Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in California

City of Santee

The City of Santee’s evolution from being a small, backcountry village in the late nineteenth century to becoming a diverse and multifaceted modern city is a fascinating and colorful story. From the community’s original founders, George and Jennie Cowles, Hosmer McKoon, and Milton Santee himself, to those who led the incorporation drive toward it becoming a city almost a century later, Santee’s history is filled with people who shared a vision of this community becoming something truly special.

Department of Planning & Building

The Planning & Building Department carries out a variety of functions related to the orderly development of the City. One of its primary tasks is to ensure that current developments comply with the City's General Plan, Municipal Code as well as the California Building Code. 

City of Santee Community Development Block Grant

CDBG is a federal program that provides communities with resources to address a wide range of unique community development needs. The funds are used to develop viable communities by promoting decent housing, a suitable living environment, and expanded economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate- income persons. Eligibility is determined by household income compared to the median household income in the region, adjusted for household size. The City of Santee submits an application for CDBG funds annually.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is dedicated to advancing emergency care through the Strategies to Innovate Emergency Care Clinical Trials Network (SIREN). This initiative seeks to establish clinical enrollment hubs that will enhance the network's ability to conduct trials aimed at improving outcomes for patients experiencing neurological and cardiovascular emergencies. Although applications are not currently being accepted, this notice encourages potential applicants to prepare collaborative and impactful proposals.

About Father John Foundation GrantIn 1997 Monsignor John P. Hourihan established this perpetual charitable foundation for the purpose of funding care for the homeless and people with disabilities, especially the deaf and hard of hearing. The purpose of the Foundation is to financially assist churches and other non-profit organizations, that do not take more than insubstantial government funding, in administering their programs. Our giving focus is broad and considers programs that are: religious, educational, rehabilitational, social, and/or vocational. A priority is given to the deaf and homeless. All funding is given regardless of nationality, race or religion. The Foundation will continue its dedication to raising and distributing grants to be used by charities devoted to providing care and services to the homeless and disabled.

The Garden Club of America and the Royal Horticultural Society offer prestigious Interchange Fellowships aimed at fostering British-American collaboration in horticulture and landscape architecture. These fellowships provide American and British scholars with transformative experiences in the UK and US, respectively, focusing on hands-on horticultural work and education. The program includes financial support for travel and living expenses, ensuring fellows gain significant exposure to diverse horticultural practices and build valuable professional connections.

The Tribal Management Grant program is designed to empower tribes and tribal organizations by enabling them to take over functions and services of the Indian Health Service. Under the Public Law 93-638, this initiative aims to enhance their health management capabilities, fostering self-determination and improved healthcare delivery. The Indian Health Service plans to provide between five and sixteen awards to support this vital development in tribal health management.

The Joe Booker Endowed Scholarship, administered by the Hamilton County Community Foundation, supports students in Indiana who advocate for limited government based on Judeo-Christian values. This scholarship aims to empower individuals to achieve their educational goals, promoting a community where everyone has equitable opportunities. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, and preference is given to residents from Arcadia or Cicero, IN. This initiative reflects a commitment to fostering civic responsibility and community engagement.

RoseLoe-Dix Endowed Scholarship Fund

Attending four-year university, two-year college or trade school in the upcoming semester, majoring in Business, Sciences, Computers, Christian Religion, Literature, Pre-med, Medical Field, or Engineering.

Awards

• (2) $12,000.00

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

Marguerite Holcomb Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the family of Marguerite Holcomb, who established the Marguerite Holcomb Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Marguerite Holcomb was described by the Muskegon Chronicle as the "grand first lady of Muskegon city politics." When she died, in 1988, her family and friends established a fund to honor the memory of Muskegon's first woman City Commissioner and first woman Mayor. We know that Marguerite Holcomb, who was always ahead of her time and always Muskegon's biggest booster, would be very pleased that her memorial fund will be used to support students pursuing a degree or certification in urban planning, political science, women's studies, social work, sociology or another social science, architecture, etc.

The RMMLA/Huntington Library Fellowship offers a $3,000 stipend for a one-month residency at the Huntington Library, renowned for its extensive collection in British and American history and literature. This fellowship is open to all RMMLA members, including graduate students and junior faculty. Selection criteria focus on the project's value, relevance to available materials, and the researcher's promise. This opportunity supports scholars in advancing their research in a prestigious environment.

The USDA SBIR/STTR programs aim to enhance scientific excellence and technological innovation through federal funding, fostering a robust national economy. By supporting small businesses in addressing federal research needs, these programs encourage the commercialization of federally funded research. Specifically, the STTR program promotes partnerships between small businesses and research institutions, such as universities and federal laboratories, to advance cooperative research and development efforts.

The Peter & Sue Okamoto Scholarship, offered by the Elk Grove Regional Scholarship Foundation, supports students in the Elk Grove Unified School District pursuing higher education. This scholarship caters to full-time students enrolled in four-year universities, community colleges, or vocational schools. Eligible candidates should demonstrate community involvement and effective communication skills, with a preference for those entering business, engineering, or trade-related careers. The foundation aims to enhance educational opportunities through various scholarships.

The James C. Stewart Charitable Foundation Grant supports various charitable causes primarily in Tucson, Arizona, and Southern California. Founded by James Stewart, who was dedicated to uplifting the community and promoting the arts, the foundation provides an average grant of $10,000, awarding around five grants annually. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt. The foundation emphasizes arts, education, environment, health, human services, and public benefit, continuing Stewart's legacy of generosity.

The Graduate Education Fund, established by the American Australian Association in 2002, offers scholarships for Australian citizens pursuing Graduate-level studies in the USA. This fund supports innovative research in fields like AI, Quantum Physics, and Engineering, providing up to $40,000 for tuition, living expenses, and travel. Applicants must be enrolled in accredited programs and have at least one year of study remaining. The application period runs from January 1 to March 31 annually.

The Deployed Warfighter Protection FY27 program aims to safeguard military personnel from disease-carrying arthropods, including ticks and mosquitoes. It seeks innovative research to develop new insecticides, improve existing formulations, and enhance personal protection technologies. The initiative also focuses on effective pesticide application equipment, addressing both current and emerging arthropod threats. This program is crucial for maintaining the health and safety of deployed military forces.

The Education Plus! Grant Program aims to enhance educational outcomes and employment opportunities for families by supporting community nonprofit organizations and K-12 public school teachers in Solano County. The program prioritizes projects that improve reading literacy and math skills for students, fostering a stronger community. Eligible applicants are encouraged to incorporate the 'Plus!' factor, demonstrating how their initiatives will positively impact students' learning experiences. Grant funding focuses on sustainable educational activities.

Cathy Geerlings Indomitable Spirit Scholarship

Graduating senior or graduating early college student with substantial work history or record of volunteering who attends public, private, or home school in the primary service area of the Community Foundation; or a current college student with substantial work history or record of volunteering whose permanent address lies within the primary service area of the Community Foundation; or a currently employed worker from the greater Holland/Zeeland area, employed 20 or more hours per week, in human resources, manufacturing, skilled trades, semi-skilled trades, or other production-related areas with a greater Holland/Zeeland area company including temporary staffing agencies.

The Mabel Esteves Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Society of Women Engineers' Sacramento Valley Section, supports female students pursuing engineering degrees at ABET accredited institutions. Named in honor of Mabel Esteves, a pioneering woman engineer, this scholarship aims to empower future generations of women in engineering. Eligible applicants are incoming freshmen who have completed at least one academic year and plan to study in engineering fields. Scholarships range from $500 to $1500.

The Undiagnosed Diseases Network (UDN) Diagnostic Research Innovation Center (DRIC), supported by NINDS, aims to enhance diagnostic capabilities for UDN participants. This initiative will foster collaboration among clinical networks and stakeholders to develop innovative diagnostic tools and strategies. The DRIC will also focus on the systematic evaluation of unresolved UDN cases, advancing genomic and non-genomic diagnostics, and discovering novel disease-associated genes. This forecast allows potential applicants to prepare and collaborate effectively for future projects.

The Samuel Krugliak Legal Scholarship Fund, established by the Stark Community Foundation, supports law students who demonstrate academic excellence and community commitment. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school and have ties to the Stark County Region. This scholarship aims to empower future legal professionals dedicated to serving their communities while fostering a diverse legal landscape.

The Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program, supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), focuses on enhancing the education of technicians in high-technology fields through partnerships between two-year institutions, industry, and economic development agencies. This program emphasizes faculty-led projects and credit-bearing courses, aiming to improve science and engineering technician education while also supporting professional development and career pathways for students and incumbent workers.

The Stark County Bar Association Scholarship Fund, established by the Stark Community Foundation, aims to support law students pursuing a Juris Doctorate at accredited law schools. Since its inception in 1963, the Foundation has been instrumental in transforming lives through philanthropic efforts. The scholarship prioritizes applicants from the Stark County area who demonstrate financial need and intend to practice law in their home community, fostering local legal talent and serving community needs.

The Sheriff W. Bruce Umpleby Law Enforcement Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Stark Community Foundation, supports Stark County residents who are high school graduates, aiming to pursue a career in law enforcement. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be enrolled in a post-secondary institution. This scholarship embodies the Foundation's commitment to empowering students and addressing community needs since its inception in 1963.

About

Six Decades of Human(e) Progress

At IHS, we build bridges across coalitions working to renew the liberal project—creating a 21st century that's freer, more tolerant, and more prosperous than any in human history.

This work takes on new urgency in a world of rising illiberalism and authoritarianism. Thanks to the generosity of over a thousand individual donors and foundations, IHS continues to find new ways to support the thinkers and leaders who are carrying liberal principles forward.

Impact

IHS works where ideas take root. We place smart bets on the people and research projects that are redrawing the boundaries of human potential in classrooms, in policy, and in public life.

Free Society Grants

For Faculty

Free Society Grants support faculty seeking to develop or expand undergraduate programming grounded in the liberal tradition. Grants are awarded based on project scope and need. The next application cycle opens March 13, 2026; the deadline is June 15, 2026. Funding decisions will be announced by August 7, 2026.

Support for Undergraduate Programming

These grants are designed for faculty who want to cultivate sustained intellectual engagement through mentorship, structured reading, and rigorous discussion—inside and beyond the classroom. The goal is not simply exposure to ideas, but intellectual formation.

All grants include access to ScholarsEdge digital tools, including registration support, to help ensure smooth execution and sustained engagement.

The Touchpoint Foundation Grant is dedicated to improving health, social, and independent-living services for older adults in Northern California. By empowering these individuals, the foundation aims to enrich their lives and promote their active participation in the community. Additionally, the foundation supports various social services that benefit Bay Area residents and beyond. Eligible applicants include qualified tax-exempt charitable organizations, with a limit of one grant every 18 months.

The Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) program aims to support adults with serious mental illness (SMI) by facilitating community-based treatment. Funded by the US HHS's Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the initiative encourages collaboration with civil courts and community partners. Recipients will implement AOT to ensure that eligible individuals receive necessary support, thereby enhancing their mental health outcomes and promoting recovery.

The D. W. Vanderhorst Charitable Trust Scholarship Fund, established by The Columbus Foundation, aims to support high school graduates from the 43204 Zip code pursuing higher education. This fund honors Wayne Vanderhorst's legacy, who dedicated his life to helping others succeed. Scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 are available for students in public service, engineering, business, and other fields. Preference will be given to students with strong attendance records and financial need.

The Duluth Builders Exchange Legacy Fund provides scholarships to support students in pursuing careers in the construction industry. Three scholarships are available: one for four-year degree students in fields like engineering and architecture, another for two-year students in trades like carpentry and plumbing, and a third for apprentices needing tools and safety equipment. Award amounts range from $1,000 to $3,000, promoting education and skill development in the local workforce.