Best Grants for BIPOC in Wisconsin

The Paul Drury Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of Paul Drury, who inspired many while living with cystic fibrosis. This scholarship is aimed at siblings and children of individuals with CF, recognizing the crucial support family members provide. Eligible applicants must have a family member with CF, demonstrate academic achievement, and be enrolled in an educational program. This initiative highlights the importance of family in managing the challenges posed by cystic fibrosis.

The What’s Your Gap Grant, provided by BreatheStrong CF in partnership with the Closing the Gap Foundation, supports teens and adults living with cystic fibrosis. This grant alleviates financial barriers, allowing recipients to pursue health and wellness opportunities tailored to their individual goals. It aims to empower applicants who envision a healthier lifestyle but face challenges in achieving it, serving as a catalyst for positive change in their lives.

The William Coon Jr. Scholarship, offered by the USACFA, provides four $2,500 awards annually for students with cystic fibrosis pursuing degrees in various fields. Applications require transcripts, proof of enrollment, and essays, focusing on financial need and academic performance. Winners receive full or half awards based on their enrollment status. This scholarship honors Bill Coon Jr.'s legacy, supporting individuals facing similar health challenges and promoting their educational aspirations.

The Rooted Pathways Program, initiated by First Peoples Fund, offers essential support to Native-led arts organizations, fostering their growth and stability. This funding empowers these organizations to thrive in their missions, providing unrestricted operating support and participation in a Learning Cohort. Eligible applicants include Native nonprofits and collectives with budgets under $500,000, and the program aims to uplift artists from U.S. federally recognized tribes. This initiative is part of the Wallace Foundation's broader commitment to enhancing well-being in the arts.

The Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia Fund provides crucial financial assistance to underinsured patients suffering from this rare blood cancer. Through the HealthWell Foundation, the fund helps cover prescription copays, insurance premiums, and treatment-related costs, ensuring access to necessary medical care. With over $1.2 billion in grants awarded, the program has supported more than 1.1 million patients since its inception in 2004. Its mission is to alleviate financial barriers to essential healthcare, allowing patients to focus on their treatment and recovery.

Mid Shore Community Foundation Mid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.The Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors through a pooled scholarship application - students complete one online application in consideration for all scholarships to which they meet eligibility. All applications are reviewed and considered by the Foundation’s Scholarship Committee. American Legion, Blake Blackston Post #77 ScholarshipAwarded to students graduating from high schools in Talbot County

Stark Community FoundationStark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.Aaron Seesan Memorial Scholarship FundThe Aaron Seesan Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to assist graduating seniors from Massillon Washington High School or Stark County high schools who have been accepted by or will attend a two-year or four-year college/university, a post-high school technical education program, or nursing school. Criteria is based on: 3.0 minimum GPA, demonstration of outstanding involvement in extracurricular school activities, and community service activities outside of school. Personal interview required.Renewable Scholarship: No

About

Mission, Vision & Values

To enhance our community through philanthropy.

We aspire to co-create diverse, meaningful and innovative charitable giving that yields an exponential positive impact within local communities and beyond.

Masonic Lodge Scholarship

About the fund

These funds are focused on providing scholarships to students and historically underserved youth in Benton County, thereby encouraging them to complete their education at a public institution.

Hope Grant Program

Direct support for individuals and families.

The Hope Grant program offers one-time, expedited financial assistance to individuals and families impacted by a heinous or violent crime within the last 12–18 months. Hope Grants are designed to meet urgent and emergency needs, helping victims begin to rebuild their lives after unimaginable loss.

• Grants provide practical, immediate financial relief in the wake of tragedy.
• Available for victims of crimes such as homicide, rape, trafficking, and violent crimes against children.

Mission Statement

Beckley Area Foundation exists to inspire and facilitate generous charitable giving that advances our community.

The Beckley Area Foundation is committed to enriching lives and strengthening communities across Southern West Virginia.

Scholarship

Supporting Student Success

The Beckley Area Foundation proudly manages scholarship funds established by individuals, businesses, and organizations dedicated to helping students pursue higher education. Many of these scholarships are tailored for specific schools, fields of study, or graduates from local high schools, while others offer broader opportunities. No matter the path, our scholarships aim to support students from our region as they work toward achieving their educational goals.

The Christie H. Meadows Family Scholarship

Eligibility

Need based scholarship for Raleigh County graduates, Member of FFA (Future Farmers of America) and/or 4Hclub, Required documentation of participation in FFA and/or 4H club, and preference given to students who have submitted an FFA and/or 4H project to the West Virginia State Fair.

The Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF) is a nonprofit organization established in 1948, dedicated to enhancing public appreciation of music. It offers free, live music programs across the United States and Canada, ensuring access to quality musical experiences for diverse communities. Funded by royalties from major record labels, the MPTF collaborates with local arts organizations to promote music education and performance, enriching lives through the power of music at no cost to attendees.

The Music Family Scholarship, funded by the Music Performance Trust Fund, aims to enhance music appreciation and accessibility for children and communities. Established in 1948, the MPTF provides free live music programs across the U.S. and Canada, focusing on underserved populations. Eligible applicants must have a parent in good standing with a Local AFM and be enrolled in higher education for fall 2025. This scholarship encourages artistic expression and community unity through music, fostering enriching experiences for all.

The Music's Future Scholarship, provided by the Music Performance Trust Fund, aims to enhance music education by offering financial support to students enrolled in music degree programs. The scholarship requires applicants to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, submit a letter of reference, a resume, a personal statement, and a prior semester transcript. This initiative not only encourages academic excellence but also addresses the importance of music in education, fostering opportunities for students to discuss improvements in music education.

Who We Are

The Community Foundation of Central Illinois will make a sustainable philanthropic impact in our community through visible leadership in connecting people who care with causes that matter.

Jean M. Brown Nursing Scholarship Fund 

Jean M. Brown graduated from the St. Francis School of Nursing in 1938. She went on to become Caterpillar’s first Industrial Nurse, a role she deeply valued. Inspired by her career, she wanted to help others pursue nursing as well.

Through her will, Ms. Brown established an endowed scholarship to support nursing students with financial need, with preference given to those pursuing a career in Occupational Nursing. The scholarship fund was created following her passing in October 2000.

Our Story

Since 1963 when Stark Community Foundation was formed, hundreds of thousands of people’s lives have been changed through the power of philanthropy.

Over the years, the role of the Foundation has grown from a simple grantmaker to a community leader seeking long-term solutions to diverse community challenges.

The Virginia C. Jack and Ralph L. Jack Scholarship Fund

The Virginia C. Jack and Ralph L. Jack Scholarship Fund was established to assist students who are residents of Stark County; admitted to technical school, college or university, or school of nursing (full or part-time); traditional or non-traditional students accepted. Applicants must have attained a GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and demonstrate financial need.

Mission Statement

Beckley Area Foundation exists to inspire and facilitate generous charitable giving that advances our community.

The Beckley Area Foundation is committed to enriching lives and strengthening communities across Southern West Virginia.

Scholarship

Supporting Student Success

The Beckley Area Foundation proudly manages scholarship funds established by individuals, businesses, and organizations dedicated to helping students pursue higher education. Many of these scholarships are tailored for specific schools, fields of study, or graduates from local high schools, while others offer broader opportunities. No matter the path, our scholarships aim to support students from our region as they work toward achieving their educational goals.

Donaghue Nursing Scholarship

Eligibility

One or more scholarships for Raleigh Co. high schools graduates who have achieved a satisfactory academic record and are pursuing a nursing career; Financial need shall be considered in selection.

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) is set to release a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) aiming to stimulate research on Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementias (ADRD). This initiative focuses on validating novel drug targets and supports early-stage drug discovery efforts. The U01 activity code will be utilized, and while applications are not currently solicited, this notice allows potential applicants ample time to form collaborations and develop impactful projects in the field of AD/ADRD research.

Grand Rapids Community Foundation

Connecting people, passion and resources

The Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that connects people, passion and resources. With our partners, the Community Foundation uses the tools of philanthropy to find solutions to pressing issues. We provide grants to support the work of nonprofits, scholarships to local students and other forms of support to communities working to eliminate barriers to opportunity, prosperity and belonging.

Our Mission is to build and manage our community’s permanent endowment and lead the community to strengthen the lives of its people.

We envision a magnetic and interconnected West Michigan community.

Integrity, Excellence, Inclusion, Sustainability and Bold Aspirations

Give and Receive Openly, Build Trust with Each Other, Create Brave and Safe Space, Embrace Vulnerability, Accountability

Our North Star

For West Michigan to grow and prosper, we must make sure that everyone can apply their talents and creativity to fuel our future. It is only by connecting across perspectives and overcoming inequities that we can build and sustain an inclusive economy and thriving community.

Opportunities for students

Apply for scholarships to support your ambitions

Each year Grand Rapids Community Foundation supports hundreds of students on their college or career training journeys. We are excited to remove barriers to academic success so that students like you can pursue what you're passionate about.

Scholarship Fund Details

Support for West Michigan Students

Attending college or trade school increases opportunity and opens doors to careers. Donor partners who establish a scholarship fund give students a boost on their path to higher education. Students who complete the general scholarship application are considered for these scholarships.

Open to students who are residents of Kent County. Preference to Challenge Scholar students through 2032.

The Tower Family Foundation Scholarship offers merit-based financial assistance to employees and dependents of NATE Member Companies, including those affected by severe injuries or disabilities. Valued up to $5,000 annually for full-time students, this scholarship supports tuition and related expenses. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 2.5 and can renew their scholarships for up to four years. Applications are evaluated based on academic achievement and written essays.

The Mercyhealth Community Scholarship offers seven $2,000 scholarships for graduating seniors and current college students in Wisconsin and Illinois. Designed to support those pursuing careers in healthcare, five scholarships are available for general health care fields and two specifically for nursing. This initiative reflects Mercyhealth's commitment to enhancing healthcare access and quality in the community, ensuring that aspiring healthcare professionals receive the financial support they need to succeed.

The Vascular Care for the Underserved Project Grants, funded by the Society for Vascular Surgery Foundation, aim to address disparities in vascular care for women. With a grant of $20,000, this initiative focuses on enhancing access, inclusion, and gender-specific research in vascular health. It supports innovative projects that aim to improve care delivery to underserved women and ensure equitable representation in vascular research, ultimately aiming to advance health outcomes and address historical exclusions in clinical studies.

The Tim Triner Letter Carriers Scholarship Fund, established by Stark Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors, particularly children and grandchildren of National Association of Letter Carriers members. This scholarship emphasizes scholastic achievement and is aimed at students accepted into full-time post-secondary education. Since 1963, the Foundation has played a pivotal role in addressing community challenges through philanthropy.

The Thurman Munson Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by Stark Community Foundation, supports high school seniors from Stark or Summit County who have participated in varsity baseball or softball. This scholarship seeks to assist students demonstrating both academic potential and financial need, with verification of their sports involvement required. The fund alternates scholarship awards between male and female recipients each year, continuing the legacy of philanthropy since 1963.

Elias Eade Jr. Scholarship

This scholarship was created in honor and memory of Elias Eade Jr. by his children. Elias Eade Jr. was a lifetime resident of Olean who faithfully served God, his country, his family and the Olean community. Mr. Eade was a graduate of Olean High School and St. Bonaventure University and a member of the Olean business community for many years. Mr. Eade was an entrepreneur, leader and a man of great strength and integrity with an unprecedented work ethic. Candidates must be a graduating senior of a high school in Cattaraugus County with good academic standing and leadership skills and who plan to continue their education at a trade school or 2- or 4-year college or university. Candidates must answer an essay prompt of their choice from the three prompts provided by the fund advisors.

The BJA FY25 Byrne State Crisis Intervention Formula Program aims to enhance state crisis intervention court proceedings and related initiatives, addressing critical public safety challenges. Funded by the US Department of Justice, this program supports mental health courts, drug courts, and extreme risk protection order programs, ensuring that only state governments can apply. The initiative is part of a broader effort to uphold civil rights and combat issues such as violent crime and human trafficking.

The Music Teachers of Excellence (MToE) Award, managed by the CMA Foundation, recognizes outstanding public-school music educators. This prestigious award, with a $5,000 prize, aims to support teachers who inspire students and enrich their communities through music education. The application will open on September 3, 2025, allowing full-time music teachers with at least four years of experience to showcase their commitment and impact in the field. Stay tuned for more details!

The Robert Martz DiGiacomo Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Stark Community Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors in Lake Township. This scholarship honors students who excel academically and athletically, demonstrate outstanding moral character, leadership skills, and a strong devotion to their families. Since its inception in 1963, the Foundation has been dedicated to improving lives through philanthropy and fostering long-term community solutions.