Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in Rhode Island

The AWS Welding Workforce Grants aim to enhance welding programs by providing up to $50,000 for essential resources such as new equipment and training. This initiative addresses the growing demand for skilled welders while supporting educational institutions. Eligible applicants include secondary schools, community colleges, and post-secondary programs. Preference is given to proposals that significantly increase welding graduates and address geographic areas with high needs. Note: Applications are currently closed and will reopen in January 2026.

Karma for Cara Microgrants empowers students aged 18 and under to bring their service project ideas to life with funding up to $1,000. Founded in honor of Cara Becker, who inspired community service during her own health journey, the program supports a wide range of initiatives aimed at improving local communities across the U.S. Students are encouraged to demonstrate creativity and community involvement, with grants awarded quarterly to fuel their impactful projects.

The Integration of Imaging and Fluid-Based Tumor Monitoring in Cancer Therapy (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) aims to enhance cancer treatment by integrating imaging and liquid biopsy assays. This initiative, led by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), encourages grant applications focused on assessing therapy responses and resistance emergence in patients. Key deadlines for submissions span from February 2025 to January 2028, providing ample opportunities for researchers to contribute to this vital area of cancer research.

The NESOT Fall Meeting Oral Presentation Award, sponsored by the Society of Toxicology, recognizes outstanding presentations by students in the Northeast. Up to four students will be selected to present their research, with one receiving a $1,000 prize for the best oral presentation. Eligible candidates must be NESOT members affiliated with institutions in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, or Vermont. Previous winners of the oral award may not compete but can participate in the poster competition.

The NESOT Fall Meeting Postdoc Poster Award, established by the Society of Toxicology, recognizes Postdocs presenting posters at the Northeast Regional Chapter Fall Meeting. Eligible candidates must be NESOT members affiliated with institutions in the region, including Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. The award of $500 will be presented at the NESOT Annual Meeting, where abstracts will be reviewed by judges prior to the event.

The NESOT Fall Meeting Student Poster Awards, presented by the Society of Toxicology, recognize outstanding student presentations at the Northeast Regional Chapter Fall Meeting. Eligible candidates include undergraduate, graduate, and post-baccalaureate students who are NESOT members. Awards include $750 for 1st place, $500 for 2nd, and $250 for 3rd, along with a separate $125 award for an undergraduate poster presentation, fostering engagement and excellence in the field of toxicology.

The Laine - Casey Laine Armed Services Scholarship, established to honor Lieutenant Casey Laine Swakon, supports students from the Coastal Bend area who have participated in JROTC or are part of ROTC programs. Eligible candidates include high school seniors, current college students, and veterans. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and complete at least 12 credit hours per semester, ensuring they are well-prepared for their academic pursuits.

The CLRA Research Grant Program, led by the Children’s Leukemia Research Association, focuses on funding innovative research aimed at uncovering the causes of leukemia and improving treatment options. Grants totaling $30,000 are awarded to U.S.-based researchers, with the intention of advancing scientific understanding and ultimately finding a cure. The program has made significant contributions to the high cure rates for childhood leukemia, showcasing the importance of continued research in this field.

The SABIC Innovative Plastics Scholarship supports the children of employees at the Mt. Vernon, Indiana facility, providing financial aid for post-secondary education. Eligible students include graduating seniors from any U.S. high school who are dependents of active employees. Selection is based on academic performance, leadership, and community involvement. Applicants must also submit an essay detailing their goals and achievements, along with an official grade transcript. This scholarship fosters educational advancement for employee families.

About

The Community Foundation of Central Georgia was founded in 1993 by a group of citizens interested in encouraging philanthropy and strengthening communities.

The Foundation provides donors a simple, powerful, and highly personal approach to giving. Through their funds, CFCG donors support the causes and organizations that they care about, which enhances the quality of life for the people of Central Georgia.

Our vision is a Central Georgia where philanthropy thrives, communities are strong, and citizens work toward common goals.

Al Lucas Memorial Scholarship Fund

Albert James “Big Luke” Lucas was born September 1, 1978, to David E. and Elaine H. Lucas. He passed away on April 10, 2005, from a spinal cord injury he suffered during a Los Angeles Avengers arena football game. He was married to De’Shonda, and had a daughter, Mariah.

Al was a native of Macon, Georgia, graduating from Northeast High School in 1996. Following graduation, he attended Troy State University on a full athletic scholarship, and shined as a defensive lineman for the Trojans. Throughout college Al studied hard and cherished his time on the field and in 2000 was awarded the distinguished Buck Buchanan Award as the top defensive player in Division 1-AA. He was also an outstanding member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He graduated in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. Al went on to join the National Football League, signing as a free agent with the Pittsburgh Steelers and later playing for the Carolina Panthers. Later he joined the Arena Football League, playing for the Tampa Bay Storm, and finally the Los Angeles Avengers.

Al was a strong athlete with a heart of gold who believed in giving back to the community that supported him over the years. He especially loved working with children and served as a substitute teacher and coach at Northeast High School during the off-season. He was a member of Steward Chapel A.M.E. Church where he first learned the responsibility and power of tithing.

Al Lucas exemplified the characteristics of a scholar-athlete. He loved athletics, but knew his studies came first. He served his community and the Lord. He expected the best of himself and others. He excelled on the football field and in life. Recipients of the Al Lucas Memorial Scholarship will reflect Al’s ideals and carry on his legacy of excellence.

Purpose

• To honor the memory of Al Lucas by providing college scholarships to scholar athletes in Al’s hometown of Macon, Georgia.

Awards

• Amount of Award: $1,000, non-renewable.
• Number of Awards: 7 per year. Two awards will be given to scholar-athletes graduating from Northeast High School, Al’s alma mater. One winner shall be female and one male. The other five awards will be given to student-athletes from each of the other five Bibb County public high schools. One will be awarded at each school.

The Clifton-Whitehead Scholarship Fund, established by Edward S. Whitehead, Jr. in honor of his relatives, supports deserving students in Middle Georgia, particularly in Bibb County. This fund aims to assist students of good character facing financial challenges in obtaining a college education. Annually, approximately 12 awards of around $1,000 are granted. Eligible recipients must maintain a minimum GPA and can renew the scholarship for up to four years, provided they meet the established criteria.

The Pathway to Stop Diabetes Accelerator Award supports innovative early-career researchers tackling diabetes-related challenges. It offers flexible funding up to $325,000 annually for transformative research. Candidates must have independent faculty status and demonstrated productivity in diabetes research. The program aims to inspire groundbreaking discoveries by providing essential resources and mentorship, thereby improving the lives of those affected by diabetes. Nominations focus on translational research that bridges basic science with practical benefits for patients.

The Pathway to Stop Diabetes Initiator Award (INI) aims to support early career researchers in diabetes research by providing funding and mentorship. With a focus on innovative and transformational ideas, this initiative encourages researchers to develop groundbreaking solutions for diabetes prevention and management. The award offers up to $100,000 annually in Phase 1 and $325,000 in Phase 2, fostering a new generation of leaders committed to improving the lives of those affected by diabetes.

The McKnight Clinical Translational Research Scholarship supports young investigators focusing on cognitive aging and age-related memory loss. Funded by the McKnight Brain Research Foundation, this scholarship offers $65,000 annually for two years, plus an education stipend. Eligible applicants should have completed their PhD or residency within the last five years and conduct their research in accredited U.S. institutions. The award emphasizes rigorous training and aims to foster careers in human cognitive aging research.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA: Capital Improvement Grants

Any request to support a project that seeks to improve a facility is considered a capital improvement. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Range improvements
• Berm improvements
• Clubhouse/Classroom facility improvements
• Shelter structures/covered firing lines/pavilions
• Road improvements
• Commercial-grade trap machines (see section regarding trap machines, below)
• Any other permanent improvement to an organization’s property or facility

The Grant Program considers requests for certain trap machines to be a capital improvement to the facility. Specifically, requests for commercial grade trap machines that have a capacity of 300 clays and up.

The Rapid Outcomes from Agricultural Research (ROAR) Grant Program, managed by the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR), provides urgent funding for research addressing unexpected threats to the food supply. This program supports diverse projects related to pest and pathogen outbreaks, facilitating quicker responses than traditional funding avenues. With grants up to $150,000, ROAR aims to enhance agricultural resilience by fostering collaborations among researchers, institutions, and organizations to combat emerging challenges in the food and agriculture sector.

The Eastman Departmental Residency and Colloquium Grant provides funding to support activities aligned with the mission of the Institute for Music Leadership (IML). Each academic department can apply for up to $1500 for on-campus visits by guest lecturers or performers, promoting collaboration and communication with the IML. Priority is given to departments that did not receive funding last year. A limited number of grants are awarded annually, ensuring impactful experiences for students.

The Eastman Departmental Residency and Colloquium Grant provides funding to enhance the mission of the Institute for Music Leadership (IML) at the Eastman School of Music. It fosters collaboration with various departments, inviting external experts for presentations and events. Additionally, the New Faculty Grant is specifically for new full-time faculty within their first two years, promoting professional development opportunities. Only two grants are awarded annually, emphasizing support for departments that did not receive funding in the previous year.

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Bi-Annual Grant aims to support nonprofit organizations in their efforts to enhance the lives of individuals impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Each grant, valued at $6,000, is awarded twice a year, focusing on innovative programs and services. AFA emphasizes partnership and collaboration, enabling grantees to manage their own policies and programs while adhering to specific funding guidelines. This initiative underscores AFA's commitment to compassionate care and ethical standards.

The Leukemia Exploration and Prevention Grant Program (LEAP) aims to advance cancer interception and prevention strategies for patients with RUNX1 familial platelet disorder. This initiative, supported by the American Cancer Society, focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind leukemia development and fostering innovative research leading to effective treatment options. Grants of up to $215,000 per year for four years are available, emphasizing the urgent need for targeted therapies in high-risk populations.

The Leukemia Exploration and Prevention Grant Program (LEAP) aims to advance cancer interception and prevention for patients with RUNX1 familial platelet disorder (RUNX1-FPD). This program supports interdisciplinary research teams investigating the mechanisms of leukemogenesis and innovative treatment strategies. With funding of up to $430,000 per year, LEAP encourages projects focused on both understanding clonal evolution and developing novel therapeutic approaches. The initiative seeks to bridge critical knowledge gaps and provide urgent interventions for high-risk populations.

The Anderson Foundation for Autism Grant supports organizations aiming to enhance the quality of life for individuals with autism. Grants of up to $50,000 are available for qualified 501(c)(3) organizations, enabling them to implement impactful programs. The foundation not only funds its own initiatives but also extends support to other entities dedicated to similar goals. This initiative emphasizes a collaborative approach to improving autism care and support.

The Aim High Grant Program offers one-year grants of $20,000 to support out-of-school time programs for middle school youth. Funded by the New York Life Foundation, this initiative aims to enhance students' transition to high school by providing essential skills and guidance. Programs must demonstrate effective engagement strategies and serve low-income communities. This grant represents a vital investment in the future of young people, helping them develop academically, socially, and emotionally.

The Howard and Beverly Murray Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, honors high-achieving students pursuing education in math and science. Eligible applicants must be graduating seniors from Chelan or Douglas high schools with a minimum GPA of 3.4. This scholarship aims to support students who demonstrate a commitment to their academic pursuits in fields like mathematics, physics, and chemistry, ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed in further education.

The Laboratory Flexible Funding Model (LFFM) aims to enhance state food testing laboratories' capabilities, supporting an integrated food safety system. By prioritizing sample testing and food defense preparedness in microbiology, chemistry, and radiochemistry, this cooperative agreement facilitates method development and expands testing capacity, ensuring safer food for consumers.

The Friends of Reservoirs: Small Grant program offers annual grants of $2,000 to member organizations of Friends of Reservoirs, with additional product donations bringing the total value over $3,500. This initiative, supported by generous sponsors, aims to enhance reservoir fisheries habitats. Applicants should note a $25 application fee, which contributes directly to the grant fund. This program focuses on fostering community engagement and improving aquatic ecosystems.

The Walking College Fellowship, offered by America Walks, is an innovative online program aimed at empowering community champions to enhance walkability. Participants engage in six modules, committing 5-10 hours weekly, to develop actionable plans addressing local challenges. Over 200 alumni have successfully implemented initiatives such as sidewalk installations and complete streets policies. The program encourages diverse candidates, fostering collaboration and effective advocacy for safer, more accessible communities.