Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in Maryland

The Bill & Carol Rogacheski Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin, provides financial support to students in Portage and Waushara counties. With scholarships ranging from $500 to $40,000, it aims to assist both traditional and non-traditional learners pursuing full-time undergraduate studies or technical education, particularly in medical fields or as first responders. Applicants must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrate financial need, along with active participation in extracurricular activities.

The Avis M. Wysocki Memorial Scholarship supports Central Wisconsin college students pursuing degrees in Nursing or as Physician’s Assistants. Sponsored by the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin, this scholarship is available to those who have completed 25% of their coursework with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Special consideration is given to immediate family members of Wysocki Family of Companies employees, ensuring opportunities for deserving students. Award amounts range from $500 to $40,000 annually.

The Alton & Barbara McDonald Scholarship, provided by the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin, offers financial support to students from Portage and Waushara counties. With awards ranging from $500 to $40,000, it is available to high school seniors and college students pursuing veterinary science at UW. Applicants must demonstrate a strong community service record, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and financial need, ensuring opportunities for deserving students in the region.

The AK Chen Memorial Scholarship Fund, administered by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, provides financial assistance to students pursuing higher education in Hawaii. Eligible applicants must be residents of Hawaii, demonstrate financial need, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. Preference is given to students from specific high schools and those majoring in STEM or education fields. Scholarships cover various educational expenses, ensuring support for students' academic journeys.

This competitive program seeks to encourage organizations to submit grant applications for educational activities focused on healthcare professionals involved in the management and care of people with migraine.

Individual projects requesting up to $200,000 will be considered. Maximum project length is 2 years.

The Dr. Gary Kielhofner Doctoral Research Scholarship in Occupational Therapy supports research initiatives that advance occupational therapy. It encourages doctoral candidates to explore social justice, human volition, and innovative intervention techniques. This scholarship, endowed by the American Occupational Therapy Foundation, honors Dr. Gary Kielhofner's legacy, fostering new research talent in the field. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a doctoral program, have defended their dissertation proposal, and conduct research at a U.S. institution.

The STRIDE Mentored Research Scholarship (SMRS), offered by the American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF), provides funding up to $10,000 for occupational therapy graduates and clinicians from underrepresented backgrounds to enhance their research representation. This scholarship supports participation in mentored research experiences at different institutions, focusing on building critical skills in research methods. By pairing awardees with experienced mentors, the program aims to foster diversity and inclusion within the occupational therapy field.

The Vida Wight Memorial Scholarship, established in memory of Vida Luisa Demuth Wight, supports young women pursuing higher education in fields like dance, psychology, and agriculture. This scholarship aims to honor Vida's vibrant spirit and commitment to empowerment by aiding those who demonstrate passion for their studies and a strong work ethic. Preference is given to students of color, promoting diversity and inclusion in educational opportunities.

The SJICF Scholarship supports San Juan Island residents seeking higher education through accredited institutions. This scholarship empowers eligible high school graduates and adult learners alike, promoting academic excellence and career development. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, show commitment to their studies, and participate in an interview. The funds can cover tuition, fees, and necessary materials, but cannot be used for transportation costs. This initiative transforms lives by making education accessible.

The Las Campanas Community Scholarship Fund, managed by the Santa Fe Community Foundation, offers financial support to local students pursuing certificates, undergraduate, or graduate programs. This initiative is fueled by community donors aiming to assist their neighbors in achieving educational goals. Applicants must reside in specific zip codes and maintain a GPA above 2.49. The scholarship is renewable annually, ensuring ongoing support for students committed to their academic pursuits.

The Cameron Impact Scholarship, awarded by the Bryan Cameron Education Foundation, offers a full-tuition four-year scholarship to 15 exceptional high school students annually. This merit-based program seeks leaders who excel in academics, community service, and extracurricular activities. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.7 or higher and demonstrate a commitment to positive change. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, and books at any accredited U.S. college, with an emphasis on public service careers.

The NCI Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00) aims to support talented postdoctoral researchers in their transition to independent faculty positions. This program provides essential NCI research funding to help awardees establish competitive, independent research careers. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant's organization, ensuring timely consideration for this critical funding opportunity.

The National Science-Health-Environment-Reporting Fellowships are intended to support early-career journalists who are pursuing—or have a strong interest in pursuing —careers reporting on science, health, or environmental issues (or all three).

The program is primarily aimed at journalists in their first decade of professional work, who are interested in boosting their ability and confidence to tackle some of the most important stories of the 21st century.

The fellowship is designed to enable fellows to maintain their regular employment while attending concentrated training opportunities across the country, many of which will lead to stories for their employer or clients. Fellowship leaders and mentors will provide support and guidance through seminars, calls and e-mail consultations.

Curriculum will include basic science, interpreting medical studies, analyzing data, explaining evidence-based decisions, understanding climate science and more.

The program hopes to provide essential on-the-job training that might otherwise take years to accumulate.

Over the course of a year, selected fellows will: 

• Participate in workshops and other events held at the annual Environmental Journalism , Health Journalism  and Science Writers conferences. 
• Learn from custom webinars scheduled throughout the year for additional opportunities to gain skills, connections and resources to inform their reporting. 
• Be matched with a professional mentor.
• Receive prepaid memberships in the National Association of Science Writers, SEJ and AHCJ.
• Participate in peer-to-peer networking platforms. 
• Receive project support stipends if they are an independent journalist.

The Teaching the Bible Grant, offered by the Presbyterian Mission Agency, supports Presbyterian-related schools, colleges, and universities in enhancing biblical education. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for initiatives such as lecture series, Bible studies, and new curriculum development. This funding not only encourages academic engagement but also fosters community learning experiences, allowing students to explore and reflect on their faith collectively. Applications are accepted quarterly, with deadlines on the first Friday of March, June, and September.

The Leadership Development Grants for Young Women, offered by Presbyterian Women, empower women aged 18-30 to enhance their leadership skills through participation in educational events. With grants of up to $2,000 for the Commission on the Status of Women and $1,000 for the Ecumenical Advocacy Days, this program fosters personal and community growth within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Eligible applicants must be active in PC(USA) and meet specific grant requirements.

The Russell Sage Foundation is launching the Causal Research on the Criminal Justice System Grant to support early-career scholars in conducting causal research related to the criminal justice system, including police, courts, and probation. This initiative aims to build a pipeline of researchers and enhance collaboration through a capstone conference. Eligible applicants must be tenure-track assistant professors in the U.S. The next deadline is expected in April 2026, with a budget limit of $100,000 for one-year projects.

The Carnegie Young Leaders for Civic Preparedness Fellowship Program invites young individuals aged 14-24 to engage in community projects, bridging divides and tackling pressing issues nationwide. In 2025, 500 changemakers will form 100 teams, enhancing their civic skills through collaboration and discussions. Participants will receive stipends and reimbursement funding, while committing to regular meetings and project work. This initiative aims to empower diverse youth populations, providing equitable access to civic education and leadership opportunities as America approaches its 250th anniversary.

The Professional & Technical Training Scholarships-Mission San Rafael Scholarship, offered by 10,000 Degrees, aims to support Marin County students with financial need pursuing vocational programs that lead to a license or certificate. Eligible applicants include Marin residents or San Rafael Unified School District graduates, attending accredited training institutions. This initiative provides not only financial aid but also essential resources to ensure students' success in their educational journeys.

The Teaching Credential Scholarship, administered by 10,000 Degrees, offers two opportunities for aspiring educators. The Marin Retired Teachers Association Scholarship supports Marin County high school graduates pursuing fifth-year teaching credentials or master's degrees in education. Meanwhile, the Building Better Teachers Scholarship aids early care and education teachers in advancing their studies towards a bachelor's or master's degree. Both scholarships encourage applicants to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and are aimed at fostering the next generation of educators.

The Norman R. Tilford Field Studies Scholarship Fund, established in 1998 by the AEG Foundation, honors the contributions of Norman R. Tilford. It provides grants to undergraduate and graduate students undertaking field studies in geology. Awards include $1000 for undergraduates and $1500 for both Master’s and doctoral candidates, based on academic merit and potential contributions to the field. This fund promotes hands-on learning and professional development in geosciences.

The Wyeth Foundation for American Art aims to promote the study and appreciation of historic American art through financial support for research, conservation, and innovative exhibitions. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $25,000 and are awarded to non-profit organizations. The foundation emphasizes the importance of scholarship and excellence in American art, while not funding projects focusing solely on art from the last three decades.

The Toshiba America Foundation offers grants to K-5 teachers in public and nonprofit private schools, funding innovative projects in math and science education. Designed to support teachers in implementing hands-on learning experiences, these grants encourage creativity and community involvement. Applicants can propose projects that enhance student engagement and foster scientific inquiry. The foundation prioritizes teacher-led initiatives, making it a valuable resource for educators aiming to enrich their classrooms and inspire young learners.

The Spring Scholarships, offered by Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation (MVCF), provide vital tuition support for students pursuing higher education, including college and professional development programs. MVCF fosters community collaboration to enrich the cultural landscape and ensure the sustainability of the Island. Since 1982, their commitment has been to honor the past, support the present, and invest in the future of Martha’s Vineyard's diverse community.

The Data-Driven Reporting Project (DDRP) supports local news journalists and freelancers in the US and Canada, focusing on document-based investigative projects for underrepresented communities. It provides financial awards up to $35,000, covering 80% of project costs, along with specialized training on Google Journalist Studio tools. Recipients are encouraged to share their core source documents post-publication to benefit the journalism community. Applications are open to small to midsize newsrooms and freelance journalists with proven track records.

The Booker T. Jones Scholarship Fund offers $5,000 to students graduating from MINACT-run Job Corps programs who plan to attend college. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens with a high school diploma or GED, accepted at a four-year historically Black college or university, and have completed technical training at a MINACT Job Corps Center. This scholarship honors the legacy of Booker T. Jones, who dedicated his life to empowering disadvantaged communities through education.

The Bettye Smith Brown Memorial Scholarship Fund honors a dedicated advocate for education, offering two $10,000 scholarships annually to high school seniors in Warren County, MS. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens with strong academic records and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship celebrates the legacy of Ms. Brown, who inspired many to pursue their educational dreams, ensuring her commitment to academic excellence continues to impact future generations.

Lindsay Lloyd North Korea Freedom Scholarship

The Lindsay Lloyd North Korea Freedom Scholarship (supported by the George W. Bush Foundation) provides one or more annual scholarships for up to $10,000 to lawful permanent residents of the United States, U.S. citizens or refugees who were born in North Korea pursuing an educational program in the United States or its possessions. North Korean-born individuals pursuing a degree in accredited colleges and universities in the United States with South Korean citizenship are eligible to apply.

This scholarship may be renewed on an annual basis by completing the scholarship application in full. Renewal applications will be reviewed alongside first-time applicants.