Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in Alaska

American Brain Foundation

The American Brain Foundation funds research across the spectrum of the brain and nervous system, because it is our best hope for improving treatments, advancing prevention strategies, and discovering cures. Brain diseases, disorders, and injuries are interconnected. When we cure one, we will cure many.

Next Generation Research Grants

The American Brain Foundation’s Next Generation Research Grants (NGRGs) support early career investigators conducting high-quality research aimed at better understanding, treating, and curing brain diseases. These grants are offered in collaboration with disease-focused partner organizations and reflect ABF’s Cure One, Cure Many research philosophy: the belief that breakthroughs in one area of research accelerate progress across many others.

McKnight Clinical Translational Research Scholarship in Cognitive Aging and Age-Related Memory Loss

This award aims to support young investigators in clinical studies relevant to age-related cognitive decline and memory loss. The award also recognizes the importance of rigorous training in clinical research and encourages young investigators to seek opportunities to establish future careers in the area of human cognitive aging.

Please Note: The focus should NOT be on a neurodegenerative dementia (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease); however, proposals that focus on the combined study of cognitive aging and neurodegenerative cognitive changes may be considered.

For the purpose of this scholarship, research is defined as patient-oriented research conducted with human participants, or translational research specifically designed to develop treatments or enhance identification of age-related cognitive decline and memory changes. These may include epidemiologic or behavioral studies, clinical trials, studies of disease mechanisms, the development of new technologies, and health outcomes research. Disease-related studies not directly involving humans are also encouraged if the primary goal is the development of therapies, diagnostic tests, or tools to mitigate age-related cognitive decline and memory loss.

The Six Flags Associate Scholarship, offered by the Erie County Community Foundation, aims to support recent high school graduates or college students with financial need. Eligible applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and be enrolled in an accredited institution in the U.S. Preference is given to those demonstrating community service and leadership. This scholarship can be renewed for up to three additional years, ensuring ongoing support for scholars committed to enhancing the quality of life in Erie County.

Washington County Community Foundation

The Washington County Community Foundation seeks to improve the quality of life in Washington County by promoting and facilitating philanthropy. We accomplish this by assuming four philanthropic roles of Grantmaker, Donor Service Organization, Fundraiser, and Community Leader. Fostering philanthropy by offering charitable gifting opportunities to donors on an individualized basis and at reasonable fees, we make charitable giving easier, more satisfying, and more effective. 

The Foundation is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation organized under the laws of Pennsylvania, which is registered with the Pennsylvania Charities Bureau and annually files the Federal Form 990.

Scholarships for Post-Secondary (Undergraduate) School

The Foundation provides both need-based and merit-based scholarships to students in Washington County, with a few scholarships also available to students in Greene County. All scholarships are made payable to the educational institution the student is attending. 

Curtis Wachter Scholarship Fund

For a current year graduating senior who resides within the boundaries of any Washington County or Greene County school district, who intends to study photography, photojournalism, or a related discipline.

The Donald & Janice Svehla Family Endowed Scholarship, established in 2022 by their sons, supports students from Lincoln Northeast High School pursuing higher education. This initiative, backed by the Lincoln Community Foundation, honors Donald and Janice's dedication to education and community involvement. In 2025, the scholarship contributed to over $606,000 awarded to 299 recipients. It emphasizes the importance of academic excellence alongside financial need, continuing a legacy of support for local students.

The Next Generation Graduate Scholarship, established by the Architects Foundation, supports aspiring architects from diverse backgrounds. With an award of up to $20,000 over five years, it aims to enhance education accessibility in architecture. This initiative honors Whitney Young Jr.'s call for a more responsible profession, inviting students from technical schools, community colleges, and non-NAAB programs to apply. The scholarship not only aids in educational pursuits but also fosters a network of future leaders in architecture.

The Next Generation Undergraduate Scholarship, established by the Architects Foundation, aims to support diverse students pursuing architecture degrees. With a total award of up to $20,000, the scholarship is available to US citizens or permanent residents who are seniors in high school or second-year college students enrolled in NAAB-accredited programs. This initiative reflects a commitment to fostering inclusivity and excellence in the architectural profession, empowering future leaders to shape the built environment.

The AOA/AOSA Opportunities in Optometry Grant program aims to promote inclusion within the optometric profession. This program offers $1,500 grants to under-represented minority students who are applying to optometry school. Eligible candidates include U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or DACA recipients who meet specific academic criteria. The initiative seeks to enhance diversity in the field and expand access to primary eye care, supporting the next generation of optometrists.

The Ted & Marian Stout Scholarship, managed by the Decatur County Community Foundation, supports individuals from the First Baptist Church of Greensburg pursuing post-secondary education. Eligible recipients must demonstrate Christian values, maintain good academic standing, and have clear educational and life goals. This scholarship aims to ease financial burdens and encourage community involvement, fostering the foundation's mission to create a lasting impact in Decatur County.

The Burney and Lucy Lehman Scholarship, managed by the Decatur County Community Foundation, provides financial support for up to four years of post-secondary education to graduating seniors from North and South Decatur High Schools. This scholarship aims to assist students who face challenges in pursuing higher education, promoting academic success and community engagement. For eligibility, applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. More information can be found at ndsdscholarship.com.

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.

Kristin & Michael Bauman Scholarship Fund

Kristin Bauman, as a teacher and consultant, taught hearing impaired students in Pennsylvania and Calhoun County, Michigan for over 30 years. She had lost the majority of her own hearing in her youth which served to motivate her to help others with this disability. After retiring, she was approached by a former hearing impaired student who as an adult, wished to return to college. Kristin was reminded of how difficult it was to find the financial resources to go to college. In researching the scholarships available to students with disabilities, she found there were few scholarships offered for students with disabilities especially within the Calhoun County, Michigan area. Students with hearing impairments have to work harder than most to not only obtain but succeed in higher education. Kristin and her family would like to help hearing impaired students, as well as their future teachers, make higher education a reality through this scholarship.

The Indian Land Tenure Foundation's Legal Reform Grant Program aims to empower American Indian nations by addressing systemic barriers to land ownership and control. This initiative promotes collaboration on projects like estate planning, land policy reform, and engaging government leaders in discussions about tribal sovereignty. By focusing on legal reforms, the program seeks to rectify longstanding inequities and enhance the ability of tribes to manage their land effectively.

Armstrong County Community Foundation (The Community Foundation Serving the Heart of Western Pennsylvania)

In 1997 Merchants National Bank, an Armstrong County community bank, marked its 100th anniversary. The centennial celebration included a unique expression of gratitude to the community in the form of $100,000 to be used as a seed fund to initiate a community foundation for Armstrong County. The bank challenged the community to keep the principal balance of the endowed funds intact and spend only a portion of the interest earnings to ensure a lasting legacy.

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Evelyn Benton Nursing Scholarship

Evelyn Benton was a wonderful mother, friend and mentor. As a professional nurse, Evelyn had empathy, kindness and respect for her patients. She inspired and encouraged her colleagues and co-workers and was a role model for so many throughout her life. The Evelyn Benton Nursing Scholarship was established in 2005 in memory of Evelyn by her family.

The Sundance Institute's Native Lab Application aims to support emerging filmmakers and episodic creators from U.S.-based Native American, Native Hawaiian, Alaskan Native, and Indigenous communities, as well as Indigenous Canadian artists. This initiative nurtures independent storytelling and creativity, providing vital resources and opportunities for underrepresented voices in film. Eligible applicants must submit a narrative feature or episodic pilot script. The program will accept three U.S.-based projects and one Canada-based project, with activities held virtually and in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

The Kristin Lee Burry Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Decatur County Community Foundation, supports North Decatur graduates pursuing degrees in special education, pediatric medicine, or Christian ministry. This scholarship honors Kristin's legacy and her family's deep roots in the community, as her mother and brother are NDHS alumni. By providing financial assistance, this scholarship aims to ease the educational burden for deserving students and contribute to a brighter future.

The Botany in Action Fellowship Program at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is designed for PhD students in plant-based research. It provides $6,000 for research and outreach expenses, an all-expenses paid trip for science outreach training, and opportunities to connect with the public through various outreach initiatives. This program nurtures the next generation of plant scientists committed to impactful research and educational outreach, fostering a deeper understanding of plant science.

The Mary Ellen Kowalski Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of Mary Ellen, a dedicated educator and community member. Established by her husband in 2025, this scholarship aims to support graduating high school seniors from Marathon County pursuing post-secondary education. Applicants are evaluated on their academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and personal challenges, ensuring that deserving students receive the financial assistance needed to succeed in their educational endeavors.

The Jewish Life Grants by the Charles H. Revson Foundation support organizations in Israel and North America that address social and spiritual needs within diverse communities. With a focus on collaborative efforts, the Foundation aims to empower under-resourced fields and promote courageous leadership. Current initiatives include enhancing civic service and expanding community chaplaincy. Letters of inquiry are welcome, and grants are available for registered nonprofits, excluding endowments and capital campaigns.

The Joanie Bostic Memorial Senior Pirate Spirit Award, established by the Decatur County Community Foundation, honors Joanie Bostic's passion for youth and Greensburg athletics. This scholarship recognizes a senior who exemplifies outstanding school spirit through participation in or support of athletics or music. Eligible candidates must be graduating seniors from Greensburg Community High School and submit a statement detailing their school experience and encouragement of Pirate spirit.

The Rising Investigator Supplement Grant, offered by the AASM Foundation, empowers sleep and circadian science researchers to mentor promising students and fellows facing barriers in accessing research opportunities. This grant supports innovative projects addressing critical questions in sleep health and fosters career development in the field. Eligible candidates include students and clinical fellows in various educational stages. Funding is available for up to 20% of the principal grant, capped at $50,000, for periods ranging from 8 weeks to 3 years.

The Attie M. Austin Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Decatur County Community Foundation, supports Greensburg Community High School seniors pursuing vocational or career training. Applicants must provide a personal statement and the scholarship is available for up to two years. This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden of education, fostering community generosity and impact.

The Junior League of Sioux Falls Scholarship, managed by the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, is aimed at female graduating seniors from accredited high schools or home school programs residing in Minnehaha or Lincoln counties. Eligible candidates must have a strong academic record, with ACT scores of 23 or higher or SAT scores of 1060 and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship supports higher education aspirations by supplementing other financial aid.

ONEOK's Scholarship Program provides financial support for dependents of ONEOK employees aiming for higher education. Annually, up to twelve scholarships are available: $5,000 per year for four years (max $20,000) or $2,500 per year for two years (max $5,000). Eligible applicants must be high school seniors or graduates with a minimum GPA of 2.5. The program encourages academic excellence and civic leadership, fostering the next generation of leaders from ONEOK families.

The Lovisa Card Catlin Art Scholarship, administered by the Erie Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Erie County high schools pursuing further education in art, architecture, or industrial art. In 2023, over $800,000 was awarded to more than 500 students for post-secondary education. Applicants must submit up to six examples of their artwork in JPEG format along with a completed application. This scholarship fosters artistic talent and encourages educational advancement in creative fields.

The AAUW Branch and State Affiliate Community Action Grants aim to empower AAUW branches and state organizations by providing up to $10,000 for innovative STEM programming targeted at girls in grades K-12. This initiative is designed to foster hands-on learning experiences, expand local impact, and showcase AAUW's commitment to gender equity in STEM. By collaborating with other organizations, AAUW seeks to build confidence and inspire the next generation of female STEM leaders.

The Carter Creech Scholarship offers financial support up to $8,000 for graduating seniors of Troy Buchanan High School in Missouri who aim to pursue a four-year degree. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA, achieve an ACT score of 27 or higher, and rank in the top 10% of their class. This scholarship encourages academic excellence and allows recipients to reapply annually for up to $32,000 over four years, fostering educational opportunities in the community.

The Charles E. Crow Memorial Scholarship Fund, established in 1953, supports graduates of Big Pasture High School in Randlett, Oklahoma, by providing a one-year scholarship up to $5,000. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities for students pursuing college, community college, or trade school certifications. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.8. By investing in the potential of local youth, this fund contributes to building thriving communities and advancing equity in education.

The Edward L. Feick Vocational Training Scholarship supports residents of Erie County, Ohio, pursuing accredited vocational training or apprenticeship programs. Established by a non-profit organization in 1995, the scholarship aims to enhance community quality of life. Financial need is considered, and recipients may renew the scholarship for up to three additional years at the discretion of the Scholarship Advisory Committee. Preference is given to graduates of Sandusky High School attending EHOVE.