Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in Delaware

About

With deep roots in California’s Central Valley, The Save Mart Companies and its family of stores prides itself in being a part of neighborhoods and putting people first. Our dedication to customers is reflected in the connections we’ve made in the communities we’ve served for more than 70 years.

The Save Mart Companies CARES Foundation

In 2000, we established The Save Mart Companies CARES Foundation, our philanthropic, non-profit organization, supporting programs and organizations that provide vital resources for children and families in the communities we serve. The CARES Foundation focuses on building stronger communities through fresh foods, accessibility, and programs that support youth and helping them to thrive. Annually, The CARES Foundation contributes approximately $500,000 in small grants to support community-based, non-profit organizations.

The Save Mart Companies CARES Foundation Grant

The CARES Foundation’s focus is building stronger communities through fresh foods, access to food, and programs that support youth and helping them thrive.

The CARES Foundation will review, on a quarterly basis, among other things, the breadth of the audience served; the likely impact in the community; the importance of the need to be addressed in the community; and the community reputation, service history, and financial stability of the group or program seeking funds. No one of these or other factors will necessarily be weighted more heavily than another. Instead, each group or program will be measured against all groups and 2 programs seeking funding at the time. For example, a program serving a small segment of the community but that addresses an especially important community need, and thus has the potential for a strong and meaningful impact, would be favored over a group serving a wider clientele but that fills a less important community need. Requests for Grants should be a minimum of $500.00 up to $10,000.00. Programs and organizations requesting smaller grants should contact the Store Manager of the nearest Save Mart Companies’ store location for request consideration.

Recipients that receive grants for more than one year must demonstrate meaningful outcomes for the previous investment made by The CARES Foundation.

The Jacquelin Goldman Congressional Fellowship offers developmental and clinical psychologists a unique opportunity to gain public policy experience while enhancing the application of psychological knowledge in government. Funded by the American Psychological Foundation, this fellowship supports one fellow annually with a stipend of $75,000 to $90,000, along with health insurance reimbursement and professional development funds. Applicants must demonstrate expertise in child psychology and policy issues, and have strong communication skills.

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) will announce the Phased Large Awards for Comparative Effectiveness Research on December 2, 2025. This funding aims to support high-quality, patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research projects. The initiative encourages applicants to engage with patients and stakeholders to address critical healthcare dilemmas and improve decision-making. Projects should compare established clinical alternatives with evidence of efficacy, targeting vital health issues across diverse populations.

The Wild Animal Initiative offers Seed Grants to support innovative projects in wild animal welfare research. These grants aim to facilitate early-career researchers and established scientists in testing new techniques and approaches that incorporate welfare assessments into ecological studies. The program emphasizes cost-effective solutions, focusing on improving the welfare of wild animals. Successful proposals will explore diverse themes such as wild fish welfare and near-term welfare interventions to address urgent animal welfare challenges.

The Cynthia and Alan Baran Fine Arts and Music Scholarship Fund, established by passionate artists Cynthia and Alan Baran, aims to support young individuals pursuing their dreams in visual arts and music. This fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, offers scholarships to rising college students majoring in Fine Arts or Music, emphasizing the importance of creativity and academic achievement. With a commitment to fostering talent, this initiative empowers future generations to thrive in the arts.

The upcoming National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) funding opportunity aims to explore the effects of HIV immunotherapies on central nervous system (CNS) outcomes. It seeks to identify mechanisms, benefits, and risks associated with these therapies, focusing on overcoming CNS-specific barriers. The initiative encourages collaborations to develop strategies for achieving sustained virologic remission and improving neurological outcomes for individuals with HIV, particularly targeting neurotoxicity and neuroinflammation.

The Reader’s Digest Partners for Sight Foundation offers Single Program Grants to support impactful programs for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. These grants, ranging from $25,000 to $50,000, prioritize initiatives that enhance independence and service delivery. Eligible organizations must be US 501(c)(3) non-profits, and unsolicited proposals are not accepted. The foundation emphasizes community-based solutions and invites qualified applicants to submit a Letter of Inquiry followed by a full proposal.

The Trail Accelerator Grants aim to enhance mountain bike trail communities by providing essential planning and design services. With funding between $10,000 to $30,000, these grants support local organizations in creating sustainable trail systems. The initiative encourages projects that increase access and promote community engagement, particularly focusing on diversity and inclusion. Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to match funds, ensuring collaborative efforts to improve trail networks and experiences for all riders.

Reader’s Digest Partners for Sight Foundation

The Reader’s Digest Partners for Sight Foundation is a philanthropic organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals who are blind or visually impaired by fostering independence and self-sufficiency. Its mission is to support programs that help people with vision loss lead independent, productive lives, while its vision is an accessible and inclusive world where individuals have the tools, resources, and opportunities to fully participate in society.

The Foundation’s funding priorities focus on supporting nonprofit organizations and initiatives that provide education, training, and rehabilitation services, assistive technology innovations, vision care and access to aids, and capacity building for professionals serving the visually impaired community. It also invests in programs that enhance employment opportunities, promote independence, and improve service delivery systems for people with vision loss, emphasizing practical, community-based solutions and long-term impact.

Small Discretionary Grants

The Reader’s Digest Partners for Sight Foundation (RDPFS) Track #3 Small Discretionary Grants provide flexible, year-round funding for smaller-scale initiatives that support individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Grant requests are accepted on a rolling basis and awarded at the discretion of the Executive Director. Awards are made until available funds are exhausted, allowing the Foundation to respond to timely or emerging needs.

This funding opportunity aims to support Early Stage Investigators (ESIs) in conducting preclinical HIV/AIDS research using Nonhuman Primate (NHP) models. Eligible applicants must have at least two years of postdoctoral experience and be within ten years of their terminal degree. The initiative aligns with the NIH Strategic Plan for HIV and HIV-Related Research, targeting the reduction of HIV incidence, development of therapies, and advancement in research areas related to HIV.

The Grief Reach: Changemaker Supported Community Expansion Cycle offers up to $110,000 to enhance community programs for grieving children. Organizations are encouraged to innovate and expand their services to better meet community needs. The initiative, in partnership with the Judi’s House/JAG Institute, emphasizes training and resources for effective program evaluation over a three-year period, culminating in impactful community expansion projects.

The Women's Club of Grand Haven Grant, established in 2001, offers scholarships to non-traditional students from the Tri-Cities seeking further education. Funded through community efforts such as an annual Used Book Sale, this grant prioritizes financial need and is open to applicants residing in Northern Ottawa County or those who graduated from local school districts. Preference is given to female applicants aged 21 and older, supporting educational advancement for those whose academic journeys have been interrupted.

Request for Proposals

Community Care Corps encourages organizations across the country to apply for 18-month grants ($30,000–$200,000) to develop and scale innovative volunteer programs that provide nonmedical assistance to older adults, adults age 18 and older with disabilities and family caregivers.

Projects funded through this initiative will increase the number of community-based volunteer programs available to provide nonmedical assistance while decreasing the number of older adults, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers who need assistance in maintaining independence in the community but are unable to obtain help. In doing so, the initiative will strengthen community-based supports that help people maintain independence, reduce unmet needs, and improve overall well-being.

The Jack Feldt Ambucs Memorial Scholarship, established in 1997, supports students in the Tri-Cities area pursuing a degree in Physical Therapy. Funded by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, this scholarship prioritizes applicants demonstrating financial need. It considers college juniors and graduating high schoolers, reflecting the spirit of community and collaboration championed by Ambucs. Eligible candidates need to provide transcripts and additional required documents to complete their application.

The Curriculum and Instruction Honor Award, presented by SHAPE America, recognizes outstanding contributions to health and physical education curriculum research. This prestigious award highlights the importance of effective instructional practices that prepare students for active and healthy lives. Award recipients are selected based on their scholarship in health education and physical education, demonstrating commitment to excellence since the organization's founding in 1885. SHAPE America advocates for quality education and promotes the well-being of preK-12 students across the United States.

The Hearing Health Foundation's Emerging Research Grants (ERG) program supports innovative research in hearing and balance, providing up to $50,000 per year for promising projects. Since 1958, it has fostered early-career researchers and led to significant advancements in the field. Eligible applicants must be affiliated with U.S. institutions and hold relevant advanced degrees. The program emphasizes underfunded areas and encourages applications that expand knowledge and research capabilities in hearing health.

The Celine Wyatt Memorial Scholarship honors a remarkable young athlete who embodied determination and leadership. This scholarship is aimed at empowering high school senior girls from Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, or Pennsylvania who excel in softball and aspire to pursue higher education. By supporting these young women, the scholarship continues Celine's legacy of positivity, resilience, and encouragement, ensuring that her spirit of hard work and dedication inspires future generations of student-athletes.

Raptor Research Foundation

The Raptor Research Foundation advances the science, conservation, and understanding of birds of prey -RRF Mission Statement

The Raptor Research Foundation (RRF) is the world’s largest professional society for raptor researchers and conservationists. Founded in 1966 as a non-profit organization, our primary goal is the accumulation and dissemination of scientific information about raptors. The Foundation organizes annual scientific conferences and provides competitive grants and awards for researchers and conservationists. The Foundation also provides support and networking opportunities for students and early career raptor researchers.

“Wings to Fly” Travel Grant

The Award: The “Wings to Fly” grant supports travel from outside the U.S. and Canada for four to five raptor researchers or conservationists to present a paper or poster at our annual meeting.

Each grant will include support for airfare, visa fees, and food and lodging, as well as waived conference registration fees and a one-year membership to RRF. 

Incyte Corporation invites organizations to submit membership requests aimed at enhancing healthcare access for patients and advocates. As a biopharmaceutical leader, Incyte supports initiatives that align with its mission to improve patient lives through grants and contributions. Eligible entities include medical schools, associations, non-profits, and advocacy groups. Requests should comply with Incyte's regulatory standards and be submitted at least 60 days prior to the required decision date.

Our Story

Established over 50 years ago, our founders redefined local philanthropy, fostering connections around a shared sense of place and purpose. As Virginia's largest community foundation, we bring people together to pool resources, co-create solutions and align actions for impactful change in the Richmond region.

Scholarships are offered to students living in the Richmond region and other Virginia locations. Each scholarship was established by a generous individual, family, or organization with a desire to assist high school students, recent high school graduates, and adult learners to continue their education. 

John E. Thomasson Scholarship

The John E. Thomasson Scholarship Fund was established in 2001 to support postsecondary educational opportunities for youth of African American or other minority heritage in the Louisa County (Virginia) Public Schools or Fluvanna County (Virginia) Public Schools. Scholarships will be awarded on a competitive basis to students who have been admitted to an accredited two-year technical school, four-year Historically Black College or University or the school of their choice. Preference will be given to applicants planning to attend Virginia State University, Hampton University, Virginia Union University, or Norfolk State University.

Estimated Award Amount

• (2) $1,000 

Incyte Corporation, a biopharmaceutical leader, offers healthcare sponsorships to support organizations focused on improving patient care and access to healthcare information. Eligible applicants include medical schools, associations, non-profits, advocacy groups, and hospitals. Requests should align with Incyte's commitment to enhancing the lives of patients affected by cancer and other diseases, ensuring compliance with regulatory guidelines. Organizations must enter a written agreement with Incyte to receive funding.

The Elizabeth Pastor Ashland University Music Education Scholarship supports music students at Ashland University, honoring the legacy of Elizabeth Pastor, a renowned pianist and educator. This scholarship aims to assist students pursuing a music-related career, reflecting Pastor's belief in the transformative power of art. Established through her estate plan, it embodies her commitment to fostering musical talent and enriching the community through education and the arts.

About NABT

Since its establishment in 1938, the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) has been the recognized "leader in life science education." Thousands of educators have joined NABT to share experiences and expertise with colleagues from around the globe; keep up with trends and developments in the field; and grow professionally.

NABT Mission

The National Association of Biology Teachers empowers educators to provide the best possible biology and life science education for all students.

Climate Education Action Award

Sponsored by NCSE, this award recognizes excellence in classroom/community education that specifically supports and promotes the accurate and robust teaching of climate science and the impact of the changing climate on society beyond the classroom. This award is presented to K-12 teachers in odd-numbered years and undergraduate and/or informal educators in even-numbered years. NCSE’s sponsorship of this award includes a $1,000 honorarium. The recipient also receives a recognition plaque to be presented at the NABT Professional Development Conference and one year of complimentary membership to NABT.

Raptor Research Foundation

RRF Mission Statement: The Raptor Research Foundation advances the science, conservation, and understanding of birds of prey.

The Raptor Research Foundation (RRF) is the world’s largest professional society for raptor researchers and conservationists. Founded in 1966 as a non-profit organization, our primary goal is the accumulation and dissemination of scientific information about raptors. The Foundation organizes annual scientific conferences and provides competitive grants and awards for researchers and conservationists. The Foundation also provides support and networking opportunities for students and early career raptor researchers.

Fran and Frederick Hamerstrom Achievement Award

The Fran and Frederick Hamerstrom Award is a non-monetary award that recognizes an individual who has contributed significantly to the understanding of raptor ecology and natural history. The award has no restrictions, but membership in the RRF is encouraged. Nomination packets can be submitted in the spring. Recipients will be announced at the annual meeting. Recipients are invited to give a plenary lecture at the subsequent RRF annual meeting. 

About The Hamerstroms: The award was established in 1990 to recognize and honor the Hamerstrom’s contributions to our understanding of raptor natural history and ecology through their long-term ecological studies. Between them, during their lifetime of research they authored and co-authored over 240 scientific papers, books, and reviews. Fran and Hammie moved from Boston to the midwest, where Fran was Aldo Leopold’s only female graduate student. They settled down in Plainfield Wisconsin where a small army of young researchers got their start in the field helping out on studies of harriers and prairie chickens. 

Raptor Research Foundation

RRF Mission Statement: The Raptor Research Foundation advances the science, conservation, and understanding of birds of prey.

The Raptor Research Foundation (RRF) is the world’s largest professional society for raptor researchers and conservationists. Founded in 1966 as a non-profit organization, our primary goal is the accumulation and dissemination of scientific information about raptors. The Foundation organizes annual scientific conferences and provides competitive grants and awards for researchers and conservationists. The Foundation also provides support and networking opportunities for students and early career raptor researchers.

Partners for Raptors Lifetime Achievement Award

The Partners for Raptors Lifetime Achievement Award honors outstanding individuals who have dedicated their lives to raptor research and conservation. These notable awardees are recognized for their significant contributions to the study and conservation of birds of prey, as well as their outstanding achievements gained through innovative field work, impactful collaborative partnerships, and a lifetime of inclusive interactions with their peers and the public focused on raptors. This is a joint award originally given by the Raptor Research Foundation in partnership with The Peregrine Fund. Going forward, we welcome partnerships with other raptor-oriented organizations, depending on the nominee’s involvement with both the proposing organization and RRF. The award is intended to complement RRF’s Hamerstrom (primarily academic focused) and Cade (primarily conservation focused) awards. 

This is a non-monetary award, designated with a plaque and a RRF resolution honoring the awardee.

The nomination committee consists of representatives of both RRF and the partner organization. Once a nominee is identified, the boards of both the RRF and the partner organization will ratify the nomination.

Raptor Research Foundation

RRF Mission Statement: The Raptor Research Foundation advances the science, conservation, and understanding of birds of prey.

The Raptor Research Foundation (RRF) is the world’s largest professional society for raptor researchers and conservationists. Founded in 1966 as a non-profit organization, our primary goal is the accumulation and dissemination of scientific information about raptors. The Foundation organizes annual scientific conferences and provides competitive grants and awards for researchers and conservationists. The Foundation also provides support and networking opportunities for students and early career raptor researchers.

William Andersen Student Presentation Awards

The Awards: The William C. Andersen Memorial Awards are given to both the best student oral and poster presentation at the annual RRF meeting. This award can only be given to a student once per degree (bachelor, master, or doctorate). To be eligible, a student must be senior author and presenter of the paper or poster.

Students wishing to apply for this award should indicate their interest by checking the box on the abstract submission form. 

Amount

The poster award recipient receives $325, 1-year free membership to RRF, and waived page charges to publish their research in the Journal of Raptor Research. The recipient must be the primary author and the paper must reflect what the award was for.

The paper award recipient receives $525, 1-year free membership to RRF, and waived page charges to publish their research in the Journal of Raptor Research. The recipient must be the primary author and the paper must reflect what the award was for.

About William Andersen

The William C. Andersen Award was established in 1982 in memory of Bill Andersen, who drowned in 1980 while canoeing the Churchill River in Manitoba during a Peregrine Falcon survey. Dr. Andersen was a chemistry professor, but his first love was raptors. He established the Ornithology Research Center at Otero Jr. College in La Junta Colorado, as a medium for raising funds for the field research he conducted with his students. His interest in raptors of southeastern Colorado grasslands naturally evolved into developing a solution to the universal problem of raptor persecution. He established a rehabilitation facility and tirelessly lectured to service clubs and school groups about the benefits of raptors. He was a strong supporter of the RRF and a number of students accompanied him to each of the annual meetings. His enthusiasm, sincerity, and humor sparked an interest in raptors among many of his students and associates. While participating in the 1980 North American Peregrine Falcon Survey, Bill and a partner were canoeing on the Churchill River in northern Manitoba. They unexpectedly encountered extremely turbulent water and capsized. Bill disappeared and presumably drowned. In that instant, raptors and those inspired by them lost one of their strongest allies.

The Bonnie Sorenson Scudder Scholarship aims to support female students aspiring to become teachers, particularly those passionate about women's physical education. Established in memory of Bonnie Sorenson Scudder, a dedicated physical education teacher at Harvard High School, this scholarship encourages future educators to continue her legacy. For more details, contact Marcia Miller at Harvard High School.