Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in Colorado

The Borchard Foundation Fellowship in Law and Aging offers two-year fellowships for law school graduates pursuing careers in law and aging. The fellowship provides $62,000 annually, with support for professional development and networking opportunities. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens or residents and have a host agency to supervise their projects. The fellowship begins around July 1 or September 1, depending on Bar admission status, allowing flexibility in work location within the U.S.

The Convention Inclusion Travel Grant, provided by the Association for Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies (ASEEES), aims to promote diversity in the field of Slavic and East European studies. It supports BA, MA, and PhD students from diverse backgrounds to attend the ASEEES Annual Convention, fostering understanding of racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ community members, and individuals with disabilities in Eastern Europe and Eurasia.

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.

Jeffrey A. Trail Memorial Fund

Created in memory of Lt. Jeffrey A. Trail in honor of his military service and accomplishments, this Fund offers scholarships to DeKalb County residents who are graduating seniors and continuing their education immediately following high school graduation at an accredited two-year or four-year college or university studying aviation technology (a.k.a. professional flight or similar degree) for pilot training only; or at an independent certified flight training program working toward flight/pilot certifications.

The NSF Expeditions in Computing program aims to foster transformative research in computer and information science. By funding projects up to $15 million over seven years, it encourages multidisciplinary teams to tackle ambitious research agendas that redefine the future of computing. The program supports innovative areas such as new architectures for intelligence, advanced robotics, and next-generation communication, emphasizing the importance of collaboration across various fields to achieve groundbreaking advancements.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Directorate for Engineering (ENG) fosters groundbreaking research in electrical, communications, and computing systems through programs like Electronic, Photonic, Magnetic, and Quantum Devices (EPMQD) and Circuits and Systems for Communications and Sensing (CSCS). These initiatives emphasize innovative foundational research, particularly in power and energy systems, while being open to transformative ideas without immediate commercial outcomes. Funding availability will shape the portfolios of ECCS awards.

The Josephine de Karman Fellowship, managed by the Pasadena Community Foundation, supports final-year PhD students from select California universities with a $28,000 award for the 2025-2026 academic year. This prestigious fellowship, established in memory of Josephine de Karman, aims to honor academic excellence and encourages applicants from diverse disciplines, particularly within the Humanities. Eligible candidates must defend their dissertations around June 2026 and demonstrate exceptional academic achievements.

The Edward Mallinckrodt, Jr. Foundation provides crucial support for early-stage biomedical researchers in the first four years of their tenure-track positions at American institutions. With grants of $75,000 annually for up to three years, this funding aims to help investigators advance their projects towards securing independent funding. The foundation emphasizes the importance of a clear project description and requires a one to two-page lay summary, making it accessible to both scientific and non-scientific board members.

The PLTW Engineering Program Expansion by Burns and McDonnell aims to enhance STEM education in eligible communities. This initiative supports schools in expanding their existing PLTW Engineering programs, providing students with hands-on experiences and essential skills. The program focuses on empowering students through new courses and teacher training, ensuring access for underrepresented populations. By fostering excitement around STEM, Burns and McDonnell is committed to shaping the future workforce and enhancing educational opportunities in critical areas.

The PLTW Engineering program, in partnership with Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by providing grants to public and charter schools in specific counties. This initiative empowers students to engage with real-world challenges through hands-on learning experiences. Eligible schools must offer PLTW Engineering courses, ensuring access to quality education for students from diverse backgrounds. With a total grant of $40,000 over two years, this program seeks to inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators.

The JSI Scholarship, provided by the Foundation for Rural Service, awards $5,000 to four high school seniors interested in science, math, medicine, or engineering. Sponsored by a member of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, recipients are encouraged to return to rural communities after graduation. This initiative aims to enhance rural life through education and support, promoting the development of future leaders in essential fields.

The UNICO Foundation offers the Louise Torraco Memorial Scholarship for Science, providing two scholarships worth $2,500 each to U.S. citizens pursuing degrees in physical or life sciences. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be enrolled full-time in accredited programs. This initiative reflects UNICO's commitment to supporting educational pursuits in scientific fields while fostering Italian American heritage and community service.

Dr. C. D. Rao Memorial Scholarship

Students pursuing engineering studies.

Awards

• (2) $1,300.00

The HEAL Initiative aims to enhance therapeutic medical devices through team science research, focusing on the mechanisms that drive their effectiveness. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) seeks to improve clinical outcomes by fostering interdisciplinary collaborations. This initiative invites teams with expertise in engineering, biology, and clinical care to explore innovative device-based therapies. By understanding how these devices work, the program hopes to optimize existing technologies and inspire new designs, ultimately improving patient care.

The AIAA Rising Stars program empowers underrepresented undergraduate students interested in aerospace by providing scholarships to attend key AIAA events like the AVIATION Forum or ASCEND. Participants receive support for travel, conference registration, and unique networking opportunities with industry leaders. This initiative not only fosters professional growth but also helps build lasting relationships in the aerospace community, celebrating the achievements and potential of future innovators in the field.

The Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) aims to cultivate a diverse group of physician-scientist leaders to address the nation's biomedical research needs. This program supports institutions in creating integrated dual-degree training that results in both medical and research doctorate degrees. By combining clinical practice with scientific research, MSTP graduates will advance health-related research, focusing on improving training effectiveness, alumni retention in research careers, and workforce diversity. NIGMS emphasizes comprehensive training elements for impactful careers.

Foundation of the Federal Bar Association

The Foundation of the Federal Bar Association provides the best way for practitioners to give back to the Federal legal community. Chartered by Congress in 1954, the Foundation serves people in communities across the United States through its generous grants, scholarships, and programming.

Our Mission: The Foundation’s mission is to:

• Promote and support legal research and education;
• Advance the science of jurisprudence;
• Facilitate the administration of justice;
• Foster improvements in the practice of Federal law

Foundation Grants

Foundation grants support community service projects and civics programs which comply with the Foundation’s mission to promote and support legal research and education; advance the science of jurisprudence; facilitate the administration of justice; and foster improvements in the practice of Federal law.

Community Outreach Grant

The Community Outreach Grants Program is designed to support projects and initiatives that provide legal services in local communities. Through targeted funding, the program empowers FBA chapters, sections, divisions, national standing committees (FBA entity) and other organizations to develop and support projects that make a lasting impact on their communities.

Applicants may only receive one (1) Foundation grant per year.

The American College of Bankruptcy Foundation offers a Pro Bono Grant aimed at supporting legal services organizations that align with its mission. Grants typically do not exceed $15,000, with some exceptions for innovative projects up to $20,000. Eligible initiatives focus on bankruptcy law and pro bono assistance, while ineligible projects include lobbying, fundraising, and those not directly related to debtor-creditor education. The Foundation encourages efforts that promote legal aid for disadvantaged communities.

The Faerie L. Angle Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Foundation for Enhancing Communities, provides scholarships to aspiring lawyers from Franklin County, PA. Eligible candidates must have been accepted into a three-year J.D. program, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 to 3.5, and demonstrate financial need. This initiative aims to support local talent in pursuing legal education and fostering community engagement through the legal profession.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

The Reuter Scholarship Fund

• Interested in pursuing a career in engineering, science or technology
• Based on good moral character and student’s overall performance as to academic ability and standing, extracurricular activities, success in dealing with life’s challenges in individual circumstances and financial need

The Schneider Electric SkillPointe Scholarship aims to close the skills gap in America by providing $3,000 scholarships to individuals pursuing careers in building automation and related fields. Funded by the SkillPointe Foundation, this initiative is designed for students enrolled in relevant training programs who are passionate about energy and sustainability. With a proven success rate of 95% in training completion and 97% employment, this scholarship empowers workers to thrive in high-demand industries without requiring a four-year degree.

The Luce/ACLS Collaborative Grant in China Studies offers up to $150,000 for innovative pilot activities aimed at addressing pressing challenges in China Studies over 12 to 18 months. The grant encourages collaborative proposals that enhance teaching resources, develop open-access materials, and promote professional development. Successful projects may lead to new networks, sustainability plans, or white papers. This initiative aims to foster transformative change within the academic community focused on China.

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.

Urban League of Battle Creek Scholarship Fund

The Southwestern Michigan Urban League is an affiliate of the National Urban League, a historic civil rights organization dedicated to economic empowerment in order to elevate the standard of living in historically underserved urban communities. The NUL was founded in 1910 and is headquartered in New York City. The Southwestern Michigan Urban League, founded in 1966, is proud to support minority students from the Battle Creek Area who are actively involved in the community and pursuing their academic goals. This is one way in which the Urban League is working to support the dreams of our youth.

The CFGV Creative Community Fund, established in honor of former Director Maryo Gard Ewell, supports innovative projects that enhance the Gunnison Valley community. Through engaged philanthropy and strategic grantmaking, the fund aims to empower artistic initiatives that foster creativity and collaboration. By inviting proposals that think outside the box, the fund continues its mission of strengthening community ties and enriching local culture.

The Saw Island Foundation offers grants focusing on education, science, and health, primarily targeting nonprofit organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area. Their education grants support scholarships and program partnerships, while science and health grants aim to enhance life experiences through improved health outcomes. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, and the foundation emphasizes innovative collaborations that demonstrate measurable impact in their communities.

The Thomas D. Buckley Trust Grant, established by Thomas D. Buckley, supports nonprofit organizations focusing on education, religion, and community programs primarily in the Western Panhandle of Nebraska and Northeast Colorado. Following Buckley's passing in 1979, the Trust was formed and has since provided grants to tax-exempt organizations that demonstrate sound financial management and adhere to eligibility requirements, with monthly reviews of grant requests.

The ISF Law Scholarship Program, established by the Islamic Scholarship Fund, aims to improve access to justice for Muslims in America. Since 2009, it has provided scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 to support students in law and public interest fields. The program seeks to enhance American Muslim representation in policy-making and media, ensuring their voices are heard. Eligible applicants include full-time students or part-time students working in ISF-supported fields, maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0.