Best Grants for Community Centers in California

The HVAC Skills Lab Grant aims to refurbish existing plumbing and HVAC skills labs in middle and high schools across the U.S. and Canada. With a focus on preparing students for vital trade careers, the grant provides $10,000 in equipment to enhance hands-on learning. This initiative supports schools with technical training resources, promoting the growth of skilled labor in these essential fields. Schools that have not received a Skills Lab award in the past 24 months are eligible to apply.

The NIA Academic Leadership Career Award (K07) provides funding for established investigators to strengthen research capacity in aging and Alzheimer's Disease. The program supports the development of educational infrastructure, mentorship, and career development activities. Key deadlines for applications include February 12, June 12, and October 12 from 2025 to 2027. This award is specifically for research not involving independent clinical trials, allowing applicants to gain experience in trials led by others.

The CA-AFCS-SD/San Diego Scholarship Fund, supported by The San Diego Foundation, provides financial assistance to California students pursuing degrees in Family and Consumer Sciences. This scholarship prioritizes applicants who have lived in San Diego County for at least one year and covers various majors such as Nutrition and Hospitality. Eligible candidates include high school seniors and college students, with awards adjusted based on enrollment status at accredited institutions.

The Fionna and Richard Perkins Scholarship Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Mendocino County, supports women on the Mendocino Coast who are returning to higher education after being in the workforce. This scholarship aims to empower local women pursuing their educational goals, particularly those involved in music. With no GPA requirement and a focus on arts and technical education, it encourages all eligible applicants to apply and further their academic dreams.

The Joseph S. Onisko, Jr. Environmental Sciences Scholarship, established in 2020 by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, supports high school seniors from southern Beaufort County pursuing a degree in Environmental Sciences. This scholarship honors Joseph S. Onisko, Jr. and aims to assist students with outstanding achievements, a minimum GPA of 3.2, and a focus on marine sciences. The foundation has invested over $125 million to enhance the Lowcountry community.

The Pearman Family Scholarship, offered by The San Diego Foundation, provides support to graduating high school seniors from San Diego County, particularly those in Southeastern San Diego and economically distressed areas. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.4, demonstrate financial need, and plan to enroll full-time in an accredited four-year university. This scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities and promote equity in higher education for deserving students.

The NIH grant focuses on elucidating the role of transporters in key perinatal barriers such as the placenta and blood-brain barrier. By establishing a multi-barrier transport network, the initiative aims to enhance understanding of maternal and infant health regarding nutrient and medication transport. This research will create essential resources and standards, fostering future studies on perinatal exposure and intervention strategies. Ultimately, it aims to advance knowledge in pediatric pharmacology and neurodevelopment.

The Luis Arreola Memorial Scholarship, provided by the San Diego Foundation, supports graduating seniors from the Sweetwater Union High School District pursuing post-secondary education in the U.S. Eligible students can enroll at accredited four-year universities, community colleges, or licensed career/technical schools. This scholarship honors resilience, dedication, and leadership, while prioritizing those with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and a commitment to community service.

The M.C. Madhavan World Affairs Council Scholarship, funded by The San Diego Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors from San Diego County who plan to enroll full-time at a community college in the U.S. Eligible students must demonstrate a GPA of 3.0 or higher, show interest in foreign policy and international relations, and have financial need. Community service is also a key consideration, encouraging students to engage with global challenges.

The NewSchools Learning Differences Grant Program aims to enhance educational opportunities for students who learn differently, particularly those affected by poverty and racism. The program invests in innovative solutions and models that support personalized education for these students, ensuring they have access to quality instruction and belonging within school communities. With a focus on equity, it seeks ideas that align with its core investment areas and addresses the needs of marginalized learners.

The Nicholas Loren Feather Scholarship, provided by The San Diego Foundation, aims to support local students pursuing certificate or associate degrees at San Diego City College. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA, demonstrate financial need, and have resided in San Diego County for at least a year. This scholarship encourages accessible education, focusing on career-oriented pathways that enhance opportunities for students within the community college system.

The Access for All Grant Program, funded by the San Diego Association of Governments, aims to enhance mobility for individuals with disabilities in the San Diego region. By supporting projects that expand on-demand Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) options, this program addresses the gaps in conventional transit and paratransit services, ensuring that all community members have access to essential transportation.

The Amy E. Johnson Memorial Scholarship, provided by The San Diego Foundation, aims to support residents of San Diego County pursuing careers in nutrition, dietetics, or clinical healthcare. Eligible candidates include high school seniors, community college students, and four-year university students who maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship seeks to cultivate future healthcare professionals dedicated to enhancing community health and wellness in the region.

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds. 

Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

Loren and Norma Hill Scholarship Fund

To support students of color as defined by the Foundation, with a preference for residents of Hampden County.

Additional Guidelines

• Students can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships from the Community Foundation.
• Scholarship awards could impact the financial aid offered by a college, and students are advised to check with their college financial aid offices about this.
• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. Some part and/or all the award could be considered taxable income. It is advisable students check with the college or tax accountant regarding this matter

The Austin Bice Memorial Scholarship, administered by the San Diego Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors in San Diego County who will enroll full-time at San Diego State University. Eligible candidates must have participated in a varsity sport for at least one year, maintained a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0, and be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. This scholarship recognizes the dedication of student-athletes committed to their academic and athletic pursuits.

The Pasternak Family Healthcare Scholarship Fund, established by Stephen and Liesbeth Pasternak, supports high school and college students pursuing careers in dental or physical therapy fields. This initiative, managed by the Community Foundation of Mendocino County, aims to assist local students in achieving their educational goals. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA and intend to work in Mendocino County after graduation, ensuring a commitment to the community.

Dale and Tillie Jessup Scholarship

The Dale and Tillie Jessup Scholarship is intended for graduating high school seniors who have attended a Greene County high school for all four years and have been a resident of Greene County or Clay County for those four years. Applicant must be planning to major, on a full-time basis, in agriculture or an agriculture-related field. Dale and Tillie Jessup established a unique scholarship fund for Greene County high school graduating seniors. The Jessup’s donated 100 acres of farm land to the Foundation. The land is leased for farming and the proceeds are used to provide scholarships to students in financial need. Students awarded the Jessup scholarship as a graduating high school senior may re-apply in subsequent years for additional awards.

The Barta-Lehman Musical Scholarship, offered by The San Diego Foundation, supports talented musicians from San Diego County who are pursuing careers in music performance. Applicants must have lived in the area for at least a year and can include high school seniors, undergraduates, or graduate students. Preference is given to accomplished musicians specializing in string instruments, ensuring support for those who aspire to perform professionally. This scholarship nurtures the next generation of musical talent.

The Bill Waite Scholarship, offered by The San Diego Foundation, supports high school seniors and college students who have participated in San Diego County sailing teams. Eligible applicants must enroll full-time at accredited colleges in the U.S. Minimum GPA requirements are 3.0 for high school seniors and 2.5 for college students. This award recognizes academic excellence and commitment to sailing, fostering opportunities for young sailors to pursue higher education.

The McCarthy and Whitcomb Inland Performing Arts Scholarship Fund, established by John Whitcomb and Dennis McCarthy, supports high school and college students pursuing studies in performing arts or design. Administered by the Community Foundation of Mendocino County, the scholarship is open to students from various local regions, emphasizing financial need and artistic talent. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and submit a letter of recommendation along with a performance sample.

The Bill and Barbara Berrier Scholarship Fund, managed by The San Diego Foundation, supports San Diego County students from the San Dieguito High School District pursuing careers in public service and education. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0, demonstrate community involvement, and plan to enroll in a four-year university. This scholarship aims to empower students dedicated to strengthening their communities through educational and care professions.

Marshfield Area Community Foundation Scholarships

The mission of the Marshfield Area Community Foundation is “Connecting people who care with causes that matter to enrich the quality of life in the Marshfield area”. Education is a valuable tool and a cause that matters to all of us. Through assisting students with financial support to receive an education, not only do students and the families of those students benefit, but also our community benefits, which further allows us to achieve our mission of enriching the quality of life in the Marshfield area.

Geographical Area

The official geographic service area of Marshfield Area Community Foundation, Inc., beginning to our west and traveling clockwise, includes the following communities in addition to Marshfield (It also includes towns and rural areas between these communities.): Chili, Granton, Neillsville, Loyal, Greenwood, Withee, Owen, Spencer, Unity, Colby, Curtiss, Pittsville, Abbotsford, Dorchester, Stetsonville, Medford, Stratford, Rozellville, Hewitt, Auburndale, Blenker, Milladore, Sherry, Arpin.

Adam D. Steiner Legacy Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is for a student within the Marshfield Area Community Foundation service area who will be majoring in agriculture, dairy science or industry, or veterinarian and attending school fulltime. Preference to students who grew up on a dairy farm.

About Us

Marshfield Area Community Foundation, Inc. is a public, 501-C-3 charity. There are 30 community foundations in Wisconsin and more than 750 in the nation. The purpose of all community foundations is to accumulate charitable dollars that impact a specific geographic region in areas such as education, the arts, economic development, recreation, environmental protection, health care, and social services. They may be relatively small, as we are (assets of $14 million), or very large, as is the Greater Milwaukee Foundation (assets over $400 million).

Most people are familiar with private foundations, established by individuals, families, or corporations. Typically, in order to establish a private foundation, one has to have considerable wealth. You could say Community Foundations are much more democratic. We are, in a sense, an umbrella foundation containing many small foundations. We call those small foundations “funds.”

Marshfield Area Community Foundation Scholarships

The mission of the Marshfield Area Community Foundation is “Connecting people who care with causes that matter to enrich the quality of life in the Marshfield area”. Education is a valuable tool and a cause that matters to all of us. Through assisting students with financial support to receive an education, not only do students and the families of those students benefit, but also our community benefits, which further allows us to achieve our mission of enriching the quality of life in the Marshfield area.

Kenneth and Ardyce Heiting Scholarship (2025)

The Level 1 Housing Opportunity Grants, provided by the National Association of Realtors, aim to enhance education on housing affordability for REALTORS® and the community. Grants of up to $3,000 support various initiatives, including forums, speakers, and stakeholder meetings. This initiative encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing to address pressing housing issues and promote affordability in communities. Eligible associations can receive one grant annually, with reimbursement requests due by December 19, 2025.

The Tim Scott Scholarship, offered by the St. Croix Valley Foundation, supports students from high schools in St. Croix County, WI, and nearby areas who are committed to volunteerism. This scholarship recognizes the importance of giving back to the community and encourages students to engage in meaningful service. With a mission of fostering local generosity, the Foundation connects donors with impactful initiatives that enhance the wellbeing of the St. Croix Valley region.

The TechAmerica Scholarship, offered by The San Diego Foundation, supports high-achieving public high school seniors in San Diego County pursuing non-medical STEM degrees. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.75 and standardized test scores of at least 1200 SAT or 29 ACT. This scholarship aims to empower students to enroll full-time in accredited four-year universities in Southern California, thereby fostering educational advancement in critical STEM fields.

The Dana Marie Underdonk Bryant Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Central Kentucky Community Foundation, aims to support female graduating seniors from Hardin County high schools. Eligible applicants must plan to pursue a college degree in marketing or business, or have participated in high school tennis, with a minimum GPA of 3.5. This scholarship not only provides financial assistance but also encourages leadership and community involvement among young women.