Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in New York

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) aims to support innovative research for validating therapeutic targets in Alzheimer's Disease-Related Dementias (ADRD). This initiative focuses on overcoming barriers in treatment development by ensuring well-validated targets linked to disease mechanisms. By employing a phased award mechanism, NINDS seeks to enhance the rigor of target validation, facilitating the transition from basic discoveries to clinical applications, ultimately accelerating the development of effective therapeutic strategies.

The James S.T. Yao Resident Research Award encourages early-career physicians in the U.S. and Canada to engage in groundbreaking research on vascular diseases and therapies. Awarded by the SVS Basic and Translational Research Committee, it includes a $5,000 prize, a presentation opportunity at the Vascular Annual Meeting, and a subscription to the Journal of Vascular Surgery. This award honors the legacy of Dr. James S.T. Yao, a prominent figure in vascular research.

The Ittleson Foundation Environmental Program Grants support innovative projects that enhance environmental activism through education and grassroots efforts. In 2025, grants will focus on initiatives that strengthen environmental movements and engage new constituencies, particularly in environmental equity. The Foundation has provided resources since 1932 to improve public policy and community welfare, alternating its grantmaking focus annually between mental health and environmental initiatives.

The Hershberger Youth Scholarship Award, established by the Tulsa Community Foundation, supports students from First Methodist Church of Sapulpa who actively engage in their programs. Eligible applicants are graduating seniors planning to enroll in an accredited college or vocational-technical school immediately after graduation. This initiative aims to empower youth in their educational pursuits and foster community involvement, reflecting TCF's commitment to enhancing the lives of individuals and families in Tulsa and Northeastern Oklahoma.

The Headache Medicine Fellowship aims to enhance training in headache medicine by supporting programs focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Targeting regions with workforce challenges, the fellowship encourages clinical practice, research, and education to address healthcare disparities. Preference is given to institutions that serve underserved populations and demonstrate a commitment to mentorship and expert guidance for fellows. This initiative seeks to improve understanding and treatment of headache conditions.

The Schenectady STEM Scholarship, managed by the Schenectady Foundation, offers $10,000 scholarships in four annual installments to graduating seniors of Schenectady City School District pursuing STEM careers. This initiative aims to inspire future innovators and strengthen the community by supporting education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. With a focus on equitable access, the foundation plans to invest $2 million in grants and scholarships in 2025, enhancing opportunities for local students.

The Changing Aging (CA) Grant supports innovative projects aimed at enhancing economic opportunities for older adults and combating ageism. Priorities include advancing digital equity and promoting aging in place for marginalized communities. Funded by Next50, the grant encourages collaboration among nonprofits and requires an equity-focused approach to project design. Organizations may apply for up to three years of funding, with no maximum request limit, although a pre-application call is necessary for larger requests.

This grant mechanism will focus on furthering the development of novel strategies towards improving the treatment of Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC). Work supported through this mechanism will address important areas of need across the entire care continuum and have the immediate potential to increase survivorship. It is expected that correlative translational research will be proposed that will enhance the understanding of SCLC.The overarching theme of the proposals should be centered around understanding the biology of SCLC and developing strategies toward improving outcomes for patients with SCLC. We will encourage applications on a wide variety of topics related to SCLC, including but not limited to the following:

• Advanced Screening and Diagnostic Technologies
  • Utilize liquid biopsies and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) to enhance early detection and monitoring of SCLC, providing non-invasive diagnostic and prognostic solutions
  • Investigate the clinical utility of blood-based biomarkers for improving SCLC diagnosis, monitoring treatment response, and predicting outcomes
  • Leverage artificial intelligence for the early detection of SCLC

• Disease Progression and Acquired Resistance
  • Study of molecular + clinical characteristics of rapid progressors vs. long-term responders in SCLC to tailor personalized treatment approaches
  • Leverage radiomics to identify predictive or prognostic factors such as treatment response, risk of pneumonitis, and likelihood of brain metastases
  • Investigate the underlying mechanisms of primary and acquired resistance to chemotherapy and immunotherapy in SCLC
  • Identify and validate biomarkers indicative of disease progression and/or therapeutic resistance

• Biomarkers and Immuno-Oncology
  • Identify and validate biomarkers that can predict greater responses to immunotherapy treatments in SCLC, enhancing patient selection and treatment efficacy

• Biospecimen-based research
  • Leverage real-world patient tissue and/or blood samples to enable:
    • Longitudinal studies of SCLC progression from limited-stage to extensive-stage disease
    • Investigation of tumor and microenvironmental changes before, during, and after treatment to understand the evolution of resistance
  • Develop a centralized infrastructure for biospecimen collection, with standardized protocols and accessible repositories to facilitate broad research collaboration

These awards provide a maximum of $500,000 in funding over a period of three years.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

The John Lennon Endowed Scholarship, established by Yoko Ono to honor John Lennon, supports students attending UNCF member institutions. This initiative addresses financial need and promotes education among African American youth. With over $65 million awarded annually, UNCF empowers thousands of students, advocating for minority education and community engagement. Eligible applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0, complete a FAFSA, and demonstrate unmet financial need. This scholarship plays a crucial role in fostering future leaders.

About Us

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Our Promise

To help you help others through the most effective philanthropy possible.

Juanita Muller Scholarship

Juanita Muller was widowed in 1949. She reared two sons, Joe, then 14 and Charles, 10, working six days a week in a dress factory. Charles, the provider of this scholarship, was the first in his family to receive a college education, thanks to the Woodward Trustees Foundation in Cincinnati. It provided financial aid in high school and a scholarship to the University of Cincinnati. May the recipients of the scholarship fully appreciate the effort of their single parent and have an impact on the lives of those they touch.

The Young Investigator Grant from Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation supports early career researchers in pediatric oncology. This grant, offering up to $50,000 per year for three years, aims to cultivate promising researchers and encourage innovative research ideas. With a commitment to changing the lives of children with cancer, ALSF plays a crucial role in funding impactful research and empowering the next generation of scientists dedicated to this vital cause.

The KUH U24 Center Coordinating Hub aims to foster collaboration among funded Centers within the NIDDK/KUHN mission. This initiative encourages the development and sharing of vital research resources, including data, reagents, and expertise, with the broader scientific community. By creating a national network, the program enhances research capabilities and promotes innovative solutions in kidney, urology, and hematology diseases.

The Judith Blumsack Scholarship, offered by the American Academy of Audiology Foundation, awards $500 to a full-time graduate student in audiology who demonstrates exceptional clinical skills and commitment to clinical research and community service. Established in honor of Dr. Judith Blumsack upon her retirement, this scholarship acknowledges her significant contributions to the field and aims to inspire future audiologists to excel in their professional journey.

The Anna Hudson Erbacher Scholarship, funded by the Schenectady Foundation, supports aspiring teachers in Schenectady County with a total award of $10,000, disbursed in annual installments. This scholarship aims to assist high school seniors pursuing education-related degrees, emphasizing academic performance and financial need. Applications are now open, with winners announced in May. The foundation has a rich history of community support, having invested over $32 million since its inception in 1963.

About Us

Midlands Community Foundation (MCF) is here to serve and add value to donors’ philanthropic needs by providing them an opportunity to “invest in the power of community.” It is our goal to identify current and emerging issues, channel resources to address community needs, and help prepare for the future.

MCF Mission

The mission of Midlands Community Foundation is to be a catalyst for lasting impact in Sarpy and Cass counties and to give opportunities to organizations and individuals to pursue their charitable goals.

Scholarships Through MCF

Midlands Community Foundation is committed to the futures of communities in Sarpy and Cass Counties, and across the country. Supporting higher education of students is a direct investment in the futures of these communities.

The Walt Secord “Always Sunny and 75” Memorial Trade Scholarship Application

The Fund shall annually distribute two (2) scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each.

The Mary Agnes Powers Scholarship Fund, established by the Pittsburgh Foundation, supports nursing students from several Pennsylvania counties. This scholarship honors Mary Agnes Powers and is awarded based on academic merit, financial need, and enrollment in nursing programs. Eligible candidates must reside in designated counties, maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and be entering their final year of nursing education. The scholarship aims to empower local students in their pursuit of nursing careers.

The Early Career Research Programs: 'A' Award Grant by Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation aims to support promising early career scientists in pediatric oncology. This grant fosters innovation in childhood cancer research by funding original projects that are not currently financed. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to pediatric cancer investigation and provide a solid career development plan with mentorship. The funding can reach up to $800,000 over four years, with a maximum of $200,000 available annually.

The KUH P30 Resource Core Center funding opportunity invites applications for centers aimed at enhancing research in Kidney, Urology, and Hematology diseases. These centers will provide essential resources, including data and tools, to the research community, fostering collaboration through a national network with the Center Coordinating Hub. This initiative by the National Institutes of Health aims to drive innovative research and shared expertise for improved health outcomes.

The Joey Johnson Memorial Scholarship, established in 2019 by the East Texas Communities Foundation, honors Joey Johnson's caring spirit. This scholarship is available for graduating seniors from Gladewater, Sabine, West Rusk, or Overton High Schools, supporting students pursuing any field of study at colleges across the U.S. Financial need is considered, and recipients can renew the scholarship for up to three years by maintaining a 3.0 GPA and full-time status.

The Ruth D. Frick Ames Scholarship, established by Robert Ames to honor his wife, supports students pursuing a nursing degree. Managed by the South Dakota Community Foundation, this scholarship aims to ease the financial burden for those aged 18-32 with a GPA of 2.9 or higher. Applicants should demonstrate financial need, strong academic performance, and community involvement. This initiative reflects Ruth's legacy of compassion, service, and commitment to helping others in the nursing field.

The Paul J. Baum Fund Scholarship, established by The Pittsburgh Foundation, supports college and graduate students pursuing degrees in Music. As one of the oldest community foundations in the U.S., The Pittsburgh Foundation has been dedicated to improving quality of life since 1945. This scholarship opportunity is available to both undergraduate and graduate students who meet eligibility criteria, including a minimum GPA of 2.5 and participation in music programs.

The ASTRO-PCF Young Investigator Award, a collaboration between the Prostate Cancer Foundation and the American Society for Radiation Oncology, supports early-career researchers in prostate cancer. It offers $225,000 over three years to young investigators under 35, enabling them to further their research and career. Awardees are required to participate in the Annual PCF Scientific Retreat and Young Investigator Forum, fostering a community dedicated to advancing the field of radiation oncology.

The Stickley Scholarship Fund offers the Pat Danial Scholarship Award for students demonstrating financial need and a passion for the fine arts. Open to children of full-time employees at L. & J. G. Stickley with over two years of service, this scholarship aims to support high school graduates and college students pursuing higher education. By providing four scholarships annually, the fund contributes to educational equity and empowers students to access transformative opportunities.

Mission Statement

Beckley Area Foundation exists to inspire and facilitate generous charitable giving that advances our community.

The Beckley Area Foundation is committed to enriching lives and strengthening communities across Southern West Virginia.

Scholarship

Supporting Student Success

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.

Jan and Margaret Datsko Scholarship

Eligibility

Raleigh County resident; Accredited trade, vocational or technical school; Weighted for educational merit, personal achievement and financial need.

The ASTR Jessica Berson Dance Research Assistance Fund Grant aims to support contingent faculty engaged in dance-based scholarship within theatre. This initiative acknowledges the critical role of non-tenure track faculty and provides them with a $1000 honorarium, conference registration, and a one-year ASTR membership. The grant encourages research and attendance at the annual ASTR conference, ensuring broader access to resources and professional opportunities for those who often lack institutional support.

Dr. Jeffrey Hanson Memorial Scholarship

To support those pursuing careers in medicine, particularly primary care. 

Number and Size of Awards

One award of $2,750; paid in one lump sum in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.  

Allowed Use of Award

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