Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in New York

The McLaughlin-Wilson Scholarship Fund, established in 1994 by Edith Wilson, supports residents of Monterey, MA, in accessing post-secondary education. Created in memory of Marjorie McLaughlin, this fund reflects Wilson's commitment to aiding the educational pursuits of local youth. It emphasizes the importance of nurturing intelligent minds in the community, ensuring that high school graduates from Monterey can achieve their academic goals. This scholarship is a testament to the enduring friendship and shared values of its founders.

The J. D. Crowe Banjo Scholarship, established by the IBMA Foundation, honors the legacy of renowned bluegrass musician J. D. Crowe. Funded by a generous $20,000 donation from Arthur Hancock III, this scholarship aims to support aspiring banjo players pursuing their education at the collegiate level. Eligible candidates must showcase high performance skills on the banjo and demonstrate a commitment to the bluegrass music industry, ensuring Crowe's influence continues for future generations.

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley

The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV) is a philanthropic community foundation that empowers individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to fulfill their charitable goals and strengthen communities across Dutchess, Putnam, and Ulster counties in New York. Through the establishment and stewardship of nearly 600 charitable funds totaling over $100 million in assets, CFHV has distributed hundreds of millions in grants and scholarships to address critical needs, including food insecurity, education, senior services, arts and culture, social services, environmental initiatives, and more. The Foundation works with donors to build lasting charitable legacies, offers leadership on community issues, and provides grants and scholarships that create both immediate relief and long-term positive impact throughout the Hudson Valley. 

Lorien Niniel and Howard Robert Kimlin Scholarship Fund

Established in memory of Lorien Niniel Kimlin and her father, Howard Robert Kimlin, this scholarship supports students who value cross-cultural learning and international education. The award assists one student attending Marist College or Dutchess, Orange, or Ulster Community College who graduated from a high school in Dutchess, Orange, or Ulster County and plans to study abroad in Spain. Eligible applicants must be pursuing Art, International Business, or the Spanish language through a semester or program abroad and maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA. The scholarship provides a one-time $4,500 award, payable to the school or language program, and is not renewable.

The Beistle Company Scholarship, managed by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, provides financial support for legal dependents of full-time Beistle Company employees. If no eligible dependents apply, it extends to Shippensburg High School graduates and other local students. Applicants must demonstrate academic promise, financial need, and be accepted into an accredited institution. This scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities for deserving students in the community.

The Bruce Mangione Fund, established by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, honors Bruce Mangione's legacy through scholarships for students in Harrisburg. This fund supports those attending local schools or dependents of Clearway Energy or Harrisburg Hilton employees. It emphasizes community involvement, work ethic, academic performance, and financial need, thus advancing educational opportunities and fostering local talent in South Central Pennsylvania.

The Central PA Architects Foundation Fund Architecture Scholarship, offered by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, supports students from select counties in Pennsylvania who are enrolled in architecture degree programs. This scholarship aims to foster educational opportunities for individuals demonstrating financial need and commitment to the field of architecture, ultimately contributing to the growth and development of local communities.

The Gordon B. and Josephine Hewlett Memorial Scholarship, established in 1999 by the children of Gordon B. and Josephine Hewlett, supports Franklin County students pursuing nursing degrees. This scholarship primarily targets undergraduate students but may extend to graduates if qualified applicants are scarce. Funded by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, it emphasizes academic achievement and community service, ensuring that local talent is nurtured in the healthcare sector.

Our Story

The IBMA Foundation was created by the International Bluegrass Music Association in 2007 with a bequest from the Richard Barnhart estate. Mr. Barnhart was a musician from northern Virginia who loved bluegrass and wanted to support educational programs for children. Since the beginning, our goal has been to support bluegrass-music-related educational, literary, artistic and historic preservation activities.

In our early years we produced Discover Bluegrass, an educational video that has been used in thousands of classrooms and libraries around the world. We have hosted dozens of teacher workshops and artist trainings. We created a bluegrass lesson plan competition and provided a network for leaders of after-school bluegrass programs.

Our project grants, which now total $25,000 a year, support bluegrass-related initiatives throughout the world. We also fund Bluegrass in the Schools Mini-grants ($7,000/year) which help schools to hire bluegrass bands for school programs. The Rosenberg Bluegrass Scholar Award recognizes excellence in academic research. Six college scholarships are granted for students working in various areas of the bluegrass music industry. The Arnold Shultz Fund supports increased participation of people of color in bluegrass music with grants that total $30,000/ year. Fletcher Bright Memorial Grants for Young Musicians (age 18 and younger) help young people go to bluegrass music camps and workshops, take lessons, and purchase educational materials.

IBMA  Foundation Project Grants

The IBMA Foundation awards project grants each year, usually in amounts between $1,000 and $2,500. The deadline to apply is December 2. Projects must align with the Foundation’s mission in one of the following areas

• Arts & culture
• Education
• Literary or academic programs
• History preservation

The IBMA Bluegrass College Scholarship offers a financial award ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 for students pursuing bluegrass music or related studies at the college level. Established by the IBMA Foundation, this scholarship aims to support future leaders in the bluegrass music industry. Applicants must submit their application by June 1 for a fall semester scholarship. This initiative highlights the foundation's commitment to fostering educational opportunities within bluegrass music.

The Alagille Syndrome Vitamins and Supplements Fund, managed by the HealthWell Foundation, offers financial assistance to patients suffering from Alagille Syndrome. This fund helps cover the costs of essential vitamins and supplements needed for treatment. With a maximum award of $1,500, the program aims to reduce financial barriers for underinsured individuals, ensuring they receive the necessary support to manage their health, thereby enhancing their quality of life.

The Bobo Kochevar Scholarship Fund, under the Boreal Waters Community Foundation, aims to support Rockridge High School graduates pursuing post-secondary education. This fund empowers students to achieve their academic goals in vocational, technical, or four-year college programs, fostering community development across northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. By investing in the education of local youth, the scholarship contributes to vibrant, sustainable communities and supports initiatives that enhance educational opportunities and cultural preservation.

The ASSP Foundation Family Scholarship Fund, established in 2013, offers educational support to spouses and children of individuals who have lost their lives in workplace incidents. This scholarship aims to alleviate the financial burdens of such tragedies and encourages continuing education for affected families. The ASSP Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization, is dedicated to promoting safety and building a sustainable talent pipeline in environmental health and safety. Donations are tax-deductible and contribute to a safer future for workers.

The Horsley Opportunity Scholarship Fund, administered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, provides need-based scholarships of up to $1,000 for Scott County, Iowa high school graduates. With a GPA requirement between 2.0 and 3.5, the scholarship especially encourages applications from nontraditional students and veterans. This initiative supports students in pursuing post-secondary education at community colleges, trade schools, or four-year institutions, contributing to over $600,000 awarded annually in scholarships.

About the Hertz Foundation

Empowering the Nation’s Most EXCEPTIONAL Innovators

The Hertz Foundation identifies and empowers the nation’s most exceptional innovators in science and technology, fueling a lifelong community dedicated to solving our most pressing problems.

Hertz Community

Awards & Recognition

We’ve established several awards to recognize and support Hertz community members who are accelerating solutions to significant real-world challenges, either through their individual careers or volunteering to strengthen the Hertz Foundation’s work. In addition to providing financial and professional support at a critical time, we also hope to generate more awareness within the Hertz community and inspire collaborations that build on the momentum.

Newman-Galas Entrepreneurial Initiative

The Harold Newman and David Galas Entrepreneurial Initiative provides financial and professional support to Hertz Fellows who propose the most innovative entrepreneurial projects, with particular emphasis on collaboration among fellows. Awardees receive investments up to $25,000 to fund their work and receive mentoring from successful entrepreneurs within the fellows community.

Fueling Entrepreneurs

The initiative was established by honorary Hertz Fellow Harold Newman, a former member of our board of directors and a long-time supporter of and generous donor to the foundation. Newman changed the name to the Harold Newman and David Galas Entrepreneurial Initiative in honor of David Galas, a Hertz Fellow and chairman of the board. Through Newman’s substantial endowment, this award has helped enterprising fellows co-found 11 companies and develop new technologies with real-world impact.

The funds are provided with no strings attached, only the expectation that project leaders will be motivated to share their success with the foundation.

The James W. Victor Scholarship, administered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, offers up to $10,000 annually to graduating seniors from Davenport, Iowa, who demonstrate financial need and academic ability. This renewable scholarship can be maintained for up to four years, provided recipients uphold a minimum GPA of 2.5. With nearly $600,000 awarded yearly, it aims to support students pursuing higher education at various institutions.

The Barrows Family Scholarship Fund, established in 2014 by the Boreal Waters Community Foundation, honors the memories of Frank L. Barrows and his son, Frank II. This scholarship supports graduates of Rock Ridge High School, ensuring they have the opportunity to pursue higher education. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and plan to attend a college or technical school immediately after graduation, fostering dreams and community development.

The American Musicological Society (AMS) provides publication subventions to support music scholarship. With an annual budget of approximately $80,000, these funds assist institutions and individuals, particularly those in the Coalition of Music Organizations, in covering publication costs and enhancing accessibility. Grants are available for various formats including books and articles, promoting diversity in music studies and ensuring that scholarly works can reach a wider audience.

The Salad Bars to Schools Grant, initiated by the Chef Ann Foundation, aims to provide salad bar equipment to U.S. schools, enhancing children's access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Launched in 2010, this initiative tackles childhood obesity by ensuring nutritious options in school meals. Eligible applicants receive technical support and free enrollments in educational courses to maximize the impact of their salad bars. By promoting healthy eating habits, the program strives to improve children's overall health and well-being.

Epps Scholarship

The Epps Scholarship Fund was established at the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation by attorneys Willie and Mischa Epps to support the aspirations of college-bound high school seniors with an expressed interest in pursuing a legal education. This fund honors Dr. Willie James Epps, Sr. and Dr. Barbara Bacon Epps, both born and raised in rural, poor and segregated Mississippi, but excelled in school and became a part of the first generation in their respective families to attend college. Both went on to earn Ph.D.’s in the field of education and to teach at various schools, colleges and universities across the country. They instilled in their two children that faith and education are the keys to success. Their children became licensed attorneys who regularly attend church. Willie and his wife Mischa chose a non-traditional path to promote the scholarship opportunity by working in partnership with churches that disseminate the application and deadline information throughout their congregations.

The Epps Scholarship Fund awards scholarships to college-bound high school seniors based on demonstrated academic achievement, financial need, and an express interest in pursuing a legal education.

Scholarships will be awarded on an annual basis and disbursed in equal payments in August and January. Each scholarship awarded will be a minimum of $2,000 annually to be paid in two equal installments.

This scholarship is not renewable.

The Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Fund, managed by HealthWell Foundation, aims to alleviate financial barriers for underinsured patients battling ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease. The fund provides financial assistance for prescription copays, insurance premiums, and related healthcare expenses, ensuring patients can access vital treatments. With an average grant utilization of $3,000 over twelve months, the fund exemplifies HealthWell's commitment to ensuring no patient is denied necessary healthcare due to cost. Since 2004, HealthWell has awarded over $1.2 billion in grants, supporting more than 1.1 million patients.

The Jane & Clem Werner Scholarship, funded by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, awards $5,000 annually to five deserving seniors from specific local high schools. It is aimed at students with financial need who have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or are in the top third of their class, and who plan to enroll full-time in a college program. Preference is given to those attending private liberal arts schools outside a 150-mile radius of Arsenal Island.

The John Coleman Prince, American Legion Post 9 Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, supports graduating high school seniors from New London. This $1,000 award honors veteran Anthony John "Tony" Basilica and encourages civic engagement through postsecondary education. Eligible students must demonstrate interest in community activities like NJROTC or scouting, paving the way for a brighter future through higher education.

The Kiwanis Club of Rancho Murieta offers the Turn Around Scholarship to support local students in their educational pursuits. Six scholarships of $1,000 each are available for eligible high school seniors from Pleasant Grove, Sheldon, Calvine, Las Flores, Rio Cazadero, and William Daylor. Applicants must demonstrate academic improvement and a minimum GPA of 3.0, as well as overcome personal challenges. This initiative aims to empower youth and strengthen community ties.

The Equitable Excellence Scholarship® Program, administered by Scholarship America, provides 100 annual scholarships of $5,000 to high school seniors with financial need. This program aims to support students as they pursue higher education, with scholarships renewable for up to four years, totaling $20,000 per recipient. Eligible applicants must demonstrate ambition and reside in the U.S. This initiative promotes educational access and equity, celebrating 23 years of empowering students to achieve their dreams.

The Kiwanis Club of Rancho Murieta offers scholarships to graduating high school seniors who are residents of Rancho Murieta, Sloughhouse, or Wilton. With three scholarships available at $2,000 each, eligibility includes a minimum GPA of 2.0 and full-time enrollment in a post-secondary institution. Applicants must participate in school and community activities, and provide two letters of recommendation. This initiative supports local youth in their educational pursuits.

The Inspire the Future Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, aims to support graduating high school seniors from Calumet County who have experienced foster care. Eligible students must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA and demonstrate a commitment to personal growth and academic success. This scholarship not only alleviates financial burdens for college or vocational training but also fosters a supportive community environment for those in need.

The ACES Foundation Fund, managed by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, offers scholarships to high school seniors from Cumberland, Dauphin, or Perry County. Eligible students must pursue business-related studies or trades, demonstrate academic achievement with a minimum GPA of 2.5, and show commitment to community service. This initiative aims to support future entrepreneurs and enhance community development through educational funding.