Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in Utah

The Karl A. Bickel and Madira Bickel Journalistic Scholarship Fund Grant supports journalism students at accredited colleges and universities. Established under Karl A. Bickel's Last Will and Testament, it awards approximately $40,000 annually. Eligible organizations must have journalism programs and qualify as 501(c)(3) exempt entities. While there are no geographical restrictions, preference is given to institutions in Florida. The fund is administered by Wells Fargo Bank, ensuring that deserving students receive necessary financial support.

Myasthenia Gravis Rare Disease Network (MGNet)

The Myasthenia Gravis Rare Disease Network (MGNet) is a consortium of academic medical centers partnering with the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America and Conquer MG as well as collaborators in other research groups and industry. We are working together to enhance therapeutic development for this rare disease.

Diseases Studied

Myasthenia Gravis (MG) and its subtypes:

• Early-onset acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody (Ab) positive MG, which primarily affects women
• Late-onset AChR Ab positive MG with a disease bias towards men
• Paraneoplastic thymoma-associated MG
• Muscle specific kinase (MuSK) Ab positive
• AChR/MuSK antibody negative MG

Goals, Mission, & Vision

The goal of MGNet is to advance therapeutic development. To do so we have four specific aims:

• Improve the tools scientists and doctors have for performing clinical trials through rigorous monitoring of patients over time and evaluate better measures of how patients are doing.
• Identify objective measures (biomarkers) to show how the disease is responding to treatment and better predict treatment response or side effects, to improve the design of clinical trials and care of patients in clinical practice.
• Enhance the education of young investigators focusing their careers on rare diseases and specifically MG.
• Improve the awareness of scientists, physicians, and the public regarding the unique needs of patients with MG through training of clinician scientists and engagement of the patient and scientific communities in clinical research and therapeutic development.

Scholar Awards

Objectives

There is a critical need for investigators prepared to conduct clinical and translational research in myasthenia gravis (MG). The MGNet Scholar Program provides individualized training and mentorship in one of two tracks, Clinical Research or Biomarker Development Research.

Award Description

The MGNet Scholar Program provides mentored research training to prepare Scholars for an independent research career in the field of MG. The MGNet Scholar Program is 1 year in duration and selected Scholars receive up to $100,000 to support salary, research costs and didactics with potential for renewal. The program will provide an additional $3,000 to travel to MGNet sites to learn specific skills and/or to scientific meeting(s) to present the results of their research. If available for renewal, the program requires approval after interim report and is contingent on demonstration of adequate progress on the research and career development plan. Indirect costs are not allowed. Scholars are encouraged to transition to NIH (e.g., K award), departmental, or private foundation support for their research and further career development.Research must constitute at least 50% of each Scholar’s professional effort. Each Scholar must form a 2-3-member advisory committee to include a primary mentor, an additional clinician investigator or collaborator, and a MGNet faculty sponsor. The advisory committee will meet with the Scholar at least quarterly to review progress and each Scholar will develop an individual academic career development plan and renew it with the committee at least every 6 months.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA: Capital Improvement Grants

Any request to support a project that seeks to improve a facility is considered a capital improvement. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Range improvements
• Berm improvements
• Clubhouse/Classroom facility improvements
• Shelter structures/covered firing lines/pavilions
• Road improvements
• Commercial-grade trap machines (see section regarding trap machines, below)
• Any other permanent improvement to an organization’s property or facility

The Grant Program considers requests for certain trap machines to be a capital improvement to the facility. Specifically, requests for commercial grade trap machines that have a capacity of 300 clays and up.

The Anna B. Glauser Trust Grants provide financial support to organizations aiding physically handicapped individuals, particularly blind residents in Delaware County, PA. Established in memory of Willis K. Glauser, the trust awards 1-2 grants annually, ranging from $2,500 to $5,000. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified, while funding for salaries is typically excluded. This initiative reflects Anna Glauser's lifelong commitment to assisting the visually impaired community.

The William C. Risser Charitable Trust Grants support mental health research, particularly in Schizophrenia. This private foundation assists 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations across the U.S. with grants typically ranging from $25,000 to $55,000. Administered by Wells Fargo, the Trust awards 1-2 grants annually, focusing on program support for scientific and educational research. Eligible organizations must meet IRS exemption requirements.

The Integration of Imaging and Fluid-Based Tumor Monitoring in Cancer Therapy (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) aims to enhance cancer treatment by integrating imaging and liquid biopsy assays. This initiative, led by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), encourages grant applications focused on assessing therapy responses and resistance emergence in patients. Key deadlines for submissions span from February 2025 to January 2028, providing ample opportunities for researchers to contribute to this vital area of cancer research.

The Lane E. Warren Scholarship Fund, managed by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, offers a $1,000 award to a Madison County resident who is a high school graduate or graduating this year. This scholarship honors Lane E. Warren, a promising student whose life was tragically cut short. The selection criteria emphasize financial need and community service, supporting students pursuing college or certificate programs in their educational endeavors.

This funding opportunity invites applications for R01 grants focused on molecular imaging methods to explore cancer inflammation in vivo. It aims to enhance understanding of dynamic interactions between inflammation and cancer through innovative imaging techniques. The initiative encourages collaborations between cancer researchers and imaging scientists to leverage molecular imaging for identifying cellular physiology changes in response to treatment. Deadline dates for applications range from February 2025 to October 2027, emphasizing timely submission for prospective researchers.

The DoW Arthritis Translational Research Award, funded by the U.S. Army Medical Command, aims to support high-impact translational research focused on accelerating findings into clinically relevant solutions for arthritis. This award is intended for preclinical or animal research, emphasizing the significance of the proposed outcomes in advancing arthritis research and benefiting Service Members, Veterans, and their Families. Applications must include preliminary or published data to demonstrate the feasibility and relevance of the research.

The Delta Scholarship aims to support college-bound minority students in San Diego County who are dedicated to pursuing higher education. Established in memory of Jim Lewis, a passionate community leader, this scholarship offers up to $10,000 per student annually for four years, based on financial need. Eligible applicants must be graduating high school seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0, planning to attend an accredited college or university.

The DoW Alzheimer’s Transforming Care Award aims to support innovative clinical research and trials enhancing dementia care for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. This funding opportunity encourages collaborative partnerships and requires preliminary data, focusing on interventions that do not solely test pharmacological solutions. Community collaboration is essential, and studies leveraging existing cohorts, including those with younger participants, are encouraged. The award supports both new and existing partnerships among principal investigators.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Lewis G. and Margaret R. Curtis Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Lewis and Margaret, who established the Lewis G. and Margaret R. Curtis Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Margaret Curtis wished to establish two scholarships; one for females pursuing careers in nursing or health care careers and the other for a male pursuing a vocational, technical or trade career scholarship. Mrs. Curtis, a nurse in the area, provided for this fund in her will in memory of her husband and herself. She stated that the income be used to award scholarships in two fields, nursing and vocational training.

The Global Down Syndrome Foundation's Education Awards support innovative educational programs aimed at enhancing the lives of individuals with Down syndrome. This initiative encourages applications for workshops, conferences, and webinars focused on research and medical advancements. Eligible applicants must be members of the foundation or recognized 501(c)(3) organizations, ensuring impactful contributions that benefit the Down syndrome community. With no funding limits for consecutive years, this program promotes significant educational outreach and advocacy.

The ESA Youth Scholarship Program, by the Electronic Security Association, provides financial support to children of first responders, having awarded over $941,500 to date. Eligible applicants are high school seniors with parents who are full-time active first responders. Each scholarship winner receives $1,000 and a chance to compete for larger awards of $14,000 for first place and $5,000 for second place. Applications are welcomed from students in participating states.

About

The Community Foundation of Central Georgia was founded in 1993 by a group of citizens interested in encouraging philanthropy and strengthening communities.

The Foundation provides donors a simple, powerful, and highly personal approach to giving. Through their funds, CFCG donors support the causes and organizations that they care about, which enhances the quality of life for the people of Central Georgia.

Our vision is a Central Georgia where philanthropy thrives, communities are strong, and citizens work toward common goals.

Al Lucas Memorial Scholarship Fund

Albert James “Big Luke” Lucas was born September 1, 1978, to David E. and Elaine H. Lucas. He passed away on April 10, 2005, from a spinal cord injury he suffered during a Los Angeles Avengers arena football game. He was married to De’Shonda, and had a daughter, Mariah.

Al was a native of Macon, Georgia, graduating from Northeast High School in 1996. Following graduation, he attended Troy State University on a full athletic scholarship, and shined as a defensive lineman for the Trojans. Throughout college Al studied hard and cherished his time on the field and in 2000 was awarded the distinguished Buck Buchanan Award as the top defensive player in Division 1-AA. He was also an outstanding member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He graduated in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. Al went on to join the National Football League, signing as a free agent with the Pittsburgh Steelers and later playing for the Carolina Panthers. Later he joined the Arena Football League, playing for the Tampa Bay Storm, and finally the Los Angeles Avengers.

Al was a strong athlete with a heart of gold who believed in giving back to the community that supported him over the years. He especially loved working with children and served as a substitute teacher and coach at Northeast High School during the off-season. He was a member of Steward Chapel A.M.E. Church where he first learned the responsibility and power of tithing.

Al Lucas exemplified the characteristics of a scholar-athlete. He loved athletics, but knew his studies came first. He served his community and the Lord. He expected the best of himself and others. He excelled on the football field and in life. Recipients of the Al Lucas Memorial Scholarship will reflect Al’s ideals and carry on his legacy of excellence.

Purpose

• To honor the memory of Al Lucas by providing college scholarships to scholar athletes in Al’s hometown of Macon, Georgia.

Awards

• Amount of Award: $1,000, non-renewable.
• Number of Awards: 7 per year. Two awards will be given to scholar-athletes graduating from Northeast High School, Al’s alma mater. One winner shall be female and one male. The other five awards will be given to student-athletes from each of the other five Bibb County public high schools. One will be awarded at each school.

The Clifton-Whitehead Scholarship Fund, established by Edward S. Whitehead, Jr. in honor of his relatives, supports deserving students in Middle Georgia, particularly in Bibb County. This fund aims to assist students of good character facing financial challenges in obtaining a college education. Annually, approximately 12 awards of around $1,000 are granted. Eligible recipients must maintain a minimum GPA and can renew the scholarship for up to four years, provided they meet the established criteria.

The Kidney Precision Medicine Project (KPMP), funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), aims to enhance research on Chronic Kidney Diseases (CKDs) and Acute Kidney Injuries (AKIs). Launched in 2017, this initiative focuses on ethical collection and analysis of human kidney tissue to uncover new molecular pathways. With expanded participant recruitment efforts beginning in 2022, the KPMP seeks to advance our understanding of kidney-related health issues.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) is extending the Kidney Precision Medicine Project (KPMP) for five years to enhance participant recruitment and tissue interrogation. This initiative aims to discover novel molecular pathways associated with Chronic Kidney Diseases (CKDs) and Acute Kidney Injuries (AKIs). The renewed funding will support robust longitudinal follow-ups for existing enrollees and facilitate the enrollment of new participants, ensuring comprehensive data analysis and collaboration within the research community.

The Kidney Precision Medicine Project Central Hub, funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease (NIDDK), aims to enhance our understanding of Chronic Kidney Diseases (CKDs) and Acute Kidney Injuries (AKIs). This initiative, which began in FY2017, focuses on ethically collecting and analyzing kidney biopsy tissues to uncover molecular pathways. The project was expanded in FY2022 to improve participant recruitment and tissue analysis, driving forward research in kidney health.

The Christine Riggins Shepherd Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, aims to support students from Lamar, Pike, Monroe, Upson, or Spalding counties attending Georgia Southern University. With at least one award given annually, the scholarship amount varies. Recipients can renew their scholarships for up to four years if they maintain eligibility. Preference is given to applicants from Lamar County, promoting educational opportunities for local students.

Lakeview Foundation Scholarship

The Lakeview Foundation provides higher education scholarships to college bound students of Eastern Van Buren County, Michigan who are pursuing a healthcare degree.

Lakeview Foundation started in 1985 as a Hospital Authority Foundation. Its existence is solely due to the hospital that was started in Paw Paw in 1939 in a house that was the summer home of David Rose, a former mayor of Milwaukee.

The hospital quickly became Lakeview Municipal Hospital and eventually Lakeview Community Hospital Authority comprising the Villages of Paw Paw, Lawton, Decatur and Mattawan, The City of Gobles, and the Townships of Paw Paw, Pine Grove, Decatur, Antwerp, Almena, Hamilton, Porter and Lawrence.

Shortly after the hospital authority sold the hospital to Bronson Methodist Hospital, Lakeview Foundation became independent and accepted a large donation as part of the sale. Lakeview Foundation enjoys a close bond with Lakeview Bronson Hospital.

The Capital Region Chamber Unified Military Affairs Council Scholarship is designed for students whose parents serve at specific military installations in the Greater Capital Region. This scholarship aims to support high school and college students as they pursue their educational goals at technical schools or colleges. Established by The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, it reflects a commitment to empowering local students and enhancing the community by investing in the next generation's education.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Sherman R. Poppen Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Sherman R. Poppen, who established the Sherman R. Poppen Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Nancy Poppen was an artist who wanted children to explore and develop their talents in the fine arts. Prior to her death, in 1993, she established a fund in her name to provide "individualized arts opportunities" for Muskegon Public Schools students in grades three through 12. Her husband, Sherman Poppen, has watched the talents of over one hundred students develop over these last few years. Feeling the need to continue to support their talents, he established the Sherman R. Poppen Scholarship Fund to provide scholarships for Muskegon High School graduates who have participated in programs funded through the Nancy K. Poppen Fund. Now these students, pursuing arts studies at accredited colleges and universities or under the tutelage of master artists, can be assured of continued support and backing.

The Frederic C. Collin Trust Grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations in promoting polo and tennis, especially among youth. Established under Frederic C. Collin's will, it offers grants ranging from $2,000 to $3,800, with an annual total giving of approximately $9,000. Applications are accepted year-round for consideration during the annual grant meeting. This initiative aims to enhance participation in these sports, fostering talent and interest among young players.

The Bev Sellers Memorial Scholarship, established by Sweet Adelines International, aims to support young singers pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Vocal Pedagogy, Music Education, or Music Composition. Named after a cherished former president, this scholarship provides $5,000 USD to assist with tuition and fees. Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to barbershop music, maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA, and provide letters of reference. This initiative reflects the organization's dedication to fostering musical talent and education within the community.

The NHLBI Catalyze program aims to transition basic science discoveries into effective treatments for diseases under the NHLBI mission. This initiative supports early-stage product definition, prototype design, and assay development for HLBS disorders. The R61 phase focuses on initial designs and experimental setups, while the R33 phase extends support for prototype testing and user feedback. Successful completion prepares products for in vivo testing, enhancing health and societal outcomes with NIH and other support.

The Anna Fuller Fund Grant provides year-round support for organizations dedicated to alleviating suffering caused by cancer. Established in memory of Egbert C. Fuller’s wife, the fund prioritizes applications that focus on cancer research and education initiatives. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations or equivalent charities outside the U.S. Grant funds cannot be used for direct treatment, ensuring that resources are allocated to research and public education.