Best Grants for BIPOC in Washington

The Masonic Scholarship, offered by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, provides a $500 award to graduating seniors of Beatrice High School. This scholarship recognizes good citizenship and moral character without requiring academic standing or financial need. It can be used at any accredited institution of higher learning, with a preference given to children of Masons or members of Jobs Daughters and Demoley. This initiative supports students aiming to further their education.

The Andy Warhol Foundation's Arts Writers Grant supports writers engaging with contemporary visual art through various formats, including articles, books, and short-form writing. Grants range from $15,000 to $50,000, catering to both emerging and established writers. Eligible applicants must be individuals over 25, U.S. citizens or residents, and published authors. This initiative encourages critical discourse and interdisciplinary approaches in arts writing, particularly related to post-World War II visual art and its diverse contexts.

The MG Eugene C. Renzi, USA (Ret.) STEM Teachers Scholarship, funded by AFCEA and ManTech International, offers $2,500 annually to support U.S. citizens or permanent residents pursuing graduate-level education in STEM teaching for grades K-12. This scholarship honors the legacy of Maj. Gen. Renzi and is aimed at candidates with a minimum GPA of 3.5 who are enrolled in accredited programs. It covers tuition and course-related expenses, fostering future educators in critical STEM fields.

The Elevance Health Foundation's Behavioral Health Grant aims to address significant challenges in mental health and substance use disorders. With a commitment of up to $90 million over three years, the Foundation seeks partnerships with nonprofits to enhance treatment access, promote prevention strategies, and alleviate loneliness among affected individuals. This initiative emphasizes innovative solutions and measurable outcomes, targeting both national and local programs, particularly in states with pressing health disparities.

The Hearst Journalism Awards Program offers significant support for aspiring journalists, providing scholarships and recognition for excellence in various media formats. Established in 1960 by the William Randolph Hearst Foundation, the program includes multiple competitions in writing, photojournalism, audio, television, and multimedia. With up to $700,000 in awards, it encourages undergraduate students at accredited institutions to showcase their talents, fostering the next generation of journalistic talent.

The PEN Prison Writing Awards, initiated after the 1971 Attica Prison Riots, invites incarcerated writers in the U.S. to submit unpublished works across various genres including Poetry, Fiction, and Memoir. Winners receive cash prizes and their works are published in an annual anthology. This program not only recognizes talent within carceral facilities but also supports writers through mentorship, fostering creativity and expression in challenging circumstances.

The Henry, Neil and Alison Scholarship, established by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offers a $2,500 award to a graduating senior from Beatrice High School. Eligible students must have participated in track and field during their junior and senior years, possess a minimum ACT composite score of 21, and demonstrate good citizenship. Selection criteria favor well-rounded involvement in extracurricular activities. The Foundation, founded in 1987, supports educational opportunities with over $55,000 awarded annually in scholarships.

The Community Foundation of Grant County offers over 120 scholarship opportunities for U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens pursuing higher education at accredited institutions. With more than $1 million awarded annually, the foundation supports students of all backgrounds and academic abilities. Scholarships are competitive and aimed at covering qualified educational expenses, including tuition and fees. Applicants are encouraged to collaborate on proposals, enhancing community impact through education and development.

The Hearst Journalism Awards Program, established in 1960, supports undergraduate journalism education with up to $700,000 in awards through various competitions. Open to ACEJMC-accredited students, it includes writing, photojournalism, audio, television, and multimedia contests. Each participating university can submit two entries per competition, promoting excellence in journalism while providing schools with stipends. While primarily for journalism majors, exceptions exist for photojournalism entrants, fostering inclusivity and creativity in the field.

The American Association of University Women Scholarship supports women who are resuming their education after interruptions, specifically targeting adult students aiming to complete a 4-year degree. Applications open on November 1 and close on February 1. This scholarship encourages women, particularly sophomores at Corning Community College planning to transfer to a 4-year institution, to pursue their academic goals without financial barriers, thereby enhancing educational opportunities in the community.

The Grass Roots Gay Rights Foundation offers Tier B grants to 501(c)(3) organizations supporting the LGBTQ community in the Greater Bay Area. Annually, two $10,000 grants are selected through a voting process by event hosts, ensuring community involvement. Eligible organizations can apply during the specified application period after an initial screening. This initiative underscores the Foundation's commitment to empowering local nonprofits and enhancing support for LGBTQ initiatives.

The Hearst Journalism Awards Program, established in 1960, supports journalism education at the collegiate level by offering scholarships for outstanding performance. The 2024-2025 program includes 14 competitions across various media forms, with awards totaling up to $700,000. Participation is open to undergraduate journalism majors and minors at ACEJMC-accredited institutions. The program aims to encourage excellence in journalism and provides financial support to both students and their schools.

The DTA Foundation Grant, offered by the Dental Trade Alliance Foundation, aims to enhance oral health care accessibility across the United States. With over 20 years of experience, the foundation supports key projects and scholarships for aspiring dental professionals, focusing on addressing barriers to care and improving oral health outcomes in underserved communities. By fostering partnerships and advocating for oral health education, the foundation continues to make a significant impact in the lives of millions.

The Hearst Journalism Awards Program, established in 1960, supports journalism education by awarding scholarships to outstanding undergraduate students. With $700,000 available, this program includes competitions across writing, photojournalism, audio, television, and multimedia categories. Each participating university can submit two entries per competition, fostering excellence in journalism. The Hearst Foundation, a long-standing supporter of educational initiatives, underlines the importance of quality journalism and supports students actively engaged in media.

The Mary Katherine "Katy" Williamson Scholarship Fund honors the memory of Katy Williamson, established by her family after her passing in 2005. This scholarship supports students pursuing degrees in healthcare, both human and animal, at accredited institutions in the U.S. Recipients may renew the award annually for up to four years, contingent on maintaining eligibility. The fund reflects Katy's love for animals and nature, aiming to empower future generations to contribute positively to society.

The Washington Apple Education Foundation (WAEF) provides scholarships to students with ties to the tree fruit industry, supporting over 300 students this year with more than $1 million in awards. Scholarships are open to children of Yakima Fruit & Cold Storage employees, Wapato High School graduates, and others from the Yakima Valley. Eligible students can pursue degrees at accredited colleges and vocational schools, with specific qualifications for individual scholarships.

The Graduate Student Scholarship for Minority Students, offered by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation, supports graduate students from racial or ethnic minority groups who are U.S. citizens. This scholarship aims to promote academic achievement among students enrolled in communication sciences and disorders programs. Applicants must be full-time students and will be considered for multiple scholarship categories, but can only receive one award. The program emphasizes educational support for tuition and related expenses.

The Institutional Award for Undergraduate Student Training, offered by the American Heart Association, supports qualified research institutions in providing meaningful research experiences for undergraduate students. This three-year award enables institutions to apply for funding for two to five students annually, promoting diversity in science and enhancing mentorship opportunities. Institutions are encouraged to develop robust recruitment plans and ensure effective support for participants, while adhering to strict budget guidelines and reporting requirements.

The Robert Holland Jr. Award honors senior scientists with diverse backgrounds who demonstrate excellence in research and teaching in Chemistry, Physics, and Astronomy. Recipients are invited to join the Cottrell Scholar community, fostering creativity and inclusivity. The award includes a $5,000 cash prize and promotes the contributions of underrepresented scholars. Candidates are evaluated on their mentoring, leadership in diversity initiatives, and potential impact on the academic community. This prestigious award is a key initiative by the Research Corporation.

The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation Scholarships provide financial support for high school seniors in Macon, Moultrie, and Piatt County. Annually, over 70 students benefit from these awards, ranging from $500 to $10,000, to pursue higher education. Funded by generous donors, the program aims to enhance educational outcomes in the community. Eligibility includes being a graduating senior or an existing college student previously awarded a multi-year scholarship. Various criteria may apply to each scholarship.

The Combating Social Isolation of Older Adults Grant, provided by the Sephardic Home for the Aged Foundation, aims to combat elder abuse and neglect exacerbated by social isolation. This initiative recognizes that isolation can lead to severe mental and physical health issues among older adults. It promotes trauma-informed care and mental health services to help these individuals reconnect socially. Additionally, the Foundation supports intergenerational programming as a vital strategy to foster community connections and reduce isolation among seniors.

The Sephardic Home For The Aged Foundation offers grants focused on end-of-life care and preventing elder neglect. They encourage nonprofits with a 501(c)3 status, operational for at least two years, to apply for funding. The foundation prioritizes innovative programs that enhance the quality of life for older adults through education, advocacy, and community outreach. Interested organizations should submit a Letter of Inquiry before applying for the grant.

The Ben Wilken Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, awards $2,000 to a high school senior enrolled in JROTC with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Eligible students must provide a transcript, personal essay, and details of community service and school involvement. This scholarship aims to support students pursuing higher education at accredited institutions, reinforcing the foundation's commitment to fostering educational opportunities in Missouri.

The Paris Patla Manual Therapy Research Grant, funded by the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, aims to advance physical therapy research that enhances movement and health. With a funding opportunity of $200,000 available for one to two years, this grant supports both emerging and established researchers. The Foundation emphasizes addressing health disparities and fostering a pipeline of skilled researchers to improve patient outcomes and evidence-based practices in physical therapy.

The Community Foundation of the Ozarks offers the Alternative Education Scholarship, providing a $1,000 grant to graduating high school seniors currently in foster care or experiencing homelessness. This scholarship is renewable for up to three years, aimed at students maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.0 and enrolled in at least 12 credit hours at an accredited institution. Applicants must submit a transcript, personal essay, and a letter of recommendation to qualify.

The Community Foundation of the Ozarks' American Patriot Scholarship offers a $5,000 grant to high school seniors or undergraduates with a parent or grandparent who is an honorably discharged veteran or active-duty military personnel. This renewable scholarship requires a minimum GPA of 3.0, enrollment in at least 12 credit hours, and a commitment to attend an accredited institution. Applicants must submit a transcript, FAFSA-SAI form, essay, letter of recommendation, and a description of community service involvement.

The Foster Care Scholarship, administered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, offers a $1,000 grant to graduating high school seniors or undergraduate students who have been in foster care and have not been adopted. Applicants must be enrolling in an accredited two-year, four-year, or vocational school and are required to submit a transcript, personal essay, and letter of recommendation. This initiative aims to support the educational pursuits of youths from challenging backgrounds.