Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in Virginia

The I Could Do Great Things Foundation is dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations with innovative ideas that have a charitable purpose. By providing financial support and encouragement, the foundation aims to help transform great ideas into reality. There is no deadline for applications, making it accessible for anyone with a fresh approach to apply. The foundation prioritizes projects related to education, community, and Jewish causes, ensuring that the impact is meaningful and far-reaching.

The NRF Foundation Ray Greenly Scholarship supports students pursuing degrees in digital retail-related fields such as technology and supply chain. Established in memory of Ray Greenly, this scholarship aims to empower ambitious students with the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit to innovate in retail. Eligible candidates must be undergraduate students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and relevant internship experience. The application deadline is November 3rd, providing a unique opportunity to attend the NRF Foundation Student Program in New York City.

The Mary H. and Paul L. Quarrels Memorial Scholarship Endowment supports students in education by providing $1,000 scholarships to those demonstrating financial need, academic excellence, and community involvement. Established in 2011, it honors the contributions of Paul and Mary H. Quarrels to local educational communities. Applicants must reside in Hopewell or Prince George County and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applications are reviewed annually, with awards announced each spring.

The Gilead Foundation offers funding aimed at creating equitable health opportunities for all. Through its Giving Together Program and the Creating Possible Fund, it mobilizes resources to support community organizations that address health disparities and promote education equity. By fostering employee volunteerism and matching contributions, the Foundation actively engages in building healthier communities. This holistic approach seeks to dismantle barriers to health access, ensuring a sustainable impact on individuals and communities.

The Genevieve Renn Roscher Nursing Scholarship Endowment, established in 2005, honors a dedicated nurse by supporting students pursuing a Registered Nurse degree. The scholarship is open to residents of Hopewell, Prince George, Colonial Heights, and Chesterfield County's Enon District. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and submit required documents online. Awards are contingent upon funding availability and acceptance into an approved nursing program.

The Japanese American Community Foundation Grants support programs for the Japanese American and broader Asian American communities. Funding ranges from $2,500 to $50,000 for projects focusing on senior health, history, arts, culture, and youth. Eligible applicants must be registered 501c3 public benefit nonprofit organizations. Note that organizations with open grants cannot apply until their current grant is closed. Submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) before the full proposal.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

John Masus Memorial Scholarship Fund

Originally the Masus Financial Group Scholarship Fund, the fund was renamed the John Masus Memorial Scholarship Fund as a memorial to John Masus at the time of his passing.

The Fund supports scholarships to graduating high school seniors who reside within the 60510 zip code in Kane County. 

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. The most common scholarship award amount is $1,000 for a single year. Scholarships are designated as non-renewable one-year awards or renewable multi-year awards depending upon the scholarship fund criteria, as established by the donor of the scholarship fund.

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.

Lee Shipman Engineering Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Lee Shipman who established the Lee Shipman Engineering Scholarship Fund of the Community Foundation for Mason County.

Lee Shipman has always had a love for all things electrical as far back as grade school when he added an additional phone in his family home so calls could be answered from more than one location! This eventually led him to get his degree in electrical engineering and a career at Dow Chemical in Ludington. He continued following his passion after retiring from Dow by working with a local Ludington business helping with the selection and modifications of equipment. Through this work, he recognized the real challenges that downtown merchants face. Lee is thankful for the people who have made a difference in his life, from his Latin teacher to coworkers to close friends and, because of this, he wants to give back to others. He established this Scholarship Fund for students pursuing electrical engineering.

The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Grants aim to enhance the life-saving capabilities of public safety organizations. Established in 2005, the foundation supports funding for life-saving equipment, prevention education, scholarships, and disaster relief initiatives. Eligible applicants include public safety entities located within 60 miles of a Firehouse Subs restaurant. This program emphasizes early application submission, as only a limited number of applications are accepted quarterly.

The ENF Community Investments Program - Beacon Grants offers a unique opportunity for Elks Lodges to initiate and lead charitable projects in their local communities. This program encourages Lodges to develop sustainable initiatives, allowing them to address community needs effectively. By fostering collaboration and providing resources, the Beacon Grants enhance the quality of life for residents, including veterans and families. In 2025-26, all Lodges will have the chance to participate, promoting a culture of giving back.

The Ford Philanthropy Scholarship, offered by the LULAC National Educational Service Centers (LNESC), supports students pursuing STEM careers in the automotive and mobility sectors. It covers tuition, fees, and essential resources, enabling students to thrive academically. Applicants must major in relevant fields such as Computer Science or Engineering and maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher. This initiative enhances educational access and fosters leadership, preparing students for future success.

About Us

The Wenner-Gren Foundation is a private operating foundation dedicated to providing leadership in support of anthropology and anthropologists worldwide.

Our Mission

The Wenner-Gren Foundation is committed to playing a leadership role in anthropology. We help anthropologists advance anthropological knowledge, build sustainable careers, and amplify the impact of anthropology within the wider world. We dedicate ourselves to broadening the conversation in anthropology to reflect the full diversity of the field.

Fejos Fellowship in Public Media

General

Early career scholars frequently lack the time and resources needed to tell anthropological stories in registers other than print. Through this program, we support projects that will amplify the impact of anthropology through filmmaking, audio production, and other creative multimodal work.

The Foundation has no preference for any methodology, research location, or subfield. We encourage the use of novel approaches to anthropological communication to reach new audiences. Applicants should have proven expertise and a commitment to innovation in the medium in which they work. We encourage new solutions to the challenge of ethically representing diverse communities—for instance, by seeking their permission through public forums, promoting their greater involvement in the conception, production and/or distribution of audio/visual projects, guaranteeing their right to the materials produced, and releasing copyrights to them.

Award Money

Fejos fellowships provide up to $80,000 for a 9-month stipend, toward the completion of a film, video, audio, or other public media project that is based on anthropological research already completed by the applicant. Wenner-Gren awards do not include funds to cover institutional overhead or any fees related to the administration of our grants and fellowships.

The National PTA Outstanding Advocacy Awards recognize exemplary efforts by state, local, and individual PTA advocates dedicated to improving the education, health, and well-being of children. Established by the National PTA, these awards highlight four categories of advocacy: Outstanding State PTA Advocacy, Outstanding Local PTA Advocacy, Shirley Igo Advocate of the Year, and Outstanding Youth Advocate of the Year. Awardees will be celebrated at the National PTA’s Legislative Conference in March 2026.

Beatrice T. And Virgil D. Gutierrez Legacy Scholarship

The Beatrice T. Gutierrez and Virgil D. Gutierrez Legacy Scholarship was established in 2018 by the children of Beatrice and Virgil Gutierrez. Mr. and Mrs. Gutierrez devoted their lives to teaching in Taos Public Schools.

The scholarship will be available to seniors graduating from High Schools in Taos County, with a preference to those students who intend to pursue studies in mathematics, education or science (including but not limited to social, biological and environmental sciences) by attending a 4 year college or university with an overall goal of providing service to their family and/or community upon graduation. The 4 year institution award is up to $14,000, paid out across 4 years if a 3.0 GPA is maintained.

The scholarship will also be available to seniors graduating from High Schools in Taos County, with a preference to those students who intend to pursue a 2-year vocational program with an overall goal of providing service to their family and/or community upon graduation. The 2 year institution award is up to $4,000, paid out across 2 years.

The Snapdragon Book Foundation Grant aims to enhance school libraries for disadvantaged children by providing essential funding. Established in 2008, it supports public, private, and experimental schools in the U.S., including territories. The foundation emphasizes access to quality reading materials, aiming to address inequities caused by structural racism. Eligible libraries can apply for funding to acquire books, reference materials, and subscriptions, ensuring that all students have access to enriching literary resources.

The Smith Richardson Foundation's Domestic Public Policy Grant supports initiatives that help address critical challenges in the U.S. It funds research and evaluations of public policies while promoting innovative solutions to enhance education, fiscal practices, and the criminal justice system. The Foundation aims to foster effective policies that improve economic opportunities and public services, ensuring a prosperous future for all citizens.

The ARL Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowships offer early career researchers a chance to engage in independent research aligned with the Army Research Laboratory's mission. Candidates should demonstrate exceptional scientific abilities and a potential for leadership, having addressed significant scientific or engineering challenges during their doctoral studies. Fellowships provide a stipend of $115,000 per year, along with health insurance and other benefits. Applicants must have completed their Ph.D. by October 1, 2025, and are required to undergo a Department of Defense clearance.

The Detter Family Foundation Education Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, aims to support residents of Allendale Charter Township pursuing post-secondary education. This competitive scholarship considers various criteria including financial need, academic achievement, and personal goals. Applicants can apply just once to be eligible for all applicable foundation scholarships, ensuring a streamlined process for securing educational funding.

Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors. Applications are accepted from mid-November until mid-March. Scholarship award recipients will be announced at the high school awards ceremony. 

Susquehanna Beekeepers Association College Scholarship

Established by the Susquehanna Beekeepers Association to provide college tuition assistance to students from northeastern Pennsylvania who will major in agriculture or biology.

The Dorsey & Whitney Foundation Grant supports charitable initiatives in communities where Dorsey attorneys reside. Established in 1982, it focuses on organizations that provide legal services to the disadvantaged and engages attorneys in volunteer roles. Each year, around 200 direct grants are awarded across North America, alongside additional support for numerous other organizations through a matching program. This commitment highlights the foundation's dedication to cultural, civic, educational, and social welfare.

About Americans for the Arts

Building Collective Power for the Arts

Americans for the Arts is the nation's leading arts advocacy organization. We mobilize advocates, produce trusted research, and secure bipartisan wins that protect funding and expand arts access nationwide — work we've been doing for more than 65 years.

Americans for the Arts advances the people, organizations, and systems supporting arts and culture across America through advocacy, research, and national convening.

We envision a nation where freedom of creative expression is upheld as a fundamental human right, where arts and culture are woven into the fabric of civic life, resourced in every community, and accessible to everyone.

Request for Proposals (RFP)

Strengthening Leadership Capacity of Local Arts Agencies

Given the essential role of LAAs, and to meet this important moment, AFTA seeks an energized and experienced consulting team with expertise to help it develop a comprehensive strategy to strengthen leadership and field capacity across the LAA ecosystem. This work is not intended to operate in isolation, but rather to complement and build upon existing efforts already underway in the field. The focus is on identifying where AFTA can add value through targeted, strategic support that enhances and aligns with broader sector-wide initiatives. 

This effort will focus on empowering LAA agency leaders—a critical component of AFTA’s strategic direction—to expand their capacity, foster innovation, and advance equity in a rapidly evolving environment. Building on existing efforts across the field, AFTA will invest in strong, effective LAA leadership, broaden cultural access and participation nationwide, and position the field for a more vibrant, resilient, and sustainable future. 

With approximately 2,200 LAAs nationally validated in AFTA’s LAA Wayfinder, the selected consulting team will help AFTA gain a deeper understanding of the gaps, needs and opportunities shaping LAA leadership capacity, with attention to Native, rural, small, midsize, and large communities, and identify where AFTA is uniquely positioned to contribute. These insights will guide AFTA’s future direction in its service to LAAs nationwide and ensure AFTA’s contributions complement—rather than duplicate—the work of other entities, collectively strengthening the broader LAA ecosystem.  

In addition, by intentionally working in partnership with peer organizations and stakeholders across the field—and by understanding gaps in coverage and opportunities for growth—AFTA will be positioned to work with partners to support the expansion of the LAA network in communities where local public cultural infrastructure is limited or absent. This collaborative approach will help ensure more equitable access to arts and culture while reinforcing the role of LAAs as essential community anchors, particularly in underserved regions. 

The Learning Engineering Tools Competition is a significant funding opportunity aimed at fostering educational technology innovations. It seeks to leverage digital tools, big data, and learning science to improve learner outcomes globally. This competition encourages diverse participants, from students to established companies, to develop solutions that can generate valuable learning data. By promoting collaboration among educators, researchers, and tech innovators, the initiative aims to advance the field of learning engineering and enhance educational practices.

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

Ken and Clara Kolberg Family Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Ken Kolberg and family, who established the Ken and Clara Kolberg Family Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Teaching is the family business of the Kolberg Family. Ken started teaching in Muskegon Public Schools after WWII and did so for thirty-seven years. Ken and Clara raised five children, of whom four became teachers - two working in Muskegon. Through the establishment of this Fund, the family is assured of having an impact on students far into the future. This Fund will support Muskegon students pursuing careers in education, especially minority students so greatly needed as teachers in our school systems.

About Boeing

A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity.

The Employees Community Fund (ECF) of The Boeing Company

One of the largest employee-managed funds of its kind in the world, the Employees Community Fund (ECF) of The Boeing Company has empowered employees to make a greater impact by pooling their tax-deductible donations for more than 60 years. Employee-led grantmaking committees at 20 Boeing sites provide combined employee donations to nonprofits in their communities through ECF grants.

Charitable or educational organizations can apply for grants from the Employees Community Fund (ECF) of The Boeing Company.

Puget Sound Chapter

The Employees Community Fund (ECF) of Boeing Puget Sound is a pooled fund consisting of recurring payroll contributions from generous Boeing employees. It funds local nonprofits that help thousands of families and individuals in the Puget Sound region where Boeing employees live and work.

ECF focus areas

ECF makes grants to 501(c)(3) Health & Human Service nonprofits such as food banks, job-training programs, shelters, transitional housing, mental health services, and low-income medical clinics. ECF seeks the direct client benefit of each grant to ensure that our employees’ contributions directly help those in need.

ECF funding criteria

ECF has two distinct grant categories – Supporting Grants and Capital Campaign Grants.

ECF of Boeing Company: Puget Sound Chapter Supporting Grants

Consideration is given to nonprofits/agencies that are performing well and are seeking to upgrade, replace or modify elements of their infrastructure.

• Supporting grants cannot exceed $50,000. The requested amount cannot be more than 10% of an agency’s gross annual revenue.
• Supporting grants will be considered only for agencies benefiting residents in the Puget Sound Region.
• Supporting grants help agencies continue to effectively provide services through enhanced direct client benefit by aiding them in procuring and/or paying for items such as:
  • Equipment (ex. office, kitchen, industrial, furniture, etc.)
  • Vehicles used to support clients and/or transport food and/or goods (cost of vehicle and accommodations, tax, and licensing only; operating expenses, such as insurance, fuel, etc. is not allowed)
  • Phone systems
  • Cell phones for direct client use
  • Remodels and/or renovations (must hold at least a 10-year lease or own the building)
  • Purchase or construction of new buildings
  • Computers or tablets for direct client benefit and/or use
  • Software for direct client benefit and/or use (ex. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device)
  • Information Technology expenses, without which procured tools would not work
  • External improvements for client safety (i.e. security system, exterior lighting, improved ADA accessibility, new or refinished pavement or concrete)
• Supporting grants which are accepted must be spent as approved within nine (9) months.

The Project SEED Fellowship aims to provide high school students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds with hands-on summer research experiences in chemistry and related fields. Over 50 years, it has engaged more than 11,000 students, offering mentorship and support for college readiness. Participants work under the guidance of scientists for 8 to 10 weeks, with opportunities for scholarships and travel grants, thereby fostering interest in STEM careers and promoting diversity in the sciences.

The Research on Research Security Program, funded by the National Science Foundation, aims to foster collaboration between STEM researchers and research security practitioners. It encourages interdisciplinary approaches to enhance evidence-based research on security issues. Proposals can include conferences, workshops, and planning grants, as well as international partnerships, to address U.S. concerns in research security. This initiative is vital for developing a robust community in this emerging field.

The ISF Narrative Film Grant, established by the Islamic Scholarship Fund, supports emerging Muslim filmmakers by providing funding for narrative films in production or post-production stages. With a focus on compelling storytelling and positive portrayals of the Muslim community, the grant offers mentorship and networking opportunities to enhance the filmmakers' projects. Since its inception in 2014, it has awarded $625,000 to over 111 filmmakers, promoting diverse narratives that resonate with audiences.