Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in Alaska

Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains

Our mission at the Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains is to improve the region’s quality of life through the power of philanthropy. We do this by offering individuals, families, and businesses the most effective charitable giving tools available in the marketplace today. Founded in 1998, the Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains is honored to work with hundreds of donors, nonprofits, advisors, and civic leaders to achieve dreams for making the Endless Mountains region of Northeastern Pennsylvania an even better place to live for everyone.

Scholarships

Many generous individuals, families, and businesses have established scholarship funds to provide support to graduates in our region. Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors.

Cody Albert Memorial Scholarship

Established by Dale and Linda Albert in memory of their son Cody to provide a college scholarship to students from Susquehanna County who will major in the Visual Arts, Psychology, or Physical Therapy and who have overcome anxiety, depression, or other adversity.

The Lily Smith Memorial Scholarship, established by the Central Kentucky Community Foundation, supports high school graduates from Nelson County pursuing a nursing degree. Founded in 1960, the foundation is committed to enhancing community well-being through philanthropy. This scholarship exemplifies their mission by providing financial assistance to future nurses, ensuring that local talent is nurtured and prepared to meet healthcare needs. The initiative reflects a deep commitment to education and community service.

The Juan Diego Guadiana Legacy Foundation Scholarship supports students from Las Cruces High School or Doña Ana County, especially those affected by cancer treatment or pursuing health-related fields. This scholarship is open to various backgrounds, including BiPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities. The foundation aims to empower students at different educational stages, ensuring they have the resources necessary to thrive in their academic and professional journeys.

The MCTS Legacy Scholarship Program, established by the Mobile County Training School Alumni Association in collaboration with UNCF, offers ten $3,500 need-based scholarships for MCTS attendees or their descendants. This initiative aims to support educational pursuits among students connected to MCTS, enhancing access to higher education. Recipients will be notified within eight weeks after the application deadline, promoting academic success and community engagement. The program reflects UNCF's commitment to empowering minority students and fostering leadership.

The Nick Andros Music Scholarship, established by the family and friends of Nick Andros, honors his passion for music and positive inspiration. This scholarship seeks to support students who demonstrate Nick's spirit through their dedication to the arts. Eligible candidates must be high school seniors from Saginaw County with a minimum GPA of 2.0, pursuing an undergraduate degree. Applicants are required to submit an MP3 of their work, showcasing their musical talents.

The SESOT Fall Meeting Abstract Submission Award invites submissions for poster or platform presentations at the October 10, 2025 Fall SESOT Meeting in Clemson. Eligible participants include undergraduate, master's, PhD, and postdoctoral trainees who are SESOT members. Awards will be presented for the best presentations at the SESOT Reception during the SOT Meeting in March. New investigators may present but are not eligible for awards.

The FX Storytelling Legacy Scholarship, established by the United Negro College Fund, honors the renowned director John Singleton. This initiative aims to empower aspiring filmmakers and screenwriters by providing financial support of $5,000 to four selected students during their junior year, with the possibility of an additional $5,000 in their senior year. The program also includes mentorship opportunities with FX employees, fostering professional development and engagement in the film and television industry.

The Hearst Foundation: Education Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that promote education across various levels, focusing primarily on higher education. With a minimum grant size of $100,000, the foundation prioritizes organizations demonstrating significant impact and sustainability. They support innovative educational models, professional development, and scholarships, specifically targeting underserved populations. Since the 1940s, the foundation has evolved while maintaining its commitment to fostering healthy and productive lives for all individuals in the United States.

The Career Guidance for Trainees Grant, offered by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, aims to enhance the career development of early career administrators focused on PhD scientists. This grant supports a workshop that equips participants with research evaluation skills to create impactful career-focused interventions. Participants will receive a $15,000 grant to implement their projects, develop networks, and share findings at national meetings, fostering a diverse scientific workforce essential for research innovation and public service.

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) will announce funding for patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER) studies focusing on rare diseases. This initiative encourages collaboration and aims to fill critical research gaps affecting approximately 30 million Americans with rare diseases. Applications can request up to $12 million over five years, including coverage for patient care costs. This funding opportunity is set to open on August 12, 2025, with a focus on addressing pressing patient-centered CER questions.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who has demonstrated the qualities of honesty, care, trustworthiness, and personal integrity, and who is active in sports and shows an interest in working with children or the elderly.

The Lynn E. Poffenberger Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Middle Paxton Lions Club, honors the legacy of Mr. Poffenberger by providing annual scholarships to two graduating seniors. Eligible applicants must reside in Middle Paxton Township or Dauphin Borough, demonstrate financial need, and show active community involvement. This one-time scholarship aims to support deserving students in their educational pursuits, reflecting the values of service and commitment to the community.

National Collegiate Cancer Foundation

The National Collegiate Cancer Foundation (NCCF) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting young adults diagnosed with or impacted by cancer. Its mission is to provide services, resources, and need-based financial assistance that empower survivors and their families to adopt a resilient “Will Win” mindset throughout treatment and beyond. NCCF is one of the few national organizations that provides direct financial support to young adult cancer survivors, primarily through its Survivor and Legacy Scholarships, which assist students pursuing higher education during or after treatment. The Foundation also promotes cancer awareness and prevention within the young adult community. Recognizing that adolescents and young adults (ages 15–39) face unique challenges—including delayed diagnoses, limited access to insurance and clinical trials, fertility concerns, employment disruption, and social isolation—NCCF prioritizes addressing the significant service gaps affecting this underserved population. Operated entirely by volunteers, NCCF remains committed to advancing educational access, financial relief, and hope for young adult cancer survivors nationwide.

NCCF: Legacy Scholarship Program

The National Collegiate Cancer Foundation (NCCF) offers $1,000 competitive scholarships to young adults pursuing higher education who have lost a parent or guardian to cancer. The award is designed to provide financial assistance and encouragement to students continuing their education despite personal loss. Applications are evaluated based on the applicant’s personal journey, sources of encouragement, demonstrated financial need, notable accomplishments, and the quality of recommendations. The scholarship recognizes resilience, perseverance, and academic commitment in the face of cancer-related loss.

National Collegiate Cancer Foundation

The National Collegiate Cancer Foundation (NCCF) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting young adults diagnosed with or impacted by cancer. Its mission is to provide services, resources, and need-based financial assistance that empower survivors and their families to adopt a resilient “Will Win” mindset throughout treatment and beyond. NCCF is one of the few national organizations that provides direct financial support to young adult cancer survivors, primarily through its Survivor and Legacy Scholarships, which assist students pursuing higher education during or after treatment. The Foundation also promotes cancer awareness and prevention within the young adult community. Recognizing that adolescents and young adults (ages 15–39) face unique challenges—including delayed diagnoses, limited access to insurance and clinical trials, fertility concerns, employment disruption, and social isolation—NCCF prioritizes addressing the significant service gaps affecting this underserved population. Operated entirely by volunteers, NCCF remains committed to advancing educational access, financial relief, and hope for young adult cancer survivors nationwide.

NCCF: Survivor Scholarship Program

The National Collegiate Cancer Foundation (NCCF) Survivor Scholarship Program provides a competitive scholarships to young adults who are cancer survivors or current patients and are pursuing higher education during or after treatment. The program supports students who have demonstrated resilience and continued their educational journey despite the challenges of cancer. Applications are evaluated based on six criteria: demonstration of a strong “Will Win” attitude, quality of essays, financial need, overall cancer survivorship story, commitment to education, and the quality of recommendations. The scholarship recognizes perseverance, hope, and dedication to academic and personal growth.

The Annual Recurring University Training and Research grant aims to foster the next generation of engineers and scientists by funding research and development at U.S. colleges and universities. This initiative focuses on supporting early-stage research and enhancing opportunities for underrepresented communities, ensuring that students gain essential skills for successful careers in the U.S. workforce and economy. It is a vital step toward inclusive educational advancement and workforce development.

The Nutrition Obesity Research Centers (NORCs) program, funded by the National Institutes of Health, invites applications for core centers that enhance nutrition and obesity research. It supports research core services, pilot and feasibility programs, and enrichment activities, aiming to improve research efficiency and productivity. This funding opportunity encourages multidisciplinary approaches to tackle obesity and nutrition issues, ultimately contributing to a healthier population.

The NIDCD Early Career Research (ECR) Award (R21) provides support for emerging researchers focused on hearing, balance, smell, taste, voice, speech, or language. This award is designed to help scientists establish their independent research careers and is not intended for thesis or dissertation work. The funding can be utilized for various projects, including secondary data analysis and the development of new research methodologies, facilitating the transition to larger R01 applications.

The Blue Bird Auxiliary Scholarship Fund, established by the San Antonio Area Foundation, offers financial support for graduate and current college students pursuing degrees in healthcare-related fields. Eligible candidates must maintain a GPA of 3.1 and be active volunteers with the Blue J/Blue Bird organization. This scholarship, renewable for up to three years, covers tuition, fees, books, and living expenses, helping students achieve their educational goals while serving the community.

The Family Unification Program (FUP) aims to assist families and youth at risk of homelessness by providing Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) assistance. It targets families facing housing issues that could lead to out-of-home placement for children and youth aged 18-24 who have aged out of foster care. The program offers flexible voucher durations, with extensions available under specific conditions, ensuring support for those in need of stable housing.

The Native American Research Centers for Health (NARCH) program supports federally-recognized American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes and organizations in advancing health-related research. It aims to enhance research careers and infrastructure through a competitive application process. Funded by the US Dept. of Health & Human Services, this initiative invites eligible entities to apply, ensuring that only high-quality proposals undergo peer review for potential funding.

The FY26 Toxic Exposures Research Program (TERP) Clinical Trial Award supports clinical trials aimed at addressing health issues from military-related toxic exposures. This initiative encourages collaboration through a Partnering Principal Investigator Option, enhancing interdisciplinary research efforts. Projects range from early-phase trials to large-scale studies, focusing on innovative treatments and management strategies for affected populations. The goal is to expedite the translation of research findings into effective clinical applications.

The DoW Toxic Exposures Translational Research Award aims to foster translational research that bridges military-related toxic exposure studies and clinical applications. This program encourages innovative collaborations by allowing for a Partnering Principal Investigator Option, enhancing interdisciplinary partnerships. By integrating basic science with clinical insights, the initiative seeks to expedite the development of impactful health care products and interventions to address toxic exposures faced by military personnel.

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) is launching a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) under the NIH HEAL initiative to enhance research on joint health and pain. This initiative aims to refine the understanding of joint tissues and pain mechanisms, expand clinical phenotyping, and support preclinical testing of novel therapies. Collaborations among experts in neurobiology, pain science, and rheumatic diseases are encouraged to foster innovative solutions for joint pain management.

The Research Grants on Improving the Use of Research Evidence program aims to enhance the application of research findings for young people aged 5-25 in the U.S. It offers major grants ranging from $100,000 to $1,000,000 over 2-4 years, focusing on impactful studies and capacity-building for researchers. The foundation encourages collaboration among scholars and practitioners to strengthen research practices and evidence use in various settings.

The Eash-Potter Scholarship supports LGBTQ youth in central Pennsylvania, honoring Melinda Eash and Sharon Potter's legacy. It is available to graduating high school seniors from specific counties who demonstrate commitment to enhancing the community climate for LGBTQ+ individuals. Financial need is a consideration, and the scholarship is a one-time award. Students of color, transgender individuals, and children of LGBTQ+ parents are particularly encouraged to apply, promoting diversity and inclusion within the scholarship program.

This program aims to enhance education for healthcare professionals regarding new therapies and patient management in ulcerative colitis (UC). It focuses on multi-channel educational strategies to address the evolving landscape of UC treatment. Key areas include educating on new oral therapies, transitioning to advanced therapies, and managing isolated proctitis. Organizations such as healthcare institutions and medical education companies are eligible to apply, ensuring a comprehensive approach to improving UC care.

The NRF Foundation provides access to the education and opportunities needed for successful retail careers, helping people build better lives and stronger communities.

Retail Training Initiative

Building Career Pathways Through Retail Training

The NRF Foundation Retail Training Initiative expands access to industry‑recognized retail training and credentials for job seekers across the United States. Through partnerships with community‑based organizations, workforce development providers, and educational institutions, the fund equips individuals with the skills, confidence, and credentials needed to secure meaningful employment and advance in retail and related industries.

Retail is the nation’s largest private‑sector employer and offers accessible entry points, transferable skills, and clear pathways for career growth. By investing in training that aligns with employer needs, the NRF Foundation Retail Training Initiative helps individuals overcome barriers to employment while strengthening the talent pipeline for the retail industry and beyond.

Organizations selected to participate in the NRF Foundation Retail Training Initiative receive support designed to help them deliver high‑quality, employer‑aligned training programs, including:

• Access to the NRF Foundation RISE Up training and credentialing program
• Capacity awards to support program implementation and delivery
• Tools and resources to help participants earn industry‑recognized credentials

Together, these resources help organizations expand their impact and better support job seekers on their path to employment and career growth.