Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in California

The AAS Northeast Asia Council (NEAC) Distinguished Speakers Bureau Grant invites applications from U.S. and Canadian colleges to host distinguished scholars for public lectures on Japan and Korea. This program, initiated in 2011, aims to foster engagement with early career scholars and enhance East Asian studies. Grants cover honoraria of $500 and additional funding for in-person events, promoting accessibility and academic collaboration. Institutions are encouraged to apply every three years, ensuring support for smaller programs in Asian studies.

The Barry F. Phelps Leukemia Fund, established by the family of Barry Phelps, is dedicated to supporting young leukemia survivors in the Eel River Valley and greater Humboldt County. This grant aims to empower individuals through necessary resources and assistance, promoting healing and resilience within the community. Applications must be submitted by qualified sponsors, ensuring that the support reaches those who need it most within this region. The fund reflects a commitment to health and well-being for local youth.

The Youth Incentive Award, established by the Coleopterists Society, encourages students in grades 7-12 to explore the fascinating world of beetles. Annually, up to $1200 is awarded, with two grants of $400 and $800 for junior and senior categories, respectively. Recipients also receive a subscription to The Coleopterists Bulletin. The program aims to promote beetle studies, develop essential life skills, and provide financial support for educational projects, fostering a passion for entomology among youth.

The ADDF-Harrington Scholar Program aims to transform academic discoveries into effective treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. With funding of up to $600,000 annually, this program prioritizes innovative drug targets and supports research from hit-to-lead optimization to IND-enabling studies. Eligible applicants include academic investigators with a strong potential to advance meaningful therapeutics. The program emphasizes collaboration with industry experts, making it a significant opportunity for advancing dementia research.

The Emerging Scholars in Family Planning Grant, offered by the Society of Family Planning, aims to support early-career researchers in developing a family planning research portfolio. This grant provides funding for publishable scholarly research projects, including thesis or dissertation work, fostering the next generation of scholars in abortion and contraception research. By promoting diversity and inclusion, the grant seeks to build a multidisciplinary community dedicated to advancing family planning science.

This initiative aims to support research interventions targeting disparities in liver diseases and liver cancer among underserved populations in the U.S. It encourages innovative approaches to reduce health inequities and improve health outcomes. The funding opportunity is available through various deadlines for both standard and renewal applications, promoting multi-level strategies to address these critical health issues effectively.

The Ross Merrill Award for Outstanding Commitment to the Preservation and Care of Collections recognizes North American institutions demonstrating exceptional dedication to conservation. This award highlights organizations that engage in significant outreach, involve conservation professionals, and show a commitment to community education regarding the importance of preserving cultural heritage. While no monetary prize accompanies the award, it serves as a prestigious acknowledgment of exemplary conservation efforts. Nominations are encouraged from both inside and outside organizations.

Romero Family Scholarship Fund

Fund was established to provide scholarship assistance to further the education of able and deserving young men and women in their post high school education in the fields of either technical, vocational, academic or professional education, with preference given to students from Henry and Franklin Counties and the City of Martinsville.

Amount

• $2,500+

The Technical Assistance and Training Grant Program by the USDA's Rural Utilities Service provides funding for essential technical assistance and training aimed at resolving water and waste management issues. This program supports applicants in preparing loan and grant applications, enhancing the operational efficiency of water systems, and ensuring compliance with best practices in facility management. However, grant funds cannot be used for duplicating existing services or for capital expenditures.

The NIMH Career Transition Award (K22) supports tenure-track intramural investigators at NIMH in their transition to independent research faculty positions. This program aims to foster innovative research in mental health, encouraging applicants with a strong record of research excellence. Key deadlines for applications vary, including those for standard and renewal submissions, emphasizing the importance of timely applications to secure funding and advance mental health research initiatives.

The Eastern Iowa Angus Association Oliver Hansen Memorial Scholarship, administered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, supports students from specified Iowa counties pursuing education in agriculture. Applicants must be involved with the Angus breed, maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA, and enroll full-time at accredited institutions. Scholarships provide up to $1,000 annually and are renewable for two years, aiding students in achieving their academic and career goals.

The Harry and Myrtle Nabstedt Scholarship, offered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, supports students from Scott County, Iowa, pursuing post-secondary education at accredited institutions. With a maximum award of $8,000 per year, this need-based scholarship is renewable for up to five years, contingent on maintaining eligibility. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and a minimum GPA of 2.00, showcasing merit through community involvement and other activities.

The Charles H. Adrean D.S.C. Post 625 Memorial Scholarship, established by American Legion Post 625, honors exceptional athletes graduating from schools within New York's American Legion District 5. This scholarship supports students in their pursuit of post-secondary education, including academic, professional, and trade programs. It remains accessible to recipients entering military service, allowing them to claim it upon returning. The foundation aims to empower youth through educational opportunities that contribute to personal growth and community service.

The Junior League of San Francisco (JLSF) offers Enabling Funds Grants to support nonprofit organizations in the Bay Area that address essential needs such as housing, food, and personal necessities. With grants up to $5,000, priority is given to those facing urgent financial challenges. Eligible organizations must align their programs with JLSF's mission and provide verification of their 501(c)(3) status. This initiative helps sustain vital community services and empower women’s leadership.

Stark Community Foundation

Since 1963, Stark Community Foundation has been helping individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits like you support the causes you care about.

In addition to personalized donor services, we manage a competitive grantmaking program and award grants to address local needs. Today, the Foundation stewards over 1,000 charitable funds totaling $485 million in assets and has granted more than $300 million to nonprofits in our community and beyond.

Scholarships

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties.

The Charles E. Feiock Advised Charitable Scholarship Fund

The Charles E. Feiock Advised Charitable Scholarship Fund assists students who have graduated from a public, private, or charter school located in Monroe County, Ohio. 

The MASOT Conney W. Berger Jr. Memorial Graduate Student Award, established in honor of a dedicated toxicologist, supports doctoral students in toxicology/pharmacology. Eligible candidates must present at the MASOT meeting and meet specific criteria, including GPA requirements and MASOT membership. This award, valued at $500, encourages academic excellence and is made possible through the generous support of SafeBridge Consultants, Inc.

The Innovative Programming Grant (CA) offers $4 million annually to non-profit organizations seeking to expand successful programs in California's correctional facilities. Grants are oriented towards promoting responsibility and restorative justice for incarcerated individuals. Each grant can be up to $250,000 annually, with a cumulative limit of $750,000 for applicants over three years. This initiative supports innovative, insight-based programming that prioritizes rehabilitation and community reintegration.

The Alliant Credit Union Foundation, established in 2008, is dedicated to bridging the digital divide for underserved communities. By providing reliable broadband, digital literacy resources, and technology equipment, the foundation aims to promote economic empowerment and self-sufficiency. They support 501c3 organizations that share similar missions and emphasize the importance of financial literacy. Their initiatives include collaboration with community leaders and organizations to deliver essential resources where they are needed most.

Accreditation Sustainability Learning Community RFA

The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO), through the Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG), is currently accepting applications for participation in a learning lab that will foster health department capacity to build a sustainable public health accreditation culture within their agencies. This opportunity is open to applicants from direct PHIG awardees at the state-, big city-, and county-level.

Building Capacity for Communicating Impact Learning Community RFA

Learn how to communicate about Public Health Infrastructure Grant impact through a new community of practice! Through peer learning, technical assistance, and practical tools, participating teams will build strategic leadership and communications skills to more effectively translate public health achievements into compelling messages for key audiences. All directly funded PHIG recipients (big-city, county, state/territory-level governmental public health professionals) are eligible to apply.

Bridging the Gap Scholarship 

This scholarship was established to honor the memory of Trey Powell and Bridget Horn, who were both Veterans that lost their battle with PTSD to suicide. The Stronger Together Foundation strives to bring awareness to the large number of Veterans who face crises and ultimately commit suicide, as well as provide support to the families left behind. 

Scholarship Total Amount: $2,000.00

• (Two) $1,000.00 Scholarships will be awarded

The Field Initiated Projects Program aims to foster new research and develop solutions that enhance the inclusion and independence of individuals with disabilities. This initiative focuses on generating scientific knowledge and understanding critical issues faced by these populations, particularly those with significant support needs. With a total of 16 grants available over a 36-month period, this program encourages innovative approaches that support employment, living arrangements, and caregiver involvement.

The Bedford Community Health Foundation offers a variety of scholarships for individuals pursuing certification, degrees, and advanced degrees in health-related fields. Students can be full-time nursing students, employed nurses seeking additional education, full-time allied health students, employed health providers wanting to specialize and high school students enrolled in the Governor’s Health Academy at Susie G. Gibson Science & Technology Center.

Allied Health and Graduate Studies Scholarship 

Allied Health/Graduate Scholarship is designed to assist those who seek to enter into or advance in a health-related field. This scholarship is for full-time students pursuing an undergraduate degree and for those pursuing a graduate degree in a health-related field. Examples of professionals and degree programs include dietitians, speechlanguage pathologists, physical therapists, respiratory therapists, audiologists, medical assistants, pharmacy technicians, diagnostic medical sonographers, dental hygienists, certified nurse’s assistant, nurse practitioner and licensed practical nurse to name a few.

The American Occupational Therapy Foundation's AOTF Intervention Research Grant Program supports innovative research in occupational therapy, providing up to $100,000 for projects that address health inequities and social justice. This initiative aims to generate preliminary data essential for larger studies, aligning with the profession's Vision 2025. By focusing on underrepresented populations, the program encourages inclusivity and ethical research practices, ensuring a diverse study population. This funding opportunity is crucial for advancing evidence-based practices in occupational therapy.

The St. Baldrick's Foundation offers Infrastructure Awards to support institutions in enhancing their capacity for childhood cancer clinical trials. These grants are aimed at smaller entities lacking necessary resources, enabling them to hire personnel and acquire vital tools to increase participation. Since 2005, the Foundation has invested over $356 million in childhood cancer research, focusing on collaboration and innovation to find cures. Institutions in the U.S. are eligible, promoting broader access to crucial clinical trials.

The Anderson Foundation for Autism Grant supports organizations aiming to enhance the quality of life for individuals with autism. Grants of up to $50,000 are available for qualified 501(c)(3) organizations, enabling them to implement impactful programs. The foundation not only funds its own initiatives but also extends support to other entities dedicated to similar goals. This initiative emphasizes a collaborative approach to improving autism care and support.

Face the Future Scholarship

At Bubble, we believe the next generation of builders, creators, and changemakers deserves support.

The Face the Future Scholarship provides financial awards to students who embody our core values of authenticity, creativity, innovation, and community impact as they pursue their academic goals.

In 2026, we're awarding 20 scholarships totaling $55,000 to students across the U.S., UK, and Canada.

One recipient will also earn a Spring 2027 internship at Bubble's New York City headquarters.