Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in Nebraska

The High-End Instrumentation (HEI) Grant Program, offered by the NIH, invites applications for purchasing or upgrading high-end, specialized instruments, with a minimum award of $750,001 and a maximum of $2,000,000. This program supports NIH investigators aiming to enhance their research capabilities through advanced technologies such as mass spectrometers and electron microscopes. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 pm local time of the applicant organization.

This funding opportunity invites applications for pilot projects focused on understudied proteins linked to rare diseases. The goal is to generate preliminary data and tools related to these proteins, which belong to druggable families with known rare disease associations. By supporting innovative research, this initiative aims to facilitate the characterization of these proteins, ultimately contributing to advancements in understanding and treating rare diseases.

Community Collaboration Challenge

Applications for the 2026 Community Collaboration Challenge are now open! With support from the Leon Lowenstein Foundation, the Challenge provides $5,000 – $10,000 awards to communities and is designed to support collaboration that expands and pilots evidence-based K-12 student supports in the form of high-impact tutoring, mentoring, student success coaching, postsecondary transition coaching, and/or wraparound/integrated student supports.

The Igor Gorin Memorial Award, established in 1993 by the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona, honors the legacy of Igor Gorin by supporting aspiring vocalists. With $382,000 awarded to 49 young talents, this fund provides unrestricted financial assistance for coaching, travel, and auditions. The 2026 award offers up to $12,000, aimed at those overcoming financial barriers to pursue operatic careers, ensuring that exceptional vocalists can thrive in their artistic journeys.

The NIDCR Drug, Biologic, Device and/or Procedure Intervention Clinical Trial Planning and Implementation Cooperative Agreement (UG3/UH3) is designed to support clinical trial planning and implementation for dental, oral, and craniofacial conditions. This funding opportunity encourages applications that propose innovative research strategies within the NIDCR mission. Key deadlines span from February 2025 to January 2028, with emphasis on milestone-driven planning phases leading into possible clinical trial phases.

The WAEF Scholarships, supported by the Washington Apple Education Foundation, offer over $1 million in educational awards to more than 300 students this year. These scholarships are primarily for individuals with ties to the tree fruit industry in Washington, with a special focus on the Danna Gebbers Guzman Memorial Scholarship, aimed at nursing students. Eligible recipients can use the funds at accredited institutions with nursing programs.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) invites applications for the validation of molecular, cellular, and imaging markers for cancer detection and treatment. This funding opportunity supports both analytical and clinical validation phases, emphasizing multi-disciplinary collaboration. The UH2 phase focuses on analytical validation, while the UH3 phase extends to clinical validation using well-annotated biospecimens. Proposals should justify the relevance of assays for clinical use and may include harmonization efforts across laboratories.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) seeks to enhance the validation of biomarkers and assays for cancer detection and treatment through its UH3 funding mechanism. This initiative supports multi-disciplinary collaborations to validate existing assays over three years using clinical trial specimens. Emphasis is placed on harmonizing laboratory tests and validating pharmacodynamic markers. Projects should not focus on early-stage technology development but aim for integration into clinical studies as investigational assays.

The Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission is inviting research proposals aimed at apple crop protection, emphasizing organic practices and pollinator protection. Key areas of focus include the management of pests like Codling Moth and Fire Blight, testing new crop protection products, enhancing soil health, and developing efficient monitoring techniques. Collaboration among institutions is encouraged, and projects should aim for practical industry applications to ensure sustainable and profitable tree fruit production.

The Whole Foods Market Store Giving Program supports local communities by providing financial assistance to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that focus on food access and environmental stewardship. This biannual program allows eligible organizations to apply via the Community Engagement Portal, although not all requests can be fulfilled due to high demand. Priority is given to those without recent funding, promoting sustainable community engagement.

The Alzheimer’s Association Research Fellowship for All (AARFA) Program aims to support early career researchers dedicated to advancing the understanding and treatment of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. By providing funding to postdoctoral researchers under established mentorship, the program fosters the development of independent scientists. It encourages applications from individuals in underrepresented groups, recognizing the value of diverse perspectives in scientific inquiry and clinical practice, ultimately contributing to the fight against dementia.

The Alzheimer’s Association Clinician Scientist Fellowship for All (AACSFA) aims to support the training of clinician scientists in Alzheimer’s and other dementias. This program encourages applications from individuals in underrepresented groups, emphasizing the value of diverse representation in clinical and scientific fields. The fellowship is designed for professionals with patient contact or diagnostic roles, fostering advancements in dementia research and care.

The AABCF Research Grants, offered by the American Association of Birth Centers Foundation, provide funding up to $5,000 for research projects focused on the birth center model of care. Open to individuals and organizations, these grants aim to enhance knowledge and practices in maternity and women's health care. Projects must demonstrate a clear plan and ability to complete the research on schedule, ensuring impactful contributions to the field.

The Postdoctoral Fellowship Award, offered by the Foundation Fighting Blindness, supports postdoctoral researchers focusing on inherited retinal degenerations and dry age-related macular degeneration. This award provides $80,000 annually for two years, promoting innovative research and professional growth through mentorship. Applicants are expected to take the lead in their application process while receiving substantial guidance from their mentors, fostering collaboration and advancement in the field.

The APA Congressional Fellowship offers psychologists a unique opportunity to engage in public policy, enhancing the application of psychological knowledge in government. Over a year, fellows work alongside Congress members, drafting legislation and participating in oversight activities. The fellowship is available for APA members, with stipends ranging from $75,000 to $90,000, in addition to health insurance reimbursement and professional development funds. This initiative aims to support psychologists interested in societal challenges and policy issues.

The Prader-Willi Syndrome Mini-Fellowship Grant aims to enhance understanding of Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) through clinical proctorships. Offering up to $25,000 USD, this grant supports providers in shadowing experts in PWS while engaging in an academic project. PWSA | USA, dedicated to advancing research since 1983, focuses on high-impact projects that translate biomedical knowledge into effective treatments, ultimately improving the lives of those affected by PWS.

The FSR Early Career Fellowship Grant supports early-stage researchers in sarcoidosis, fostering skills and knowledge advancement. With $150,000 over two years, this grant aims to enhance medical care and scientific understanding of the disease. Eligible applicants, including international candidates, must present innovative study proposals and demonstrate a commitment to sarcoidosis research. FSR encourages transitions from fellowships to faculty positions, thereby strengthening academic credentials and promoting impactful research contributions.

The ISTAART Grant Program for Conferences and Convenings (IGPCC) Grant, funded by the Alzheimer's Association, aims to support innovative initiatives that enhance research discussions among Professional Interest Areas (PIAs). This funding mechanism encourages collaboration and networking opportunities for ISTAART members, allowing for the organization of educational workshops and conferences. Grants of up to $20,000 are available, with a focus on new projects that haven't received funding in the last 24 months. Applications are reviewed year-round.

The APRA AMCOS Global Professional Development Award, offered by the American Australian Association, provides US$10,000 to an emerging or mid-career Australian artist for career development in the United States. This includes opportunities for recording, collaboration, and travel. Applicants must be APRA AMCOS members and demonstrate how their project enhances cross-cultural exchange. The scholarship supports artistic growth in various fields, fostering connections between Australia and the USA.

The Catholic School Leadership Development Grant Program aims to cultivate and retain promising leaders within the Catholic school system. In partnership with Loyola Marymount University, this initiative offers a graduate-level online Certificate in Catholic School Administration, covering 80% of tuition costs and providing funding for essential travel. The one-year program focuses on mission effectiveness, operational management, and instructional leadership, requiring participants to serve two years in their diocese post-completion, thereby enhancing local educational leadership.

The NCB - Botany Research Scholarship Program, offered by Northern California Botanists, targets undergraduate and graduate students pursuing research in botany and plant ecology. Scholarships of $1,500 support independent study, thesis, or dissertation projects within a specific geographic area of Northern California. Eligible applicants may reapply for funding for up to four years. This initiative aims to foster academic careers in botany and promote valuable ecological research.

The Robert Sr. and Mary Churchwell Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, honors the legacy of Robert Churchwell, Sr., a pioneering African American journalist, and Mary Elizabeth Buckingham Churchwell, a dedicated educator. This scholarship supports journalism students who demonstrate commitment and excellence in their field. Eligible candidates must maintain a 3.0 GPA and submit an essay on the role of journalism today. The fund aims to empower future journalists to reflect the diversity of the communities they serve.

The Penny Ann Powers Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports students pursuing an Associate Degree or vocational training. Eligible applicants include current high school seniors, college students, and adult learners with a high school diploma. This renewable scholarship emphasizes support for single mothers over 40 and requires a minimum GPA of 3.0. The fund aims to enhance educational opportunities and contribute to community development in the USA.

The OREF/Goldberg Arthritis Research Grant aims to support innovative research proposals focused on arthritis treatment, particularly arthroplasty. It seeks to foster new investigators by providing seed funding for projects that demonstrate clinical relevance and potential for practical application. Proposals must highlight their orthopaedic significance and aim to advance research that could lead to larger scale funding opportunities, enhancing the field of orthopaedics.

EmpowHer Grants, offered by the Boundless Futures Foundation, provide essential financial support and resources to female entrepreneurs in the U.S. who are committed to creating social impact through their businesses. Grants, which can go up to $25,000, are available to those with businesses that are less than three years old and demonstrate revenue generation. This initiative aims to empower women by reducing barriers and fostering a supportive entrepreneurial community.

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 Cystic Fibrosis Foundation offers the Path to a Cure (PTAC) Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Award to support innovative research training in cystic fibrosis (CF). Aimed at enhancing scientific knowledge and facilitating the transition to independent careers, this program funds projects targeting the development of new therapies for CFTR variants. Awards can reach up to $75,000 in the first year and $76,000 in the second year, fostering foundational research that could lead to breakthroughs in CF treatment.