Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in California

The Brian Morris College Gateway Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports full-time students pursuing a Bachelor's degree at accredited U.S. colleges. This renewable scholarship, available since 1964, is targeted at high school seniors from San Antonio, particularly those with financial need and a GPA of 3.33 or higher. The fund aims to empower students to achieve their educational goals, making a lasting impact on the community.

Community Foundation of the North State

The Community Foundation builds trust through relationship, integrity, and by providing safe places for donors to give their resources.

We are a nonprofit, public charity serving the people of Shasta, Siskiyou and Tehama counties, with a mission to impact the region through the power of giving.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of the North State manages many scholarship funds that are awarded to graduating high school seniors as well as students already in an undergraduate program. Some scholarships were started by families or individuals; others by businesses or organizations. All scholarships share one important focus: helping young people reach their educational goals.

Gustafson Fritz Scholarship for Women

An opportunity for female high school graduates in Shasta or Trinity County who demonstrate attributes of generosity, creativity, exemplary work ethic and kindness.

Patricia “Pat” L. Gustafson was an exceptional woman. She was known for her stewardship, generosity, creativity, exemplary work ethic and kindness. Continuing the legacy gifted to her by Pat, her “daughter”, Lynn E. Fritz, the Guftason Fritz Scholarship for Women honors her by awarding support to other women demonstrating like attributes in their journey of self-discovery, empowerment, education and community service.

The Community Foundation of Abilene, established in 1985, aims to enhance community philanthropy by empowering donors and providing scholarships. The 'Another Step Forward' scholarship assists single parents, like Kaye, who have faced challenges in pursuing education. This initiative supports individuals returning to school, ensuring they receive financial help to achieve their academic goals. By offering these opportunities, the Foundation fosters resilience and growth within the Abilene community.

The Lucius H. Tarbell and Dorothy J. Tarbell Scholarship Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, provides financial support for students attending Western New England University. Eligible students can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships, which may offset tuition, fees, and other educational costs. The program is open to undergraduate and graduate students from various backgrounds, particularly those from Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden, Berkshire Counties, and Hartford County in Connecticut.

The Skye Scholarship Fund, established by Valerie and Nick Brownrigg, supports Mendocino County high school graduates who have overcome adversity to pursue higher education. This scholarship aims to empower altruistic students with a GPA between 2.0 and 3.5, demonstrating financial need and a commitment to community involvement. Since 2016, it has been instrumental in helping local youth achieve their educational goals and make a positive impact in the world.

The Big Country County Medical Society Alliance Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Abilene, supports students from Taylor, Jones, Haskell, or Callahan County pursuing medical degrees. This scholarship encourages local students to enter the medical profession, ensuring a future of healthcare providers rooted in the community. Eligible candidates must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, must be enrolled or accepted into medical school, and must be residents of the specified counties for at least one year.

The Founders Concept Development Grants, offered by the Children's Theatre Foundation of America (CTFA), support US non-profit theatres in developing innovative concepts and strategies for engaging young audiences. This initiative emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to enhance the quality of theatre for youth. CTFA encourages artists to explore new ideas while ensuring that all children have access to impactful theatrical experiences. This grant embodies a commitment to fostering creativity and excellence in youth theatre.

The Gage County Agricultural Society Evie Crawford Scholarship, managed by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offers a $500 scholarship to a graduating senior pursuing higher education at a two- or four-year college. Applications are available at local offices or online. The scholarship emphasizes integrity, requiring that applicants complete their applications personally and without using handwritten methods. This initiative supports academic excellence and civic involvement among students, contributing to the Foundation's mission of enriching educational opportunities.

The Dr. Brady Cox Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Abilene, honors the legacy of Dr. E. Brady Cox, a dedicated dentist and community member. This scholarship supports incoming college students pursuing education, medical, or agricultural degrees at accredited institutions. With over 150 scholarship funds, the Foundation empowers local students to achieve their academic aspirations and make a lasting impact in their fields, fostering a culture of philanthropy in Abilene.

Stanislaus Community Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students in order to help them achieve their educational and career goals. We believe that by investing in our students, we are investing in a brighter future for Stanislaus. 

Jane Wynne Woolley Scholarship

Open to English Language Learners demonstrating financial need.

Award Amount:

• $1,000-$2,200   

The Community Foundation of NCW is a tax-exempt philanthropic organization that helps individuals, families, businesses, and agencies support charitable causes throughout Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan counties.

Jerry Van Winkle Memorial Scholarship

Jerry Van Winkle always considered himself a lifelong learner. One of his finest qualities was the ability to find a way to achieve his goals. He pursued his desire to become a counselor, beginning his Masters’ Degree studies at age 55. Jerry’s greatest joy was in helping students see the possibilities that education could provide. He would be honored to know that his wish – to assist students in pursuing their education – will be carried out through this scholarship fund. Each year this scholarship honors a student that demonstrates financial need, strong moral character, and personal growth throughout high school.

American Academy of Periodontology Foundation

Mission Statement

The American Academy of Periodontology Foundation serves to advance the specialty of periodontology and dental implant surgery through advocacy, research, and education.

The AAP Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity and the only organization of its kind designed exclusively to serve the community of periodontal caregivers and patients.

International Resident Award

The AAPF International Resident Award was created by founding gifts from Dr. Irina F. Dragan and her patients at The Perio Studio, Boston, MA. Dr. Dragan is a former AAPF Awardee and current Board Member who completed her dental degree in Romania and her periodontal residency in US.

The applicants must be nominated by their Program Director. Applicants that demonstrate leadership and/or community service are encouraged to apply.

Western Michigan University

Mission: We are an access-oriented institution that provides an impactful and inclusive education that integrates discovery and fosters holistic growth and well-being "so that all may learn."

Vision: We empower every person to grow, thrive and belong. We contribute to making the world a better place through creativity, research, innovation and compassion.

CEHD Scholarships

At the College of Education and Human Development, we are dedicated to supporting our students' academic and professional goals. On average, we award close to one million in scholarship dollars annually to help make education more affordable.

Whether you're a prospective student, a current undergraduate, or a graduate student, CEHD scholarships are here to help you succeed.

Scholarship America Essential Visionaries Fund

The Essential Visionaries Scholarship Fund offers renewable scholarships to undergraduate students pursuing degrees or certificates in education, counseling, psychology, or nursing through college or vocational school programs. This program is dedicated to empowering future professionals committed to making a meaningful impact, particularly within K-12 school systems and healthcare fields.

This program is administered by Scholarship America®, the nation’s largest designer and manager of scholarships and other education support programs for corporations, foundations, associations, and individuals.

International Association of Yoga Therapists

IAYT’s mission is to advance yoga therapy as a recognized health profession.

The International Association of Yoga Therapists has championed yoga as a healing art and science since 1989. Membership is open to all who are aligned with our mission—yoga practitioners, yoga teachers, yoga therapists, healthcare practitioners who use yoga in their practices, and yoga researchers.

More than 5,000 individual members from 50+ countries, together with more than 150 Member Schools, help IAYT to support research and education in yoga.

Nearly 70 IAYT-accredited yoga therapy training programs educate the next generation of IAYT-certified yoga therapists, or C-IAYTs, who come from a range of lineages and backgrounds.

John Kepner Seva Award 

The annual Seva Award recognizes yoga therapists who bring yoga to those who have not had full access to these practices. This award was named in honor of Executive Director Emeritus John Kepner and his tireless efforts to advance the field and give back to the yoga therapy community.

Intended to help support and significantly advance the work of C-IAYTs or yoga therapists in training, the John Kepner Seva Award offers seed funding and publicity for well-defined and well-planned service projects.

IAYT and co-sponsor, the Give Back Yoga Foundation, commit annual support to these awards. 

What projects will be considered?

We’re seeking to support active and ongoing projects that benefit a population that may not otherwise be able to access yoga therapy. We're looking for innovative work that fosters accessibility, inclusivity, diversity, and social justice in yoga therapy, including initiatives focused on overcoming systemic barriers to accessing or training in yoga therapy. Positive consideration is given to yoga therapists from historically underresourced, underserved, marginalized, minoritized, and underrepresented backgrounds. Your application should include specifics about how your project will be communicated to and integrated into the community.

One winner will receive:

• $1,008 (US) prize for project facilitation
• Registration for one person to attend IAYT's Symposium on Yoga Therapy and Research (SYTAR),
• Three nights at the conference hotel
• $400 toward travel to the conference
• Up to 20 yoga mats from Give Back Yoga Foundation to facilitate project classes (if applicable)
• Opportunity to tell the project's story in IAYT’s magazine Yoga Therapy Today
• Recognition at SYTAR 2026
• Social-media coverage from IAYT and Give Back Yoga Foundation
• Two-year beYogi membership (valued at $327)
• Lifetime Sequence Wiz membership (valued at $199/year)

Four runners-up will receive:

• $500 (US) prize for project facilitation (increased from previous years to support travel to SYTAR)
• Up to 20 yoga mats from Give Back Yoga Foundation to facilitate project classes (if applicable)
• Opportunity to tell the project's story in an upcoming IAYT publication
• Recognition at SYTAR 2026
• Social-media coverage from IAYT and Give Back Yoga Foundation

The Community Foundation of NCW is a tax-exempt philanthropic organization that helps individuals, families, businesses, and agencies support charitable causes throughout Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan counties.

Fern Cousineau Duncan Art Scholarship

Mrs. Duncan was an art teacher at Wenatchee High School from 1929 to 1959. She also taught at Wenatchee Valley College until she retired. This scholarship, established by Ms. Duncan’s will, supports graduating seniors from North Central Washington, with special emphasis on students who are pursuing a career in the field of art. As part of the application process, students must submit a portfolio of their work, which is reviewed by a panel of local artists.

The Victory Project - Emerging Sports Leaders Scholarship Fund

Five (5) Emerging Sports Leaders Scholarships will provide financial assistance to students whose lives have been impacted by the sport of soccer. This scholarship is available for high school seniors with post-secondary education plans at a university, college, trade, or vocational school. Participation in collegiate soccer is not required. Payment will be made directly to the school.

Award

• $5,000.00

The Ernest V. Cowell Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation Santa Cruz County, provides a one-time award of up to $2,000 for graduating seniors or graduates from public high schools in the Santa Cruz City Schools District. This scholarship aims to support students demonstrating financial need who plan to attend a University of California campus. It reflects the foundation's commitment to investing in local youth and fostering educational opportunities.

The Burton Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation Santa Cruz County, provides multiple awards of up to $5,000 annually. This scholarship is aimed at graduates and current seniors from any high school in Santa Cruz County who have maintained a minimum 3.0 GPA for two consecutive years, demonstrate financial need, and are U.S. citizens. It promotes educational advancement and supports local students in achieving their academic goals.

At Genentech, we invest in bold ideas and innovative solutions that address systemic inequities in science and medicine to advance a more just healthcare system. We focus on efforts that diversify the scientific and medical workforce, advance health equity, and help our communities thrive. We also further advance excellence in medicine and healthcare through our grants for independent medical education. IIncluding efforts to promote diversity in STEM across the education pathway, and efforts to support continuing medical education of healthcare providers. Select the option below that best fits your grant focus:

There are multiple ways to apply for funding. Before you submit an application, we encourage you to explore the following materials to learn more about our opportunities for funding, eligibility requirements and considerations, and the process for submitting a proposal within our Funding Request System (gFRS).

The Most Valuable Student Award, offered by the Elks National Foundation, provides scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $7,500 annually for U.S. high school seniors pursuing a four-year degree at accredited colleges or universities. This initiative aims to support students who demonstrate academic excellence and community involvement, ensuring they have access to education that fosters personal and professional growth. For more information, please visit the Elks Foundation website.

Community Foundation of Mendocino County

The Community Foundation of Mendocino County is a county-wide nonprofit organization that administers permanent charitable funds established through gifts and bequests from individuals, families, businesses, and other organizations.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Mendocino County Scholarship program provides scholarship opportunities for local students to help pursue their educational goals and achieve their higher education dreams.

The Community Foundation of Mendocino County provides scholarships for all seven regions of the county, as well as for specific academic and professional goals.

Jerry Juhl Fund for the Arts Scholarship Fund

Created by Susan Juhl in honor of her husband, Jerry, to support high school and college students to pursue a career in the performing arts. Sample careers include music, dance, theatre, film, and puppetry or design (sound, lighting, set, and costume).

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Fox Valley Marines Detachment 1233 Scholarship Endowment Fund

The Fox Valley Marines Detachment 1233 scholarship is available to two students annually who is an Active Duty, Active Reserve, or Veteran U.S. Marine, Navy Corpsman/Chaplain (attached to an FMF unit), or the spouse, child, or grandchild of the previously listed sponsors. Students must provide a legible copy of the DD Form 214 for proof of service.

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. The most common scholarship award amount is $1,000 for a single year. Scholarships are designated as non-renewable one-year awards or renewable multi-year awards depending upon the scholarship fund criteria, as established by the donor of the scholarship fund.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship is an esteemed, achievement-based scholarship aimed at high school seniors committed to leadership and community service. Annually, 150 scholars receive $20,000 to support their college education. Since its inception, the program has awarded over $87 million in educational funding to more than 7,000 students. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, planning to attend an accredited college, and demonstrate strong community leadership and service.

The BURGER KING Scholars: Employee-Based Track provides scholarships for employees and their families pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or enrichment programs at accredited institutions. With nearly $64 million awarded to over 55,000 students, this initiative aims to support academic success and empower individuals through education. Eligible applicants include employees, spouses, partners, and dependent children, with awards of up to $1,000 based on financial need and academic performance. This program reflects the Burger King Foundation's commitment to education and community support.

The BURGER KING Scholars: General Track offers scholarships for high school seniors and past recipients who plan to pursue undergraduate studies at accredited institutions. The program aims to empower students through education, providing $1,000 awards based on academic performance, community involvement, and financial need. Administered by Scholarship America, this initiative has awarded nearly $64 million to over 55,000 students across North America, embodying the Burger King Foundation's commitment to education and opportunity.

The BURGER KING Scholars: Nancy McLamore Scholarship offers $20,000 to deserving students, focusing on employees and their families. Administered by Scholarship America, it supports U.S. citizens graduating from high school or pursuing higher education. With over $64 million awarded to 55,000 students, the program emphasizes empowerment through education, reflecting the values of the Burger King Foundation. Eligible applicants must meet specific criteria, ensuring support for those committed to their educational journey.

The Henry Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Awards Program supports early-career faculty in the chemical sciences at undergraduate institutions. Through institutional nominations, it provides $75,000 unrestricted research grants to enhance scholarly research and teaching. Eligible nominees must hold full-time tenure-line positions and be within their fourth to twelfth independent academic years, demonstrating a strong commitment to undergraduate education. This funding opportunity fosters the development of promising educators and researchers in the chemical sciences.