Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Massachusetts

About the Russell Sage Foundation

One of the oldest American foundations, the Russell Sage Foundation, was established by Mrs. Margaret Olivia Sage in 1907 for “the improvement of social and living conditions in the United States.” In its early years, the foundation undertook major projects in low-income housing, urban planning, social work, and labor reform. The foundation now dedicates itself to strengthening the methods, data, and theories of the social sciences to diagnose social problems and improve social policies. It also funds researchers at other institutions and supports programs intended to develop new generations of social scientists.

Margaret Olivia Sage (MOS) Grants

The Russell Sage Foundation (RSF) is launching a new competition, the Margaret Olivia Sage (MOS) Grants, to support research by multi- or inter-disciplinary teams on social, economic, and political challenges with generational consequences for social and living conditions in the United States. Such challenges are typically national in scope, involve both systemic and individual factors, and the questions they raise are as urgent for policymakers and communities as they are for researchers.

The Prospective PK-6 Elementary Teacher Course Work Scholarship, offered by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, provides financial support to college students aiming to become certified elementary teachers focused on mathematics. Eligible candidates must complete their sophomore year, maintain a GPA of at least 3.0, and demonstrate a commitment to teaching. This scholarship promotes high-quality mathematics education, ensuring future educators are well-prepared to inspire students in their learning journey.

The Professional Development Scholarship, offered by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, supports educators in enhancing their expertise in history, number theory, or discrete mathematics. This scholarship aids in completing coursework, developing classroom activities, and delivering professional presentations. Eligible applicants must have a minimum of three years of teaching experience and currently teach mathematics at the 6-12 grade levels. Projects must be completed by August 31 of the following year.

The Level 1 Rural Outreach Grant, offered by the National Association of Realtors, aims to enhance REALTORS®' understanding of rural issues. With a maximum award of $3,000, this grant is available once per calendar year to associations. It supports educational efforts and promotes smart growth and diversity in rural communities. Grant recipients are required to complete an evaluation form for the funded activities, ensuring accountability and effectiveness in addressing rural challenges.

The Opening Gates for Prospective Teachers Grant, established by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aims to honor Dr. James Gates by funding electronic student memberships for prospective mathematics teachers from PreK-12. This initiative supports the council's mission to enhance mathematics education by providing resources for future educators. Eligible applicants include leaders of teacher preparation programs who are NCTM members and actively involved in certifying teacher candidates in mathematics or related fields.

The Robert C. Seamans, Jr. Fellowship in Science, Technology, and Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School supports students excelling in research and management at the intersection of technology and public policy. This fellowship fosters future leadership in these critical areas, ensuring a commitment to addressing pressing public challenges. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged, as the program is designed to promote inclusivity and recognizes the importance of varied perspectives in policy-making.

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds. 

Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

Richard W. and Florence B. Irwin Scholarship Fund, Bank of America, Trustee

To support male residents of Northampton with a preference for students attending law school. Consideration will be given to students attending medical school or studying to become religious ministers.

Additional Guidelines

• Students can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships from the Community Foundation.
• Scholarship awards could impact the financial aid offered by a college, and students are advised to check with their college financial aid offices about this.
• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. Some part and/or all the award could be considered taxable income. It is advisable students check with the college or tax accountant regarding this matter.

The Limited Competition K12 Mentored Research Career Development Program aims to support institutions in developing innovative career pathways for later-stage postdoctoral fellows and junior faculty. This initiative encourages applicants from those with existing Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) to foster independent research careers. By creating diverse opportunities across academia, industry, and government, the program enhances engagement in clinical and translational science research, ultimately contributing to significant advancements in health outcomes.

Our Consortium

ROAR (Rare Organic Acidemias Research) is a multi‑center study that brings together patients, families, clinicians, and researchers to better understand rare organic acidemias such as PA, MMA, GA‑1, IVA, and others. Our goal is to improve lifelong care and future treatment options for the rare disease community.

ROAR works in partnership with patient organizations, clinicians, and research networks to ensure that study findings are shared, accessible, and meaningful. Families play a central role in shaping our questions and informing our direction.

Rare Organic Acidemias Research (ROAR) Consortium Pilot and Feasibility Grants

The overall mission of the ROAR pilot & feasibility grant is to support small projects which advance diagnosis, enhance clinical trial readiness, and improve therapies and outcomes for individuals with organic acidemias. Potential pilot projects may include data-mining of existing data, genotype-phenotype correlations, observational studies, patient-reported outcomes assessments, focus groups with patients and advocacy groups, interventional clinical trials (with prior NIH approval), biomarker studies, ancillary studies to ROAR clinical projects, or other similar projects. Upon completion of funding, we expect that the data generated from ROAR pilot projects will be leveraged for larger grant applications and larger projects within and outside the consortium. Moreover, we expect that the data generated will inform the design of future clinical trials and clinical studies in organic acidemias and ultimately, will impact the lives of individuals with organic acidemias by improving the diagnosis, management, and treatment for these disorders. 

Annual funding of up to $40,000 (total cost, including indirect costs) is available to support one pilot project for a one-year period. The ROAR Consortium intends to fund at least 1 award this cycle starting on October 15, 2026.

The Science of Science: Discovery, Communication and Impact (SoS:DCI) program aims to enhance the public value of scientific activities through interdisciplinary research. It encourages proposals that investigate the mechanisms of scientific discovery, improve understanding of communication and outcomes, and explore how science contributes to evidence-based policymaking and public value creation. SoS:DCI seeks to advance empirical research that informs these critical areas.

The Charles Koch Foundation invites innovative proposals for research that aligns with its vision of social progress and mutual benefit. Focused on supporting 501(c)(3) non-profit public charities and universities in the U.S., the Foundation emphasizes original projects of high standards. While it welcomes a broad range of ideas, it typically does not fund for-profit ventures, overhead costs, or certain areas like medical treatment and political activities.

The Mildred Rowlett Scholarship, offered by the Central Kentucky Community Foundation, supports Hart County graduating seniors in their pursuit of higher education. To qualify, applicants must rank in the top 15% of their class and aim for a degree in mathematics or a related field. This scholarship exemplifies the foundation's commitment to enhancing community life through educational opportunities.

The Healthcare Auxiliary Scholarship, offered by the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, provides two scholarships of $2,500 each for students pursuing careers in healthcare. Eligible applicants must reside in Canaan, Cornwall, Kent, North Canaan, Salisbury, or Sharon. Preference is given to those who actively volunteer and engage with their community. This initiative aims to support local students in achieving their academic and professional goals in the healthcare sector.

The BJA FY25 Capital Case Litigation Initiative aims to enhance the quality of legal representation in state capital cases, ensuring effective public representation and support for indigent defendants. This initiative is part of the OJP's commitment to uphold the rule of law, protect civil rights, and address public safety challenges. Through federal leadership and funding, OJP seeks to bolster law enforcement efforts and combat violent crime, thereby improving community safety and justice.

The Surveillance and Case Control Study of Stillbirth and Birth Defects (SUCCSSBD) aims to enhance the quality of birth defects and stillbirth surveillance in the U.S. By modernizing data collection through electronic case reporting, the initiative seeks to improve data quality and timeliness. The study will focus on identifying risk factors for birth defects and stillbirths, addressing a significant public health issue that affects thousands of pregnancies annually. CDC funding will support three key components in this effort.

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds. 

Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

Helen Hamilton Scholarship Fund

Supporting residents of Franklin, Hampden or Hampshire County pursuing degrees in Social Services, Housing Studies, Urban Design and other related fields with a preference for students who have demonstrated a commitment to community service.

Additional Guidelines

• Students can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships from the Community Foundation.
• Scholarship awards could impact the financial aid offered by a college, and students are advised to check with their college financial aid offices about this.
• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. Some part and/or all the award could be considered taxable income. It is advisable students check with the college or tax accountant regarding this matter.

The Charles Edison Fund Fellowship at Harvard Kennedy School supports students aiming to enhance the impact of the Science, Technology, and Public Policy Program. This fellowship targets those committed to addressing significant public issues through innovative solutions. Ideal for both U.S. and international applicants, it emphasizes merit and financial need, aligning with Harvard's mission to foster public policy leadership and promote a just and sustainable society.

In just one application, our Common Scholarship Application provides students access to more than 150 scholarship opportunities with awards ranging from $1,000 to more than $5,000.

In 2025, San Diego Foundation awarded a record-breaking $5.5 million in scholarships to nearly 1,400 students.

Rotary Club of San Diego Diana Venable Scholarship

Diana Venable was a successful San Diego entrepreneur who spent much of her adult life devoted to helping financially disadvantaged children and young adults achieve a sense of respect, responsibility, and academic achievement in order to overcome the repeated cycle of poverty. As a member of the Rotary Club of San Diego, Ms. Venable exemplified the Rotary Motto of “Service Above Self” by contributing her time, financial resources, leadership, and enthusiasm to the cause of helping others experience the fulfillment of a more rewarding life through personal and educational achievement. This Scholarship Fund is dedicated to carrying on a small portion of the legacy of Ms. Venable, who, unfortunately, died at an early age.

The purpose of the Diana Venable Scholarship Fund is to enable low to moderate-income students who have a record of academic achievement and personal growth, along with leadership potential for both professional careers and civic contributions, to attend a college program. The primary focus will be on students who have ties to Rotary School Programs at Hoover, San Diego High and Monarch or students who have past Rotary ties through the Club’s other school programs or Club members at large. Recipients will be chosen during the second semester of their junior year and must meet rigorous standards in their senior year including: academic performance, personal growth through extracurricular, community service, and other activities, financial need, a high degree of motivation, and excellent communication skills. Recipients are also expected to actively pursue other sources of financial aid. The Diana Venable Scholarship committee will select one recipient to receive $20,000 over 4-5 years.

This scholarship may be used for tuition, books, fees, room & board, and other educational expenses.

This scholarship may be renewable (depending upon available funds) for up to five consecutive years of undergraduate coursework provided the recipient maintains full-time enrollment, a minimum 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, and good citizenship record.

• Average number of awards: 1-2
• Average amount of award: not to exceed $5000 annually

In just one application, our Common Scholarship Application provides students access to more than 150 scholarship opportunities with awards ranging from $1,000 to more than $5,000.

In 2025, San Diego Foundation awarded a record-breaking $5.5 million in scholarships to nearly 1,400 students.

Wen Bo Wang Scholarship

Be graduating high school seniors and plan to enroll full-time at an accredited four-year university in the United States in fall.

The National Endowment for the Humanities invites K-12 teachers and higher education faculty to apply for the Landmarks of American History and Culture and Summer Institutes program. This initiative aims to enhance humanities education through professional development opportunities, fostering a deeper understanding of historical and cultural landmarks. Participants will engage in enriching experiences designed to improve teaching practices and student learning outcomes in the humanities.

The Allegheny County Airport Authority Charitable Foundation Scholarship Fund, established by The Pittsburgh Foundation, supports students pursuing careers in aviation. Eligible applicants must reside in specific Pennsylvania counties, demonstrate financial need, and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. Preference is given to military veterans. This initiative reflects the Foundation's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and fostering community engagement within the aviation sector.

The Judge William Wayne Justice Endowed Presidential Scholarship in Law recognizes a third-year law student demonstrating academic excellence and a commitment to civil rights and civil liberties. Established in honor of Judge William Wayne Justice, this scholarship is supported by a generous gift from Elizabeth Parrish. It aims to promote public interest lawyering, providing critical financial support to enhance access to justice and empower future legal leaders.

The Cornerstone: Learning for Living Planning Grants, sponsored by The Teagle Foundation and NEH, aim to revitalize humanities education in higher learning. With a focus on transformative texts and faculty engagement, the initiative encourages diverse institutions to innovate general education. Grants up to $25,000 support curriculum reform and professional development, fostering a sense of belonging and community among students while enhancing their analytical skills and cultural awareness.

Canon U.S.A Donations focuses on supporting local communities and environmental initiatives. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and adhere to guidelines that prioritize youth support and environmental sustainability. Canon emphasizes good standing with charity watchdogs and will not consider requests for individual needs or certain types of fundraising activities. This initiative reflects Canon's commitment to corporate social responsibility and community engagement.

The Mathematics Grades 6–12 Pre-service Teacher Course Work Scholarship, offered by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aims to support college students preparing to teach secondary school mathematics. Eligible candidates include those completing their sophomore year with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, pursuing a full-time teaching credential. This scholarship fosters high-quality mathematics education, ensuring that future teachers have the necessary resources to succeed in their academic and professional journeys.

The Grades 7-12 Preservice Teacher Coursework Scholarship, provided by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, offers financial support for students preparing to teach secondary school mathematics. Eligible candidates must be college sophomores or graduate students with a minimum GPA of 3.0. This scholarship aids in funding coursework and graduation within two to three years, ensuring a robust pipeline of qualified mathematics educators.

Community Foundation of Northern Nevada

Established in 1998 as a Nevada nonprofit 501(c) 3 Corporation, the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada has distributed more than $200 million in grants and scholarships from over 300 charitable funds to strengthen our Nevada home. 

Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Northern Nevada’s Scholarship Program is intended to help students cover the ever-increasing cost of tuition. Some of our scholarships are based on financial need, but others represent an award for achievement. These scholarships typically go to students who have excelled in an academic area or have shown they can balance academics, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities. There are also scholarships designated for students who have overcome adversity, students pursuing degrees in high-need areas, and adult learners outside the traditional college age group. Community Foundation scholarships can help cover tuition, books, and on-campus housing.

General Fred Michel Memorial Scholarship

You are eligible to apply for a scholarship if you:

• provide strong evidence of interest in aviation as a career
• are a senior graduating from a northern Nevada high school, or are enrolled in or accepted to an accredited institution of higher education (2-year, 4-year, trade school, or certificate program)
• are pursuing or plan to pursue a degree in a field related to aviation
• have a minimum 1000 SAT and/or minimum 20 ACT score
• have a minimum 2.75 GPA
• agree to maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA and submit an unofficial copy of transcripts at the end of each semester you are receiving an award