Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in West Virginia

The Dermatology Foundation offers Career Development Awards to support the academic growth of emerging investigators in various dermatologic fields. With an annual stipend of $55,000, these awards foster research addressing significant health issues, including public health, diversity, and women's health. Eligible applicants must demonstrate strong institutional support and meet specific educational requirements. The awards can be renewed for up to three years, contingent on the recipient's progress and commitment to advancing dermatological science.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Ruth Skwarek Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Ruth Skwarek, who established the Ruth Skwarek Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Education was very important to Ruth Skwarek. She was a Fulbright Scholar, and entered college at the age of 16, receiving a degree from Western Michigan University, a master’s in French from Michigan State University, and in French and Speech from Western Michigan University. She taught elementary grades at Grand Haven and Holland public schools, as well as French and German at Muskegon Community College for 20 years. The Ruth Skwarek Scholarship will assist Muskegon County students who are pursuing four year degrees at any college or university. Ms. Skwarek is particularly concerned that this assists those students who come from “middle income” families for whom there is little other aid available

The Aman Armaan Ahmed Family SURF for Success Program offers summer undergraduate research fellowships for students from underrepresented groups in biomedical research. Awardees engage in 10 weeks of research related to digestive diseases under expert mentorship, receiving a stipend of $6,200. This initiative aims to inspire students to pursue careers in science and medicine, enhancing diversity in the field of gastroenterology and hepatology.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Mona Shores Optimist Club Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the members of the Mona Shores Optimist Club, who established the Mona Shores Optimist Club Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. The Mona Shores Optimist Club is committed to making a difference in the lives of others with the money that they raise! In 1994 this active service club established the Mona Shores Optimist Club Scholarship to benefit graduating seniors from Fruitport, Holton, Mona Shores, Montague, Muskegon Catholic, Muskegon Heights, Muskegon, North Muskegon, Oakridge, Orchard View, Ravenna, Reeths-Puffer, West Michigan Christian and Whitehall high schools. Three scholarships are awarded each year on a rotating basis between the 14 high schools. The Mona Shores Optimist Club is to be commended for spreading its good works all around Muskegon County. 

The National Geographic Content Scholarship, offered by the United Negro College Fund, supports juniors and seniors from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Recipients receive a $10,000 award and participate in a one-week immersion program with National Geographic, gaining valuable industry experience and mentorship. This program seeks passionate individuals interested in creative storytelling and environmental advocacy, promoting diversity and inclusion within the media field.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Mission: To continually improve the Marion Area community through philanthropy, leadership and civic engagement. Kaufman Family Memorial ScholarshipThe Kaufman Family Memorial Scholarship Fund was created in 2019 to honor the adventurous spirit of Martin T. Kaufman II. 

Mission: To continually improve the Marion Area community through philanthropy, leadership and civic engagement. Harris ScholarshipThe Harris Scholarship Fund was created in 2017 by the LaRue United Methodist Church to honor the generosity of the late Everett and Elvida Harris and to support students active with the church.In addition to being a current and active member of the LaRue Methodist Church, recipients of the Harris Scholarship will be a high school senior, graduate, or candidate for graduation from any high school in Marion County with a GPA of 2.0 or greater.

The Dr. Harvey Young Education & Development Foundation’s Young Guts Scholars Program supports undergraduate students from underrepresented groups in biomedical research. The program encourages students to pursue careers in science or medicine by offering a stipend, AGA membership, and travel funds for Digestive Disease Week®. Eligible applicants must have a mentor and commit to a minimum of 12 hours of research per week. This initiative aims to expand the pipeline of investigators in digestive disease research.

The Etta Gray Memorial Scholarship Program, established by the United Negro College Fund, aims to support students from Upstate South Carolina pursuing technical certification. This initiative honors Etta Gray's legacy and assists financially disadvantaged individuals by facilitating access to education at local technical colleges. Eligible applicants must maintain a 2.5 GPA, enroll full-time, and complete the FAFSA to demonstrate financial need. This program empowers young professionals to enhance their career prospects and income potential.

The GE Transportation AAF "Raymond Clarke" Dare to Dream Scholarship, administered by the Erie Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Erie High School who have a minimum GPA of 2.2 and are accepted to accredited universities or trade schools. This scholarship aims to facilitate access to higher education for deserving students, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to educational advancement in the community.

Mission: To continually improve the Marion Area community through philanthropy, leadership and civic engagement. Gladys & Everett Granger Memorial ScholarshipThe Granger Scholarship is a faith-based award and is given annually to college students from the Marion area. Special consideration is given to applicants who are members of Trinity Baptist Church, St. Mary Catholic Church, or employees of an assisted living facility located in Marion County. The Granger Fund was created in 2012 by the couple’s children, B.J. Granger, Margaret Vogel and Judith Granger. 

The Martin Family Scholarship, sponsored by the Erie Community Foundation, provides financial assistance to graduating seniors from Erie County High Schools. With over $800,000 awarded in 2023, this scholarship prioritizes students with at least a 3.0 GPA who demonstrate financial need and have engaged in extracurricular activities. Eligible applicants must have completed two years of a foreign language and participated in school sports or clubs, promoting a well-rounded educational experience.

The Douglas & Deborah Murphy Scholarship, offered by the Erie Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Erie High School who aspire to continue their education or training. To be eligible, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. In 2023, the foundation awarded over $800,000 in scholarships to more than 500 students, helping them pursue diverse career paths beyond high school.

The Gary & Helen Howell Family Scholarship Fund, established by the Erie Community Foundation, offers financial support to high school seniors from local schools such as McDowell and Cathedral Prep who demonstrate financial need and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. In 2023, the foundation awarded over $800,000 in scholarships to more than 500 students pursuing post-secondary education, showcasing its commitment to enhancing educational opportunities in the community.

The Judith A. Dormann “Good Apple” Scholarship, awarded by the Erie Community Foundation, aims to support students who may not consider post-secondary education. With over $800,000 allocated to scholarships in 2023, this initiative seeks to recognize hard-working individuals demonstrating strong personal initiative and a commendable work ethic. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5, ensuring that the scholarship reaches those who are committed to their educational goals.

The NWPA Food Council Scholarship, offered by the Erie Community Foundation, supports Erie County high school graduates with a minimum 3.0 GPA pursuing post-secondary education or training. With over $800,000 awarded in 2023, this scholarship is particularly aimed at those entering the food, grocery, or convenience store industries. This initiative underscores the Foundation's commitment to empowering local students and enhancing workforce development in essential sectors.

The Stazer Sisters’ Scholarship, provided by the Erie Community Foundation, supports U.S. citizens graduating from the Northwest Pennsylvania Collegiate Academy who are entering a four-year college. In 2023, over $800,000 was awarded to more than 500 students, based on their academic achievements, financial need, and extracurricular involvement. This scholarship aims to empower deserving students to achieve their educational goals and contribute positively to their communities.

Mission: To continually improve the Marion Area community through philanthropy, leadership and civic engagement. Eula M. Rhoads ScholarshipThe Eula M. Rhoads Scholarship Fund makes awards to Marion area high school seniors in the top 25 percent of their graduating class and graduates who maintain a college GPA of 3.0 or better. Special consideration is given to those pursuing a degree in pharmacy or veterinary medicine at an Ohio college.

Mission: To continually improve the Marion Area community through philanthropy, leadership and civic engagement. Eugene & Cecilia Reszczynski ScholarshipThe Reszczynski Scholarship, created in 2002, is one of the oldest at Marion Community Foundation. It makes awards each year to students who score in the top 50th percentile of the ACT or SAT and have attended a high school in Marion County for two or more years. This scholarship honors the late Eugene and Cecilia Reszczynski and their passion for helping others. 

The Spring Scholarships, offered by Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation (MVCF), provide vital tuition support for students pursuing higher education, including college and professional development programs. MVCF fosters community collaboration to enrich the cultural landscape and ensure the sustainability of the Island. Since 1982, their commitment has been to honor the past, support the present, and invest in the future of Martha’s Vineyard's diverse community.

The Cushing Scholarship was created in 2014. According to Marsha, “We are not as interested in a student’s financial status as we are on how they look at life.”

Mission: To continually improve the Marion Area community through philanthropy, leadership and civic engagement. Rocco Nicolosi Memorial ScholarshipIndividuals selected for the Nicolosi Scholarship must have attended a high school located in Marion County throughout his or her entire high school experience and have ranked in the upper 25th percentile of his or her high school senior class.To preserve Rocco’s memory and discourage future tragedies, applicants must write an essay on the topic of “Why Young People in Marion Need to be Drug, Alcohol, and Substance Free.”

The Lou & Carol Calcagno Memorial Scholarship offers a $1,000 award for students pursuing degrees in agriculture, Political Science, History, Marine Biology, Wildlife Management, or Culinary Arts. To be eligible, applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and reside in Santa Cruz or Monterey County, or be members of the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau. The scholarship is awarded upon proof of college enrollment.