Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in Rhode Island

The SAF National Awards Program recognizes excellence in forestry through various awards, including the Barrington Moore Memorial Award in Biological Science. This award honors individuals for significant contributions to biological research that advances forestry practices. It includes a $1,000 honorarium, convention registration, and travel support. The award celebrates leaders in forest ecology, soil science, and other related fields, promoting innovation and collaboration in forestry research.

The SAF National Awards Program recognizes excellence in forestry through various awards, including the Award in Forest Science. This award acknowledges significant research contributions in quantitative, economic, managerial, and social sciences, promoting advancements in forestry. Recipients receive a $1,000 honorarium, a complimentary SAF convention registration, and travel expense support. Established in 1996, this award highlights the importance of innovative research that impacts both national and international forestry practices.

The Life Comes From It Grant, funded by the Tides Foundation, supports grassroots initiatives focused on restorative, transformative, and indigenous justice. It prioritizes projects led by communities of color, emphasizing alternatives to incarceration and community-led solutions. Applicants must be 501c3 organizations based in the United States. This grant fosters a collaborative approach to healing and justice, aiming to shift power dynamics and promote inclusive practices across generations.

The Bezos Scholars Program, supported by the Bezos Family Foundation, is a transformative, no-cost leadership development initiative designed for high school juniors. Each year, selected scholars from the U.S. and Africa engage in a year-long program, developing leadership skills through civic engagement and community projects. Participants receive personalized college advising, funding for their projects, and an all-expenses-paid trip to the Aspen Ideas Festival, fostering a diverse community of changemakers committed to making a difference.

About

A History Of Making Waves

Carnival Foundation oversees the many philanthropic endeavors of Carnival Corporation as well as its employee-driven service group, the “Friends Uniting Neighbors” (F.U.N.) Team.

Carnival Foundation’s contributions are widespread, touching the communities where the brands visit and operate. From the cities where our brands are headquartered to ports we visit around the world, we endeavor to make a difference to the lives of many.

Through monetary and in-kind donations, innovative philanthropic programs, employee fundraisers and hands-on volunteer initiatives, Carnival Foundation and the brands of Carnival Corporation support a variety of organizations. Whether it’s providing meals to the homeless and abuse prevention or working toward medical advancement and educating youth, Carnival Foundation’s reach is communitywide.

In-Kind Donations

To apply for an in-kind donation from Carnival Foundation, submit an online application complete with the following information:

• A letter of request with a brief description of the organization including its legal name, history, activities, purpose and governing board
• Contact name and information, including phone number and address for the individual who is organizing the event
• Name and date of the event
• Average amount of funds raised from the auction in previous years and estimated number and demographics of the event audience
• Description of how funds raised from the donation will be used within the organization
• List of other cruise suppliers, if any, participating in the event
• An outline with details of Carnival’s publicity/promotional opportunities associated with the event
• Copy of Internal Revenue Service determination letter indicating 501© (3) tax-exempt status as an organization that is not a private foundation.
• Copy of organization’s most recent 990 filed with the Internal Revenue Service
• Geographical area(s) served

The Senator Harold "Potch" Wheeler Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of Whitley County, honors the legacy of a dedicated public servant. This competitive scholarship is available annually to high school seniors from Whitley County who plan to pursue college education in public service or within the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Recipients are chosen based on their embodiment of the ideals and character traits exemplified by Senator Wheeler.

QBE Foundation Inc.

The QBE Foundation’s focus is on creating strong, resilient and inclusive communities. We work in partnership with community organizations, working in climate resilience and inclusion – two areas where we believe we can have the greatest impact.

The QBE Foundation is one component that reflects our company’s focus, involvement, and investment in the neighborhoods where we do business, and where our employees live and work. The QBE Foundation also empowers our employees to volunteer with colleagues and community partners to make a difference for those in need. Employees can also coordinate fundraisers that are matched by the foundation.

QBE Foundation Local Grant Program

This program supports high-impact, community-based initiatives aligned to our focus on climate resilience and inclusion.

• Climate Resilience:
  • Helping communities prepare for, adapt to, and recover from climate-related risks, including preparedness, financial resilience, and risk reduction solutions.
• Inclusion:
  • Expanding access to opportunity for underserved communities through economic inclusion, workforce pathways, and removing systemic barriers.

Multiple grants of $30,000 will be awarded across our two focus areas.

The Atlantic Salmon Federation Olin Fellowships support individuals aiming to enhance their knowledge and skills in salmon conservation and management. These fellowships are available annually for various pursuits, including research and graduate studies, without the requirement of being enrolled in a degree program. Eligible applicants must be legal residents of the U.S. or Canada, and the fellowships can be conducted at accredited institutions or active management programs.

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

Rita Reis Wieczorek Scholarship for Maternal-Infant and Pediatric Nursing

Created in 2020, by Rita Reis Wieczorek, EdD, RN, PNP, FAAN, together with NEF. Dr. Wieczorek is an NEF Board Member Emeritus and longtime board member. This scholarship is the first NEF Scholarship to focus on maternal-infant and pediatric nursing. For over four decades Dr. Wieczorek has devoted her career to providing the best maternal-infant and pediatric care to her patients as well as teaching the highest standards of care to master's and doctoral nursing students, motivating them to excel in their care for the well-being of mothers, infants and children.

The Lotte Lenya Competition, established in 1998 by the Kurt Weill Foundation for Music, honors the legacy of renowned actress Lotte Lenya. This unique contest blends acting and vocal skills, targeting performers aged 19-32 from diverse backgrounds. Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2023, the competition has increased its prize offerings, with over $1.6 million awarded to more than 800 singers. It's a prestigious platform that has propelled many winners to successful careers in musical theater and opera.

The NIAMS Clinical Trial Implementation Cooperative Agreement (UG3/UH3) invites applications for the execution of investigator-initiated, interventional clinical trials across various phases. This program supports researchers in finalizing preparations necessary for trial initiation, including IRB establishment and staffing. Successful UG3 projects may transition to the UH3 phase, emphasizing the need for hypothesis-driven studies with significant clinical impact within NIAMS's research mission.

The Grief Reach grant program, supported by the New York Life Foundation and the National Alliance for Children's Grief, invites innovative community expansion proposals to better serve grieving children. Eligible organizations can apply for funding up to $160,000 to enhance their programs, focusing on unique community needs. By collaborating with the Judi's House/JAG Institute, participants will receive essential training and resources for impactful program evaluation, fostering a supportive environment for children and families facing grief.

The Grief Reach: Changemaker Supported Community Expansion Cycle offers up to $110,000 to enhance community programs for grieving children. Organizations are encouraged to innovate and expand their services to better meet community needs. The initiative, in partnership with the Judi’s House/JAG Institute, emphasizes training and resources for effective program evaluation over a three-year period, culminating in impactful community expansion projects.

The NANFA Conservation Research Grant, offered by the North American Native Fishes Association, supports research focused on conserving North America's indigenous fish species, particularly those that are threatened or endangered. With a maximum funding of $1,000 per proposal, this grant is open to academia, conservation groups, and independent researchers. Since 2001, NANFA has aimed to enhance knowledge about native fishes and promote their conservation through scientific research and community engagement.

The MIND Prize, funded by The Pershing Square Foundation, supports innovative research to combat neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. It empowers early-to-mid-career investigators to explore unconventional approaches and fosters collaboration across disciplines. Each winner receives $250,000 annually for three years, promoting advancements in neuroscience and creating a unique network for researchers. The initiative aims to enhance our understanding of brain health and tackle pressing societal challenges.

The Elizabeth Pastor Ashland University Music Education Scholarship supports music students at Ashland University, honoring the legacy of Elizabeth Pastor, a renowned pianist and educator. This scholarship aims to assist students pursuing a music-related career, reflecting Pastor's belief in the transformative power of art. Established through her estate plan, it embodies her commitment to fostering musical talent and enriching the community through education and the arts.

The Milton & Phyllis Berg Family Respite Care Grants, offered by the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, support member organizations in providing respite care scholarships to families affected by Alzheimer's. This initiative enhances the quality of life for both individuals and caregivers by promoting social engagement and offering essential breaks for caregivers. Grants are awarded biannually in memory of Barry E. Berg's parents, who faced Alzheimer's and caregiving challenges.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to a student who intends to pursue nursing or a related field of study at a college or university, and who demonstrates academic achievement, good citizenship, service to others, leadership, and financial need.

Napa Valley Community Foundation

There are more than 800 Community Foundations in the US, each devoted to a specific region. We operate independently, with a common goal in mind: to be a platform for local people who want to pay it forward. To deliver resources to effective charitable programs. And to make our communities stronger and more successful by doing these two things.

Among our peers, Napa Valley Community Foundation ranks first on several key measures of donor satisfaction and impact, according to a recent donor survey conducted by the Center for Effective Philanthropy. Our donors say that we deeply understand their interests, and deeply understand the needs of Napa Valley. That, in a nutshell, is our job.

Fruit of the Vine Scholarship

The Fruit of the Vine Scholarship Fund benefits graduating Napa County high school seniors and Napa Valley College transfer students who will find the cost of higher education a financial hardship. Consideration is given to applicants who are the first in their family to attend college or are employed (or have a parent or guardian who is employed) in the Napa County wine or grape industry. Recipients of the scholarship will receive funding for up to four years of undergraduate study.

The Syringe Service Program Grant, offered by The Comer Family Foundation, aims to enhance harm reduction initiatives by funding syringe access programs across the U.S. These programs provide sterile syringes, education, and support services to mitigate the risks associated with drug use, including HIV and hepatitis transmission. Priority is given to organizations in underserved areas and those led by marginalized communities. Grants are available for operational costs, program development, and staff training, with a focus on sustainability and local partnerships.

The ASSP Foundation Academic Scholarships provide vital financial support to students in environmental health and safety programs. With over $6 million awarded since 1990, the foundation aims to enhance career prospects through education and leadership development. In the 2024-2025 academic year, $215,000 was allocated to 117 recipients, fostering a sustainable talent pipeline in EHS. This initiative not only promotes the profession but also ensures a safer future for workers by encouraging new talent to enter the field.

Incyte Corporation, a biopharmaceutical leader, offers healthcare sponsorships to support organizations focused on improving patient care and access to healthcare information. Eligible applicants include medical schools, associations, non-profits, advocacy groups, and hospitals. Requests should align with Incyte's commitment to enhancing the lives of patients affected by cancer and other diseases, ensuring compliance with regulatory guidelines. Organizations must enter a written agreement with Incyte to receive funding.

Request for Proposals

Community Care Corps encourages organizations across the country to apply for 18-month grants ($30,000–$200,000) to develop and scale innovative volunteer programs that provide nonmedical assistance to older adults, adults age 18 and older with disabilities and family caregivers.

Projects funded through this initiative will increase the number of community-based volunteer programs available to provide nonmedical assistance while decreasing the number of older adults, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers who need assistance in maintaining independence in the community but are unable to obtain help. In doing so, the initiative will strengthen community-based supports that help people maintain independence, reduce unmet needs, and improve overall well-being.

Incyte Corporation invites organizations to submit membership requests aimed at enhancing healthcare access for patients and advocates. As a biopharmaceutical leader, Incyte supports initiatives that align with its mission to improve patient lives through grants and contributions. Eligible entities include medical schools, associations, non-profits, and advocacy groups. Requests should comply with Incyte's regulatory standards and be submitted at least 60 days prior to the required decision date.

The FY26 DoW Pancreatic Cancer Research Program Focused Pilot Award aims to drive innovative and impactful research in pancreatic cancer, enhancing patient quality of life. This award encourages the development of preliminary data to support future clinical or real-world applications. While allowing for clinical research studies, it does not permit clinical trials or preclinical animal studies, ensuring a strong patient-centered approach in its research focus.

The FY26 Pancreatic Cancer Research Program (PCARP) Translational Research Partnership Award encourages collaboration among clinicians and scientists to expedite the clinical application of innovative pancreatic cancer research. A minimum of two Principal Investigators is required, with one designated as the Initiating PI. This award supports preliminary data collection and various research methodologies, excluding large-scale clinical trials, to enhance pancreatic cancer understanding and treatment.

The FY26 Pancreatic Cancer Research Program (PCARP) Idea Development Award promotes innovative, high-risk research aimed at significant advancements for pancreatic cancer outcomes. This award supports projects with preliminary data, focusing on impactful discoveries. It features a Partnering Principal Investigator option, enhancing funding for collaborations between experienced mentors and early-career researchers. All applications must align with the FY26 PCARP Focus Areas, ensuring relevance and potential for transformative results in pancreatic cancer research.