Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in Massachusetts

The ASTR Thomas Marshall Graduate Student Awards aim to support graduate students researching theatre or performance by assisting with the costs of attending the annual ASTR conference. This grant offers up to three honorariums of $800 each, along with complimentary conference registration. Eligibility is open to any graduate student in relevant fields, with selection based on the applicant’s interest and academic achievements.

The National Mesothelioma Virtual Bank (NMVB) aims to enhance biomedical research on malignant mesothelioma by expanding its collection of biospecimens, including tumor tissues and blood samples, alongside demographic and clinical data. Established in 2006, the NMVB serves as a crucial resource for researchers, providing access to a diverse library of samples and data, which can help identify disease markers and develop improved treatment options. This initiative is essential for advancing the understanding and treatment of mesothelioma.

Scholarship Opportunities

The Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation manages one of the state's largest scholarship programs, awarding more than $500,000 in scholarships to local students each year. If you’re interested in pursuing higher education, it's likely we have a scholarship that can help you achieve your dream.

Trent Area Scholarship

Organizers have defined the Trent community as the area bounded on the south by the Moody County line, on the north by SD Highway 34, on the east by the South Dakota state line, and on the west by the Colman Road, also known as 470th Avenue.

* Multiple scholarships are awarded

Nebraska Community Foundation

Nebraska Community Foundation was established in 1994 by a group of visionaries determined to empower communities throughout the state to grow and prosper. They believed that with the right tools and resources, people could build the hometowns of their dreams.

Through philanthropy, our team helps communities develop strong local economies, high quality of life, and abundant leadership and volunteer opportunities. We empower local leaders to identify community assets, invest in their own resources, and bring about their own positive change. 

BCAFF Scholarships

The Butler County Area Foundation Fund is offering three scholarships to graduating seniors who meet individual scholarship criteria. These scholarships are the Butler County Clinic Scholarship (medical field major); Charles O. & Grace M. Stoops Scholarship in Agricultural or Environmental Studies; and Butler County Area Foundation Fund Scholarship.

Butler County Clinic Scholarship

Funding for the following scholarships through the Butler County Area Foundation Fund has been provided by the Butler County Clinic, P.C.

• Two $2,000 scholarships will be awarded annually. Graduates of Aquinas High School, David City High School, and East Butler High School may apply. Only one scholarship per school will be awarded. Each applicant may be an entering freshman or an upperclassman enrolled for post-secondary education at an accredited school of higher education in a medically-related major.

• One half of the scholarship funds ($1,000) will be paid directly to the school after the student has successfully completed the first semester and achieved a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. The remaining half of the scholarship funds ($1,000) will be paid directly to the school after the student has successfully completed the first academic year with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and has declared a major within a medically-related major.

• Upperclassman recipient funds will be paid in full ($2,000) directly to the school after the student has successfully completed a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher and has declared a major within the area of medicinal studies.

This funding opportunity aims to support research investigating the long-term impacts of disasters on healthcare systems in U.S. populations facing health disparities. The focus is on both natural and human-made disasters, encouraging collaborative approaches to enhance understanding and response strategies. Key deadlines for applications range from June 2024 to February 2027, with specific dates for standard, renewal, and AIDS-related grant applications outlined.

The AFS Travel Grant, offered by the Austin Film Society, supports Texas-based filmmakers by covering travel costs to competitive film festivals worldwide. Since its inception, the grant has provided crucial financial assistance, enabling filmmakers to gain exposure and foster industry connections. Eligible applicants can receive up to $1,500 for travel, helping them navigate the financial challenges of festival participation. This initiative strengthens the local creative community and promotes diverse storytelling in the film industry.

The Elliott Antokoletz Fund supports doctoral and post-doctoral research in twentieth-century music, honoring the legacy of esteemed scholar Elliott Antokoletz. It is open to Ph.D. students and recent graduates from North American universities, with an award range of $500 to $5000. Preference is given to applicants from institutions lacking financial support for musicological research. This initiative promotes creativity through music-centered research, ensuring equity and inclusion in the academic study of music.

The Hanger Foundation's Veteran Grant aims to empower veterans facing physical challenges by providing support for rehabilitation services and athletic programs. This grant seeks to positively impact veterans' lives, particularly those with limb differences, through community engagement and employee involvement in charitable efforts. With a focus on 501(c)(3) organizations, the foundation invests in projects that address trauma and promote social activities, ensuring that veterans receive the assistance they need.

The First Responders Children's Foundation Scholarship Fund offers college scholarships to children of first responders, emphasizing financial need and academic merit. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.7, provide a current transcript, and demonstrate community involvement. Scholarships are renewable for up to four years based on eligibility criteria. Preference is given to students whose parents have experienced line-of-duty disabilities or deaths. This program supports the educational aspirations of those who have sacrificed for their communities.

The Aarón Sánchez Impact Fund, a program of the Emeril Lagasse Foundation, aims to uplift Latino youth through food. This grant offers up to $20,000 to non-profit organizations focused on nutrition education and food access for youth aged 0-18. Eligible applicants must have 501c3 status and serve a community where at least 60% of the population is Latino. This fund is by invitation only, encouraging innovative projects that align with its mission.

The Arts and Belonging Grants provide crucial funding for grassroots arts organizations in Cambridge, empowering them to foster social cohesion and community engagement. With grants of up to $25,000 per year, these funds support initiatives that cultivate underrepresented talent, build community ownership, and promote collaborative cultural practices. This initiative aims to address the unique challenges faced by local organizations, ensuring diverse voices are included in the arts landscape and that marginalized communities receive necessary support.

The Adult Learn-to-Swim Grant, a collaboration between the USA Swimming Foundation and U.S. Masters Swimming, aims to enhance adult swimming safety and reduce drowning risks. By consolidating fundraising efforts, the initiative provides vital resources and support for swim instructors and programs serving adults aged 18 and over. This grant empowers communities through education and outreach, ensuring that more adults have access to essential swim lessons and water safety training.

The ASTR Theater and Performance Art Studies Research Fellowships provide funding for scholars conducting significant research in theatre and performance studies. With awards up to $3000, these fellowships support academic projects, allowing recipients to cover various research expenses. Eligible applicants include anyone holding a terminal degree and a member of ASTR, with the selection based on project merit. However, applicants cannot seek a Targeted Research Area Grant for the same project in the same year.

The Arts And Belonging Grants by the Cambridge Community Foundation aim to enhance social cohesion through multi-year support for arts organizations in Cambridge. These grants address the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities, promoting stability and impactful programming. With funding of $50,000 annually, the initiative seeks to empower nonprofits that foster inclusivity and cultural enrichment, ensuring everyone feels welcome in the community. This strategic initiative follows insights gathered from a community listening project conducted in 2024.

The Amy Erickson Memorial Award, provided by the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, supports full-time medical students entering their third or fourth year. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and be enrolled in clinical courses focusing on complementary and alternative therapies. This scholarship not only assists students in their educational pursuits but also aligns with the foundation's mission to enhance community well-being through philanthropy.

The ASTR Teacher-Researchers Grant supports faculty with heavy teaching loads and limited research resources in theatre studies. This grant fosters scholarly exchange by providing an honorarium of up to $1000, complimentary conference registration, and a one-year ASTR membership. Applications are evaluated based on project feasibility and significance, with additional consideration for those facing institutional research support challenges. This initiative aims to enhance diversity and facilitate meaningful contributions to the field.

The Spirit of Sioux Falls Scholarship supports college students pursuing business degrees while emphasizing community engagement and academic excellence. Eligible applicants must reside in Lincoln or Minnehaha County, South Dakota, and maintain full-time enrollment in appropriate programs. The scholarship aims to inspire philanthropy and improve local quality of life through educational advancement. Notably, previous recipients are ineligible for reapplication, ensuring fresh opportunities for new candidates. Multiple awards are available, promoting further education in the business field.

The Worden Christian Youth Ministry Scholarship supports full-time students entering their third or fourth year at an accredited four-year college or university, who plan to pursue a career in youth ministry. Candidates must demonstrate financial need and engage in school and community activities. Preference is given to those intending to serve as youth ministers in the Sioux Falls area, ensuring that the scholarship aligns with the mission of enriching local lives through philanthropy.

The Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program Grant, initiated by State Farm and the National Volunteer Fire Council, aims to support volunteer fire departments in acquiring critical safety equipment. In 2025, the program will award $1.5 million in grants, providing $10,000 each to 150 eligible departments. This initiative not only enhances firefighter safety and operational efficiency but also fosters community service, ensuring that these departments are well-equipped to respond effectively to emergencies.

The Vaccinated & Loved Campaign Grant, offered by Petco Love, supports organizations that provide free vaccine services to communities in need. Eligible applicants include 501c3 nonprofits, government agencies, and invited for-profit companies with a nonprofit purpose related to animal welfare. However, individuals and organizations outside the U.S. or not focused on animal welfare are ineligible for funding. This initiative aims to enhance public health and animal welfare through vaccination efforts.

The Step Into Swim initiative aims to increase swimming participation among underserved communities by providing learn-to-swim programs. With over 300,000 swim lessons delivered, the program partners with various organizations to ensure children learn vital water safety skills. Funding is strictly for swim lessons, with a focus on developing safe swimmers who understand essential safety rules. Grants will prioritize facilities with certified pool operators, ensuring quality instruction and community engagement in aquatic activities.

The Gerald Kahan Scholar's Prize, awarded by the American Society for Theatre Research, honors the best essay published in English in a refereed scholarly journal or edited collection within the field of theater research. Eligible authors must be untenured and within seven years of their doctorate or enrolled in a doctoral program. The prize includes a $500 honorarium and complimentary registration for the ASTR annual meeting, acknowledging the editor's contribution to scholarship.

Ludington Hospital Medical Staff Physicians Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Corewell Health Ludington Hospital Medical Staff, which established the Ludington Hospital Medical Staff Physicians Scholarship Fund of the Community Foundation for Mason County.

The award is renewable throughout college and medical school as long as the recipient demonstrates academic success and continues on the medical school track. The medical staff's goal in providing this scholarship is to reduce the burden of student loan debt, inspire young people to pursue medicine, and encourage them to return to Mason County to practice upon completing their training.

The National Cancer Institute's PAIRS program aims to explore innovative cancer therapies by leveraging synthetic vulnerabilities that interact with tumor responses to radiation therapy. This initiative supports the development of targeted drug-radiation combinations, focusing on precision medicine to optimize treatment efficacy while minimizing harm to normal tissues. By consolidating prior funding opportunities, PAIRS encourages research that addresses context-dependent vulnerabilities, enhancing therapeutic strategies and aligning with NIH's scientific goals.

The Foundation for Financial Planning provides grants to nonprofit organizations that connect volunteer financial planners with underserved individuals in need of financial guidance. Focused on scalable and sustainable programs, the grants support both established and new initiatives that foster one-on-one relationships between planners and clients. Eligible applicants must be U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits and engage Certified Financial Planner professionals to ensure quality advice is accessible to those facing financial crises.

The Travel & Training Fund, established by the Women’s Sports Foundation, has supported over 1,500 female athletes since 1984, including Olympians and national team members. Grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 aim to alleviate financial burdens for women athletes pursuing elite competition. Prioritizing those with a plan to contribute back to women's sports, the fund emphasizes eligibility for U.S. citizens or legal residents, ensuring a significant impact on the recipients' athletic journeys.

The Columbus Foundation

In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

American Legion Ohio Warriors Scholarship Fund

This scholarship will provide financial assistance to dependents of Ohio service members Killed In Action.