Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Wisconsin

Stark 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.

The Don and Elsie Sickafoose Educational Trust Fund

The Don and Elsie Sickafoose Educational Trust Fund was established to assist students residing in Carroll County.

Amount:

• Varies. Minimum $500.

Renewable:

• Yes

Roy and Linda Funk Scholarship

The Roy and Linda Funk Scholarship Fund was established to assist students in pursuing additional schooling. This scholarship is available to students from the I-70 corridor on the Eastern Plains of Colorado. Students may only receive this award once; past recipients may not reapply.

Scholarship amount:

• $2,500

Number of awards:

• 2

Scholarship awards are one-time awards. The amount awarded to a selected recipient may be used for the cost of attendance. All scholarships will be paid directly to the recipient’s school and must be used for the upcoming academic year. Award disbursement is contingent upon the outside scholarship policies of a recipient’s college or university.

The URF Scholars Graduate School Fund Award at Northeastern University aims to support undergraduate students pursuing advanced research and graduate studies. This award provides financial assistance, up to $500, for application fees to students who complete the Making a Graduate School Plan Canvas course and demonstrate financial need. Eligible candidates must be enrolled full-time and applying for graduate programs for fall 2026, ensuring they receive the necessary guidance and support for their academic journey.

Susan McGraw Habitat for Humanity Scholarship

The Susan McGraw Scholarship is need-based and is available only to individuals or family members living within a Habitat community in Berthoud, Fort Collins, or Loveland and who seek to further their education to enhance their employment prospects. The scholarship is open to students pursuing any kind of secondary education including four-year degrees, two-year degrees, trade schools, single classes, etc. Eligible applicants may receive scholarships for educational, training, or certification programs at accredited institutions, furthering Susan McGraw’s legacy of fostering education and opportunity within the community.

Scholarship amount:

• $3,000

Number of awards:

• 3

Scholarship awards are one-time awards. The amount awarded to a selected recipient may be used for the cost of attendance. All scholarships will be paid directly to the recipient’s school and must be used for the upcoming academic year. Award disbursement is contingent upon the outside scholarship policies of a recipient’s college, trade or technical school or university.

The James C. Gaither Junior Fellowships at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace offer approximately fourteen 10-12 month fellowships annually to graduating seniors or recent graduates. These fellowships enable Junior Fellows to assist senior associates with research, co-author publications, and engage with policymakers. To be eligible, applicants must be nominated by participating universities and must not have enrolled in graduate studies. This program aims to cultivate a new generation of policy experts committed to global peace.

In 2025, the Community Foundation of Madison & Jefferson County awarded over $233,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors of the county’s public and private high schools. Nearly 50 different students earned money toward their college costs. Scholarships are available for a variety of applicants. Some are specific to schools, majors, need, or interests.

CFMJC scholarships may be used for tuition and related expenses like fees and required equipment at accredited colleges and universities. Room and board are not covered.

Terry & Wanda Wood Memorial Scholarship

Criteria evaluated:

• Work ethic and ambition, desire to pursue a trade, and financial need

Required materials: 

• Essay of up to 250 words describing the applicant’s career path plans, 
• 2 letters of recommendation from teachers and/or counselors, and 3) FAFSA SAI PDF upload

Scholarship amount:

• $7,500 | 1 scholarship

The Backus Award, presented by the Mycological Society of America, honors two promising graduate students in mycology each year. Candidates are assessed based on their academic achievements, research potential, and future contributions to the field. This fellowship supports their graduate studies and encourages attendance at the MSA annual meeting, fostering connections within the mycological community. Eligible applicants must be student members of MSA and currently enrolled in a university in Canada or the United States.

The Harvard Charles Warren Center Dissertation Completion Grant offers a ten-month stipend for PhD candidates in American history to complete their dissertations without teaching obligations. Eligible applicants must have completed two chapters and be in the G-5 to G-7 stages of their program. This grant covers health insurance and facilities fees, ensuring that students can focus fully on their research without financial distractions.

The Montana Circle K - Key Club Renewal Scholarship Program, supported by the Kiwanis Foundation of Montana, recognizes and aids Circle K members who have previously earned a scholarship and excelled academically in college. This program emphasizes the importance of leadership, community service, and continued academic achievement, providing essential financial assistance to deserving students who contribute positively to their communities.

The Presidential Global Scholarship at Northeastern University offers financial support ranging from $1,000 to $6,000 for over 400 undergraduate students seeking global co-op opportunities. This scholarship helps cover essential expenses such as travel, meals, and housing, enabling students to fully engage in their international experiences. Eligible applicants must exhibit a commitment to academic success and maintain a full-time enrollment status. The selection process considers GPA, financial need, and the duration of the co-op.

Mark and Kay Burkett Scholarship

Applicants must be American citizens demonstrating financial need and academic achievement, and must have a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA. Students must reside in or have attended high school within the geographic region served by Innovia Foundation.

Previous recipients are eligible to re-apply. 

The Oleta Lambert Scholarship, established by the Rotary Club of Sacramento Foundation, aims to promote higher education and the spirit of Rotary. This annual scholarship honors long-time Rotarian Oleta Lambert and is open to high school students from Sacramento County pursuing studies at accredited universities or community colleges. By supporting local students, the Rotary Club reinforces its commitment to service and community enrichment, fostering educational opportunities and ethical standards.

Scholarships

Grand Haven Area Community Foundation scholarships are awarded competitively based on criteria set by donors. These criteria could include financial need, the school the applicant is attending, academic achievement, as well as personal or career goals. The Community Foundation has a rigorous internal selection process for each scholarship decision, and each applicant is reviewed in depth, and considered thoroughly.

Our scholarship program is simple. You are able to apply once for all foundation scholarships you may be eligible for. Once your application is submitted, you will be eligible for all those for which you meet the requirement.

Coopersville Endowed Scholarship Fund

This scholarship fund opened in 2000 and was formerly a student loan program. It now offers scholarship opportunities to students who wish to continue their education beyond high school.

About RRCF

Who We Are

Since 1999 we have been fostering philanthropy in South and East King County and acting as a connector around people, place and purpose. Our mission is to ignite the power of philanthropy – by connecting people, ideas and resources – to support and engage our community.

We partner with individual philanthropists and non-profit organizations to provide solutions to today’s challenges, so that together we can work toward our vision of a vibrant, equitable region where communities flourish and everyone thrives.

Scholarships

Helping to educate the next generation

The Renton Regional Community Foundation manages a number of scholarship funds and strongly supports your dream to pursue a post-secondary education. In 2025 we awarded $117,950 to 27 students. 

In 2026, 22 scholarships are provided due to the generosity of Renton Regional Community Foundation fund holders.

This scholarship was established in 2018 for the purpose of furthering the education and overall development of a student who has lost a parent prior to graduating high school.

Charles Black Construction Company, Inc. Scholarship

The Charles Black Scholarship Fund award identifies and recognizes high school seniors at various high schools in northeast Georgia who have achieved excellence in school and community life. The scholarship fund was created by the Charles Black Construction Company in 2002 as a way to show appreciation for past business relationships by giving back to the community. The scholarship was formally known as the Northeast Georgia School Superintendent’s Scholarship. The resulting scholarships recognize today’s graduating seniors, inspire undergraduate students, and will impact the quality of life in our communities for generations to come.

This scholarship is a one-time award, and recipient school systems and award amounts are determined each year by the Charles Black Construction Company. In 2026, scholarships will be awarded to graduating seniors who plan to attend an accredited college, university, or technical school.

The 2026 scholarships will be 41, $1,000 awards available to graduating seniors at: Apalachee High School, Banks County High School, Barrow Arts and Sciences Academy, Commerce City, Elbert County High School, Franklin County High School, Gilmer County High School, Hart County High School, Lanier Christian Academy, Lumpkin County High School, Madison County High School, Newton County High Schools (Alcovy, Eastside and Newton), Rabun County High School, Towns County High School, Union County High School, White County High School, and Winder-Barrow High School.

The Special Angels Foundation Grant provides essential support for children with special needs, focusing on accessible therapy within established networks. Due to high demand, applications from outside California are temporarily suspended. The grant covers therapy expenses and requires a letter of medical necessity from a pediatric professional. Applicants must be under 18 and reside in the U.S. The foundation aims to maximize impact by prioritizing in-network resources and ensuring financial clarity for families.

The AKC Rescue Grant, offered by the AKC Humane Fund, provides essential financial support to nonprofit organizations focused on canine rescue and welfare. Grants cover significant expenses such as veterinary care, spaying, and essential supplies. Eligible applicants include AKC Parent Clubs and 501(c)(3) organizations dedicated to dog rescue. This grant aims to facilitate specific projects and operational needs while ensuring compliance with reporting requirements for awarded funds.

The Matthew Tobin Cappetta Archaeological Scholarship, offered by the Society for American Archaeology, supports graduate students focusing on the archaeology or ethnoarchaeology of the American Southwest and South American Andes. It covers tuition, course materials, and travel for field studies, encouraging collaboration with Native American communities. The scholarship prioritizes applicants from historically underrepresented groups and is renewable upon reapplication annually, provided students maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.

The Emily Stover Memorial Scholarship offers $2,000 annually to support outstanding members of the Nantucket community. This scholarship is aimed at individuals who are dedicated to helping others and are pursuing careers that reflect this commitment. Eligible applicants must be Nantucket residents attending accredited colleges or universities, demonstrating a passion for community service and a desire to make a positive impact.

The Primarily Undergraduate Institution (PUI) Section Travel Award, offered by the American Society of Plant Biologists, aims to enhance the participation of early-career faculty from PUIs at the annual Plant Biology meeting. This award provides essential financial support to those in need, promoting greater inclusivity and representation within the scientific community. By facilitating attendance, the award encourages networking and knowledge sharing among emerging plant scientists, ultimately fostering advancements in plant biology research.

The JSF Scholarships aim to empower economically disadvantaged students by providing financial assistance for their education. This initiative addresses barriers to education and employment, enabling students to achieve academic success and meaningful careers. The Foundation supports various scholarship programs, partnering with schools and universities, and focusing on areas such as financial need and mentorship. By fostering educational opportunities, the JSF Scholarships contribute significantly to community development and individual empowerment.

Mondovi Grange/Wilson Farm Scholarship

Applicants must be graduating seniors or graduates of schools in Lincoln County, Washington, or from that part of Spokane County in the Reardan-Edwall School District, or a direct descendant of someone previously employed by Dale D. Wilson, regardless of their current residence location.

Previous recipients are eligible to re-apply. 

The Robert B. Kyts & Jadwiga Roguska Kyts, M.D Scholarship, offered by the Kosciuszko Foundation, supports graduate students majoring in arts studies for two years, with a total funding of $60,000. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents of Polish descent, enrolled full-time, and maintain a GPA of 3.7 or higher. The award is disbursed in four installments, contingent on meeting scholarship conditions. Deadline for recommendation letters is March 3, 2026.

The C.J. Alexopoulos Prize, awarded by the Mycological Society of America, recognizes outstanding early-career mycologists. Candidates must be MSA members and hold a degree obtained within the last ten years. Self-nominations are permitted, and nominees not selected may be reconsidered for two additional years. The award includes a plaque and monetary prize, with a formal presentation at the MSA annual meeting. The prize promotes inclusivity across diverse backgrounds in the mycology field.

Arizona Community Foundation

For more than four decades, the Arizona Community Foundation has worked in tandem with generous individuals, families, and organizations to address some of the biggest challenges facing our state.

Scholarships

In partnership with our generous donors, we award millions of dollars annually to help students achieve their educational goals. Through our online system, students complete one application and are matched with available scholarships, based on their eligibility requirements.

ACF Memorial Scholarship

This memorial scholarship supports current or former foster care youth and first generation students in Arizona. 

Arizona Community Foundation

For more than four decades, the Arizona Community Foundation has worked in tandem with generous individuals, families, and organizations to address some of the biggest challenges facing our state.

Scholarships

In partnership with our generous donors, we award millions of dollars annually to help students achieve their educational goals. Through our online system, students complete one application and are matched with available scholarships, based on their eligibility requirements.

AAUW of East Mesa (AZ) Branch Scholarship

Recipients of this award receive mentorship from members of the AAUW of East Mesa (AZ) Branch and are required to maintain communication with their mentor throughout the year. This scholarship is renewable for 4 or more years if the required criteria is met.

The G. Ernest and Bernadine Rightley Scholarship, administered by the Marshall County Community Foundation, aims to support graduating seniors from Marshall County schools. This scholarship is designed for local residents who are entering their first year of study at an accredited college or university. The foundation is committed to fostering philanthropy and providing opportunities for students to pursue higher education, thereby investing in the future of the community.