Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in California

About Us

Bay Area Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization created by and for the people of the Bay Area. We offer a range of flexible giving tools to help our donors make a positive impact on the community and causes that align with their interests and passions. In addition to first-rate donor service, we manage our community’s permanent endowment and award grants to address the community’s most pressing needs and promising opportunities.

Since 1982, our community has used our resources to make charitable gifts more effective. We provide maximum flexibility in establishing, managing, and distributing your gifts. Through our donors’ generosity, we can help support arts and culture, community initiatives, education and youth, environment, health and wellness, human services, and recreation in our area.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Regional Scholarship

Inspired by the belief that love and peaceful protest can eliminate social, political, and economic injustice, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., became this nation’s most heralded civil right leader. He aroused blacks and whites alike to protest racial discrimination, war, and poverty. A champion of nonviolent resistance to oppression, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. Dr. King’s life ended at the age of 39 on April 4, 1968, when he was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee. However short his life was, he greatly advanced the cause of civil rights in this nation. His life serves as an encouragement to each of us to do all that we can to end injustice.

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Regional Scholarships are awarded each year to Bay County high school seniors (regardless of ethnicity) who actively embrace Dr. King’s dream of improving racial harmony and social justice. The scholarship award(s) will be at least $1,000 and are non-renewable. The scholarship award(s) will be presented at the annual Great Lakes Bay Regional Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration program held each January.

This scholarship is also available to Midland and Saginaw County students through their respective community foundations.

About Legacy Foundation

Legacy Foundation is the community foundation for Lake County, Indiana. We connect people, knowledge, and funding to build an equitable, accessible, and inclusive Lake County, now and for generations to come.

Legacy Foundation is supported by a broad base of individuals, families, and businesses connected by the desire to improve Lake County, Indiana. With a growing portfolio of over 300 funds and approximately $80 million in assets, Legacy Foundation is a trusted source for philanthropic giving in the region.

For over 30 years, Legacy Foundation has been empowering people, providing strategic leadership, and impactful philanthropic support to create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Mission Statement

Transforming Lake County by providing strategic leadership and impactful philanthropic support to ensure equitable opportunity for all communities that we serve.

Vision Statement

Create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Milton and Ruby McClendon Scholarship

Use the chart below to see which scholarships are the best fit for you! You must complete the Legacy Universal Application to apply.

Scholarship eligibility requires students to attend an accredited 2 or 4 year public or private institution of higher learning. All scholarships are for full-time students, unless otherwise noted. Renewable awards are for 4 years of undergraduate study and cannot be used for post graduate coursework; all awards are paid directly to the school or may be used for book reimbursement.

The Thomas J. Sweeney Scholarship, established by the East Bay Community Foundation, honors labor leader Tom Sweeney. It awards $2,000 to graduating high school students accepted into college or university, and $1,000 to post-secondary students in undergraduate or graduate programs. Eligibility requires students to be members or dependents of IBEW Local 595 and maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher. This scholarship supports educational expenses, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to fostering academic success in the community.

The Bob and Cheri Suttner Scholarship, administered by the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, supports residents from local school districts pursuing an electrical trade education. Established to promote careers in power line technology, this scholarship emphasizes the importance of skilled trades and aims to provide financial assistance for students attending technical colleges. It honors the legacy of Bob and Cheri Suttner, who dedicated their lives to the community and the electric utility profession.

The Gerry & Sherry Fortner Education Endowed Scholarship, established by former teachers Gerry and Sherry Fortner, supports Hamilton County students pursuing a degree in education. This scholarship reflects the Fortners' commitment to fostering educational opportunities for local youth, ensuring that every student has access to resources necessary for their academic success. Preference is given to students from Hamilton Heights, Noblesville, Sheridan, and Westfield High Schools, continuing the legacy of the Fortners' passion for education.

The Boulé Education Initiative Scholarship, offered by The San Diego Foundation, supports students in San Diego County who exhibit academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to community service. Eligible candidates include high school seniors and community college transfer students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and at least 80% attendance at enrichment programs. The scholarship aims to empower students who demonstrate both academic success and active engagement in their communities, addressing the critical need for educational support.

Our mission is to enhance quality of life, today and in the future, by:

• Enabling donors to fulfill their charitable desires
• Building a permanent endowment
• Facilitating prudent management and care of funds
• Meeting needs through grants, awards, and scholarships

CFCC: Solomon Valley Community Foundation: Fine Arts Future Development Scholarship

Graduating high school seniors in the Solomon Valley area, including Mitchell, Cloud, and Jewell Counties, that are pursuing a major in Instrumental Music or Art.

The NIH Stroke Clinical Trials Network (StrokeNet) aims to enhance stroke treatment and recovery through a robust national infrastructure. Funded by the National Institutes of Health, this initiative focuses on clinical trials that evaluate innovative therapies for stroke patients and those at risk. The program is currently not soliciting applications but encourages the development of collaborations to support the national coordinating center and data management efforts, ultimately improving outcomes for individuals affected by stroke.

The Conagra Brands Foundation offers Community Impact Grants to nonprofit organizations in the USA that address food insecurity and promote healthy lifestyles. Eligible organizations must align with core focus areas like food access, nutrition education, and cooking skills. Grants support initiatives that foster community engagement and provide entrepreneurial skills. Nonprofits must uphold a non-discrimination policy protecting various characteristics. Applications are accepted through a Letter of Intent from January 1 to February 15, 2025.

The Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission (JUSFC) is a federal agency established in 1975 to enhance U.S.-Japan relations through educational and cultural exchanges. JUSFC supports various initiatives in arts, education, and global challenges, focusing on fostering partnerships between U.S. and Japanese organizations. The Commission aims to facilitate dynamic people-to-people exchanges, ensuring a robust understanding between the nations and promoting collaborative projects that enrich both societies.

The McKnight Brain Research Foundation Innovator Awards aim to support innovative research in cognitive aging and memory loss, offering two 3-year grants of $750,000 each. Targeted at early-career investigators, the program encourages high-risk, high-gain proposals that explore clinical translational research and the biological mechanisms of cognitive aging. By fostering emerging scientific leaders, the initiative seeks to advance transformative discoveries in this critical area of aging research, enhancing understanding and treatment of age-related cognitive decline.

The Amy E. Johnson Memorial Scholarship, provided by The San Diego Foundation, aims to support residents of San Diego County pursuing careers in nutrition, dietetics, or clinical healthcare. Eligible candidates include high school seniors, community college students, and four-year university students who maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship seeks to cultivate future healthcare professionals dedicated to enhancing community health and wellness in the region.

The Judith Campbell Scholarship, offered by the Judith Campbell Educational and Community Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors in San Diego County who demonstrate a commitment to education and community service. With a minimum GPA of 2.75, applicants can apply for financial assistance to pursue their education at four-year colleges, community colleges, or trade schools. This scholarship honors the legacy of Judith Campbell and her father's dedication to service, aiming to empower students to achieve their academic goals.

The Bill and Barbara Berrier Scholarship Fund, managed by The San Diego Foundation, supports San Diego County students from the San Dieguito High School District pursuing careers in public service and education. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0, demonstrate community involvement, and plan to enroll in a four-year university. This scholarship aims to empower students dedicated to strengthening their communities through educational and care professions.

The Elizabeth Nash Foundation Scholarship supports individuals affected by cystic fibrosis (CF) in their pursuit of higher education. Since its inception in 2005, over 200 scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 have been awarded to undergraduates and graduates at accredited U.S. institutions. The selection process considers academic performance, character, leadership, community service, and financial need. To qualify, applicants must have a CF diagnosis and be U.S. citizens.

The Dale & Delores Willi Scholarship, offered by the St. Croix Valley Foundation, provides financial support to students from Hudson High School or homeschool programs who maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and plan to pursue music in college. This scholarship awards $2,000 per year for up to two years, focusing on applicants who demonstrate financial need and a strong passion for music, thereby aiding their academic and musical development.

The Dan Fouquette Scholarship, established by CommunityGiving, honors the legacy of Dan Fouquette, a founder of St. Cloud National Bank. This scholarship aims to support high school graduates pursuing careers in finance or business. Eligible applicants must apply online and have an account with the Scholarship Management System. The scholarship, valued at approximately $500, is available to students from select local high schools, fostering financial literacy and community engagement.

The CA-AFCS-SD/Henry R. Hague, J.D. Scholarship Fund, administered by The San Diego Foundation, supports California students pursuing degrees in Family and Consumer Sciences. Priority is given to applicants with at least one year of residency in San Diego County. Eligible majors include Food Sciences, Nutrition, and Family Development. Recipients can be high school seniors, college, or graduate students enrolled in accredited institutions. Full-time enrollment is required for undergraduates, while graduates can be part-time.

About Us

Leadership. Collaboration. Impact.

The Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley helps philanthropists support the causes closest to their heart while connecting local residents to the resources they need for a better quality of life.

Our Mission

To serve as a leader and advocate for strategic philanthropy, partnering with donors to anchor a permanent and growing endowment and making investments in the Mahoning Valley that improve the quality of life for all residents.

Scholarship Opportunities

Your Community, Your Support System

Our community members support hundreds of local students every year through various scholarships facilitated by the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley.

Awarded to assist students who have Type I insulin-dependent diabetes.

The M.C. Madhavan World Affairs Council Scholarship, funded by The San Diego Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors from San Diego County who plan to enroll full-time at a community college in the U.S. Eligible students must demonstrate a GPA of 3.0 or higher, show interest in foreign policy and international relations, and have financial need. Community service is also a key consideration, encouraging students to engage with global challenges.

The Peter Gerkman Jr. Memorial Scholarship is aimed at Greater Capital Region high school seniors who have participated in varsity-level football. This scholarship encourages students to pursue higher education at accredited institutions in the U.S., supporting their academic and vocational aspirations. The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region has been committed to enhancing community life since 1968, making this scholarship a meaningful opportunity for deserving athletes.

The CA-AFCS-SD/Ellen Ferguson Snyder Scholarship Fund, managed by The San Diego Foundation, aims to support California students pursuing studies in Family and Consumer Sciences. Priority is given to residents of San Diego County. Eligible majors include Culinary Arts, Nutrition, and Fashion Design, among others. Applicants must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher and be enrolled in accredited institutions. This scholarship fosters educational opportunities for aspiring students in essential fields.

The Summit Credit Union Grant emphasizes charitable giving through partnerships that support equity, financial wellbeing, and women's empowerment. Committed to reducing inequities, the credit union seeks nonprofit organizations that align with these pillars to foster community growth. Eligibility criteria include being a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving specific areas and submitting an online application. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious or political organizations, or any entities that discriminate based on various identities.

The Barta-Lehman Musical Scholarship, offered by The San Diego Foundation, supports talented musicians from San Diego County who are pursuing careers in music performance. Applicants must have lived in the area for at least a year and can include high school seniors, undergraduates, or graduate students. Preference is given to accomplished musicians specializing in string instruments, ensuring support for those who aspire to perform professionally. This scholarship nurtures the next generation of musical talent.

The Bill Waite Scholarship, offered by The San Diego Foundation, supports high school seniors and college students who have participated in San Diego County sailing teams. Eligible applicants must enroll full-time at accredited colleges in the U.S. Minimum GPA requirements are 3.0 for high school seniors and 2.5 for college students. This award recognizes academic excellence and commitment to sailing, fostering opportunities for young sailors to pursue higher education.

The Military Patient Relief Fund, launched by the National Breast Cancer Foundation in partnership with the Jordan Spieth Family Foundation, provides financial assistance up to $1,000 for eligible military members diagnosed with breast cancer. This fund addresses barriers to care such as transportation, childcare, housing, food insecurity, and medical costs. Our mission is to ensure that no one faces breast cancer alone, offering support and hope to those in need.

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 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.

Loren and Norma Hill Scholarship Fund

To support students of color as defined by the Foundation, with a preference for residents of Hampden County.

Additional Guidelines

• Students can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships from the Community Foundation.
• Scholarship awards could impact the financial aid offered by a college, and students are advised to check with their college financial aid offices about this.
• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. Some part and/or all the award could be considered taxable income. It is advisable students check with the college or tax accountant regarding this matter