Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Massachusetts

The Transformational Partnerships Fund offers catalytic grants of up to $100,000 to support partnerships among degree-granting institutions, focusing on student-centered solutions. These grants aim to explore innovative collaborations that enhance stability and success for students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. Eligible institutions must demonstrate a commitment to transformational partnerships, with priority given to those serving diverse populations and improving educational outcomes. Interested applicants can find more information on the grant process and criteria.

Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi 

The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi manages 314 donor-established funds and has disbursed over $48 million to support more than 1,000 charitable organizations and activities recommended by its donors, as well as charitable programs established by the foundation. Established in 2002 with a generous grant from the Maddox Foundation, the Community Foundation is an independent 501(c)3 charitable organization. The Foundation serves Bolivar, Coahoma, DeSoto, Leflore, Marshall, Panola, Quitman, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tunica and Yalobusha counties. 

Wesley W. Williamson Memorial Scholarship

Dedicated in memory of a beloved friend, actor, director, teacher, and passionate supporter of the performing arts and Kudzu Playhouse. The award recognizes a student who understands the importance of providing a safe, welcoming, and encouraging environment where individuals can explore their artistic interests, and who has actively demonstrated a commitment to enriching and participating in programs that provide them.

The John O. Behrens Institute for Land Information Memorial Scholarship aims to support undergraduate students pursuing education in geospatial science or land information systems. Awarded by the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS), it provides a $3,000 grant and a one-year student membership in ASPRS. This scholarship honors Mr. Behrens' significant contributions to the field, encouraging students to excel in a profession that enhances the value of geospatial disciplines.

Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi 

The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi manages 314 donor-established funds and has disbursed over $48 million to support more than 1,000 charitable organizations and activities recommended by its donors, as well as charitable programs established by the foundation. Established in 2002 with a generous grant from the Maddox Foundation, the Community Foundation is an independent 501(c)3 charitable organization. The Foundation serves Bolivar, Coahoma, DeSoto, Leflore, Marshall, Panola, Quitman, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tunica and Yalobusha counties. 

Tunica Woman’s Club Betty Jo Dulaney Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship will be awarded to a young woman residing in Tunica County who embodies the spirit of volunteerism and exemplifies the core values of the Tunica Woman’s Club—dedication to service, advocacy for women, children, and families, commitment to global change, and the empowerment of women.

Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi 

The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi manages 314 donor-established funds and has disbursed over $48 million to support more than 1,000 charitable organizations and activities recommended by its donors, as well as charitable programs established by the foundation. Established in 2002 with a generous grant from the Maddox Foundation, the Community Foundation is an independent 501(c)3 charitable organization. The Foundation serves Bolivar, Coahoma, DeSoto, Leflore, Marshall, Panola, Quitman, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tunica and Yalobusha counties. 

Sr. Cora Lee Middleton Scholarship

Sr. Cora Lee Middleton Scholarship is to assist the recipient in the next step of their education. This scholarship is established in her name to assist high school graduates of Tallahatchie or Coahoma County high schools in their next education step.

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.

Don & Debbie Bankson Scholarship Endowment Fund

This opportunity allows the donors to fulfill their desire to help Shasta County youth, with excellent academics and a strong community-service background, pursue a college education.

Don and Debbie Bankson are longtime residents of Shasta County with a passion to support the community they love. Through a donation of real property to the Shasta Regional Community Real Estate Foundation, the Banksons seeded the Don and Debbie Scholarship Fund to fulfill their desire to help Shasta County youth, with excellent academics and a strong community-service background, pursue a college education.

About Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County.

Individuals, families, businesses and organizations create permanent charitable funds that help our community meet its needs and challenges. The Foundation invests and administers these funds.

Altrusa Club of Marion Scholarship I

The Altrusa Club of Marion Scholarship Fund I was established in memory of Lynda L. Williams, Ruth Kramer, and Clara J Walters. It supports life-long Marion County students pursuing higher education.

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.

Columbia Bank Kenneth R. Gifford, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Program

The Columbia Bank Kenneth R. Gifford, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Program (formerly Columbia Bank) awards ten, $1,000.00 scholarships each year. High school seniors attending school in Siskiyou, Shasta, Tehama, Glenn, Colusa, Placer, Sacramento counties may apply.

Columbia Bank recognizes that our continued success is contingent upon the health and vitality of the communities we serve. Taking action to improve the well-being of others is a community responsibility and commitment we fully believe in and commit to. We value the opportunity to provide financial support to the youth in our communities.

Brown County Community Foundation

BCCF operates as a 501 (c)(3) corporation. It professionally manages and distributes income from charitable bequests consistent with the donor’s wishes and interests. In other words, BCCF manages charitable funds, making grants to local, nonprofit organizations based on advice from donors. Donors can specify a specific organization or a general area of concern within the community to which their gift be directed.

Scholarships

The Foundation manages several academic scholarship funds, many established expressly for Brown County High School graduates. 

Additionally, through the Foundation’s affiliation with The Lilly Endowment Inc., over forty Brown County residents have received four-year full-tuition scholarships through the Endowment’s Community Scholars Program.

BCCF Scholarships are available to current high school graduates, students currently enrolled in college, past graduates planning to enroll, as well as G.E.D. graduates.

Shaffer Family Scholarship

Purpose

To provide educational scholarships for students who are accepted into and attending accredited two or four year public or private intuitions of higher learning.

The Summer Scholarship in Field Botany, funded by the Garden Club of America, aims to support undergraduate and master's students pursuing field studies in the Western Hemisphere. Established in 2000, this scholarship provides students with a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience and knowledge beyond traditional academic settings. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in U.S.-based institutions. This initiative fosters a deeper understanding of botany and encourages conservation efforts.

Brown County Community Foundation

BCCF operates as a 501 (c)(3) corporation. It professionally manages and distributes income from charitable bequests consistent with the donor’s wishes and interests. In other words, BCCF manages charitable funds, making grants to local, nonprofit organizations based on advice from donors. Donors can specify a specific organization or a general area of concern within the community to which their gift be directed.

Scholarships

The Foundation manages several academic scholarship funds, many established expressly for Brown County High School graduates. 

Additionally, through the Foundation’s affiliation with The Lilly Endowment Inc., over forty Brown County residents have received four-year full-tuition scholarships through the Endowment’s Community Scholars Program.

BCCF Scholarships are available to current high school graduates, students currently enrolled in college, past graduates planning to enroll, as well as G.E.D. graduates.

P.E.O Chapter CU Scholarship

Purpose

To provide a scholarship to a female Brown County resident who is graduating from high school or completing a G.E.D. and will be attending an accredited post-secondary educational institution in the U.S. or Canada, full-time or part-time, in the fall of the academic year following high school graduation.

Awards winners are chosen by P.E.O using the application process.

Our Mission

We strengthen our community for current and future generations by helping people make a difference in the lives of all.

We believe in our community’s lasting goodness. In fact, making sure our community is always a special place for us to live is why we’re here.

Scholarships

Through the generosity of our donors, we have more than $2 million in scholarships available in 2025 to students from more than 60 high schools. We offer scholarships to high school seniors, college and nontraditional students, and K-12 art and music camps and lessons.

The Academy Martial Arts Leadership Scholarship

Background

The Academy Martial Arts Leadership has been serving families in the Fox Cities since 1995. As the founders/owners, Jeff & Amanda Denu have been passionate about making our community stronger one Black Belt at a time teaching martial arts, while reinforcing respect, self-discipline, integrity, and excellence. Their passion with community involvement and creating a positive learning environment inspires others to be their personal best, and to make a difference every day.

The Community Wellbeing Grant, offered by the Lululemon Centre for Social Impact, aims to enhance wellbeing through movement, mindfulness, and connection. This grant supports community-led non-profits working to address systemic inequities, helping to build access to wellness resources. Applications are encouraged from organizations that prioritize diverse leadership and serve populations facing barriers to wellbeing. The goal is to impact 10 million individuals positively by 2025, fostering equity and resilience in communities worldwide.

The NDEP STEM Open NFO invites innovative proposals for research and implementation of effective STEM education and outreach programs. This continuously open announcement from the Department of Defense encourages submissions that align with key initiatives, including support for community colleges and strategic partnerships. As funding becomes available, amendments detailing specific topics and submission guidelines will be released. Applicants must submit white papers to express interest in full applications for potential funding consideration.

Join Maddie's Fund every Monday at 11am PT for the Weekly Community Conversations, a supportive platform for animal well-being professionals. Engage in discussions about innovative programs and share valuable insights with peers. Each month, attendees have the chance to win up to $10,000 in grants by participating in the calls or watching on-demand. This initiative fosters collaboration and addresses crucial topics in the field.

The ASPCA's Rescue Effect Campaign Grants provide $1.8 million to support animal welfare organizations in the U.S. during a crucial adoption initiative. Eligible non-profits can receive funding based on their intake of adoptable pets and commitment to hold fee-waived adoption days. The program aims to promote responsible pet adoption and community involvement, making a significant impact on animal welfare during the months of August to October.

The Emily Stover Memorial Scholarship offers $2,000 annually to support outstanding members of the Nantucket community. This scholarship is aimed at individuals who are dedicated to helping others and are pursuing careers that reflect this commitment. Eligible applicants must be Nantucket residents attending accredited colleges or universities, demonstrating a passion for community service and a desire to make a positive impact.

Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin

The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin gives everyone the opportunity to make significant and lasting gifts to their community. We manage over 320 funds that enhance Portage and Waushara counties. Together with our generous donors, we create a strong culture of philanthropy in Central Wisconsin.

We are a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) public charity founded in 1982 to provide scholarships and grants to organizations and projects that improve the quality of life in Portage and Waushara counties.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation proudly supports students in Portage and Waushara counties with over $325,000 in scholarships annually, thanks to the generosity of local individuals and families. Award amounts range from $500 to $40,000, opening doors to educational opportunities.

Whether you're a student seeking financial support or a donor looking to grow a scholarship fund, we invite you to explore available opportunities and learn how you can be involved.

Joey Trzebiatowski Memorial Scholarship

Qualifications: Graduating senior from Central Wisconsin, or UWSP or UW-Madison student planning to study business.

United Negro College Fund

“A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”®

For more than seven decades, this principle has remained at the heart of UNCF, enabling us to raise more than $5 billion and help more than 500,000 students and counting not just attend college, but thrive, graduate and become leaders.

We do this in three ways: By awarding more than 12,000 students scholarships, worth more than $65 million, each year. By providing financial support to 37 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). And by serving as the nation’s leading advocate for the importance of minority education and community engagement.

The Boulé Foundation Scholarship

The Boule' Foundation in conjunction with the United Negro College Fund, will provide annual merit-based scholarships to entering college freshmen students (Fall 2026) attending four-year, accredited non-profit degree-granting colleges and universities of their choice.

About The Community Foundation

The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties is a community-based social impact investor whose mission is to engage, invest, and lead—working toward a vision of community vibrancy with opportunity for all. Our team of experienced staff and dedicated trustees is committed to boldly leading and supporting transformational community investments. We channel charitable contributions from donors through nonprofit partners that are meeting current community needs and steward community resources responsibly to ensure greater capacity for the future.

Connor Arthur Lynskey Memorial Athletic/Character Award for Oneida/Herkimer Counties

This scholarship fund was created in memory of Connor Arthur Lynskey (18 years old) of Hinckley, New York. Connor aspired to be a rural physician and attended premedical school at Siena College. His dream was to practice medicine in an underserved area in order to help residents receive adequate health care.

Connor had an extraordinary way about himself for someone his age. He was God-inspired, loved everyone as he loved himself, and cared deeply about his family and friends. He had a mysterious ability to consistently make lemonade out of lemons. Everyone loved him when they met him. He was truly an inspiration to friends, family and clergy members alike, who now all suffer an enormous heart-wrenching void due to a careless and reckless drunk driver that took his life on August 11, 2018.

About The Community Foundation

The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties is a community-based social impact investor whose mission is to engage, invest, and lead—working toward a vision of community vibrancy with opportunity for all. Our team of experienced staff and dedicated trustees is committed to boldly leading and supporting transformational community investments. We channel charitable contributions from donors through nonprofit partners that are meeting current community needs and steward community resources responsibly to ensure greater capacity for the future.

Connor Arthur Lynskey Memorial Academic Award for Oneida/Herkimer Counties

This scholarship fund was created in memory of Connor Arthur Lynskey (18 years old) of Hinckley, New York. Connor aspired to be a rural physician and attended premedical school at Siena College. His dream was to practice medicine in an underserved area in order to help residents receive adequate health care.

Connor had an extraordinary way about himself for someone his age. He was God-inspired, loved everyone as he loved himself, and cared deeply about his family and friends. He had a mysterious ability to consistently make lemonade out of lemons. Everyone loved him when they met him. He was truly an inspiration to friends, family and clergy members alike, who now all suffer an enormous heart-wrenching void due to a careless and reckless drunk driver that took his life on August 11, 2018.

The Nancy Huntley Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico, provides financial support for students pursuing higher education and professional certifications. This scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities for diverse applicants, including those from marginalized communities and various academic backgrounds. With an emphasis on accessibility, it encourages individuals at different life stages to apply, fostering growth and development in Southern New Mexico.

The Biomedical Research Environment and Sponsored Programs Administration Development (BRE-SPAD) Program, funded by the NIH, aims to enhance the biomedical research landscape by supporting resource-limited organizations. It targets domestic institutions with limited research resources and few doctoral students in biomedical fields, promoting broader participation in research and boosting administrative capacities for sponsored programs. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization, ensuring timely submissions.

Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation

Vision: We envision a vibrant, prosperous northern Chautauqua community, rich in opportunity today and tomorrow.

Our Mission

To realize our vision we focus on:

• strategic and responsive grant making
• encouraging local philanthropy and building permanent endowments for the future
• actively serving as a community leader and partner for the benefit and enrichment in our community.

Scholarships

Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation proudly manages over 200 individual scholarship funds,

Richard D. Pell Future Veterans Award

The Richard D. Pell Future Veterans Award is awarded to each graduating senior entering any branch of the American Armed Forces following graduation.

A monetary gift card will be awarded to each graduating senior residing in the town of Ripley and entering any branch of the United States Armed Forces following graduation. 

Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation

Vision: We envision a vibrant, prosperous northern Chautauqua community, rich in opportunity today and tomorrow.

Our Mission

To realize our vision we focus on:

• strategic and responsive grant making
• encouraging local philanthropy and building permanent endowments for the future
• actively serving as a community leader and partner for the benefit and enrichment in our community.

Scholarships

Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation proudly manages over 200 individual scholarship funds,

Ruth C. Stacy Counselor Scholarship

The Ruth C. Stacy Counselor Scholarship Fund is presented to students who have earned a Bachelor’s Degree and have been accepted into an accredited Master’s Degree program majoring in school or mental health counseling.

The Immigration Legal Access Grant Program, initiated by the City of Boston Office of Immigrant Advancement, aims to provide essential legal assistance to immigrants navigating the complex U.S. immigration system. With a total funding of $900,000, this program supports nonprofit organizations that offer services such as legal orientation, consultations, and representation. By prioritizing organizations with licensed attorneys, the program seeks to enhance access to justice for Boston’s immigrant communities, especially in light of recent policy changes.

The Bridge to Success Grant for Mid-Career/Senior Investigators, offered by the AASM Foundation, supports seasoned sleep and circadian science researchers seeking bridge funding while reapplying for larger grants. Eligible applicants include those with past NIH proposals that were not funded but scored. This initiative aims to retain experienced investigators in the field while ensuring a continued focus on vital research topics. The grant is a part of the AASM Foundation's commitment to advancing sleep research.