Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in Wisconsin

The Rural Health Fellows Leadership Program, offered by the National Rural Health Association (NRHA), is an intensive yearlong initiative aimed at cultivating a diverse network of rural health leaders. Selected participants engage in leadership training, policy advocacy, and collaborative projects. The program includes monthly virtual sessions, in-person meetings at key conferences, and opportunities for financial support, thereby empowering fellows to make a significant impact on rural healthcare.

The Dr. and Mrs. Arthur F. Sullivan Scholarship, established in 1923 by the Connecticut Community Foundation, supports students entering or currently enrolled in accredited medical schools. As one of the largest scholarship providers in the Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills region, this scholarship is available only in even years (2026, 2028, 2030), helping students achieve their educational aspirations through the generosity of local donors.

The Edward E. Ford Foundation offers Traditional Grants to independent schools in the U.S. for projects that enhance educational opportunities. With over $118 million granted since its inception, the Foundation emphasizes the importance of matching funds, requiring a dollar-for-dollar commitment from schools. Eligible institutions must serve grades 9-12, be NAIS members, and have a qualified Head of School. Applications are considered during the June and November Agendas, supporting diverse educational initiatives.

The Malcolm Baldrige School of Business Scholarship, offered by the Connecticut Community Foundation, provides a one-time award to first-year or transfer students pursuing a full-time undergraduate degree at Post University in Waterbury, CT. Established in 1923, the Foundation supports local residents through scholarships, aiming to help students achieve their educational dreams. As one of the largest scholarship providers in the region, it reflects the commitment of numerous donors dedicated to fostering academic success.

The USF Community Impact Grant, established by USA Swimming and the USA Swimming Foundation, aims to enhance competitive opportunities in swimming clubs. Grants of up to $5,000 are available for registered USA Swimming clubs committed to fostering community engagement and collaboration. Eligible clubs can renew their grant for up to three years, promoting diverse access to swimming programs. This initiative particularly supports clubs that partner with educational or public entities and those led by women or minorities.

The Harris Family Scholarship, established by the Connecticut Community Foundation in 1923, supports local students pursuing post-secondary degrees in agriculture-related fields. As one of the largest scholarship providers in the Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills region, the Foundation aims to address community needs and enhance educational opportunities. This scholarship reflects the generosity of many donors dedicated to helping students achieve their academic goals and contribute to the community.

About Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County.

Individuals, families, businesses and organizations create permanent charitable funds that help our community meet its needs and challenges. The Foundation invests and administers these funds.

Altrusa Club of Marion Scholarship II

Altrusa Club of Marion Scholarship Fund II was created in memory of Ferol Mae Burley. It supports female students from Marion County pursuing a degree in business management.

About Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County.

Individuals, families, businesses and organizations create permanent charitable funds that help our community meet its needs and challenges. The Foundation invests and administers these funds.

American Legion Post 162 Scholarship

Created in 2022 by the membership of Marion’s American Legion Post 162, this fund will support college scholarships for Marion County students who have been local residents for at least two years. Recipients of Post 162’s scholarships will be persons on active duty with any service of the U.S. military, honorably discharged veterans of any U.S. military branch, current or honorably discharged members of the Reserve or National Guard, or relatives (spouse, child, stepchild, grandchild, sibling, first cousin, niece, or nephew) of a person who meets one of these criteria.

The John William Pope Foundation offers annual grants to support public policy research promoting a free-market economy and individual liberty under the rule of law. Emphasizing the importance of property rights and personal initiative, the foundation welcomes proposals from tax-exempt organizations, particularly those impacting public policy in North Carolina. By focusing on long-term solutions rather than short-term aid, the foundation aims to empower communities and foster sustainable economic growth.

The E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation, established in 1975, supports public charities with a focus on Asian art, performing arts in Richmond, VA, and graduate theological education. The Foundation prioritizes requests from organizations with historical ties to the Carpenters and those promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion and community health. It aims to enhance cultural exchange through art exhibitions, particularly in the US and China, while excluding support for private education and large public charities.

Battle Creek Community Foundation

Our Mission: The Battle Creek Community Foundation connects people, ideas, and resources to expand opportunity and create lasting community benefit for today and tomorrow.

Scholarships

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Chadalavada Family Scholarship Fund

The Chadalavada Family Scholarship, established in memory of Vinod Anand Chadalavada (Lakeview HS 2001, U of M 2005 Grad), supports high school seniors and adults from the Lakeview School District who are passionate about healthcare or business. Preference will be given to those pursuing their studies at the university of Michigan. This scholarship seeks individuals who demonstrate exceptional values, strong character, and a commitment to serving others through generous contributions of their time and resources. By investing in these dedicated individuals, the Chadalavada Family aims to continue Vinod's legacy of excellence and community service.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Kaleigh Woodman Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Kaleigh Woodman Memorial Fund was established in memory of Kaleigh Woodman who died as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident in December 2015. Kaleigh lit up a room with her beautiful smile and contagious laugh. She was a Tomboy Princess, a tough – never get hurt, I can do it outlook and a tender helpful, always willing to help no matter what the project attitude. Her Pennfield Schools and extended cheer families were a very important part of her life.  This Kaleigh Woodman Memorial Fund was established for the purpose of providing scholarships to greater Battle Creek area High School graduating seniors or graduates pursuing a post-secondary degree, certificate or technical training.

About Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County.

Individuals, families, businesses and organizations create permanent charitable funds that help our community meet its needs and challenges. The Foundation invests and administers these funds.

Marion Academy of Medicine Scholarship

The Marion Academy of Medicine Scholarship was created by physicians of the local medical community in 2008. While the Academy dissolved in 2014, it had existed for decades as an educational organization comprised of physicians in Marion County. Through this fund, its support of future medical students will continue in perpetuity.

Assets from this former organization were donated to create this scholarship at Marion Community Foundation and support the education of local students pursuing degrees and careers in osteopathic medicine. Recipients will be graduates of any high school in Marion County and maintain a college GPA of 3.0 or greater.

Kids’ Chance of Nevada

Kids’ Chance of Nevada, in collaboration with Kids’ Chance of America, was established for the purpose of creating, assisting, and supporting programs that provide educational opportunities and scholarships for the children of injured workers in Nevada who have been seriously injured or who have suffered from a fatality as a result of an on-the-job incident.

Kids' Chance of Nevada Scholarship

Kids’ Chance of Nevada scholarships are for children of workers who have been killed, seriously injured, or experienced a debilitating illness in a work-related incident. Scholarships are awarded once a year and students may apply every year for which they are eligible. Current annual scholarships are determined based on the student’s financial need.

Students between the ages of 16-25 whose parent’s on-the-job death or injury resulted in a substantial decline in family income are eligible to apply. The applicant must meet adequate academic standards set by the selection committee. Scholarships may be used to pay for technical school or undergraduate college tuition, books, housing, meals or transportation.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

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.

Clare Cooke Performing Arts Scholarship

Clare Cooke, the namesake of this fund, has worked as a performer, choreographer, and director for the Marion Palace Theatre since 1977, directing Christmas at the Palace and numerous community theater productions and junior musicals for many years, including The Wizard of Oz, The Will Rogers Follies, Annie, Oliver!, The Music Man, Guys and Dolls, Hairspray, and Oklahoma!

The Clare Cooke Performing Arts Scholarship Fund, created in 2012 through gifts from nearly 100 friends and family members, recognizes her outstanding contributions to the performing arts community and quality of life in Marion.

The Cooke Fund awards scholarships to Marion County high school seniors and graduates pursuing an education in the performing arts. Recipients are high school seniors who rank in the top 50th percentile of their graduating class or graduates with a college GPA of at least 2.5.

The Paralyzed Veterans of America Research Foundation offers grants and fellowships aimed at enhancing the quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injuries and diseases. With a history of funding over $54 million since 1976, the foundation supports innovative research across categories like Basic Science, Clinical Applications, Design & Development, and Fellowships. Grants can reach up to $200,000, fostering advancements in medical technologies and training for future experts in spinal cord research.

Battle Creek Community Foundation

Our Mission: The Battle Creek Community Foundation connects people, ideas, and resources to expand opportunity and create lasting community benefit for today and tomorrow.

Scholarships

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

BCPS Life Enhancement Scholarship Fund

The purpose of this fund is to provide support to students who are seeking to enhance their lives - either after high school or later in adulthood whether or not they have a traditional high school diploma or a G.E.D. from Battle Creek Public Schools. The donor stated, "You may be a parent or grandparent who has chosen to place your children in BCPS, a graduating senior, a graduate or even someone who dropped out of BCPS, whatever the scenario, you choose to stick with BCPS and stay associated with the district in some way instead of transferring to another district, that speaks volumes to me. This is the primary reason I established the BCPS Life Enhancement Education Fund, I want to support those who support the district and this fund helps me do that."

The A. Lucchetti Martino Scholarship is awarded to outstanding Italian American undergraduate students majoring in International Relations, requiring a minimum GPA of 3.5. Applicants must hold an active NIAF Membership, which can be obtained through a parent or grandparent. This scholarship fosters commitment to Italian culture and heritage while supporting students enrolled full-time in U.S. accredited institutions. The National Italian American Foundation, a non-profit organization, promotes the rich traditions and contributions of Italian Americans.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

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.

Collier Scholarship

The Collier Scholarship Fund was established in 2016 by Dr. Wayne Collier to honor the memory of his parents, Herbert & Freida Collier. He is an optometrist and noted community philanthropist in Bucyrus, Ohio, having been named the community’s 2015 Citizen of the Year.

The Collier Scholarship supports promising students and graduates of high schools in Crawford County—Bucyrus, Wynford, Colonel Crawford, and Buckeye Central—where he now lives, as well as his alma mater, Bellevue Senior High in Bellevue, Ohio. Special consideration is given to applicants who participated in music programs in high school or college.

The Jeri Eiserman, RRT Professional Education Research Fellowship, funded by the American Respiratory Care Foundation, supports innovative research in respiratory care and airway management. This fellowship honors Jeri Eiserman's contributions to the field and includes awards for high-quality abstracts presented at the AARC Congress. Selected fellows receive a plaque, travel expenses, and registration, promoting advancements in respiratory health through research and education.

The William F. Miller, MD Postgraduate Education Recognition Award, offered by the American Respiratory Care Foundation, provides up to $5,000 to support respiratory therapists pursuing advanced degrees. Established in 1992, this award aims to foster education and professional growth in respiratory care. Recipients also receive recognition, airfare, lodging, and congress registration. Eligible applicants must meet specific educational and recommendation requirements, ensuring that deserving candidates are selected for this prestigious award.

The Caroline Guarini Memorial Scholarship, offered by the National Italian American Foundation, supports outstanding Italian American students majoring in music or related fields. Eligible applicants must be from New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut, maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher, and hold an active NIAF membership. This scholarship aims to foster musical talent while honoring Italian heritage and culture.

The Donald Mazzoni Scholarship, offered by the National Italian American Foundation, is designed for two exemplary Italian American undergraduate students majoring in business. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate at least 50% Italian heritage, maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and possess an active NIAF membership. This scholarship aims to support students dedicated to preserving Italian culture and heritage while pursuing their academic goals in the United States.

The Emanuele Gianturco Memorial Scholarship, offered by the National Italian American Foundation, supports outstanding Italian American students who are first-generation college attendees, demonstrating financial need and maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Applicants must hold an active NIAF membership and be enrolled in a U.S. accredited institution. This scholarship aims to encourage the preservation of Italian heritage and culture among students while facilitating their academic pursuits.

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

Sailor Classic Athletic Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Don Trygstad, who established the Sailor Classic Athletic Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Two men, with a commitment to Mona Shores and to athletes who learn and play on their athletic fields, started the Sailor Classic over a decade ago to raise money for items needed, that fall outside the Athletic Department's budget. In addition, the Classic gives the community an opportunity to celebrate all that the school does for kids. Most importantly, the Sailor Classic provides an annual scholarship to one male and one female student-athlete who are outstanding on the field, in the classroom, and in need of financial support.

The Ernest L. Pellegri Scholarship, offered by the National Italian American Foundation, supports outstanding Italian American students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in Latin or related fields. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher. This scholarship aims to encourage the preservation of Italian culture and heritage while promoting academic excellence within the community.

The Filomena C. Peloro Scholarship, offered by the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF), aims to support outstanding Italian American students pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher and demonstrate financial need, alongside an active NIAF membership. This scholarship emphasizes cultural heritage and the contributions of Italians to American society, fostering academic excellence and community engagement among students.