Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in Virginia

The Pittsburgh Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four–year universities, graduate schools, and career/technical schools.

Scott F. Hirsh Memorial Nursing Scholarship

The Scott F. Hirsh Memorial Nursing Scholarship was established at The Pittsburgh Foundation in memory/honor of Scott F. Hirsh to provide two scholarships for high school seniors in the Baldwin, Whitehall, Keystone Oaks, and Brentwood communities who plan to attend a 4-year college or university in a nursing program.

• Average Award: Up to $1,000
• Award Type: Single-Year Award

Brad Keselowskis Checkered Flag Foundation (BKCFF)

Brad Keselowski is a co-owner of Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing, where he drives the #6 Ford Mustang full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series. Off-track, Brad is the sole owner and founder of Keselowski Advanced Manufacturing as well as Brad Keselowskis Checkered Flag Foundation's president and founder. 

In 2009, Brad visited Walter Reed Medical Center, where he became inspired to give back to the men and women that answered the call to serve our country and were injured in the line of duty. Consequently, he founded BKCFF in 2010 with the mission to honor and assist those who serve. Since its founding, BKCFF has raised upright of $3.8 million to serve this mission.  

Brad Keselowskis Checkered Flag Foundation Grant Program

BKCFF was established to support those who are suffering financial, medical, or other hardship resulting from service to the United States or communities within. Funding decisions are made through an equitable and comprehensive application process, with financial support directed to 501(c)(3) public charities that provide services to our target constituents.

The purpose of the grant program is to empower and give hope to our nation’s heroes: military professionals, veterans, first responders, and others who provide courageous service and sacrifice. BKCFF requires all organizations seeking a grant to complete a comprehensive application, which is available on the Foundation’s website or can be requested by contacting the Foundation directly.  

Grand Traverse Regional Community FoundationThe Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation began in 1992 when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our region then, now, and forever.This vision lives on within our organization today as we support the people and places of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians.Together with our partners, we spark positive change for a variety of local causes, including youth, arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services, across our region.Jack Edward Allen Memorial Scholarship Endowment (Grand Traverse County)Available to graduating seniors from a Traverse City area high school and who have attained the Eagle Scout ranking from the Boy Scouts of America.

Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation began in 1992 when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our region then, now, and forever.

This vision lives on within our organization today as we support the people and places of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians.

Together with our partners, we spark positive change for a variety of local causes, including youth, arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services, across our region.Joe Brisson Memorial Scholarship Endowment (Regional)Available to a graduating senior from Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, or Leelanau County. Applicants must demonstrate adventurous spirit, a passion and zest for life, and will have played in a soccer league, whether school or community related.

Help at Home Community Foundation: Support Fund

The Support Fund provides help to home care employees who experience a personal financial hardship for a variety of reasons.

What are qualifying events?

A qualifying event can be a significant event(s) or radical change of status in a person’s life that creates an immediate, unforeseen, and substantial financial requirement. Some examples include:

Natural Disaster, Medical Emergency, Death of an immediate family member. More information here.

Grant awards depend on the qualifying event and need which could range from $100.00-$500.00. The maximum amount applicants may receive in a calendar year is $500.00, unless otherwise approved by the Board.

The E. K. Sloane Piano Fund Grant, established by the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and schools in Hampton Roads for purchasing or repairing pianos. Since its inception in 1997, the fund has allocated over $4.3 million to benefit more than 80 organizations, ensuring access to quality musical instruments for public performances. This initiative honors the legacy of E.K. Sloane, who was passionate about music and community service.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Condie Nursing Scholarship Fund

The Condie Nursing Scholarship Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships for both traditional and nontraditional students to begin or advance their nursing careers at a 2-or 4-year college or university.

Award Type: Single Year Award.

Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation

The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation began in 1992 when a group of community champions came together around a vision to give back to our region then, now, and forever.

This vision lives on within our organization today as we support the people and places of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians.

Together with our partners, we spark positive change for a variety of local causes, including youth, arts and culture, education, environment, and health and human services, across our region.

Regional Scholarships

We believe that post-secondary education is key to healthy, resilient, and thriving communities and are pleased to partner with generous community donors to create and offer a variety of scholarship opportunities for local students across the region.

Robert S. “Robbie” Detwiler Memorial Scholarship Endowment (Regional)

Available for graduating high school seniors and enrolled college students from Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, or Leelanau County that are pursuing a degree in architecture or the building trades.

In 2025, the Community Foundation of Madison & Jefferson County awarded over $233,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors of the county’s public and private high schools. Nearly 50 different students earned money toward their college costs. Scholarships are available for a variety of applicants. Some are specific to schools, majors, need, or interests.

CFMJC scholarships may be used for tuition and related expenses like fees and required equipment at accredited colleges and universities. Room and board are not covered.

Carolyn Bruce Spicer & Gene E. Spicer Nursing Scholarship (Adult Learner)

Criteria evaluated:

• Academic performance, work history, and financial need

Required materials:

• FAFSA SAI PDF upload

Scholarship amount:

• $1,100 | 1 scholarship

In 2025, the Community Foundation of Madison & Jefferson County awarded over $233,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors of the county’s public and private high schools. Nearly 50 different students earned money toward their college costs. Scholarships are available for a variety of applicants. Some are specific to schools, majors, need, or interests.

CFMJC scholarships may be used for tuition and related expenses like fees and required equipment at accredited colleges and universities. Room and board are not covered.

Broadway School Alumni Scholarship

Criteria evaluated:

Academic achievement, concern for school and community, essay, and financial need

Required materials: 

• 200 word essay on the role the Broadway High School (the first commissioned colored high school in the state of Indiana, located in the 600 block of North Broadway Street) played in the history of Madison; and 
• FAFSA SAI PDF upload

Scholarship amount:

• $1,100 | 1 scholarship

The JFNY Grant for Japanese Studies provides funding of up to $5,000 for U.S.-based institutions with 501(c)(3) status to enhance understanding of Japan through academic projects. Eligible projects include conferences, lectures, and symposia, whether in-person or virtual. The grant covers expenses such as honoraria, travel, accommodation, and research materials. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and submission is required at least three months prior to the project start date.

The Grant for U.S.-Japan Community Grassroots Exchange Program aims to foster cultural exchange between the U.S. and Japan by funding grassroots programming initiatives. Eligible projects must include at least ten events within a 12-month period, focusing on various Japan-related topics. The grant, offering up to $30,000, prioritizes innovative outreach and sustainability. Applications are welcome from U.S. universities and nonprofit organizations that promote cultural exchange, ensuring diverse audiences are engaged.

Excellence in Medicine Awards

The AMA Foundation’s Excellence in Medicine Awards honor physicians and medical advocates who exemplify the highest values of the profession—volunteerism, community engagement, leadership, and service to underserved populations. Each recipient is recognized at a ceremony during the AMA Annual Meeting in Chicago and receives a $2,500 grant honorarium directed to a nonprofit health organization of their choice. Since 2005, more than 100 honorees have been celebrated through this program, with over $250,000 awarded to strengthen community health and advance equitable care nationwide. 

Excellence in Medicine Awards- Pride in the Profession Award

Honors physicians who aid underserved populations in the U.S.

The Japan America Society / Japan Society Capacity Building Grant Program supports grassroots initiatives aimed at enhancing mutual understanding between the U.S. and Japan. With grant amounts up to $30,000 for 12 months, eligible organizations can apply for projects in fundraising, strategic planning, public relations, and more. The program prioritizes projects that foster collaboration and demonstrate sustainability, ensuring a lasting positive impact on communities.

The NABG is honored to provide scholarships to Undergraduate and Graduate students enrolled full-time in Geoscience programs at an accredited college or university.

Scholarship candidates must demonstrate academic excellence and commitment to the mission of NABG. The purpose of the scholarship is to prepare candidates to be the workforce of the future.

Funding for scholarships – totaling over $300,000 – has been achieved through fundraising activities and corporate donations. 

NABG Graduate Scholarships

• Five (5) $1000 awards will be presented.

Cumberland Community Foundation ("CCF") manages more than 60 scholarship endowment funds created by local individuals, families, civic organizations, and corporations who want to provide a path to higher education for future generations. 

Each year, Cumberland Community Foundation announces more than $1,000,000 in college scholarships to students from southeastern North Carolina.

Carter Ray Nimocks and Barbara Deville Nimocks Scholarship

Any high school in Cumberland County.

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.

Barbara J. “BJ” Wells Scholarship

The Barbara J. “BJ” Wells Scholarship benefits graduating Napa County high school seniors and community college transfer students who will find the cost of higher education a financial hardship and who grew up in a household where English was not their first language spoken. Recipients must be planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree, either by enrolling directly at a four-year college/university or by beginning their studies at a community college before transferring. Recipients of the scholarship will receive funding for up to four years while working to complete their bachelor’s degree.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:

• Encouraging philanthropy
• Developing a perpetual, flexible endowment
• Assessing and responding to emerging and changing needs
• Serving as a resource, catalyst, and coordinator for charitable activities
• Promoting efficiency in the management of charitable funds

The Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds.

• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. 
• Most scholarships are for students who live in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties. However, some are also available to students who live in Berkshire County and Hartford County in Connecticut.
• We offer scholarships to those who attend on either a full-time or part-time basis. 
• Any student who plans to enroll for the upcoming fall semester, in any year of college as an undergraduate or graduate student and who will attend an accredited post-secondary school in the United States may apply.
• Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

Dietz & Company Architects Scholarship Fund

Supporting residents of Franklin, Hampden, or Hampshire County who are studying architecture. Preference will be given to students in their third or fourth year of college study, or graduate students. Preference also will be given to past recipients of this award.

The Transfer Pathways to the Liberal Arts Grant Program, sponsored by the Teagle Foundation and Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, aims to enhance transfer opportunities between community colleges and private four-year liberal arts institutions. With grants up to $350,000, this initiative supports partnerships that promote timely degree completion for underrepresented students, fostering diversity and enriching academic environments. The program addresses transfer challenges, ensuring alignment in curricula and maximizing credit transferability to facilitate successful transitions to higher education.

Mission: To continually improve the Marion Area community through philanthropy, leadership and civic engagement. Eugene & Cecilia Reszczynski ScholarshipThe Reszczynski Scholarship, created in 2002, is one of the oldest at Marion Community Foundation. It makes awards each year to students who score in the top 50th percentile of the ACT or SAT and have attended a high school in Marion County for two or more years. This scholarship honors the late Eugene and Cecilia Reszczynski and their passion for helping others. 

The Orthopedic Research Grant, offered by the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, supports early-career investigators in physical therapy and rehabilitation science. The grant funds innovative, hypothesis-driven projects that enhance evidence-based practices and patient outcomes. Through this initiative, the Foundation aims to develop independent researchers and strengthen the scientific foundation of the physical therapy profession. Applications are open to licensed physical therapists or assistants who are APTA members, with deadlines on July 31 and August 18.

The Eugene and Nell Petrucci Fund #1, established in 1945 by The Pittsburgh Foundation, offers scholarships to graduating seniors from specific local schools. It aims to support students pursuing higher education at accredited institutions, with a focus on those demonstrating financial need. Managed by one of the oldest community foundations in the U.S., this fund reflects a commitment to enhance educational opportunities and improve the quality of life in the region.

The Freda Gray Charitable Fund, established by The Pittsburgh Foundation, offers scholarships for undergraduate students majoring in foreign languages. This initiative supports students from Allegheny County, PA, who have demonstrated academic excellence with a minimum GPA of 3.0. By providing financial assistance, the fund aims to empower future generations in their pursuit of education, fostering a diverse and skilled workforce in the field of languages. The Pittsburgh Foundation has been a leader in community support since 1945.

The Irene S. and Harry Louik College Scholarship Fund, established in 2001 by The Pittsburgh Foundation, supports students pursuing careers in the performing arts. Eligible applicants must be full-time juniors or seniors at a four-year college, have graduated from an Allegheny County high school, show financial need, and demonstrate a commitment to building audiences for the arts. Preference is given to those who appreciate broader cultural experiences beyond the performing arts.