Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in Guam

The Surveillance and Case Control Study of Stillbirth and Birth Defects (SUCCSSBD) aims to enhance the quality of birth defects and stillbirth surveillance in the U.S. By modernizing data collection through electronic case reporting, the initiative seeks to improve data quality and timeliness. The study will focus on identifying risk factors for birth defects and stillbirths, addressing a significant public health issue that affects thousands of pregnancies annually. CDC funding will support three key components in this effort.

The EPSCoR Centers of Research Excellence in Science and Technology initiative, led by the National Science Foundation, aims to enhance the research capabilities of EPSCoR jurisdictions. By fostering STEM capacity and promoting geographic diversity, this program invites proposals that align with its goals. The focus is on strengthening local research infrastructure and talent development to boost competitiveness in science and technology fields across the nation.

The National Endowment for the Humanities invites K-12 teachers and higher education faculty to apply for the Landmarks of American History and Culture and Summer Institutes program. This initiative aims to enhance humanities education through professional development opportunities, fostering a deeper understanding of historical and cultural landmarks. Participants will engage in enriching experiences designed to improve teaching practices and student learning outcomes in the humanities.

The BRAIN Initiative Connectivity across Scales (BRAIN CONNECTS) invites innovative research proposals aimed at advancing technologies for understanding brain connectivity. This funding opportunity supports specialized projects focused on creating comprehensive atlases of brain wiring, emphasizing human and non-human species. Successful applications will contribute to a network aimed at enhancing the analysis and interpretation of brain circuits, ultimately leading to better strategies for treating brain disorders. Proposals must demonstrate novel approaches to data collection and integration.

The Somatic Mosaicism across Human Tissues (SMaHT) Program aims to enhance our understanding of biological processes driven by somatic mutations in human tissues through innovative technology development. Since its inception in 2023, the program has produced multi-omic datasets from human tissues representing all germ layers. The NIH is now advancing to Stage 2, focusing on collaborative efforts to refine and implement validated technologies for somatic mutation detection and functional interpretation, promoting rigorous and cost-effective methodologies.

The NIDDK Inflammatory Bowel Disease Genetics Consortium (IBDGC) Data Coordinating Center aims to enhance understanding of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by coordinating extensive genetic research. By leveraging diverse patient cohorts and advanced data science techniques, the center seeks to identify genetic risk factors, develop predictive biomarkers, and improve IBD patient management. This initiative will facilitate collaboration among various research centers and ensure efficient data collection and sharing to foster advancements in precision medicine for IBD.

The Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Institutional Research Training Grant (T32) supports eligible institutions in enhancing research training for predoctoral and postdoctoral candidates. This initiative aims to foster a diverse workforce in biomedical and clinical research, ensuring that training programs are comprehensive, engaging, and career-oriented. Key deadlines for applications are set from January 2025 through September 2027, with specific dates for standard and AIDS-related applications.

The Mary W. Jackson Undergraduate Scholarship, offered by the AIAA Foundation, provides $10,000 to support students pursuing studies in aerospace sciences. Honoring NASA mathematician Mary W. Jackson, this scholarship aims to enhance access to educational opportunities for underrepresented students. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.50 and be enrolled in an accredited U.S. institution. This initiative reflects AIAA's commitment to fostering diversity and innovation in the aerospace sector.

The NCI Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00) aims to support early-stage postdoctoral researchers transitioning to independent faculty positions. This initiative focuses on talented individuals with doctoral degrees in research or clinical fields, providing essential NCI funding during this key career juncture. Researchers engaged in cancer control, prevention, and data sciences are encouraged to apply for this opportunity, which emphasizes experimental studies with human participants, thus aligning with NIH's clinical trial definitions.

The Limited Competition K12 Mentored Research Career Development Program aims to support institutions in developing innovative career pathways for later-stage postdoctoral fellows and junior faculty. This initiative encourages applicants from those with existing Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) to foster independent research careers. By creating diverse opportunities across academia, industry, and government, the program enhances engagement in clinical and translational science research, ultimately contributing to significant advancements in health outcomes.

The Lifespan Respite Care Program invites state agencies to apply for grants aimed at enhancing respite services for caregivers of individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions. This initiative supports both new states and those re-establishing their programs, focusing on collaboration, training, and outreach to address the respite needs of diverse populations. Approximately ten cooperative agreements will be funded over three years, aligning with federal requirements for lifespan respite care.

The NIDCR Dentist Scientist Career Transition Award (K22) supports dentists transitioning from NIH postdoctoral roles to tenure-track faculty positions. It provides two years of mentored research training in the NIH Intramural Research Program, followed by three years of independent research funding at an extramural institution. Key deadlines for grant applications include February 12, 2025, and subsequent dates in June and October 2025, with additional deadlines for renewal and AIDS-related applications.

The Grand Rapids Community Foundation's Fund for Community Good supports projects that promote equity and justice across various sectors, including education, health, and economic prosperity. This unrestricted fund invites partnerships with 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities, primarily focusing on Kent County, Michigan. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that dismantle systemic racism and foster inclusive opportunities, ensuring all community members can thrive. Eligible applicants can submit pre-applications year-round for potential funding.

The Luce Indigenous Knowledge Fellowship, launched by the First Nations Development Institute and the Henry Luce Foundation, supports Native knowledge holders and makers in their transformative work. With ten fellowships of $75,000 each, this two-year program fosters growth and collaboration across diverse fields such as agriculture, climate change, and cultural revitalization. Fellows will engage in community-building through required convenings, enhancing their leadership skills and professional networks to benefit Native communities.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund's Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program aims to enhance recreational opportunities in underserved communities through significant funding. Offering matching grants up to 50%, with awards ranging from $300,000 to $15,000,000, this program encourages applicants to connect with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection early in the application process for guidance. This initiative supports large-scale projects that improve access to recreational facilities.

The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program (ORLP) is a competitive grant initiative by the National Park Service, aimed at enhancing parks and recreational opportunities in urban, underserved communities. This program supports the acquisition, development, and renovation of outdoor recreation areas through federal funding, addressing the needs of community organizations, local governments, and recognized tribes. Applications are accepted twice a year, before June 1 and November 1.

The Center on Knowledge Translation for Disability and Rehabilitation Research (KTDRR Center) aims to enhance the use of relevant disability and rehabilitation research through effective knowledge translation. Serving as a key resource for NIDILRR grantees and the general public, the KTDRR Center's initiatives will support high-quality research dissemination. The project spans 60 months, including five 12-month budget periods, ensuring ongoing support for researchers and stakeholders in the field.

The Standard's Corporate Giving Program emphasizes community support and employee engagement, reflecting its foundational mission to enhance financial well-being. Established in 1906, the program focuses on Healthy Communities, Disability and Empowerment, Cultural Development, and Education. With a funding range of $500 to $25,000, it aims to make a substantial impact in the lives of individuals and families facing challenges. The Standard Charitable Foundation, launched in 2006, further extends this commitment by supporting organizations that align with its philanthropic goals.

The Rural Business Development Grants program aims to provide essential technical assistance and training to small rural businesses, which must have fewer than 50 employees and less than $1 million in gross revenue. The funding is targeted at projects that benefit rural areas, prioritizing smaller requests. Eligible recipients include towns, communities, and nonprofit organizations. Both Opportunity and Enterprise grants are available, supporting various initiatives from business planning to community economic development.

The Burn Injury Model System Centers aim to enhance burn rehabilitation through innovative research. These centers must create knowledge to improve the health, community engagement, and employment outcomes for individuals affected by burn injuries. Funded by US HHS's Administration for Community Living, grants support site-specific and collaborative research while contributing to a longitudinal database. Each grant has a maximum duration of 60 months, divided into five budget periods, ensuring comprehensive support for ongoing studies.

Rooted + Relational Community Micro-Grant Program

The Center for Puerto Rican Studies (CENTRO) at Hunter College has announced that it is now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 Rooted + Relational Community Micro-Grant program. CENTRO will award up to 12 grants, each up to $5,000, to non-institutionally affiliated and non-academic community organizations, individuals, or projects for community-based programs. 

The 2026-2027 the Rooted + Relational theme is Black Cuerpas: Race, Body Politics & Culture. CENTRO seeks to fund projects that examine

• How do race, gender, sexuality, and body politics shape the everyday lives and histories of Boricuas across the archipelago and diaspora? 
• What happens when we center race and Blackness in a field of study that has too often championed color-blindness and the myth of racial democracy to avoid the hard questions about racism, anti-Blackness, complicity, and erasure?

During the 2026-2027 academic year, grantees will implement their funded projects within their chosen communities. They will also present their work at a CENTRO event, attend three virtual meetings, and have their work highlighted through CENTRO’s communications and media channels. We invite community organizers, artists, creatives, writers, agricultural workers, activists, and cultural workers who reside in Puerto Rico and/or the United States and its territories to apply. 

The Aging Research Dissertation Awards aim to enhance diversity in the scientific research workforce focused on aging and related health conditions. This funding opportunity encourages applicants to submit Letters of Intent prior to full application deadlines. Key submission dates for standard and renewal applications span from February 2025 to October 2026, ensuring a wide array of research topics can be addressed.

The FY26 Spinal Cord Injury Research Program Clinical Trial Award supports innovative clinical trials aimed at significantly improving spinal cord injury treatment. This funding opportunity encourages collaboration by allowing two Principal Investigators, including an early-career investigator, to drive the research forward. Applicants must partner with at least two SCI community members, ensuring that the project is informed by lived experiences and community needs throughout its development and implementation.

The FY26 Joint Warfighter Medical Research Program's Military Medical Research and Development Award aims to fund the continuation of previous Department of War-funded research addressing high-priority medical needs for Service Members and Military Health System beneficiaries. It supports various projects, including late-stage preclinical studies and clinical research. Eligibility requires prior DOD funding, and a Clinical Research Option is available for studies involving human subjects or biological samples.

The 2026 Rare Cancers Research Program Resource and Community Development Award aims to enhance rare cancer research through improved resources and datasets. It addresses critical gaps in research resources, communication strategies, and data sharing infrastructures. Key features include engaging patient advocates throughout the research process and ensuring sustainability of community platforms. This funding opportunity emphasizes community building and the dissemination of findings to benefit scientific and patient communities alike.

The DoW Rare Cancers Idea Development Award promotes innovative research ideas for rare cancers, encouraging applicants to provide preliminary data and exploratory aims. This funding opportunity, offered by the US DOD: U.S. Army Medical Command, seeks projects with the potential for high-impact findings that can significantly benefit the patient community. It aims to foster new avenues of investigation and support discovery-driven research in the field of rare cancers.

The FY26 Spinal Cord Injury Research Program Clinical Translation Research Award funds innovative clinical research aimed at bridging the gap to larger clinical trials. It focuses on accelerating the application of new techniques and improving patient outcomes through effective diagnosis and rehabilitation strategies. Key features include an Early-Career Partnership Option for principal investigators and a requirement for community partner involvement, ensuring collaborative research that meets real-world needs.