Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in Massachusetts

The NIH Independent Scientist Award (K02) aims to support the development of independent scientists and enhance their research capabilities. This award offers salary support and protected time for three to five years, specifically for those leading independent clinical trials or feasibility studies. Applicants must demonstrate a need for focused research to advance their careers. Key deadlines for applications span from June 2024 to February 2027, catering to various submission types including standard and AIDS-related grants.

The RTK Scholars Program, funded by RTK Environmental Group, provides a $1,500 scholarship to support students pursuing careers in science, particularly in environmental studies, biology, and engineering. This initiative aims to cultivate the next generation of experts in environmental testing and technology. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be enrolled in an accredited institution. The application deadline is May 31 each year, promoting academic excellence and dedication to environmental sciences.

The NIH R25 program promotes broad participation in the biomedical and behavioral sciences by supporting educational activities. It aims to encourage individuals from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds to engage in research through mentoring networks and research education experiences. This initiative seeks to enhance the workforce by providing opportunities for further study and career advancement in research fields, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive scientific community.

The L’Oréal USA For Women in Science Fellowship empowers women postdoctoral scientists by providing annual grants to support their research in STEM fields. This initiative not only recognizes their contributions but also encourages them to serve as role models for future generations. With a long-standing partnership with the AAAS, the program has awarded over $5 million to 105 scientists, demonstrating a strong commitment to advancing women's roles in science and technology.

The Air Force Basic Research Sciences Conference and Workshop Support program encourages proposals from U.S. institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations for conferences and workshops that promote research and technology interchange. These events are vital for sharing recent findings and educational techniques in key scientific areas. The program specifically invites Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Minority-serving Institutions, and Tribal Colleges to participate, aiming to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among researchers.

The Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund Grant Program seeks to advance secure computing environments for AI-powered Radio Access Networks (RAN). This initiative aims to foster innovative solutions that can enhance operational revenue, provide cost efficiencies, and develop third-party services, thereby demonstrating viable business cases. By supporting the integration of AI capabilities, the program accelerates commercial deployments and promotes the export of secure, interoperable equipment.

About us

With roots in the Unitarian and Congregational traditions, the First Parish in Lincoln (FPL) celebrates many theologies and spiritual beliefs. We advocate inclusion and respect for all people. We gather each Sunday for worship at 10 a.m. During Sunday worship, we offer church school for school-aged children as well as nursery care for toddlers and preschoolers. Following worship, we come together at “coffee hour,” an ideal time to meet the minister and members of the congregation, as well as get information about the church.

Throughout the year, we rejoice in marking the changing seasons. Our celebrations range from a water communion welcoming all in September; winter concerts, solstice and Christmas Eve services, and children’s pageant in December; to the annual publication of a Lenten booklet filled with personal submissions from parishioners and the celebration of Easter in the spring.

The community of First Parish draws many members. Whether encountering friends and neighbors on Sunday, volunteering in the church school, or working on committees and service projects, our members and friends embrace the collective whole, recognizing that we are not alone, that we are part of a strong and supportive community.

Parishioners are instrumental in helping to run the church. While there is a core staff in place to provide the essentials, our members and friends come together to support the church in whatever way they are able. In addition to financial support, this can include arranging flowers for the pulpit, serving on a committee, teaching Sunday School, or helping with a special event.

Jean Wood Preston Grant

The First Parish in Lincoln has the honor of choosing the recipients of annual grants from this fund established by a longtime member of our community. In recent years the grants have been as much as $25,000, and may be used for one-time capital projects or Transformative Innovation initiatives.

The NSF Core Research in Biological Sciences (BIO Core) program supports innovative research that enhances our understanding of biological systems, from molecular to biome scales. This funding opportunity encourages interdisciplinary proposals and can fund both single and multi-investigator projects. The awards will vary in scope and duration, accommodating exploratory projects and long-term commitments, depending on available funding and alignment with the program's objectives.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is offering funding through the Engineering (ENG) program, focusing on foundational research in civil, mechanical, and manufacturing innovation. Key areas include advanced manufacturing systems, civil infrastructure, and intelligent dynamic systems. The NSF ENG encourages innovative and transformative proposals that may not require immediate commercial outcomes. Award sizes and durations will vary based on budget availability, aiming to support long-term research advancements.

NASA is seeking innovative proposals for Early Stage Innovations in In Situ Resource Utilization, specifically focusing on Lunar Water Purification. This initiative invites U.S. institutions of higher education to submit projects that address critical civil-space needs. Awards, anticipated to begin in June 2027, will support groundbreaking research in space technology. Collaboration among faculty is encouraged, and proposals must be submitted through the NSPIRES system.

The Early Stage Innovations (ESI26) program by NASA invites U.S. institutions of higher education to propose innovative, early-stage space technology research. Focused on technologies with low Technology Readiness Levels, the program emphasizes civil-space applications. Proposals should address specific topics, including advancements in hypersonic flows, autonomous technologies for lunar and Martian environments, and new materials for aerospace applications. Collaboration is encouraged among eligible institutions, with support from NASA's Space Technology Research Grants Program.

The ACLS Graduate Internships on the Spiritual Infrastructure of the Future program offers summer opportunities for current PhD students in the humanities and social sciences to engage with organizations addressing the evolving American religious landscape. This initiative aims to cultivate future leaders by providing practical experiences that demonstrate the value of doctoral training beyond academia. Supported by the Templeton Religion Trust, the internships encourage collaboration between fellows and community organizations, fostering a deeper understanding of spiritual infrastructures.

The Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) offers predoctoral training grants aimed at enhancing clinical and translational science. Administered by the NCATS, this program supports institutions in training aspiring researchers for a PhD or equivalent, ensuring a diverse cohort of scientists equipped to tackle pressing health challenges. The ultimate goal is to cultivate a skilled workforce capable of advancing biomedical research and addressing community health needs effectively.

The Hanna H. Gray Fellows Program, supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, aims to enhance diversity in the academic research community. It provides funding of $250,000 and a $20,000 annual expense allowance for early-career researchers committed to fostering an inclusive scientific culture. Eligible applicants must hold a PhD or MD, commit to at least 75% research effort, and have no more than 24 months of postdoctoral experience. This initiative empowers fellows to become leaders in science.

The NIH Common Fund is planning to issue a NOFO to continue the Bridge2AI program, which aims to develop AI-ready datasets and best practices for biomedical research. This next stage will leverage these datasets to address significant health challenges and foster multidisciplinary collaboration. The initiative will support 3-5 Centers focused on trustworthy AI in biomedical research, creating frameworks for reproducibility, transparency, and advancing the AI workforce in health sciences.

The Foundations of Trusted Systems initiative seeks innovative research to develop secure, resilient, and affordable technologies for Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) and Cyber systems. This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) aims to establish trusted foundations for hardware and software, building on previous work to enhance information processing systems. Researchers are encouraged to submit white papers for evaluation and potential funding.

The Nature Awards for Inspiring Women in Science, particularly in the Science Outreach category, honors initiatives that empower girls and young women in STEM fields. With a focus on engagement and retention, the awards aim to celebrate projects that encourage participation in natural sciences, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine. Winners will receive significant cash prizes and opportunities for mentorship, creating pathways for future generations of women in science.

The Nature Awards for Inspiring Women in Science celebrate outstanding contributions by women in STEM fields. These awards recognize early-career female researchers who demonstrate exceptional achievements, face challenges, and inspire the next generation through outreach. Winners receive prizes totaling $50,000, mentorship opportunities, and invitations to prestigious ceremonies. This initiative promotes inclusivity and aims to enhance the representation of women in science, thereby supporting a diverse and equitable scientific community.

The Hanna H. Gray Fellows Program, funded by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, aims to enhance diversity in the scientific community by supporting early-career researchers. The program provides funding for postdoctoral training and early faculty years, promoting an inclusive academic culture. Fellows receive an initial salary of $80,000 and a $20,000 annual expense allowance. This initiative helps develop future leaders in biological and biomedical sciences, ensuring equitable opportunities for all backgrounds.

The Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Postdoctoral Research Training Grant supports institutions in developing clinical and translational science training programs. This program aims to enhance the research training of postdoctoral individuals holding doctoral degrees, ensuring a diverse pool of scientists equipped to tackle critical health challenges. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization, and non-U.S. entities are not eligible.

TechAccess: AI-Ready America is a nationwide initiative aimed at enhancing AI readiness across the U.S. by fostering collaboration and resource sharing. It targets businesses, organizations, and individuals, ensuring widespread access to AI tools and knowledge. The program includes State Coordination Hubs to connect stakeholders, a National Lead for collaboration, and AI-Ready Catalyst Award Competitions to drive innovative solutions. This comprehensive approach seeks to prepare all sectors for an AI-driven economy, benefiting Americans through practical implementation and workforce development.

The Zuckerman Postdoctoral Scholars Program fosters collaboration between leading scientific institutions in the U.S. and Israel by attracting top postdoctoral researchers. With a focus on STEM leadership, this program offers a unique two-year scholarship, allowing scholars to conduct research at participating Israeli universities and North American institutions. The initiative aims to strengthen academic ties, enhance research capabilities, and support the return of talented Israeli scholars to their home institutions, ultimately enriching the global scientific community.

The Rea Charitable Trust, established in 2009 by Mrs. Isabel McClintic Rea, prioritizes support for charitable organizations that focus on the arts. Administered by Comerica Bank & Trust, the trust provides funding through structured application periods for organizations based on their names. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, limited to one application per year. The trust aims to uphold Mrs. Rea's legacy by fostering artistic endeavors within the community.

The AHRQ Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (K08) aims to foster a diverse pool of skilled health services researchers. This funding opportunity supports career development for individuals pursuing research that aligns with AHRQ's mission and priorities. Eligible applicants will receive mentorship to enhance their research skills and contributions to the field. Overall, this initiative is crucial for addressing pressing healthcare research needs.

The Harvard Academy for International and Area Studies—Academy Scholars Program is designed for recent PhD recipients and advanced doctoral candidates in the social sciences. This prestigious program provides a two-year in-residence postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard University, offering financial and research support. Scholars engage in interdisciplinary research, mentorship, and collaborative activities to enhance their academic careers while contributing insights on global issues through a comparative lens.

The American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) Research Fund Grant supports projects that enhance legal information services and law librarianship. With a funding cap of $5,000 per round, the grant encourages diverse scholarship in legal research. Eligibility includes individuals with relevant research experience, while preference is given to AALL members. Applications are reviewed biannually by a jury, ensuring that the most impactful projects receive support. This initiative aims to foster innovation and collaboration within the legal information community.

American Chemical Society

The American Chemical Society (ACS) is a non-profit organization founded in 1876 and chartered by the U.S. Congress. ACS is committed to improving all lives through the transforming power of chemistry. Our mission is to advance scientific knowledge, empower a global community, and champion scientific integrity. Our vision is a world built on science.

What We Do

More than 145 years after our founding, we remain a champion for chemistry, its practitioners and our global community of members.

We’re recognized as a leading publisher of authoritative scientific information. Our 80+ peer-reviewed journals are ranked the “most-trusted, most-cited and most-read.”

We empower our members to advance chemistry, elevate their career potential, expand their networks, inspire future generations, collaborate globally and build communities that provide scientific solutions.

We provide broader networks that facilitate connections and open doors in a way no other professional organization can match!

ACS Graduate Student Success Grant

Purpose

To support graduate students (M.S. and Ph.D.), within one year of degree completion, whose education and training were disrupted due to termination or cancellation of research grants. Funding will be given to the Principal Investigator (PI) of the lab. This one-year award, the ACS Graduate Student Success Grant, will enable students to complete their degree programs. The grant seeks to lower the risk of a declining number of U.S.-trained chemists with advanced degrees, thereby preserving the strength and continuity of the scientific community.

Description

The ACS Graduate Student Success Grant provides $25,000 for one year to a faculty member who lost funding after October 1, 2024, that supports one or more graduate students. The award will also connect supported graduate students to ACS career development resources and programming to catalyze their transition into the workforce.

The grant funds will be awarded to exclusively support graduate students (M.S. and Ph.D.) who are within one year of degree completion and in need of funds to ensure degree completion. This grant supports currently enrolled graduate students who conduct research related to the chemical sciences in a department at a U.S.-based institution of higher education. Each institution of higher education can receive a maximum of one ACS Graduate Student Success Grant.

Applicant must provide a signed letter on institutional letterhead from the Vice President of Research (or equivalent), confirming the institution’s support, including the following:

• The PI’s loss of funding due to grant termination or cancellation after October 1, 2024.
• The names, current academic status, and anticipated graduation time of the impacted graduate students.