Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in California

The Lendon Cole Byram Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Hamilton County Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Cathedral High School and other Central Indiana high schools. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0, demonstrate community involvement, and have participated in speech, debate, or Model U.N. for at least two years. This scholarship aims to empower students to achieve their full potential through education.

The CA-AFCS-SD/Margaret R. Hollenbeck Scholarship Fund, managed by The San Diego Foundation, provides financial support to California students pursuing degrees in Family and Consumer Sciences. Priority is given to applicants who have lived in San Diego County for at least one year. Eligible fields include Food Sciences, Dietetics, Nutrition, and related areas. Students must enroll in accredited U.S. institutions and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 to qualify for this scholarship.

The Lora Dawson Davisson Memorial Scholarship, established by the Muskingum County Community Foundation, honors a 1982 graduate of Sheridan High School. This scholarship supports Perry County residents enrolled in vocational or degreed nursing programs (LPN, RN) who have completed their first semester. It aims to enhance educational opportunities and nurture future healthcare professionals in the community.

The John Edelman Scholarship supports student veterans pursuing careers in mental health counseling, offering five scholarships of $10,000 each. This initiative, funded by Student Veterans of America, emphasizes the importance of mental health support for veterans. Eligible candidates must be enrolled as full-time students in the 2025-2026 academic year and maintain strong academic performance. The scholarship aims to reward exceptional achievement and encourage further study in disciplines that promote mental well-being.

The Get Out and Get Active Grant by the Anxiety & Depression Initiative supports innovative projects that promote the mental health benefits of physical activity. This funding aims to reduce anxiety and depression through community fitness programs and educational campaigns, emphasizing the intersection of physical activity and mental health. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and academic institutions in the U.S. seeking to enhance well-being and integrate active lifestyles for individuals living with mental illness.

Gabby's Dream Scholarship honors the memory of Gabriella Garven, who tragically passed away but chose to be an organ donor, saving five lives. This scholarship aims to support Muskingum County high school seniors pursuing higher education. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher and demonstrate involvement in extracurricular activities. By providing financial assistance, this scholarship helps students achieve their dreams, reflecting Gabby's spirit of kindness and generosity, and empowering them to make a positive impact in their communities.

The Seth Smith Memorial Endowment Scholarship, offered by the Elk Grove Regional Scholarship Foundation, supports students interested in performing arts, particularly theater. This scholarship honors Seth Thomas Smith, a compassionate individual lost too soon, and is aimed at those from local high schools, including Cosumnes Oaks. Applicants must be full-time students who have completed at least two AP courses and are required to engage in school and community activities, showcasing their commitment to making a difference.

The Walter O & Blanch Elliot Castello Scholarship, offered by the Elk Grove Regional Scholarship Foundation, supports students pursuing higher education at four-year universities, community colleges, or vocational schools. Emphasizing financial need, it welcomes both full-time and part-time students. Ideal candidates are those interested in careers within the Fine, Visual, or Performing Arts. This scholarship aims to facilitate educational opportunities and foster community engagement among students in the Elk Grove Unified School District.

The African-American Community Foundation - Colbert Family Scholarship, established in 2018, aims to support graduating seniors from Dayton Public Schools who plan to pursue a nursing degree. Administered by The Dayton Foundation, which has a rich history of community philanthropy, this scholarship focuses on enhancing educational opportunities for students in need. It promotes inclusivity and addresses regional challenges while fostering the next generation of healthcare professionals in Greater Dayton.

Mission

To improve the health and healthcare of all residents residing within Stanislaus and Merced counties (19 specific cities and Zip codes) by increasing access to various healthcare services and educating people about healthy lifestyle decisions. Our objective is to dramatically improve the quality of life within the greater LHE community by bringing together resources, expertise, vision and the belief we can – and will – make a difference.

Grant Information

Legacy Health Endowment grants shall be distributed solely and exclusively to support nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable healthcare facilities and clinics. The grants shall be used to fund direct healthcare services, wellness programs, health research, health education and public/private partnerships formed to improve the health of the residents in the LHE community.

Building a global community of creative problem solvers, effective collaborators, and empathetic individuals through theatre

Our Mission and Goals

The Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF) is the philanthropic arm of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA).

ETF advances the field of educational theatre by broadening representation and increasing access for all. ETF’s programs aim to support students, educators and the field at large by realizing three strategic goals:

• Subsidizing new, emerging, and underserved student theatre programs;
• Creating paths for theatre educators to develop new skills; and
• Commissioning research to showcase the value of a theatre education.

Educator & Program Grants

Giving school theatre programs a boost

The Thespian Growth & Excellence Fund is committed to supporting the ongoing development of theatre programs and the pursuit of excellence for educators, students, schools, and communities by offering a number of grants that assist in EdTA membership, teacher support, and programmatic resources for theatre in schools.

By the end of 2024, the Thespian Growth and Excellence Fund has awarded 349 grants to 276 schools, totaling $286,167 in assistance provided to school theatre programs, many at schools with Title 1 designations.

Equipment Upgrade (up to $5,000)

Can be awarded to help school theatre programs with large technical purchases that upgrade the resources available for theatrical use, such as lighting and sound equipment.

The EdTA Thespian Growth & Excellence Grants support theatre programs by providing financial assistance for troupe expenses, including travel to professional productions and participation in state conferences. Founded by the Educational Theatre Foundation, these grants aim to enhance educational theatre access and representation. By the end of 2024, 349 grants totaling over $286,000 will have been awarded, benefiting schools with Title 1 designations and empowering students and educators in their creative pursuits.

The Dr. Ralph Waldo Stearns Scholarship, provided by the Sky Lakes Medical Center Foundation, supports nursing students with a minimum 2.0 GPA and relevant high school coursework. Priority is given to graduates from Klamath Basin high schools. This initiative aims to promote nursing education and ensure a steady influx of qualified healthcare professionals dedicated to patient care and community health in the region.

The Richard H. and Ann M. Gerken Scholarship, established in 2013 by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, aims to support qualified students pursuing post-secondary education in nursing or medicine. Eligible applicants must be residents of Hilton Head Island, graduating from a local high school with a minimum GPA of 3.0. This scholarship reflects the foundation's commitment to enriching the lives of Lowcountry citizens through education and healthcare.

The Marc Chary Scholarship Program, established in 2025 by Mr. Marc Chary, aims to support African American high school seniors from Southern Beaufort and Jasper Counties in South Carolina. This scholarship is focused on those with financial need pursuing post-secondary education. With a commitment to enhancing educational opportunities, the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry continues to empower students to achieve their academic goals, fostering a thriving community through dedicated philanthropic efforts.

The UCP Research Grant Program aims to enhance clinical and translational research focused on cerebral palsy and related neurodevelopmental disabilities. Grants of up to $20K support innovative studies, with a preference for projects addressing early diagnosis and treatment. Applications from U.S. and Canadian researchers are encouraged, particularly from those affiliated with UCP. The program promotes collaboration and aims to transform care through sustainable treatment solutions.

Safe & Stable Housing Fund Grant: Seniors

The Safe & Stable Housing Fund is accepting proposals for programs ensuring the well-being of seniors living in North County San Diego. Requests can be between $10,000 and up to $40,000 for a 12-month grant cycle from date of grant award in May 2026. 

The Safe & Stable Housing Fund at San Diego Foundation seeks to fund organizations serving our community members at risk of becoming homeless, with the goal that they remain stable in a home of their own. This annual grant cycle is committed to the financial support of projects proposing to address urgent needs of seniors struggling to remain housed or age in place (through homelessness prevention and/or diversion efforts) and have a positive impact on the community by addressing unique housing and other related issues faced by seniors.

Focus Area

The Coastal Safe & Stable Housing Fund will accept proposals for programs ensuring the well-being of seniors living in North County San Diego. Requests can be between $10,000 and up to $40,000 for a 12-month grant cycle from date of grant award in May 2026. Programs should provide just-in-time “flex funding” to bridge a short-term gap in resources to avoid eviction or homelessness or provide funds to keep their clients out of crisis while focusing on long-term solutions (i.e., utilities, rent, medical bills, car repair, etc.). through homelessness prevention and/or diversion efforts.

The James Bocchi Memorial Scholarship, provided by the Sky Lakes Medical Center Foundation, supports college students beyond their first year pursuing nursing programs at Klamath Community College or OHSU/Oregon Institute of Technology. Eligible applicants must be graduates of Klamath Basin high schools and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. This scholarship underscores the Foundation's commitment to enhancing community health and education through financial assistance.

Grand Rapids Community Foundation

Connecting people, passion and resources

The Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that connects people, passion and resources. With our partners, the Community Foundation uses the tools of philanthropy to find solutions to pressing issues. We provide grants to support the work of nonprofits, scholarships to local students and other forms of support to communities working to eliminate barriers to opportunity, prosperity and belonging.

Our Mission is to build and manage our community’s permanent endowment and lead the community to strengthen the lives of its people.

We envision a magnetic and interconnected West Michigan community.

Integrity, Excellence, Inclusion, Sustainability and Bold Aspirations

Give and Receive Openly, Build Trust with Each Other, Create Brave and Safe Space, Embrace Vulnerability, Accountability

Our North Star

For West Michigan to grow and prosper, we must make sure that everyone can apply their talents and creativity to fuel our future. It is only by connecting across perspectives and overcoming inequities that we can build and sustain an inclusive economy and thriving community.

Opportunities for students

Apply for scholarships to support your ambitions

Each year Grand Rapids Community Foundation supports hundreds of students on their college or career training journeys. We are excited to remove barriers to academic success so that students like you can pursue what you're passionate about.

Scholarship Fund Details

Support for West Michigan Students

Attending college or trade school increases opportunity and opens doors to careers. Donor partners who establish a scholarship fund give students a boost on their path to higher education. Students who complete the general scholarship application are considered for these scholarships.

Open to students who are residents of Kent County. Preference to Challenge Scholar students through 2032.

The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes honors 25 exceptional young leaders aged 8 to 18 from diverse backgrounds across the U.S. and Canada. Each winner receives $10,000 for education or service projects, a personalized plaque, and media opportunities. Selection focuses on impactful service activities primarily initiated by the young hero, demonstrating qualities of courage, generosity, and moral purpose. This prize encourages youth to inspire others and create positive change in their communities.

The Educational Theatre Foundation (EdTA) offers the Thespian Growth & Excellence Grants to support production expenses for school theatre programs. Grants of up to $1,000 can cover essential costs such as licensing fees, rentals, sets, and costumes. With a commitment to enhancing educational theatre, EdTA prioritizes applications based on demonstrated need, particularly for Title 1 schools, helping to foster creativity and collaboration in diverse educational settings.

The Advancing Equity Through Oral Health Funds, initiated by CareQuest Institute, seeks to transform oral health systems by supporting projects that dismantle disparities faced by marginalized communities. The program encourages organizations to propose innovative solutions that enhance access to dental care, engage community voices, and promote policies that ensure equitable health outcomes for all. This initiative aims to create a more integrated and accessible healthcare system, particularly for historically underserved populations.

The Klamath Falls Elks Nurse’s and Health Careers Education Scholarship, offered by the Sky Lakes Medical Center Foundation, supports students in health-related fields, prioritizing those from Klamath Basin high schools and those accepted into the OHSU Nursing Program. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of at least 2.0. This initiative underscores the Foundation's commitment to nurturing local talent in healthcare, ensuring quality patient care through educational support.

The Joseph S. Onisko, Jr. Environmental Sciences Scholarship, established in 2020 by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, supports high school seniors from southern Beaufort County pursuing a degree in Environmental Sciences. This scholarship honors Joseph S. Onisko, Jr. and aims to assist students with outstanding achievements, a minimum GPA of 3.2, and a focus on marine sciences. The foundation has invested over $125 million to enhance the Lowcountry community.

The Goble, Eldon and Frances Agriculture/Business Scholarship offers a $500 award to graduating seniors from Gage County, managed by the Beatrice Educational Foundation. Established in 1987, the foundation provides financial support to enhance educational opportunities in the Beatrice School District. Candidates are evaluated based on academic goals, achievements, and community involvement. Applications are available in the Student Services Office and online at www.beatricepublicschools.org, promoting academic excellence and civic engagement.

The Youth Mental Health Providers Recruit, Retain, Rest and Recuperation (4R) Grant Program, established by Carrie Towbes in partnership with the Santa Barbara Foundation, aims to support mental health providers working with youth in Santa Barbara County. This initiative addresses the staffing shortages exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on innovative recruitment and retention of professionals. Grants of up to $10,000 for one year will aid organizations in enhancing youth social-emotional health and wellness.

Dale and Tillie Jessup Scholarship

The Dale and Tillie Jessup Scholarship is intended for graduating high school seniors who have attended a Greene County high school for all four years and have been a resident of Greene County or Clay County for those four years. Applicant must be planning to major, on a full-time basis, in agriculture or an agriculture-related field. Dale and Tillie Jessup established a unique scholarship fund for Greene County high school graduating seniors. The Jessup’s donated 100 acres of farm land to the Foundation. The land is leased for farming and the proceeds are used to provide scholarships to students in financial need. Students awarded the Jessup scholarship as a graduating high school senior may re-apply in subsequent years for additional awards.