Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in Massachusetts

The Dr. Kenneth F. Swaiman Medical Student Scholarship, offered by the Child Neurology Foundation, honors Dr. Swaiman's legacy in child neurology. This $6,000 scholarship supports three U.S. or Canadian medical students annually, who are interested in child neurology research. Recipients will receive travel funding to attend the Child Neurology Society meeting. Eligible students must be in their second or third year and conduct research under a child neurologist's guidance.

The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) fosters a dynamic research environment that enriches cadet education, enhances faculty development, and supports Air Force mission capabilities. By engaging cadets in hands-on research alongside faculty, USAFA cultivates critical thinking and innovation. Additionally, the program addresses vital topics like hypersonics and cybersecurity, while fostering partnerships with industry to stimulate broader technological advancements. This initiative not only benefits cadets and faculty but also serves the public interest.

The SAA Native American Undergraduate Archaeology Scholarship, funded by the Society for American Archaeology, supports Native American students pursuing undergraduate studies in archaeology. With an award of up to $6,000 available annually, this scholarship aims to empower students and promote the preservation of cultural heritage through education and collaboration. It encourages participation from all Native peoples across the Americas, ensuring accessibility and support for educational advancement in the field of archaeology.

The SAA Native American Graduate Archaeology Scholarship, funded by the Society for American Archaeology, supports Native American graduate students pursuing studies in archaeology. Each year, one scholarship is awarded, providing up to $10,000 to cover tuition, travel, housing, and other educational expenses. This initiative aims to foster collaboration between archaeologists and Native American communities while promoting ethical practices and preservation of cultural heritage.

The Charter Fund: Seed Funding program supports nonprofit organizations operating high-performing public charter schools that aim to expand their reach by serving 250 to 1,000 additional students within two years. Eligible applicants must demonstrate proven leadership, strong academic performance, and a commitment to underserved communities. The fund offers general operating grants ranging from $250,000 to $600,000 to assist leaders in opening new schools, providing vital resources and cohort-based learning opportunities to foster growth and innovation.

The ASTR Brooks McNamara Publishing Subvention supports costs related to reproducing illustrations for publications, including securing rights and acquiring images. It is available to independent or affiliated scholars with terminal degrees who are ASTR members. The award offers up to $600, with preference given to junior scholars. Projects will be evaluated based on their merit within theatre, dance, and performance studies, as well as the scholar's research endeavors.

About us

SIR Foundation is a scientific foundation dedicated to fostering research in interventional radiology for the purposes of advancing scientific knowledge, increasing the number of skilled investigators, and developing innovative therapies that lead to improved patient care and quality of life. The foundation is committed to fostering the development and enhancement of innovative, minimally invasive, image-guided therapies from inception to mature clinical application and to conduct educational programs in the service of its mission.

Dr. Constantin Cope Medical Student Research Award

Introduces interested medical students to the greater interventional radiology community at the SIR Annual Scientific Meeting. Recognizes the student author of an accepted abstract that best honors the spirit of inventiveness and scientific purity.

Award

Up to two recipients will receive complimentary registration and a travel award of up to $1,000.

About us

SIR Foundation is a scientific foundation dedicated to fostering research in interventional radiology for the purposes of advancing scientific knowledge, increasing the number of skilled investigators, and developing innovative therapies that lead to improved patient care and quality of life. The foundation is committed to fostering the development and enhancement of innovative, minimally invasive, image-guided therapies from inception to mature clinical application and to conduct educational programs in the service of its mission.

Dr. Gary J. Becker Young Investigator Award

Promotes excellence in academic research for members early in their careers. This award honors the founding editor of the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology (JVIR) and recognizes the importance of the young investigator in developing interventional solutions for the future.

About

In 1990, SIR Foundation established the Dr. Gary J. Becker Young Investigator Award as a way to recognize promising young practitioners of interventional radiology early in their careers and encourage their pursuit of academic careers. Each year, the author of the most outstanding clinical science research paper submitted receives this distinguished award.

Award

$3,000 honorarium along with complimentary registration to the SIR Annual Scientific Meeting.

The award will be presented during the SIR Foundation Awards Ceremony at the SIR Annual Scientific Meeting.

The Spotlight Funds: Inclusive Classroom Grants support K-12 educators by providing financial assistance to acquire essential tools and materials for diverse classrooms. These grants address inequities based on race, gender identity, and ability, ensuring that all students have the resources they need to succeed. With awards ranging from $500 to $1,000 per educator, the program prioritizes high-needs schools, empowering teachers to create inclusive learning environments that reflect their students' unique backgrounds.

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. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Marion Rotary Club’s Warren G. Harding Scholarship

The Marion Rotary Club Warren G. Harding Scholarship migrated to Marion Community Foundation in 2017. It honors the late Warren Gamaliel Harding, the 29th President of the United States, serving from March 4, 1921, until his death in 1923.

Rotary’s Harding scholarship is given to students who attend Harding High School and/or who intend to pursue an education and career in, or related to, journalism, business, history, government, or political science.

The U.S. Hillman Book Prize, awarded by the Sidney Hillman Foundation, honors exceptional journalism that serves the common good. Open to global journalists, it recognizes books published in English in the U.S. within the last year. Winners receive a $5,000 honorarium and a certificate at an annual ceremony in New York City. The foundation also promotes entries with a U.S. impact while continuing the SEIU Award for Reporting on Racial and Economic Justice.

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. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Rob’s Hauling & Vance Family Scholarship

The Rob’s Hauling & Vance Family Scholarship Fund was created in 2019 by James and Lyndsey Vance. The Vance family places a priority on and a commitment to protecting, preserving, conserving, and sustaining the environment. Their scholarship gives special consideration to applicants who are pursuing an education in Ecology, Natural Science, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Management, Natural Resource Management, Renewable Energy Engineering, Sustainability Management, Urban Planning and Sustainability, Climate Science, Conservation Science, Conservation Biology, or Environmental Health and Economics. Consideration is also given to students studying Agricultural Engineering, Agriculture Production, Animal Science, Food Sciences and Technologies, Horticulture, Plant Science, Soil Science, and related fields.

Recipients may be a graduate or senior from any school located in Marion County who have been a resident of the area for their entire high school career and maintained a grade point average of 3.0 or greater.

Mission: To continually improve the Marion Area community through philanthropy, leadership and civic engagement. David K. Rogers Memorial ScholarshipThe David K. Rogers Memorial Scholarship Fund at Marion Community Foundation migrated from an existing scholarship fund at the former Marion Catholic High School, created shortly after the unexpected death of David K. Rogers.Created by David’s parents, Judge Richard and Sophie Rogers, the fund gives special consideration for an annual scholarship award to students who are active members of St. Mary Church. Exemplary character is a major consideration in the selection of recipients for this scholarship.

Mission: To continually improve the Marion Area community through philanthropy, leadership and civic engagement. Marion Music Club ScholarshipMarion Music Club , which has existed for more than 100 years (formerly known as the Marion Lecture and Recital Club), is open to anyone who loves music and supports the performing arts in Marion. Members range in age from 20-80 and includes those active with the Marion Area Orchestra, Marion Concert Band, area music stores, and private teachers, as well as students. They offer monthly programs for the community, including musical arts, poetry, theater, dance, instrumentals, and history — both live and via their YouTube channel. The Club encourages the arts in Marion by supporting the Palace Cultural Arts Association and Marion Civic Chorus.

The U.S. Hillman Prize for Opinion and Analysis Journalism, awarded by the Sidney Hillman Foundation, recognizes outstanding journalism that serves the common good. Open to journalists globally, the prize honors works published or broadcast in English within the last year. Winners receive a $5,000 honorarium and a certificate at a ceremony in New York City. This prestigious award promotes impactful storytelling that resonates with a U.S. audience and champions social justice.

Mission: To continually improve the Marion Area community through philanthropy, leadership and civic engagement. Max Ross Memorial ScholarshipThe Max Ross Memorial Scholarship Fund was created in 2018, shortly after his passing, by his family to support Marion students pursuing degrees in the field of education. Max was well known in Marion, having served as Marion County Sheriff, educator, businessman, and coach.

The NCI Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (CURE) Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (K08) aims to enhance the careers of clinical scientists committed to cancer research. This NIH-supported program provides protected time for research and encourages underrepresented individuals in health-related sciences. With deadlines spanning from 2025 to 2027, the program focuses on training and developing the skills necessary to compete for significant research funding and address health disparities in cancer research.

The Interventions to Reduce Sleep Health Disparities (R01) grant aims to fund non-pharmacological strategies that enhance sleep health and address disparities in sleep among affected populations. The program emphasizes innovative approaches to examine sleep as a crucial element in mitigating health disparities across various health outcomes. Deadlines for applications range from February 2025 to June 2027, supporting both standard and renewal submissions under the National Institutes of Health.

Mission: To continually improve the Marion Area community through philanthropy, leadership and civic engagement. McBride Family Scholarship

Created in memory of the late Doris Elaine McBride (1928-2022), the McBride Family Scholarship Fund was created by Russ & Marilyn McBride in 2023.  Applicant should have attended any Marion County high school and will major in education, medicine, or health care.

The Tribal Agriculture Fellowship supports career and technical education students in agriculture, focusing on Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian individuals. This last-dollar fellowship aims to fill financial gaps, allowing students to prioritize their education while participating in developmental activities. Eligible students must maintain academic progress and engage in community support initiatives. The fellowship provides resources for tuition, housing, and professional development over up to four years, promoting agricultural knowledge in tribal communities.

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. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Cornell Goodman Scholarship

Adam and Gina Goodman created this scholarship fund in 2011 to honor the memory of Adam’s grandfathers Maurice V. Cornell and Bertram Goodman, longtime residents of the Marion area.

Maurice (1912-2001) was a graduate of Mt. Vernon High School and The Ohio State University. He held membership in Lombda Chi Alpha fraternity, Elks Lodge #32, 32nd degree Mason, Rotary, First Presbyterian Church, the Marion Country Club, and Symposiarchs. He served in the US Navy during World War II in the South Pacific. He was vice president of Marion Power Shovel for eight years and retired as the regional manager of Bucyrus-Erie Co. after 10 years.

Bertram (1921-2003) was an orthodontist in Marion from 1946-1980. He was a US Navy veteran who served in the Korean Conflict. He was a member of the Marion Lions Club and Temple Israel.

The scholarship supports students who have attended a high school in Marion County. The fund gives special consideration to students pursuing a college degree in a business-oriented field, such as accounting, economics, finance, or marketing. Recipients must rank in the upper 25th percentile of their high school graduating class, or, if in college, maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better.

Mission: To continually improve the Marion Area community through philanthropy, leadership and civic engagement. Quintin & Alice Linn ScholarshipThe Linn Fund is a scholarship, created in 2022, to support Marion County students pursing degrees and careers in economics, finance, mathematics, and statistics.

Mission: To continually improve the Marion Area community through philanthropy, leadership and civic engagement. Rocco Nicolosi Memorial ScholarshipIndividuals selected for the Nicolosi Scholarship must have attended a high school located in Marion County throughout his or her entire high school experience and have ranked in the upper 25th percentile of his or her high school senior class.To preserve Rocco’s memory and discourage future tragedies, applicants must write an essay on the topic of “Why Young People in Marion Need to be Drug, Alcohol, and Substance Free.”

The Cushing Scholarship was created in 2014. According to Marsha, “We are not as interested in a student’s financial status as we are on how they look at life.”

The GRAMMY Museum Grants Program supports scientific research projects focused on the impact of music on the human condition. With a maximum award of $20,000, it funds initiatives that explore music's effects on mood, cognition, and healing, as well as its role in the well-being of music professionals. Grants aim to advance the preservation of music heritage and foster innovative research methodologies, prioritizing projects with broad public accessibility.