Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in New York

The Student Research Grant in Early Childhood Language Development, funded by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation, supports master's and doctoral students conducting research on early language development. With up to three grants of $2,000 each available, this initiative honors Arlene M. and Noel D. Matkin. Eligible candidates must be enrolled full-time in accredited programs, focusing on research that benefits young children facing language delays or disorders.

The Kelsey Nicole Cooper Scholarship Fund, administered by the Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, offers scholarships to deserving students from the Martinsville Henry County community, emphasizing volunteerism. Eligible applicants must be graduating seniors or graduates from local high schools, enrolled or planning to enroll in accredited colleges, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. Preference is given to those attending Virginia Tech or involved in the CHILL youth task force. For more information, contact the Foundation.

Mission & Vision

Rochester Area Community Foundation, in partnership with generous philanthropists and community partners, works to improve the quality of life for people who live and work in the eight-county region through its leadership and strategic grantmaking.

Our Mission:

We are cultivating a thriving Greater Rochester region — powered by philanthropy, grounded in community, and sustained across generations.

Our Vision:

We envision a Greater Rochester region transformed by enduring philanthropy, where every person, neighborhood, and future generation can thrive.

Do It 4 Ur Kidz Scholarship

Purpose of Scholarship

To provide financial assistance to head-of-household, single parents for post-secondary education to help them improve their lives and those of their children.

Number and Size of Awards

Number of recipients and amounts vary; paid in one lump sum in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.

Donor Information

A former St. John Fisher College professor who understood and greatly admired the hard work and challenges of single-parent students created this scholarship to support their higher education endeavors and to improve their employability, their lives, and the lives of their children.

Mission & Vision

Rochester Area Community Foundation, in partnership with generous philanthropists and community partners, works to improve the quality of life for people who live and work in the eight-county region through its leadership and strategic grantmaking.

Our Mission:

We are cultivating a thriving Greater Rochester region — powered by philanthropy, grounded in community, and sustained across generations.

Our Vision:

We envision a Greater Rochester region transformed by enduring philanthropy, where every person, neighborhood, and future generation can thrive.

Dale Lawrence and Rosalie Viener Rockwell Educational Scholarship

Purpose of Scholarship

To provide financial assistance to students with profound hearing loss for the expenses associated with pursuing higher education.

Number and Size of Awards

One award of $10,000 each to one student at Rochester School for the Deaf and one student within the eight-county region.

Award is divided into equal annual installments paid over four consecutive years of undergraduate study and is paid in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.

The D. Scott Cooper Nursing Foundation Scholarship, offered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating seniors from high schools in Gregg, Rusk, or Smith Counties pursuing a nursing degree. This scholarship emphasizes financial need, requiring FAFSA documentation, and provides funding for one year. Established to foster educational pursuits, it reflects the Foundation's commitment to empowering young individuals to achieve their dreams in the field of nursing.

The Don E. & Charlotte Williams Scholarship, administered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, offers financial support to students pursuing higher education, including community colleges and trade schools. Annually, it provides up to $3,500 for full-time students and $75 per semester hour for part-time students. This need-based scholarship is renewable for up to four years, contingent on maintaining a 2.0 GPA and fulfilling other criteria, prioritizing applicants who are descendants of former employees of the Don E. Williams Company.

The Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia Fund provides crucial financial assistance to underinsured patients suffering from this rare blood cancer. Through the HealthWell Foundation, the fund helps cover prescription copays, insurance premiums, and treatment-related costs, ensuring access to necessary medical care. With over $1.2 billion in grants awarded, the program has supported more than 1.1 million patients since its inception in 2004. Its mission is to alleviate financial barriers to essential healthcare, allowing patients to focus on their treatment and recovery.

The NCCIH Natural Product Early Phase Clinical Trial Award (R33 Clinical Trial Required) promotes innovative clinical trials on natural products, such as botanicals and dietary supplements. This funding opportunity supports studies that demonstrate significant scientific rationale and preliminary evidence for efficacy. Applications can explore various delivery methods and combinations with existing treatments to enhance outcomes. Funding is available for up to three years, aimed at bridging basic science discoveries into practical clinical applications.

The Fred & Harriett Taylor Foundation Grant supports charitable organizations in Hammondsport and Steuben County. This grant aims to enhance community welfare by funding various projects that serve local needs. Interested applicants should ensure they meet eligibility requirements and can find more information about the application process through the foundation's official channels. The grant encourages innovative solutions to address pressing community issues.

The Rodgers Family Agricultural Scholarship, managed by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Fauquier County pursuing degrees in agricultural fields at accredited institutions. Candidates must demonstrate financial need, initiative, motivation, and leadership. This scholarship not only offers financial assistance but also presents opportunities for renewal, fostering academic growth and community involvement among students dedicated to agriculture in the region.

The Amyloidosis Fund, managed by the HealthWell Foundation, provides essential financial assistance to underinsured patients facing treatment costs for Amyloidosis. The program covers prescription copays, insurance premiums, and related expenses, ensuring that patients can access necessary medications without financial strain. With a maximum award of $8,000, the fund aims to alleviate the burden of healthcare costs for those diagnosed with this complex disease, promoting better health outcomes and quality of life for patients across the United States.

The NCCIH Natural Product Early Phase Clinical Trial Phased Innovation Award supports investigator-initiated clinical trials of natural products, including botanicals and dietary supplements. This funding opportunity aims to validate the pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of these products over three years in a phased approach. Successful trials will provide crucial data for further development and clinical application, emphasizing the importance of scientifically driven research in natural product efficacy.

The Undergraduate Development Program Advisor Travel Award, hosted by the Society of Toxicology, enables faculty advisors to attend the Undergraduate Development Program from March 21-23, 2026. This initiative aims to familiarize advisors with toxicology and encourage them to guide students toward careers in biomedical sciences. Recipients of the award will participate in educational sessions, networking opportunities, and receive support for travel-related expenses, fostering diversity and innovation within the field.

The New Haven Scholarship Fund offers financial assistance to New Haven residents graduating from local public high schools with demonstrated need. Scholarships, ranging from $200 to $2900, are awarded for one academic year, covering two semesters. Eligible students must have attended a qualifying high school since senior year and complete a formal application process, including an interview. Reapplication is permitted each year, ensuring continued support for students' educational pursuits.

The Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Grant Program, initiated by Eric Smidt through The Smidt Foundation, supports high school students in skilled trades education. This initiative facilitates pathways to graduation and fosters opportunities for meaningful employment. Each year, it awards $1.5 million in cash prizes to 25 exceptional U.S. public high school skilled trades teachers, enhancing support and investment in trades education. This program is a vital resource for schools aiming to improve their vocational training.

The C.H. Stuart Foundation Grant provides funding to charitable organizations located in Wayne County, NY, and the Township of Arcadia. This grant aims to support various initiatives that benefit the community and enhance the quality of life for its residents. Organizations interested in applying should ensure they meet the eligibility criteria and can demonstrate a meaningful impact through their proposed projects.

The Lora Dawson Davisson Memorial Scholarship, established by the Muskingum County Community Foundation, honors a 1982 graduate of Sheridan High School. This scholarship supports Perry County residents enrolled in vocational or degreed nursing programs (LPN, RN) who have completed their first semester. It aims to enhance educational opportunities and nurture future healthcare professionals in the community.

Grand Rapids Community Foundation

Connecting people, passion and resources

The Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that connects people, passion and resources. With our partners, the Community Foundation uses the tools of philanthropy to find solutions to pressing issues. We provide grants to support the work of nonprofits, scholarships to local students and other forms of support to communities working to eliminate barriers to opportunity, prosperity and belonging.

Our Mission is to build and manage our community’s permanent endowment and lead the community to strengthen the lives of its people.

We envision a magnetic and interconnected West Michigan community.

Integrity, Excellence, Inclusion, Sustainability and Bold Aspirations

Give and Receive Openly, Build Trust with Each Other, Create Brave and Safe Space, Embrace Vulnerability, Accountability

Our North Star

For West Michigan to grow and prosper, we must make sure that everyone can apply their talents and creativity to fuel our future. It is only by connecting across perspectives and overcoming inequities that we can build and sustain an inclusive economy and thriving community.

Opportunities for students

Apply for scholarships to support your ambitions

Each year Grand Rapids Community Foundation supports hundreds of students on their college or career training journeys. We are excited to remove barriers to academic success so that students like you can pursue what you're passionate about.

Scholarship Fund Details

Support for West Michigan Students

Attending college or trade school increases opportunity and opens doors to careers. Donor partners who establish a scholarship fund give students a boost on their path to higher education. Students who complete the general scholarship application are considered for these scholarships.

Open to students who are residents of Kent County. Preference to Challenge Scholar students through 2032.

The AbbVie Foundation Health Equity Accelerator seeks innovative solutions to enhance healthcare access for underserved communities. This program empowers nonprofit organizations by providing mentorship, resources, and financial support, including a $10,000 stipend for participants and a $50,000 grant for the best solution. By fostering community-led initiatives, the accelerator aims to address health disparities and improve the quality of care through tailored, grassroots approaches. Applications are encouraged from organizations rethinking care delivery models.

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) is set to release a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) aiming to stimulate research on Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementias (ADRD). This initiative focuses on validating novel drug targets and supports early-stage drug discovery efforts. The U01 activity code will be utilized, and while applications are not currently solicited, this notice allows potential applicants ample time to form collaborations and develop impactful projects in the field of AD/ADRD research.

The Rev. Dr. Neil T. Eckstein Scholarship, established by family and friends, honors Neil's legacy of service and support for Christian higher education. It is available to full-time students at accredited colleges or ELCA seminaries. While the number and amount of scholarships may vary, maintaining eligibility is crucial, as failure to register full-time can result in loss of support. This scholarship reflects Neil's commitment to education and faith within the Grace Lutheran Church community.

4-H Beef Club Fund

The 4-H Beef Club Fund, established by the Whitley County 4H Beef Club, provides educational scholarship support for any member of Whitley County 4-H intent upon studying Agriculture at an accredited college or university in pursuit of a 2 or 4 year degree in the field.

The Bronx Recognizes Its Own (BRIO) Grants, awarded by the Bronx Council on the Arts, celebrate artistic excellence across diverse disciplines. For over 35 years, BRIO has supported individual Bronx artists with $5,000 grants, enabling them to create impactful works in literary, media, visual, and performing arts. Recipients engage in a public service activity, Artists for Community Enrichment (ACE), fostering community connection and showcasing the artistic talent of the Bronx.

CRST Wicozani Wiwokiaye Oyate Scholarship for Nursing

To provide financial support to Native American students pursuing a registered nursing degree.

For a Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe (CRST) member aiming to earn a nursing degree, if there are no eligible CRST candidates, the scholarship will be accessible to another tribal member. Proof of tribal enrollment is required for both applicants. This scholarship is available to students in their second through fifth years who have sustained a GPA of 2.0 or above. When applying for this scholarship, articulate how your nursing education will contribute to enhancing the health outcomes of Native American communities.

(Pronunciation is: Wee-Cho-Zan-Ee, Wee-Woke-Ee-Eye-Aye, Oh-Yah-Tay. Which is Lakota for "Health Helpers Society")

Molly Efron Scholarship

To support a Monroe County female high school senior planning to attend a four-year college or university to study science, technology, engineering, or math.

Number and Size of Awards

Two awards of $1,000 each; paid in one lump sum.

Allowed Use of Award

Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education.

YWCA Chester County Fund

Mission Statement

A primary focus of the YWCA Chester County Fund is to provide scholarships to women, primarily non-traditional students, to continue their education.

Chautauqua Region Community Foundation

Mission: In partnership with our community, we ignite positive change and create a legacy of impact.

Scholarships

The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation annually awards more than $2 million in scholarships to students pursuing higher education, job training and certification. The Foundation hosts several different scholarship opportunities throughout the year. 

Workforce Training

Open to adult residents of Chautauqua County enrolled in a certification program outside of higher educational degree. Examples include phlebotomist, LPN, CNA, EMT, Radiologic Technologist, Automotive Technician, CDL, HVAC, Welding, Machining etc.