Best Financial Assistance Grants in Massachusetts

Achievement Scholarship for Students with a History of Chronic Illness (FN)

Essay:

• Tell us about your experiences/struggles with your chronic illness and what you have done to overcome it.

Awards:

• One time award of $1,500.

The Ohio Children’s Foundation Grant aims to enhance the lives of at-risk children and families through funding for early childhood education programs. With nearly $1 million awarded in grants over three years, the Foundation supports initiatives that promote school readiness, advocate for public policies, and provide resources for parents. Prioritizing children aged 0-5, the Foundation seeks innovative programs that address early brain development and minimize toxic stress, ensuring a brighter future for vulnerable families.

The SBE Postdoctoral Research Fellowships, offered by the National Science Foundation (NSF), are designed to promote early-career independence by supporting research and training goals in the social, behavioral, and economic sciences. Applicants can choose between two tracks: Fundamental Research and Broadening Participation. This initiative addresses significant scientific questions, aligning with NSF's mission to enhance the scientific workforce and foster diversity in research fields.

The Addressing Health Inequities in Clinical Diagnostics initiative invites Small Business Concerns to develop innovative clinical diagnostics that rectify health disparities in diverse patient populations. Applications should identify a specific inequity in current diagnostic practices and propose actionable solutions. This funding opportunity promotes inclusivity in clinical settings, ensuring that diagnostics are effective across varied demographics. All submissions must adhere to the deadline of 5:00 PM local time for the applicant organization.

The Alexander Brown Memorial Scholarship supports solid organ transplant recipients pursuing higher education. Open to high school seniors graduating soon or current students at accredited institutions, this one-time award can be used for tuition, fees, and other educational expenses. Selection is based on academics, extracurricular activities, leadership, and references. This scholarship aims to empower recipients to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.

Who We Are

Our Mission

UNCF envisions a nation where all Americans have equal access to a college education that prepares them for rich intellectual lives, competitive and fulfilling careers, engaged citizenship and service to our nation.

UNCF’s mission is to build a robust and nationally-recognized pipeline of under-represented students who, because of UNCF support, become highly-qualified college graduates and to ensure that our network of member institutions is a respected model of best practice in moving students to and through college.

2026-2027 Lincoln Financial Scholars Program

The Lincoln Financial Scholars program provides college students with professional development and scholarship assistance to help prepare them for internships and early career opportunities

The Experience

Through engagement in live webinars and online learning management system, scholars will receive training in the following key areas to prepare for internship opportunities and early career opportunities

• Exploring the True Colors Personality Lens 
• Exploring Transferable Skills: Emotional Intelligence 
• Cultivation of Professional Skills: Networking - Branding - Managing Up 
• Financial Wellness

Each eligible student will be awarded a one-time, scholarship award of up to $3,000.

The Addressing Health Inequities in Clinical Diagnostics program invites Small Business Concerns to develop innovative clinical diagnostics that tackle health disparities. This initiative emphasizes identifying and addressing issues within existing clinical diagnostics that contribute to inequities, ensuring inclusive solutions for diverse patient populations. By fostering advancements in clinical lab assays and point-of-care devices, the program aims to create equitable healthcare opportunities for all.

The RBC Wealth Management Colorado Scholarship offers financial support to exceptional Colorado high school seniors pursuing degrees in science, mathematics, or engineering. Awards are based on academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and financial need. Eligible candidates must have a minimum GPA of 3.75 and an ACT score of at least 31 or equivalent SAT scores. This scholarship aims to empower students facing challenges to achieve their educational goals.

About FFAR

Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR) advances food and agriculture science to develop tools, technologies and information that benefit farmers, consumers and the environment. We connect funders, researchers and farmers through public-private partnerships to support audacious research addressing the biggest food and agriculture challenges. Our unique public-private partnership model allows us to collaborate with diverse stakeholders to identify research opportunities that help farmers adapt to current challenges. 

H5N1 Risk to Swine Research Program

The Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) has partnered with the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) and the Pork Checkoff to fund a $4 million research program to enhance prevention, preparedness, mitigation and response capabilities for H5N1 influenza in the U.S. swine herd.

As part of SHIC’s strategic mission to respond to emerging disease threats, SHIC monitors disease outbreaks nationally and internationally for their potential risks to the U.S. swine herd. H5N1 influenza is an emerging disease identified as a priority for U.S. pork industry prevention and preparedness due to the growing number of diverse mammalian species susceptible to infection and the unprecedented 2024 H5N1 outbreak impacting U.S. dairy herds.

Proposals should clearly state which of the below SHIC/FFAR/NPB H5N1 Risk to Swine Research Priorities will be addressed through the project. 

SHIC/FFAR/NPB H5N1 Risk to Swine Research Priorities

• Diagnostic Surveillance. 
• Introduction and Transmission Risks.
• Caretakers of Pigs.
• Biosecurity Practices
• Safety of Pork
• Mitigating Production Impact. 
• Business Continuity. 

About

Our Story: Women Deserve More

At Women Founders Grant we are catalyzing a no BS movement for women to truly attain Financial Agency.

Women Founders Grant

If you have a dream, we want to support it. We are here to level the playing field and give you the guidance you need to turn that dream into a reality.

Our Grants

• $5,000 Grants on a rolling basis.
• No strings attached.
• This is our biggest differentiator. We know first hand how the folks who have the funds make you jump through unnecessary hoops. No hoops here.
• An Entrepreneur Business Yoda to mentor and coach you.
• GTM support to help you grow and get paying customers.
• On demand resources that guide you through your entrepreneur journey.

• Simply answer two questions on the application page.
• At the heart of our grants, there's no limit to your business dream. From pioneering scientists to artisan bakers, we encourage diverse passions and pursuits.
• So what truly matters is you—the woman or women driving the business forward. We value authenticity over corporate jargon; past winners have simply shared their stories - real passion and vision can’t be faked - so let your’s shine.
• We seek not only business acumen but also the fiery passion that fuels your entrepreneurial journey.

The African-American Community Foundation - Waverly Glover Scholarship, offered by The Dayton Foundation, supports African-American students pursuing higher education at Central State University or Wilberforce University. Eligible candidates must be business or accounting majors with junior or senior status, enrolled full-time, and maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher. This scholarship honors Waverly Glover's legacy, promoting educational opportunities and empowering the next generation of leaders in the community.

The Asian American Leaders in Mental Health Scholarship, offered by The Denver Foundation, supports Asian American and Pacific Islander students pursuing careers in clinical mental health. It emphasizes a commitment to social justice and community service, with scholarships awarded based on academic merit and passion for the field. One-time awards can be re-applied for in subsequent years, covering tuition, fees, and other educational expenses, ensuring support for students in their academic journey.

The Tillie Odam Memorial Scholarship, established by John Odam in honor of his mother, supports Big Country high school seniors and alumni pursuing Health Information Technology or Allied Health programs. This scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Abilene, provides financial assistance to students enrolling in accredited vocational or college programs. Awards range from $500 to over $5,000, with payments sent directly to educational institutions for the fall and spring semesters.

The Prevent Cancer Foundation is launching a $100,000 community grant program for 2024-2026, focusing on patient navigation for cancer prevention and early detection. Community-based organizations can apply for funding over two years to enhance their efforts. Priority will be given to applicants demonstrating best practices, established community partnerships, and initiatives that address health disparities. Note that the application cycle opens in 2026, emphasizing the importance of proactive health measures.

The Richmond Educational Enrichment Fund Grant, managed by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, aims to enhance educational experiences for students and teachers at Richmond Consolidated School. Open to students, teachers, and community members, it supports diverse projects including new programs and creative initiatives. Priority is given to proposals demonstrating volunteer efforts and additional support. Notably, grants cannot replace public funding or cover salaries, and discrimination in any form is not tolerated.

The NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience Research Network aims to enhance foundational research on human consciousness, addressing critical biomedical issues such as coma and dementia. By fostering a collaborative framework among 14 NIH institutes, the initiative seeks to improve diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders through interdisciplinary approaches. Key objectives include detecting consciousness in minimally responsive patients, enhancing understanding of sleep disorders, and exploring new methodologies. This effort will ultimately strengthen U.S. leadership in neuroscience and improve patient outcomes.

The Freshman Winner's Circle Scholarships, established by the Iowa Foundation for Agricultural Advancement, aim to support high school students graduating in Spring 2026 who are pursuing degrees in agriculture. These scholarships encourage participation in livestock projects and reward dedication to the agricultural field. Eligible students must enroll in a post-secondary agricultural program at a university or college starting Fall 2026, fostering future leaders in the agricultural industry.

The Ed Hiestand Memorial Veterinary Student Scholarship, awarded by the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association, invites current veterinary students to submit papers on wildlife rehabilitation topics. The scholarship includes a $1000 award, symposium registration, and a banquet ticket. Winners will present their findings at the NWRA Symposium, with eligibility requiring original, unpublished manuscripts. This initiative supports veterinary education and promotes wildlife conservation efforts.

The MSU Graduate Teaching Scholarships recognize the vital role graduate students play in undergraduate education by providing financial support for their teaching efforts. Eligible candidates must have a graduate teaching assistantship, complete professional development, and apply before the semester starts. Scholarships range from $250 to $1000, promoting excellence in teaching and enriching the educational experience at Montana State University.

Rainin Visionary Scientist Award 

The Kenneth Rainin Foundation believes that early support for innovative ideas can lead to improvements in preventing, predicting, diagnosing and treating Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Our Health grantmaking enables researchers worldwide to test ideas, gather and share data, and collaborate to advance the understanding of IBD.

The Rainin Visionary Scientist Award will provide grants of $300,000 each over two years to support three outstanding postdoctoral investigators whose work has the potential to advance the understanding of IBD and related biological systems. This award is designed to help postdocs based in the US who are actively preparing to transition to an independent faculty position develop innovative research programs and strengthen their trajectory toward independent scientific careers. By supporting promising scientists early in their careers, the Foundation seeks to accelerate discoveries that may ultimately improve the lives of people living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Competitive proposals will demonstrate:

• A novel or creative scientific approach
• Strong potential to advance understanding of IBD biology or treatment
• Clear intellectual leadership from the applicant
• Feasible research aims that can be accomplished within two years
• A strong mentorship environment that supports career development

The Foundation particularly values projects that introduce new ideas, technologies or conceptual approaches to the study of IBD and relevant scientific disciplines.

Funds may be used for postdoctoral salary support, supplies, other direct research expenses necessary to complete the proposed work and travel to relevant scientific meetings. Awardees are expected to attend the Rainin Foundation Innovations Symposium during the award period. Economy/coach air travel costs for this meeting in San Francisco should be included in the budget.

The award provides $300,000 over two years. The grant period is October 1, 2026-September 30, 2028.

Who We Are

The GHACF is a team of dedicated individuals passionate about improving the lives of everyone in our community – connecting people, resources and solutions that create a lasting impact.

The GHACF is your partner. We can’t succeed alone – our work is possible only through the combined efforts of our nonprofit partners, community members, and passionate individuals. We are a bridge to help you make things happen and impact our community, together. We will walk alongside you to support and assist you in your philanthropic goals, now and forever.

Floto-Peel Family Fund

Medicine.

Checks are made payable to and mailed directly to the college after you have returned the required scholarship acceptance paperwork, thank you note, and photo. This is usually by early August.

About Patient Advocate Foundation

Patient Advocate Foundation is the nation’s most comprehensive nonprofit dedicated to helping patients navigate, access, and afford the care they need—while improving the healthcare system for all.

Who we are and our impact

Patient Advocate Foundation provides financial assistance to help patients afford treatment and cost of living needs, personalized case management to navigate complex healthcare and social needs challenges, and a wide array of resources to empower people to take charge of their health. Since our founding in 1996—and joining forces with the PAN Foundation in 2026—we have helped 3.8 million patients navigate and access care, granted over $7 billion in financial assistance, served 350,000 people through personalized case management and elevated the patient’s voice to drive improvements in the healthcare system.

Cushing’s disease or syndrome

Help with healthcare costs for Cushing's disease or syndrome

This TotalAssist fund helps you pay for out-of-pocket healthcare costs, including medication copays, coinsurance, and deductibles, health insurance premiums, and other expenses.

About the disease

Cushing’s Disease or Syndrome, also known as Cushing’s Syndrome, hypercortisolism and hyperadrenalism, is a condition where the pituitary gland releases high levels of the hormone cortisol. It is a rare disease that affects the endocrine system.

The Betsy Frabotta Educate and Engage Scholarship for Q+ Youth honors the legacy of a dedicated educator and community builder, providing $2000 to outstanding LGBTQ+ and ally students in the Miami Valley. This scholarship supports individuals who demonstrate a commitment to learning and equity, encouraging applicants who are actively involved in advocacy and community service. By fostering inclusion and empowerment, this initiative aims to honor the fight against discrimination and promote a fulfilling life for all.

The Native Forward Student Access Funding supports American Indian and Alaska Native students by providing financial assistance for graduate and professional examination costs. With over 50 years of experience, Native Forward has empowered more than 22,000 students across the United States. This funding not only covers exam fees but also related preparatory expenses, ensuring that students can pursue their educational goals without financial barriers. The initiative aims to enhance representation and visibility of Native scholars in higher education.

The Dollie Lane Harp Memorial Scholarship Fund for Classical Music, established by Ruth Harp Gibson, honors her mother’s legacy through music. This scholarship is available for students majoring in classical music at accredited U.S. universities or conservatories. Eligible candidates include graduating seniors from specific Texas high schools who have participated in music during their studies. Awards range from $500 to over $5,000, with payments made directly to educational institutions.

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

IUTIS Club Scholarship

Selection based (in order of priority):

• Academic ability, community and school service, and recommendations. Preference given to students who participated in the IUTIS Softball Program.

Awards

• Two $500 scholarships

Richard L. Averitte Memorial Scholarship Fund

Established by the Coming Together Project in memory of Richard L. Averitte, who was a music educator with Akron Public Schools for 31 years before becoming the first executive director of the Coming Together Project. The fund provides scholarships to Akron-area seniors who have participated in a music program.

Amount: Varies

• $500-$1,000

Number of awards:

• Varies

Renewal:

• No