Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in West Virginia

The Columbus Foundation

In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Brenda and Charles Muller Scholarship

Brenda Muller was an avid reader. The last seven years of her career with the State of Ohio were in the Department of Education. Charles Muller was the recipient of a scholarship that made an otherwise unobtainable college education possible. His studies of America’s material culture could not have been without the assistance of many libraries. Libraries are the keepers of history, the preservers of culture and the gateway to the pursuit of intellectual curiosity.

The Academic Career Excellence (ACE) Award (K32) supports early-stage postdoctoral scholars through rigorous research and career development over three years. Applicants must submit their proposals up to a year before or two years after starting their postdoctoral positions. This award emphasizes innovative research ideas and strategic planning for training and mentorship, aiming to cultivate independent investigators in research fields aligned with the missions of NIH Institutes and Centers.

The Herman Frasch Foundation Grant, administered by the American Chemical Society, supports research in agricultural chemistry with practical benefits for U.S. agriculture. Eligible applicants include tenured or tenure-track faculty within seven years of their first appointment. Grants of $50,000 annually for five years are available, with a focus on training students and disseminating research findings. The next application period opens on November 5, 2026, following a five-year cycle.

The Friends of Loutit Library Fund Scholarship, established by the Friends of Loutit Library in 2005, aims to assist students pursuing an advanced degree in Library Science. This scholarship is open to individuals who either reside or have resided in the Tri-Cities area of Northern Ottawa County. Financial need is not a consideration, ensuring that all eligible students can apply for this essential educational support from the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation.

The Littleton-Griswold Prize in American Law and Society, awarded by the American Historical Association, recognizes exceptional scholarly works in the history of American law and society. Established in 1961, this annual award seeks books demonstrating high literary merit, with eligibility for works published in 2024. Recipients will be announced in October 2025, with a formal recognition ceremony at the January 2026 AHA annual meeting in Chicago, celebrating significant contributions to the field.

The Lots of Compassion Grant, supported by KidsGardening and Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day, aims to transform vacant urban lots into thriving community gardens. By providing $20,000 to each of the 10 selected grantees, the initiative focuses on empowering under-resourced communities, fostering social connections, and enhancing mental health. The grant prioritizes organizations that involve diverse participants and demonstrate significant community impact, ensuring that the gardens not only flourish but also cultivate kindness and compassion.

The AISES SPRK-ing Interest in Computer Science program engages Indigenous K-12 students through fun coding and robotics activities. By utilizing Sphero BOLT and Indi robots, students gain hands-on experience in STEM and computer science, fostering greater interest and competency in these fields. Participating schools receive essential materials and training, promoting a culturally relevant learning experience. Priority is given to middle schools, encouraging greater participation in STEM+CS education among Native students.

The Infrastructure Innovation for Biological Research Program by NSF aims to enhance contemporary biology through innovative research tools and methods. It focuses on developing or redesigning infrastructure in bioinformatics, instrumentation, and research methods. Projects should significantly advance biological understanding and be applicable to a wider research community. Proposals should aim at transforming biological research by either creating novel tools or adapting existing ones in meaningful ways, addressing fundamental questions in the biological sciences.

Our Mission

Empower donors to fulfill their passions and dreams by establishing charitable vehicles designed to create a positive and enduring impact on Jewish Buffalo, Western New York and the World.

Dr. Louis Sklarow Award

The Dr. Louis Sklarow Award was established in 1995 in honor of prominent Buffalo Physician and State University of New York at Buffalo Medical School Graduate Dr. Louis Sklarow.

The award is given to an outstanding graduate of Jewish faith from the Jacob’s School of Medicine who has shown by character and medical accomplishment great promise in becoming a fine physician and a person most likely to make a contribution to mankind and bring honor to the Jacob’s School of Medicine.

The Louis Sklarow Memorial Fund continues to fund research for the treatment and cure of Down Syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease and cancer through research performed at the University of Buffalo, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and other renown institutions.

The IEEE Computer Society Grant, offered by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, provides funding up to $10,000 to support STEM outreach efforts. This program encourages IEEE members to engage pre-university students in engineering and computing through various initiatives. With multiple funding levels, it aims to inspire the next generation of technology innovators and promote awareness of the engineering profession, ensuring that engineering is accessible and exciting for all.

The HRE USA 2025 Edmonds Summer Fellowship honors the legacy of Kirby Edmonds by offering young leaders hands-on experience in human rights education. This fellowship provides mentorship and learning opportunities to engage youth in creating human rights-friendly schools and communities. Supported by the Dorothy Cotton Institute, it aims to nurture future leaders committed to human rights advocacy. Eligible candidates must be 18 or older, reside in the U.S., and commit to 100 hours of work between June and August 2025.

The NIH is set to release a Notice of Funding Opportunity for early to definitive clinical trials across various biomedical fields. This initiative focuses on trials evaluating drugs, devices, and interventions that align with NIH's mission. Utilizing the R61/R33 funding mechanism, projects can span up to 7 years, supporting both planning and trial phases. Interested investigators are encouraged to prepare collaborative proposals, although applications are not currently being solicited.

The Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) orchestrates the basic research program for the Air Force Research Laboratory, aligning with technical guidance and Air Force needs. It promotes collaboration among Air Force, universities, and industry, ensuring that research effectively transitions to support military capabilities. AFOSR's focus encompasses significant areas of research organized under two scientific departments, enhancing national defense and peacekeeping operations.

The SLEEP Travel Grant for AASM Patient Advocacy Roundtable, funded by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine Foundation, aims to enhance sleep health by supporting organizations with limited financial resources. This grant offers $2,000 for travel and registration to the SLEEP 2026 meeting, fostering connections among members of the AASM Patient Advocacy Roundtable. This initiative emphasizes the importance of advocacy in sleep medicine and encourages participation in vital discussions surrounding sleep health.

The CTIA Wireless Foundation's Catalyst Grant Program aims to empower social entrepreneurs leveraging 5G technology to tackle critical challenges in American communities. With over $200,000 in unrestricted grants available, the program supports innovative projects that utilize 5G connectivity for social good. As 5G transforms communication and interaction, the Catalyst Grant seeks visionary leaders who can harness this potential to inspire meaningful change and enhance community engagement.

The SLEEP Travel Grant for Medical Students and Residents, offered by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine Foundation, provides $2,000 to support medical students and residents attending the SLEEP meeting. This grant fosters career development in the sleep field and is available to those currently enrolled in accredited medical or residency programs. The funding is aimed at enhancing sleep health through research and community engagement, aligning with AASM's mission.

The SLEEP Travel Grant for Sleep Technologists and Advanced Practice Providers, funded by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine Foundation, offers a $2,000 grant to support first-time attendance at the SLEEP 2026 meeting. This initiative aims to enhance engagement among non-physician members of the sleep team, such as sleep technologists and advanced practice providers, while promoting networking opportunities within the sleep community.

The National Home Library Foundation Grant supports nonprofits in distributing books and reading materials to libraries and community groups with limited resources. This initiative aims to promote literacy and combat illiteracy among all ages through various programs. Grants are available only to tax-exempt organizations that adhere to non-discrimination policies. Preference is given to requests from the Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia areas, with applications considered on a rolling basis.

Vern Chesbro Memorial Scholarship Fund

This fund was established to provide scholarships to high school students who are graduating from any high school located within Franklin County and entering the field of public administration or political science.

Scholarships are awarded annually and dispersed in 2 equal payments in August and January. Scholarship award is renewable for up to 8 semesters, if eligibility criteria continues to be met.

Award

• Varies

Scopes

• Franklin County Community Foundation

Thomas S. Ritter Memorial Scholarship Fund

The purpose of this scholarship fund is to assist students who are attending or plan to attend a college or university and who have demonstrated a strong work ethic both inside and outside of the classroom.

Award

• Varies

The National Fund for Sacred Places Grant Program supports historic houses of worship in the U.S. through matching grants ranging from $50,000 to $250,000. This initiative, in collaboration with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, aims to enhance community engagement and preserve culturally significant buildings. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate their historical relevance and community service, particularly those representing underrepresented groups. The program prioritizes urgent repair needs and projects that foster inclusivity and accessibility.

The Limited Competition for High Impact Specialized Innovation Programs aims to enhance clinical and translational science by funding unique capabilities and addressing critical gaps through the Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Program. This initiative fosters collaboration across a national network of academic medical centers, facilitating the transition of scientific discoveries into impactful health interventions. Applications are peer-reviewed, ensuring funding is directed towards the most promising proposals.

Robert J. & Kathryn W. Davis Scholarship

Award:

4-year award of $7,500 per year, renewable each year. Student must maintain a 2.75 GPA and remain in their major to renew their award each year. Possible medical school awards could follow if applicant moves on to medical school.

The Chisholm Foundation offers grants to support arts, education, and religion projects across the United States. Applications for May and November grants should be submitted by March 1st and September 1st, respectively. The Foundation evaluates each application individually and encourages innovative projects that can attract additional funding. Grants may be awarded as lump sums or in installments, and applicants are advised to seek matching gifts to enhance their proposals.

The Limited Competition Research Education Program for the Clinical and Translational Science Awards Program aims to enhance the training of a workforce to meet the nation's biomedical and clinical research needs. It supports educational activities that facilitate the translation of scientific discoveries into practical health interventions. Funded by the NIH, this program invites applications from eligible organizations, and only those with meritorious proposals will be considered for funding.

The BJA FY 2026 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement- Competitive Grants Program aims to enhance forensic science and medical examiner/coroner services across the U.S. This funding opportunity supports state and local government laboratories in improving their capabilities to ensure justice and public safety. Applications are due by November 5, 2026, at 8:59 p.m. ET, promoting advancements in forensic practices to better serve law enforcement and communities.

The BJA FY26 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement - Formula Grants Program supports state agencies in enhancing forensic science capabilities. The program aims to improve public safety by funding initiatives that strengthen forensic science and support law enforcement efforts. Eligible applicants can submit their full applications through JustGrants by November 6, 2026. This funding is crucial for addressing ongoing challenges in the justice system, including violent crime and public safety concerns.