Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits

The Autodesk Foundation offers Catalytic Funding for Design and Engineering Solutions, providing nonprofits and startups with essential capital to develop innovative, sustainable solutions across key areas including Energy, Health, and Work. By leveraging Autodesk's unique expertise, the funding aims to support initiatives that reduce emissions, enhance community resilience, and prepare workers for a changing job market. Grant sizes range from $100,000 to $1,000,000, focusing on impactful, scalable projects.

The Charter Fund: Scale Funding supports nonprofit organizations that operate high-performing public charter schools. It seeks leaders dedicated to expanding their impact, aiming to serve an additional 1,000+ students over the next 3-5 years. The fund offers grants and low-interest loans starting from $750,000, alongside strategic partnerships and community-building initiatives to help schools navigate growth challenges, enhance educational quality, and foster collaboration among charter leaders.

The Community Seed Donations program by Seed Savers Exchange provides seeds to schools, community gardens, and nonprofits, ensuring that these resources are freely available to those in need. In addition, they offer disaster relief seed donations for organizations affected by recent natural disasters. To qualify, applicants must be nonprofits with U.S. shipping addresses. This initiative not only supports community growth but also promotes sustainability and resilience in the face of challenges.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Pratt Family Foundation Grant, established in 1999, supports initiatives in education, healthcare, and community welfare. It prioritizes organizations that aid housing assistance, support for women in crisis, and disadvantaged youth programs, particularly in North Carolina. The Foundation favors established religious and charitable organizations that are tax-exempt and have a local presence. Preference is given to areas connected to the Pratt family, such as Texas and Florida, ensuring impactful contributions to community development.

The Skees Family Foundation offers mission-aligned Seed Grants to nonprofits focused on job creation and readiness, primarily outside the U.S. These grants, beginning at $2,500 and increasing over three years, aim to support organizations with annual budgets of $250,000 or less. By prioritizing international efforts, the foundation seeks to maximize the impact of its limited resources, fostering growth in community-based organizations dedicated to alleviating poverty and promoting economic development globally.

The North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation offers Traditional Grants starting at $25,000 to nonprofit organizations addressing educational and health needs. Established in 1986, the Foundation has awarded over $90 million in grants, focusing on seed funding for innovative programs. Applications are accepted quarterly, with a preference for initiatives that can have a broader impact beyond local communities. The Foundation only funds 501(c)(3) organizations and excludes certain operational costs.

The Children's Mental Health Innovation Awards aim to fund innovative mental healthcare solutions for children in the U.S. This initiative invites U.S.-based 501(c)(3) charities with revenues under $5 million to submit projects. With up to $550,000 in grants, the program focuses on addressing critical mental health issues among youth, fostering equity in access to care, and supporting nonprofits led by young leaders. Awards include up to $100,000 for general and $50,000 for Next Gen projects.

New Media Ventures (NMV) seeks to fund early-stage companies that are innovative, scalable, and mission-driven, particularly in the areas of media tech, civic tech, and political tech. The organization prioritizes ventures that demonstrate a proof of concept and are committed to generating sustainable revenue while building progressive power. Selected organizations can expect funding between $50K and $100K, alongside valuable resources such as coaching and networking opportunities to navigate challenges and enhance their impact.

CFCC: Gelvin-Ingersoll Medical Education Fund

Support medical education activities and/or scholarships to students studying in a medical related field that are charitable, educational, or scientific in nature.

What type of support is funded?

• Projects or programs that serve the community and/or advance the mission of the organization
• Seed money to establish or initiate a new project, program, or organization, including operating expenses
• Capacity building or activities that strengthen an organization to increase its ability to fulfill its mission, including technology & equipment, professional development & training, additional staff to implement a new program, etc.
• Capital improvements including new construction or renovation of a facility
• Endowment funds to provide permanent and long-term support for an organization or program

The Mockingbird Nonprofit Incubator Grant Program supports emerging nonprofit founders in creating sustainable growth and impact. The program includes eight live workshops on nonprofit management, fundraising, and access to resources from Givebutter. Selected organizations receive scholarships and the chance to apply for $4,000 in grant funds. Eligibility is limited to 501c3 nonprofits or those under fiscal sponsorship with budgets under $500,000, fostering a community of committed leaders ready to make a difference.

The Lisle Global Seed Grant supports innovative projects that foster intercultural understanding and bridge community divides. Grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 are awarded to organizations that promote collaboration among diverse groups. Since 2004, Lisle International has provided seed funding to initiatives worldwide, emphasizing new projects rather than established ones. The organization seeks to significantly contribute to well-defined, impactful projects that enhance social equity through shared learning experiences.

The Francis R. Dewing Foundation Grant provides seed money to support innovative projects in early childhood education, benefiting children up to sixth grade. Founded by Frances R. Dewing in 1963, the foundation aims to stimulate intellectual growth in young children through unique educational methods. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $25,000, with a focus on projects that demonstrate a broad impact on the educational community. Applications are accepted from 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and government entities across the United States.

The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation's initiative, "Creating Equitable Pathways to STEM Graduate Education: Seed," aims to enhance graduate education access for students from Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs). The program provides grants of up to $500,000 to foster partnerships between MSIs and various higher education institutions. Projects should focus on overcoming barriers to success in graduate studies, including recruitment and admission processes, thereby promoting equitable learning environments in STEM fields.

The Curtiss T. Brennan & Mary G. Brennan Foundation Grant supports archaeological field research, focusing on regions where early civilizations emerged. Established in 1988, the foundation offers funding as seed money to initiate significant projects, enhancing understanding of early cultural complexity. Key considerations for funding include the project's significance, potential for further support, and the professional qualifications of those involved. Grants are available only to nonprofit organizations, excluding individuals and political entities.

The Moe Family Fund for Statewide and Local Partners Grant Program, administered by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, offers grants of up to $10,000 to dues-paying members of the National Preservation Partners Network. This program focuses on strengthening preservation organizations and addressing key issues, including advocacy, capacity building, and climate change initiatives. Eligible projects should demonstrate innovation, potential impact, and a clear budget, while adhering to preservation standards and timelines.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation's Creating Equitable Pathways to STEM Graduate Education initiative aims to foster partnerships between Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) and graduate programs to enhance equitable learning environments. Grants of up to $500,000 will support projects addressing systemic barriers, promoting effective practices, and ensuring seamless transitions from MSIs to advanced degrees in various STEM fields. The initiative seeks to create lasting impacts on student access and success in graduate education.

Ann B. Zekauskas Family Foundation

Empowerment through Food Awareness, Access, and Education

We are a private, family-directed, not-for-profit philanthropic organization, established through the estate of Ann B. Zekauskas. We are dedicated to educating students, families, and communities, especially the underserved, on producing, preparing, and eating healthy foods, and to supporting organizations focused on hunger relief and careers in the culinary arts.

We perform our mission through collaborations with and support of approved non-profit organizations within these key areas of giving: nutrition education, food access, and culinary arts training.

Nutrition Education

Ann B. Zekauskas believed that individuals of all ages — especially school-aged children and their families — should be provided with an education to understand how food makes its way from seed to plate —from planting and growing, to harvesting and sourcing, to cooking and serving.

Nutrition education empowers people with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to make healthy food choices, promoting overall mental well-being and physical wellness.

In carrying out Ann’s legacy, we work with schools, community groups, and other like-minded organizations across the country, supporting their programs that encourage a lifelong practice of healthy eating.

Request a Grant

The Ann B. Zekauskas Family Foundation is committed to supporting qualified 501(c)(3) organizations that align with our mission and values. We welcome grant requests from nonprofit organizations seeking to make a meaningful impact in their communities in the areas of nutritional education, food access, or the advancement of cuilnary arts careers.

The Charter Fund: Seed Funding program supports nonprofit organizations operating high-performing public charter schools that aim to expand their reach by serving 250 to 1,000 additional students within two years. Eligible applicants must demonstrate proven leadership, strong academic performance, and a commitment to underserved communities. The fund offers general operating grants ranging from $250,000 to $600,000 to assist leaders in opening new schools, providing vital resources and cohort-based learning opportunities to foster growth and innovation.

The ASA Carla B. Howery Teaching Enhancement Fund Grants support projects that enhance the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) in sociology. The grants, up to $2,500, are intended for innovative proposals that improve teaching and learning, ensuring lasting systemic impact. While ASA membership is not required for application, grant recipients must be members before final awards. This initiative by the American Sociological Association reflects a commitment to advancing sociology as a discipline.

The ASTRO-AAPM Physics Resident/Post-Doctoral Fellow Seed Grant supports early-career scientists in radiation oncology physics research. Jointly funded by AAPM and ASTRO, this grant aims to foster innovation in the field, with up to two awards of $50,000 each available. Eligible applicants include medical physics residents and post-doctoral fellows who are active members of ASTRO and AAPM. This initiative strives to enhance the next generation of researchers, ensuring a commitment to advancing radiation oncology.

The APF Visionary Grant supports innovative research and intervention projects aimed at addressing social issues through psychology. Funded by the American Psychological Foundation, this initiative prioritizes projects that assist vulnerable populations and promote racial equity. Eligible applicants include graduate students and early career researchers affiliated with educational institutions or non-profits. The grant encourages diverse applicants and seeks projects that can attract further funding and demonstrate broader applicability in various settings.

American Chemical Society

ACS is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering scientific research excellence, education, and collaboration. Our initiatives seek to empower people to make a positive impact on society and ignite a passion for discovery and innovation in the sciences.

ACS GCI Natural Polymers Consortium Research Grant

Purpose

To address key chemistry and engineering research challenges in accelerating the development of more sustainable functional materials using natural polymers through green chemistry and/or green engineering.

Description

The American Chemical Society Green Chemistry Institute Natural Polymers Consortium (ACS GCI NPC) is a group committed to exploring the utilization of natural polymers to accelerate the development of more sustainable functional materials. Launched in 2024 as a partnership between the ACS Green Chemistry Institute® and industry leaders, the Consortium envisions a future where natural polymers innovations can sustainably meet modern human needs.

An open call for proposals for one (1) research grant is being made. This grant provides $80,000 for a 12-month research commitment. Proposals can be on any green chemistry and/or engineering research direction related to the following topic areas for natural polymers:

• Sourcing: Methods to improve the isolation of natural polymers from biomass sources. This would include methods to identify, detect, and remove trace contaminants, characterize the composition of the isolated polymer, and understand the impact of polymer characteristics and trace contaminants on downstream processing and use. This RFP also includes identification of feedstocks suitable for the sustainable sourcing of natural polymers. Consider methods to improve traceability and document life cycle aspects.

• Processing: Methods to process natural polymers, including green chemistry processes, selection of plasticizers/crosslinkers/additives, and identifying/designing in properties that improve the processing of natural polymers (e.g., thermoplastic).

• Performance: Methods to improve the functionality of natural polymers, e.g., barrier coatings in paper packaging, derivatization/modification, blending with other materials (e.g., other polymers, particles, small molecules, etc.). What alternative applications do natural polymers enable (that incumbent plastics or synthetic polymers do not)?

Interested Principal Investigators (PIs) are required to provide a written proposal describing the investigator’s capability to carry out the ACS GCI NPC proposed research.

This grant is seen as a seed grant, and principal investigators (PIs) are encouraged to apply for additional money from local/regional/national funders.

The Hart Family Fund for Small Towns offers grants between $2,500 and $15,000 to support preservation projects in towns with populations of 10,000 or less. These funds aim to encourage local preservation efforts, enhance public discussion, and build technical expertise among community groups. The application process is competitive, with a review period of approximately three months. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits, with a cash match required. Projects must start within six months of receiving funding.

The Ledyard Rotary Foundation Grant supports community-enhancing projects primarily in Ledyard and Gales Ferry, Connecticut, focusing on education, healthcare, and social issues. As a 501(C)(3) nonprofit, it welcomes grant applications from eligible organizations that can demonstrate a significant impact. While prioritizing new initiatives, the foundation also encourages proposals that seek matching funds. Grants are not available for political or religious purposes, and distributions are limited to nonprofit entities or municipalities.