Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in Massachusetts

The Monument Mountain School Center Fund, established to support Monument Mountain Regional High School projects, provides grants up to $3,000. As the fund transitions from its founding organization, it aims to enhance educational offerings by prioritizing innovative initiatives that benefit the entire school community. Eligible applicants include students, teachers, and staff who must ensure funding does not replace existing school district financial commitments. This foundation advocates for inclusivity and does not support discriminatory practices.

The Gallery Collection invites students aged 14 and older to participate in the Annual Create-A-Greeting Card Scholarship contest. The winner will receive a $10,000 scholarship and have their artwork featured on a card sold by the company. This competition is open to high school, college, and university students, as well as home-schooled students, who are legal residents of the U.S. and its territories. Don't miss this opportunity to showcase your talent!

The Alford Family Golf Scholarship

This scholarship is given in honor of the Alford Family and provides scholarship support to one male and one female varsity golfer who will continue to play at the NCAA Division II or III level.  

Consideration is given to the following verifiable and documented criteria:

• GPA and Class Rank.- Quality of reference letters.- Examples of an applicant's ways of giving back to the game of golf besides playing the game.- Leadership qualities with examples applicable to the applicant's team and as an individual.- Examples of sportsmanship as a player and integrity as a person 

Awards

• 2 , $1000

The Garman Builders Phil Shatto Legacy Scholarship, established by the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Harrisburg, supports local youth pursuing education in construction-related fields. Annually, 5-10 scholarships of up to $2000 are awarded based on academic performance and career aspirations, with a focus on students entering the Building/Construction Industry. This initiative, active since 1987, encourages future workforce development in essential sectors like Architecture and Engineering.

The Howard C. Gale Excellence Scholarship, offered by the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Harrisburg, awards 5-10 scholarships of up to $2000 each to high-achieving students. Eligible candidates must graduate from a career or technology center in Dauphin, Cumberland, or Perry county, possess a minimum GPA of 3.5, and intend to pursue a career in the construction industry or related fields, such as Architecture or Engineering.

The Jacobs Research Funds (JRF) provide grants for research on aboriginal peoples of the Americas, supporting projects that focus on endangered cultures and languages, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. Grants range from $3,000 to $9,000, and applicants must submit all required documents, including support letters, by February 15. JRF prioritizes new data collection and does not fund proprietary or non-aboriginal research. Eligible researchers must typically hold a Master's degree or have a designated Sponsor.

The Jeffrey C. & Carol A. Carrier Poster Award, established in 1999, recognizes outstanding posters presented by AES student members at the Annual Meeting. This award honors Jeff and Carol Carrier for their advocacy of student participation in the Society. To be eligible, applicants must be current AES members, enrolled students, and the first or sole authors of their studies. They must also indicate their intent to compete at the time of abstract submission.

Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society

Alpha Omega Alpha, founded in 1902, is the national medical honor society. Its mission is:

Alpha Omega Alpha — dedicated to the belief that in the profession of medicine we will improve care for all by:

• recognizing high educational achievement;
• honoring gifted teaching;
• encouraging the development of leaders in academia and the community;
• supporting the ideals of humanism; and
• promoting service to others.

Robert J. Glaser Distinguished Teacher Award

The Alpha Omega Alpha (AΩA) Robert J. Glaser Distinguished Teacher Awards were established by the AΩA Honor Medical Society in partnership with the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) in 1988 to provide national recognition to medical school faculty who have distinguished themselves in medical student education.

The award annually recognizes four faculty members -basic science and preclinical and clinical disciplines- at LCME-accredited medical schools. Each year, in collaboration with the Association of American Medical Colleges, AΩA presents this award to four outstanding teachers nominated from medical schools in the United States and Canada. 

Past recipients of the award have developed medical education programs and materials widely adopted in medical school curricula. 

The recipients are recognized at an annual virtual AAMC Awards Recognition Event.

The Award

Recipients each receive a $7,500 award. Each recipient’s nominating institution will receive $2,500 for teaching activities. If a school has an AΩA Chapter, $1,000 will be awarded to the Chapter.

About Us

For over three decades, the Hamilton Education Foundation (HEF) has been sparking innovation and expanding horizons within our classrooms. Since 1991, this community-powered non-profit has channeled more than $2.5 million from passionate individuals, local businesses, and forward-thinking organizations directly into the hands of Hamilton’s students and teachers. 

By funding transformative workshops, creative projects, and classroom grants, HEF doesn't just support education—it inspires students to dream bigger, rewards academic excellence, and builds a stronger, more vibrant community.

Our Vision

The vision of the Hamilton Education Foundation is to assist in achieving creative and academic excellence for the 21st Century through funding activities and projects for students and educators in the Hamilton School District.

Our Mission

Our mission, in partnership with the community, is to fund, Enhanced, Extended, and Enriched learning opportunities for students and educators in the Hamilton School District.

Teacher Grants

Educator Enrichment Grant

The Educator Enrichment Grant funds teacher participation in off-campus professional development, including seminars, workshops, conferences, and externships. 

PetSmart Charities

We’re proud to celebrate over 30 years of being the leading funder of animal welfare in communities across North America. Since 1994, we’ve granted over $600 million to change-making organizations that help transform the lives of pets and those who love them.

Our Mission: We make the world a better place for pets by investing in community partners that advocate and care for the well-being of pets and all who love them.

Adoption Growth Grants 

Purpose

Adoption Growth grants drive lifesaving outcomes by supporting successful, sustainable in-store adoption programs, events, and results in partnership with PetSmart stores.

Funding Support

Funding may be used for costs associated with building or enhancing your organization’s adoption program in partnership with PetSmart stores, including:

• Staff positions supporting in-store adoption programs and events.
• Marketing and advertising for in-store adoption programs.
• Volunteer or foster support, incentives, and recruitment related to in-store adoption events.
• Event supplies, including containment and enrichment materials.
• Shelter software and technology needs.
• Vehicle repairs or transportation to adoption events.
• Innovative in-store adoption ideas and pilot programs.
• Other costs directly associated with facilitating PetSmart adoptions and in-store events.

There are two Cohorts under this funding: Cohort 1-  Accelerating in-store adoptions; and Cohort 2: Capacity Building.

Cohort 2: Capacity Building

Applicants must have completed at least one adoption in a PetSmart store within the last 12 months.

Preference will be given to organizations seeking to build a consistent, sustainable in-store adoption program. Applications should include a clear plan, with examples, for sustaining the program over time.

Four Required Steps

Applicants must complete all four required steps below before submitting a grant application:

• Step 1 - Watch the kick-off video and complete the Adoption Accessibility Questionnaire
• Step 2 - Confirm eligibility and connect with your Adoptions Grant Manager: After completing the questionnaire, you will receive an email confirming your eligibility. Eligible partners will be invited to a call with their Adoptions Grant Manager to discuss the grant opportunity, expectations, and potential fit.
• Step 3 - Engage your PetSmart store partners: Discuss your intent to apply, align on goals, and gain their commitment to support the success of your in-store adoption program.
• Step 4-  Submit your application.

The Arnold Arboretum's Sargent Award supports visiting scholars in botanical sciences, providing up to $7,000 for research expenses related to its extensive living and herbarium collections. With over 15,000 documented woody plants and 5 million herbarium specimens, scholars can conduct significant research on diverse floras, particularly from East Asia. This award fosters collaboration and showcases the research potential of the Arnold Arboretum's unique resources.

PetSmart Charities

We’re proud to celebrate over 30 years of being the leading funder of animal welfare in communities across North America. Since 1994, we’ve granted over $600 million to change-making organizations that help transform the lives of pets and those who love them.

Our Mission: We make the world a better place for pets by investing in community partners that advocate and care for the well-being of pets and all who love them.

Adoption Growth Grants 

Purpose

Adoption Growth grants drive lifesaving outcomes by supporting successful, sustainable in-store adoption programs, events, and results in partnership with PetSmart stores.

Funding Support

Funding may be used for costs associated with building or enhancing your organization’s adoption program in partnership with PetSmart stores, including:

• Staff positions supporting in-store adoption programs and events.
• Marketing and advertising for in-store adoption programs.
• Volunteer or foster support, incentives, and recruitment related to in-store adoption events.
• Event supplies, including containment and enrichment materials.
• Shelter software and technology needs.
• Vehicle repairs or transportation to adoption events.
• Innovative in-store adoption ideas and pilot programs.
• Other costs directly associated with facilitating PetSmart adoptions and in-store events.

There are two Cohorts under this funding: Cohort 1-  Accelerating in-store adoptions; and Cohort 2: Capacity Building.

Cohort 1- Accelerating in-store Adoptions

Applicants must have completed 500 or more adoptions in a PetSmart store in the U.S. within the last 12 months.

Preference will be given to organizations that demonstrate a clear plan to expand an existing in-store adoption program or introduce new in-store adoption models that will increase adoptions.

Four Required Steps

Applicants must complete all four required steps below before submitting a grant application:

• Step 1 - Watch the kick-off video and complete the Adoption Accessibility Questionnaire
• Step 2 - Confirm eligibility and connect with your Adoptions Grant Manager: After completing the questionnaire, you will receive an email confirming your eligibility. Eligible partners will be invited to a call with their Adoptions Grant Manager to discuss the grant opportunity, expectations, and potential fit.
• Step 3 - Engage your PetSmart store partners: Discuss your intent to apply, align on goals, and gain their commitment to support the success of your in-store adoption program.
• Step 4-  Submit your application.

The Cyberinfrastructure for Sustained Scientific Innovation (CSSI) program by the National Science Foundation aims to provide flexible funding opportunities to address evolving needs in cyberinfrastructure. It supports various award classes, including Elements for small groups, Framework Implementations for larger interdisciplinary teams, and Transition to Sustainability for established CI projects. These initiatives focus on developing integrated CI services, ensuring sustainable impact, and promoting collaboration across scientific disciplines to enhance research and innovation.

For 30 years, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation has served as a partner in philanthropy to credit unions, with a mission to empower and inspire credit unions in the Carolinas through collaborative opportunities to enrich our communities. A great example of this collaborative philanthropy is our scholarship program. 

More than 20 credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina have active managed funds at the Foundation. The generosity of these credit unions helps hundreds of high school seniors as well as undergraduate and graduate students receive scholarship funds each year.

As a member of any of the following credit unions, you may apply for a scholarship. 

Family Trust Federal Credit Union: The Penny Pratt Scholarship

Family Trust is committed to supporting future leaders in our community. The Penny Pratt Scholarships are opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students through Family Trust.

The Summer Scholarship in Field Botany, funded by the Garden Club of America, aims to support undergraduate and master's students pursuing field studies in the Western Hemisphere. Established in 2000, this scholarship provides students with a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience and knowledge beyond traditional academic settings. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in U.S.-based institutions. This initiative fosters a deeper understanding of botany and encourages conservation efforts.

The John O. Behrens Institute for Land Information Memorial Scholarship aims to support undergraduate students pursuing education in geospatial science or land information systems. Awarded by the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS), it provides a $3,000 grant and a one-year student membership in ASPRS. This scholarship honors Mr. Behrens' significant contributions to the field, encouraging students to excel in a profession that enhances the value of geospatial disciplines.

The Harvard Forest Summer Research Program in Ecology offers an immersive 11-week research experience for undergraduate students, providing mentorship and hands-on learning in ecological research. Participants receive a stipend of $7,700, along with full room and board. Located in Petersham, Massachusetts, the program emphasizes collaboration, skill-building, and community engagement, welcoming students who are legally authorized to work in the U.S. This opportunity fosters a deep connection between students and the scientific community.

The Carl J. Niedzial Memorial Scholarship, established by the Connecticut Community Foundation in 1923, supports members of the CT State Police Credit Union and their immediate families, including grandchildren. As one of the largest scholarship providers in the Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills region, the foundation aims to help students achieve their college education dreams by addressing critical community issues and fostering equitable outcomes.

The Persbacker Family Fund Scholarship, established by the Connecticut Community Foundation, is dedicated to residents of Bridgewater who have volunteered significantly in their community for over six years. This scholarship aims to support local students in achieving their college education dreams. With awards starting at $2,500, the foundation continues its legacy of fostering educational opportunities for deserving students in the Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills region.

The Roxbury Volunteer Fire Department Memorial Scholarship, established by the Connecticut Community Foundation, supports college-bound students from Roxbury, offering a $2000 award. This scholarship prioritizes current or former members of the Roxbury Fire Department and their descendants, promoting educational opportunities for those committed to serving their community. With a legacy dating back to 1923, the Foundation plays a vital role in enhancing the educational landscape in the Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills region.

The Sergeant Felix M. DelGreco, Jr. Scholarship, established by the Connecticut Community Foundation, supports students who are children of current CT Army National Guard members. As one of the largest scholarship providers in the Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills region, the Foundation aims to help students achieve their educational dreams through generous donor contributions. This initiative reflects a commitment to fostering educational opportunities and supporting military families within the community.

The Bridge The Gap Veterans' Services Grant, provided by the City of Boston, aims to enhance the quality of life for local veterans and their families. This grant supports projects focusing on housing, transportation, health and wellness, upward economic mobility, legal services, and educational programming. By addressing the specific needs of the veteran community, the program seeks to facilitate reintegration into civilian life and ensure veterans receive the resources and support they deserve.

The Robert Macario Ybarra Scholarship honors a passionate athlete and Hawley High School graduate who inspired many. Established by the Community Foundation of Abilene, this scholarship aims to support students from a 19-county area who have participated in varsity sports during their junior and senior years. By alleviating financial burdens, it enables recipients to pursue their educational aspirations, ensuring that no talented athlete has to forego opportunities due to financial constraints.

The Sheriff John Middleton Memorial Scholarship, established by friends to honor Sheriff John Middleton, offers financial support to employees or dependents of Taylor County law enforcement agencies. The Community Foundation of Abilene administers this scholarship, which awards between $500 and $5,000. Payments are made directly to educational institutions each semester. This scholarship reflects the values of dedication and integrity embodied by Sheriff Middleton, who served the community with distinction.

DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation

Mission – The Foundation’s mission is to broaden awareness and understanding of agriculture through outreach and education.

Scholarships

The DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture is proud to offer numerous scholarships for high school seniors and college students. Preference will be given to applicants of Farm Bureau members or their children with certain eligibility requirements.

High School Senior Scholarship

The DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation endeavors to recognize students for their academic, school and community performance while in high school. The recognition is in the form of a scholarship to the student’s college of choice. 

Senior Scholarship

The Senior Scholarship recognizes students for their academic performance, school activities, leadership, and community service. The $1,200 scholarship is available to high school seniors pursuing college degrees in any field of interest. Up to ten scholarships will be awarded.

The Thomas H. & Mary Williams Shoemaker Fund Grant supports nonprofit organizations aligned with the Religious Society of Friends' strategic goals, particularly innovative projects that enhance monthly meetings. Grants range from a few hundred to over $200,000, typically distributed over 1-3 years. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and demonstrate a strong connection to the Fund's objectives. Preference is given to Quaker organizations, particularly those connected to the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting.

Frazier Family Foundation

Lynn Frazier, together with his two sons, Garrett and Derrick, created The Frazier Family Foundation in 2018 with the mission to provide resources, education, and opportunities to foster on-ramps of excellence for future generations of innovators and creators.

The Frazier Family Foundation empowers young innovators and creators through grants, scholarships, and partner programs. Committed to its mission, the foundation partners with entities that make immediate, meaningful, and measurable impacts. Each year, the Frazier Family invests in initiatives that develop on-ramps of excellence at every stage of life.

Frazier Family Foundation Scholarship

The Frazier Family Foundation Scholarship is designed to provide "on-ramps of excellence" for the next generation of leaders, innovators, and thinkers in the Coastal Bend area by providing essential financial support to those with the grit and vision to succeed. Aimed at high school seniors and college students in Nueces County, this scholarship seeks to reduce the barriers to higher education and foster a community of driven individuals who are eager to push boundaries and exceed expectations. With a commitment to nurturing local talent and enhancing educational opportunities, the Frazier Family Foundation is dedicated to cultivating a legacy of empowerment and success in South Texas.

Eligible recipients can receive a scholarship up to $10,000 for tuition, books, registration, transportation, meal plan supplement, lab fees, and supplies.