Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in New Jersey

The George Family Foundation's Youth Development Grant aims to empower youth from under-resourced communities by supporting initiatives that foster personal growth, educational enrichment, and workplace learning. By encouraging diverse interactions and community service, the foundation seeks to provide young people with the tools to thrive and positively impact their communities. Although unsolicited proposals are not accepted, Letters of Inquiry are welcomed during specific review periods.

The Henry B. Spencer Scholarship, awarded by Nurses Educational Funds Inc., supports RNs pursuing master's or doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration. Applicants must have at least two semesters remaining in their program and meet specific eligibility criteria, including current RN licensure and professional nursing association membership. This scholarship prioritizes doctoral students focusing on nursing research or organizational study, continuing a legacy of leadership in nursing established by Henry Spencer.

Angel Post Deployment Test Program

Through a collaborative partnership with UNCF, XYZ Corporation has established a scholarship program to help STEM students get on the fast track to a rewarding career. In addition to direct financial support, Intel-sponsored scholarships offer the benefits of exposure to potential job opportunities, networking with fellow scholars, insight to other Intel scholarships, research, training opportunities, and access to Intel mentors offering support on technical, non-technical, cultural, and dissertation-related needs.

The Edwin & Lanier File Ratcliff Memorial Scholarship, administered by the Beckley Area Foundation, supports students from southern West Virginia pursuing higher education. Established to alleviate college expenses, the scholarship targets deserving individuals committed to their academic goals. The Beckley Area Foundation, founded in 1985, connects donors and community partners to enhance local initiatives, focusing on education, health, and community development. This scholarship embodies the foundation's mission to inspire charitable giving and strengthen regional communities.

National Collegiate Cancer Foundation

The National Collegiate Cancer Foundation (NCCF) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting young adults diagnosed with or impacted by cancer. Its mission is to provide services, resources, and need-based financial assistance that empower survivors and their families to adopt a resilient “Will Win” mindset throughout treatment and beyond. NCCF is one of the few national organizations that provides direct financial support to young adult cancer survivors, primarily through its Survivor and Legacy Scholarships, which assist students pursuing higher education during or after treatment. The Foundation also promotes cancer awareness and prevention within the young adult community. Recognizing that adolescents and young adults (ages 15–39) face unique challenges—including delayed diagnoses, limited access to insurance and clinical trials, fertility concerns, employment disruption, and social isolation—NCCF prioritizes addressing the significant service gaps affecting this underserved population. Operated entirely by volunteers, NCCF remains committed to advancing educational access, financial relief, and hope for young adult cancer survivors nationwide.

NCCF: Legacy Scholarship Program

The National Collegiate Cancer Foundation (NCCF) offers $1,000 competitive scholarships to young adults pursuing higher education who have lost a parent or guardian to cancer. The award is designed to provide financial assistance and encouragement to students continuing their education despite personal loss. Applications are evaluated based on the applicant’s personal journey, sources of encouragement, demonstrated financial need, notable accomplishments, and the quality of recommendations. The scholarship recognizes resilience, perseverance, and academic commitment in the face of cancer-related loss.

The NIH is inviting applications for interventions aimed at enhancing cancer screening and preventive services in underserved populations. This initiative focuses on addressing barriers to healthcare access and promoting timely follow-up on abnormal findings. Collaborations with community partners are encouraged to foster effective outreach. The program particularly seeks to engage patients, clinicians, and healthcare settings in improving health equity and outcomes in cancer prevention.

The Byrd Prillerman High School Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Beckley Area Foundation, provides need-based support to Raleigh County students residing in the former Main Gulf area. Preference is given to descendants of past students or teachers of Byrd Prillerman School. This scholarship aims to empower local students in their pursuit of higher education, fostering community growth and educational achievement.

The James W. Junior and Jane T. Brown Scholarship, established by Jane and James Brown in 2006, offers financial support to adult students over 21 in the Tri-Cities. This scholarship aims to ease the financial burdens faced by those returning to education. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and provide necessary documentation, including transcripts and a Student Aid Report. The program encourages recipients to assist others in their educational journeys, fostering a cycle of support in the community.

The Marlene and Spencer Hays Foundation Grants support tax-exempt organizations working to enhance lives through arts, healthcare, education, and youth programs. The foundation requires a Letter of Intent (LOI) from all applicants, emphasizing its mission to select grant recipients who align with its values. Grants are not available for political purposes, endowment campaigns, or organizations that discriminate based on race, gender, or religion. This framework ensures a focused impact on community betterment.

The IEN-WMAN Mini-Grant Program provides crucial financial support to Indigenous communities and grassroots organizations impacted by mining in the U.S. and Canada. With over $200,000 distributed annually in $4,000 grants, the program aims to address mining-related environmental and health issues. Priority is given to proposals that demonstrate a direct impact on affected communities, particularly Indigenous-led initiatives, ensuring that financial assistance is directed where it is most needed.

The Career Guidance for Trainees Grant, offered by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, aims to enhance the career development of early career administrators focused on PhD scientists. This grant supports a workshop that equips participants with research evaluation skills to create impactful career-focused interventions. Participants will receive a $15,000 grant to implement their projects, develop networks, and share findings at national meetings, fostering a diverse scientific workforce essential for research innovation and public service.

The Keith and Marilyn Harsh Scholarship, managed by the Central Kansas Community Foundation, provides financial assistance to graduates of Kansas high schools, particularly those from Peabody-Burns, Marion, and Lyon County. The scholarship prioritizes students planning to attend Emporia State University and those pursuing degrees in education, with selection based on financial need and academic potential. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. Funding amounts vary based on available resources.

The Richmond African American Scholarship, established by The Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond, aims to support African American students from public high schools in Richmond. This scholarship provides financial assistance for college expenses and is awarded to students based on academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. Eligible candidates must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and plan to enroll in a full-time Baccalaureate program at an accredited institution after graduation.

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) is launching a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) under the NIH HEAL initiative to enhance research on joint health and pain. This initiative aims to refine the understanding of joint tissues and pain mechanisms, expand clinical phenotyping, and support preclinical testing of novel therapies. Collaborations among experts in neurobiology, pain science, and rheumatic diseases are encouraged to foster innovative solutions for joint pain management.

The Elevance Health Foundation's Maternal and Child Health Grant supports community-based nonprofit organizations aiming to enhance maternal and infant health outcomes. The foundation prioritizes funding programs that address disparities, improve care access, and promote health throughout the pregnancy journey. Focus areas include reducing pre-term birth rates and severe maternal morbidity. This initiative encourages scalable solutions for measurable impact across various states, ensuring comprehensive support for mothers and infants alike.

The Marian and Wayne Sinsel Scholarship, established by Marian Sinsel to honor her late husband Wayne, provides financial support to hearing impaired residents of Appalachian Ohio or Fairfield County. This scholarship aims to assist candidates who are 22 years or younger and plan to pursue education at a post-secondary institution in the U.S. with a minimum award of $1,000, ensuring it does not displace existing state or federal funding.

ATS/PHA Early Career Award

One grant is available for early-career investigators interested in pulmonary hypertension research who are likely to make a strong and sustained impact in PH research. This grant is co-funded by the Pulmonary Hypertension Association and ATS.

Areas of interest for proposals include:

• Investigating the pathophysiology of PH
• Elucidating mechanistic pathways
• Identifying novel therapeutic targets or biomarkers in adult or pediatric pulmonary hypertension

The project should have potential applicability to human pulmonary vascular diseases.

Applicants may request up to $50,000 for one year for salaries or supplies or a combination thereof.

Who We Are

The Community Foundation of Central Illinois will make a sustainable philanthropic impact in our community through visible leadership in connecting people who care with causes that matter.

Joyce and Thomas H. Stanisic Scholarship Fund 

The Joyce and Thomas H. Stanisic Scholarship Fund was established to award scholarships based on need to students working toward a degree or certification in the music or healthcare fields. This scholarship will be given for the entire expected course of study, up to 4 years.

The Mech SS Sheldon D. Murphy Student and Postdoctoral Endowment Award, established by the Society of Toxicology, honors the legacy of Dr. Sheldon D. Murphy, a pioneer in toxicology. This award supports PhD candidates and postdoctoral trainees who demonstrate excellence in mechanistic toxicology. Nominees are selected based on the scientific quality of their abstracts, ensuring a focus on impactful research. This initiative fosters the next generation of toxicologists dedicated to advancing human and environmental health.

DREAMS Grant Program

DREAMS For Duchenne

Launched in 2023, Entrada DREAMS is a competitive annual grant program designed to fund efforts within the Duchenne muscular dystrophy community to better identify, understand and reach those who are currently underrepresented and underserved.

DREAMS and Belonging

Entrada is building a company culture where everyone can belong, contribute and grow. In the same way, we are committed to working toward a healthcare system that is equitable and inclusive. Entrada DREAMS is part of our commitment to support Duchenne-focused non-profit organizations in their efforts to address disparities in healthcare and to better serve all people living with Duchenne.

DREAMS and Impact

DREAMS has funded transformative projects that bridge healthcare disparities and strengthen community connections. Keep reading to learn more about past recipients and their projects.

This year, two nonprofit organizations will each receive a $50,000 USD grant to fund projects that advance equity, accessibility and inclusion for individuals with Duchenne. Entrada will award one grant to a U.S.-based nonprofit and another to a nonprofit in the UK or EU.

The Ryan Myers Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Washington County, MD, supports graduating seniors from various educational backgrounds in Washington County. This scholarship honors Ryan Myers' legacy, encouraging students pursuing higher education, trade schools, or apprenticeships. Ideal candidates reflect Ryan's positive spirit and aspirations, aiming to make a meaningful impact in their communities while achieving their academic and career goals.

The Solidarity Fund Grant, part of the Black Feminist Fund, aims to empower Black feminist movements by providing essential resources. Acknowledging the historical underfunding of these movements, the fund supports groups led by Black women, girls, and gender-expansive individuals. It focuses on solidarity efforts that foster collaboration and joint campaigns, enabling activists to drive social change. This initiative is crucial for advancing justice, self-determination, and equity within communities, ensuring that Black feminist visions are amplified and sustained.

About Legacy Foundation

Legacy Foundation is the community foundation for Lake County, Indiana. We connect people, knowledge, and funding to build an equitable, accessible, and inclusive Lake County, now and for generations to come.

Legacy Foundation is supported by a broad base of individuals, families, and businesses connected by the desire to improve Lake County, Indiana. With a growing portfolio of over 300 funds and approximately $80 million in assets, Legacy Foundation is a trusted source for philanthropic giving in the region.

For over 30 years, Legacy Foundation has been empowering people, providing strategic leadership, and impactful philanthropic support to create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Mission Statement

Transforming Lake County by providing strategic leadership and impactful philanthropic support to ensure equitable opportunity for all communities that we serve.

Vision Statement

Create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

O'Shea Patrick McCarthy Scholarship

Use the chart below to see which scholarships are the best fit for you! You must complete the Legacy Universal Application to apply.

Scholarship eligibility requires students to attend an accredited 2 or 4 year public or private institution of higher learning. All scholarships are for full-time students, unless otherwise noted. Renewable awards are for 4 years of undergraduate study and cannot be used for post graduate coursework; all awards are paid directly to the school or may be used for book reimbursement.

TryMarine Grant

The Reservoir Fish Habitat Partnership (RFHP) is seeking candidate pilot sites for evaluating two water quality treatment technologies—TryMarine and Oase Water Technology—in small urban fishing lakes (1–3 acres).

Urban fishing lakes are important community resources, providing accessible angling opportunities and supporting local outdoor recreation. Many of these lakes experience nutrient‑driven water quality impairments such as algal blooms, low dissolved oxygen, and reduced water clarity. These issues degrade fish habitat and diminish angler satisfaction.

This pilot initiative aims to identify lakes where these technologies can be tested to determine their effectiveness, feasibility, and potential for broader application across the RFHP network.

Objectives

Water Quality & Habitat Objectives

• Reduce nutrient concentrations (total phosphorus, total nitrogen).
• Improve water clarity and reduce turbidity.
• Reduce harmful algal blooms (HABs).
• Increase dissolved oxygen stability to support sportfish populations.
• Improve habitat conditions for stocked and naturally occurring fish species.
• Reduce internal nutrient loading from sediments.

RFHP Program Objectives

• Demonstrate scalable tools for improving fish habitat in small urban lakes.
• Support community‑based fisheries enhancement.
• Provide case studies and data for future RFHP guidance.
• Strengthen partnerships among agencies, municipalities, NGOs, and angling groups.

Beckley Area Foundation

Beckley Area Foundation was established in January 1985 by ten community-minded citizens. It began with a gift of $1.1 million from the Dr. Thomas Walker Memorial Health Foundation as “seed” money for this Raleigh County project. BAF assets have grown to over $70 million with over 500 different funds managed by our three trustee banks. Today, Beckley Area Foundation is one of West Virginia’s largest community foundations.

Since its inception, BAF has distributed over $23 million to charities and other worthy projects in the fields of education, public recreation, health & human services, the arts, animal services and beautification.

Scholarships

The Beckley Area Foundation proudly manages scholarship funds established by individuals, businesses, and organizations dedicated to helping students pursue higher education. Many of these scholarships are tailored for specific schools, fields of study, or graduates from local high schools, while others offer broader opportunities. No matter the path, our scholarships aim to support students from our region as they work toward achieving their educational goals.

Most of these scholarships must be awarded to students from our geographic area or at least preference given to such students. While the majority of scholarships benefit Raleigh County applicants there are others designated for Fayette, Summers, Webster, and Wyoming students. 

The File Girls Cystic Fibrosis Scholarship

Weighted for educational merit, personal achievement and financial need; West Virginia high school matriculating senior with a confirmed diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis. Recipient will provide physician’s letter affirming a diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis as part of the application process; The scholarship is to be awarded for post-secondary education through college, vocational or technical schools.

This scholarship is renewable.

The Remsberg-Trout Scholarship Fund supports local students pursuing STEM degrees. One scholarship assists a senior from Williamsport High School, while two additional scholarships are available for graduates from other Washington County public high schools. All applicants must be members of the National Honor Society. This initiative, part of the Community Foundation of Washington County, MD, aims to foster educational opportunities and enhance the community's future.

The ASTRO-AstraZeneca SCLC Therapy Challenge RFP aims to enhance research on limited-stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) through innovative combination therapies, particularly integrating immunotherapy with advanced radiation techniques. Proposals are encouraged to explore various aspects, including care patterns, treatment workflows, prognostic biomarkers, and toxicity management. The target budget for projects ranges from $175,000 to $375,000, with consideration given to higher requests based on scientific merit, fostering significant advancements in radiation oncology.