Best Grants for Global Health in Massachusetts

The Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation offers Local Impact Grants to nonprofit organizations in 11 markets, providing $225,000 to support local programs addressing community issues. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits with a revenue exceeding $100,000 and must operate in one of the specified television markets. The grants aim to empower youth through education, promote diverse storytelling, and enhance community engagement. This initiative underscores Comcast's commitment to fostering inclusion and equitable opportunities for underserved communities.

The Michael R. Priddy Music Scholarship, offered by the Central Kentucky Community Foundation, aims to support graduating high school seniors from Hardin County Schools, specifically Elizabethtown and LaRue County High Schools. This scholarship is intended for students who have demonstrated involvement in classical orchestra or music performance, or who plan to pursue music studies, thereby fostering musical education in the community.

The NINDS Renewal Awards of SBIR Phase II Grants (Phase IIB) support small businesses in conducting clinical trials for NIH-funded projects. This initiative encourages partnerships with investors to assist in the commercialization of innovations in neurological disorders. Applicants must submit a comprehensive Commercialization Plan detailing anticipated funding. The program aims to promote effective transitions from research to market, enhancing the development of drugs, devices, and therapies for neurological conditions.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Funding Innovative Research

Cannonball Kids’ cancer Foundation (CKc) prioritizes funding clinical trials, research that is nearing translation to a clinical trial, and young investigator grants.

Grants funded by CKc must be innovative and provide better quality of life or symptom relief than current treatments. 

When possible, CKc will prioritize funding research:

• with a focus on cancers that are under-funded or under-researched,
• with a focus on patient populations who are traditionally underserved.

When possible, CKc will prioritize funding researchers of diverse backgrounds.

For CKc, “innovation” means the invention or application of novel methods or treatments, specifically treatments that have fewer side-effects than standard care, increase a child’s quality of life, and/or create an option for care where there otherwise were few or none (either on primary diagnosis, relapse, or for recalcitrant cancers).

Research Grants

Grant Program: Young Investigator

$100,000 over 3 years

• PI must hold an academic appointment at the instructor level or higher
• PI must be within 5 years of completing a training fellowship in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology or a closely related discipline that has direct clinical contact with pediatric cancer patients
• Research must be within 2-3 years to translation to a clinical trial or already associated with a clinical trial

• Evidence of Mentor's commitment to the PI's career development plan
• Translational potential

The Spencer T. and Ann W. Olin Foundation Wetlands and Waterfowl Research Fellowship supports graduate students in North America conducting research on waterfowl or wetland biology. The fellowship, offering up to $9,500 annually, emphasizes applicant qualifications, research proposal soundness, originality, and potential contributions to conservation efforts. This competitive opportunity is renewable for up to two additional years for PhD students and once for Masters students, pending satisfactory progress reports.

The Comis Foundation Grant aims to provide equitable opportunities for children to thrive through education and community engagement. It supports innovative programs that enhance educational outcomes, focusing on areas such as capacity building and pilot projects. With funding ranging from $5,000 to $75,000, the foundation prioritizes nonprofit organizations that foster inclusive environments. By emphasizing trust and collaboration, Comis Foundation strives to create lasting impacts in the communities it serves.

The Basil O'Connor Starter Scholar Research Awards, offered by March of Dimes, support emerging researchers in maternal and child health. With a $150,000 grant over two years, the program prioritizes projects addressing preterm birth and health equity. Eligible applicants must be within four to nine years of completing their clinical training or terminal degree, holding a tenure-track position. This initiative aims to foster impactful research that enhances clinical treatments for serious maternal and newborn health conditions.

Overview

The Tower Foundation is a family foundation that helps children, adolescents, and young people affected by intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, mental health issues, and/or substance use disorders. Our goal is to improve the lives of young people in our geographic footprint of Erie and Niagara Counties in Western New York, and Barnstable, Dukes, Essex, and Nantucket Counties in Eastern Massachusetts.

The Tower Foundation believes every young person should have the chance to achieve their personal goals, regardless of the challenges they face. Individuals who live with one or more of these issues may be overlooked or stigmatized, creating additional challenges. We also know that some young people face more challenges than others because of systemic inequalities. The convergence of our focus areas with racism, ableism, sexism, and other types of discrimination warrants the Foundation’s attention because as we know, people do not live single-issue lives.

The Tower Foundation sees its role as more than just a funder. These issues are near and dear to us because we have members of our family who live with one or more of the issues. These are individuals who are resilient—persevering despite the challenges they face— and who should be valued by our communities. The Tower Foundation envisions a future in which equitable communities include, accept and value these young people.

Strengthening Partner Capacity Grants

The Foundation seeks to fund requests that, “build and/or strengthen the systems, structures, cultures, skills, resources, and power that organizations need to serve their communities.” Strengthening Partner Capacity grants are available for board/leadership development; diversity, equity, inclusion; evaluation/evaluation design; organizational development; professional development; program design and planning (not service delivery); small capital projects/equipment purchases; staff mental wellness support; technology planning/purchasing; and other ideas that help organizations better serve their communities as described above. 

The AWWA Scholarship Program, administered by the American Water Works Association, offers a $5,000 scholarship to graduate-level students pursuing careers in the water industry. Recognizing the vital role of future professionals, AWWA aims to support education in water supply and wastewater management through this scholarship initiative. Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest U.S. investor-owned water utility, emphasizing the importance of investing in education for sustainable water solutions.

The Kars4Kids Small Grant Program aims to support educational initiatives globally, impacting the lives of children. This program welcomes applications from IRS-recognized nonprofit organizations focused on youth development, mentorship, and education. Grants typically range from $500 to $2,000, depending on mission alignment and available funds. Kars4Kids, a national Jewish nonprofit, is dedicated to nurturing productive community members through educational and mentoring opportunities.

The Hardman Fund for North Adams Grant supports projects that enrich the lives of residents in North Adams, Clarksburg, Florida, and Stamford, MA. Established by the Hardman families, it focuses on arts, historic preservation, health, education, and social services. The Fund prioritizes initiatives addressing emergency needs and encourages collaborations among organizations. Grants vary based on available funding and project significance, aiming to uplift communities facing economic challenges.

The NIDCD Cooperative Agreement for Clinical Trials in Communication Disorders (U01) aims to support clinical trials that evaluate interventions for communication disorders. This funding opportunity encourages collaboration between NIDCD Project Scientists and investigators, focusing on trials that require FDA oversight, establish efficacy, or pose risks of harm. By fostering well-designed studies, the NIDCD seeks to advance treatment and prevention strategies in the field of communication disorders.

The HEAL Initiative aims to combat the opioid crisis through action-oriented research that enhances the translation of addiction epidemiology, prevention, treatment, and recovery services into practice. It prioritizes scalable, evidence-based approaches targeting various levels, including individual and community. The initiative supports a range of methods for research deployment, emphasizing collaboration between researchers and decision-makers to improve outcomes for those affected by addiction and related chronic pain.

About Us

advancing the science of water ®

Who We Are

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is the leading research organization advancing the science of all water to meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. WRF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, educational organization that funds, manages, and publishes research on the technology, operation, and management of drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater systems—all in pursuit of ensuring water quality and improving water services to the public.

5412 - Determinants of Workforce Retention in Public-Sector Water Utilities

Grant Information

• Quantify the relative influence of compensation, pension stability, mission alignment, schedule flexibility, leadership support, career development opportunities, and other factors on employee retention in public-sector water utilities.
• Identify and analyze key impediments to retaining talent, including structural, cultural, compensation-related, and organizational barriers.
• Identify and benchmark retention best practices from sectors outside the water industry to assess transferability and develop case studies of high-retention organizations to distill replicable strategies and measurable success factors.

The Sensata Foundation, established in 2017, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting community development and STEM education across the U.S. With a focus on improving access to STEM resources and empowering youth, the Foundation partners with nonprofits to address food insecurity, homelessness, and environmental sustainability. By fostering community partnerships and providing financial support, Sensata Foundation aims to inspire future leaders and enhance the quality of life for all, particularly in underserved areas.

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.

Skilled Trades Scholarship

The Greater Milan Area Community Fund is proud to support students pursuing skilled trades and hands-on career pathways that build practical skills, open doors to stable employment, and strengthen our local community.

Scholarship awards are typically paid directly to the accredited trade program or educational institution and are generally non-taxable.

Applications are evaluated two times each year for awarding in the six months after application and selection.

The NIDDK High Risk Multi-Center Clinical Study Implementation Planning Cooperative Agreements (U34 Clinical Trial Optional) supports innovative, hypothesis-driven clinical studies with a focus on diseases relevant to NIDDK. This initiative facilitates early peer review and assessment of study designs while providing essential support for operational documents. Applicants are encouraged to consult with NIDDK staff before submission to enhance the chances of success.

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.

HIV, AIDS, and prevention

Help with healthcare costs for HIV, AIDS, and prevention

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

HIV, also known as human immunodeficiency virus or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, is a virus that attacks the immune system. When left untreated, it can develop into AIDS. HIV is a chronic disease that affects the immune system.

The Rheum for Kids: Pediatric Skin and Joint Grant, offered by the Arthritis National Research Foundation, is aimed at early-career researchers focused on pediatric joint and skin diseases. This grant provides funding of up to $50,000 for one year to support innovative research projects. It encourages applications from diverse fields to advance the understanding and treatment of rheumatic diseases in children, fostering new insights and potential breakthroughs in pediatric healthcare.

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.

Hillman Barnett Adkins Endowed Fund Scholarship

The Hillman Barnett Adkins Endowed Fund is provided in honor of members of the Hillman, Barnett, and Adkins families. The purpose of the Hillman Barnett Adkins Endowed Fund is to provide financial assistance to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native vocational, undergraduate, and graduate students enrolled at an accredited not-for-profit college/university, vocational school, or Tribally controlled college or university (TCU) and pursuing degrees with a focus in Fine Arts (studio arts), Performing Arts (music, drama, musical theater, dance), Creative Writing, Art History, Visual Communication, Photography, Culinary Arts, Film (Cinematography, Screenwriting), or Fashion Design & Jewelry Design.

This opportunity is a merit-based award.

The William T. Grant Scholars Program provides crucial support for early-career researchers aiming to expand their expertise through innovative research and mentoring. This five-year program focuses on reducing inequality and improving the use of research evidence to benefit young people in the U.S. By emphasizing the development of new disciplines and methods, the program encourages applicants to take bold risks in their research trajectories, ultimately fostering a supportive academic community.

The NIDDK High Risk Multi-Center Clinical Study Cooperative Agreement (U01 Clinical Trial Required) invites applications for high-risk clinical trials that involve multiple centers and aim to change clinical practice or public health. Applicants are encouraged to submit Letters of Intent 30 days before the proposal deadline, with various deadlines set from February 2025 to October 2026. Planning activities must be completed before submission, and consultation with NIDDK staff is advised.

The Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for scholars, artists, and public intellectuals to engage deeply in their projects within a diverse and interdisciplinary community. Each year, 50 fellowships are awarded, encouraging applications from various fields, including humanities, social sciences, and creative arts. The program emphasizes diversity, collegiality, and creativity, welcoming individual or group applications. Fellows benefit from Harvard's extensive resources, allowing them to challenge conventions and explore innovative ideas.

The Watertown Community Foundation offers grants of up to $2,500 for educational enrichment programs in collaboration with Watertown Public Schools. The foundation prioritizes projects that foster collaboration and extend beyond single classrooms, including after-school programs and district-wide initiatives. Preference is given to programs involving partnerships across multiple schools. Organizations with 501(c)(3) status can apply, while certain expenses like transportation and stipends for school employees are ineligible for funding.

The Community Health Grant from the Nashoba Valley Health Care Fund aims to enhance the health of residents across twelve communities. This year's focus is on improving access to quality healthcare, including primary and preventive care and behavioral health services. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $20,000, with larger requests considered for impactful projects. The fund supports tax-exempt organizations committed to addressing community health challenges.

The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation Grant supports organizations dedicated to preserving American exceptionalism through a commitment to individual liberty, free markets, and civic responsibility. It prioritizes proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations that promote informed citizenship and strong communities. With ongoing acceptance of Letters of Inquiry, the Foundation seeks to empower initiatives that align with its principles of limited government and the rule of law, fostering a rich community culture.