Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in Wisconsin

The Francisca H. Eschauzier Scholarship, offered by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports current high school seniors from Bexar County pursuing higher education. This scholarship covers tuition, fees, and books for students enrolled in associate or bachelor's degree programs. It aims to assist those who lack financial resources to attend college, ensuring that deserving students can further their education and enhance their future opportunities.

The Alaska Community Foundation

The Alaska Community Foundation connects people who care to the causes that make a difference and matter most to them. We encourage and nurture philanthropy through building and managing permanent endowments, convening stakeholders, working with partners to strengthen Alaskan communities, and providing donors with flexible giving options that are strategic to their philanthropic objectives.

Scholarships at ACF

Each year, more than 60 scholarships are available to Alaska students—and it all starts with one simple application. With one login and one application, you’ll be considered for every scholarship you may be eligible for. Whether you’re taking your first step toward college, training for a career, or continuing your education, these scholarships are here to help carry you forward, backed by donors who believe in Alaska’s students and the futures they’re building. 

Art Jess Scholarship Fund

The Art Jess Scholarship is open to Alaska residents who are Alaska Native, American Indian, and/or Hawaiian Native, and is intended to assist Alaskans with their post-secondary education, including but not limited to trade schools, vocational schools, undergraduate and graduate schools, community colleges and distance learning. Applicants may be full or part-time students.

Art Jess was a champion for the spiritual and social advancement of humanity in general and of Native American people in particular. According to his daughter, “Art believed in the best of people, that the world is a beautiful place, that all is well, and that everything will work out.” Art was a lifelong learner and believed that a person never really graduated until life was over.

Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program

Program Overview:

Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian (LB21) projects build a library and archival workforce that can meet the information needs of communities and increase the institutional capacity of libraries, archives, and library and information science graduate programs across the country.  

The program supports projects that:  

• provide training and professional development to library and archives professionals;  
• develop faculty and information leaders; and 
• recruit, educate, and retain the next generation of library and archives professionals. 

Projects can support the recruitment, education, training, and retention of pre-professionals, students, faculty, and the current library and archives workforce. 

Project Type

National Implementation

The Florence Emma Eichler Scholarship, offered by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports students pursuing any field of study in the USA. Applicants must be full-time students maintaining a minimum 2.0 GPA, having graduated from high schools in Bexar or Llano County. This renewable scholarship provides funding for tuition, room and board, and transportation fees, aiding in the educational journey of deserving students for up to three years.

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.

Vocational Education Merit Award Fund

The Vocational Education Merit Scholarship was created to provide scholarships to two graduating high school seniors who have excelled academically and is a nomination based award.

Award Type: Single-Year Award

The Firstmark | Cunningham Scholarship Fund, administered by the San Antonio Area Foundation, offers financial support for graduating high school seniors who are members or children of members at Firstmark Credit Union. Applicants must be in the top 15% of their class and pursue an accredited post-secondary education. This scholarship emphasizes academic achievement and community service, aiming to empower young individuals in their educational endeavors and contribute positively to society.

The Feeding Student Success Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, empowers students by providing financial support for tuition, fees, books, and supplies. Open to all areas of study, this scholarship is available to full-time and part-time students who demonstrate financial need and have a minimum GPA of 2.5. With 120 awards available, the fund aims to enhance educational opportunities for those living near a Whataburger, promoting community growth and academic success.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

PNM Pueblo Relief Scholarship

Native Forward Scholars Fund, in partnership with PNM, established the Pueblo Student Relief Scholarship to assist Pueblo students who are facing financial hardships and challenges by providing them with a one-time relief scholarship. The fund will be utilized to help support students in emergency situations that include, but is not limited to – food insecurity, emergency travel costs, emergency housing costs, emergency healthcare costs, educational technology or technology-related resources, childcare costs, or other educational expenses.

The ASCAP Foundation's Jay Gorney Award honors songwriters who create original music with socially conscious themes. Established in 2009, this award commemorates composer Jay Gorney's legacy, particularly his iconic song 'Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?' Entrants are judged on their ability to convey powerful messages through artistry and lyrical excellence. The award includes a $1,000 monetary prize, fostering creativity and social awareness in the music community.

Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program

Program Overview:

Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian (LB21) projects build a library and archival workforce that can meet the information needs of communities and increase the institutional capacity of libraries, archives, and library and information science graduate programs across the country.  

The program supports projects that:  

• provide training and professional development to library and archives professionals;  
• develop faculty and information leaders; and 
• recruit, educate, and retain the next generation of library and archives professionals. 

Projects can support the recruitment, education, training, and retention of pre-professionals, students, faculty, and the current library and archives workforce. 

Project Type

Community-Centered Implementation

The Reeves Foundation supports research aimed at understanding and treating macular degeneration, a condition that has personally affected the founder's family. Established in 1997, the foundation allocates 50% of its grants to research and the other half to local charities in Columbus, Indiana. Nonprofit organizations exempt under IRS code 501(c)(3) are eligible to apply, but funds cannot be used for administrative costs. The foundation prioritizes equipment purchases and partnerships with other funding sources.

The Deems Taylor/Virgil Thomson Awards, established in 1967 by the ASCAP Foundation, honor exceptional books, articles, and liner notes about music. With total prizes of $4000, awards are given to top submissions in Pop and Concert Music genres. Eligible works must be published in the previous year and meet specific criteria. The foundation aims to celebrate the legacy of Deems Taylor and Virgil Thomson, prominent figures in American music history.

Bill and Maria Hoekstra Dental Scholarship

Graduating senior, graduating early college student, or current college student who permanently resides and attended high school, including home school, within the Foundation’s greater service area, including Fennville, Hamilton, Hudsonville, Saugatuck, and CTC students from any district.

This funding opportunity aims to enhance cancer research among American Indian and Alaska Native populations, focusing on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment in rural areas. The initiative seeks to reduce cancer incidence and mortality rates while ensuring that research findings significantly improve health outcomes for these communities. Eligible organizations are invited to apply, with applications undergoing rigorous peer review to ensure only the most promising projects receive funding.

Charles and Beatrice Kulier Scholarship

Graduating senior or graduating early college student who attends public, private, or home school in the primary service area of the Community Foundation

Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program

Program Overview:

Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian (LB21) projects build a library and archival workforce that can meet the information needs of communities and increase the institutional capacity of libraries, archives, and library and information science graduate programs across the country.  

The program supports projects that:  

• provide training and professional development to library and archives professionals;  
• develop faculty and information leaders; and 
• recruit, educate, and retain the next generation of library and archives professionals. 

Projects can support the recruitment, education, training, and retention of pre-professionals, students, faculty, and the current library and archives workforce. 

Project Type

Forum:

Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program

Program Overview:

Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian (LB21) projects build a library and archival workforce that can meet the information needs of communities and increase the institutional capacity of libraries, archives, and library and information science graduate programs across the country.  

The program supports projects that:  

• provide training and professional development to library and archives professionals;  
• develop faculty and information leaders; and 
• recruit, educate, and retain the next generation of library and archives professionals. 

Projects can support the recruitment, education, training, and retention of pre-professionals, students, faculty, and the current library and archives workforce. 

Project Type

Planning:

The Terry Farrell Firefighters’ Fund, established post-9/11, provides vital educational and financial support to families of firefighters across the U.S. With over $10 million distributed in grants and surplus gear, the fund offers scholarships, emergency assistance, and training for first responders. It also supplies rural fire departments with necessary equipment and sponsors health initiatives like blood and bone marrow drives, ensuring comprehensive support for those who serve our communities.

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.

Sophia Joe Scholarship Fund

Sophia Joe graduated from Capital High School in 2023 and the University of San Diego in 2026 with a degree in Marketing and a minor in International Business. During high school, she was a four-year member of the Dance Team and served as Treasurer and Vice President of the National Honor Society, completing more than 100 hours of community service. She also worked her final two years of high school at local businesses in downtown Olympia. Throughout her academic career, Sophia earned recognition on the President’s List at South Puget Sound Community College and received the Donald R. Knauss Trustee Merit Scholarship at the University of San Diego.

Sophia’s passion for travel and global learning helped shape her vision for this scholarship. While studying abroad, she worked alongside students from diverse backgrounds, deepening her appreciation for the importance of access to opportunity. As a member of a family that has been part of the Thurston County community for more than 20 years, Sophia created this fund to support local students who work hard, demonstrate leadership, and aspire to make a positive impact.

The Sophia Joe Scholarship Fund encourages graduating seniors from Thurston County who are pursuing studies in business or a related field to develop their vision for leadership and positive change, both within their community and beyond.

Applicants will be evaluated on their impact, leadership, and vision, as demonstrated by:

• Community service involvement or a commitment to helping others.
• Leadership or responsibilities outside of school, including work, volunteering, or caring for family members.
• Thoughtfulness and vision, as demonstrated by a supplemental essay responding to the question: “What community project or initiative do you think would make the biggest positive impact in Thurston County, and why?”

The Danette Honesto Scholarship Program, administered by the San Antonio Area Foundation, offers financial assistance to current high school seniors and college students pursuing various degrees in the USA. Applicants must be dependents of Sonterra Medical Management Group employees and meet specific eligibility criteria. This scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities and is a testament to the Foundation's commitment to community development, having distributed millions in grants and scholarships since 1964.

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.

The Sammy Cahn Award, presented by The ASCAP Foundation, honors exceptional lyric-writing talent among songwriters of original songs. Established in 1995 to commemorate Sammy Cahn's legacy, the award offers a $5,000 prize to recipients. Eligible entrants include ASCAP writer members in good standing or independent songwriters. Submissions are judged anonymously based on lyric quality and overall craft, ensuring the recognition of artistic excellence within the songwriting community.

The Larson-Veneklasen Outdoor Education Scholarship, established by Ken Larson and Diane Veneklasen, supports Tri-Cities residents pursuing outdoor educational experiences. Inspired by the Outward Bound philosophy, it aims to foster character development and self-discovery through adventure. Applicants can access multiple foundation scholarships with a single application. Required documents include transcripts and any additional materials specified for specific scholarships. Notably, financial need is not a priority, and high school seniors are not restricted from applying.

The Peggy Lee Songwriter Award, presented by the ASCAP Foundation, honors lyricists of original songs who exhibit a sophisticated command of language and demonstrate significant talent. This prestigious award recognizes contributions to jazz and popular music, with a prize of $2,500 shared among co-writers. Eligible entrants must be U.S. citizens or residents, at least 18 years old, and ASCAP members in good standing. This award celebrates the legacy of Peggy Lee, a pioneering figure in music.

The Joseph, Rose, Myron, and Norman Fink Memorial Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, provides financial assistance to current high school seniors from San Antonio pursuing higher education. This renewable scholarship supports students in all areas of study who demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. Established in 1964, the fund aims to enhance the quality of life through educational opportunities, ensuring that contributions make a lasting impact in the community.

The DEWALT Trades Scholarship, offered by the SkillPointe Foundation, supports individuals pursuing education in high-demand trade fields such as construction, manufacturing, and mechanics. This scholarship covers essential costs like tuition, tools, and transportation. Open to applicants 17 years and older who are enrolled in accredited programs, it aims to bridge the skills gap in the U.S. and create opportunities for a diverse range of students seeking to enhance their careers.