Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in West Virginia

The Burt W. and Virginia Polin ELKS Bureau Scholarship, offered by the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation, supports high school seniors, undergraduates, and returning students in their educational pursuits. This scholarship honors the legacy of the Polins and the values of the Elks Club, promoting charity, justice, and community service. With the foundation's commitment to inclusivity and support, applicants are encouraged to apply for this opportunity to help achieve their academic and career goals.

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.

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 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 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 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 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 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.

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 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.

The Kelly A. McAdams Scholarship, offered by the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation, supports high school seniors, undergraduates, and returning students in their educational pursuits. Established in memory of Kelly A. McAdams, this scholarship aims to empower local students to achieve their academic and career goals. With a commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity, the foundation encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply for this opportunity in the 2025-2026 academic year.

The Lois and Duke Williams Memorial Scholarship, offered by the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation, aims to support students who have faced challenges in their lives and wish to pursue post-secondary education. Open to high school seniors, undergraduates, and returning students, this scholarship represents a commitment to fostering educational opportunities for those who strive for success despite obstacles. Apply now to take your first step towards achieving your dreams!

The Manford and Maude Brown Medical Education Scholarship, offered by the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation, supports local residents pursuing degrees in medical or healthcare fields. Open to high school seniors, undergraduates, and returning students, this scholarship aims to empower aspiring healthcare professionals in achieving their educational goals. With a commitment to inclusivity and community support, it fosters a brighter future for students in San Luis Obispo County.

The Maureen 'Mo' Clancy Memorial Scholarship supports female students from San Luis Obispo County who have participated in cross country or track and field during high school and are pursuing post-secondary education. This scholarship aims to empower young women, fostering their educational and career aspirations while promoting diversity and inclusion within the community. Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year are welcomed from high school seniors, undergraduates, and returning students.

The Richard J. Weyhrich Leadership Scholarship, offered by the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation, aims to support high school seniors, undergraduates, and returning students with demonstrated leadership potential. This scholarship, established in memory of Richard Weyhrich, a West Point graduate and U.S. Army officer, provides financial assistance to help students achieve their educational and career aspirations. The foundation fosters an inclusive environment, encouraging all students to apply and reach their full potential.

The Richard K. Sauret Viticulture and Enology Scholarship, offered by the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation, supports students pursuing degrees in viticulture or enology at a four-year college. This scholarship aims to empower high school seniors, undergraduates, and returning students in San Luis Obispo County. By providing financial assistance, it encourages academic and career advancement, fostering the next generation of leaders in the viticulture and enology fields.

The MASOT Conney W. Berger Jr. Memorial Graduate Student Award, established in honor of a dedicated toxicologist, supports doctoral students in toxicology/pharmacology. Eligible candidates must present at the MASOT meeting and meet specific criteria, including GPA requirements and MASOT membership. This award, valued at $500, encourages academic excellence and is made possible through the generous support of SafeBridge Consultants, Inc.

The Cultural Capital Fellowship offers $10,000 grants to Native artists and culture bearers dedicated to community outreach and cultural preservation. This fellowship strengthens the Collective Spirit of First Peoples artists, emphasizing the importance of passing on ancestral knowledge and maintaining cultural sharing. Eligible applicants must have strong ties to their Native community and be committed to sustaining cultural practices. The fellowship aims to support those who promote generosity, wisdom, and integrity within their communities.

The Jennifer Easton Community Spirit Award honors Native artists who have dedicated their lives to sharing cultural knowledge and ancestral gifts. With a grant of $50,000, this award supports artists deeply rooted in their communities, fostering healing and resilience. Nominations are open for practicing artists across various mediums, including music, dance, and storytelling, ensuring the continuation of Indigenous traditions and the enrichment of Native culture.

The AWS Welding Workforce Grants aim to enhance welding programs by providing up to $50,000 for essential resources such as new equipment and training. This initiative addresses the growing demand for skilled welders while supporting educational institutions. Eligible applicants include secondary schools, community colleges, and post-secondary programs. Preference is given to proposals that significantly increase welding graduates and address geographic areas with high needs. Note: Applications are currently closed and will reopen in January 2026.

The Robert L. and Pauline H. Minton Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the children of Pauline H. Minton, honors their parents' legacy as dedicated Battelle employees and single parents. This scholarship aims to support children of full-time Battelle staff who are pursuing education at public or nonprofit colleges in the U.S. With an award amount of $1,000, it reflects a commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for deserving students in central Ohio.

Mission

The Mission of the Muskingum County Community Foundation is to improve quality of life in the community by nurturing opportunities and serving needs through collaboration and philanthropy.

Vision

The Envisioned Future of the Muskingum County Community Foundation is that Muskingum County’s quality of life attracts organizations and people to pursue their dreams and practice their passions.

A. Porter Spirit of ZHS Fund

A long time teacher at Zanesville High School. As a new teacher ZHS embraced her and she embraced the Blue Devils. Annette Porter is a first generation college graduate from a single parent home. While her parents supported her decision to go to college, it was necessary to incur personal debt which was and is common. This scholarship is available to help those students who may need a little financial help to take the first step toward college, and also make the collegiate experience less burdensome.

Becoming a Blue Devil was a process. Annette had a lot of help along the way, from Principals, Asst Principals, teaching peers, friends and family, so in an effort to pay it forward she has created this scholarship. “ Everyone of my students had potential, the most difficult thing was to convince them to work toward achieving it”. This scholarship will be awarded to a Blue Devil, not necessarily the most “spirited” but the Best Blue Devil who demonstrated all of the qualities that make up a Blue Devil.

Ocean State Media Scholarship

The scholarship offers awards to residents of Ocean State Media’s demographic market area who demonstrate promise of a successful career in the fields of journalism and/or media.

Scholarship Award Details

Established by Rhode Island PBS in 2017, the Ocean State Media Scholarship offers awards to residents of the station’s demographic market area who demonstrate promise of a successful career in the fields of journalism and/or media. Awards of up to $15,000 will be awarded annually and are renewable for an additional three years.

The Pathway to Stop Diabetes Accelerator Award supports innovative early-career researchers tackling diabetes-related challenges. It offers flexible funding up to $325,000 annually for transformative research. Candidates must have independent faculty status and demonstrated productivity in diabetes research. The program aims to inspire groundbreaking discoveries by providing essential resources and mentorship, thereby improving the lives of those affected by diabetes. Nominations focus on translational research that bridges basic science with practical benefits for patients.

The Pathway to Stop Diabetes Initiator Award (INI) aims to support early career researchers in diabetes research by providing funding and mentorship. With a focus on innovative and transformational ideas, this initiative encourages researchers to develop groundbreaking solutions for diabetes prevention and management. The award offers up to $100,000 annually in Phase 1 and $325,000 in Phase 2, fostering a new generation of leaders committed to improving the lives of those affected by diabetes.

The McKnight Clinical Translational Research Scholarship supports young investigators focusing on cognitive aging and age-related memory loss. Funded by the McKnight Brain Research Foundation, this scholarship offers $65,000 annually for two years, plus an education stipend. Eligible applicants should have completed their PhD or residency within the last five years and conduct their research in accredited U.S. institutions. The award emphasizes rigorous training and aims to foster careers in human cognitive aging research.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Elaine Sirkin Forbes Scholarship Fund

The Elaine Sirkin Forbes Scholarship Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships for high school seniors graduating from Allegheny County Schools who wish to major in visual, performance or media art.

Award Type: Single-Year Award