Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in Mississippi

The AGA: Student Abstract Award offers a $500 travel grant to graduate students, medical students, and residents (up to postgraduate year three) presenting at Digestive Disease Week® (DDW). It aims to inspire interest in gastroenterology research by recognizing outstanding abstracts, with the top scorer honored as the Student Abstract of the Year and awarded an additional $1,000. Applicants must be sponsored by an AGA member and may only submit one abstract.

Norma B. Summerville Scholarship Foundation Fund

Established to provide annual scholarships to female graduates of Akron Public Schools attending an accredited four-year institution of higher education.

Amount:

• $3,333

Number of awards:

• 4

Renewal:

• Renewable for three additional years. Must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA.

The National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship offers U.S. citizens and nationals the opportunity to pursue doctoral degrees in science and engineering fields critical to the Department of Defense. Awardees receive full tuition coverage, a monthly stipend of $3,600, and health insurance support. With over 4,400 fellowships awarded since its inception, the program aims to foster the next generation of scientists and engineers, encouraging diverse applicants to align their research with DoD priorities.

The National Institute of General Medical Sciences Predoctoral Basic Biomedical Sciences Research Training Program (T32) aims to cultivate a diverse array of skilled scientists to meet the biomedical research challenges of the nation. This program supports U.S. institutions in developing evidence-based biomedical graduate training and mentoring approaches. By integrating didactic, research, and career development components, it prepares trainees for impactful careers addressing critical health-related research needs.

About the Foundation

Our Mission

Beyond Batten Disease Foundation was established to eradicate juvenile Batten disease by raising awareness and funds to accelerate research for a treatment or cure.

About Funding

BBDF is dedicated to collaboratively developing, funding, and managing fundamental, preclinical, IND-enabling, translational and clinical research to improve the lives of children and young adults with CLN3 disease. Since 2008, BBDF has been the largest funder of juvenile Batten (CLN3) disease research, ranging from basic discovery research to translation into therapies. To inform our research initiatives, BBDF gathers information from one-on-one meetings, broad group discussions, scientific peer-reviewed publications, conference proceedings, drug pipelines, and tailored merit reviews into the foundation’s decision-making processes. Input comes from across the Research and Development spectrum including academia, biotechnology, the pharmaceutical sector, and clinicians, caregivers, and patients.

Our research funding decisions are based on these research objectives:

1) Supporting basic research to discover new mechanisms of disease, targets, and treatments

2) Supporting projects which facilitate execution of clinical trials such as expanding patient registries

3) Identifying biomarkers and other innovative clinical endpoints

4) Supporting projects that de-risks pharmaceutical investments in Batten disease

Foundation-Directed Research

The largest portion of the foundation’s portfolio is directed research. The foundation fills gaps in juvenile Batten disease research by funding high-impact projects and breakthrough technologies that will lead to disease mitigation and cure.

BBDF’s Principal Scientist regularly interacts with leaders in research and development across the entire therapeutic pipeline for Batten, as well as for adult forms of neurodegeneration (e.g., Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease), and other related rare genetic diseases. To supplement this dialogue, BBDF creates specialty boards and steering committees to lead the development of its projects. A specialty board typically comprises ~200 years of combined experience specific to the proposed activity.

Investor-Initiated Research (Applying for a research grant)

In addition to directed research, BBDF accepts and awards research proposals. Because great ideas do not follow a schedule, we do this on a rolling submission basis. All budgets are carefully reviewed along with the proposed body of work. Applicants may be asked to revise their budgets and/or allow BBDF to share a summary of the proposal with other funders for the purpose of gathering additional support. Sometimes, the foundation will offer the applicant additional funding to incorporate additional expertise or methods into his or her plan.

John T. and Julia A. Spellman Scholarship Fund

Established to provide scholarships for ambitious high school seniors in Summit County.

Amount:

• $2,000

Number of awards:

• Varies

Renewal:

• May be renewable for the college term.

The Dermatology Foundation offers Career Development Awards to support the academic growth of emerging investigators in various dermatologic fields. With an annual stipend of $55,000, these awards foster research addressing significant health issues, including public health, diversity, and women's health. Eligible applicants must demonstrate strong institutional support and meet specific educational requirements. The awards can be renewed for up to three years, contingent on the recipient's progress and commitment to advancing dermatological science.

The Medical Student Research Supplement Award by the Dermatology Foundation supports medical students' research in dermatology, encouraging diversity and inclusion. This award offers $5,000 for direct research expenses, fostering the involvement of full-time students from underrepresented backgrounds. Eligible applicants must be current or former DF career development awardees and must recruit medical students pursuing MD or DO degrees who meet specific academic criteria. The award enhances research participation and strengthens the academic workforce in dermatology.

The Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages LLC Scholarship, offered by Communities Foundation of Texas, awards up to $5,000 to dependents of full-time Coca-Cola employees pursuing higher education in the U.S. Eligible applicants include high school seniors, college students, and graduate students with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Scholarships can be renewed annually for up to four years, providing ongoing support for education. Note that dependents of Executive Leadership Team members are not eligible.

The Om & Shanti Scholarship, funded by the Communities Foundation of Texas, offers four-year awards of up to $6,000 annually for graduating high school seniors from public high schools in Dallas or Collin Counties. Applicants are required to have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and preference is given to those pursuing a degree at an accredited Texas institution. This initiative aims to support local students in their educational aspirations.

Edith Wiskind English Literacy Scholarship Fund

Established in memory of Edith Wiskind, a former English teacher, to provide scholarships for Summit County students, with preference given to those pursuing a degree in English.

Amount:

• $2,500

Number of awards:

• 1

Renewal:

• No

The Horticulture Printers Scholarship, established in memory of Harold & Beky Vanberg, offers up to $5,000 for dependents of Veritiv employees. This one-year scholarship can be applied at any accredited U.S. college or university. Selection criteria include academic achievement, SAT/ACT scores, civic involvement, and financial need. Since 1953, Communities Foundation of Texas has partnered with donors to support educational opportunities, fostering thriving communities through accessible scholarship programs.

The United Nations Association of Connecticut Scholarship, managed by the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, provides financial support ranging from $2,000 to $3,000 for current high school students in Connecticut. Eligible applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, engage in international issues, participate in Model UN or similar programs, and study a foreign language. This initiative aims to empower students committed to global citizenship while ensuring equitable access to educational opportunities.

The Gunvor Lund Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, awards between $500 and $2,000 to students from Southeastern Connecticut pursuing studies in engineering or the sciences. Since 1983, over $11.9 million has been distributed through various funds to support students in their educational journeys. Scholarship awards are paid directly to colleges by August 1, aiding students in achieving their academic and career goals.

The Gilbert W. Mead III Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, supports students from Southeastern Connecticut who show talent in the Arts and have financial need. Offering an award of $500, the scholarship aims to assist these students in pursuing their educational goals. Priority is given to those with physical limitations or disabilities, reinforcing the foundation's commitment to inclusive education since 1983.

The ACES Foundation Fund, managed by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, offers scholarships to high school seniors from Cumberland, Dauphin, or Perry County. Eligible students must pursue business-related studies or trades, demonstrate academic achievement with a minimum GPA of 2.5, and show commitment to community service. This initiative aims to support future entrepreneurs and enhance community development through educational funding.

The Inspire the Future Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, aims to support graduating high school seniors from Calumet County who have experienced foster care. Eligible students must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA and demonstrate a commitment to personal growth and academic success. This scholarship not only alleviates financial burdens for college or vocational training but also fosters a supportive community environment for those in need.

The Ashley and Sarah Abel Memorial Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Abilene, honors two sisters who cherished their bond and creativity. Designed for graduates or undergraduates from Region 14 high schools pursuing careers in English, literature, or communications, this scholarship reflects the sisters' dedication to education and artistic expression. It aims to support students in achieving their college dreams, continuing the legacy of Ashley and Sara Abel's passion for learning and community involvement.

The Aman Armaan Ahmed Family SURF for Success Program offers summer undergraduate research fellowships for students from underrepresented groups in biomedical research. Awardees engage in 10 weeks of research related to digestive diseases under expert mentorship, receiving a stipend of $6,200. This initiative aims to inspire students to pursue careers in science and medicine, enhancing diversity in the field of gastroenterology and hepatology.

The Catherine Aileen Smith-Jones Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Abilene, supports graduating high school seniors who are members of Holy Family Catholic Church and plan to attend an accredited four-year college or university in the United States. This scholarship honors Cathy Smith-Jones, who valued community, resilience, and the gift of life, leaving a lasting legacy through her organ donations and commitment to helping others.

The Dr. Harvey Young Education & Development Foundation’s Young Guts Scholars Program supports undergraduate students from underrepresented groups in biomedical research. The program encourages students to pursue careers in science or medicine by offering a stipend, AGA membership, and travel funds for Digestive Disease Week®. Eligible applicants must have a mentor and commit to a minimum of 12 hours of research per week. This initiative aims to expand the pipeline of investigators in digestive disease research.

The Gilbert Cook Memorial Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Abilene, honors Gilbert Cook, a devoted community leader and philanthropist. This scholarship aims to support graduating seniors from local high schools planning to attend accredited colleges or universities. Through this initiative, the foundation continues its mission of fostering educational opportunities and empowering students to achieve their dreams, thereby contributing to a thriving Abilene community.

The Harold Dean Wade Memorial Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Abilene, honors a dedicated Christian educator who believed in the transformative power of education. This scholarship supports graduating seniors from Texas and Oklahoma who plan to attend Christian colleges or universities full-time. Applicants must rank in the top 15% of their class, ensuring that deserving students continue to pursue their academic dreams while upholding Harold's legacy of service and education.

The Honors Enrichment Travel Award (HETA) at Northeastern University supports students in attending domestic conferences, specifically targeting those with high financial need. This non-reimbursement award covers costs such as conference registration, hotel, and flights, up to $2000. Students are limited to one award per academic year and are encouraged to seek additional funding. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, with specific deadlines for submitting requests based on travel needs.

The Honors Propel Grant at Northeastern University empowers Honors students to embark on creative and impactful learning projects. With awards of up to $1,000 per student and a maximum of $3,000 for group projects, it encourages meaningful engagement and experiential learning. Recipients must present their findings in a 45-minute session to faculty and peers, fostering community and collaboration. This initiative enhances the undergraduate experience by supporting innovative student-driven initiatives.

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.

Stark Community Foundation

Since 1963, Stark Community Foundation has been helping individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits like you support the causes you care about.

In addition to personalized donor services, we manage a competitive grantmaking program and award grants to address local needs. Today, the Foundation stewards over 1,000 charitable funds totaling $485 million in assets and has granted more than $300 million to nonprofits in our community and beyond.

Scholarships

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties.

The Joan Blend Scholarship Fund

The Joan Blend Scholarship Fund assists students pursuing a career in nursing or who are registered nurses pursuing further studies. Applicants must reside in Stark County and have been accepted into or attend a school of nursing or a college or university offering a registered nursing degree. 

This scholarship is renewable.