Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in South Dakota

The Fred and Betty Worsh Scholarship Fund, managed by the North Carolina Community Foundation, offers financial support to residents of New Hanover and Brunswick Counties who are U.S. citizens attending accredited four-year colleges or universities. Scholarships are available to undergraduates, graduates, and adult re-entry students, and may be renewed annually based on academic performance and financial need. Applications open on December 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026.

"Slipperman” Music Scholarship in Memory of Timothy J. Gilles

The “Slipperman” Music Scholarship in Memory of Timothy J. Gilles recognizes the hard-working graduates of Herkimer and Oneida counties pursuing their secondary education in a music-related field.

Candidates are identified by Utica Dollars for Scholars.

The Scholarship America Dream Award, established by Scholarship America Inc, aims to eliminate financial barriers to higher education for students. This program supports U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and DACA recipients, who are at least 17 years old and pursuing their first degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. By partnering with various organizations, Scholarship America has provided over $5.7 billion in scholarships to millions, ensuring equitable access to education and fostering student success.

Stanislaus Community Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students in order to help them achieve their educational and career goals. We believe that by investing in our students, we are investing in a brighter future for Stanislaus. 

The Maralyn J. Stewart Memorial Scholarship Fund 

Available to Modesto City Schools high school seniors or graduates of Modesto City Schools who demonstrate financial need and participated in performing arts while in high school.

Award Amount:

• Ranges from $1,000 to $2,500  

The Emily Trussell Stupak Scholarship Fund, established by the Maine Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from high schools in Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Hancock Counties. It aims to assist those pursuing higher education at accredited colleges or universities, particularly those who have shown dedication and talent in their chosen athletic pursuits. This fund exemplifies the Foundation's commitment to fostering educational opportunities and community support, making a positive impact on students' futures.

The Robert Annelli Family Scholarship, managed by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, supports residents of New Marlborough, Monterey, Otis, Sheffield, or Sandisfield, MA, who demonstrate significant financial need. This scholarship aims to cover costs for postsecondary education, including tuition, books, and transportation. Preference is given to individuals pursuing technical or vocational degrees or certificates, particularly in trades or technical fields, fostering economic mobility and community support.

The Sweet Brook Scholarship Fund, established in 1972 by residents of Sweet Brook, supports healthcare education for Northern Berkshire County residents. Initially aimed at staff members of Sweet Brook, the fund transitioned in 2020 to assist local residents pursuing health-related qualifications. The Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation now manages the fund, which has provided essential scholarships that empower individuals to enhance their careers in healthcare, fostering community growth and economic mobility.

The Champions for Change program, initiated by the Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute, empowers Native youth through leadership opportunities. Founded in 2011, it selects 5-6 exceptional young leaders (ages 14-24) each year to inspire their communities and promote positive change. Participants engage in tailored advocacy training, fostering skills to create impactful stories from Indian Country, while all applicants join the CNAY network, enhancing their community involvement.

The Teddy Lee Drumm Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by Ted and Buena Drumm in memory of their son, supports Sharon residents pursuing post-secondary education. It aims to assist motivated students whose financial needs will be significantly impacted by the award. Managed by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, the fund embodies its mission of strengthening communities through philanthropy, ensuring local youth have opportunities for academic success and economic mobility.

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.

Community Foundation for Mason County, MI

At the Community Foundation for Mason County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues. As a leader in community philanthropy, building a vibrant community with great opportunities for all, we are focused on advancing education, increasing recreation opportunities, and community and economic development.

The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.

Merry E. Petersen Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Frank Petersen, who established the Merry E. Petersen Memorial Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Mason County.

The Merry E. Petersen Memorial Scholarship was founded on the belief that persons wishing to serve others in the benevolent field of nursing should be given the chance to achieve it. Merry graduated with honors from St. Francis School of Nursing in Illinois. During her lifetime, she was devoted to the nurturing care of others, and her family wanted to encourage others to pursue this important profession.

The Sinew Fund Grants, supported by Racing Magpie, empower Oceti Sakowin visual creatives in the U.S. to engage their communities through innovative, artist-led projects. Focused on the rich cultural heritage of Lakota communities, these grants foster collaborative, community-based initiatives that enhance cultural dialogue and creative expression. Eligible applicants must be connected to an Oceti Sakowin tribe and aim for projects that prioritize public engagement within current-day Western South Dakota.

The New World Fund Scholarship, established by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, provides financial support to new immigrants pursuing degrees at Berkshire Community College. This scholarship honors Gerald Dickler, who overcame adversity to succeed as a New York City attorney. Eligible students must have been in the U.S. for five years or less, demonstrate leadership potential, and exhibit financial need. By fostering academic success and community involvement, this initiative aims to empower the next generation of leaders.

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.

Amy & Hank Stockton Scholarship

The Amy and Hank Stockton Scholarship benefits graduating high school seniors who attend public high schools in Napa County and will be pursuing post-secondary education in a trade, technical or vocational school, community college, or four-year college/university. Previous recipients of the scholarship are eligible to reapply; scholarship funding may not exceed 4 years of support.

The Joey Johnson Memorial Scholarship, established in 2019 by the East Texas Communities Foundation, honors Joey Johnson's caring spirit. This scholarship is available for graduating seniors from Gladewater, Sabine, West Rusk, or Overton High Schools, supporting students pursuing any field of study at colleges across the U.S. Financial need is considered, and recipients can renew the scholarship for up to three years by maintaining a 3.0 GPA and full-time status.

The William J. Newton Memorial Scholarship Fund, managed by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, honors Bill J. Newton's legacy by supporting Berkshire County residents pursuing post-secondary training in trade and industrial fields. Established in 2006, this fund aims to enhance economic mobility and quality of life through education in vocational programs. With a commitment to community impact and innovation, it seeks to empower local individuals to achieve their career aspirations and contribute positively to their communities.

Scholarships and Awards

The National Federation of the Blind offers several scholarships and awards that honor blind individuals as well as teachers, professionals, entrepreneurs, and organizations whose work benefits the blind community.

Distinguished Educator of Blind Students Award

Honor a teacher who provides exemplary education, experiences, and opportunities for their blind students.

Every year, the Distinguished Educator of Blind Students Award recognizes an outstanding teacher of blind students. The education of blind children is one of the National Federation of the Blind's highest priorities. Please help us recognize dedicated and innovative teachers who provide quality education and meaningful experiences and opportunities for their blind students.

The Award

The Distinguished Educator of Blind Students Award is presented at the NFB National Convention. Honorees receive: 

• An expense-paid trip to attend the convention
• A check for $1,000
• A commemorative plaque
• A place on the agenda of the annual meeting of the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children
• The opportunity to attend seminars and workshops that address the current state of education of blind students, as well as a chance to meet and network with hundreds of blind individuals, teachers, parents, and other professionals in the field

Community Foundation for Mason County, MI 

At the Community Foundation for Mason County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues. As a leader in community philanthropy, building a vibrant community with great opportunities for all, we are focused on advancing education, increasing recreation opportunities, and community and economic development.

The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.

Margaret M. Lederle Ludington Area School District Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Mr. Arthur Lederle and the Ludington Area School District, who established the Margaret M. Lederle Ludington Area School District Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Mason County.

This scholarship is presented to a graduating senior of Ludington High School. Recipients are eligible to receive unlimited renewals, based on renewal standards, as long as the student pursues his or her chosen course of study. It is Mr. Lederle's desire that recipients of this scholarship consider giving back to the Fund if and when they find themselves in a position to do so.

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.

Community Foundation for Mason County, MI

At the Community Foundation for Mason County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues. As a leader in community philanthropy, building a vibrant community with great opportunities for all, we are focused on advancing education, increasing recreation opportunities, and community and economic development.

The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.

Thomas Thompson Family Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Thomas Thompson, who established the Thomas Thompson Family Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Mason County.

Thomas Thompson, a Ludington Area Schools alumnus, created a scholarship fund in his family's name because many of his family members have received scholarships over the years. Because of his first-hand knowledge of the difference financial support for college meant, he wanted to share the good feeling of making a difference for future generations. "It is one of the things I wanted to do in my life," said Thomas.

Community Foundation for Mason County, MI

At the Community Foundation for Mason County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues. As a leader in community philanthropy, building a vibrant community with great opportunities for all, we are focused on advancing education, increasing recreation opportunities, and community and economic development.

The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.

Rick & Mary Ann Randall Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Rick and Mary Ann Randall, who established the Rick and Mary Ann Randall Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Mason County.

As quoted by Rick and Mary Ann Randall..."We value education and the opportunities it provides. We believe that all students who wish to pursue higher education should be able to do so, regardless of their academic standing or financial resources. Therefore, we offer scholarships to deserving students who demonstrate a strong desire to continue their education beyond high school."

The BPW/Maine Futurama Foundation offers a $3000 Continuing Education Scholarship to support Maine women pursuing accredited college or training programs. Since 1962, this initiative has empowered women to achieve economic self-sufficiency through educational funding. Eligible applicants must be Maine residents, have completed at least one year of college, and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship is a vital resource for women committed to enhancing their education and career prospects.

The Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. There is one scholarship that is available to students in Cecil County. 

Talbot Democratic Women's Club Scholarship

Awarded to female minority students, graduating from Talbot County Public Schools.

The Anonymous Scholarship for Franklin County, established by The Columbus Foundation, aims to support students in financial need within the community. This scholarship provides $1,000 annually for up to five years, covering the duration of a first degree. Eligible candidates include graduating seniors residing in Franklin County with a minimum GPA of 2.0, who plan to attend a two- or four-year college in the U.S. This initiative reflects a commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for local youth.

The Robert L. and Pauline H. Minton Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the children of Pauline H. Minton, honors their parents' legacy as dedicated Battelle employees and single parents. This scholarship aims to support children of full-time Battelle staff who are pursuing education at public or nonprofit colleges in the U.S. With an award amount of $1,000, it reflects a commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for deserving students in central Ohio.

The National Institutes on Deafness and other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) is inviting applications for a Coordinating Center for the National Human Ear Resource Network. This initiative aims to enhance research on auditory and vestibular disorders by providing essential resources, facilitating collaboration among laboratories, and promoting the use of human ear tissues in studies. The Center will play a pivotal role in coordinating activities, sharing updates with the scientific community, and supporting various research efforts across the nation.