Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in Rhode Island

The Joseph E. and Marjorie B. Jones Foundation is a private philanthropic organization committed to enhancing life quality in the greater Washington, D.C. area. The foundation focuses on human services, healthcare, and educational initiatives, believing in the inherent dignity of all individuals. It supports projects that foster community trust and partnership while avoiding funding for basic research, scholarships, or sectarian activities. The foundation aims to inspire and uplift communities through strategic partnerships.

The U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation supports initiatives that drive self-sufficiency and community enrichment for vulnerable populations. With over $4.31 million awarded last year, the foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate measurable impact and foster stronger communities. Eligible organizations include those designated as public charities by the IRS. The foundation emphasizes collaboration with other funders, avoiding sole financial support to ensure comprehensive community development.

The Remote Biomarker Measurements in Microphysiological Systems Grant seeks innovative proposals to enhance remote biomarker analysis technologies for microphysiological systems, crucial for deep space missions. It prioritizes non-invasive, adaptable methods that allow for continuous monitoring of biomarkers without sample return. This initiative aims to advance personalized healthcare and biological research, addressing astronaut health in challenging environments. Eligible entities include U.S. institutions and collaborations with foreign entities under specific conditions.

Stark Community Foundation

Since 1963, Stark Community Foundation has been helping individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits like you support the causes you care about.

In addition to personalized donor services, we manage a competitive grantmaking program and award grants to address local needs. Today, the Foundation stewards over 1,000 charitable funds totaling $485 million in assets and has granted more than $300 million to nonprofits in our community and beyond.

Scholarships

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties.

The Lillian Grace Mahan Scholarship Fund

The Lillian Grace Mahan Scholarship Fund was established to assist graduate and undergraduate students of library science and is available to Stark County residents who have an outstanding academic performance record and/or who are in need of financial assistance to pursue a degree in library science to become a librarian.

This scholarship is renewable.

VCA Charities is dedicated to enhancing pet ownership by offering Disaster Relief Grants to support animal welfare organizations impacted by natural disasters. These grants provide funding for essential veterinary care, pet supplies, temporary shelter, and transportation costs for rescued animals. Prioritizing immediate relief, VCA Charities also assesses preparedness requests at year-end. The program aims to alleviate the suffering of pets and ensure they remain in loving homes during crises, addressing both urgent and long-term needs in affected communities.

The Zimmer Biomet Foundation offers educational grants to support organizations that focus on scientific, clinical, or healthcare education. These grants promote educational programs, independent conferences, and resident education, ensuring that the content remains unbiased and free from influence. Eligible applicants include educational institutions, training hospitals, and medical associations, while requests from individuals or private practices are not supported. By fostering education in healthcare, the foundation aims to improve community well-being and advance medical knowledge.

The Gunther & Lee Weigel Medical School Scholarship is an exclusive opportunity for current and former Elks National Foundation scholarship recipients pursuing medical or osteopathic degrees. This scholarship, established in memory of Gunther Weigel, aims to support Elks scholars entering their first year of medical school. The number and amount of scholarships vary annually, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to healthcare education.

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) offers Grants for Arts Projects (GAP) to support diverse arts initiatives that enhance public engagement and education. These grants aim to improve community well-being through the arts and are open to all organizations, regardless of size or location. Applicants are encouraged to align their projects with NEA funding priorities, fostering creativity across various disciplines such as music, theater, and visual arts.

The Huston Foundation Grants support both Protestant Evangelical Christian and secular needs, emphasizing humanitarian efforts since 1957. Applicants must demonstrate evangelism and provide a doctrinal statement of faith for Christian grants, while secular projects must show unique community needs and measurable goals. All applicants must also possess 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. This dual-focus ensures diverse community support, fostering personal development and innovative solutions to pressing issues.

The Freeman Fellowship, established by the American Society of Civil Engineers in 1924, supports young engineers pursuing graduate studies in hydraulic engineering. Awarded annually to up to three deserving students, it covers tuition, research, and living expenses. This fellowship encourages the next generation of civil engineers to excel in their education and contributes to the advancement of the field, reflecting ASCE's commitment to fostering talent within the profession.

The CCS High School Chemical Safety Grant, offered by the American Chemical Society, aims to enhance chemical safety in secondary education. Educators can apply for up to $3,000 to support initiatives like curriculum integration of safety practices, advocating for safe chemical usage, and improving safety infrastructure. Eligible applicants include middle and high school science teachers in the U.S. Grants cover training, equipment, and workshops to promote a culture of safety in educational environments.

The Knut Eriksen Leadership and Management Fellowship, established by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), supports civil engineering students and young engineers under 35 who are pursuing advanced degrees in leadership and management. This fellowship aims to foster future leaders in civil engineering by providing financial assistance for tuition, research, and living expenses. It promotes the development of skills essential for management roles within the profession, ensuring a commitment to excellence in both education and practice.

About McElhattan Foundation

Founded in 2017 following the sale of Industrial Scientific Corporation, McElhattan Foundation invites bold ideas that advance the goals of its four program areas, including Ending Death on the Job.

Zero Electrocution Challenge

Despite decades of regulations, training, and personal protective equipment, workers continue to die from electrical contact every year.

McElhattan Foundation’s Zero Electrocution Challenge seeks breakthrough solutions that present pathways to eliminate life-threatening tasks that lead to fatal electrocution on the job by the year 2050, while increasing enterprise profitability and productivity. This is the inaugural ZERO 2050 challenge, awarding two Winners up to $1 million each.

The Outstanding Teaching Assistant Awards, presented by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT), honor exemplary teaching assistants in geoscience education. With up to 30 awards given annually, both undergraduate and graduate TAs are eligible. Winners receive a one-year NAGT membership, including a subscription to the Journal of Geoscience Education. This award aims to recognize the contributions of TAs in enhancing Earth education, regardless of their formal titles.

The Peterson Foundation Grant, established in 1944 by Hal and Charlie Peterson, supports charitable organizations within Kerr, Bandera, Edwards, Gillespie, Kendall, Kimble, and Real Counties. The Foundation primarily funds health care and education initiatives, and applications are accepted year-round from §501(c)(3) organizations in the service area. Notably, grants are not available for religious purposes, political actions, or individuals, ensuring a focus on community enrichment.

About Us

Columbus Citizens Foundation celebrates Italian heritage and culture through a broad range of philanthropic and educational activities. The Foundation’s Scholarship program has supported thousands of deserving Italian American students, offering them a chance to fulfill their academic dreams and excel in their endeavors. Since 1929, the Foundation’s most public activity is organizing New York City’s annual Columbus Day Parade, the largest celebration of Italian-American heritage and achievement in the world. CCF offers many programs throughout the year celebrating Italian language, culture, history, and the many connections between Italy and the United States that extend across several centuries and continue to the present day.

CCF Medical School Scholarship

Since 2017, Columbus Citizens Foundation has been awarding scholarships to promising medical school students of Italian heritage. The scholarship that launched CCF’s medical school offerings in 2017 is primarily funded by, and candidates selected in partnership with, the Morgagni Medical Society, an organization founded in 1890 in order to foster the professional, intellectual, and economic development of Italian American physicians.

In 2021, CCF launched the Dr. Anthony S. Fauci Medical School Scholarship, to be awarded annually to Italian American students who exemplify the values and determination of Dr. Fauci. The scholarship supports students with great academic prowess seeking financial aid at the graduate level in medical and public health fields of study.

The AJ Muste Foundation's Rapid Response Grants support U.S.-based organizations engaged in grassroots activism for social justice. These grants, up to $5,000, are aimed at addressing immediate needs of groups fighting for equality and liberation. The funding is designed for unexpected opportunities and emergencies, promoting powerful organizing efforts. The foundation prioritizes groups lacking traditional funding sources and those focused on systemic change rather than individual support.

The Michael Scott Kramer Memorial Scholarship, offered by the San Juan Island Community Foundation, is designed for post-secondary students pursuing education in fields like recreation, adventure tourism, and marine trades. This scholarship honors Mike Kramer, a beloved outdoorsman, by encouraging students to embrace life and adventure. Candidates should demonstrate community service, a strong work ethic, and a passion for their studies. It aims to inspire the next generation to live authentically and pursue their dreams.

The ACTA Apprenticeship Program has been supporting California's cultural traditions for nearly 25 years by providing $5,000 contracts to mentor artists for intensive training of eligible apprentices. This program fosters the continuity of traditional arts through one-on-one mentorship, culminating in public presentations and documentation of the learning process. Eligible applicants must submit a collaborative application, demonstrating commitment and quality in their respective art forms. This initiative not only preserves cultural practices but also enhances community engagement.

The Neil Miner Award, presented annually by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers, honors outstanding contributions to stimulating interest in Earth sciences. Established in 1953, this prestigious award recognizes educators who embody personal excellence and effective teaching, inspired by Neil Miner's philosophy. Nominations are open to NAGT members, who may submit a letter of nomination, letters of support, and the nominee's curriculum vitae. This award promotes excellence in geoscience education and celebrates dedicated educators.

Ann Lane Gates Scholarship Fund

Established by Ann Lane Gates to provide scholarships for Project GRAD Akron Public Schools students.

Amount:

• Varies $500-$1,500

Number of awards:

• Varies

Renewal:

• Renewable for three additional years. Must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA, continue to pursue a degree in education, and reapply annually by submission of a new application.

The Clinical & Translational Science Award TL1 Postdoc Fellowship Training Grant offers comprehensive support for biomedical researchers at Vanderbilt University. This program empowers scholars through career development tools, mentoring opportunities, and participation in national Translational Science meetings. Trainees must hold a doctoral degree and be committed to translational research while pursuing full-time training. This fellowship fosters innovation and collaboration among researchers, enhancing their contributions to the field.

The JGE Outstanding Paper Award, presented by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers, recognizes exceptional contributions to geoscience education. Nominations are open to JGE readers, authors, and Editorial Board members, and must include a discussion of how the nominated paper enhances student learning, advances the discipline, or demonstrates significant societal impact. This prestigious award has been celebrating excellence in education since 1938.

The JGE Outstanding Reviewer Award, presented by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers, recognizes exceptional reviewers for their quality and quantity of contributions to the Journal of Geoscience Education. Eligible nominators include JGE authors and Editorial Board members, who must describe the nominee's outstanding peer-review contributions. This prestigious award aims to honor those who enhance the journal's integrity and effectiveness in geoscience education.

The O. H. Ammann Research Fellowship in Structural Engineering, awarded by the American Society of Civil Engineers, supports innovative research in structural design and construction. This prestigious fellowship is aimed at members in good standing and encourages original contributions to the field. Recipients must demonstrate the ability to explore new ideas and may not engage in other research during the fellowship term. This initiative strengthens the expertise within the civil engineering profession globally.

The National Home Library Foundation Grant supports nonprofits in distributing books and reading materials to libraries and community groups with limited resources. This initiative aims to promote literacy and combat illiteracy among all ages through various programs. Grants are available only to tax-exempt organizations that adhere to non-discrimination policies. Preference is given to requests from the Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia areas, with applications considered on a rolling basis.

The Zyne Family Foundation Grant aims to enhance and support Catholic faith-based organizations and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits dedicated to education, medical research, and family values. The foundation's mission focuses on making a direct impact on individuals' daily lives, ensuring that these initiatives can thrive both now and in the future, promoting community well-being and development.