Best Grants for Global Health in Massachusetts

The Farmington River Initiative for Regional Excellence (FIRE) Grant aims to enhance educational experiences for students and teachers in the Farmington River School District. This endowed fund invites proposals from various community members for projects that support educational excellence. With a focus on arts integration and creative initiatives, FIRE prioritizes projects that utilize volunteer efforts and show additional support. The grant reinforces the importance of creativity and community engagement in education.

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship

Advancing the science and practice of supporting children to thrive

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship is a global initiative supporting researchers working to deepen our understanding of how children thrive. Spanning disciplines from education and psychology to public health, data science, and humanitarian studies, the fellowship brings together early- and mid-career scholars whose work has the potential to generate evidence that matters for children’s lives.

Fellows receive three years of flexible support to pursue rigorous, practically relevant research, and join a cohort of peers working across the fellowship’s themes. In addition to funding research, the program fosters a community of scholars engaged in meaningful exchange with one another and with research, policy, and practice audiences.

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship is developed in partnership with the LEGO Foundation, and administered by SSRC as part of its commitment to supporting scholars whose work bridges research and real-world impact.

Research themes

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship welcomes research proposals that advance understanding of children’s thriving through one of the following three themes: the youngest children in crisis and conflict settings; inclusion and wellbeing of neurodivergent children; and children’s learning and development in an AI-enabled world. Applicants may explore the role of play where it is relevant to the research question. The consideration of play is optional and not a condition of eligibility.

The Mercer Vu Farms/Ron and Judy Hissong Scholarship for Agriculture Fund honors Ron Hissong, a dedicated dairy farmer. Established by his family, this scholarship supports students from the Tuscarora School District pursuing education in agriculture or related fields, ensuring they can continue Ron's legacy of community contribution. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and a commitment to agriculture, making this opportunity vital for aspiring agricultural professionals.

The John D. Dixon and Louise A. Dixon Memorial Scholarship Fund honors the legacy of its namesakes by supporting graduating seniors from Cedar Cliff and Northern York High Schools. This scholarship aims to assist students with a minimum GPA of 2.5 who demonstrate financial need and a commitment to volunteerism or extracurricular activities. It is a one-time award intended to help students pursue higher education at colleges or technical schools.

Danny Did Foundation

The Danny Did Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation organized in the state of Illinois and recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501©(3) tax-exempt organization. 

Founded by Chicagoans Mike and Mariann Stanton in January 2010 after the death of their four-year-old son Danny, the Danny Did Foundation works toward its mission to prevent deaths caused by seizures with these main goals in mind: advancing public awareness of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), enhancing SUDEP education and disclosure between medical professionals and families afflicted by seizures, and the mainstreaming of seizure detection and prediction devices that may assist in preventing seizure-related deaths.

Danny Did Foundation Hardship Grant

The Danny Did Foundation (“Foundation”) strives to assist individuals and families living with seizures. With an approved Request for Funding, the Foundation will provide monetary funding to the Grantee so they may gain access to a particular device or technology (“Device”) that the Grantee, in collaboration with the Grantee’s medical providers and professionals, independently deem appropriate. This money shall be defined as “Funds” and the spending of any Funds shall be at the sole discretion of the Grantee. The Foundation does not direct, limit, participate, or manage the decision-making or purchase of any specific Device.

While no Device has been proven to prevent epilepsy-related mortality (including SUDEP), the Danny Did Foundation is devoted to seeking out resources that may assist families living with epilepsy.

Hardship Grant: I am unable to make a purchase for the epilepsy related resource I seek therefore I am requesting a hardship grant. If I am approved for funding, I agree to provide a receipt for the resource I purchase to the Danny Did Foundation within 14 days of receiving the grant check, or I will return the funds to the Danny Did Foundation. 

The DHQP Global NOFO aims to enhance the CDC's mission against antimicrobial resistance (AR) by integrating non-research implementation with focused research. This initiative addresses urgent global threats posed by various pathogens and healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). By leveraging existing CDC networks, the NOFO seeks to improve detection, surveillance, and infection control measures, ultimately reducing illness and mortality while protecting healthcare workers and patients, especially in low and middle-income countries.

The Big 33 Academic Scholarship Fund, managed by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, offers financial assistance to Pennsylvania high school seniors planning to pursue higher education. Eligible students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and demonstrate academic achievement, community service, and leadership. Since its inception in 1985, the fund has awarded over $3.9 million in scholarships, helping countless students achieve their academic goals and overcome obstacles.

The Luther Halsey Gulick Award, presented by SHAPE America, recognizes individuals with over ten years of membership who have made outstanding contributions to health and physical education. This prestigious honor is awarded annually to a candidate selected for their exemplary leadership and service in the field. Nominations are carefully evaluated based on the candidate's impact on the profession and their ability to inspire future generations to lead healthy, active lives.

The Mentored Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant Award for Workforce Expansion, funded by the Rheumatology Research Foundation, aims to increase the number of rheumatology healthcare providers across the U.S. This initiative addresses the growing demand for specialists, particularly in underserved areas. With an award amount of $25,000 for one year, it equips new NP/PAs with essential skills and knowledge needed for successful integration into rheumatology practices, enhancing patient access to quality care.

This grant aims to enhance global polio eradication efforts through innovative modeling approaches. It focuses on developing effective strategies for cVDPV2 outbreak response and optimizing surveillance following global WPV eradication. The initiative also seeks to build a skilled public health workforce in statistical and mathematical modeling, assess economic impacts of response strategies, and foster capacity among students to address polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

The Newton E. & Hester G. Dilgard Memorial Scholarship, administered by the Ashland County Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Ashland County high schools with a minimum GPA of 2.75. This scholarship honors the legacy of Newton E. Dilgard, a self-made business leader and advocate for education, promoting the pursuit of excellence in chosen fields. It aims to assist students in attending accredited colleges or universities, reinforcing the foundation's commitment to community development.

Napa Valley Community Foundation

There are more than 800 Community Foundations in the US, each devoted to a specific region. We operate independently, with a common goal in mind: to be a platform for local people who want to pay it forward. To deliver resources to effective charitable programs. And to make our communities stronger and more successful by doing these two things.

Among our peers, Napa Valley Community Foundation ranks first on several key measures of donor satisfaction and impact, according to a recent donor survey conducted by the Center for Effective Philanthropy. Our donors say that we deeply understand their interests, and deeply understand the needs of Napa Valley. That, in a nutshell, is our job.

Ted Kohler Music Scholarship

The Ted Kohler Music Scholarship benefits Calistoga students who are committed to music and wish to advance their musical development. The scholarship can be used to pay for activities such as music lessons or summer camp, or for college tuition (where the student demonstrates their desire to continue their musical education). The Ted Kohler Scholarship was established in 1997 to promote musical participation and aspirations in honor of Ted, who upon retirement from San Francisco State University, became a full-time musician and leader of the Napa Valley Jazz Band. He encouraged people of all ages to express themselves musically.

The Robert W. and Martha D. Casciani Scholarship, managed by the Ashland County Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Ashland County high schools who have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and are pursuing degrees in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering at accredited colleges outside the county. This scholarship honors the legacy of Robert and Martha Casciani, who were committed to their community and education, encouraging future generations to achieve their academic goals.

The Gretchen Miller Bowker Scholarship, offered by the Central Indiana Community Foundation, provides financial assistance to women pursuing education in STEM fields. Designed to support tuition, room and board, and related fees, this scholarship aims to empower women in their educational journeys. Eligibility includes demonstrating financial need and enrollment in a qualifying program. With a commitment to building a community of opportunity, this scholarship is a vital resource for aspiring female STEM students.

The MFi Legacy Fund grant, managed by the Medfield Foundation Inc., aims to enrich the lives of Medfield residents through community initiatives. Eligible applicants must be registered non-profits or associated with town departments, focusing on programs that exclusively serve Medfield. The grant process involves submitting an application to participate in the Pitch It! event, where successful applicants present their projects. Grants are awarded based on these presentations, fostering a stronger community through collaborative efforts.

Syndax Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

At Syndax, we are determined to realize a future in which people with cancer live longer and better than ever before. We believe that it takes a community to build a great medicine, and that is why we are working to set the new standard for developing medicines in the field of oncology – one that revolves around collaboration, shared learning, and excellence.

Syndax’s mission is to obtain regulatory approval and commercialize drugs that extend and improve the lives of cancer patients by drawing on the newest scientific research and advances, collaborating with determined problem solvers, and identifying value in overlooked aspects of science.

Educational Funding

At Syndax, we are committed to the goal of supporting objective, balanced and scientifically rigorous education that furthers improvements in science, medicine, and patient care. We accomplish this goal, in part, by providing grants for independent medical education (IME) programs. These can include live, online, and/or enduring programs that educate healthcare providers (HCPs), patients, or caregivers. Programs that are funded via Syndax medical education grants must be primarily dedicated, in both effort and time, to medical, health or scientific topics that are objective, balanced, unbiased, and scientifically rigorous. Medical education grants must never be made with the intent to directly or indirectly reward, influence or encourage the recipient to prescribe, purchase, sell or arrange for any Syndax product.

The Tim and Sharon (Hemmeter) Buren Scholarship, managed by the Ashland County Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors and current students from Mapleton or Northwestern high schools. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 and gain acceptance to an accredited college or vocational school. This scholarship encourages educational advancement, providing crucial financial assistance to both traditional and non-traditional students, thereby contributing to the community's future prosperity.

The Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF) offers grants to support Native farmers and ranchers through business assistance, agricultural education, technical support, and advocacy services. Established from the Keepseagle v. Vilsack settlement, NAAF is committed to providing essential resources to eligible organizations, including 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, and tribal governments. Special focuses include inflation assistance and market access, ensuring a holistic approach to agricultural support.

The Ashland County Farm Bureau Scholarship supports high school seniors and college students from Ashland County pursuing degrees in agriculture. Established in partnership with the Ashland County Community Foundation, the scholarship emphasizes academic excellence, requiring a minimum GPA of 2.5. This initiative reflects the Farm Bureau's long-standing commitment to empowering youth interested in agriculture, ensuring they have the financial resources to further their education and contribute to the agricultural community.

The Howe Foundation, established by Thomas E. Howe in Clark County, Nevada, supports U.S. charitable organizations focused on education, medical advancements, and game hunters associations. Grants are administered by Wells Fargo Bank, with applications reviewed annually in September. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt under the Internal Revenue Code, ensuring support for meaningful community initiatives.

The St. Catherine of Alexandria Scholarship, established by Robert and Elaine Damler, aims to support Marion County residents facing significant personal hardships. This scholarship is designed for students pursuing higher education at accredited institutions, with a strong preference for those demonstrating financial need and overcoming challenges such as being first-generation college students or from single-parent households. The scholarship covers essential educational expenses and encourages applicants who are committed to improving their lives.

The AHRQ Improving Diagnostic Safety in Ambulatory Care (R18) program invites proposals aimed at enhancing diagnostic safety in ambulatory settings. This initiative supports the development, testing, and evaluation of strategies and interventions that address diagnostic challenges in healthcare. The goal is to improve patient safety and quality of care through innovative solutions tailored to the diverse needs of ambulatory care environments.

The TeenWorks Scholarship, offered by the Central Indiana Community Foundation, supports Indiana residents participating in TeenWorks programs. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship can be used for educational expenses at accredited institutions, including tuition, required fees, and books. Preference is given to applicants attending Indiana schools. The scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities for students committed to their academic success.

The Sundance Collab's Cultural Impact Residency, honoring Michael Latt, is a six-month online program supporting early-career, underrepresented storytellers focused on social impact. Running from March to August 2026, it offers mentorship, feedback sessions, and resources to eight selected fellows in screenwriting, directing, and documentary filmmaking. This opportunity is designed for works-in-progress, fostering a supportive creative community to inspire and develop impactful narratives.

The Vela Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations focused on improving nutrition and wellness in underserved communities, particularly those with annual budgets under $5 million. Preference is given to organizations operating in low-income areas and those with budgets under $3 million. The foundation aims to enhance access to healthy foods and provide nutrition education in the Greater Boston area and Gateway Cities, fostering entrepreneurial programs that promote community wellness.

The Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services (NANH) program, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), aims to support Native American Tribes, Alaska Native Villages, and organizations serving Native Hawaiians. It focuses on preserving heritage and culture through educational services, workforce development, capacity building, community engagement, and effective collections stewardship. This initiative is crucial for sustaining the rich cultural heritage of Native communities.