Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in Massachusetts

The NCB - Botany Research Scholarship Program, offered by Northern California Botanists, targets undergraduate and graduate students pursuing research in botany and plant ecology. Scholarships of $1,500 support independent study, thesis, or dissertation projects within a specific geographic area of Northern California. Eligible applicants may reapply for funding for up to four years. This initiative aims to foster academic careers in botany and promote valuable ecological research.

The AMS Explore Travel Grant supports current or recent undergraduate students to present 10-minute papers at the 2025 AMS-SMT Joint Annual Meeting in Minneapolis. Participants will engage in cohort activities, receive constructive feedback, and enjoy a supportive conference environment. Accepted applicants will benefit from complimentary registration, a $350 travel grant, and shared lodging in the conference hotel, enhancing their academic experience and involvement in the AMS community.

The Alvin H. Johnson AMS 50 Fellowship supports PhD candidates in music scholarship during their final dissertation year. Awarded based on academic merit, it offers a $25,000 stipend for full-time study, with no tuition coverage. Applicants must be registered doctoral students in good standing at North American universities, having completed all requirements except the dissertation. The fellowship emphasizes timely completion, discouraging extensive employment during the term, and is non-renewable.

The Suzanne G. Cusick Professional Development Fund, offered by the American Musicological Society, provides $500 grants to support low-income scholars in music and sound studies. These grants aim to enhance professional development for independent scholars and contingent faculty who lack access to such opportunities. The fund emphasizes equitable participation, particularly for historically under-represented groups, ensuring a diverse range of recipients can benefit from this vital support.

The William F. Holmes / Frank D’Accone Dissertation Fellowship in Opera Studies, awarded by the American Musicological Society, supports dissertation research in opera studies for graduate students. Offering a stipend of $25,000, this fellowship is based on academic merit and aims to facilitate full-time study. Recipients may opt for a non-stipendiary award to allow more funding for others. Selection occurs in spring, with announcements made in summer.

About Legacy Foundation

Legacy Foundation is the community foundation for Lake County, Indiana. We connect people, knowledge, and funding to build an equitable, accessible, and inclusive Lake County, now and for generations to come.

Legacy Foundation is supported by a broad base of individuals, families, and businesses connected by the desire to improve Lake County, Indiana. With a growing portfolio of over 300 funds and approximately $80 million in assets, Legacy Foundation is a trusted source for philanthropic giving in the region.

For over 30 years, Legacy Foundation has been empowering people, providing strategic leadership, and impactful philanthropic support to create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Mission Statement

Transforming Lake County by providing strategic leadership and impactful philanthropic support to ensure equitable opportunity for all communities that we serve.

Vision Statement

Create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Joseph and Evelyn Skora Scholarship

Use the chart below to see which scholarships are the best fit for you! You must complete the Legacy Universal Application to apply.

Scholarship eligibility requires students to attend an accredited 2 or 4 year public or private institution of higher learning. All scholarships are for full-time students, unless otherwise noted. Renewable awards are for 4 years of undergraduate study and cannot be used for post graduate coursework; all awards are paid directly to the school or may be used for book reimbursement.

Age Strong Commission

For us, strength comes in many forms. Strength of community. Of cultures. Of experiences. Strength to embrace new chapters and opportunities. We believe that Bostonians who are 55+ make our City strong and vibrant. Our mission is to enhance your life with meaningful programs, resources, and connections so we can live and age strong in Boston together.

Older Americans Act Long term Care Ombudsman Grant Program

Grant Program Description

Through the Older Americans Act Support and Health Services Grant, the City of Boston’s Age Strong Commission seeks a partner who can deliver the services of the Long term Care (LTC) Ombudsman Program. The State Ombudsman Program is managed by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Aging & Independence State Ombudsman. The purpose of the Ombudsman Program is to protect the rights and benefits of long term care residents according to State and Federal laws. Ombudsmen work closely with the Executive Office of Aging and Independence, the Age Strong Commission, and the Department of Public Health to advocate for institutionalized older adults.   

Grant Priorities 

• Receive, investigate, and resolve nursing and rest home complaints;
• Protect the rights of residents
• Provide information on long term care issues to residents and their families
• Advocate for positive changes to the long term care system 

Reporting Requirements

All grant recipients will be required to submit monthly or quarterly programmatic and fiscal reports to the Age Strong team. Please refer to the Subrecipient Monitoring Guide for details on monitoring, reporting, fiscal requirements, invoicing and procedural guidance. 

Scholarship funds at TCF annually provide approximately $20 million in educational aid for students at institutions of higher learning. Each donor or group of donors determines the conditions for which the scholarships are awarded. The diversity of eligibility criteria reflects the variety of donor motivations to create or support scholarship funds.

Pat R. Gereau R.N. Scholarship

Available to students who are in an undergraduate program of study and pursuing a career in nursing at an accredited U.S. college, university, technical program or trade school in Tulsa, Oklahoma area.

Maury and Betty Hull Endowed Scholarship

The Maury and Betty Hull Scholarship was created to honor their lives and appreciation for their hometown, Forks, WA. The scholarship was established to help community students pursue their higher education dreams.

Award Information

Awards begin at $2,000 and are at the discretion of the committee.

The ASTRO-BCRF Emerging Investigator Award aims to support one early career researcher in breast radiation oncology from underrepresented populations. This initiative by the American Society for Radiation Oncology and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation provides $100,000 for direct costs over one year, emphasizing diversity in the scientific workforce and encouraging eligible individuals to self-identify as part of underrepresented groups in biomedical research.

The David Perlman Award for Excellence in Science Journalism recognizes outstanding work in science news reporting. Established in 2000, this annual award honors journalists who make Earth and space science accessible to the public. Recipients receive a $5,000 prize, an engraved award, and recognition at AGU's annual meeting. Eligible nominees include journalists from any medium, excluding books, who have not won the award in the past two years. The award encourages diverse representation in science journalism.

The Path to a Cure — Collaborative Research Grant, offered by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, aims to support research in developing new therapies for cystic fibrosis, particularly focusing on CFTR gene repair and replacement strategies. This program prioritizes collaborations that integrate new investigators and innovative technologies into CF research. Applicants can request up to $1,000,000 annually for three years, with proposals requiring preliminary data to demonstrate feasibility and potential impact.

American Academy of Family Physicians Foundation

The AAFP Foundation focuses on improving health for everyone, and your support makes an immediate impact on the good work we do—from leadership development and education scholarships to funding social and health care services.

The AAFP Foundation strives to create a sense of belonging through an inclusive environment that embraces the family medicine community by recognizing individual uniqueness and contributions to family medicine.

Richard D. Feldman, M.D. Student and Resident Essay Contest

Each year, the Center for the History of Family Medicine (CHFM) sponsors a contest to encourage medical students and family medicine residents to write scholarly essays relevant to the history of family medicine in the United States. The first-place winner will receive $2,000 and the second-place winner will receive a $1,000 award.

We encourage all to apply and are committed to developing scholarly essays relevant to the history of Family Medicine in the United States by medical students and residents who reflect the rich diversity of the specialty and the patients served.

About Legacy Foundation

Legacy Foundation is the community foundation for Lake County, Indiana. We connect people, knowledge, and funding to build an equitable, accessible, and inclusive Lake County, now and for generations to come.

Legacy Foundation is supported by a broad base of individuals, families, and businesses connected by the desire to improve Lake County, Indiana. With a growing portfolio of over 300 funds and approximately $80 million in assets, Legacy Foundation is a trusted source for philanthropic giving in the region.

For over 30 years, Legacy Foundation has been empowering people, providing strategic leadership, and impactful philanthropic support to create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Mission Statement

Transforming Lake County by providing strategic leadership and impactful philanthropic support to ensure equitable opportunity for all communities that we serve.

Vision Statement

Create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Joan and Ernest Berry Scholarship

Use the chart below to see which scholarships are the best fit for you! You must complete the Legacy Universal Application to apply.

Scholarship eligibility requires students to attend an accredited 2 or 4 year public or private institution of higher learning. All scholarships are for full-time students, unless otherwise noted. Renewable awards are for 4 years of undergraduate study and cannot be used for post graduate coursework; all awards are paid directly to the school or may be used for book reimbursement.

The Rev. Dr. Roosevelt and Dr. Nurame Austin, Sr. Scholarship, established by the Saginaw Community Foundation, honors Pastor Roosevelt Austin's dedication to his church and community. This scholarship supports graduating high school seniors from Saginaw County pursuing undergraduate degrees or Career and Technical Education (CTE) training. With awards ranging from $500 to $4,000, it fosters educational opportunities for students in skilled trades, reflecting Pastor Austin's belief in the power of education.

The AAS Northeast Asia Council (NEAC) Distinguished Speakers Bureau Grant invites applications from U.S. and Canadian colleges to host distinguished scholars for public lectures on Japan and Korea. This program, initiated in 2011, aims to foster engagement with early career scholars and enhance East Asian studies. Grants cover honoraria of $500 and additional funding for in-person events, promoting accessibility and academic collaboration. Institutions are encouraged to apply every three years, ensuring support for smaller programs in Asian studies.

The Big Country Athletic Hall of Fame Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Abilene, supports varsity athletes in the top 25% of their graduating class from specific counties. This scholarship honors outstanding high school athletes and coaches in the Abilene area, promoting academic and athletic excellence. Applicants must have participated in varsity sports during their junior and senior years and provide a recommendation from a varsity coach. This initiative aims to empower students to pursue their college education dreams.

The Frederick George Pohland Medal, awarded by the AEESP Foundation, recognizes outstanding contributions in environmental engineering and science. Nominations are open only to AEESP and AAEES members, with specific submission guidelines including a cover letter, CV, and letters of recommendation. This prestigious award honors the legacy of Dr. Frederick G. Pohland, known for his significant advancements in anaerobic processes and dedication to the field.

The Home Builders' Association of the GT Area Scholarship, offered by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, supports residents from Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, or Leelanau Counties. This scholarship targets individuals pursuing education in the home building industry. Applicants must provide a letter of reference from a member of the Home Builders Association, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5, and demonstrate community involvement or leadership.

The Antoinette Lierman Medlin Scholarship, administered by the Geological Society of America, supports graduate students in coal science. It offers two awards: $2000 for laboratory research and $1500 for fieldwork. This scholarship aims to recognize and assist students in completing their research projects successfully. Contributions from personal and corporate sponsors help sustain this valuable fund, encouraging commitment to advancing knowledge in energy geology.

The DoW Bone Marrow Failure Idea Development Award supports innovative, high-impact research aimed at understanding and curing bone marrow failure diseases. This grant is available to both Established Investigators and Early-Career Investigators, with no preliminary data required for applications. Reviewers assess proposals based on specific criteria tailored to the investigator's career stage. The focus is on achieving interpretable results that contribute significantly to the field.

Pfizer supports the global healthcare community’s independent initiatives (e.g., research, quality improvement or education) to improve patient outcomes in areas of unmet medical need that are aligned with Pfizer’s medical and/or scientific strategies.

Pre-clinical Investigation of anti-TFPI-mediated Rebalancing Mechanisms in Non-Hemophilic Bleeding Disorders

There remains a scientific gap in understanding of the role of anti-TFPImediated hemostatic rebalancing in the context of inherited or non-hemophilic bleeding disorders. This competitive grant program encourages competitive submissions focsed on generating preclinical/foundational data exploring the therapeutic potential and mechanisms of TFPI modulation in bleeding disorders other than hemophilia.

Funding

• Individual projects requesting up to $50,000 USD will be considered. Request for study drug or compound is allowed (max $50,000 USD), additionally to the study project costs.
• Maximum project length is 1 year.

The Health Equity Innovation Award (U01) aims to support innovative research that enhances minority health and health equity. Key areas include promoting diversity in clinical trials, improving data visibility for underrepresented groups, and amplifying diverse patient perspectives. This initiative, funded by the US Department of Health and Human Services' FDA, seeks to ensure equitable health outcomes and address unmet needs within varied populations.

United Institute for Theatre Technology

The United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) connects performing arts design and technology communities to ensure a vibrant dialog among practitioners, educators, and students.

Driven by our core values of inclusion, excellence, and responsibility, we provide mentorship programs, exhibit opportunities, grant funding, awards, and other opportunities for our members and for the entertainment industry. 

Emerging Digital Design Showcase

USITT is seeking expressions of interest from students and early-career creatives to participate in the Emerging Digital Design Showcase during the USITT26 Annual Conference & Stage Expo. Presented on the main USITT Awards Stage, this curated showcase highlights the next generation of digital and graphic designers working in performance, live events, and immersive environments.

This year’s showcase is inspired by the ocean, coastal environments, and the world beneath the surface — reflecting both the Long Beach location and the ideas of depth, motion, and interconnectedness inherent in live performance. Designers are encouraged to interpret the theme broadly rather than literally.

This showcase is not a competition; rather, it is intended as a platform for visibility, mentorship, and the celebration of emerging voices within the USITT community.

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.

Edward A. and Shirley B. Livi Scholarship Fund

To support residents of Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire Counties who are pursuing fine or performing arts beyond their college freshman year.

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.

Adaptive Sports in Schools Mobility Grants

Request for Proposals

More than 7 million students in the U.S. receive special education services for disabilities in public schools. A 2010 study by the U.S. General Accountability Office found that students with disabilities participated in athletics at significantly lower rates than their peers. Currently, 2,490 k-12 public schools in the U.S. are members of the American Association of Adaptive Sports Programs schools and have adaptive sports programs for students.

The Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund seeks public schools pursuing funding to start adaptive sports programs or increase access to adaptive sports and equipment for children and youth. Bridgestone is offering eight $25,000 “mobility” grants to organizations that can establish new athletic programming for students with disabilities. Organizations must articulate a clear plan to provide access to new athletic programs for students with disabilities in one or more public schools for students grades K-12.

The Hilda M. Hill Memorial Scholarship is offered by the Four County Community Foundation to support high school seniors and recent graduates from Capac, Almont, and Imlay City. Eligible students planning to pursue vocational or technical programs may apply, with financial need considered. Recipients will be recognized at the Foundation Scholarship Celebration in May, as well as during high school awards ceremonies. Students can receive up to two awards, promoting continued educational advancement in skilled trades.