make the kind of impact you want to see in your community. Let us take on the financial complexities and paperwork, while you focus on the important things like fostering good works throughout our community.

When you give to the Greater Lake City Community Foundation, you are making an investment that will benefit the community, now and in the future.

GLCCF Personal Services Scholarship

To award annually a scholarship to a qualified applicant who intends to further his/her education toward obtaining training to work in the Personal Services area.

The Veneklasen Research Foundation Grant supports scientific research in acoustics and related fields, promoting high standards of research. Eligible applicants include public charities and individuals with a demonstrated interest in acoustics. The Foundation emphasizes careful stewardship of resources and maintains relationships within the private foundation community to enhance collaboration. Proposals are reviewed through a letter of inquiry and full proposals are by invitation only, ensuring alignment with the Foundation's mission and objectives.

The Level 2 Rural Outreach Grant, offered by the National Association of Realtors, supports initiatives aimed at addressing rural issues through collaboration with public and private stakeholders. Grants up to $7,500 are available for studies, events, and outreach efforts. Each association can receive one grant annually, and funds are distributed via reimbursement. Recipients must complete an evaluation form for their project, promoting effective advocacy and community engagement.

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 Affordable Rural Cooperative (ARC) Energy Program, initiated by the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), aims to enhance rural electric systems through substantial funding of approximately $175 million. This initiative focuses on increasing emission-free nuclear power and improving transmission infrastructure efficiency, promoting long-term reliability and affordability. Eligible entities include electric cooperatives serving rural areas and their subsidiaries. The program aligns with the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to achieve significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, thus fostering a sustainable energy future.

The Melissa Skiera Myers Scholarship, managed by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports female students pursuing degrees in math, science, and business. Funded by Melissa Skiera Myers to alleviate educational financial burdens, this scholarship prioritizes first-generation college students and those overcoming challenges. Applicants need to submit transcripts and specific documents. With a competitive selection process, the fund aims to empower Tri-Cities women, including adult learners, to achieve their academic goals without the weight of student debt.

The Inja & Kwang Choi, MD Family Scholarship, awarded by the Erie Community Foundation, supports deserving seniors from local high schools who aspire to pursue careers in medicine or engineering. With over $800,000 in scholarships distributed in 2023, this initiative helps students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher achieve their educational goals, fostering the next generation of professionals in critical fields.

The Mary E. Wilsberg Scholarship, established in 1988 by Mary E. Wilsberg, supports Grand Haven or Spring Lake High School graduates pursuing graduate education, including PhD programs. The scholarship emphasizes academic excellence and community service, requiring a minimum GPA of 3.0. Financial need is not a priority for applicants, who must demonstrate involvement in their school and community. This scholarship simplifies the application process by allowing candidates to apply for multiple foundation scholarships with a single submission.

The Kevin Ernst Memorial Scholarship, established in 1995, honors a compassionate young man who aspired to teach mathematics. Offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, this competitive scholarship supports students residing in the Tri-Cities studying mathematics or accounting, with a priority on financial need. Applicants are required to submit academic transcripts and additional documents as needed. This fund reflects the legacy of Kevin Ernst, encouraging future educators to pursue their dreams.

Grants for Research About Urban Communication Issues

Since our launch in 2005, the Urban Communication Foundation has provided awards and grants to dozens of distinguished scholars, researchers, and journalists to recognize and support provocative work that contributes in significant ways to the discourse around urban communication issues.

While most of our recipients hail from academia and journalism, we also encourage submissions from other practitioners whose work will lend new insights into the discipline, raise broader awareness of related socio-political, economic, and cultural concerns, or influence public policy.

The Michael Brill Research Award in Urban Communication

Sponsored by the Urban Communication Foundation and the Environmental Design Research Association

The Michael Brill Award for Urban Communication, Design, and Human Behavior supports innovative research that seeks to enhance the quality of community life by examining human communicative behavior in the context of the technologies and the physical environments in which those interactions occur. This research should address and connect theoretical perspectives from the fields of communication, design and the social sciences. Research supported by the Brill Grant may focus on how physical community places influence the mode, nature, and content of human communicative behavior OR use a communication lens for examining community places and human activity.

The Agnes and Margaret Macmillan Scholarship, established by the Saint Andrew's Society in New York, offers five annual scholarships worth $45,000 each. Aimed at fostering academic exchange, it supports US students studying in Scotland and Scottish students in the US. Candidates must demonstrate Scottish descent and reside in specific Northeastern states. This scholarship honors the legacy of Margaret 'Peggy' Macmillan, who significantly contributed to the fund in memory of her sister Agnes.

The Professional Pipeline Grant from the American College of Bankruptcy Foundation aims to foster diversity in the insolvency industry. This grant supports legal services organizations working to create an inclusive pipeline for students and professionals facing barriers to success. With grants typically capped at $10,000, the Foundation may offer higher amounts for innovative new programs. Applicants are encouraged to utilize available resources to enhance their proposals and maximize funding opportunities.

About Us

We are one of more than 750 similar tax-exempt public charities throughout the United States that work to make their community a better place to live. We are a local organization staffed by residents of the community and led by a board of trustees who have an in-depth knowledge of the issues that shape our County.

This Community Foundation was created by and for the people of Washington County MD, and exists to improve the quality of life for all of our citizens, now and for generations to come, by building community endowments, addressing needs through grant making and providing leadership on key community issues.

About Our Scholarships

Our scholarships exist thanks to local families, friends, and organizations who have partnered with the Community Foundation to memorialize or honor someone, celebrate their alma mater, or promote a chosen career field. The creation of a scholarship fund can affect the donor as much as the recipient. 

The Community Foundation of Washington County, MD offers more than 100 scholarships for graduating high school students and non-traditional students in continuing education. 

The Thomas J. Bowers Aviation Scholarship Fund

A scholarship fund created in honor of Thomas J. Bowers to provide scholarships to deserving Washington County students who are active members of the Civil Air Patrol and express a desire to pursue a degree in an aviation-related field.

The Tennant Foundation offers equipment donations to eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that promote a cleaner, safer, and healthier world. Donations focus on organizations that are charitable, educational, scientific, or literary. However, certain groups such as political or religious organizations, social clubs, and private foundations are ineligible. The foundation also considers the impact of donations on its partners and distributors before making decisions.

The Immune Drivers of Autoimmune Disease (IDAD) network, supported by NIAID, aims to uncover early triggers and mechanisms of autoimmunity to prevent disease. Key initiatives include developing predictive tools and biomarkers, fostering preclinical cohorts, and utilizing AI and big data. The network will leverage shared infrastructure for collaborative research, managed by the IDAD Network Coordinating Center, which ensures coordination and resource sharing among awardees. This initiative is crucial for advancing understanding and prevention of autoimmune diseases.

The Museums for America (MFA) program, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), supports museums across the nation in enhancing their educational programs, community partnerships, and collection stewardship. This initiative aims to serve diverse audiences through experiential learning, address community needs, and ensure the proper management of collections. By investing in museums of all sizes, the MFA program plays a vital role in preserving America's cultural heritage for future generations.