Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in New Hampshire

The Ann B. Zekauskas Family Foundation is committed to supporting qualified 501(c)(3) organizations that align with our mission and values. We welcome grant requests from nonprofit organizations seeking to make a meaningful impact in their communities in the areas of nutritional education, food access, or the advancement of cuilnary arts careers. 

Special Giving Program

Throughout her life, Ann B. Zekauskas supported numerous nonprofits and charitable endeavors. She especially had a fondness for organizations that worked to rescue and rehome abandoned animals — and her house was always home to a dog, a cat, and, for a very long time, a set of parakeets. 

In honoring Ann’s complete legacy, each year our trustees contribute to select causes which are of special personal importance to them and fall beyond our three main areas of giving. These include supporting educational institutions; local community groups and projects; athletics programs; animal rescues; and more.

Higher Education Coordinating Commission

The Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) is a State of Oregon agency and Commission working to improve equitable access to and success in higher education and workforce training for Oregonians statewide. We coordinate funding and policy, and convene partners across the public and private higher education and workforce landscape. 

Chafee Education and Training Voucher Program

The Chafee Education and Training Voucher Program (also know as the Chafee Grant) provides funding to help current or former foster care youth with postsecondary education and training.

Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation

For more than 50 years, NCCF has been taking on tough problems to improve the quality-of-life in Northwest CT by supporting nonprofits that speak to the charitable passions of our generous donors.

NCCF is a Community Foundation, a tax-exempt public charity that enables donors to establish funds that support the work of local nonprofits through grants and provide scholarships to local students.

Cornwall Conservation Trust Scholarship

Academic Focus: Ecology, environmental studies, forestry, FFA, and/or biology

Preference: Cornwall residents

Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation

For more than 50 years, NCCF has been taking on tough problems to improve the quality-of-life in Northwest CT by supporting nonprofits that speak to the charitable passions of our generous donors.

NCCF is a Community Foundation, a tax-exempt public charity that enables donors to establish funds that support the work of local nonprofits through grants and provide scholarships to local students.

Earle R. Julian Scholarship

For past graduates of St. Anthony School, in Winsted, who plan to pursue a career in accounting.

Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation

For more than 50 years, NCCF has been taking on tough problems to improve the quality-of-life in Northwest CT by supporting nonprofits that speak to the charitable passions of our generous donors.

NCCF is a Community Foundation, a tax-exempt public charity that enables donors to establish funds that support the work of local nonprofits through grants and provide scholarships to local students.

Friends of John Ponte Memorial Scholarship

For graduating seniors from Lewis S. Mills High School and Torrington High School who exemplify, through their participation in athletics, the qualities and interests of the late John Ponte, including leadership skills and exemplary character.

 High school participation in athletics.

Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation

For more than 50 years, NCCF has been taking on tough problems to improve the quality-of-life in Northwest CT by supporting nonprofits that speak to the charitable passions of our generous donors.

NCCF is a Community Foundation, a tax-exempt public charity that enables donors to establish funds that support the work of local nonprofits through grants and provide scholarships to local students.

Marion WM. Edwards Scholarship

For Torrington High School graduating seniors who are planning to continue in Italian studies, planning to teach or planning to study literature or journalism.

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) anticipates soliciting applications for a National Research Center for Promoting Work and Strong Families.The Center aims to improve the effectiveness of federal and state policies that promote the dignity of work, economic self-sufficiency, and build stable, married families while reducing their reliance on public assistance. The Center will support rigorous, policy-relevant research and build stronger connections between researchers and policymakers in human services programs.The Center will carry out three core activities:

Fellowship Program: Support in-residence fellows placed within ACF and other HHS offices to provide policy-relevant research expertise on work, earnings, family stability, and human services programs.

Extramural Research Grants: Administer a competitive grant program to fund timely, actionable research aligned with ACF priorities, including promoting the dignity of work, economic self-sufficiency and reduced dependence on public assistance, family formation and stability through marriage, child well-being, and program effectiveness.

Dissemination and Communication: Host in-person and virtual events and produce policy-focused materials to ensure research findings are accessible and actionable for federal, state, tribal, and local policymakers. ACF anticipates making one cooperative agreement award for a five-year project period. The recipient must be able to show, and ACF must be able to monitor, that funds appropriated were spent on activities that can be directly attributed to those required and allowed by each funding source.

The NCRG Large Grant, provided by the International Center for Responsible Gaming, supports high-quality research on gambling disorders and responsible gambling. Eligible applicants can request up to $75,000 annually for a maximum of 24 months, totaling $187,500. The grant emphasizes scientific rigor through its advisory board, ensuring only the best proposals receive funding. This initiative aims to advance understanding and treatment of gambling-related issues through peer-reviewed research.

The ICRG Seed Grant supports innovative research aimed at understanding and treating gambling disorders. With a focus on pilot studies, secondary data analysis, and developing new methodologies, it encourages both established and early-career researchers to apply for funding up to $40,000. The grant emphasizes the importance of addressing critical issues in gambling research while ensuring the inclusion of diverse participant groups. This initiative aims to enhance public education and promote responsible gaming practices.

Women Giving to Women Scholarship

Women Giving To Women (WGTW) provides intellectual and emotional support for women of diverse backgrounds. WGTW scholarship was established to empower women to complete a bachelor’s degree and become leaders in the community. WGTW also provides financial support for the following community endeavors: The Child Abuse and Neglect Council (CAN) Great Lakes Bay Region, The McNally House of Covenant Hospital, Underground Railroad of Saginaw and The Women’s Studies Section of the Frankenmuth Wickson District Library.

Evaluation Criteria

• Scholastic record (25)
• Community involvement (15)
• Leadership (10)
• Essay (25)
• References (15)
• Non-traditional field of study (10)

The Petco Love Foundation, previously known as the Petco Foundation, has been dedicated to animal welfare since 1999. With a mission to enhance the lives of pets and their families, they provide significant funding to nonprofit organizations for lifesaving initiatives. The 'Access to Care' program supports spay/neuter clinics and low-cost veterinary services, ensuring that more pets receive essential care. Petco Love remains committed to fostering healthier communities and improving the well-being of pets across the nation.

The Petco Foundation offers grants aimed at animal welfare organizations, focusing on enhancing adoption and medical care initiatives. With a commitment to lifesaving programs, they invest in organizations that demonstrate accountability and significant impact in their communities. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, municipal agencies, and SPCA/humane societies that provide sheltering services. The grant cycle allows for one proposal submission per year, ensuring support for those dedicated to improving the welfare of companion animals.

The Petco Love Stories Grant Campaign celebrates the profound impact of pet adoption. Each year, Petco Love and BOBS® from Skechers® award grants to animal welfare organizations that facilitate these life-changing adoptions. Since 2013, over $8 million has been distributed to support these organizations. Pet parents are encouraged to share their unique love stories about their adopted pets, showcasing how their lives have been enriched. Compelling narratives and quality visuals will help submissions stand out.

The PEDIGREE Foundation offers Program Development Grants aimed at enhancing dog adoption rates by supporting shelters and rescues across the U.S. Established in 2008, the foundation prioritizes initiatives such as transport, matching, and foster programs. Funding is available to 501(c)(3) designated organizations committed to improving the quality of care for dogs and ultimately increasing their chances of adoption, ensuring that every dog finds a loving home.

The FY26 Orthopaedic Research Program Clinical Research Award supports vital clinical research addressing orthopaedic-specific factors and interventions. It aims to generate evidence that optimizes patient outcomes and informs clinical care, benefiting Service Members, Veterans, and the public. Applications should focus on priority areas such as Ligamentous Trauma and Military Women’s Health, ensuring significant impact on patient care and mitigation of orthopaedic injuries.

The DoW Orthopaedic Applied Research Award supports innovative research aimed at improving treatment and functionality for individuals with combat-related orthopaedic injuries. Applicants are required to present preliminary data and focus on applied research that evaluates new solutions, including pharmacologic agents and rehabilitation techniques. This initiative emphasizes the importance of military relevance, aiming to benefit Service Members, their families, and Veterans, while clinical research proposals are not permitted.

The Banfield Foundation's Disaster Relief Grants support nonprofit animal welfare organizations and government agencies affected by natural disasters. Since 2015, the foundation has provided resources to help pets in crisis, including medical supplies, food, and temporary shelter. Grants are also available for organizations assisting those impacted by disasters. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) status and directly help animals and their owners in the U.S., ensuring that pets receive the care they need during emergencies.

The Limited Competition: Biomedical Research Environment & Sponsored Programs Administration Development (BRE-SPAD) Program aims to enhance the research capacity of resource-limited institutions. By focusing on essential areas like biomedical research environment and sponsored programs administration, this initiative seeks to foster rigorous and reproducible biomedical research. Eligible organizations are encouraged to submit proposals addressing their specific needs, thereby expanding the pool of qualified researchers and strengthening the settings for NIH-funded research.

The Seeds For Stewardship Grant by the CHS Foundation aims to enhance agricultural leadership and improve rural community safety. This initiative supports member cooperatives and local organizations with matching grants, fostering innovative projects that benefit rural America. Eligible applicants can receive up to $10,000 annually, promoting priority areas such as agricultural education and farmer well-being. The program has positively impacted over 200 communities, reinforcing the importance of collaboration and community investment in rural development.

The Boston Scientific Foundation aims to enhance health and educational opportunities for economically disadvantaged individuals, particularly in STEM fields. Their grant program focuses on K-12 students, requiring at least 50% of participants to be at or below 185% of the poverty line. The foundation seeks evidence-based proposals that can measure improvements in STEM learning, and it prioritizes applications serving communities near Boston Scientific locations, ensuring inclusivity and non-discrimination in service.

The Adolph Coors Public Policy Grant Programs support organizations that embody western values like self-reliance and personal responsibility. The Foundation prioritizes initiatives that promote youth prosperity, economic opportunities for adults, and public policies reflecting America’s founding principles. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, with a focus on rural Colorado nonprofits. The Foundation does not fund projects in areas such as arts, health, or international components, ensuring a clear alignment with its mission.

The Infinite Hero Foundation Grant Program supports military personnel and their families by funding innovative treatment programs for service-related injuries. Since 2012, it has awarded over $5.7 million to 51 organizations focused on physical rehabilitation, mental health, leadership development, family support, and suicide prevention. Grants up to $100,000 are available for programs that align with the foundation's mission, ensuring that funds directly support program costs and not administrative expenses.

Taka Domingo HLP Vocational Scholarship

The HLP Hamakua Community Foundation is a non-profit organization that was formed to benefit the people of Hamakua. Taka Domingo was one of the original board members when HLP was established after the closure of sugar. He was an electrician and County Councilman representing the Hamakua District. The Taka Domingo HLP Vocational Scholarship was established after his death in August 2016. 

Individual award amount: $2,000. 

Possible trades include: welding, tourism, fire science, electrical, early childhood education, agriculture, auto body, auto mechanics, diesel mechanics, carpentry, culinary and others not listed.

The Wellborn Ecology Fund supports school-based projects that enhance environmental and ecological science knowledge in the Upper Valley. Established in 2013, it focuses on K-12 and early childhood education, especially in underserved communities. With over $5.5 million awarded since 2001, the fund promotes place-based ecology education, professional development for teachers, and initiatives like farm-to-school projects. This initiative aims to instill a deep understanding of local ecosystems and foster environmental stewardship among students.

The Link Foundation offers the Ocean Engineering and Instrumentation Ph.D. Fellowship, providing six fellowships of $35,000 each for Ph.D. students. This fellowship aims to advance research in ocean engineering and instrumentation, enhance theoretical and practical knowledge, and promote research dissemination through lectures and publications. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in a Ph.D. program at a U.S. or Canadian university and demonstrate a well-defined thesis direction. This funding can significantly support their academic journey.

AΩA is committed to preparing future leaders in medicine and health care. Leadership is about making a positive difference and can be developed through education, observation, experience, and by working with leader mentors. Service learning provides excellent opportunities for students to develop as servant leaders. Only one team from each school may be nominated.

PetSmart Charities' Adoption Partnerships and Event Grants support organizations in finding loving homes for pets. With over 10 million pets placed, the program offers resources like cash rewards for adoptions and grants for event support. Eligible partners include registered charities and educational institutions. The maximum grant available is $5,000, aimed at maximizing the impact of adoption events. Join us in enhancing the lives of pets and their new families through collaboration and community engagement.