Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Massachusetts

The Helen & Howard R. Marraro Prize in Italian History, awarded annually by the American Historical Association, honors exceptional works in Italian history, cultural history, or Italo-American relations. Established in 1897, this prestigious award recognizes books published in English by North American historians. Currently valued at $1,000, submissions for the 2025 award must have a copyright of 2024. Winners will be announced in October 2025, with a ceremony at the January 2026 AHA annual meeting in Chicago.

Community Foundation of the North State

The Community Foundation builds trust through relationship, integrity, and by providing safe places for donors to give their resources.

We are a nonprofit, public charity serving the people of Shasta, Siskiyou and Tehama counties, with a mission to impact the region through the power of giving.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of the North State manages many scholarship funds that are awarded to graduating high school seniors as well as students already in an undergraduate program. Some scholarships were started by families or individuals; others by businesses or organizations. All scholarships share one important focus: helping young people reach their educational goals.

Jeanne Yalon-Owens Memorial Scholarship

Jeanne Marie Yalon was born in San Francisco, CA. She earned a BSN from both UC Davis and San Francisco State University and a MN from Louisiana State University Health Science Center.

Jeanne’s ability to connect with people was immediate. You were better in her presence because she saw and encouraged who you were. She radiated joy, communicated empathy and maintained a curiosity about people and the world around them. She nurtured her friendships; supported hundreds of patients seeking medical care; and was a mentor to numerous intern students and those exploring a career in healthcare.

This scholarship fund was established to benefit and support Siskiyou County high school graduates and current college students pursuing higher education in the field of health care.

The Louisville Institute's Postdoctoral Fellowship offers early career theological educators a unique opportunity for vocational and professional growth through a two-year placement at ATS-accredited institutions in the U.S. and Canada. With a stipend of $30,000 annually, housing, and insurance benefits, fellows engage in a structured formation program, attend three annual gatherings in Louisville, KY, and receive peer mentorship, enhancing their journey towards becoming effective theological educators.

The National Center for Construction Safety and Health Research and Translation (U54) aims to enhance worker safety in the construction industry through innovative research and intervention strategies. By fostering partnerships and focusing on evidence-based solutions, the Center will address critical safety and health challenges faced by construction workers. The initiative aligns with NIOSH's strategic objectives, promoting collaboration among academic institutions and organizations to improve health outcomes and reduce the occupational health burden in this vital sector.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Carroll A. Lambton Memorial Fund

The Carroll A. Lambton Memorial Fund was established at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide undergraduate and graduate scholarships for the educational needs of the employees and children of employees of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) along with members and children of members of the National Contract Management Association (NCMA).

Award Type: Single Year. Previous recipients are encouraged to re-apply in consecutive years.

The Electronics, Photonics and Magnetic Devices (EPMD) Program, funded by the National Science Foundation, promotes cutting-edge research in electronics and photonics. It aims to develop innovative micro-, nano-, and quantum-based devices that enhance applications across various fields, including healthcare, energy, and communication. By focusing on emerging technologies that prioritize miniaturization and energy efficiency, EPMD seeks to foster advancements in material sciences, enhancing device functionalities and reliability.

Community Foundation of the North State

The Community Foundation builds trust through relationship, integrity, and by providing safe places for donors to give their resources.

We are a nonprofit, public charity serving the people of Shasta, Siskiyou and Tehama counties, with a mission to impact the region through the power of giving.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of the North State manages many scholarship funds that are awarded to graduating high school seniors as well as students already in an undergraduate program. Some scholarships were started by families or individuals; others by businesses or organizations. All scholarships share one important focus: helping young people reach their educational goals.

Glen Hawk Sr. Endowed Scholarship Fund

This scholarship benefits a Shasta County graduating high school senior who is pursuing a vocational or technical certification at an accredited technical school or community college.

The Glen Hawk Sr. Endowed Scholarship Fund was established by Helen Hawk, in memory of her husband. Glen Hawk Sr. served on the Shasta High School Board of Directors from 1979-1989.

The Ceramic and Glass Industry Foundation offers Project Grants of up to $2,500 to support innovative projects that enhance materials science education for the next generation of professionals. This grant aims to inspire creativity in training initiatives related to ceramics and glass, fostering community engagement. Eligible projects should focus on outreach and instructional activities, while ineligible requests include funding for research, equipment, or any commercial purposes. Join in advancing education in this vital field!

The Center for Scholarship Administration

The Center for Scholarship Administration (CSA) provides corporations, foundations, trust funds, and individual philanthropists scholarship selection and administration management that is experienced, professional, and cost efficient while lending the program an integrity not inherent in internal selection committees.

Wickam, Ivie Frances scholarship

The Ivie Frances Wickam Scholarship Trust is providing scholarships for deserving students. The Center for Scholarship Administration, Inc. (CSA), a non-profit, independent organization is the facilitator of the scholarship fund.

This scholarship is for one year only; however, current recipients may reapply and be considered for additional funding along with other new applicants. Scholarship recipients must be enrolled full-time. Scholarship recipients are limited to four total years of scholarship award and are expected to have been enrolled consecutive years during that time. Students must reapply for additional scholarship awards each year.

31Heroes

On August 6, 2011, a tragedy shook the military community and Americans everywhere. In a single instance, America lost 30 military service members, many of whom were members of the Navy SEAL community—and one military K9– when a CH-47 Chinook helicopter, call sign Extortion 17, was downed in Afghanistan.

Established to honor the 31 Americans killed in action on August 6, 2011, 31Heroes serves to impact the lives of our nation’s heroes and their families, while remembering the fallen, through athletic endeavors and competitive fundraising events.

Our Mission: The mission of 31Heroes is to raise money and awareness through social and athletic events to support the families of Extortion 17 and honor their legacy by funding treatment for Veterans suffering from mental health issues.

Our Focus

Our goal is to create opportunities for the families of Extortion 17 to create healthier lifestyles and to provide financial relief in times of need. We consider it our responsibility to make a positive impact in the lives of each family. Whether through grants we provide, or through partnering with other non-profit organizations that offer programs or services that we do not, we are devoted to the families and creating a legacy the men of Extortion 17 would be proud of.

Guidelines

• Individual limits will not exceed $3750 annually
• Family Grants range from $750 to the maximum range of $1500
• Family members must submit an online application for consideration
• Applications may be submitted at any time during this funding cycle
• Priority and funding will be based on the Primary Next of Kin list

Travel Grants

Travel Grants are aimed at assisting with costs of travel for family members to memorials, Arlington National Cemetery, anniversary events, events surrounding the 31. Limit for this grant is $1500.

The Pharmacy Residency Excellence Award: Preceptor Award recognizes exceptional pharmacy residency preceptors with over ten years of contributions in training and mentoring. Established in 2006, this award promotes innovation and excellence in pharmacy education. Recipients are acknowledged at the ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting, highlighting their achievements and serving as role models for future preceptors. This award aims to inspire others in the pharmacy field to enhance resident training and support optimal medication use.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Eugene J. Andolsek Memorial Scholarship

Eugene Andolsek was a gifted artist who used the medium of drawing to convey his struggles and insecurities, spending hours at the kitchen table with a compass, ruler, inks and graph paper creating intricate and complex pieces of art. Unable to pursue his education at a higher level due to family circumstances, Eugene felt he was denied the opportunity to reach his potential and be valued in life. Eugene was a quiet, frugal man who spent many years of his life creating pieces of art which on the surface communicate order and uniformity, whilst giving you a glimpse of the many complexities that must have existed in Eugene’s thoughts. Art was quite simply his escape. In 2005, when Eugene was 84 years of age, his work was featured in the exhibition ‘Obsessive Art’ at the American Folk Art Museum in New York, his work garnered much critical acclaim and proved to Eugene that despite being an untrained artist he was remarkably gifted and much sought after.

The Eugene J. Andolsek Memorial Scholarship is a lasting tribute to a man who valued education above most other things. From the proceeds of Eugene’s vast portfolio this memorial scholarship will enable a young student to continue their education in a way he was never able to. This scholarship has significant value and is renewable for up to 4 years of post secondary education.

Award Type: Multi-year (up to 4 years). Recipients must maintain 3.0 GPA.

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley 

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV) empowers individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to fulfill their philanthropic goals through the establishment of charitable funds that support the needs of Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster counties. With over $100 million in assets, CFHV manages nearly 600 charitable funds and has distributed more than $777 million in grants and scholarships since January 2000. We lead initiatives to address urgent community needs such as food insecurity and educational challenges, offering both immediate relief and long-term support.

William J. Nichols Medical Scholarship

Established by the Hyde Park Rotary in honor of Mr. Nichols, income from this fund provides scholarships to graduating high school seniors living in the Hyde Park School District with plans to pursue a career in a medical field.

Type of Award

One-time non-renewable scholarship payable to school

Current High School

Franklin D. Roosevelt High School or residents in the Hyde Park School District

The Excellence in Medicine Awards, presented by the AMA Foundation, honor exemplary physicians and medical advocates committed to volunteerism, community engagement, and leadership. Since 2005, this prestigious program has celebrated over 100 honorees, recognizing their vital contributions to underserved populations. Awardees receive a $2,500 grant honorarium to support a nonprofit health organization of their choice, collectively awarding over $250,000 to enhance community health and promote equitable care across the nation.

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley 

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV) empowers individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to fulfill their philanthropic goals through the establishment of charitable funds that support the needs of Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster counties. With over $100 million in assets, CFHV manages nearly 600 charitable funds and has distributed more than $777 million in grants and scholarships since January 2000. We lead initiatives to address urgent community needs such as food insecurity and educational challenges, offering both immediate relief and long-term support.

Maria E. McCarthy Ringwood Memorial Scholarship

Established by the family of Maria McCarthy Ringwood to honor her memory and love of theater, this scholarship is available to Roy C. Ketcham High School and Our Lady of Lourdes High School college-bound graduating seniors who have actively participated in theater in school.

Type of Award

One-time scholarship payable to school

Current High School

Our Lady of Lourdes High School, Roy C. Ketcham High School

The Zimmer Biomet Foundation, established in 2018, supports health care professionals through fellowship funding aimed at enhancing education and clinical research. This private foundation focuses on improving community health and advancing STEM education, while also promoting diversity and inclusion. Importantly, funding decisions are made independently of any commercial interests in Zimmer Biomet's products, ensuring a commitment to quality education and patient care.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Gladys R. and Charles E. Yost Memorial Fund

The Gladys R. and Charles E. Yost Memorial Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide educational assistance to incoming freshman at Carnegie Mellon University, Duquesne University, or University of Pittsburgh.

Award Type: Renewable award.

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund for Historic Interiors, established by George P. Mitchell in 1997, supports the preservation of historic interiors through grants ranging from $2,500 to $15,000. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits, while individuals may apply if their project involves a National Historic Landmark. The competitive selection process typically concludes within three months, with grant recipients required to match funds dollar-for-dollar. This initiative promotes education and planning activities crucial for maintaining historic interior integrity.

Grand Traverse Regional Community FoundationThe Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation began in 1992 when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our region then, now, and forever.

This vision lives on within our organization today as we support the people and places of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians.

Together with our partners, we spark positive change for a variety of local causes, including youth, arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services, across our region.Home Builders' Association of the GT Area Scholarship Endowment (Regional)Available to residents from Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska or Leelanau Counties who are pursuing continuing education related to the home building industry.

The Hart Family Fund for Small Towns offers grants between $2,500 and $15,000 to support preservation projects in towns with populations of 10,000 or less. These funds aim to encourage local preservation efforts, enhance public discussion, and build technical expertise among community groups. The application process is competitive, with a review period of approximately three months. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits, with a cash match required. Projects must start within six months of receiving funding.

The Lenore Marshall Poetry Prize, established in 1975, awards $25,000 to the best book of poetry published in the U.S. the previous year. It includes a ten-day residency at Glen Hollow, New York, and distribution to Academy of American Poets members. Eligible poets must be U.S. citizens or residents and submit original works published in the prior year. Self-published books and translations are ineligible, promoting excellence in contemporary American poetry.

The Murray Watson, Jr. Scholarship offers a $5,000 award each month to Texas students. Funded by Brazos Higher Education, this scholarship aims to support students in achieving their college dreams, whether they are high school seniors or current college attendees. Eligibility includes being a Texas resident with a minimum GPA of 3.3. This initiative is part of Brazos' commitment to making education more accessible and affordable for Texas families.

The Pharmacy Residency Excellence Award: New Preceptor Award aims to honor preceptors in their first 3-5 years of residency training who demonstrate excellence and innovation. Established in 2006, the award recognizes individuals who contribute significantly to residency education and serve as role models. Recipients are acknowledged at the ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting, promoting their achievements widely. This award is part of ASHP's commitment to enhancing pharmacy education and practice.

The FY 2025 EDA Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Programs aim to enhance economic growth and resilience in distressed communities. EDA invites ongoing applications for funding, focusing on innovative approaches that leverage regional strengths. The updated NOFO emphasizes timely reviews and outlines submission procedures for core programs under the Public Works and Economic Development Act. Grantees are encouraged to develop unique initiatives that foster lasting economic prosperity.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Michael T. Abel Scholarship Fund

The Michael T. Abel Scholarship Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation in memory of Michael, to assist Free Church students who are entering an undergraduate program at either Grove City or Geneva College.

Award Type: Single Year. Previous recipients are encouraged to re-apply in consecuti

Screen Actors Guild American Federation

The SAG-AFTRA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization offering comprehensive professional development and educational resources as well as emergency financial and health assistance programs to SAG-AFTRA artists nationwide.

The Foundation values the essential contributions of performing artists to entertainment, media, the arts, and culture. In a rapidly changing industry and world, the Foundation is dedicated to providing SAG-AFTRA actors, voiceover artists, broadcasters, dancers, and other members with new and valuable tools to navigate industry shifts, along with training opportunities to hone and develop their craft.

In addition, the Foundation supports SAG-AFTRA artists throughout the various phases of a career in the arts, offering emergency assistance and scholarship programs to ensure no performer faces tough times alone.

The Foundation also encourages celebrated performers to give back through its children’s literacy program, Storyline Online, fostering a love of reading in millions of children worldwide.

Committed to education and community, the Foundation strives to create a supportive and innovative environment where performers can expand their skills to achieve their highest potential while staying grounded and knowing they have support in times of urgent need.

Disaster Relief Fund

Our Disaster Relief Fund is dedicated to addressing the most dire needs of SAG-AFTRA members impacted by government-declared natural disasters. 

Screen Actors Guild American Federation

The SAG-AFTRA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization offering comprehensive professional development and educational resources as well as emergency financial and health assistance programs to SAG-AFTRA artists nationwide.

The Foundation values the essential contributions of performing artists to entertainment, media, the arts, and culture. In a rapidly changing industry and world, the Foundation is dedicated to providing SAG-AFTRA actors, voiceover artists, broadcasters, dancers, and other members with new and valuable tools to navigate industry shifts, along with training opportunities to hone and develop their craft.

In addition, the Foundation supports SAG-AFTRA artists throughout the various phases of a career in the arts, offering emergency assistance and scholarship programs to ensure no performer faces tough times alone.

The Foundation also encourages celebrated performers to give back through its children’s literacy program, Storyline Online, fostering a love of reading in millions of children worldwide.

Committed to education and community, the Foundation strives to create a supportive and innovative environment where performers can expand their skills to achieve their highest potential while staying grounded and knowing they have support in times of urgent need.

Emergency Financial Assistance

The SAG-AFTRA Foundation offers critical financial assistance programs for eligible SAG-AFTRA members experiencing urgent financial need due to an unexpected life crisis.

This program cannot replace government unemployment/disability assistance and is meant to provide temporary relief during unexpected crises. The financial programs adhere to IRS guidelines to qualify as an emergency hardship program; grants cannot be given simply because someone is a SAG-AFTRA member, and the programs are not offered as a membership benefit.

We Help Members Facing:

• Eviction, foreclosure, or immediate temporary housing emergencies (only once per member’s lifetime)
• Catastrophic damage rendering primary residence dangerous or uninhabitable
• Auto or other accidents causing injury or personal property destruction
• Costs associated with the burial or cremation of a SAG-AFTRA member, or a member’s spouse/legal dependent
• Financial impacts of experiencing a verifiable crime
• Senior members, age 65 and older, experiencing a life crisis
• Medical expenses due to serious illness or injuries (not covered by insurance)
• In limited cases, we can help pay your SAG-AFTRA health insurance or COBRA premiums (restrictions apply). We cannot extend health insurance eligibility, which is determined by the SAG-AFTRA Pension & Health Plan based on qualifying SAG-AFTRA earnings
• Other emergencies as described in IRS guidelines for emergency financial grants to individuals