Best Wright County Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

About AWS

We Move Welding Forward

Founded in 1919, the American Welding Society is a nonprofit organization with a global mission: to advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying.

By fostering knowledge, embracing change, and providing real-world opportunities through scholarships, fellowships, and workforce development, AWS provides the tools to help members succeed—and to inspire future generations of welding professionals.

AWS Future Leaders Program 2026

Become an AWS Future Leader

The AWS Future Leaders Program is a career-transforming opportunity for early-career professionals looking to step into leadership within the welding industry.

Gain unparalleled access to industry experts, contribute to AWS’s governance, and shape the future of welding. Our mission is to empower the next generation of leaders with diverse perspectives, ensuring the welding industry reflects the needs of tomorrow.

Why join the AWS Future Leaders Program

Shape the future of welding. Gain mentorship, leadership experience, and industry connections while representing the next generation of welding professionals.

About AWS

We Move Welding Forward

Founded in 1919, the American Welding Society is a nonprofit organization with a global mission: to advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying.

By fostering knowledge, embracing change, and providing real-world opportunities through scholarships, fellowships, and workforce development, AWS provides the tools to help members succeed—and to inspire future generations of welding professionals.

Counselor and Fellow Awards

The AWS Counselor and Fellow Awards celebrate members for distinguished organizational leadership and notable contributions to welding science and technology.

Counselor Awards

The American Welding Society, in 1999, established the honor of Counselor of the Society to recognize members for a career of distinguished organizational leadership that has enhanced the image and impact of the welding industry. The first class of Counselors was inducted at the 2001 AWS Show.

Election as a Counselor of the Society is demonstrated as evidenced by:

• Leadership of or within an organization that has made a substantial contribution to the welding industry.
• The individual’s organization shall have shown an ongoing commitment to the industry, as evidenced by support of participation of its employees in industry activities.
• Leadership of or within an organization that has made a substantial contribution to training and vocational education in the welding industry.
  • The individual’s organization shall have shown an ongoing commitment to the industry, as evidenced by support of participation of its employees in industry activities.
  • This recognition is selected by the AWS Counselor Committee based on specific criteria at least 16 months in advance of FABTECH.
  • Nominations must be submitted through the online nomination portal by June 1st.
  • Nominations are reviewed/selected at the fall Counselors Committee meeting, with final approval the following year at the spring Districts Council meeting.

A maximum of 5 Counselors are selected each year, as determined by the Counselors selection committee.

About AWS

We Move Welding Forward

Founded in 1919, the American Welding Society is a nonprofit organization with a global mission: to advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying.

By fostering knowledge, embracing change, and providing real-world opportunities through scholarships, fellowships, and workforce development, AWS provides the tools to help members succeed—and to inspire future generations of welding professionals.

Counselor and Fellow Awards

The AWS Counselor and Fellow Awards celebrate members for distinguished organizational leadership and notable contributions to welding science and technology.

Fellow Awards

The American Welding Society, in 1990, established the honor of Fellow of the Society to recognize members for distinguished contributions to welding science and technology, and for promoting and sustaining the professional stature of the field. The first class of Fellows was inducted at the 1991 AWS Show.

AWS Fellow candidates are expected to have demonstrated impactful contributions through research, teaching, leadership, or service. Election as a Fellow of the Society is based on the outstanding accomplishments and technical impact of the individual. These accomplishments will have advanced the science, technology and application of welding, as evidenced by:

• Sustained service and performance in the advancement of welding science and technology
• Publication of papers, articles, and books, which enhance knowledge of welding
• Innovation and development of welding technology
• Society and Section contributions
• Professional recognition

About AWS

We Move Welding Forward

Founded in 1919, the American Welding Society is a nonprofit organization with a global mission: to advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying.

By fostering knowledge, embracing change, and providing real-world opportunities through scholarships, fellowships, and workforce development, AWS provides the tools to help members succeed—and to inspire future generations of welding professionals.

CWI Lifetime Achievement Award

In 2018, the American Welding Society established the AWS Certified Welding Inspector Lifetime Achievement Award to recognize individual members for a career of distinguished service, leadership, outstanding accomplishments, and innovative contributions towards enhancing the image and technology of welding inspection. Individuals receiving the award may be currently working as a CWI or have worked as one in the past.

• Election as a CWI Lifetime Achievement Award recipient is demonstrated as evidenced by:
• Advancements in the field of welding inspection.
• Mentorship of individuals entering the field of welding inspection.
• Effective application of existing and new inspection technology.
• Evidence of participation in activities directly related to the recruitment, training, education and/or mentorship of individuals entering the field of welding inspection.
• This recognition is selected by the AWS CWI Lifetime Achievement Award Committee based on specific criteria.
• Nominations are reviewed/selected during a fall CWI Lifetime Achievement Award Committee meeting with final approval the following year at the spring Districts Council meeting.
• A maximum of 5 recipients are selected each year, as determined by the selection committee.

About AWS

We Move Welding Forward

Founded in 1919, the American Welding Society is a nonprofit organization with a global mission: to advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying.

By fostering knowledge, embracing change, and providing real-world opportunities through scholarships, fellowships, and workforce development, AWS provides the tools to help members succeed—and to inspire future generations of welding professionals.

AWS Distinguished Member Award

The AWS Distinguished Member Award was created to recognize outstanding service and commitment of AWS Members to the Society and the welding industry.

To qualify for Distinguished Member status, applicants must accrue 35 or more points from at least three of the four categories listed on the application form. These include National AWS Leadership, Local AWS Leadership, Professional Development, and AWS Membership Recruitment. Members are invited to nominate an individual by submitting the completed application form to the Director, Membership.

Award recipients will receive an AWS Distinguished Member Award certificate, suitable for framing, a Distinguished Member lapel pin, and recognition in the Welding Journal, as well as in the AWS Awards Directory. Allow three weeks for delivery.

To request more information, please contact the Director, Membership.

About AWS

We Move Welding Forward

Founded in 1919, the American Welding Society is a nonprofit organization with a global mission: to advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying.

By fostering knowledge, embracing change, and providing real-world opportunities through scholarships, fellowships, and workforce development, AWS provides the tools to help members succeed—and to inspire future generations of welding professionals.

Education / Meritorious / Service Awards

The Educational/Meritorious/Service awards recognize individuals who have made notable contributions to the welding industry. From educators who have advanced welding knowledge to those who've exhibited outstanding service, these awards celebrate dedication, expertise, and the advancement of welding as both an art and a science.

Howard E. Adkins Memorial Instructor Membership Award

The Howard E. Adkins Instructor Membership Award is sponsored by Mrs. Wilma Adkins and family, and is given as a means of recognizing high school, trade school, technical institute or community college instructors whose teaching activities are considered to have advanced the knowledge of welding to students in their respective schools.

This award is recognized at the National, District and Section levels. The nominee is selected at least 12 months in advance of FABTECH. Selections are made during the annual District Conference meetings for all three levels. District and Section level recognitions are automatic but National level nominee information is submitted to the AWS Education Committee for final selection.

About AWS

We Move Welding Forward

Founded in 1919, the American Welding Society is a nonprofit organization with a global mission: to advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying.

By fostering knowledge, embracing change, and providing real-world opportunities through scholarships, fellowships, and workforce development, AWS provides the tools to help members succeed—and to inspire future generations of welding professionals.

Education / Meritorious / Service Awards

The Educational/Meritorious/Service awards recognize individuals who have made notable contributions to the welding industry. From educators who have advanced welding knowledge to those who've exhibited outstanding service, these awards celebrate dedication, expertise, and the advancement of welding as both an art and a science.

Private Sector Instructor Membership Award

This award was established by the AWS Board of Directors as a means of honoring educators in the welding community teaching in private facilities. These individuals, in the opinion of the AWS Education Committee, have advanced the knowledge of welding to their students through apprenticeship programs, internal corporate training programs, and similar nonpublic educational activities.

This award is recognized at the National, District and Section levels. The nominee is selected at least 12 months in advance of FABTECH. Selections are made during the annual District Conference meetings for all three levels. District and Section level recognitions are automatic but National level nominee information is submitted to the AWS Education Committee for final selection.

About AWS

We Move Welding Forward

Founded in 1919, the American Welding Society is a nonprofit organization with a global mission: to advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying.

By fostering knowledge, embracing change, and providing real-world opportunities through scholarships, fellowships, and workforce development, AWS provides the tools to help members succeed—and to inspire future generations of welding professionals.

Welder Training Scholarship

The AWS Welder Training Scholarship is for students seeking welder training in a certificate program less than two years in length through a trade school, community college, or other facility providing welder training.

Up to 800 - $1,000 Welder Training Scholarships will be awarded annually.

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

Lewis G. and Margaret R. Curtis Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Lewis and Margaret, who established the Lewis G. and Margaret R. Curtis Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Margaret Curtis wished to establish two scholarships; one for females pursuing careers in nursing or health care careers and the other for a male pursuing a vocational, technical or trade career scholarship. Mrs. Curtis, a nurse in the area, provided for this fund in her will in memory of her husband and herself. She stated that the income be used to award scholarships in two fields, nursing and vocational training.

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

Ruth Skwarek Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Ruth Skwarek, who established the Ruth Skwarek Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Education was very important to Ruth Skwarek. She was a Fulbright Scholar, and entered college at the age of 16, receiving a degree from Western Michigan University, a master’s in French from Michigan State University, and in French and Speech from Western Michigan University. She taught elementary grades at Grand Haven and Holland public schools, as well as French and German at Muskegon Community College for 20 years. The Ruth Skwarek Scholarship will assist Muskegon County students who are pursuing four year degrees at any college or university. Ms. Skwarek is particularly concerned that this assists those students who come from “middle income” families for whom there is little other aid available

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

Roesler Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Roesler family who created The Roesler Memorial Scholarship Fund in memory of Henry Roesler, a well-known community leader in Montague. As if being major and a former police chief weren't enough, Henry like to be involved in a variety of community initiatives in Montague area. Henry's love and generosity for this community can still be felt today by the graduating seniors of Montague Area Public Schools.

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

Swenson Family Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Leland L. Swenson, who established the Swenson Family Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Dr. Leland Swenson practiced orthopedic surgery in Muskegon from 1949-1978 and worked at Hackley Occupational Health Clinic, completing orthopedic disability evaluations from 1985-2005. The Swenson family wished to continue with their charitable actions, and believe the Community Foundation would carry out their wishes. The Swenson Family Scholarship is designed to provide scholarships to students throughout Muskegon County.

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

Sturtevant and Kidwell Girl Scout Gold Award Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Michigan Pine and Dunes Girl Scout Council Board of Directors, who established the Girl Scouts Gold Award Scholarship Fund of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. In 1993, a young Girl Scout came to the Foundation to inquire about establishing a scholarship fund to benefit girls in Muskegon, Oceana, Lake and Newaygo counties who have been active in Girl Scouting. It was her intent that the Girl Scouts would raise money over five years for this fund, and the Girl Scout Board of Directors agreed to match the monies raised by the senior Girl Scouts involved in fundraising projects. Their fund became a reality in late 1996, and we look forward to working with them to present scholarships to senior Girl Scouts who will be continuing their education.

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

Muskegon Eagles / Monsignor Kehren Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Muskegon Eagles, Chapter 668, and Monsignor Kehren, who established the Muskegon Eagles Monsignor Kehren Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Monsignor Kehren served St. Mary's Church in downtown Muskegon for many years. When he died, Chapter 668 of the Muskegon Eagles established this in his honor. The award is supported through an annual bowling tournament held by the Eagles. Thanks to their generosity, the spirit of Monsignor Kehren endures as part of the Muskegon community, granting the lasting gift of education to the youth of Muskegon County.

Scholarship amounts vary depending on the scholarship applied for. Applicants are encouraged to apply for as many awards as they are eligible to increase the likelihood of receiving one or more awards.

Scholarships can be used for cost of attendance, direct education expenses, including tuition, books, and/or other school-related fees.

If you receive an award, be sure to complete your scholarship acceptance form (online portal). Scholarship awards are paid directly to the academic institution by the end of August.

Brian D. Slavenas Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Fund honors Brian D. Slavenas, a DeKalb High School graduate who was killed in Iraq (2003). The scholarship is awarded annually to a graduating high school senior who is a resident of DeKalb County, IL, and going on to either major or minor in music. Preference is given to applicants who were involved in music during at least the last two years of high school. 

ASPCA PRO

ASPCApro.org provides tools and resources for animal welfare professionals, veterinary personnel and volunteers. We take a progressive approach to helping the country's at-risk animals, promoting cutting edge research to advance the field.

ASPCA Research Grants

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®) research grants fund high-quality research with a clear potential to benefit animals, either directly or through effecting systems-level change. Proposals to extend existing studies, focused on other disciplines, will also be considered if they can clearly demonstrate substantial potential benefit to animal welfare.

This year we are soliciting proposals in the following six research areas:

• Access to Veterinary Care (AVC) Research
• Applied Behavior Research
• Cruelty Research
• Farm Animal Welfare Research
• Psychological Trauma Research
• Shelter Research

Proposals focused on evaluating the effectiveness of a program or service must demonstrate methodological rigor and a clear plan to produce generalizable scientific knowledge. Please view eligibility information for specific projects from the research area you are interested in. 

Psychological Trauma Research

Proposals related to developing and validating novel approaches to the objective documentation of animal cruelty and neglect in the absence of physical trauma (i.e., documenting psychological trauma) in dogs. Proposals are encouraged from any relevant discipline (e.g., physiology, psychology, ethology). Of particular interest is research that focuses on objective measures, including biomarkers and quantitative behavioral phenotyping.

The ASPCA Research Grants for Shelter Research invite proposals in six key areas including Access to Veterinary Care, Applied Behavior Research, and Shelter Research. These grants aim to fund high-quality research that can significantly benefit animal welfare. Eligible investigators from U.S. entities and certain Canadian organizations are encouraged to apply. The program emphasizes collaboration between shelters and researchers, fostering innovative solutions to improve the well-being of animals in shelter settings.

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

Margaret and Dr. Paul Borton Music Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Dr. Paul Borton, who established the Margaret and Dr. Paul Borton Music Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County in memory of his wife, Margaret Borton. Margaret "Maggie" Borton arrived in Muskegon in the late 40s, bringing with her the rich heritage and culture of South Carolina. Not having had the opportunity in her youth to pursue music, she sought ways to include it in her daily life, enjoying the many concerts and festivals available in our area. Maggie always admired the talented youth she met in Muskegon's musical community. Knowing of her dream, her love for people and her passion for music, Maggie's husband, Paul established the Margaret Borton Music Scholarship Fund in her memory to provide scholarship assistance to Muskegon County students who will major in music in college.

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

Marguerite C. Lucas Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by an anonymous donor, who established the Marquerite C. Lucas Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County in honor of Marquerite Lucas. Marguerite C. Lucas had great passion for education. She stressed the importance of perseverance and a "do what you have to do" attitude to pursue your dreams. Her legacy will continue through this scholarship geared towards helping women pursue an education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. 

Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy

Unlike surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, cell and gene therapies harness the power of your immune system to destroy cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. We fund the research that will make this vision a reality.

Collaborating with partners and funding research fellows, we are transforming cancer treatments today while bringing the world closer to a cure for all cancers tomorrow.

ACGT Investigator Award in Cell and Gene Therapy for SOLID TUMOR CANCERS 

Purpose

Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy, Inc. (ACGT) funds breakthrough research that is transforming cancer treatment through cell and gene therapy. This ACGT grant award is for those conducting translational cell and gene therapy research specifically in solid tumor cancers.

Research Objectives

Cell and gene therapy for solid tumors poses major challenges driven by antigen heterogeneity, physical exclusion, immunosuppressive microenvironments, genomic instability, and safety limitations. This RFA seeks innovative, translational cell and gene therapy strategies that directly address these barriers.

Proposed approaches should demonstrate the capacity to: (1) overcome antigen escape through multi-targeted designs that broaden patient populations and account for heterogeneity and resistance due to antigen loss; (2) enhance trafficking, infiltration, and persistence within solid tumor sites; (3) resist or reprogram the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment; and (4) incorporate built-in safety and controllability mechanisms suitable for clinical translation. Successful proposals will integrate these elements to enable durable, precise, and scalable therapeutic impact in solid tumors.

Building on the priorities outlined above, this RFP encourages proposals spanning a broad range of cell and gene therapy (CGT) platforms and rational combinations, including but not limited to:

• Engineered T Cell Approaches
• Innate and Alternative Immune Cell Platforms
• Gene Editing & Synthetic Biology Strategies
• Microenvironment-Modulating Strategies
• Combinatorial Approaches

Proposals that integrate multiple strategies to overcome trafficking, suppression, antigen escape, and safety barriers in a coordinated manner are strongly encouraged. Preference will be given to approaches with clear mechanistic rationale and a credible path toward clinical translation in solid tumors.

The NIAID is dedicated to advancing research on medical countermeasures against chemical and radiation threats, focusing on innovative technologies to diagnose and treat exposure effects. The initiative promotes the development of models, biomarkers, and devices that enhance survival and reduce morbidity during public health emergencies. It supports preclinical efforts to address injuries from designated Chemicals of Concern, emphasizing the need for effective solutions in civilian mass casualty scenarios.

The NIAID is focused on advancing the research and development of next-generation malaria vaccines, aiming to leverage innovative vaccine design techniques. This initiative not only aims to enhance malaria prevention but also serves as a model for combating other mosquito-borne diseases. By utilizing cutting-edge methods such as structure-based immunogen design and combination vaccines, the program seeks to significantly reduce both parasite infection rates and the overall disease burden associated with malaria.

The Cooperative Program for Modeling Clinical Transplantation, supported by the NIAID, aims to enhance human solid organ transplantation through innovative in-vitro and in-vivo systems. This program encourages applications utilizing new approach methods (NAMs) and refined mouse models to improve clinical translation. Emphasis is placed on developing models that address clinical obstacles and reduce reliance on nonhuman primates, while promoting data sharing to foster reproducibility and best practices in research.

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

MPS/Dietz Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Muskegon Public Schools, who established the MPS/Dietz Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. For many years Muskegon Public Schools has administered several scholarship s for the benefit of Muskegon County high school students. Following a review of these scholarships and recognizing the Foundation's considerable expertise not only in scholarship programming but also in investment management, the Board of Education approved a recommendation to transfer all scholarships held by Muskegon Public Schools to the Muskegon County Community Foundation. The Foundation is proud to receive this honor and looks forward to working with Muskegon Public Schools administrators to award scholarships to Muskegon-area high school seniors for many years to come.

Hungry for Music

The Hungry for Music story began in 1992, when Founder and Director Jeff Campbell (in photo) organized a street musician concert to benefit the homeless. Within three years, he formed a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, dedicated to expanding opportunities in music for children.

Since then, Hungry for Music has placed more than 27,000 instruments into the hands of aspiring musicians. Children whose trajectory has been altered by the uplifting and life-changing gift of music.

We've delivered everything from guitars and trombones to violins and xylophones to kids in 50 states and 35 countries.

We collect and redistribute more than 2,000 instruments annually and, in our 31-year journey, we've become a full-time force for good in the musical community.

Request an Instrument

Hungry for Music collects and distributes instruments including brass, woodwinds, strings, electric keyboards, drums and other percussion, as well as amps and accessories.

Who Hungry for Music Helps

• Music teachers at Title One schools who identify children who cannot participate because of lack of funding.
• Music directors at innovative after-school music programs.
• Social workers who have young clients who would benefit from music therapy.

We only accept requests from public school music teachers, administrators, after-school/summer music program directors, and social workers. 

In our history, we have supported music programs in 40 different countries through stateside sponsors (i.e. business, school, church). We do not accept requests directly from international programs.

Title One School Music Teachers

Our music instrument donation program for Title One public schools is designed to support teachers who have a few students who cannot participate in class because of financial need. We do not outfit entire music programs. 

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

MPS/Harry E. and Clara H. Brown Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Muskegon Public Schools, who established the MPS/Harry E. and Clara H. Brown Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. For many years Muskegon Public Schools has administered several scholarships for the benefit of Muskegon County high school students. Following a review of these scholarships and recognizing the Foundation's considerable expertise not only in scholarship programming but also in investment management, the Board of Education approved a recommendation to transfer all scholarships held by Muskegon Public Schools to the Muskegon County Community Foundation. The Foundation is proud to receive this honor and looks forward to working with Muskegon Public Schools administrators to award scholarships to Muskegon-area high school seniors for many years to come

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

MPS/Douma Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Muskegon Public Schools, who established the MPS/Douma Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. For many years Muskegon Public Schools has administered several scholarship s for the benefit of Muskegon County high school students. Following a review of these scholarships and recognizing the Foundation's considerable expertise not only in scholarship programming but also in investment management, the Board of Education approved a recommendation to transfer all scholarships held by Muskegon Public Schools to the Muskegon County Community Foundation. The Foundation is proud to receive this honor and looks forward to working with Muskegon Public Schools administrators to award scholarships to Muskegon-area high school seniors for many years to come.