Best Grants for BIPOC in Washington

The Ryder Sroufe Memorial Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Whitley County in 2025, honors the legacy of Ryder Carl Sroufe. This scholarship supports young individuals who embody enthusiasm, humility, and compassion, reflecting Ryder's spirit of kindness and service. It aims to empower the next generation of leaders and helpers, ensuring that Ryder's values of hard work and community commitment continue to thrive. Eligible students are recognized for their efforts to strengthen their communities.

The Gerald D. Peet Scholarship honors the legacy of Gerald D. Peet by providing financial assistance to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native graduate or professional students pursuing degrees in Medicine at accredited institutions. This need-based award, administered by Native Forward, offers varying amounts from $100 to $30,000 per academic year, based on financial aid information from the institution's Financial Aid Office.

The Classics for Kids Matching Grant Program, established by the Classics for Kids Foundation, aims to enhance music education for at-risk and rural youth by providing matching grants for fine stringed instruments. Since 1998, over $2 million has been allocated to support more than 300 programs across all 50 states. Schools and non-profits demonstrating need and commitment are encouraged to apply, fostering lifelong benefits of music participation and education.

Mission & Vision

Rochester Area Community Foundation, in partnership with generous philanthropists and community partners, works to improve the quality of life for people who live and work in the eight-county region through its leadership and strategic grantmaking.

Our Mission:

We are cultivating a thriving Greater Rochester region — powered by philanthropy, grounded in community, and sustained across generations.

Our Vision:

We envision a Greater Rochester region transformed by enduring philanthropy, where every person, neighborhood, and future generation can thrive.

Joseph and Lorraine Finley Scholarship

Purpose of Scholarship

To provide financial support to high school seniors who are residents of the Wayne County town of Walworth and continuing their education at any accredited two-year, four-year, or technical school.

Number and Size of Awards

Four awards of $7,000 each; paid as $1,750 per year for up to four consecutive years of undergraduate study. Award paid in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.

Donor Information

This scholarship was established by a couple who believed in education and in helping their community.

Marshall Community Foundation

The Marshall Community Foundation is a partnership of endowed funds established by individuals and organizations. A Board of Trustees, comprised of local community leaders, invest the pooled endowments. Income generated is then available for grants that address charitable needs in our community. Staff and trained volunteers monitor the grants to ensure fulfillment of the grant agreements.

The full circle of philanthropy is poetry in motion. The Foundation receives your gifts, grants to local non-profits, who in turn, give back by providing services to the community. Truly, the Foundation is all about improving the quality of life and making this a better place to live, work and raise a family.

Zink Family Scholarship

A scholarship awarded to residents of Marshall and surrounding townships pursuing an education or advanced training in skilled trades, as defined by the Committee and reflective of current industry needs, including but not limited to the fields of:

• healthcare technician,
• agriculture,
• information technology,
• manufacturing,
• construction or
• automotive.

The Bowman Family Swimming Scholarship, provided by the Central Kentucky Community Foundation, aims to support graduating high school seniors in Hardin County who are active swimmers. Eligible applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and be involved with their school's swim team. This scholarship embodies the Foundation's mission to enhance community life by empowering students to pursue their educational goals in athletics.

The Dave and Lori Hermes Memorial Scholarship, established in 2008 in memory of a respected Erie County farmer, supports graduating seniors from Erie County, Ohio, who exhibit financial need and have an agricultural background. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and achieve a 25 ACT score. The scholarship prioritizes academic performance while encouraging community service, athletics, and work commitments, fostering a holistic approach to student development.

The Ewalt and Jocelyn Maurushat General Scholarship, established in 1995, aims to uplift Erie County, Ohio by supporting graduating seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.5 and an ACT score of 25. This scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years based on the discretion of the Scholarship Advisory Committee, ensuring continued educational support for deserving students who excel academically and contribute positively to their communities.

$20K for changemakers with transformative ideas & firsthand insight in early childhood

About the Imagine Award

The Imagine Award by the Promise Fund offers $20,000 in flexible funding (see definition in FAQs) and a six-month cohort-based learning experience for community-rooted early childhood leaders with ideas for transformative impact. ​​Award recipients are at the idea stage and will launch a pilot within six months, testing their solutions with real users, gathering feedback, and refining their approach.

Imagine Award recipients will learn strategies for designing and executing lightweight tests for rapid learning while gaining clarity on their idea's direction using impact and business models. They will craft a compelling story about their work to build future partnerships and run a focused pilot with strong feedback loops for gathering data, all while growing alongside a supportive peer community.

What We Provide

Our grant dollars are flexible and meant to be used at award recipients’ discretion for the pursuit of tests or a pilot of a transformative idea. Read the FAQ for more information.

Direct, one-on-one support from our team to help you learn, get tailored help, and make relevant connections.

Multi-day gathering for peer connection, learning, and pilot design.

Access to a bench of mentors to guide you as you transition out of the program and navigate next steps with your pilot.

Light, tailored coaching to support pilot preparation, launch, and implementation.

Ongoing peer community and resources to continue learning and collaboration

The Floyd Family Scholarship, established by the Erie County Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Erie County, Ohio, who aim to pursue degrees in music, music education, general education, or liberal arts. Preference is given to Huron High School graduates with a minimum GPA of 3.0. This scholarship can be renewed for up to three additional years, ensuring long-term educational support for deserving students.

Armstrong County Community Foundation

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Joan Tatsak Memorial Scholarship

Joan Tatsak was a beloved friend, colleague and mentor to many of our friends and neighbors here in Armstrong County. She inspired and encouraged her peers and coworkers to achieve and strive for excellence. This unique fund is a fitting memorial. The Joan Tatsak Memorial Fund is a non-traditional scholarship fund that offers grants for entrepreneurship, leadership and scholarship.

Scholarship Details

• Available to Adult Students
• Nonrenewable

All ACCF Scholarships are merit based.

The John and Clara Corogin Scholarship, offered by the Erie County Community Foundation, supports minority graduating seniors from any Erie County, Ohio high school. This scholarship emphasizes financial need and the desire for higher education rather than just academic achievements. It aims to empower students with leadership potential and realistic goals, helping them contribute positively to their community. Since 1995, the foundation has been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Erie County.

The Madeleine Chapter 204, Order of the Eastern Star Scholarship supports graduating seniors from Erie County, Ohio high schools, emphasizing financial need and community service. With a minimum GPA of 3.0, this scholarship can be renewed for up to three additional years, subject to the Scholarship Advisory Committee's discretion. Preference is given to applicants from Vermilion High School, fostering local talent and community engagement.

The Justin McCutcheon Memorial Scholarship, offered by the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation, honors the memory of Justin McCutcheon by supporting high school seniors who are members of a Central Coast Athletic Association Golf Team. This scholarship aims to empower students in San Luis Obispo County to pursue their educational and career aspirations. Applications for the 2025-2026 scholarship cycle are now open, providing an opportunity for students to achieve their dreams.

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.

Julian Crocker Community Scholarship

This scholarship is in memory of Dr. Julian Crocker, former Superintendent of San Luis Obispo County Schools and longtime educator. Scholarship awards support student pursuing community.

The John W. and Yvonne Y. Hsu Edmisten Scholarship, offered by the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation, supports students pursuing Aeronautical Engineering or related fields. This scholarship is open to high school seniors, undergraduates, and returning students, providing essential financial assistance to help them achieve their educational and career aspirations. With a commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion, the foundation aims to empower local students to reach their full potential.

The Saint James School Scholarship Fund provides essential financial assistance to deserving students in the greater Washington County area. Established by local families and organizations, this fund aims to honor individuals and promote education. With over 100 scholarships available through the Community Foundation of Washington County, MD, it supports both high school graduates and non-traditional students pursuing continuing education. This initiative strengthens the community and fosters educational opportunities for all.

The John and Yvonne Hsu Edmisten Scholarship honors Allan Voight M.D. and supports graduating seniors from Lucia Mar Unified School District or graduate students with a minimum GPA of 2.9. Offered by the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation, this scholarship aims to empower local students to achieve their educational and career aspirations. Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year are now open, inviting eligible students to take advantage of this opportunity.

The John and Barbara Wolcott Memorial Scholarship, offered by the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation, supports public high school students in San Luis Obispo County pursuing post-secondary education. This scholarship recognizes students demonstrating academic potential, motivation, and a strong work ethic. It aims to help deserving individuals achieve their educational and career aspirations, contributing to a brighter future for the community. Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year are now open.

The Robert and Jenilie Palla Education Fund offers scholarships to graduating WCPS seniors who have participated in Cross Country and/or Track & Field Teams. This initiative, supported by the Community Foundation of Washington County, Maryland, aims to honor local students and encourage their academic pursuits. With a commitment to enhancing the community's quality of life, the fund exemplifies the importance of education and athletics in shaping future leaders.

The Jennifer Thoma Memorial Ballet Scholarship, offered by the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation, aims to support dancers pursuing summer intensive training programs. This scholarship is available to high school seniors, undergraduates, and returning students, fostering growth in both education and the arts. By providing essential funding, the foundation encourages the development of dance skills, ensuring that aspiring dancers can reach their full potential while contributing to the vibrant cultural landscape of San Luis Obispo County.

The Land Trust Bird Conservation Initiative, led by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, aims to support land trusts in conserving private lands for bird protection. With funding for up to fourteen grants, the initiative encourages capacity building and management projects that enhance bird habitats. Eligible organizations can apply for grants to expand conservation efforts through collaboration and innovative strategies, fostering partnerships that leverage additional funding and community support. This initiative highlights the importance of birds in land stewardship and conservation.

The Gary Paul Piantanida Scholarship, established by Paul and Edna Piantanida in memory of their son Gary, offers financial support to high school seniors, undergraduates, and returning students in San Luis Obispo County. This scholarship honors students who exemplify strong work ethic, dependability, and integrity, reflecting the values cherished by the Piantanidas. With a commitment to fostering educational opportunities, the Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County encourages applicants to pursue their dreams and contribute positively to their communities.

The AABCF Research Grants, offered by the American Association of Birth Centers Foundation, provide funding up to $5,000 for research projects focused on the birth center model of care. Open to individuals and organizations, these grants aim to enhance knowledge and practices in maternity and women's health care. Projects must demonstrate a clear plan and ability to complete the research on schedule, ensuring impactful contributions to the field.

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.

Garris Family Scholarship

The Garris Family Scholarship was established to support deserving students from public high schools or home-schooled programs in San Luis Obispo County in achieving post-secondary education. 

The Dorsi Blastervold Family Scholarship, offered by the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors and graduate students from the Lucia Mar Unified School District with a minimum GPA of 2.9. This scholarship aims to help students achieve their educational goals and foster a diverse and inclusive community. Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year are now open, encouraging students to reach new heights in their education and careers.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.