Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in Massachusetts

The Laine - Casey Laine Armed Services Scholarship, established to honor Lieutenant Casey Laine Swakon, supports students from the Coastal Bend area who have participated in JROTC or are part of ROTC programs. Eligible candidates include high school seniors, current college students, and veterans. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and complete at least 12 credit hours per semester, ensuring they are well-prepared for their academic pursuits.

The SABIC Innovative Plastics Scholarship supports the children of employees at the Mt. Vernon, Indiana facility, providing financial aid for post-secondary education. Eligible students include graduating seniors from any U.S. high school who are dependents of active employees. Selection is based on academic performance, leadership, and community involvement. Applicants must also submit an essay detailing their goals and achievements, along with an official grade transcript. This scholarship fosters educational advancement for employee families.

About

Community Foundation of Greenville bridges philanthropy and purpose in Greenville County, helping people make their charitable giving simpler and more powerful for 70 years. We strategically match diverse needs and opportunities in Greenville County with philanthropic resources.

Vision:

Community Foundation of Greenville will be the leading catalyst for developing assets and unlocking potential to meet the needs of an inclusive and equitable community.

Mission:

Community Foundation of Greenville improves the lives of Greenville County residents through strategic philanthropy, community investment, and collaborative leadership.

Obermier Scholarship Fund in Memory of John N. Obermier, Edith M. Obermier and Mary Belle Obermier

Purpose

Mary Belle Obermier established this scholarship with a gift from her estate in 2012. Her intent was to help academically deserving students who need financial assistance to be able to attend college and to give preference to qualified students who are committed to a career in the United States Navy. The preference for naval students is in recognition of the US Navy careers of her deceased husband, John, and his deceased first wife, Edith, who were both veterans of World War II.

Criteria:

• Applicants must demonstrate financial need (economically disadvantaged).
• Applicants must have a current academic GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Applicants must be enrolled/accepted to an institution of higher learning prior to applying.
• Applicants must submit one letter of recommendation from a teacher, employer, or clergy.

Preference in the selection process will be given in the following order to qualified students who are:

students who are committed to a career in the United States Navy

residents of Greer, SC

residents of South Carolina and

residents of all other states

The Cape Cod Artist Scholarship, offered by the Provincetown Art Association and Museum (PAAM), supports local artists residing year-round on Cape Cod. This scholarship facilitates access to workshops in various media, honoring notable PAAM family members and encouraging artistic expression. With no age restrictions, artists in painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture, and mixed media are invited to apply. PAAM aims to promote education in the arts and enrich the community through its vibrant arts programming.

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.

Better Food Policy Fund 

Since its inception, the Better Food Policy Fund has set its strategic direction in a participatory fashion. We are intentionally building capacity for engagement to ensure the Fund aligns with the needs of food policy council stakeholders.   

Thus far, the Fund has engaged 300+ food policy council stakeholders to help co-develop the Fund. We are immensely grateful for the individuals who helped shape the initial direction of this fund. We view this growing stakeholder audience as the people to whom the Fund’s governing body, the Independent Advisory Committee, is ultimately accountable.

Grantmaking

The Better Food Policy Fund invests in US-based food policy councils, empowering community and government collaboration for progressive food policy. We utilize participatory processes to enhance equity and redistribute power in the funding landscape. We seek to celebrate and uplift the work of food policy councils, and believe every food policy council is worthy of financial support.

We define “food policy councils” as councils, networks, coalitions, or other groups working across boundaries at the tribal, municipal, county, state, or regional level.  

We support actions aimed at ensuring an enabling environment for policy change, such as: 

• increasing levels of inclusive and equitable stakeholder engagement in public processes
• engaging systems thinking when tackling complex food system challenges
• facilitating collaboration with and across local government agencies and departments 
• developing or revising local policies and plans  

We define “better food policy” as practices, procedures, ordinances, laws, etc. of governing institutions which strengthen community-based food systems.

We define “civic collaboration” as people joining together at the intersection of community and government to address public issues.

The Shubert Foundation provides unrestricted grants to not-for-profit professional theatre and dance companies in the U.S. Its focus is on organizations with a proven track record in artistic and administrative excellence. Eligible applicants must have a minimum annual budget of $150,000 and demonstrate financial stability, strong community engagement, and the ability to generate income. The foundation does not fund individuals, project-specific requests, or organizations without 501(c)(3) status.

The Ryder Sroufe Memorial Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Whitley County in 2025, honors the legacy of Ryder Carl Sroufe. This scholarship supports young individuals who embody enthusiasm, humility, and compassion, reflecting Ryder's spirit of kindness and service. It aims to empower the next generation of leaders and helpers, ensuring that Ryder's values of hard work and community commitment continue to thrive. Eligible students are recognized for their efforts to strengthen their communities.

The American Heart Association (AHA) is launching the RFP for a Strategically Focused Research Network (SFRN) aimed at enhancing the early detection and delaying the progression of valvular heart disease. This initiative seeks collaborative proposals from researchers to address critical questions and advance understanding in this field. With a maximum budget of $4.4 million and a duration of four years, the AHA plans to award at least three grants based on scientific merit and alignment with its mission.

The AE Foundation Community Grants aim to support US and Canadian non-profit organizations focused on enhancing the mental health and well-being of young people. By funding local programs, the AE Foundation empowers teens and young adults to embrace authenticity and build a brighter future. Eligible organizations must be certified 501(c)3 non-profits or registered charities, and grant funding should be utilized within 365 days of receipt. This initiative reinforces the importance of mental health in today's society.

The Christina Sue Lilja Resource Grants support agricultural literacy by providing funds for educators to purchase resources from the Ag Foundation store. In 2025, 100 educators will receive $100 in store credits, selected randomly if applications exceed this number. This initiative, backed by the CSL Foundation, honors Christy Lilja's legacy of advocating for agricultural education. The grants aim to enhance classroom resources and improve students' understanding of agriculture, ensuring access to accurate information.

The Eastman Departmental Residency and Colloquium Grant provides funding to support activities aligned with the mission of the Institute for Music Leadership (IML). Each academic department can apply for up to $1500 for on-campus visits by guest lecturers or performers, promoting collaboration and communication with the IML. Priority is given to departments that did not receive funding last year. A limited number of grants are awarded annually, ensuring impactful experiences for students.

The Eastman Departmental Residency and Colloquium Grant provides funding to enhance the mission of the Institute for Music Leadership (IML) at the Eastman School of Music. It fosters collaboration with various departments, inviting external experts for presentations and events. Additionally, the New Faculty Grant is specifically for new full-time faculty within their first two years, promoting professional development opportunities. Only two grants are awarded annually, emphasizing support for departments that did not receive funding in the previous year.

The Trans Justice Funding Project (TJFP) provides grants to grassroots trans-led organizations in the U.S. and territories, focusing on those with budgets under $250,000. TJFP supports initiatives that address varying needs within trans communities, including health, legal aid, and mutual aid projects. The organization prioritizes groups led by trans people of color and emphasizes the importance of centering marginalized voices in the fight for trans justice.

The ADDF-Harrington Scholar Program aims to transform academic discoveries into effective treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. With funding of up to $600,000 annually, this program prioritizes innovative drug targets and supports research from hit-to-lead optimization to IND-enabling studies. Eligible applicants include academic investigators with a strong potential to advance meaningful therapeutics. The program emphasizes collaboration with industry experts, making it a significant opportunity for advancing dementia research.

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.

The NIH StrokeNet initiative invites applications for clinical trials and biomarker studies aimed at stroke treatment, recovery, and prevention. This funding opportunity encourages collaborative projects that validate promising interventions and scientific aims within the NIH StrokeNet framework. Key deadlines for submissions span from February 2025 to November 2026, with support provided by the National Coordinating Center and Regional Coordinating Centers to ensure efficient study implementation and participant recruitment.

Camillo Family Scholarship 

Benefiting dependents of Camillo Properties, Camcorp Entities, or LCI Services employees.

The Camillo Family Scholarship was created to provide dependents of employees of Camillo Companies (Camillo Holdings, LCI Services, Legend Homes, Millmark Capital, and SimplyHome) with scholarships to further their education.

This is a renewable scholarship, meaning recipients can renew the award and claim up to 4 years of funding if they meet the GPA and enrollment requirements and complete the renewal application for each academic year they plan to be enrolled.

Multiple scholarships awarded for the 2026-27 academic year. Award amount varies by college/degree type:

• 4-Year College/University - The scholarship is comprised of up to four annual awards of $5,000, for a total award of up to $20,000. The four annual awards may be received over a period of up to five years.
• 2-Year College/Trade School - The scholarship award is comprised of up to two annual awards of $2,500, for a total award of up to $5,000. The two annual awards may be received over a period of up to three years.

What can the scholarship be used for?

The scholarship will be mailed directly to the student's college to be used towards tuition, required academic fees, and/or book expenses. 

Scholarship funding cannot be distributed directly to the student. 

The Society of Family Planning is offering the Bridging Investments in Abortion and Contraception Research Grant to support the completion of NIH grants focused on abortion and contraception. This funding aims to mitigate the impact of recent funding terminations by ensuring that vital research continues, promoting equitable access to reproductive health. Proposals can request up to $100,000 and must detail their alignment with the Society's mission, planned activities, and budget within a 24-month timeline.

This grant aims to enhance applied regulatory science research for the evaluation and treatment of cardiotoxicity associated with oncology therapeutics. The initiative will facilitate collaboration with the FDA to develop effective methodologies and solutions, ensuring that research outcomes are directly relevant to regulatory decision-making. Key activities include regular communication with funded investigators and a focus on improving detection and management of cardiotoxicity, ultimately leading to impactful publications and presentations.

Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation Inc

The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation is the only nonprofit charity organization dedicated to ending mesothelioma, and the suffering caused by this cancer, by:

• funding research to improve treatment options;
• providing treatment support and education for patients and their families;
• and advocating for federal funding of research.

The mission of the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation spans across four distinct areas: through research, education, support, and advocacy the Foundation seeks to eradicate the vicious effects of mesothelioma. Led by the Board of Directors, our team works collaboratively to develop and administer our programs, and to fundraise to pay for those programs (the Foundation is funded by private individual and corporate contributions only — it does not receive any government funding).

Bret A. Rosenthal Patient Assistance Fund

Patients diagnosed with cancer at a younger age often face greater financial burdens. This is a time in a patient’s life when they are raising a family, starting a career, or have not accumulated savings. For patients 49 and under, the Foundation administers the Bret A. Rosenthal Patient Assistance Fund grant program. This program is made possible by the generosity of the Rosenthal family.

The Terry Baucom Bluegrass Education Grant, established by the IBMA Foundation, honors the legacy of renowned bluegrass musician Terry Baucom. This grant supports musicians of all ages by providing funds for lessons, educational materials, and workshops. With awards beginning in January 2025, each grant can reach up to $500. Financial need is considered but not mandatory. This initiative aims to foster talent and ensure accessibility to bluegrass music education for a diverse range of applicants.

Bass Pro Shops & Cabela's Outdoor Fund supports conservation-focused nonprofits through fundraising events and donation of merchandise or gift cards. Organizations eligible for funding must be registered 501(c)(3) entities in the U.S. or provincially registered nonprofits in Canada. This initiative aims to connect communities to outdoor activities while promoting wildlife conservation and support for military veterans. Grants of up to $1,000 are available to enhance local fundraising efforts.

About Us

Midlands Community Foundation (MCF) is here to serve and add value to donors’ philanthropic needs by providing them an opportunity to “invest in the power of community.” It is our goal to identify current and emerging issues, channel resources to address community needs, and help prepare for the future.

MCF Mission

The mission of Midlands Community Foundation is to be a catalyst for lasting impact in Sarpy and Cass counties and to give opportunities to organizations and individuals to pursue their charitable goals.

Scholarships Through MCF

Midlands Community Foundation is committed to the futures of communities in Sarpy and Cass Counties, and across the country. Supporting higher education of students is a direct investment in the futures of these communities.

The Walt Secord “Always Sunny and 75” Memorial Trade Scholarship Application

The Fund shall annually distribute two (2) scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each.

The Braly Trade / Vocational Scholarship, offered by the Longmont Community Foundation, supports individuals over 21 pursuing a trade or vocational education. This one-time award of $5,000 is allocated for tuition, fees, books, and other educational expenses. The scholarship honors the Braly family’s legacy in trades and aims to empower recipients to positively impact their communities. Applicants must be high school graduates or hold a GED and plan to attend an accredited institution in the U.S.

Our Story

The IBMA Foundation was created by the International Bluegrass Music Association in 2007 with a bequest from the Richard Barnhart estate. Mr. Barnhart was a musician from northern Virginia who loved bluegrass and wanted to support educational programs for children. Since the beginning, our goal has been to support bluegrass-music-related educational, literary, artistic and historic preservation activities.

In our early years we produced Discover Bluegrass, an educational video that has been used in thousands of classrooms and libraries around the world. We have hosted dozens of teacher workshops and artist trainings. We created a bluegrass lesson plan competition and provided a network for leaders of after-school bluegrass programs.

Our project grants, which now total $25,000 a year, support bluegrass-related initiatives throughout the world. We also fund Bluegrass in the Schools Mini-grants ($7,000/year) which help schools to hire bluegrass bands for school programs. The Rosenberg Bluegrass Scholar Award recognizes excellence in academic research. Six college scholarships are granted for students working in various areas of the bluegrass music industry. The Arnold Shultz Fund supports increased participation of people of color in bluegrass music with grants that total $30,000/ year. Fletcher Bright Memorial Grants for Young Musicians (age 18 and younger) help young people go to bluegrass music camps and workshops, take lessons, and purchase educational materials.

Fletcher Bright Memorial Grant for Young Musicians

The IBMA Foundation is proud to host the Fletcher Bright Memorial Grant for Young Musicians. The Bright family of Chattanooga, Tennessee; Thomas J. Brown of Dalton, Georgia; and Barbara Martin Stephens of Madison, Tennessee made combined gifts of $29,000 in 2020 to create the fund that will benefit young people interested in learning to play bluegrass music and endow it for decades to come.

The Bright family is committed to supporting the endowment, and they welcome donations from others interested in helping young musicians achieve their bluegass education goals.

Fletcher Bright Memorial Grants up to $500 per applicant are awarded to help cover expenses of lessons, educational materials, instrument rental or purchase, workshops, and camps. Young bluegrass musicians at all levels may apply for assistance. Financial need will be considered, but is not required to receive a Bright grant. Applications for Bright grants may be made throughout the year.

The Weatherhead Center for International Affairs offers Medium Grants for Faculty Research Projects, providing funding of up to $25,000. Designed for Faculty Associates at Harvard, these grants support interdisciplinary research relating to global and comparative issues. Applicants should note that preference is given to those who have not previously received funding. Proposals should align with the Center's core interests, emphasizing rigorous policy analysis and the study of international topics.