Best Grants for BIPOC in California

The Choose Aerospace SkillPointe Scholarship offers $2,500 to support students pursuing aviation technician programs. Administered by the SkillPointe Foundation, this initiative aims to bridge the skills gap in the aviation maintenance field. With twenty scholarships available, eligible applicants must be planning to attend or currently enrolled in an aviation technical program. Priority consideration may be given to students attending ATEC member institutions, making this a vital opportunity for aspiring aviation professionals.

The Teacher Professional Development Grant (9-12) supports classroom teachers in grades 9-12 by enhancing their mathematics teaching skills. This initiative, backed by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aims to elevate educational standards and improve student learning outcomes. Eligible applicants include teachers with at least three years of experience in this grade range. The grant focuses on professional development activities completed within a year, fostering a community of proficient mathematics educators.

The Mildred Rowlett Scholarship, offered by the Central Kentucky Community Foundation, supports Hart County graduating seniors in their pursuit of higher education. To qualify, applicants must rank in the top 15% of their class and aim for a degree in mathematics or a related field. This scholarship exemplifies the foundation's commitment to enhancing community life through educational opportunities.

The Opening Gates for Prospective Teachers Grant, established by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aims to honor Dr. James Gates by funding electronic student memberships for prospective mathematics teachers from PreK-12. This initiative supports the council's mission to enhance mathematics education by providing resources for future educators. Eligible applicants include leaders of teacher preparation programs who are NCTM members and actively involved in certifying teacher candidates in mathematics or related fields.

Mellon Foundation

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation was established in 1969 to strengthen, promote, and defend the arts and humanities as essential to democratic societies. Throughout our history, Mellon has held true to our founding commitments, secure in our conviction that the arts and humanities are essential to the health of a multivocal and democratic society. From our earliest days, we have aspired to build partnerships with our grantees, offering expertise and counsel in addition to funding

In recent years, Mellon has expanded on these core principles by actively prioritizing social justice across all of our grantmaking. This strategic shift builds on our long history of advocating for and investing in expanded access to higher education, humanities, and the arts, and addressing historical inequities in these fields. Our vision for Mellon’s future includes a focus on justice for all in all that we do—rooted in the Foundation’s long-held historic belief in the impact and power of the arts and humanities. At Mellon, we make grants to actively support communities and ideas that unlock the power in the arts and humanities that helps connect us all.

Humanities in Place Grant Program

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation actively works with our grantee partners and we are deeply immersed in the fields in which we invest. Our grants are designed to activate the spirit of learning through the creation and sharing of bold new ideas and the inspiration felt in art, expression, spaces, and scholarship. 

From Alaska to Guam and the Borderlands to the Midwest, America is a constellation of unique heritages, traditions, and stories. In communities of all sizes, people are striving to expand the ways we can understand and authentically engage with the history that is all around us. Our Humanities in Place grants fund place keepers, artists, institutions, and storytellers who shine a spotlight on historically overlooked sites, and the communities and stories that surround them. In doing so, they help broaden our shared understanding and open new paths to discover what unites us, what makes us unique, and what we can learn from one another.

The NIDDK Inflammatory Bowel Disease Genetics Consortium (IBDGC) Data Coordinating Center aims to enhance understanding of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by coordinating extensive genetic research. By leveraging diverse patient cohorts and advanced data science techniques, the center seeks to identify genetic risk factors, develop predictive biomarkers, and improve IBD patient management. This initiative will facilitate collaboration among various research centers and ensure efficient data collection and sharing to foster advancements in precision medicine for IBD.

The Emerging Teacher-Leaders in Elementary School Mathematics Grants, provided by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aim to enhance the mathematics content knowledge of dedicated elementary school teachers. This initiative focuses on developing teacher-leaders who will deliver ongoing professional development to fellow educators, thereby strengthening instructional practices. Eligible applicants include experienced classroom teachers or full-time mathematics coaches committed to improving mathematics education. The program supports projects that align with enhancing the mathematics learning environment.

The Mathematics Grades 6–12 Pre-service Teacher Course Work Scholarship, offered by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aims to support college students preparing to teach secondary school mathematics. Eligible candidates include those completing their sophomore year with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, pursuing a full-time teaching credential. This scholarship fosters high-quality mathematics education, ensuring that future teachers have the necessary resources to succeed in their academic and professional journeys.

The Getty Postdoctoral Fellowship supports emerging scholars in art history, offering them the opportunity to engage in research projects linked to annual themes or the African American Art History Initiative. Fellows can reside at either the Getty Center or Getty Villa for nine months, receiving a stipend of $35,000. This prestigious program encourages diverse international applicants and fosters intellectual exchange through access to the Getty Research Institute's collections and participation in scholarly activities.

The Science of Science: Discovery, Communication and Impact (SoS:DCI) program aims to enhance the public value of scientific activities through interdisciplinary research. It encourages proposals that investigate the mechanisms of scientific discovery, improve understanding of communication and outcomes, and explore how science contributes to evidence-based policymaking and public value creation. SoS:DCI seeks to advance empirical research that informs these critical areas.

The Teacher Professional Development Grant (Pre-K-5) aims to enhance mathematics teaching skills for classroom teachers in grades Pre-K-5. Sponsored by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, this grant supports professional development initiatives that foster effective teaching practices. Eligible applicants include experienced classroom teachers and organizations that support mathematics education. Project activities should occur between June 1 and May 31, with a focus on improving student learning outcomes in mathematics.

The Grades 7-12 Preservice Teacher Coursework Scholarship, provided by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, offers financial support for students preparing to teach secondary school mathematics. Eligible candidates must be college sophomores or graduate students with a minimum GPA of 3.0. This scholarship aids in funding coursework and graduation within two to three years, ensuring a robust pipeline of qualified mathematics educators.

The Hale Kauai Scholarship in Memory of William Moragne, established in 2015, supports Kauai residents pursuing degrees in agriculture or engineering. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, and be full-time students at accredited colleges in Hawaii or the mainland USA. Preference is given to past recipients who continue to meet the criteria. This scholarship fosters educational advancement within the community, ensuring a brighter future for Kauai's youth.

The NIDA Avenir Program aims to cultivate innovative leaders in addiction science by funding exceptional early stage investigators (ESIs) embarking on pioneering research. Launched in 2015, this initiative encourages high-risk, high-reward mechanistic studies related to Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) across diverse scientific domains. Applications from new investigators and those outside addiction research are welcomed, fostering interdisciplinary approaches that enhance understanding of SUD mechanisms. The program supports ESIs who may lack preliminary data but demonstrate potential for impactful contributions.

The Early Career Research Grant, offered by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, supports innovative research in mathematics education by early career educators and doctoral candidates. This grant encourages projects that enhance teaching practices and contribute to scholarly publications. Proposals should focus on research design, data analysis, and the impact on mathematics learning. Preference is given to those bridging research and practical application, fostering collaboration with preservice teachers.

About Us

Who We Are

The Wayne County Community Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) community organization that works to strengthen the community we all share by helping donors make a lasting difference with their philanthropic endeavors – connecting their dreams and passions with causes that matter.

Established in 1978 with a single gift of $1,000, WCCF has become the steward of over 620 separate funds created from bequests and gifts, each with their own philanthropic purpose to support the future of our community now – and for many years to come.

The mission of Wayne County Community Foundation is to provide philanthropic leadership to our community.

Mark W. Carrabine Memorial Math Award

Eligibility:

• This scholarship is available to a student who graduated from high school located in Wayne County, Ohio (including home school), who excel in the field of mathematics.
• Applicant musts be enrolled or enrolling in a two-or four-year higher educational institution.

The selection committee will accept and review no more than one application from each high school located in Wayne County. Student shall submit their application to their respective guidance counselor, who, in consultation with the school’s math department, shall select one application to be forwarded to the selection committee for final consideration.

One Year

$3,000

Varies

The Improving Students' Understanding of Geometry Grant, provided by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aims to enhance students' comprehension and application of geometry through innovative activities. Eligible applicants include educators teaching at the Pre-K-8 level, with proposals integrating technology and linking geometry to various fields such as art and science. The grant seeks to foster a deeper appreciation of geometry, ensuring that students achieve a greater understanding of its relevance in everyday contexts.

The Robert & Toni Bader Charitable Foundation, established in 2010, supports projects that align with Jewish ideals in education, science, and the arts. Based in Indianapolis, this foundation has funded initiatives across the United States, addressing various social issues. They do not impose minimum or maximum grant amounts, focusing instead on the project's merit and alignment with their mission. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, while general operating funds are not provided.

The Teacher Professional Development Grants (6-8), offered by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aim to enhance the teaching skills of classroom teachers in grades 6-8. This grant supports professional development initiatives that focus on improving mathematics instruction. Eligible applicants must have at least three years of teaching experience and spend a majority of their time teaching in the classroom. The program encourages high-quality mathematics education for all students.

The State Justice Institute offers Technical Assistance Grants to state and local courts for expert assistance in addressing operational challenges. Grants can provide up to $75,000 over 12 months, requiring a 50% match from applicants, with 20% in cash. Eligible entities include courts and regional associations, while ineligible expenses cover salaries and travel for court employees. The selection process emphasizes critical needs, sound approaches, consultant qualifications, and budget reasonableness, aiming to enhance court operations and compliance with federal requirements.

In just one application, our Common Scholarship Application provides students access to more than 150 scholarship opportunities with awards ranging from $1,000 to more than $5,000.

In 2025, San Diego Foundation awarded a record-breaking $5.5 million in scholarships to nearly 1,400 students.

Rotary Club of San Diego Diana Venable Scholarship

Diana Venable was a successful San Diego entrepreneur who spent much of her adult life devoted to helping financially disadvantaged children and young adults achieve a sense of respect, responsibility, and academic achievement in order to overcome the repeated cycle of poverty. As a member of the Rotary Club of San Diego, Ms. Venable exemplified the Rotary Motto of “Service Above Self” by contributing her time, financial resources, leadership, and enthusiasm to the cause of helping others experience the fulfillment of a more rewarding life through personal and educational achievement. This Scholarship Fund is dedicated to carrying on a small portion of the legacy of Ms. Venable, who, unfortunately, died at an early age.

The purpose of the Diana Venable Scholarship Fund is to enable low to moderate-income students who have a record of academic achievement and personal growth, along with leadership potential for both professional careers and civic contributions, to attend a college program. The primary focus will be on students who have ties to Rotary School Programs at Hoover, San Diego High and Monarch or students who have past Rotary ties through the Club’s other school programs or Club members at large. Recipients will be chosen during the second semester of their junior year and must meet rigorous standards in their senior year including: academic performance, personal growth through extracurricular, community service, and other activities, financial need, a high degree of motivation, and excellent communication skills. Recipients are also expected to actively pursue other sources of financial aid. The Diana Venable Scholarship committee will select one recipient to receive $20,000 over 4-5 years.

This scholarship may be used for tuition, books, fees, room & board, and other educational expenses.

This scholarship may be renewable (depending upon available funds) for up to five consecutive years of undergraduate coursework provided the recipient maintains full-time enrollment, a minimum 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, and good citizenship record.

• Average number of awards: 1-2
• Average amount of award: not to exceed $5000 annually

This funding opportunity announcement (FOA) invites applications for Animal and Biological Material Resource Centers (P40), aimed at enhancing biomedical research through providing essential resources such as laboratory animal colonies and informatics tools. The initiative supports both the continuation of existing resources and the development of new ones, emphasizing alignment with NIH Institutes and Centers. Applicants are encouraged to consult with NIH staff to ensure their proposals meet program priorities and competitiveness in the grant process.

The Bergel Institute

The Bergel Institute is dedicated to the advancement of human knowledge and the human condition.

The Institute focuses on six major areas:

• Economics
• Science
• Technology
• Consciousness
• Health
• Culture

The common theme in all of the Institute’s work is the pursuit of what is possible. It brings a commitment to critical thinking and the questioning of accepted norms and approaches to issues that lie at the foundation of what we think and how we live. In every discipline, assumptions are tested against evidence.

In addition to its research and programmatic endeavors, the Institute offers fellowships. Fellowships come with high expectations and are supported with structure and active mentorship.

Bergel Institute Fellowships

The Bergel Institute offers Fellowships to individuals of all ages who wish to spend a year in intensive study and project development in a subject area that aligns with the advancement of human knowledge and the human condition. Each year, the Institute will list specific fellowship topics within these areas. Applicants may pick one or propose a different topic, as long as it aligns with the Institute’s goals.

Fellowships run from June to May and are primarily virtual, with two paid Institute visits (to the home office in Florida) as the only in-person expectations during the Fellowship year. Fellows are expected to work approximately 20 hours per week and to bring a strong intrinsic motivation for the project. They will spend the year conducting intensive research and/or project development, supported by Institute staff, with monthly meetings and quarterly progress reports to help maintain momentum.

The Fellowship is also intended to function as an incubator, providing time, guidance, and structure for work that continues beyond the Fellowship year.

As noted above, Fellows travel to the Institute twice during the Fellowship year to present to leadership: once in August, at the end of Q1, and again in May, at the end of the Fellowship year. The May presentation focuses on what was accomplished during the year and the Fellow’s plans for next steps. Final work may take many forms, including detailed manuscripts, the launch of a business or organization; or a video series, documentary films, etc. Travel and lodging for both presentations are covered by the Institute.

Upon completion of the Fellowship year, all Fellows are required to serve as mentors for future Fellows, ensuring that accumulated knowledge and experiences are passed to their successors.

FE3: The Creation of the Mentoring Industry in the United States

In communities where mentors are needed the most, young children look up to the individuals who have preceded them. These individuals understand the local realities firsthand and can offer the type of consistent encouragement that changes life trajectories. This is at the heart of the Fellowship.

Individuals born and raised in communities characterized by high levels of poverty often face challenges that have made it difficult for them to find satisfying employment that leads to generational wealth.

For younger children, the cycles of poverty start at birth, and by age seven they are often part of a cycle of academic underperformance and youth violence. Soon thereafter the lack of career-building pathways are devastating, and yet this continues generation after generation in urban, rural, and suburban neighborhoods across the U.S.

This Fellowship focuses on building the mentorship industry into a credentialed profession, an essential part of the educational system. The goal is to produce a blueprint and complete the early implementation steps needed to create full-time jobs and career pathways, while improving outcomes for children.

The Fellowship includes designing the training, certification, and licensing framework, with The Bergel Institute serving as the standards-setting and certification body. The Institute will work with the Fellow to define competencies, set requirements, approve training partners, and issue credentials to mentors and mentoring organizations beyond the initial pilot site, which will launch during the Fellowship year.

The Maier Foundation Scholarship, established in 1953, aims to support students pursuing degrees in science, engineering, or medicine. Offering scholarships up to $5,000, it is open to applicants with a minimum GPA of 3.00 who reside in Collin or Denton County. Preference is given to first-generation college students. This initiative is part of the Communities Foundation of Texas's commitment to building thriving communities through education and opportunity.

The Peggy and Robert Matthews Foundation Grant aims to support arts, sciences, and health services in San Diego. This grant is available to established, non-religious, and non-political charitable organizations operating in the region for over a year. Interested applicants must initiate a conversation with the Foundation to determine eligibility, as unsolicited Letters of Intent are not accepted. This initiative seeks to enhance community welfare through strategic funding.

In just one application, our Common Scholarship Application provides students access to more than 150 scholarship opportunities with awards ranging from $1,000 to more than $5,000.

In 2025, San Diego Foundation awarded a record-breaking $5.5 million in scholarships to nearly 1,400 students.

Wen Bo Wang Scholarship

Be graduating high school seniors and plan to enroll full-time at an accredited four-year university in the United States in fall.

The Judge William Wayne Justice Endowed Presidential Scholarship in Law recognizes a third-year law student demonstrating academic excellence and a commitment to civil rights and civil liberties. Established in honor of Judge William Wayne Justice, this scholarship is supported by a generous gift from Elizabeth Parrish. It aims to promote public interest lawyering, providing critical financial support to enhance access to justice and empower future legal leaders.