Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in New Hampshire

The AVID: Syage Family Scholarship Fund aims to support high school seniors from Orange County, CA, who have been enrolled in the AVID elective class for at least three years. This scholarship, administered by Scholarship America, promotes educational advancement by offering financial assistance for undergraduate studies. Applicants must demonstrate community commitment, have a minimum GPA of 3.0, and show financial need, making this opportunity crucial for those seeking to further their education at four-year colleges.

The Local Filmmaker Fund by the People's Media Fund supports filmmakers in Greater Philadelphia, enhancing their skills and film projects through a 12-month cohort program. This initiative prioritizes under-resourced filmmakers committed to social justice, offering funding up to $400,000. Eligible applicants must be at least 18 years old, live in designated areas, and either direct their film or secure fiscal sponsorship. The program fosters community storytelling and aims to amplify diverse voices in media.

The Wisconsin Women’s Alliance Foundation Scholarship offers three non-renewable awards of $2,000 each for students attending an accredited 2- or 4-year institution. These awards are intended to assist with the first semester's cost of attendance. Students must maintain part-time or full-time enrollment to retain eligibility. This scholarship seeks to empower women in the community through education and support.

The AMVETS Children/Grandchildren Scholarship supports the educational aspirations of children and grandchildren of honorably discharged U.S. veterans and active military. This scholarship aims to bridge financial gaps after all federal and state assistance has been utilized. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens, high school seniors, and demonstrate financial need while enrolled in accredited four-year universities. Incomplete applications will be disqualified, ensuring that the award goes to deserving candidates committed to their education.

The James Paul Sutton Medical Research Fund Grant supports non-profit organizations engaged in cancer and medical research, established through a trust by the Sutton family. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt. Preference is given to cancer research initiatives, while grants are not available for individuals, political groups, or for-profit entities. This fund aims to sustain medical research efforts for the long term, continuing the legacy of the Sutton family.

The Fertility Grants (VIVA Program) by the Bob Woodruff Foundation offer vital financial support to wounded veterans facing infertility challenges due to their service-related conditions. Since its inception, the program has assisted over 100 veteran families in starting their own, highlighting a commitment to ensuring veterans have access to necessary fertility treatments. This initiative addresses the unique needs of veterans, recognizing that they experience infertility at nearly double the rate of the general population.

The Leonard Litz Foundation-Silver Connect Initiative aims to enhance the quality of life for LGBTQ+ older adults by providing grant funding to nonprofit organizations. This program addresses isolation and barriers faced by seniors, particularly those affected by disability, race, or economic hardship. By supporting community-driven models, Silver Connect promotes dignity, safety, and inclusion, ensuring that LGBTQ+ elders have access to necessary resources and affirming services across the Eastern United States.

York County Community Foundation

York County Community Foundation was founded in 1961 by generous visionaries who saw an opportunity to perpetually support their community by pooling charitable giving, investing it to grow over time and make grants to charity from the earnings on the pooled fund. It wasn’t until 1991 that the Community Foundation made a real push to build its assets so that it could become the kind of leading organization it is today. Donors are the crux of our existence; they are the reason we have been so successful over the years. Today, thanks to encouragement from many community leaders, we have enhanced our mission to include being a community leader and changemaker by working with community stakeholders to leverage our grantmaking and expertise for powerful community improvement.

Field of Study Scholarships

Through the Community Foundation, our donors have established scholarship funds focused on a specific field of study. Each scholarship expresses our donors' deep commitment to helping York County students achieve their educational goals.

Tom Adams, Jo Hunger, George Lamotte Scholarship Fund

This scholarship was created for York County students studying to become a dentist, a dental specialist, or a dental hygienist.

The Dallas Geological Society Scholarship, managed by the Communities Foundation of Texas, provides one-year awards of up to $5,000 to undergraduate and graduate students majoring in Geological Sciences. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or documented residents, residing in the Dallas area, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Preference is given to those who have completed core geology courses. This scholarship supports the development of future leaders in the geosciences.

The Kennedy Fellowships and Presidential Scholarships at Harvard Kennedy School provide opportunities for both U.S. and international students who demonstrate exceptional academic ability and professional distinction. These scholarships are awarded based on merit and financial need, ensuring support for diverse applicants. The school is committed to improving public policy and leadership, making a significant impact on societal challenges. Apply for these prestigious awards after completing your admission application.

The Margaret Traub and Phyllis Dicker LGBT+ Graduate Fellowship, offered by the Harvard Kennedy School, supports students committed to issues affecting the LGBT+ community. This fellowship emphasizes the importance of diverse representation in public policy and leadership, aligning with Harvard's mission to foster a just and prosperous society. It is accessible to both U.S. and international students, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and merit-based funding.

The Scott and Isabelle Black Fellowship at Harvard Kennedy School supports students in two-year degree programs focused on addressing societal issues such as homelessness, poverty, and education. Awarded based on merit and financial need, this fellowship aims to cultivate future leaders in government and nonprofit sectors. It encourages studies that explore the causes and solutions to problems affecting vulnerable populations, ensuring that graduates are equipped to make a meaningful impact in their communities.

The USF Community Impact Grant, established by USA Swimming and the USA Swimming Foundation, aims to enhance competitive opportunities in swimming clubs. Grants of up to $5,000 are available for registered USA Swimming clubs committed to fostering community engagement and collaboration. Eligible clubs can renew their grant for up to three years, promoting diverse access to swimming programs. This initiative particularly supports clubs that partner with educational or public entities and those led by women or minorities.

The AOFAS Resident Scholarship Program provides orthopaedic residents from the US and Canada the opportunity to attend the AOFAS Annual Meeting 2025 in Savannah, Georgia. Covering registration fees, lodging, and transportation, this program supports residents interested in foot and ankle surgery. Eligible applicants are PGY1, PGY2, or PGY3 residents who can attend the full program on September 10-11. This unique experience allows networking with leading surgeons and gaining insights into foot and ankle procedures.

The HKS American Service Fellowship provides full scholarships and stipends for mid-career public service leaders to pursue a one-year Mid-Career Master in Public Administration at Harvard Kennedy School. Targeting U.S. military veterans, public employees, and alumni of service programs, this fellowship emphasizes skill development and community impact. Participants learn from esteemed faculty and engage with a network of changemakers, equipping themselves to address pressing societal challenges and enhance their leadership capabilities.

The Kathryn Cramer Early Career Research Development Award provides essential start-up funding for orthopedic trauma surgeons in the U.S. and Canada, who have completed their fellowship within the last five years. This award aims to support innovative research projects that can be accomplished within two years, fostering professional development and collaboration among surgeons. Applicants must be members of AO Trauma and demonstrate early success in their research endeavors.

The Henry Hanff Fellowship Award offers a unique opportunity for practicing North American trauma surgeons to enhance their skills through a short-term fellowship at a trauma clinic in North America or Europe. Sponsored by AO North America, the fellowship lasts four to eight weeks and covers airfare and a stipend for living expenses, with a total award not exceeding $5,900. Participants must submit a report on their experience for publication, enhancing professional development and collaboration.

The MCSF- Undergraduate & Associate Degree Scholarship is designed to support the children of Marines and Navy Corpsmen pursuing undergraduate education. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.00. This scholarship can cover various educational expenses such as tuition, books, and transportation. It is an excellent opportunity for those who meet the eligibility criteria and are committed to furthering their education, while honoring the legacy of service in the Marine Corps.

The Camp Equipment & Capital Improvement Grant Program, established by the Colburn-Keenan Foundation, aims to enhance the experiences of children with chronic inherited bleeding disorders. This initiative provides funding to camps for acquiring new equipment or improving facilities, emphasizing the importance of a supportive environment for these children. Eligible camps must serve at least 25% of participants affected by such disorders, ensuring that the assistance directly impacts those in need.

The Campership Grant, offered by the Colburn-Keenan Foundation, aims to support children affected by chronic inherited bleeding disorders by providing up to $500 for camp attendance. This initiative is designed to help families send their children to specialized camps, fostering community and support. Eligible applicants include children under 18 with chronic illnesses and those whose siblings or parents are affected. The program emphasizes the importance of community engagement and aims to alleviate financial burdens for families.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:

• Encouraging philanthropy
• Developing a perpetual, flexible endowment
• Assessing and responding to emerging and changing needs
• Serving as a resource, catalyst, and coordinator for charitable activities
• Promoting efficiency in the management of charitable funds

The Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds.

• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. 
• Most scholarships are for students who live in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties. However, some are also available to students who live in Berkshire County and Hartford County in Connecticut.
• We offer scholarships to those who attend on either a full-time or part-time basis. 
• Any student who plans to enroll for the upcoming fall semester, in any year of college as an undergraduate or graduate student and who will attend an accredited post-secondary school in the United States may apply.
• Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

Rintoul Family Fund

To support students from Hampden or Hampshire County attending a two- or four-year college, studying agriculture or other related majors.

The Knights Templar Eye Foundation Career-Starter Research Grant provides up to $90,000 to support the early careers of researchers focused on preventing and curing blinding diseases in children. Eligible candidates must hold an M.D., Ph.D., or equivalent degree. Research areas include amblyopia, congenital cataract, glaucoma, and other hereditary eye diseases. This funding aims to foster innovative solutions in pediatric ophthalmology, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes for infants and children.

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences Special Student Scholarship at Harvard supports Bachelor of Liberal Arts candidates who are admitted as Special Students. This scholarship, awarded by the Extension School, covers tuition for one undergraduate course per term, provided it aligns with the student's field of study and isn't available in the Extension School curriculum. Recipients are selected based on financial need and academic merit, requiring a minimum GPA of 3.33.

The Animal Food Regulatory Program Standards Implementation Development and Maintenance initiative aims to enhance the national animal food safety system. This funding opportunity supports state regulatory programs in achieving and sustaining the Animal Food Regulatory Program Standards (AFRPS) within five years. By fostering collaboration with the FDA and standardizing regulatory processes, this initiative seeks to improve food safety, promote compliance, and mitigate foodborne illnesses, ultimately creating a more integrated food safety framework.

The Federal Pell Grant provides financial assistance to undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. Administered by the U.S. Department of Education, eligibility is determined through the FAFSA application. Award amounts vary based on the student's financial situation and enrollment status, with a maximum duration of six years of full-time enrollment. This grant aims to make higher education accessible to all qualified individuals, facilitating lifelong learning opportunities.

The Harvard Extension School Grant provides financial assistance to admitted degree candidates who demonstrate financial need and maintain satisfactory academic progress. To be eligible, applicants must submit all required financial aid materials by the priority deadline. The grant covers a portion of tuition charges based on the student's aid index and credit enrollment per term, ensuring that a world-class education remains accessible and flexible for adult learners.

The Harvard Extension School Grant for the Premedical Program offers financial support to admitted premedical candidates who have completed at least two premedical courses with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. To be eligible, applicants must meet the priority deadline and demonstrate financial need. This grant typically covers up to two courses per year for a limited number of candidates, providing essential assistance for those pursuing a career in medicine.