Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in California

The Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems Centers aim to enhance TBI rehabilitation through evidence-based research. These centers focus on generating knowledge to improve health, community participation, and employment outcomes for TBI individuals. Funded by the US HHS Administration for Community Living, the grants support site-specific and collaborative research, contributing to a longitudinal database. Each center can receive varying funding amounts, depending on eligible database participants, with a project timeline of 60 months comprising five 12-month budget periods.

The NIDDK Multi-Purpose Resource-Related Research Centers Cooperative Agreement (U2C) invites applications to enhance research capabilities in areas such as obesity and diabetes. These centers provide specialized services, including technical support and data coordination, primarily to clients at other institutions lacking necessary expertise. This initiative aims to bolster high-impact research through collaboration and experiential training, addressing critical health challenges aligned with NIDDK's mission.

The KUH U24 Center Coordinating Hub aims to foster collaboration among funded Centers within the NIDDK/KUHN mission. This initiative encourages the development and sharing of vital research resources, including data, reagents, and expertise, with the broader scientific community. By creating a national network, the program enhances research capabilities and promotes innovative solutions in kidney, urology, and hematology diseases.

Camden Property Trust Scholarship

Benefiting dependents of Camden employees.

About the Scholarship Award:

• Multiple scholarships awarded for the 2026-27 academic year. Award amount varies by college/degree type:
  • 4-year college and trade schools: $5,500
  • 2-year college: $3,000
• Reapply guidelines:
  • Students in a four-year degree program may reapply up to 3 years after initial award (maximum 4 years of funding)
  • Students in a two-year degree or certificate program may reapply up to one year after initial award (maximum 2 years of funding)

What can this scholarship be used for?

• The scholarship will be mailed directly to the student's college to be used towards tuition, required academic fees, and/or book expenses.
• Scholarship funding cannot be distributed directly to the student. Funding cannot be used for room and board, rent, meal plans, parking passes, or other similar living expenses.
• Scholarships cannot be used for a summer semester or for graduate degrees.

The KUH P30 Resource Core Center funding opportunity invites applications for centers aimed at enhancing research in Kidney, Urology, and Hematology diseases. These centers will provide essential resources, including data and tools, to the research community, fostering collaboration through a national network with the Center Coordinating Hub. This initiative by the National Institutes of Health aims to drive innovative research and shared expertise for improved health outcomes.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

Kent A. & Diana C. Morgan Family Scholarship

The Kent A. & Diana C. Morgan Family Scholarship Fund was established in 2019 as a legacy fund. It will provide scholarships for Marion County high school seniors and graduates pursuing a degree in the field of education, with special consideration given to applicants who demonstrate, through the applicant’s application, extraordinary financial need.

This funding opportunity aims to enhance the cancer surveillance workforce through education and support for certified Oncology Data Specialists. The initiative will improve the quality and completeness of cancer data collected by the National Program of Cancer Registries. By fostering collaboration and promoting the value of cancer surveillance data, this program seeks to empower public health actions, research, and policy-making, ensuring a robust response to current and future cancer-related challenges.

The BJA FY 2026 Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes Act Program aims to assist state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies in investigating and prosecuting civil rights offenses that resulted in death before December 31, 1979. This funding opportunity is part of the DOJ's broader commitment to enhance public safety, protect civil rights, and ensure justice for victims of violent crime. Applications are due on November 20, 2026.

The LUNGevity Career Development Award supports emerging research leaders focused on lung cancer. It funds innovative projects aimed at enhancing early detection and personalized treatments, including targeted therapies and immunotherapy. With a maximum award of $300,000 over three years, this opportunity is limited to US applicants. The funding is contingent upon annual progress reviews, with the first payment expected after November 1, 2025. This award aims to foster groundbreaking advancements in lung cancer research.

Across the United States, small and micro businesses (SMBs) play a critical role in driving economic opportunity, job creation, and community prosperity. Yet many entrepreneurs continue to face challenges accessing the training, resources, and support needed to grow and remain competitive in an evolving economy. To help address these needs, Visa Foundation is committing $2M to launch an open-call grant program that will support nonprofit Entrepreneurial Support Organizations (ESOs) that provide direct services to SMBs. Through this program, Visa Foundation aims to strengthen the capacity of high-impact organizations that help small businesses build greater resilience, expand economic opportunity, and contribute to thriving local economies. 

The American Parkinson Disease Association offers Post-Doctoral Fellowships to support research focused on Parkinson's disease. These fellowships, lasting two years, provide up to $75,000 per year to eligible post-doctoral trainees at U.S. institutions. Applicants must have completed their MD, PhD, or residency within two years prior to the award. Funding can cover direct research costs, but not travel or publication expenses over $1,000, ensuring resources are allocated effectively for impactful research.

The Changemakers in Family Planning Grant Program aims to address institutionalized racism in the field of family planning by providing essential support to scholars of color. Recognizing that diversity and equity are crucial for advancing research in abortion and contraception, this initiative seeks to foster an inclusive community that empowers underrepresented voices in science. The Society of Family Planning is dedicated to creating a just environment where all scholars can contribute to meaningful advancements in family planning research.

The LACE: Jacki Apple Award provides a $10,000 grant to one mid- or late-career artist based in Los Angeles County. This award supports innovative projects in performance, media, exhibition, or publication that engage the public outside traditional settings. Selected artists will be chosen through the Lightning Fund application process, with no additional application required. Eligible candidates must be 18 years or older and not currently enrolled in college.

The Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF) is dedicated to funding innovative research aimed at curing childhood cancer. With a focus on collaborative efforts, PCRF has contributed over $51 million since 1982, significantly improving survival rates for childhood cancers. The Translational Research Grant supports cutting-edge clinical trials and therapeutic approaches, enhancing the journey from laboratory discoveries to patient care. This initiative underscores the urgent need for effective treatments, offering hope for children diagnosed with cancer and their families.

The Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. There is one scholarship that is available to students in Cecil County. 

Talbot Democratic Women's Club Scholarship

Awarded to female minority students, graduating from Talbot County Public Schools.

Scholarships

Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.

Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.

Music Scholarship

At a very early age in Alabama, Lee Essie Smith was a self-taught musician. After losing her mother as a young teenager, she began putting her God-given musical talent to work as a pianist for several churches. By the time she graduated from high school, she had learned the cosmetology trade and met Charlie McMillan, Jr.

After his wife’s death, Mr. McMillan continued his community service with the Democratic Party, Habitat for Humanity and Mt. Olive Baptist Church as an usher. Although he did not serve very long in the military, Mr. McMillan continues to exemplify the values and physical energy of the “Army Strong” slogan. He is the patriarch of the family – always dapper – and a regular attendee at church services.

The Foundation for Physical Therapy Research offers the Promotion of Doctoral Studies Scholarships for doctoral candidates, providing up to $15,000 annually. This scholarship supports students who have completed their coursework and exams, aiming to foster impactful research careers in physical therapy. Applicants may receive a total of $30,000 during their candidacy phase, with a maximum of $45,000 throughout their doctoral program. This initiative prioritizes academic excellence and alignment with APTA research priorities.

The Risk and Protective Factors of Family Health initiative invites research proposals to explore family health and resilience, addressing health disparities in minority communities. Key submission deadlines are set for various dates from February 2025 to February 2027. This program is supported by the National Institutes of Health, highlighting the importance of family well-being as a critical area for advancing health equity. Proposals should focus on interventions that improve family health outcomes.

The VFW's Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship offers financial support of up to $5,000 to eligible veterans and service members pursuing their educational goals. This initiative, backed by the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization, aims to alleviate the burden of student debt for those who have served our country. By partnering with Student Veterans of America and Sport Clips, the VFW ensures that veterans receive the assistance they deserve to succeed in their academic endeavors.

The Retirement Research Foundation (RRF) offers Professional Education & Training Grants aimed at enhancing the skills of professionals serving older adults (60+). The foundation focuses on projects with significant national or regional impact, particularly those addressing the needs of historically marginalized groups, including people of color and LGBTQ individuals. RRF seeks to foster a well-trained workforce capable of meeting the increasing demands of an aging population, thereby improving the quality of life for older Americans.

"Slipperman” Music Scholarship in Memory of Timothy J. Gilles

The “Slipperman” Music Scholarship in Memory of Timothy J. Gilles recognizes the hard-working graduates of Herkimer and Oneida counties pursuing their secondary education in a music-related field.

Candidates are identified by Utica Dollars for Scholars.

Accelerating the Development of Combined CGM–Pump Devices

A combined continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and insulin pump device represents an innovative approach to simplifying diabetes management by integrating two essential technologies into a single device. This approach has the potential to improve quality of life for people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) by reducing the burden associated with wearing and managing multiple devices.

Despite this promise, the development of combined CGM–pump devices presents technical and commercialization challenges. These include the need for further advances in device compatibility and lifespan, system reliability, and scalable manufacturing, while maintaining affordability and broadaccessibility. In addition, a potential insulin dilution effect may require adjustment of the CGM algorithm.

Breakthrough T1D invites applications for research and development projects that address key technical, clinical, and translational challenges related to combined CGM–pump devices, with the goal of accelerating their development and improving outcomes for people living with T1D.

In response to this announcement, applications may request up to a total of $900,000 USD for up to three years. 

The Lightning Fund Artist Grant, presented by LACE, is an annual opportunity for artists residing in Los Angeles County. This year, 10 project grants of $6,000 each will be awarded to support innovative and socially relevant art initiatives. Applicants must be 18 years or older and not enrolled in college. The grant encourages diverse artistic practices, including traditional and contemporary forms, ensuring accessibility beyond conventional art spaces.

Del Rey Yacht Club (310) 823-4664 or visit the DRYC Junior Program website

California Yacht Club (310) 823-4567 or visit the CYC Junior Program website

Santa Monica Windjammers Yacht Club (31) 827-7692 or visit the SMWYC Junior program website

About

The Santa Monica Bay Sailing Foundation (SMBSF) began in 1990, as a 501(c)(3) corporation, committed to changing lives within the Santa Monica Bay area through the sport of sailing and other boating activities.

Over the past three decades, the SMBSF has partnered with several local charities and raised over $1,000,000 to help the general sailing public.

The Foundation is proud of its ability to develop and fund innovative programs promoting the sport of sailing for qualified participants of all ages and abilities, thereby making it one of California’s leading sailing community support groups. SMBSF funds summer scholarship programs as well as competitive sailing teams at DRYC, CYC, SMWYC, WYC and KHYC.

SMBSF Scholarship Grants

This foundation provides funds for young people who demonstrate need to participate in sailing classes and clinics throughout the year.

The Emerging Curator Program seeks to elevate curatorial talent in Los Angeles by offering emerging curators a chance to collaborate with LACE. This year's focus is on proposals for moving image works presented as a cohesive program, rather than traditional exhibitions. Selected curators will receive support for project development, a $6,000 budget, and promotional assistance to engage the intended audiences effectively.

The Glaucoma Foundation: Advancing the Treatment of Glaucoma

The Glaucoma Foundation (TGF) is dedicated to accelerating breakthrough glaucoma research and helping move promising discoveries toward patients. By supporting innovative, next-generation research and connecting leading scientists and clinicians, TGF drives progress toward better understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of glaucoma, with the ultimate goal of finding a cure.

Exfoliation Syndrome and Exfoliation Glaucoma, Pressure Independent Mechanisms of Glaucoma, Neuroprotection, and the Genetics of Glaucomas that affect people under the age of 40

The Glaucoma Foundation offers grants to researchers striving to improve the lives of glaucoma patients through novel innovations and scientific advances. The areas of current focus for TGF’s Grant Research program are Exfoliation Syndrome and Exfoliation Glaucoma, Pressure Independent Mechanisms of Glaucoma, Neuroprotection, and Genetics of Glaucomas that affect people under the age of 40 years. Examples of research that may be considered range from basic science to clinical interventions, such as genetics and genomic medicine, disease modeling, assessment of ocular perfusion, artificial intelligence, and clinical research. A priority will be given to novel proposals with a viable study hypothesis leading to impactful results that are fundable at the NIH level. Initial grant funding for one year is for up to $75,000; a grantee is permitted to apply for a grant renewal of up to $75,000. A renewal grant is a one-year grant based on research findings from the initial research.

About The Glaucoma Foundation

The Glaucoma Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of people with glaucoma. The Foundation works to encourage and support basic and applied research in glaucoma with a goal of preserving and restoring vision. We strive to be an important resource to help patients, their families, and at-risk individuals to manage their glaucoma through education and outreach.

About Research to Prevent Blindness

The mission of Research to Prevent Blindness (RPB) is to preserve and restore vision by supporting research to develop treatments, preventives and cures for all conditions that damage and destroy sight. Since it was founded 60 years ago, in 1960, RPB has channeled more than $383 million into eye research. As a result, RPB has been identified with nearly every major breakthrough in vision research in that time.

The Glaucoma Foundation (TGF) and Research to Prevent Blindness (RPB) partner annually to provide a grant aimed at supporting women and under-represented racial and ethnic minority researchers in the pursuit of glaucoma research.

The TGF (sponsored by Patricia Hill) / RPB Fellowships in Glaucoma provide one-year $10,000 fellowships focused on substantive glaucoma research, including investigation into the etiology, diagnosis and/or treatment of glaucoma, to current ophthalmology fellows with an MD, MD/PhD, PhD or other relevant degree.