Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in American Samoa

The Lazarus Family Scholarship in Bioethics and Humanities, offered by the AMA Foundation, supports students engaged in bioethics or the humanities, including art, music, and literature. This scholarship aims to foster the next generation of physician leaders by providing financial assistance to those who are committed to advancing health equity and community service. By recognizing diverse fields of study, it emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in medicine and the humanities.

The Dr. Eric W. Bond “Kickstart” Scholarship, initiated by the Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge, honors Dr. Bond's dedication to education. It supports three graduating seniors from each Augusta County public high school, focusing on those entering the workforce directly. The scholarship emphasizes financial need, community service, and extracurricular involvement, reflecting Dr. Bond's values. The inaugural scholarships will be awarded in 2026, ensuring a lasting legacy that enriches students' lives and promotes their successful transition into adulthood.

The Lasher-Bottorff Award, established by the American Association of Avian Pathologists, recognizes outstanding contributions to poultry health. It honors Dr. Hiram N. Lasher and Dr. C. A. Bottorff, pivotal figures in avian medicine. The award, valued at $1,000, is presented annually to a veterinarian who has made significant advancements in avian diagnostics or technical services over the past decade, promoting the health and productivity of poultry in North America.

The MMUF Dissertation Grant, funded by the Mellon Foundation, supports doctoral candidates who are alumni of the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship. This grant aids scholars in completing their dissertations, ensuring diverse perspectives are represented in academia. With up to $30,000 for a 12-month period, the program encourages candidates to secure additional funding from their institutions. The initiative aims to bolster access to education and foster understanding among varied backgrounds, ultimately enhancing the academic landscape.

The Science Policy Fellowship, offered by the American Chemical Society, provides a unique opportunity for trained scientists to engage in public policy. This program enhances understanding of the policy-making process, allowing Fellows to work alongside experienced Government Affairs staff. The Fellowship focuses on key areas such as federal research funding, education in STEM, and environmental policies. Candidates with a strong background in chemical sciences or engineering are encouraged to apply, regardless of holding a doctorate.

The W. D. Hagenstein Communicator Award honors an SAF member for their outstanding communication efforts in forestry. Recognizing innovative initiatives that enhance public understanding of forestry and natural resources, this award is presented at the SAF National Convention. It includes a $500 honorarium and up to $500 for travel expenses. Nominees must be SAF members and should not have received the Technology Transfer Award in the past five years. This award emphasizes the importance of effective communication in advancing forestry.

The AWWA Jacobs Holly A. Cornell Scholarship, established in 1990, supports graduate students pursuing water supply and treatment studies. Sponsored by Jacobs/CH2M, this $10,000 scholarship is aimed at first-generation college graduates or those who have faced economic disadvantages and significant educational barriers. AWWA, the largest organization of water supply professionals, emphasizes the importance of investing in the future of the water industry through such scholarships.

The AWWA Scholarship Program, specifically the Woodard & Curran Scholarship, offers a $5,000 merit-based award annually to undergraduate or graduate students focused on water-related fields. This initiative aims to support historically marginalized communities, including women and BIPOC students, promoting equity in the water industry. With clean water being essential for community health, this scholarship reflects AWWA's commitment to nurturing the next generation of water professionals.

The Marion Jenkinson Service Award, presented by the American Ornithological Society, honors early- and mid-career ornithologists for their extensive volunteer contributions and service to the society. This award includes a framed certificate and recognizes individuals who exemplify high ethical standards aligned with the AOS Code of Conduct. The award aims to foster a diverse and supportive ornithological community while promoting bird conservation and scientific study.

The Peter R. Stettenheim Service Award, established by the American Ornithological Society in 2018, honors individuals who have made significant contributions to ornithology and the society. This award recognizes those who have served in various capacities, highlighting volunteer work, mentorship, and committee involvement. It is named after Peter Stettenheim, a notable leader in ornithology, who was dedicated to advancing the field and supporting fellow ornithologists throughout his career.

The Ralph W. Schreiber Conservation Award, presented by the American Ornithological Society (AOS), honors individuals or small teams for exceptional contributions to bird conservation. Recognizing efforts in applied research, habitat preservation, and educational initiatives, this award aims to encourage the scientific study of birds and promote ethical practices in ornithology. Nominees must be AOS members, ensuring a commitment to the society's mission of fostering a diverse and engaged ornithological community.

The Mayer and Morris Kaplan Foundation Environment Grant aims to support initiatives that combat climate change, prioritizing efforts to reduce fossil fuel consumption and enhance climate education for young adults. The foundation emphasizes innovative solutions and partnerships to address both immediate and long-term environmental challenges. Areas of focus include climate and clean energy policy, as well as providing scientifically accurate climate change education. By leveraging data and research, the foundation seeks to empower organizations dedicated to creating impactful change.

The Trout and Salmon Foundation Grant offers matching funds up to $5,000 to support projects aimed at restoring and enhancing trout and salmon habitats in North America. Established in 1969, the foundation prioritizes partnerships with local watershed organizations focused on habitat improvement. Grants are provided for projects that physically restore streams and fisheries, with on-site labor recognized in certain cases. The foundation seeks to diversify funding across various watersheds and regions, ensuring a broad impact in conservation efforts.

The NIHCM Foundation is seeking innovative research proposals that address critical issues in U.S. health care, particularly focusing on drug pricing, provider consolidation, health care delivery, chronic disease management, and the role of artificial intelligence. Projects should aim to improve affordability and quality of care. We welcome submissions from a variety of researchers and organizations, with a preference for studies that can be completed within one year.

The Research Foundation of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons offers a Career Development Award to support early career investigators in colorectal surgery. With a funding of $75,000 per year for two years, this award emphasizes mentorship and career growth. Applicants must be within five years of their first faculty position and demonstrate innovative research in colon and rectal diseases. The award aims to enhance academic careers while fostering advancements in surgical techniques.

The Robotic Research Grant, offered by the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, provides up to $150,000 over two years for innovative research in colorectal surgery and robotics. Emphasizing education, health equity, and novel techniques, the grant supports projects conducted in the U.S. or Canada, with a focus on scientific rigor. Applications must be submitted by ASCRS members who are principal investigators, ensuring alignment with ethical research standards.

The BTCF: Simple Gifts Fund Grant supports young artists aged 13-19 in the Berkshire Taconic region, providing financial assistance for summer enrichment programs in the arts. Established in 1998 in memory of folk singer Bill Crofut, the fund aims to empower youth through small grants that can cover costs for tuition, art supplies, or living expenses. The grant fosters creativity and personal growth, ensuring that young individuals have opportunities to pursue their passions.

The Research Foundation of the ASCRS offers the Limited Project Grant to support innovative research in colon and rectal surgery. With funding up to $25,000 for one year, this grant aims to foster investigator-initiated, hypothesis-driven projects conducted in the U.S. or Canada. Successful applicants may secure further funding from national agencies. ASCRS membership is required for principal investigators, ensuring a dedicated approach to advancing colorectal health and surgical techniques.

The Eugene Salvati, MD, Limited Project Grant, offered by the Research Foundation of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, supports clinical research in colorectal surgery. This grant aims to honor Dr. Salvati's legacy by funding innovative projects that improve patient care. With a maximum funding of $25,000 for one year, it emphasizes investigator-initiated research conducted within the U.S. or Canada, encouraging collaboration among ASCRS members and adherence to ethical review board protocols.

The General Surgery Resident Research Initiation Grant aims to engage General Surgery Residents in research related to colorectal diseases. With an annual funding of $20,000, this grant supports both clinical and laboratory-based research. It is geared towards residents or recent graduates of approved General Surgery programs, prioritizing those with aspirations in Colon and Rectal Surgery. This initiative fosters innovative research to enhance patient care and surgical techniques in the field.

The BSF Research Grants program supports collaborative research between U.S. and Israeli scientists, focusing on basic science projects. Annually, approximately 400 applications are submitted, with around 100 grants awarded. To foster collaboration, joint publications are essential for evaluation. Applications are accepted once per year in mid-November, with results announced the following July. Since its inception in 1972, the BSF has funded over 5,400 high-quality research initiatives, distributing more than $700 million.

Mary Kay Ash Foundation

Guided by Mary Kay Ash’s dream to enrich the lives of women everywhere, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation® raises and distributes funds to invest in breakthrough cancer research and clinical trials to find a cure for women-related cancers and ending domestic violence.

Since 1996, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation®, a 501(c)3 organization, has contributed more than $100 million to organizations aligned with its two-fold mission. In addition, the Foundation supports awareness initiatives, community outreach programs, and advocates for legislation to ensure women are healthy and safe. Through our global charitable foundations in Brazil, Canada, China and the United States, we are collectively making a deeper impact on the lives of women around the world.

Mary Kay Ash Foundation: Cancer Research Grant

The Mary Kay Ash Foundation is a non-profit public foundation, which focuses on funding research for innovative grants for translational research of cancers affecting women (ovarian, uterine, breast, endometrial or cervical cancer among others). Translational research is broadly defined as research that will provide a scientific link between laboratory research and the clinic. Ultimately, such research would lead to improvement in diagnosis, prognosis, prevention, or treatment of the cancer. Each year the Foundation extends invitations to NCI designated cancer institutes and accredited medical schools to apply. Only one application is accepted per institution.

Grant proposals are reviewed by a Scientific Research Review Committee comprised of notable members of the American medical and scientific community. Grants are awarded up to $100,000 (combined direct and indirect costs) for a two-year period. The Foundation anticipates funding between 10 and 15 grants annually. 

The Bonnell Cove Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations in North America focused on safety at sea and marine environmental initiatives. With a funding limit of $10,000, it prioritizes well-defined projects that can be evaluated for impact. Proposals are accepted biannually, with deadlines on February 1 and September 1 for March and October reviews, respectively. The Foundation seeks innovative solutions for personal safety equipment and environmental stewardship, emphasizing projects that promote sustainable practices in marine operations.

The KTGF Fellowship Programs, funded by the Klingenstein Third Generation Foundation, offer $100,000 over two years to support post-doctoral and junior faculty research on ADHD and depression in children, particularly from low-income and under-resourced backgrounds. This initiative aims to foster promising early-career scientists while producing impactful research that benefits affected children and families. Applications are accepted from September 1 to December 15, with specific eligibility criteria outlined for candidates.

The Kalamazoo Valley Chapter's George L. Disborough TU Research Grant Fund, established in 1990, aims to support graduate-level research on trout habitat and conservation projects aligned with Trout Unlimited's mission. This fund seeks innovative studies on coldwater salmonids and their environments, with a preference for projects conducted in Michigan. It is open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in accredited institutions, promoting efforts that enhance the quality of aquatic resources.

About Us

Overview

The Alaska Community Foundation connects people who care to the causes that make a difference and matter most to them. We encourage and nurture philanthropy through building and managing permanent endowments, convening stakeholders, working with partners to strengthen Alaskan communities, and providing donors with flexible giving options that are strategic to their philanthropic objectives. ACF also manages the Pick.Click.Give. program.

Mission

Inspiring the spirit of giving and connecting people, organizations, and causes to strengthen Alaska’s communities now and forever.

Vision

ACF envisions an Alaska where communities come together and have resources to thrive.

Stassel Education Scholarship Fund

The Stassel Fund was established in memory of Fred L. and Jean N. Stassel who came to Alaska on their honeymoon in 1949, making Anchorage their home for over 60 years until they passed away in 2017 and 2011 respectively. Here they raised 6 children, celebrated Alaska's statehood in 1959, survived the 1964 earthquake, and became active in the community and state. The Fund honors their dedication to education and service to others focusing on creating opportunities for all Alaskans, especially the vulnerable and most in need. Fred and Jean valued education, hard work, integrity, justice, respect, and care for all people. They were both educators, commercial fishers, and very active in social services through the United Methodist Church and other organizations. Fred was very influential in establishing the now-named Credit Union 1, and Jean was active with The League of Women Voters. They would be honored to know that deserving Alaskans were able to pursue their educational goals with the help of scholarships from the Stassel Education Fund.

The AUKUS Scholarship, part of the Graduate Education Fund, supports American and Australian graduate students in security, technology, and diplomacy fields. Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents, with an offer from an accredited institution. The scholarship provides up to $40,000 for tuition, travel, and living expenses. Applications are due in March for Australia to USA and in September for USA to Australia. This initiative strengthens ties and promotes research in critical areas.