Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in Maryland

The Freeman Hrabowski Scholars Program, funded by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, supports exceptional scientists for a five-year term, with potential for renewal. Scholars receive up to $8.6 million over ten years, including salaries, benefits, and a substantial research budget. They dedicate at least 80% of their time to research and foster an inclusive lab environment, mentoring future scientists. This program emphasizes scientific excellence while integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion into research practices.

Better Health Together (BHT) is committed to enhancing community wellness through sponsorships. By collaborating with over 100 organizations in eastern Washington, BHT addresses critical health issues and supports events that elevate community voices. Organizations seeking funding should submit applications at least 6–8 weeks prior to their event to ensure timely review. BHT values partnerships that align with its mission and aims to invest in innovative solutions for community health challenges.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

David R. Miller and Sara G. Miller Scholarship Fund

The David R. Miller and Sara G. Miller Scholarship Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships for first year college students from Western Pennsylvania pursuing courses of study in engineering or manufacturing, or related trades.

Award Type: Single-Year Award

Greater Kansas City Community Foundation 

The Greater Kansas City Community Foundation is a nationally respected leader in charitable giving, dedicated to improving quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing philanthropy, educating and connecting donors to community needs, and leading on critical local issues. Founded in 1978 with a simple belief that charitable giving should be accessible to all, the Foundation has grown into one of the largest and most innovative public charities in the country, offering donor advised funds and other giving vehicles that make philanthropy convenient, efficient, and impactful. Today, it manages more than $7 billion in assets, administers over 7,000 charitable funds, and has distributed more than $8 billion in grants, consistently ranking among the top community foundations nationwide.

Kelly Williams Memorial Scholarship Fund

Kelly Williams Memorial Scholarship Fund provides scholarship support to children, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren of current Altec Industries employees who are pursuing an engineering degree at an accredited two year or four year college or university. Eligible applicants must be enrolled or planning to enroll as full time students in an engineering program and meet academic requirements, including a minimum 3.5 high school GPA and qualifying ACT or SAT scores for U.S. students, or an 80 percent honours average for Canadian students. The scholarship supports both U.S. and Canadian applicants who meet eligibility criteria and are preparing for careers in engineering.

Scholarship funds are established by local individuals, families, businesses and organizations. They provide tuition assistance and financial support to new and continuing college students, and many offer renewable awards.

Jessica Lynn Herman Memorial Scholarship

Graduating high school senior from the Huntington Beach High School District with a passion for both the sciences and humanities and demonstrated commitment to mentoring or tutoring. 

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, Phase I, aims to stimulate technological innovation in the private sector, enhancing the role of small businesses in meeting Federal research needs. Specifically, ACL's SBIR program focuses on improving the lives of individuals with disabilities through research and development products. The initiative includes 11 grants with a 6-month project period to assess the feasibility of innovative concepts, contributing to economic and social benefits.

The Sustainable Slopes Grant Program, initiated by the National Ski Areas Association in 2009, supports NSAA member ski areas in their sustainability efforts. With over $890,000 awarded, the program facilitates projects that enhance energy efficiency, protect natural habitats, and promote recycling. This year, applicants can apply for Cash Grants, the Herman K. Dupré Sustainable Snowmaking Grant, or the new Recycling Grant, all aimed at reducing environmental footprints and achieving sustainability goals.

The Tech Journalism Fund, established by Omidyar Network, aims to support U.S.-based journalists with project funding ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. It prioritizes reporting that explores the intersection of technology and society, particularly in areas like AI regulation, investigative journalism in tech, and the impact of AI on families. This initiative seeks to empower journalists tackling critical issues in today's digital landscape.

The Dave Caldwell Scholarship, sponsored by the American Water Works Association, offers a $5,000 award to exceptional undergraduate or graduate students pursuing engineering degrees in the drinking water field. This competitive scholarship honors Dave Caldwell, co-founder of Brown & Caldwell, emphasizing the importance of fostering future talent in water infrastructure and habitat restoration. Eligible candidates include female and minority students committed to improving water systems and ensuring sustainable practices.

The AECOM Academic Scholarship, offered by the American Water Works Association (AWWA), supports graduate students pursuing engineering degrees focused on innovative solutions for improving urban drinking water. This $5,000 scholarship aims to invest in the future of the water industry by aiding talented students dedicated to enhancing water supply systems. AWWA emphasizes the importance of education in fostering the next generation of water professionals.

About Us

Midlands Community Foundation (MCF) is here to serve and add value to donors’ philanthropic needs by providing them an opportunity to “invest in the power of community.” It is our goal to identify current and emerging issues, channel resources to address community needs, and help prepare for the future.

MCF Mission

The mission of Midlands Community Foundation is to be a catalyst for lasting impact in Sarpy and Cass counties and to give opportunities to organizations and individuals to pursue their charitable goals.

Scholarships Through MCF

Midlands Community Foundation is committed to the futures of communities in Sarpy and Cass Counties, and across the country. Supporting higher education of students is a direct investment in the futures of these communities.

John J. and Doris M. Buford Legacy Fund Scholarship Application Guidelines

The John J. and Doris M. Buford Legacy Scholarship is available to graduating high school seniors or full-time college students studying in the fields of Nursing and Pre-law.

The Fund shall annually distribute two (2) scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each.

About Legacy Foundation

Legacy Foundation is the community foundation for Lake County, Indiana. We connect people, knowledge, and funding to build an equitable, accessible, and inclusive Lake County, now and for generations to come.

Legacy Foundation is supported by a broad base of individuals, families, and businesses connected by the desire to improve Lake County, Indiana. With a growing portfolio of over 400 funds and approximately $124 million in assets, Legacy Foundation is a trusted source for philanthropic giving in the region.

For over 30 years, Legacy Foundation has been empowering people, providing strategic leadership, and impactful philanthropic support to create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Mission Statement

Transforming Lake County by providing strategic leadership and impactful philanthropic support to ensure equitable opportunity for all communities that we serve.

Vision Statement

Create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Glenn D. Peters Law School Scholarship

Award 

The Glenn D. Peters Law School Scholarship is awarded to students who will be enrolled in law school for the upcoming Fall semester.

Scholarships are available for tuition costs at an accredited law school located anywhere in the United States of America. While financial need can be a factor, greater weight is assigned to academic achievement and involvement in quality extracurricular activities.

The Bolger Foundation Grant is dedicated to supporting capital projects that enhance tangible property for 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Grants range from $10,000 to $250,000, with a maximum project budget of $2.5 million. The foundation focuses on community empowerment through conservation, health, and education, while excluding revenue-generating and operational costs. Eligible organizations must adhere to strict compliance with federal tax regulations. The mission is to inspire and empower nonprofits to better serve their communities.

The Fostering Support of Mathematics Learning for Multilingual Learners grant, funded by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aims to enhance PK-12 mathematics education by promoting multilingualism. It provides resources for professional development and materials to support teachers in integrating students' languages and cultures into their math instruction. Eligible applicants include PK-12 schools and educators committed to equitable teaching practices. This initiative encourages innovative approaches to foster an inclusive learning environment for diverse learners.

Weber Specialties Company Scholarship

This scholarship was established by the Weber Specialties Company located in Schoolcraft, Michigan to support students pursuing a certificate or two-year or four-year degree in a manufacturing curriculum.

KZCF scholarships may be applied to any items under your school’s cost of attendance (COA). Each school has a different COA that may include items such as tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, health insurance, etc. Scholarship payments are sent directly to your institution.

This scholarship is a one-time award, meaning that it will not repeat in subsequent years. The money awarded can be applied to your education costs alongside other scholarships or funding that you may receive, and there are no necessary steps once funds are sent.

The FY27 Communications and Networking Applied Research program aims to advance technologies essential for Naval operations. This initiative aligns with the Design for Maritime Superiority, focusing on the Naval Tactical Grid (NTG) to ensure seamless connectivity among distributed units. The technologies developed will operate under challenging conditions across multiple domains, enhancing command and control capabilities for effective decision-making in maritime and other operational theaters.

The AWWA Scholarship Program, sponsored by the American Water Works Association, aims to support students pursuing Master's or PhD degrees in water treatment science and engineering. This initiative emphasizes the importance of innovative solutions for water treatment challenges, highlighting AWWA's commitment to the future of the water industry. The Stantec Scholarship specifically aids students enrolled in research-focused programs, fostering the development of forward-thinking water treatment strategies.

P.U.L.S.E. of Noble County – Senior Scholarship Fund

P.U.L.S.E. of Noble County is a group of service-minded youth who meet monthly to organize community projects that benefit Noble County and grant philanthropic dollars to other organizations making an impact. This scholarship is for Noble County high school seniors who are P.U.L.S.E. members and are pursuing a post high school education.

Awards Per Year:

• 4 scholarships

Applicant High School:

• Any high school in the area

Colleges:

• Any accredited college or university

Areas of Study:

• Any

The STEM Action Grants, offered by the Society for Science, support innovative nonprofit organizations with grants up to $5,000. Launched in 2016, this program has awarded $1.15 million to enhance public understanding of science and increase participation of underrepresented groups in STEM fields. Eligible organizations must be U.S.-based nonprofits focused on STEM education and outreach. Renewals for funding are allowed for up to three years, with additional capacity-building grants available to long-term recipients.

The Staff Research Program, initiated by the ARO, aims to enhance the professional skills of its scientific staff through collaborative basic research with external institutions. This program encourages hands-on scientific investigations in various fields, including engineering and life sciences, while ensuring the integrity of the ARO's mission. ARO scientists will not act as principal investigators on proposals but will contribute to research outcomes and educational activities, fostering knowledge advancement and collaboration.

Armstrong County Community Foundation (The Community Foundation Serving the Heart of Western Pennsylvania)

In 1997 Merchants National Bank, an Armstrong County community bank, marked its 100th anniversary. The centennial celebration included a unique expression of gratitude to the community in the form of $100,000 to be used as a seed fund to initiate a community foundation for Armstrong County. The bank challenged the community to keep the principal balance of the endowed funds intact and spend only a portion of the interest earnings to ensure a lasting legacy.

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Armstrong County Bar Association Scholarship

In accordance with the mission of the Foundation, the purpose of the Fund is to provide a scholarship to an individual who was a resident of Armstrong County at the time of graduation from high school or who was a graduate of a school district with an attendance area including Armstrong County. The recipient must be enrolled to attend, or already attending an accredited law school in the United States as approved by the Foundation’s Board of Directors.

The Partnership for Transition to College Readiness Grant, established by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aims to foster collaborations between high schools and local higher education institutions to enhance 12th-grade college readiness in mathematics. This initiative targets students identified as not yet prepared for college-level math, emphasizing forward-looking strategies that prioritize readiness over remedial approaches. Eligible applicants must include both high school and higher education faculty, with a focus on innovation and student success.

The ASHRAE Presidents Scholarship supports full-time students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in engineering, focusing on HVAC and refrigeration. To qualify, applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and complete at least 45 credit hours with two years remaining before graduation. Scholarships are awarded for the upcoming academic year, beginning in the fall semester, and re-applications are welcomed from previous applicants who meet current criteria.

The Wallace K. and Jane Ewing Scholarship, funded by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports high school seniors from the Tri-Cities pursuing studies in English. This scholarship considers financial need and involvement in arts and humanities activities, aiming to empower local students to achieve their educational goals. Applicants must submit transcripts and relevant documents, ensuring a comprehensive review process. This initiative reflects the commitment of Wally and Jane to positively impact student futures in the community.

NetJets Scholarship

NetJets is the leader in private aviation. We believe that service is everyone’s job and our company mission is “To enhance the life of each owner, one exceptional travel experience at a time.” The NetJets Scholarship was designed to reinforce a love of business aviation and hospitality, reward academic merit and exemplary character, as well as inspire students to consider an exciting and rewarding career with NetJets.

Award Amount:

• Three Scholarships for $25,000 each

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds. 

Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

MassMutual Scholars Fund

To support graduating high school seniors from Springfield, MA or Enfield, CT interested in pursuing careers in financial services, business or information technology.

Additional Guidelines

• Students can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships from the Community Foundation.
• Scholarship awards could impact the financial aid offered by a college, and students are advised to check with their college financial aid offices about this.
• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. Some part and/or all the award could be considered taxable income. It is advisable students check with the college or tax accountant regarding this matter.

The Canfor Good Things Come From Trees Foundation is dedicated to fostering equitable and sustainable community initiatives across Canada and the US. By providing scholarships for students pursuing careers in forestry and sustainability, funding health and well-being projects, and investing in environmental protection, the foundation aims to create lasting impacts. Their commitment ensures future generations are empowered while promoting cultural awareness and resilience through community-driven projects.