Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in Massachusetts

The Rural Health Network Development Planning Program aims to enhance rural health care by fostering integrated health care networks. It focuses on collaboration among entities to bolster local capacity and improve care coordination in underserved areas. By achieving efficiencies and expanding access to essential services, the program seeks to strengthen the overall rural health system while promoting the use of health information technology and exploring innovative care delivery models.

The Mentored Research Scientist Career Development Award (KR1) offers crucial support for researchers aiming for independence. Funded by the US Dept. of Health & Human Services through the NIH, this award allows candidates to engage in intensive research training under a mentor's guidance for up to five years. It is designed for those with research doctoral degrees, facilitating their transition into independent research roles and enhancing their contributions to the scientific community.

The Mentored Clinician Research Scientist Career Development Award (KC1) from the NIH supports clinician research scientists for up to five years, providing dedicated time for intensive research career development. This award aims to guide candidates with clinical doctoral degrees towards achieving research independence by pairing them with experienced mentors who can help navigate their career paths.

The Mentored Career Transition Award (KT1/R00) offers a biphasic funding opportunity for up to 5 years, supporting the transition of postdoctoral researchers to independent faculty positions. The first phase provides 1-2 years of mentored career development, while the second phase grants up to 3 years of independent research support, contingent upon satisfactory progress and faculty appointment. This grant aims to enhance the capacity of early-career researchers in achieving research-intensive roles.

The Established Clinician Investigator Award to Support Mentoring (KS1) is designed to provide established clinician investigators with dedicated time for mentoring early-career clinician research scientists. This initiative by the US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health (NIH) aims to enhance the quality of mentorship, fostering the development of future leaders in clinical research. It supports a sustained commitment to training and guidance, ensuring a robust pipeline of skilled professionals.

The AWWA Scholarship Program, specifically the CDM Smith Thomas R. Camp Scholarship, offers a $10,000 award for outstanding graduate students engaged in applied research within the drinking water sector. Sponsored by the American Water Works Association (AWWA), this scholarship emphasizes the importance of investing in future water industry leaders, encouraging their innovative contributions to the field. Eligible candidates are graduate students focused on research that addresses critical challenges in drinking water management.

The STEM Higher Education Grant Program, funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, aims to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM graduate education. The program focuses on transforming educational pathways, empowering universities, and supporting innovative initiatives that cultivate a diverse faculty body. By addressing systemic barriers and promoting inclusive environments, the Foundation seeks to ensure that all students have equitable opportunities to succeed in STEM fields, ultimately strengthening the scientific enterprise.

The FDA is funding a Center for Research on Complex Generics to enhance collaboration with the generic drug industry. This initiative aims to identify scientific challenges in generic product development, facilitate expert engagement, and coordinate research projects. By hosting workshops and providing public access to research outcomes, the center will support the FDA's mission to improve patient access to high-quality, safe, and effective generic drugs, thus strengthening regulatory science efforts.

Patient Advocate Foundation

Patient Advocate Foundation is the nation’s most comprehensive nonprofit dedicated to helping patients navigate, access, and afford the care they need—while improving the healthcare system for all.

Patient Advocate Foundation provides financial assistance to help patients afford treatment and cost of living needs, personalized case management to navigate complex healthcare and social needs challenges, and a wide array of resources to empower people to take charge of their health. Since our founding in 1996—and joining forces with the PAN Foundation in 2026—we have helped 3.8 million patients navigate and access care, granted over $7 billion in financial assistance, served 350,000 people through personalized case management and elevated the patient’s voice to drive improvements in the healthcare system.

Mucopolysaccharidosis Type VII (MPS VII) Health Equity Fund

Help with healthcare costs for mucopolysaccharidosis type VII (health equity)

This TotalAssist Health Equity Fund helps you pay for out-of-pocket healthcare costs, including medication copays, coinsurance, and deductibles, health insurance premiums, and other expenses.

Health Equity Funds offer help to eligible patients living in areas identified as having increased social and financial needs, as well as higher rates of chronic conditions. Eligibility is determined in part by home address zip code.

Approved medications

Patient Advocate Foundation covers all the prescription medications for each diagnosis, including generic or bioequivalent drugs, that meet any of the following criteria: FDA-approved, listed in official compendia, and/or listed in published evidence-based or clinical guidelines. See approved medication list for this condition.

Patient Advocate Foundation verifies your diagnosis and treatment plan with your provider directly. We also automatically verify the income eligibility for every applicant. 

Patient Advocate Foundation

Patient Advocate Foundation is the nation’s most comprehensive nonprofit dedicated to helping patients navigate, access, and afford the care they need—while improving the healthcare system for all.

Patient Advocate Foundation provides financial assistance to help patients afford treatment and cost of living needs, personalized case management to navigate complex healthcare and social needs challenges, and a wide array of resources to empower people to take charge of their health. Since our founding in 1996—and joining forces with the PAN Foundation in 2026—we have helped 3.8 million patients navigate and access care, granted over $7 billion in financial assistance, served 350,000 people through personalized case management and elevated the patient’s voice to drive improvements in the healthcare system.

Mucopolysaccharidosis Type VII (MPS VII) Fund

Help with healthcare costs for mucopolysaccharidosis type VII

This TotalAssist Health Equity Fund helps you pay for out-of-pocket healthcare costs, including medication copays, coinsurance, and deductibles, health insurance premiums, and other expenses.

Approved medications

Patient Advocate Foundation covers all the prescription medications for each diagnosis, including generic or bioequivalent drugs, that meet any of the following criteria: FDA-approved, listed in official compendia, and/or listed in published evidence-based or clinical guidelines. See approved medication list for this condition.

Patient Advocate Foundation verifies your diagnosis and treatment plan with your provider directly. We also automatically verify the income eligibility for every applicant. 

Patient Advocate Foundation

Patient Advocate Foundation is the nation’s most comprehensive nonprofit dedicated to helping patients navigate, access, and afford the care they need—while improving the healthcare system for all.

Patient Advocate Foundation provides financial assistance to help patients afford treatment and cost of living needs, personalized case management to navigate complex healthcare and social needs challenges, and a wide array of resources to empower people to take charge of their health. Since our founding in 1996—and joining forces with the PAN Foundation in 2026—we have helped 3.8 million patients navigate and access care, granted over $7 billion in financial assistance, served 350,000 people through personalized case management and elevated the patient’s voice to drive improvements in the healthcare system.

Mucopolysaccharidosis Type III (MPS III) Fund

Help with healthcare costs for mucopolysaccharidosis type III

This TotalAssist fund helps you pay for out-of-pocket healthcare costs, including medication copays, coinsurance, and deductibles, health insurance premiums, and other expenses. 

Approved medications

Patient Advocate Foundation covers all the prescription medications for each diagnosis, including generic or bioequivalent drugs, that meet any of the following criteria: FDA-approved, listed in official compendia, and/or listed in published evidence-based or clinical guidelines. See approved medication list for this condition.

Patient Advocate Foundation verifies your diagnosis and treatment plan with your provider directly. We also automatically verify the income eligibility for every applicant. 

Patient Advocate Foundation

Patient Advocate Foundation is the nation’s most comprehensive nonprofit dedicated to helping patients navigate, access, and afford the care they need—while improving the healthcare system for all.

Patient Advocate Foundation provides financial assistance to help patients afford treatment and cost of living needs, personalized case management to navigate complex healthcare and social needs challenges, and a wide array of resources to empower people to take charge of their health. Since our founding in 1996—and joining forces with the PAN Foundation in 2026—we have helped 3.8 million patients navigate and access care, granted over $7 billion in financial assistance, served 350,000 people through personalized case management and elevated the patient’s voice to drive improvements in the healthcare system.

Hemophilia Health Equity Fund

Help with healthcare costs for hemophilia (health equity fund)

This TotalAssist fund helps you pay for out-of-pocket healthcare costs, including medication copays, coinsurance, and deductibles, health insurance premiums, and other expenses.

Health Equity Funds offer help to eligible patients living in areas identified as having increased social and financial needs, as well as higher rates of chronic conditions. Eligibility is determined in part by home address zip code. 

Approved medications

Patient Advocate Foundation covers all the prescription medications for each diagnosis, including generic or bioequivalent drugs, that meet any of the following criteria: FDA-approved, listed in official compendia, and/or listed in published evidence-based or clinical guidelines. See approved medication list for this condition.

Patient Advocate Foundation verifies your diagnosis and treatment plan with your provider directly. We also automatically verify the income eligibility for every applicant. 

The Permobil Foundation offers sponsorships and grants to enhance the lives of individuals with mobility limitations. Committed to promoting independent mobility as a basic human right, the Foundation supports organizations that align with its mission through event sponsorships, grant funding, employee engagement, and in-kind donations. Applications are accepted monthly, with an emphasis on initiatives that yield significant community impact. The Foundation prioritizes relationships with Permobil employees and critical community needs.

Patient Advocate Foundation

Patient Advocate Foundation is the nation’s most comprehensive nonprofit dedicated to helping patients navigate, access, and afford the care they need—while improving the healthcare system for all.

Patient Advocate Foundation provides financial assistance to help patients afford treatment and cost of living needs, personalized case management to navigate complex healthcare and social needs challenges, and a wide array of resources to empower people to take charge of their health. Since our founding in 1996—and joining forces with the PAN Foundation in 2026—we have helped 3.8 million patients navigate and access care, granted over $7 billion in financial assistance, served 350,000 people through personalized case management and elevated the patient’s voice to drive improvements in the healthcare system.

Hemophilia Fund

Help with healthcare costs for hemophilia

This TotalAssist fund helps you pay for out-of-pocket healthcare costs, including medication copays, coinsurance, and deductibles, health insurance premiums, and other expenses.

Approved medications

Patient Advocate Foundation covers all the prescription medications for each diagnosis, including generic or bioequivalent drugs, that meet any of the following criteria: FDA-approved, listed in official compendia, and/or listed in published evidence-based or clinical guidelines. See approved medication list for this condition.

Patient Advocate Foundation verifies your diagnosis and treatment plan with your provider directly. We also automatically verify the income eligibility for every applicant. 

Patient Advocate Foundation

Patient Advocate Foundation is the nation’s most comprehensive nonprofit dedicated to helping patients navigate, access, and afford the care they need—while improving the healthcare system for all.

Patient Advocate Foundation provides financial assistance to help patients afford treatment and cost of living needs, personalized case management to navigate complex healthcare and social needs challenges, and a wide array of resources to empower people to take charge of their health. Since our founding in 1996—and joining forces with the PAN Foundation in 2026—we have helped 3.8 million patients navigate and access care, granted over $7 billion in financial assistance, served 350,000 people through personalized case management and elevated the patient’s voice to drive improvements in the healthcare system.

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Fund

Help with healthcare costs for chronic lymphocytic leukemia

This TotalAssist fund helps you pay for out-of-pocket healthcare costs, including medication copays, coinsurance, and deductibles, health insurance premiums, and other expenses. 

Approved medications

Patient Advocate Foundation covers all the prescription medications for each diagnosis, including generic or bioequivalent drugs, that meet any of the following criteria: FDA-approved, listed in official compendia, and/or listed in published evidence-based or clinical guidelines. See Approved medication list for this condition.

Patient Advocate Foundation verifies your diagnosis and treatment plan with your provider directly. We also automatically verify the income eligibility for every applicant. 

The RNomics Technology Enhancement Centers, supported by the NIH Common Fund, aim to enhance tools for comprehensive RNA analysis, facilitating insights into health and disease. This initiative focuses on developing technologies for RNA sequencing, modification mapping, and functional testing. By fostering collaborations and strengthening existing resources, RTECs will advance the study of RNA molecules, ensuring broad community access to improved experimental and computational methods.

The Stephen Hales Prize, established in 1927 by the American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB), honors the Reverend Stephen Hales for his groundbreaking contributions to plant biology, particularly noted in his 1727 work, Vegetable Staticks. This prestigious award is given annually to an ASPB member who has made significant contributions to the field. The recipient is invited to present their work at the Society's annual meeting, fostering engagement within the plant science community.

This grant opportunity from the NIH aims to enhance mechanistic research on precision probiotic therapies through a biphasic R61/R33 award mechanism. It encourages innovative studies to identify specific biological factors influencing probiotic responses, thereby improving clinical outcomes. The program supports up to five years of research, with the initial phase focused on discovering unique host characteristics and the second phase assessing improvements in probiotic efficacy through rigorous studies.

The Extramural Discovery Science Accelerator Award supports the commercialization of ongoing cancer research projects, focusing on experiments that facilitate technology validation and de-risking. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with a budget of up to $75,000 for one year. This award encourages independent investigators at any career stage to advance their technologies, with a strong emphasis on commercial viability and collaboration within a learning community.

About PLTW Launch PLTW Launch (PreK-5) taps into students’ exploratory nature, engages them in learning that feels like play, and encourages them to keep discovering – now and for any future they choose.Through this partnership, Haemonetics is supporting PLTW grants to schools interested in starting and expanding PLTW programs beginning in the 2027-2028 academic year.Program Requirements: 

• Grantee must offer at least one PLTW Launch module in the 2027-2028 academic year and must offer one additional module for the 2028-2029 academic year (two different modules in two years).
• Grantee may implement any PLTW Launch modules of their choosing.
• Grantee must complete two years of grant reporting.

Grant Award and Distribution Schedule:

• Total Award: $20,000
  • 2027-2028: $10,000
  • 2028-2029: $10,000

About PLTW Launch PLTW Launch (PreK-5) taps into students’ exploratory nature, engages them in learning that feels like play, and encourages them to keep discovering – now and for any future they choose.Through this partnership, Haemonetics is supporting PLTW grants to schools interested in starting and expanding PLTW programs beginning in the 2027-2028 academic year.Program Requirements: 

• Grantees must use these grant funds to expand their program.
  • Example expansion activities include but are not limited to adding an additional PLTW Launch module not previously offered, and/or offering existing PLTW Launch modules to more students
  • and/or training additional teachers in PLTW Launch Classroom Teacher Training or PLTW Launch Lead Teacher Training for the 2027-2028 academic year.
• Grantee must complete one year of grant reporting. 

Grant Award and Distribution Schedule:

• Total Award: $10,000
  • 2027-2028: $10,000

The USA Swimming Foundation's Youth Learn-to-Swim Grant aims to increase access to swim lessons for children across the nation. By providing funding to swim lesson programs, the foundation ensures that financial barriers do not prevent children from learning this vital life skill. Grants can be used for free or reduced-cost lessons, addressing the needs of underserved communities and promoting safety through swimming education.

The Puffin Foundation's Annual Artist Grant Program, focused on odd years, supports individual artists and non-profit organizations in the genres of video/film and theater. Grants, typically around $1,750, aim to uplift marginalized voices in the arts. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents with an SSN. The program excludes proposals in other disciplines and projects involving AI. This initiative prioritizes diverse artistic expression and aims to maximize funding impact for those with limited financial resources.

The NARMS Cooperative Agreement Program aims to enhance antibiotic resistance surveillance in retail food specimens, building on the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System initiated by the FDA in 1996. This program seeks to improve detection of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in food commodities and expand sampling sites. By strengthening monitoring efforts, it aims to protect public health and achieve measurable outcomes aligned with NARMS objectives, contributing to national efforts against antibiotic resistance.

The Faye Lynn Deckard Memorial Scholarship Fund, managed by the Brown County Community Foundation, aims to provide scholarships for students accepted into accredited two- or four-year institutions. This fund supports residents of Brown County pursuing degrees in early childhood education, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder their educational aspirations. Since its inception, the foundation has been dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities for local students, reinforcing its commitment to community development and academic achievement.

The Harry D. Poling Scholarship, managed by the Brown County Community Foundation, supports current and former 4-H members pursuing higher education or vocational training. Established to assist students from Brown County, this scholarship prioritizes those seeking CDL or vocational training, emphasizing financial need. Since 1993, the Foundation has focused on educational initiatives, providing numerous scholarships to local graduates and working closely with The Lilly Endowment Inc. for enhanced educational opportunities.

The Dorothy Stewart Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Brown County Community Foundation, aims to foster interest in public and environmental affairs. It provides financial support to graduates of Brown County High School or G.E.D. recipients who demonstrate exceptional citizenship and community involvement. Eligible candidates must pursue a degree in relevant fields, ensuring that the scholarship contributes to the development of future leaders in these critical areas.