Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in American Samoa

The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation's Expanded Impact Grants Program aims to support previously awarded Quality of Life grantees in expanding successful initiatives for individuals living with paralysis. Offering up to $100,000 for each of the four grants, this program seeks to enhance evidence-based practices that improve the quality of life for both patients and their caregivers. Eligible organizations must demonstrate previous success and be capable of scaling their impactful projects within 24 months.

The ANR Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship offers financial support to researchers focusing on arthritis and related autoimmune diseases. This initiative aims to cultivate future leaders in the field by providing fellowships that foster innovative research and exceptional training opportunities. Open to various research areas, including osteoarthritis and lupus, the fellowship seeks to empower physicians to advance their work and make impactful contributions to understanding these conditions.

The Down Syndrome – Aim High Scholarship, offered by The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, empowers students pursuing careers in special education or therapy for individuals with Down Syndrome. This scholarship supports dedicated individuals committed to improving the lives of others through education and professional development. Since 1968, the foundation has focused on enhancing community well-being, making this scholarship a vital resource for aspiring professionals in the field.

The Dr. Bruce D. J. Batt Fellowship in Waterfowl Conservation honors the legacy of Dr. Bruce Batt, a leading figure in waterfowl research. This fellowship offers up to $5,000 annually to graduate students at North American universities conducting vital research on waterfowl and wetlands. Renewable for up to two additional years for PhD students, the fellowship promotes the integration of sound science in conservation efforts, supporting the next generation of waterfowl professionals.

The Ella B. Cleveland Trust Grant supports charitable medical research organizations focusing on leukemia, muscular dystrophy, and cerebral palsy. Established in memory of Ella B. Cleveland, the trust prioritizes 501(c)(3) entities and has no geographic limitations, though it often funds organizations in Georgia. Applications are accepted year-round, with an average grant size of $5,000, and total annual giving ranging from $10,000 to $15,000.

This funding opportunity from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute aims to enhance health decision-making through comparative clinical effectiveness research, focusing on critical areas such as cancer, maternal health, and mental health. The initiative encourages robust observational studies that utilize existing data to derive patient-centered insights. Applications must address specific themes approved by PCORI and demonstrate potential benefits to the U.S. healthcare system, thus ensuring relevance and stakeholder engagement in research efforts.

The Bay Area Lyme Foundation Grant supports innovative research aimed at improving diagnostics and treatments for Lyme disease. With a revised granting schedule, proposals can be submitted year-round, with reviews conducted three times annually. The foundation welcomes applications from universities, hospitals, and independent entities across the U.S., emphasizing the importance of addressing challenges in diagnosing and treating Lyme disease, especially for difficult cases.

The Emergency/Medical Workers Behavioral Health Fund aims to support emergency workers facing trauma and anxiety due to their roles. Established by the HealthWell Foundation, it provides financial assistance for treatment-related costs, including copayments for prescription drugs, counseling, and transportation. In 2024, the Foundation awarded over $1.2 billion to underinsured patients, ensuring no one is denied essential healthcare due to financial barriers. This initiative helps address the critical mental health needs of those who serve on the front lines.

The Robert Silman Award, presented biennially by the James Marston Fitch Charitable Foundation, recognizes innovative proposals in the preservation, restoration, or adaptive reuse of the built environment. Open to professionals in various design fields, the award encourages originality and practical applications that advance preservation in the U.S. With a funding limit of $15,000, it seeks projects that demonstrate a clear plan for dissemination and positive community impact, especially for underrepresented groups.

About Us

The Recycling Partnership is a team of experts, practitioners, and thought leaders who are deeply invested in protecting our natural resources, creating more sustainable communities, and delivering on our mission of building a better recycling system. We work alongside communities, companies, and policymakers to enact meaningful change across the entire recycling industry.

We firmly believe that if you want to recycle, you should be able to recycle. A robust and accessible recycling system is how we achieve this goal. A better system will deliver the true economic and environmental benefits that our people, our communities, and our entire recycling industry deserve.

This is our mission. This is our purpose. This is who we are. 

Grants for Processors/Materials Recovery Facilities (MRF)

Designed to help equipment manufacturers and MRFs boost throughput and increase capacity. 

The Therapeutic Giving program by Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine focuses on enhancing patient access to treatment in cardiovascular and metabolism areas. Nonprofit organizations classified as 501(c)(3) are eligible to apply for funding. The program emphasizes innovative initiatives that address healthcare disparities and improve patient outcomes through education, advocacy, and support services. Applications are evaluated based on design, capacity, and potential impact, with a preference for programs over event-based funding.

The Therapeutic Giving program by Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine focuses on supporting nonprofit organizations that enhance patient access to treatment in cardiovascular and metabolic health. Applications are encouraged for initiatives that promote education, empower patients, and address healthcare disparities. Eligible organizations must be IRS 501(c)(3) certified, with a preference for programs demonstrating measurable outcomes. The funding period for local organizations extends from January to October 15th, while national organizations can apply in September.

The Student & Resident Research Award, part of the Choose Rheumatology campaign, recognizes outstanding students and residents for significant contributions in rheumatology. Eligible applicants must be authors of abstracts submitted to ACR Convergence 2025 and can receive up to $2,000 in funding for travel and registration. This award promotes engagement in rheumatology through innovative learning experiences at ACR Convergence, enhancing the understanding and care for patients with rheumatic diseases.

The Recycling Partnership offers grants for community recycling programs, providing nearly $50 million to support 370 communities since 2014. Their mission is to create a robust and accessible recycling system that benefits people and the environment. Eligible applicants include publicly, privately, and non-profit owned MRFs in the U.S. This initiative aims to enhance curbside, drop-off, and multifamily recycling, ensuring that everyone can participate in sustainable practices.

The Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship for Therapy Sciences, provided by the UNICO Foundation, awards two scholarships valued at $2,500 each to full-time students pursuing degrees in Therapy Sciences, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, audiology, and speech-language pathology. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and continue their studies in the 2026-2027 academic year. This scholarship promotes educational advancement within the community.

The Rheumatology Scholarship – Workforce Expansion aims to recruit future rheumatology professionals by supporting students and residents from underserved areas to attend ACR Convergence 2025. Awardees receive $2,000 for travel, registration, and a one-year ACR/ARP Membership. This initiative fosters networking opportunities and educational experiences crucial for enhancing patient care in rheumatology. It is part of a broader campaign to address the growing shortage of rheumatologists and improve patient access to care.

The Rheumatology Scholarship supports undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students in attending ACR Convergence 2025, a premier event for rheumatology. Awardees gain exposure to innovative research and networking opportunities, enhancing their understanding of rheumatic diseases. The scholarship includes $2,000 for travel expenses and complimentary registration, encouraging future professionals to explore careers in this essential field. This initiative aims to strengthen the rheumatology workforce, ensuring better care for patients with musculoskeletal diseases.

The Medical and Graduate Student Preceptorship provides a unique opportunity for students to engage in rheumatology through either clinical or research experiences lasting 4 to 8 weeks. Participants will observe practices in a shadowing role, gaining invaluable insights without direct patient management. The program supports students with financial awards of $2,000 or $4,000, depending on the duration of their preceptorship, and includes additional funds for travel expenses to attend professional conferences.

The J.R. Simplot Company Foundation Grant supports U.S. non-profit organizations focused on art, education, youth, community, and global food and agriculture. Established in 1929, the foundation is committed to enhancing community welfare through creative cultural endeavors, educational initiatives, health services, and youth programs. Applications are reviewed quarterly, ensuring a timely response to organizations dedicated to making a positive impact in their communities.

The Quality Improvement grant from Conquer Cancer and Pfizer aims to enhance biomarker testing and treatment practices in cancer care through innovative digital solutions. Targeting colorectal, lung, and prostate cancers, this initiative seeks proposals with measurable outcomes and strategies for sustainability. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how their findings can be shared across healthcare systems, ensuring broader impacts on patient care and outcomes. This collaboration reflects a commitment to improving cancer care through technology.

The W. Wesley Eckenfelder Graduate Research Award, administered by the AEESP Foundation, recognizes outstanding graduate students in environmental engineering and science whose research enhances wastewater management knowledge. This prestigious annual award offers a $1,500 honorarium and a plaque for winners, along with a $500 travel stipend for attending the AAEES awards ceremony. Eligible candidates include both Master’s and Ph.D. students who demonstrate exemplary academic performance and innovative research contributions.

The NIHCM Journalism Grants support projects that enhance health reporting and education, targeting critical issues such as healthcare affordability, pharmaceutical pricing, provider market dynamics, and chronic disease management. This initiative emphasizes the importance of informing policymakers and the public on how to improve healthcare quality and access in the U.S. Proposals may also explore the role of artificial intelligence in healthcare delivery. Applications are welcome from journalists, nonprofits, and universities.

The Paul L. Busch Award, provided by the Water Research Foundation, honors individuals for innovative research in water quality. This prestigious award supports promising researchers with a $100,000 grant to advance their work. The selection process is inclusive, with no restrictions based on race, gender, or nationality, and encourages applications from diverse candidates. Recipients are expected to collaborate with U.S.-based organizations, fostering practical applications of their research in the water environment.

The Arthur N. Rupe Foundation Grant focuses on promoting positive social change through scholarly studies, education, and public debate. It supports projects related to caregiving, civil debate, and public policy, aiming to enhance the quality of life in America. The foundation prioritizes specific project funding over general operations and does not support individuals or capital campaigns. Grant inquiries are invited through a letter of inquiry process, ensuring alignment with its mission.

The Sustainable Forests and Communities Grant aims to foster environmentally and economically sustainable forest communities in the U.S., particularly where the Weyerhaeuser Family has interests. It prioritizes projects enhancing the environment, economy, and community through sustainable practices. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities operating in forested areas, focusing on integrated approaches that value forest ecosystem services. This initiative encourages local job creation, sustainable economic activities, and innovative partnerships to achieve sustainability goals.

The Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation provides grants aimed at combating hunger in the U.S. and Canada, focusing on direct food assistance, food rescue, and nutrition education. Eligible organizations can receive up to $10,000 in funding, with an average grant size of $5,000. Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded over $2 million to support local food programs, ensuring communities have access to essential resources and assistance for those in need.

The Jeanette Zaichkin NRP Nursing Grant for Excellence and Innovation in NRP Education supports nurses dedicated to enhancing neonatal resuscitation training. This grant, offered by the American Academy of Pediatrics, provides up to $10,000 for innovative projects addressing key gaps in transitional physiology and evidence-based practices. Eligible applicants must be current NRP Instructors and work in neonatal care settings. The initiative aims to empower nurses in teaching essential skills for successful newborn resuscitation.