Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in Maryland

The Mary Lea Simpson Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Audio Engineering Society Educational Foundation, provides tuition remission for the final year of undergraduate studies in Audio Engineering or Recording Arts at a North American institution. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.3 or higher, demonstrate proficiency in recording or mixing, and be members in good standing of the Audio Engineering Society. This scholarship aims to support talented individuals pursuing a career in audio engineering.

The Fiscal Year 2027 AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Competition invites communities to apply for funding aimed at engaging adults aged 55 and older in addressing pressing local needs. Through national service and volunteerism, AmeriCorps strengthens communities and fosters civic engagement. This open competition spans all states and territories, encouraging organizations to harness the skills and expertise of older adults to enhance community well-being and promote a culture of service.

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.

Leroy McKinney Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund

This scholarship was created in memory of Leroy McKinney Jr., who was a graduate of Battle Creek Central High School, Class of 1988. Upon graduation, he studied Pre-Engineering in college. He also had an entrepreneurial spirit. Though he struggled with mental illness, one of his proudest accomplishments in life, was returning to college as an adult and completing his Bachelor's degree in Business Management. He would be honored to know this scholarship was created in his legacy to support other African American men to pursue their education in these fields.

The Chick-fil-A Community Scholars program awards up to thirteen $25,000 scholarships annually to students demonstrating academic excellence, community service, and financial need. In addition to financial support, recipients participate in a year-long mentoring and leadership development program. This initiative aims to cultivate future leaders who are committed to serving their communities, while also alleviating educational costs associated with attending accredited colleges or vocational schools.

About Us

Making a Difference, Together

The Community Foundation of Monroe County (CFMC) builds a thriving, inclusive community through the power of philanthropy. By connecting generous donors with local causes, we help ensure Monroe County remains a place where everyone can thrive. Since our founding, we’ve been a trusted steward of community resources, fostering impactful collaborations and sustainable solutions to address challenges in education, health, poverty, and community development.

Scholarship Opportunities

Whether you’re heading to college, pursuing a technical career, or furthering your education as an adult, there’s a scholarship for you.

Ahadi Women in Science Scholarship

For female graduating seniors from Monroe County high schools entering a science-related field.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

Lynne Ruth Lafin Elmore Sucher Scholarship

This opportunity is provided to honor the life and legacy of Lynn Ruth Lafin Elmore Sucher.

The purpose of the Lynn Ruth Lafin Elmore Scholarship program is to provide financial assistance to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native graduate students attending full-time at an accredited institution pursuing mathematics, Medicine, or life sciences are eligible to apply.

This opportunity is a need-based award.

Rochester Area Community Foundation

Rochester Area Community Foundation, in partnership with generous philanthropists and community partners, works to improve the quality of life for people who live and work in the eight-county region through its leadership and strategic grantmaking.

Our Mission: We are cultivating a thriving Greater Rochester region — powered by philanthropy, grounded in community, and sustained across generations.

Our Vision: We envision a Greater Rochester region transformed by enduring philanthropy, where every person, neighborhood, and future generation can thrive.

Barnard-Kuichling-Acorn Society Scholarship

In 1932, $10,000 was bequeathed by the family of Ella Barnard to establish a scholarship fund for worthy young men and women to complete their education in college. Later, Sara Kuichling provided funds in memory of her husband, Emil, to provide education and training to students under age 24. More money was added later from the Acorn Society, founded in 1896 by Caroline Butts Stoddard. The combined funds were moved to the Community Foundation and now provide awards known as Barnard-Kuichling-Acorn Society Scholarships.

Purpose of Scholarship

• To provide scholarships for high school graduates living in Monroe County who are in the top 10 percent of their class and have financial need.

Award Details

• Number of recipients and award amounts vary.
• Award paid in one lump sum in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.
• Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education.

National Federation of the Blind of Maryland

With more than 50,000 members, the National Federation of the Blind is the largest and most influential membership organization of blind people in the United States. The NFB improves blind people’s lives through advocacy, education, research, technology, and programs encouraging independence and self-confidence. It is the leading force in the blindness field today and the voice of the nation’s blind.

The NFB has affiliates in all fifty states plus Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico, and over seven hundred local chapters.

Indiana State Affiliate Scholarship

When the application for the national scholarship is submitted, the applicant is automatically eligible for the state level scholarship. The application that is used for the national scholarship is the same one that is used for the state scholarship; however it is mailed to our scholarship committee chair person.

The state level Scholarship is awarded to 1 student for 1,000, Or 2 students for 500 each.

Epps Scholarship

The Epps Scholarship Fund was established at the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation by attorneys Willie and Mischa Epps to support the aspirations of college-bound high school seniors with an expressed interest in pursuing a legal education. This fund honors Dr. Willie James Epps, Sr. and Dr. Barbara Bacon Epps, both born and raised in rural, poor and segregated Mississippi, but excelled in school and became a part of the first generation in their respective families to attend college. Both went on to earn Ph.D.’s in the field of education and to teach at various schools, colleges and universities across the country. They instilled in their two children that faith and education are the keys to success. Their children became licensed attorneys who regularly attend church. Willie and his wife Mischa chose a non-traditional path to promote the scholarship opportunity by working in partnership with churches that disseminate the application and deadline information throughout their congregations.

The Epps Scholarship Fund awards scholarships to college-bound high school seniors based on demonstrated academic achievement, financial need, and an express interest in pursuing a legal education.

Scholarships will be awarded on an annual basis and disbursed in equal payments in August and January. Each scholarship awarded will be a minimum of $2,000 annually to be paid in two equal installments.

This scholarship is not renewable.

National Federation of the Blind

Founded in 1940, the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) is the largest and most influential membership organization of blind persons in the United States. With fifty thousand members, the NFB has affiliates in all fifty states plus Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico, and over seven hundred local chapters. As a consumer and advocacy organization, the NFB is considered the leading force in the blindness field today.

The goals of the NFB are to ensure opportunity, security and equality for all blind citizens. The purpose of the National Federation of the Blind is two-fold—to help blind persons achieve self-confidence and self-respect and to act as a vehicle for collective self-expression by the blind.

Members of the NFB strive to educate the public that the blind are normal individuals who can compete on terms of equality with our sighted peers.

The NFB has created a wide array of services to blind and visually impaired persons of all ages. We provide public education about blindness, information and referral services, scholarships, literature and publications about blindness, aids and appliances and other adaptive equipment for the blind.

National Federation of the Blind of Idaho (NFBI) Scholarship

The National Federation of the Blind of Idaho (NFBI), awards merit-based scholarships to blind/visually impaired, functionally blind, high school seniors or college students annually. 

There will be three (3) merit-based scholarships in the amount of $3,000 awarded at the state convention of the NFBI in Boise Idaho. Scholarship finalists will have their expenses paid and are required to attend the convention.

Please note, individuals are limited to receiving an NFBI scholarship a maximum of two (2), times.

Each year, Innovia awards over $400,000 in scholarships to deserving students like you who are college-bound or pursuing vocational or technical training. Single scholarship awards range between $500 and $4,000.

Gary L. Carrow Memorial Scholarship

Applicants must be graduating seniors from Central Valley School District who have participated in the instrumental music program. Applicants must have maintained a 3.0 GPA or higher, and plan to enroll in a post-high school program at full-time status.

Previous recipients of this award are eligible to reapply. 

National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii

The ultimate purpose of the NFB of Hawai`i is the complete integration of the blind into society on a basis of equality. This objective involves the removal of legal, economic and social discriminations; the education of the public to new concepts concerning blindness; and the achievement by all blind people of the right to exercise to the fullest their individual talents and capacities. It means the right of the blind to work along with their sighted neighbors in the professions, common callings, skilled trades, and regular occupations.

The National Federation of the Blind defends the rights of blind people of all ages and provides information and support to families with blind children, older Americans who are losing vision, and more. We believe in the hopes and dreams of blind people and work together to transform them into reality. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.

We are the transformative membership and advocacy organization of blind people. Securing Independence. Protecting Rights. Enhancing Education. We Are Blind People.

National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii Scholarship

Each year, the National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii awards up to three scholarships to residents of Hawaii during the annual State Convention. The scholarship is for any blind or visually impaired individual attending or planning to attend a post-secondary institution. This may include undergraduate or graduate college, business, or trade school. Scholarship winners may be attending our annual State Convention, as well as monthly chapter meetings. 

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

Margaret L. McClure Scholarship

Created in 2020, by Margaret L. McClure, EdD, RN, FAAN, together with NEF. This scholarship fund recognizes Dr. McClure’s distinguished career. Her many accomplishments include: leading the team that conducted the original research study responsible for the Magnet Hospital program under the auspices of the American Academy of Nursing. She concluded her full-time career at the New York University Medical Center, where through the courses of two decades, she served as the executive director of nursing and administrator for hospital and institutional affairs and as vice president for hospital operations. She also served in the United States Army Nurse Corps Reserve and retired with the rank of colonel.

Dr. McClure has served Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. as a board member, officer, and now emeritus member upon her retirement. This scholarship recognizes graduate nurse leaders for their academic, research, administration, and health care policy roles.

National Federation of the Blind of Louisiana

The National Federation of the Blind of Louisiana provides a network of support and encouragement and promotes an understanding of the real problems of blindness... the attitudes and misconceptions which we and the general public have about blindness. We believe that with training and opportunity (and these are important) the average blind or visually impaired person can lead a perfectly normal life--not just dream about it.

National Federation of the Blind of Louisiana Scholarships

Each year at its State Convention, the National Federation of the Blind of Louisiana (NFBL) awards merit-based scholarships to recognize the achievement of blind scholars. 

Previous winners of NFBL scholarships and others who have applied in the past are encouraged to reapply. 

Zavala Scholarship

The Zavala Scholarship Fund was opened at WFACF in 2014 to support students of the Hispanic community to pursue higher education. It has since transformed to consider any graduates of high schools in Wichita, Archer, Clay, Wilbarger, or Young County who have great financial need and a minimum 2.75 GPA, including current college students. There are multiple $1,000 scholarships available to be used for any field of study at any college or university in the U.S.

The Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. Scholarship supports professional nurses pursuing master's or doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration. Applicants must have at least two semesters of study remaining after the award notification, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.6, and hold a current RN license. This scholarship is based on proven excellence in nursing service and scholarship, making graduate-level nursing education accessible to dedicated professionals.

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

Susan Bowar-Ferres Scholarship

Created in 2023, the Susan Bowar-Ferres Scholarship is devoted to nursing leadership in the Magnet Recognition Program which recognizes health-care organizations for quality patient care, nursing excellence and innovations in professional nursing practice. Consumers rely on Magnet designation as the ultimate credential for high quality nursing.

The scholarship is given to a Master’s or Doctoral student demonstrating leadership in aspiring to achieve or continuing to achieve Magnet designation, such as being a Magnet Program Director/Coordinator, a leader of or actively involved as a member of their quality council, clinical indicator council or similar quality improvement program.

Susan Bowar-Ferres, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, is an Emeritus NEF Board Member who has dedicated many years of service to the NEF Board of Directors, as President of NEF as well as Chair of the Bylaws Committee. A nursing administrator in multiple health care service organizations spanning 50 years, Dr. Bowar-Ferres has devoted more than three decades of her professional career to the Magnet Recognition Program, serving as an appraiser, team leader and team member. Under her leadership as the Chief Nursing Officer, NYU Langone Medical Center earned two successive Magnet designations. Her dedication to the Magnet Program is ongoing. Dr. Bowar-Ferres is dedicated to excellence in practice and all that Magnet recognition means. The Susan Bowar-Ferres Scholar shares these values and aspirations.

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

Mount Sinai Hospital School of Nursing, New York Alumnae Association/Sylvia Barker Scholarship Fund

In 2025 the Alumni Association of the Mount Sinai Hospital School of Nursing in New York established a scholarship fund honoring Sylvia Barker. This scholarship is to be awarded to a master's or doctoral nursing student who exhibits exceptional and innovative "pediatric" nursing care and/or administrative services for children. Sylvia Barker graduated in 1936, from The Mount Sinai Hospital School of Nursing. She was the epitome of the words engraved on the school’s pin given at graduation, Vota Vita Nostra; “Our Live Dedicated/Devoted”.

Sylvia Barker served for many years at Mount Sinai as a Pediatric Nurse, Pediatric Supervisor, and a Pediatric Nursing Instructor. In the 1930’s when wheelchairs were made of wood. Sylvia Barker initiated “seat belts” for the children to keep them safe.

Sylvia also earned a baccalaureate and master's degree from Columbia University School of Nursing and was a recipient of the R. Louise McManus Medal, for her outstanding leadership in nursing which is the highest honor of the Nursing Education Alumni Association. She was active in the New York State Nurses Association, Nurses House, and the Alumnae Association of The Mount Sinai Hospital School of Nursing.

When the Board of Directors of the Alumnae Association decided to recognize and award their nurse graduates for outstanding nursing achievement, Sylvia Barker was the first recipient of “The Distinguished Alumna Award” in 1990.

Rotary Club of Biloxi Scholarship Endowment Fund

The Rotary Club of Biloxi Scholarship Endowment Fund was established in June 1999. This scholarship is funded by the Rotary Club of Biloxi for the purpose of providing scholarship assistance to a graduating senior of Biloxi High School, St. Patrick Catholic High School, D’Iberville High School, or the Mississippi School of Math and Science, or a homeschool senior student registered with the County Attendance Office and whose parent or legal guardian resides in Biloxi.

The Carol & Joseph Tafelski Memorial Scholarship, awarded by the Erie Community Foundation, supports Erie High School students pursuing degrees in healthcare or medical research. With a total of over $800,000 in scholarships given in 2023, applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.25 and be accepted into an accredited four-year college or university. This initiative aims to empower students to achieve their educational goals and contribute positively to the community.

The SAA Native American Graduate Archaeology Scholarship, funded by the Society for American Archaeology, supports Native American graduate students pursuing studies in archaeology. Each year, one scholarship is awarded, providing up to $10,000 to cover tuition, travel, housing, and other educational expenses. This initiative aims to foster collaboration between archaeologists and Native American communities while promoting ethical practices and preservation of cultural heritage.

The Dr. Michael J. Relihan Scholarship, offered by the Erie Community Foundation, awards deserving graduating seniors from Erie County high schools who have been accepted into accredited post-secondary institutions. In 2023, over $800,000 was distributed in scholarships to support more than 500 students in their pursuit of higher education and vocational training, empowering the next generation to achieve their academic and career goals.

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.

Women’s Empowerment Scholarship Fund

Florida Resident and female high school or non-traditional students who exhibit financial need (as defined by the Foundation’s scholarship policies).

Each year, Innovia awards over $400,000 in scholarships to deserving students like you who are college-bound or pursuing vocational or technical training. Single scholarship awards range between $500 and $4,000.

Lucille I. Hudon Scholarship

Financial need, academic merit, and extra-curricular and community involvement and work experience are taken into consideration.

All scholarship grant funds must be used for tuition, books, fees and school-related expenses for the upcoming school year only. Any other use is contrary to the intended purpose of the scholarship and would make your scholarship award taxable and could lead to a revocation of funds.

The SAA Native American Undergraduate Archaeology Scholarship, funded by the Society for American Archaeology, supports Native American students pursuing undergraduate studies in archaeology. With an award of up to $6,000 available annually, this scholarship aims to empower students and promote the preservation of cultural heritage through education and collaboration. It encourages participation from all Native peoples across the Americas, ensuring accessibility and support for educational advancement in the field of archaeology.

The FDA is funding a Center for Research on Complex Generics to enhance collaboration with the generic drug industry. This initiative aims to identify scientific challenges in generic product development, facilitate expert engagement, and coordinate research projects. By hosting workshops and providing public access to research outcomes, the center will support the FDA's mission to improve patient access to high-quality, safe, and effective generic drugs, thus strengthening regulatory science efforts.

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.

Williamson Pioneer Fund

Must demonstrate community involvement and show financial need.