Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Massachusetts

KajjecK Scholarship

To provide financial assistance to Rochester City School District students pursuing a college degree. 

Number and Size of Awards

One award of $4,000; paid as $1,000 per year for up to four consecutive years of undergraduate study. Award paid in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters. ***Offered in even years. ***

Allowed Use of Award

Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education.

The ASTR Brooks McNamara Publishing Subvention supports costs related to reproducing illustrations for publications, including securing rights and acquiring images. It is available to independent or affiliated scholars with terminal degrees who are ASTR members. The award offers up to $600, with preference given to junior scholars. Projects will be evaluated based on their merit within theatre, dance, and performance studies, as well as the scholar's research endeavors.

We award over 120 scholarships each year to Monroe County residents. Whether you’re heading to college, pursuing a technical career, or furthering your education as an adult, there’s a scholarship for you. 

Harold and Helen Rammler Nursing Scholarship

Available to students pursuing a degree in nursing.

The White-Reinhardt Grant offers funding for projects that enhance agricultural literacy among K-12 students. With grants of up to $1,000 available, state and county Farm Bureaus can initiate new educational programs or expand existing ones. This initiative, supported by the American Farm Bureau Federation and its Women’s Leadership Committee, honors the contributions of Berta White and Linda Reinhardt, aiming to bolster agricultural knowledge across the nation.

Robert & Pauline Hoover Scholarship Fund

The Robert and Pauline Hoover Scholarship was established in 2006 as part of Robert’s estate plan after he died. Robert had a degree in banking from Columbia University in New York City. When he finished his graduate degree, he came back to his native Chester Township to engage in farming and banking. Robert was the North Manchester Kiwanis Star of Service recipient and had a passion for civic and business affairs.

John L. Eckert Memorial Educational Scholarship Endowment

Family and friends of John Eckert established The John L. Eckert Memorial Scholarship Endowment to memorialize the life of John and his dedication to education. Mr. Eckert was Manchester Community School’s superintendent from 1982 to 1992. From 1971 to 1982, he was the superintendent for the Rochester Community School Corporation, and before that Mr. Eckert was a teacher for Huntington Community Schools and for Southwood High School.

George W. and Donna Mae Russell Scholarship Endowment

George and Donna Russell wanted to make a difference for the future, so instead of investments for themselves, they invested in students who will go off to college and return with a good education and great ideas for their community. When George Russell died in 2001, he left part of a farm to the Community Foundation of Wabash County. The sale of the farm was used to establish an annual scholarship for a worthy student from a Wabash County high school who is pursuing a degree or a vocational education. Applicants are selected based on financial need, academic achievement, moral character, leadership, and attitude toward school and community.

The Walter B. Lowe Continuing Education Scholarship, managed by the Decatur County Community Foundation, aims to support adults over 40 in Decatur County, Indiana, pursuing a 2-year, 4-year, or graduate degree. This scholarship alleviates the financial burden of education, promoting lifelong learning and personal development. For more details, interested candidates can contact the Decatur County Community Foundation at (812) 662-6364. This initiative reflects the foundation's mission to inspire community generosity and create lasting impact.

Bromley Educational Scholarship

In her will, Mrs. Deane Bromley Hastings established a scholarship to honor members of the Bromley family. Recipients are residents of the City of Wabash, Indiana, and are chosen from among the students most likely to succeed in post-secondary education.

National PTA® is the oldest and largest child advocacy association in America. For 125 years, PTA has worked with school communities and decision makers to solve the toughest problems in our nation’s history.

PTA is a network of millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools.

PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education.

Here for Healthy Schools: Quality Time Off (QTO) Grant

National PTA teamed up with Lysol to support healthier school environments through its HERE for Healthy Schools program. The HERE for Healthy Schools: Quality Time Off (QTO) Grant, funded by Lysol, provides funding and resources to help PTAs create meaningful in-school experiences, designed to foster connection, engagement, and lasting memories for families nationwide. 

Five selected PTAs will each receive:

• $2,000 to help enhance your PTA’s planned family engagement activities; and
• 50 canisters of Lysol Disinfecting Wipes intended to help reduce the spread of illness-causing germs in classrooms and common areas on campus.

Noble County Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Noble County Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 2007 by the board of directors of the Community Foundation of Noble County for the purpose of allowing Noble County residents the opportunity to memorialize a friend, family, or loved one without creating a named endowment fund where the minimum is much larger than the $1,000 minimum for this fund.

Awards Per Year:

3 scholarships

Degrees/Programs:

Certificate, Vocational, Associates degree (2-year), Bachelor’s degree (4-year)

Areas of Study:

Any

The Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network (BPN) at the NIH aims to advance small molecule drug discovery and development. This program supports investigators in their own labs while offering access to NIH experts and contract research organizations. By combining NIH resources with industry expertise, BPN reduces risks in drug development, enabling partners to undertake late-stage projects. Focused on small molecules, it uses a cooperative agreement mechanism to support innovative, higher-risk projects, fostering essential collaborations for successful therapeutic advancements.

Ellenbecker, Oliver and Eleanor Scholarship Bachelor’s Program Fund

For Noble County High School seniors (one awarded to a Central Noble High School senior, one awarded to an East Noble High School senior, one awarded to Oak Farm Montessori School senior, one awarded to a West Noble High School senior) who will be attending a four-year college or university as a full-time student. Awards $3,500 one-time.

Awards Per Year:

1 scholarship

Areas of Study:

Any

Glass, Paul Memorial Scholarship Fund

A one-time payment for a high school senior or undergraduate college student from Noble County who is pursuing a career in agriculture related field. Awards $750 one time. Students can reapply. 

Amount

$750

Awards Per Year:

1 scholarship

Colleges:

Any accredited college or university

Areas of Study:

Agriculture

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

Medical Scholarship

At a very early age in Alabama, Lee Essie Smith was a self-taught musician. After losing her mother as a young teenager, she began putting her God-given musical talent to work as a pianist for several churches. By the time she graduated from high school, she had learned the cosmetology trade and met Charlie McMillan, Jr.

After his wife’s death, Mr. McMillan continued his community service with the Democratic Party, Habitat for Humanity and Mt. Olive Baptist Church as an usher. Although he did not serve very long in the military, Mr. McMillan continues to exemplify the values and physical energy of the “Army Strong” slogan. He is the patriarch of the family – always dapper – and a regular attendee at church services.

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

Mildred Culbert Kelly & Fred W. Kelly Non-Traditional Student Scholarship

Mildred Culbert Kelly and Fred W. Kelly never had children, but they were generous with contributions of time and talent to church and community groups that focused on youngsters.

Prior to his death in 1989, Mr. Kelly had been employed as an insurance agent and later purchased the Wheeler Insurance Agency which he owned and operated until his retirement in 1977. He was a founding member and past president of the Optimist Club and he assisted in establishing Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Saginaw and the READ Saginaw program.

Mrs. Kelly retired from the Accounting Department at Chevrolet Saginaw Grey Iron Foundry after 39 years of service. She volunteered at First United Methodist Church as director of the Children’s Choir, the Interpretive Choir and the Sacred Dance Group for many years. She was also a volunteer at READ Saginaw and Delta College Channel 19 and was a past president of the Opti-Mrs. Club. She died in 2000 at the age of 94.

Mildred Culbert Kelly and Fred W. Kelly’s legacy continues to assist youth with scholarships for students who might not otherwise obtain a college or Career and Technical Education (CTE) degree/certificate.

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

Nexteer Scholarship

The Nexteer Scholarship Fund mission is to help high school graduates in financial need through a scholarship program for residents of Saginaw, Midland and Bay Counties who are pursuing a career in engineering or general business. The goal is to help deserving individuals within our community achieve their career goals – an objective which has the added benefit of improving the community-at-large. 

Nexteer draws upon a 100 year heritage of vehicle integration expertise and product workmanship. The company has a strong foundation and a reputation for providing dependable steering solutions and enduring customer relationships.

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

Saginaw Choral Society – Joanne Robertson Memorial Scholarship

Joanne Robertson, a lifelong resident of Saginaw, devoted much of her life to community service. Her 30 years of professional work was with the Buena Vista School District, where she was a speech and language pathologist helping young people with their communication skills.

Joanne was an enthusiastic supporter of the performing arts. Her interest in music was both as a patron and as a performer. She sang with the Saginaw Choral Society for 14 years. She served as their librarian, vice president of marketing and vice president of membership. The Joanne Robertson Memorial Scholarship was created to perpetuate the memory of her devotion to helping others and her love of music.

About Us

Driving Positive Change in Noble County!

At the Community Foundation of Noble County we are passionate about making Noble County an even better place to call home. Since 1991, area residents have been turning to the Community Foundation of Noble County to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible, as we see it as our mission to serve as a catalyst for positive change. The Community Foundation of Noble County is a public charity 501 (c) 3 entity.

As a group of invested community members, we identify local current and emerging issues and stimulate resources to address those needs, helping our region prepare for the future. We then leverage gifts and bequests from generous donors like you to drive positive change through grants in such areas as arts and culture, education, health and human services, civic affairs and other charitable areas of interest.

Our Mission

To improve the quality of life in Noble County by serving as catalyst for positive change, enabling donors to carry out charitable intent, and making grants.

Noble County Memorial Scholarship Fund #2 (sport)

In memory of: Kenneth Forker, Chester E. Dekko, Howard G. Heckner, John E. Hogan, Dorothy Mossman, Dave Knopp, Loretta and Christine Noe, Sandra K. Shepherd, Sylvan Springs, Ruthann Richards, Linda L. Speakman-Yerick and William Wesley “Wes” and Amelia Freshe.

Updated for 2026 Opportunity #2:

A $1,000 one-time payment awarded to the top 3 high school seniors who live in Noble County currently enrolled in Central Noble, Churubusco, East Noble, and West Noble who has shown strong community involvement, has been active in various volunteer committees, and has participated in any school-sponsored sports all four years of high school.

The Women & Girls Mental Health Mini-Grant, offered by the City of Boston's Office of Women's Advancement, aims to support innovative mental health programming for women and girls. Grants of up to $20,000 are available for collaborative applications from 501(c)(3) organizations serving Boston residents. This initiative focuses on enhancing mental health through education, mentorship, and community engagement, ensuring accessible and culturally responsive services for all participants.

The NWPA Food Council Scholarship, offered by the Erie Community Foundation, supports Erie County high school graduates with a minimum 3.0 GPA pursuing post-secondary education or training. With over $800,000 awarded in 2023, this scholarship is particularly aimed at those entering the food, grocery, or convenience store industries. This initiative underscores the Foundation's commitment to empowering local students and enhancing workforce development in essential sectors.

Philip & Leta Shriver Scholarship

Philip Shriver grew up in rural South Whitley and graduated from South Whitley High School. Leta Bernice Keel graduated from South Whitley High School in 1940. The two married on April 4, 1943. They made their home on a farm in rural South Whitley.

Leta was employed by Virgil Heinselman’s Locker and G & G Grocery. She was a member of the South Whitley United Methodist Church until she died on June 26, 2005.

A career-long farmer, Phil had a large chicken and egg operation for years, maintaining over 5000 chickens. An advocate for the industry, he was instrumental in stopping an egg carton tax proposed by the State of Ohio. He also worked construction for Morris Darley of South Whitley for many years. Phil was an accomplished welder and metal fabricator, making several crosses that adorn the steeples of area churches.

This scholarship was created as a gift from the estate of Philip Shriver after his death in 2021. It is open to any Whitley County graduating senior who plans to further their education in the field of agriculture or church-related work.

Whitley County 4-H Helping Hands Scholarship

This scholarship will go to a Whitley County senior involved with 4-H. Please contact the 4-H Extension Office for more information. The recipient will be selected during the Whitley County 4-H fair.

Orizon Real Estate Ducks Unlimited Scholarship

This scholarship goes to a Whitley County senior pursuing and education in conservation or the environment.

The Rotary Club of Milwaukee Scholarship provides financial support and mentorship to high school seniors in Milwaukee pursuing higher education. This program, which has been active for over 110 years, aims to invest in the next generation of community leaders. Recipients not only receive financial aid but also engage in educational programming and are paired with mentors for guidance throughout their college journey, ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed.

The Institutional Translational Research Training Program (T32) aims to prepare trainees for advancing basic research into clinical applications. This program focuses on developing essential skills in experimental design, statistical analysis, and effective science communication. Participants, including advanced predoctoral students and postdoctoral fellows, will engage in a two-year training program that fosters collaboration among neuroscientists and clinicians, ultimately equipping them to tackle basic research challenges and translate discoveries into viable therapies.

Hero Fund America Fund Seeks Applications for its First Responders Grant Round

Hero Fund America (HFA) Fund, a field-of-interest fund of the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, is seeking applications for its First Responders Grant Round for programs, projects, and other needs that will support education, training, lifesaving equipment, and mental health of fire, emergency medical services (EMS), and law enforcement agencies.

Hero Fund America Fund was founded in partnership with Hero Fund America by Garth Roberts of Sharon Springs, NY. Inspired by the selfless and heroic efforts of first responders during the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings, Roberts initiated the Provincetown First Responders Appreciation Month, honoring 45 Boston EMS paramedics, emergency medical technicians, dispatchers, and their families. The success of that project inspired the 2016 creation of Hero Fund America.

Since 2016, the fund has awarded more than 100 grants totaling over $123,000 to meet the needs of first responders across the nation.

“Grants awarded through the Hero Fund America Fund have helped departments improve their abilities to better serve and protect the civilian population,” said Roberts. “Hero Fund America remains firmly committed to raising both funding and awareness in support of the First Responder community.”