Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in Massachusetts

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.

Elaine Sirkin Forbes Scholarship Fund

The Elaine Sirkin Forbes Scholarship Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships for high school seniors graduating from Allegheny County Schools who wish to major in visual, performance or media art.

Award Type: Single-Year Award

GBA1 Parkinson's Disease Research Catalyst Program

The GBA1-PD Research Catalyst Program seeks to build a deeper, globally integrated understanding of GBA1-associated Parkinson’s disease by aligning efforts across geographies and maximizing the value of shared datasets and research assets. Funding will support hypothesis- driven projects with an emphasis on integrative, cross-cohort analyses and the systematic characterization and standardization of models to enable broad use by the research community.

Funding

Duration: 12 to 24 months

Award Amount: Up to $300,000. Requested support should be commensurate with work proposed.

These budgets include direct and indirect costs. For academic and for-profit institutions, no more than 15% or 10%, respectively, may go to indirect costs. 

The Peter C. Sotus, M.D. Scholarship is part of the Erie Community Foundation's initiative that awarded over $800,000 in scholarships in 2023 to support students pursuing post-secondary education. This scholarship targets high school seniors accepted into accredited institutions, focusing on careers in medicine or music. Preference is given to students born outside the US or children of non-US born parents. This award encourages diversity and support for aspiring professionals.

Accreditation Sustainability Learning Community RFA

The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO), through the Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG), is currently accepting applications for participation in a learning lab that will foster health department capacity to build a sustainable public health accreditation culture within their agencies. This opportunity is open to applicants from direct PHIG awardees at the state-, big city-, and county-level.

About Pfizer Grants

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.

Biochemical and Molecular Characterization of Marstacimab and TFPI Pathways 

This competitive grant encompasses research aimed at elucidating molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying marstacimab-TFPI interactions, including but not limited to differential expression of tissue factor and TFPI in various tissues, binding kinetics, and other biochemical properties. Projects should seek to advance foundational understanding of these interactions through innovative approaches in biochemistry, molecular biology, and related disciplines.

Project Types and Area of Interest

Projects that will be considered for Pfizer support will focus on basic science and fundamental biological understanding of Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor (TFPI), anti-TFPI Monoclonal Antibodies, and marstacimab. The areas of interest may include (but are not limited to):

• Basic biology of TFPI including interactions among key regulatory proteins in the intrinsic and/or extrinsic clotting cascades (e.g. Protein S being a co-factor for both Protein C and TFPI).
• Impact of differential TFPI expression within tissues and the role of various TFPI pools/isoforms in the regulation of coagulation.
• Pharmacology resulting from concomitant therapies added to anti-TFPI

About Pfizer Grants

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.

Project Types and Area of Interest

Potential applicants are encouraged to identify and address preclinical/basic science data generation for TFPI modulation/rebalancing in their local setting. This may include:

• Rare bleeding disorders which arise from deficiencies in different clotting factors or pathway components but converge on a common functional endpoint which is an impaired thrombin generation (e.g., Factor II, Factor V, Factor VII, Factor X and Factor XI deficiencies, as well as von Willebrand disease).
• Other diseases such as Glanzmann's thrombasthenia (GT) that have a distinct pathophysiological mechanism.
• Other rare bleeding disorders whose mechanisms are not well understood (e.g., Bleeding Disorder of Unknown Cause, BDUC).

Agog Open Call: Climate Futures + Immersive Media

This open call supports immersive media projects that help people better understand and respond to climate challenges and imagine what a better world could be.

We are looking for projects that use immersive technologies—including smart glasses, augmented reality, spatial sound, and mixed reality—to create more engaging, experiential forms of climate storytelling and civic participation.

The open call will support projects across a range of stages and formats, from early ideas to more developed work. What matters most is a compelling story or experience, a clear sense of purpose, and a thoughtful approach to bringing the work to life.

Grants may be awarded in denominations ranging from $25,000 to $200,000. In addition to funding, selected projects may receive mentorship, advisor support, and opportunities for partnership and distribution.

The Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM) program aims to enhance maternal health outcomes by providing technical assistance across all U.S. states and territories. This initiative focuses on implementing best practices to improve safety during childbirth, ultimately saving lives. By supporting jurisdictions and birthing facilities involved in AIM, the program seeks to promote quality improvements in maternal health care, ensuring safer births and better health for mothers and infants.

The Statewide Perinatal Quality Collaboratives initiative aims to enhance the health of pregnant and postpartum women and their newborns through quality improvement strategies. Funded by the CDC, the program encompasses two components: state-based Perinatal Quality Collaboratives and a National Network coordinating center. Key strategies include strengthening data systems and fostering partnerships to improve healthcare services and outcomes. Ultimately, this initiative seeks to implement successful quality improvement initiatives that ensure better coordination and health outcomes for mothers and newborns across the United States.

The Marcia L. Wetherbee Scholarship, established by The Columbus Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors from central Ohio who plan to pursue higher education. With a minimum award of $1,000, this scholarship honors Marcia Wetherbee, a passionate community advocate and social worker. Eligible candidates must have a GPA between 2.5 and 3.8 and demonstrate commitment to their education. This scholarship aims to empower the next generation of leaders in the community.

Who We Are

Community foundations began nationally in 1914 and are publicly-supported, 501(c)(3) philanthropic organizations that hold, administer, invest and make grants from both endowed and non-endowed funds established by individuals, families and others. They were designed to be simple, flexible, convenient, tax-wise, cost-effective and perpetual charitable vehicles.  

Our Community Foundation was established in Roanoke in 1988. With our growth, we expanded into the Martinsville/Henry County area in 2005. Today, we administer many hundreds of named endowment funds ranging in size from a minimum of $10,000 to millions of dollars. To date, donors have also committed very significant resources to the Foundation through future estate gifts.

Information for Scholarship Seekers

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, the region’s community foundation, administers a variety of scholarships to reward and assist capable and deserving students based on the criteria established by the fund donors.

Specifics of the Foundation’s scholarship program may be subject to change from time to time. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact the Foundation at (276) 656-6223.

Ashby C. and John T. Pinkard Scholarship Fund

 Fund provides higher education scholarships to deserving young men and women.

The Mary Eliza Mahoney Scholarships, offered by the Minnesota Nurses Association Foundation (MNAF), provide financial support to nursing students, members of healthcare unions, their dependents, and veterans. Each scholarship awards $2,500 per semester for a maximum of four semesters, totaling up to $10,000. This initiative aims to enhance nursing education and promote the professional growth of future nurses, ensuring access to quality healthcare for all.

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) is inviting applications for the Alzheimer's Drug-Development Program (U01 Clinical Trial Optional). This initiative seeks to support pre-clinical and early-stage clinical development of innovative drug candidates aimed at preventing Alzheimer's disease or treating its symptoms. The program encourages collaboration among researchers and aims to enhance the therapeutic pipeline for AD through targeted approaches. This notice allows potential applicants time to prepare robust projects.

The Community Foundation’s scholarships are for Arkansas students pursuing education at two- or four-year colleges or universities, vocational schools or technical training programs. Each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria. Some scholarships are designated for graduates of a particular high school or those who plan to attend a particular college. Others are based on extracurricular activities or intended college majors.  

The Foundation has a scholarship portal with a quiz to help applicants determine scholarship eligibility. 

“Since 1976, the Community Foundation has partnered with individuals and organizations who want to support our state’s students in their pursuit of higher education,” said Heather Larkin, Community Foundation president and CEO. “These generous people provide the funding and determine the size and eligibility criteria of each scholarship, while we oversee the application and awarding process on their behalf.”  

Anne Pressly Scholarship

To memorialize the legacy of Anne Pressly and support women who plan to pursue a career in Journalism.

The MNA Associate Member Scholarships provide financial assistance to MNA associate members who are typically undergraduate nursing students. Offered by the Minnesota Nurses Association Foundation, these scholarships aim to support the professional development and educational goals of nursing students, contributing to the advancement of the nursing profession and ensuring access to quality healthcare for all. Eligible candidates include MNA members, their dependents, and veterans, fostering a commitment to nursing excellence.

The Falmouth Fund Grants, established by The Cape Cod Foundation in 2009, support diverse community needs in Falmouth, including health, education, and arts. With over $1.2 million granted to more than 100 organizations, the Fund prioritizes high-impact, innovative proposals that enhance community character. Competitive and collaborative, it actively seeks projects that directly benefit Falmouth residents, while emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion in its funding approach.

The MNAF Linda Knauff Clinical Practice Project Grant supports Minnesota Nurses Association members in conducting research that aligns with MNA's organizational goals. It promotes best practices through literature reviews, workgroup convening, policy development, and quality improvement initiatives. Applicants must be MNA members engaged in direct patient care, complete their projects within two years, and submit periodic reports. Preference is given to first-time applicants whose projects meet quality standards.

Lakeview Foundation Scholarship

The Lakeview Foundation provides higher education scholarships to college bound students of Eastern Van Buren County, Michigan who are pursuing a healthcare degree.

Lakeview Foundation started in 1985 as a Hospital Authority Foundation. Its existence is solely due to the hospital that was started in Paw Paw in 1939 in a house that was the summer home of David Rose, a former mayor of Milwaukee.

The hospital quickly became Lakeview Municipal Hospital and eventually Lakeview Community Hospital Authority comprising the Villages of Paw Paw, Lawton, Decatur and Mattawan, The City of Gobles, and the Townships of Paw Paw, Pine Grove, Decatur, Antwerp, Almena, Hamilton, Porter and Lawrence.

Shortly after the hospital authority sold the hospital to Bronson Methodist Hospital, Lakeview Foundation became independent and accepted a large donation as part of the sale. Lakeview Foundation enjoys a close bond with Lakeview Bronson Hospital.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) invites applications for the validation of biomarkers and assays for cancer detection and treatment. This funding opportunity allows for biphasic or monophasic applications to support both analytical and clinical validation phases. Successful projects will leverage human specimens to develop assays that enhance cancer treatment and prevention, ensuring multidisciplinary collaboration among scientists and clinicians. This initiative aims to improve cancer management through reliable and clinically validated tools.

The Roesler, Max and Elizabeth Memorial Scholarship Fund supports non-traditional students aged 25 and older in Noble County, Indiana, pursuing higher education or retraining. This fund awards $1,500 to applicants enrolled in any accredited college, university, or trade school. Applicants may be full-time or part-time students and may reapply. The scholarship reflects the commitment of generous donors to invest in local students' educational goals.

The Linda Tilghman Healthcare Scholarship supports Noble County high school seniors enrolled in the Primary Healthcare Program at Impact Institute. Applicants must pursue a degree in healthcare and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.50. This one-time $1,000 award can be used for tuition and academic fees. To apply, students must submit an essay on their healthcare outlook and provide a reference from a teacher or employer. Funds not used for educational purposes must be returned.

Stark Community Foundation

Since 1963, Stark Community Foundation has been helping individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits like you support the causes you care about.

In addition to personalized donor services, we manage a competitive grantmaking program and award grants to address local needs. Today, the Foundation stewards over 1,000 charitable funds totaling $485 million in assets and has granted more than $300 million to nonprofits in our community and beyond.

Scholarships

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties.

The Charles E. Feiock Advised Charitable Scholarship Fund

The Charles E. Feiock Advised Charitable Scholarship Fund assists students who have graduated from a public, private, or charter school located in Monroe County, Ohio. 

Pfizer is launching a grant initiative to enhance care for patients with advanced ALK+ non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This program aims to support independent medical education projects focusing on patient and caregiver preparation for ALK inhibitor therapy, side-effect management, and the development of resources that promote informed decision-making and accessibility. By addressing the challenges faced by this patient population, the initiative seeks to improve treatment outcomes and quality of life.

Charmayne Gooch Arts Scholarship

The Charmayne Gooch Arts Scholarship is available to Larimer County students who have the potential to succeed but may not have attained sufficient academic achievement to place them in a position to receive other scholarships. This can include students with a disability or special needs and/or a student who would benefit from a program with less emphasis on academics such as art, writing, music, or visual arts.

Scholarship amount:

• $5,000

Number of awards:

• 3

Scholarship awards are one-time awards. The amount awarded to a selected recipient may be used for the cost of attendance. All scholarships will be paid directly to the recipient’s school and must be used for the upcoming academic year. Award disbursement is contingent upon the outside scholarship policies of a recipient’s college or university.

The Robert L. and Pauline H. Minton Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the children of Pauline H. Minton, honors their parents' legacy as dedicated Battelle employees and single parents. This scholarship aims to support children of full-time Battelle staff who are pursuing education at public or nonprofit colleges in the U.S. With an award amount of $1,000, it reflects a commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for deserving students in central Ohio.

Pfizer, in collaboration with the American Headache Society, invites innovative proposals for quality improvement initiatives targeting gaps in headache medicine. The focus is on enhancing patient outcomes through effective diagnosis, treatment, and management strategies, as well as education in medical training. This grant aims to develop widely usable tools and information that promote patient-centered care and equity for those affected by migraine and headache disorders.

Transportation Assistance Grant

The Transportation Assistance Grant program was established to help members of the MS community remain as independent as possible, and ensure all people with MS have the transportation necessary to get the best medical care.

The program provides funding for reasonable paratransit fees. In partnership with Lyft and Uber, the program can also provide funding for transportation to and from appointments for MS care, limited to neurologist visits and infusion centers, at no cost to the person with MS.