Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in Rhode Island

The Ruth E. Reed Nursing Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of the Northern Alleghenies, honors the legacy of Ruth Reed, a dedicated nurse. This scholarship supports students from Elk, Warren, and Clearfield Counties pursuing nursing degrees, with a GPA requirement of 2.5 or higher. With an annual award of approximately $500, it encourages future generations to pursue careers in nursing while recognizing the importance of continued education in healthcare.

About Us

The Elk County Community Foundation was started in the late 1990’s by a group of business and civic leaders, with the support of the Stackpole-Hall Foundation, who recognized the need for creating a perpetual funding stream to support Elk County—now and in the future. The Foundation was incorporated in 2000 and a year later was classified as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

The Foundation provides donors with a simple but powerful and highly personal approach to achieving their philanthropic goals while enhancing the quality of life for the people of Elk County.

The Community Foundation makes it easy for individuals, businesses, and organizations to establish a scholarship fund. Your fund can be created in as little as one meeting, with a short fund agreement, and a single gift. Or your fund can be set up with an initial gift that is added to in the future. We manage all the administrative details of your fund for you.

By establishing a uniquely-named scholarship, you have the ability to designate eligibility requirements including education level, the field of study, geographic area, etc. Many scholarships are established to honor parents, a family member, or someone who influenced your life.

Most scholarship funds at the Foundation are permanent endowments, with the annual earnings used to provide the scholarships

Tyler Bender EMS Scholarship Fund

Tyler Bender recently graduated from the Center for Emergency Medicine, and he felt compelled to give back by starting this scholarship to encourage other individuals to consider the EMS field. There is a constant demand for well-trained and qualified EMS professionals. Tyler hopes that this scholarship fund will help attract individuals to the field and alleviate a shortage of EMS personnel.

Amount: $500 annually

The Henry D. and Ruth G. Swartz Family Fund Scholarship, established in 1996, supports high school seniors from North Ottawa County pursuing post-secondary education in engineering, computer science, pre-law, or medicine. Awarded competitively by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, applicants must demonstrate financial need and provide necessary documentation, including transcripts and recommendation letters. This scholarship honors the legacy of local residents Hank and Ruth Swartz, encouraging students to achieve their educational goals.

The Lois Lenski Covey Foundation offers the Bookmobile Grant to promote literacy among underserved children. Grants range from $500 to $3,000 specifically for purchasing books for youth from preschool to grade 8. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public libraries that operate lending bookmobiles. The Foundation aims to ensure access to quality literature, fostering a love of reading in disadvantaged communities while addressing their limited book budgets.

The H. Wayne VanAgtmael Cosmetology Scholarship, established in 2005 by Wayne Van Agtmael's family, honors his legacy in the cosmetology field. This scholarship supports high school graduates from the Tri-Cities pursuing a cosmetology degree, focusing on financial need and academic achievement. Applicants must provide transcripts and additional required documents. The scholarship aims to empower students, particularly those who are the first in their families to succeed beyond high school, in their educational journeys.

The NIH is inviting applications for interventions aimed at enhancing cancer screening and preventive services in underserved populations. This initiative focuses on addressing barriers to healthcare access and promoting timely follow-up on abnormal findings. Collaborations with community partners are encouraged to foster effective outreach. The program particularly seeks to engage patients, clinicians, and healthcare settings in improving health equity and outcomes in cancer prevention.

The NIDCD Early Career Research (ECR) Award (R21) supports new scientists establishing independent research careers in areas related to hearing, balance, smell, taste, voice, speech, or language. This grant encourages innovative projects such as secondary data analysis, small research initiatives, and technology development, aiming to generate preliminary data for future R01 applications. All applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization.

About

Founded in 1971, the Mensa Foundation was established by members of American Mensa to extend the organization’s impact. While connected by a shared purpose, the Foundation operates independently, guided by its own Board of Trustees, strategic plan, and initiatives.

Grants & Fellowships

Fellowships

The Mensa Foundation Fellowship program empowers exceptional individuals committed to advancing the application of intelligence in their respective fields.

Details

Our current fellowship, the Gifted Education Fellowship, is designed to empower educators pursuing graduate studies in gifted education or closely related fields, enabling them to make a transformative impact in their classrooms and communities. The fellowship supports both doctoral and non-doctoral students, with awards and renewal terms tailored to each track.

The F26AS00023 FY2026 Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue and Response Grant Program offers crucial financial support for marine mammal rescue efforts. This initiative aims to assist eligible participants in the recovery and treatment of stranded marine mammals, provide emergency response to stranding events, and enhance scientific research on marine mammal health. The program prioritizes applications that effectively address species-specific needs and bolster the capacity of stranding networks, ensuring the welfare of marine wildlife under the management of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The Puffin Foundation's Annual Artist Grant Program focuses on supporting artists and organizations that are often marginalized. In even years, proposals are accepted in fine arts, music, and photography. With a maximum grant size of $3,500, it aims to empower individuals and groups with limited resources to flourish creatively. This initiative reflects the Foundation's commitment to ensuring diverse artistic expressions thrive in society. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or residents, and only one proposal is permitted per year.

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.

Terry Fulmer Scholarship

This 2022 scholarship honors Dr. Terry Fulmer, PhD, RN, FAAN, and focuses on long term care of the elderly in nursing homes. Dr. Fulmer’s life's work has been devoted to geriatric nursing education, mentoring, research, and policy development. Among her many accomplishments, she is nationally and internationally recognized as a leading expert in geriatrics and is also known for the conceptualization and development of the national NICHE program and research on the topic of elder abuse and neglect, work that has been funded by the National Institute on Aging and the National Institute of Nursing Research. In 2021, Dr. Fulmer was named a Living Legend by the American Academy of Nursing. This scholarship was initiated in December of 2021 by Dr. Mathy Mezey, EdD, RN, FAAN, an NEF Board member, and a noted international geriatric expert.

The 2499 Line of Duty Scholarship, established by the Central Alabama Community Foundation, honors Montgomery Police Officer David Colley. It provides financial assistance to high school seniors from Autauga, Elmore, Lowndes, Macon, or Montgomery Counties pursuing higher education. Eligible students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and have intentions to serve in the military or as first responders, or be children of service members. This scholarship supports future leaders dedicated to community service.

The BUILD Grant Program, managed by the USDOT, focuses on enhancing surface transportation infrastructure with substantial local impact. It supports a variety of project sponsors, including state and local governments, in pursuing complex multi-modal initiatives that are often challenging to fund through traditional grants. Established under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, this program reflects a commitment to sustainable and equitable infrastructure development.

The AJN/Thelma Schorr Scholarship, offered by Nurses Educational Funds Inc., supports professional nurses pursuing master's or doctoral degrees. Applicants must have at least two semesters remaining after the award notification and hold a current RN license. The scholarship aims to foster nursing leadership, particularly for those advocating for the profession through various platforms. Established in memory of Thelma Schorr, it recognizes candidates demonstrating leadership qualities in nursing.

The Barbara L. Tate Scholarship, offered by Nurses Educational Funds Inc., supports professional nurses pursuing advanced degrees in nursing. To be eligible, applicants must have a minimum of two semesters of study remaining, possess a valid RN license, and maintain a GPA of at least 3.6. This scholarship honors the legacy of Dr. Barbara Tate, a prominent figure in nursing education, and aims to promote leadership within the nursing profession.

The Bea Goodwin Scholarship, established in 2026, honors the legacy of Dr. Bea Goodwin, a dedicated nursing leader. This scholarship is aimed at supporting professional nurses pursuing master's or doctoral degrees in nursing education. Applicants must have a minimum of two semesters remaining in their studies and must hold current RN licenses. Preference is given to candidates whose work reflects Dr. Goodwin's commitment to excellence in nursing education and preparing future nurse educators.

The NIH Research Evaluation and Commercialization Hubs (REACH) program aims to facilitate the translation of biomedical discoveries into marketable products to enhance patient care. By funding five new academic entrepreneurship hubs, NIH will provide essential resources such as funding, mentorship, and expertise in product development. These hubs will address high-priority technologies and foster public-private partnerships, ultimately supporting the goals of federal research initiatives and addressing local health needs in underserved areas.

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) aims to enhance research on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) through intermediate patient population expanded access protocols. These protocols will provide investigational drugs to ALS patients while collecting vital data to inform future treatments and care strategies. This initiative seeks to better understand the disease's biomarkers, patient experiences, and the overall impact of investigational therapies, fostering advancements in ALS research and care.

The David E. Rogers Student Fellowship Award, offered by the New York Academy of Medicine, aims to enhance the educational journey of medical and dental students through impactful community health projects. This initiative supports research endeavors during the summer, providing stipends of $4,000 for up to five selected projects. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens or authorized residents, pursuing research that addresses health disparities and the needs of underserved populations.

The J. Margaret Ada Mutch Scholarship, established by the Columbia University-Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Association, offers financial support for nursing students pursuing master's or doctoral degrees. Applicants must have at least two semesters of study remaining and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.6. Preference is given to Columbia University School of Nursing students and alumni. This scholarship honors the legacy of Ms. Mutch, a pioneering nurse who contributed significantly to nursing education and practice.

The Columbia University – Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Association Inc./Penny Hund West Scholarship, established by Nurses Educational Funds, Inc., offers support to graduate nursing students. It aims to honor Penny Hund West, a dedicated nurse and culinary enthusiast. Applicants must have two semesters remaining in their studies and meet specific eligibility criteria, including maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.6. This scholarship reflects NEF's commitment to fostering nursing leadership through advanced education.

The Cynthia Davis Sculco Scholarship, established by Nurses Educational Funds, Inc., supports nurses pursuing doctoral programs in nursing education. To qualify, applicants must hold a current RN license and be enrolled in an accredited nursing program with a minimum GPA of 3.6. This permanent scholarship, initiated with a generous $50,000 donation in 2012, honors Cynthia Sculco, a dedicated NEF Board member known for her leadership roles. It aims to promote nursing leadership through financial assistance for advanced education.

This funding opportunity aims to address the urgent mental health crisis in the U.S. by promoting research that enhances access to evidence-based practices for youth. It encourages applications focusing on interventions for underserved populations, including those facing housing and food insecurities. Researchers are invited to explore strategies for improving service delivery, overcoming workforce challenges, and integrating care into accessible settings, ultimately striving for equitable mental health services for all youth.

The Eleanor C. Lambertsen Scholarship, established through a legacy of nursing leadership, supports doctoral candidates pursuing education or administration in nursing. Applicants must have a valid RN license and be enrolled in an accredited nursing program with a minimum GPA of 3.6. This fund honors Eleanor Lambertsen’s contributions to nursing, aiming to empower future leaders in healthcare. With over a century of service, Nurses Educational Funds continues to enhance nursing education through scholarships for master's and doctoral programs.

The Evelyn J. Barclay Scholarship supports professional nurses pursuing advanced degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration. Applicants must have a current RN license and be enrolled in accredited graduate nursing programs. This scholarship, awarded by Nurses Educational Funds Inc., emphasizes the importance of nursing leadership and aims to enhance the nursing workforce. Preference is given to doctoral candidates focusing on public health, nursing education, or research, ensuring a continued commitment to improving healthcare outcomes.

The Georgette Viellion Scholarship, established in 2021 with a $50,000 donation, supports doctoral nursing students aiming to become full-time faculty members. Applicants must have an RN license and maintain a GPA of at least 3.6. Preference is given to those focusing on nursing research or organizational study. This scholarship is part of the Nurses Educational Funds, Inc.'s mission to promote nursing leadership through financial assistance for advanced education in nursing.

The Henry B. Spencer Scholarship, awarded by Nurses Educational Funds Inc., supports RNs pursuing master's or doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration. Applicants must have at least two semesters remaining in their program and meet specific eligibility criteria, including current RN licensure and professional nursing association membership. This scholarship prioritizes doctoral students focusing on nursing research or organizational study, continuing a legacy of leadership in nursing established by Henry Spencer.