Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in California

The Packaging Innovation Program by the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR) seeks innovative research proposals to develop sustainable packaging alternatives for U.S. specialty crops. With increasing restrictions on single-use plastics, this initiative aims to enhance global market access for U.S. producers. Collaborating with Clemson University and the Foundation for Fresh Produce, the program supports three research tracks, focusing on applied R&D, technology acceleration, and pilot-scale manufacturing projects to advance eco-friendly packaging solutions.

About Community Foundation of South Alabama

Since its inception, the Community Foundation has grown to over 500 funds and awarded over $98 million in grants and scholarships throughout the eight counties of southwest Alabama, improving the lives of many residents in our corner of the world.

We amplify the gifts from generous donors through wise investment, support others in efforts to enhance our community, and lead and collaborate on initiatives which have a broad impact.

Scholarships

The more than 40 scholarship funds at the Foundation were created by generous donors who wanted to help the students in our community achieve a brighter future. We are committed to assisting the most promising students with scholarships for professional certificate programs, two and four-year undergraduate degrees and graduate school. The scholarship funds at the Foundation award grants to high school, community college and university students to be used for tuition, books, and fees.

Michael Malone Memorial Scholarship

For a resident of Baldwin County, AL. Graduate of any accredited high school including public schools, private schools, parochial schools and home schools. The student must be the son or daughter of a parent(s) who is an employed member of a Law Enforcement Agency that operates within Baldwin County or a student who plans to major in a Law Enforcement field, i.e., Forensic Science, Criminal Justice, etc. Students must have academic achievements necessary for entry into an accredited college or university. Students’ need, academic performance and community service will all be considered in the selection process.

Unless noted otherwise in the scholarship description and criteria statement, applicants can attend accredited schools of their choice within the United States.

CFNJ scholarships awards vary. On average, awards range from $500 to $2,500. However, the award could be larger based on the number of qualified applicants and the parameters set by donors who have established the funds. 

Jack and Dee Wickens Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship will be awarded to a college-bound, graduating senior from Seton Hall Prep (West Orange), St. Benedict’s Prep (Newark), or St. Vincent’s Academy (Newark) who has achieved a cumulative 2.5 GPA or better. Applicants must have been accepted into a two-year or four-year college/university of their choice within the United States.

The Gerald & Sybil Cohen Family Foundation Scholarship aims to ease the financial burden of college costs for students pursuing education in STEM fields. Open to U.S. citizens aged 18 and older with a minimum GPA of 3.5, the scholarship is available for public colleges and universities. Preference is given to dependents of former employees of Information Builders, Inc. Awards are not guaranteed and may vary in amount.

We administer a number of scholarships, which range from the traditional academic and athletic awards to corporate and special circumstances offerings. These scholarships are open to all residents of Marshall County, as long as other requirements are met.

Applying for a scholarship is free, so we invite you to spend some time finding opportunities for which you are a good fit. 

Walter A. Glaub/Marshall County Industrial Association Scholarship Fund

The purpose of the fund is to provide one or more annual scholarships to a graduating Marshall County high school senior(s) living in Marshall County, Indiana. 

These scholarships will be applied toward expenses at any accredited college, university, trade, or technical school during the coming year. 

The Walter A. Glaub/Marshall County Industrial Association Scholarship fund is not renewable annually to previous recipients. 

About the Esther Katz Rosen Fund

The Esther Katz Rosen Fund derives from a bequest to support “…activities related to the advancement and application of knowledge about gifted children.” 

About the Pre College Psychology Grant Program

The Esther Katz Rosen Pre College Psychology Grant Program provides financial support for efforts aimed at improving the quality of education in psychological science and its application in the secondary schools for high ability students. Proposals must focus on supplying education for gifted and talented high school students. 

Program Goals:

• improves the quality of high school education in psychology
• encourages high ability high school students to pursue careers in psychology

Amount:

• 1 grant of $13,000

The Herb Block Foundation's Defending Basic Freedoms Grant aims to uphold the essential freedoms outlined in the Bill of Rights. This initiative focuses on combating discrimination and prejudice while enhancing the lives of the underprivileged. It provides funding for charitable and educational programs that align with these values. Open to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations nationwide, the grant encourages accountability among government agencies and supports relevant contemporary societal issues.

The Mary Katherine "Katy" Williamson Scholarship Fund honors the memory of Katy Williamson, established by her family after her passing in 2005. This scholarship supports students pursuing degrees in healthcare, both human and animal, at accredited institutions in the U.S. Recipients may renew the award annually for up to four years, contingent on maintaining eligibility. The fund reflects Katy's love for animals and nature, aiming to empower future generations to contribute positively to society.

Stark Community FoundationStark 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. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.The Wayne D. Ackerman Scholarship FundThe Wayne D. Ackerman Scholarship Fund assists seniors from Stark County high schools who will graduate in May/June. Applicants must be accepted as full-time students at a four-year college or university, have a GPA of at least 3.0, and have demonstrated outstanding involvement in academics and extracurriculars.Renewable Scholarship: No

Alger Regional Community FoundationThe Alger Regional Community Foundation (ARCF) is a locally based 501(C)(3) nonprofit corporation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Alger County through grants and scholarships.ARCF is a unique institution. It is a permanent, yet flexible, collection of endowment funds contributed by people from all walks of life who want to make a difference in our community.Thelma N. Cotey ScholarshipApplicants must be planning to pursue further education in the areas of medicine, business, or forestry. 

Alger Regional Community FoundationThe Alger Regional Community Foundation (ARCF) is a locally based 501(C)(3) nonprofit corporation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Alger County through grants and scholarships.

ARCF is a unique institution. It is a permanent, yet flexible, collection of endowment funds contributed by people from all walks of life who want to make a difference in our community.Simonen ScholarshipThe Paul & Alice Simonen Scholarship is offered to any Alger County resident planning to pursue post-secondary education at a college, university, vocational, or technical institute.

Preference will be given to an individual with future potential as evidenced by an exceptional record of achievement in school, community, and/or employment. Examples of achievement may include, but are not limited to, areas such as academics, fine arts, athletics, technology, volunteerism, service clubs, work/military experience.

Alger Regional Community FoundationThe Alger Regional Community Foundation (ARCF) is a locally based 501(C)(3) nonprofit corporation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Alger County through grants and scholarships.

ARCF is a unique institution. It is a permanent, yet flexible, collection of endowment funds contributed by people from all walks of life who want to make a difference in our community.Native American Education AwardGiven to a Native American graduate, applicants must have participated in Native Cultural/Academic activities, projects, or programs while attending MHS, be a participant in community service activities, and must have a minimum 2.0 overall GPA.

The H. D. Segur and Friends Scholarship, established by the Connecticut Community Foundation, provides a one-time award for graduating high school students entering college. As one of the largest scholarship providers in the Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills region, this initiative aims to support students in achieving their educational dreams. With a rich history dating back to 1923, the Foundation is dedicated to addressing community issues and fostering equitable outcomes for local residents.

The Pharmacy Leadership Scholars program, offered by the ASHP Research and Education Foundation, is a competitive grant initiative aimed at early-stage pharmacist researchers focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in healthcare. With funding of up to five $10,000 grants, this program fosters collaboration and leadership development among grantees. It encourages innovative research addressing DEI gaps, aiming to empower pharmacists to enhance healthcare access and quality for diverse populations. This initiative is pivotal for shaping future leaders in pharmacy.

The James & Ursula Williams Teacher Grants Program : Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Grants

As a born native of Vallejo, James was generationally admired for his enduring work ethic and was lovingly embraced for his dedication and support to family, friends, and community. Ursula’s self-motivation, persistence, and quest for excellence brought her professional recognition. As a community activist, she shared her leadership organizational skills as a member of community and political organizations who made positive contributions to the community.

In life, they created and took advantage of all opportunities presented to them. Both recognized the important role that education made in creating healthy, happy, and productive lives for themselves, their children, and their grandchildren. The Williams Family hopes to continue their legacy through The James & Ursula Williams Family Fund.

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Grants:

Grants of up to $500 are available to fund books, materials, software, and manipulatives to enhance their classrooms. Examples: butterfly life cycle kits, dissection lab materials, robotics kits, microscopes, multiplication and division games, dice, addition boards, etc.

Cumberland Community Foundation ("CCF") manages more than 60 scholarship endowment funds created by local individuals, families, civic organizations, and corporations who want to provide a path to higher education for future generations. 

Each year, Cumberland Community Foundation announces more than $1,000,000 in college scholarships to students from southeastern North Carolina.

Brenda C. McFayden Scholarship

Graduating senior from any high school in Cumberland County.

The Grass Roots Gay Rights Foundation offers Tier B grants to 501(c)(3) organizations supporting the LGBTQ community in the Greater Bay Area. Annually, two $10,000 grants are selected through a voting process by event hosts, ensuring community involvement. Eligible organizations can apply during the specified application period after an initial screening. This initiative underscores the Foundation's commitment to empowering local nonprofits and enhancing support for LGBTQ initiatives.

The Juliette M. Atherton Scholarships support Protestant ministers pursuing advanced theological education in the U.S., particularly those who have completed a seminary degree. Applicants must be ordained ministers, residents of Hawai’i, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. Funding is available for up to four years, requiring annual reapplication. This scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities for ministers committed to their faith and community.

The Aman Armaan Ahmed Family SURF for Success Program offers summer undergraduate research fellowships for students from underrepresented groups in biomedical research. Awardees engage in 10 weeks of research related to digestive diseases under expert mentorship, receiving a stipend of $6,200. This initiative aims to inspire students to pursue careers in science and medicine, enhancing diversity in the field of gastroenterology and hepatology.

The Grant for U.S.-Japan Community Grassroots Exchange Program aims to foster cultural exchange between the U.S. and Japan by funding grassroots programming initiatives. Eligible projects must include at least ten events within a 12-month period, focusing on various Japan-related topics. The grant, offering up to $30,000, prioritizes innovative outreach and sustainability. Applications are welcome from U.S. universities and nonprofit organizations that promote cultural exchange, ensuring diverse audiences are engaged.

The McLaughlin-Wilson Scholarship Fund, established in 1994 by Edith Wilson, supports residents of Monterey, MA, in accessing post-secondary education. Created in memory of Marjorie McLaughlin, this fund reflects Wilson's commitment to aiding the educational pursuits of local youth. It emphasizes the importance of nurturing intelligent minds in the community, ensuring that high school graduates from Monterey can achieve their academic goals. This scholarship is a testament to the enduring friendship and shared values of its founders.

The Dr. Harvey Young Education & Development Foundation’s Young Guts Scholars Program supports undergraduate students from underrepresented groups in biomedical research. The program encourages students to pursue careers in science or medicine by offering a stipend, AGA membership, and travel funds for Digestive Disease Week®. Eligible applicants must have a mentor and commit to a minimum of 12 hours of research per week. This initiative aims to expand the pipeline of investigators in digestive disease research.

The Beistle Company Scholarship, managed by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, provides financial support for legal dependents of full-time Beistle Company employees. If no eligible dependents apply, it extends to Shippensburg High School graduates and other local students. Applicants must demonstrate academic promise, financial need, and be accepted into an accredited institution. This scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities for deserving students in the community.

The Bruce Mangione Fund, established by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, honors Bruce Mangione's legacy through scholarships for students in Harrisburg. This fund supports those attending local schools or dependents of Clearway Energy or Harrisburg Hilton employees. It emphasizes community involvement, work ethic, academic performance, and financial need, thus advancing educational opportunities and fostering local talent in South Central Pennsylvania.

The Central PA Architects Foundation Fund Architecture Scholarship, offered by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, supports students from select counties in Pennsylvania who are enrolled in architecture degree programs. This scholarship aims to foster educational opportunities for individuals demonstrating financial need and commitment to the field of architecture, ultimately contributing to the growth and development of local communities.

The Pediatric Physical Therapy Research Grant, funded by the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, supports innovative research to enhance physical therapy practices. By fostering early career researchers, the grant aims to build a strong evidence base in physical therapy. Over the past 46 years, this initiative has created a sustainable pipeline for research funding, benefiting patients and healthcare professionals alike, while advancing the profession's evidence-based practices.

The PLTW Gateway program, supported by Phillips 66, aims to enhance educational equity by providing academic training in STEM fields for middle school students. The initiative focuses on empowering girls and people of color, fostering exploration of STEM pathways. Eligible schools can receive grants to start or expand their PLTW Gateway programs, ensuring they offer at least two different units over two years. Funding support includes $20,000 to enhance educational resources and training.