Best Grants for Global Health in California

The Schwarzman Scholars program offers a fully-funded, one-year master's degree at Tsinghua University in Beijing, fostering global leadership through academic excellence and cultural exchange. It seeks diverse candidates with strong leadership skills, integrity, and intellectual ability. Scholars receive comprehensive support, including tuition, accommodation, and travel expenses. This initiative aims to cultivate future leaders who can bridge cultural divides and understand the complexities of global affairs, enriching their fields and communities.

The Roothbert Fund Scholarship, established by Albert and Toni Roothbert, provides financial assistance to individuals pursuing education in the U.S., emphasizing candidates motivated by spiritual values. Since its inception in 1958, the fund has supported over 1,350 fellows, fostering a community with annual retreats and online connections. Open to all regardless of background, the scholarship prioritizes graduate students and those with a year of college completed, ensuring a lasting impact on the lives of young idealists.

The Donald W. Reynolds Community Non-Profit Center offers a unique opportunity for non-profit organizations seeking operational support. Managed by the Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation, this grant program provides essential resources like furnished office space and meeting rooms. Open for applications year-round, it allows organizations to focus on delivering impactful community programs while ensuring sustainable outcomes. With an emphasis on integrity, inclusivity, and innovation, the DWR Center is committed to fostering a collaborative environment for local charities.

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts offers a Scholarship Program aimed at assisting students in Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties with their college education expenses. Annually, they provide over 1,000 scholarships, totaling approximately $1.4 million. Eligible applicants include undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in accredited institutions across the U.S. Scholarships can help cover tuition, fees, and living costs, with awards up to $3,000 available for one academic year.

The Pasadena Community Foundation's Capital Grant Program supports significant capital projects and essential equipment purchases for local organizations. Grants of up to $50,000 are available for transformative projects that serve the Pasadena Unified School District area. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a history of effective service, be tax-exempt, and adhere to specific funding criteria. Preference is given to projects that have a lasting impact, with funding not available for routine operational costs or retroactive expenses.

The Small Capacity Building Grant Program by the Santa Barbara Foundation aims to enhance the effectiveness of local nonprofits by providing grants of up to $6,000. These funds can strengthen organizational capacity through strategic planning, training, and small capital expenditures. The Foundation encourages applications from tax-exempt organizations and emphasizes the importance of clearly stating project needs and readiness. With a competitive selection process, this program supports initiatives that align with the mission of enhancing community outcomes.

The Patterson Foundation Scholarship offers $4,750 annually to children and legal dependents, aged 24 and under, of full-time employees at Patterson Companies in the U.S., U.K., and Canada. Renewable for up to four years, this scholarship can total $19,000 for higher education at accredited institutions. All undergraduate degrees are eligible, and students can reapply even if they have previously been denied. A selection committee from Scholarship America, Inc. reviews applications each summer.

The AAUW International Fellowships support women pursuing graduate or postdoctoral studies in the U.S. who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Since 1917, these fellowships have provided financial assistance, with awards of $20,000 for Master’s, $25,000 for Doctoral, and $50,000 for Postdoctoral studies. Eligible applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and commitment to women's advancement. The program emphasizes full-time study and requires proficiency in English, ensuring a diverse and dedicated cohort of scholars.

The Irene S. Rockwell Fund, managed by the Inland Empire Community Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life for the residents of Perris, California. Grants averaging $3,000 are available to nonprofit organizations and public agencies that address critical community needs, focusing on equity and collaboration. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a strong presence in Riverside or San Bernardino Counties and have at least three years of nonprofit status. This fund prioritizes projects that fill service gaps and support underserved populations.

The Sacramento River Cats provide an opportunity for non-profit organizations to request ticket donations for fundraising events. Eligible organizations must be local, 501(c)(3) certified, and submit requests at least six weeks prior to their event. Each organization is limited to one donation per calendar year, ensuring fair support for various causes. This initiative reflects the River Cats' commitment to community engagement and assistance in achieving fundraising goals.

Rick Robinson Hotstart Scholarship

Applicants must be children or grandchildren of full-time Hotstart employees who have a minimum of two years employment with Hotstart as of the application deadline date. 

Previous recipients are eligible to re-apply, but an individual may receive an award no more than four times. 

About the Foundation

Kern Community Foundation is a vibrant nonprofit enterprise with a powerfully simple mission of growing community and growing philanthropy.

Waterman Foundation Rotary Club of Bakersfield Capital Grant Program

In 1984, the Waterman Foundation (Foundation) was established by the Bakersfield Downtown Rotary Club, providing scholarships to local students and grants for capital projects supporting local nonprofit organizations. Grants will be awarded only for capital projects and not for such items as operating expenses. For purposes of this grant, capital projects are defined as improvements to buildings or land, purchases of equipment, or upgrades to facilities.

The Founders’ Award by SAX LLP honors nonprofit organizations demonstrating perseverance in their mission. With a rich history since 1956, SAX aims to empower nonprofits through a $20,000 unrestricted gift for the first place, alongside additional support for second and third places. Eligible applicants must hold a 501(c)(3) tax exemption and attend the awards ceremony if selected among the Top 75. This initiative reflects SAX's commitment to advancing impactful nonprofits in their communities.

The O'Brate Traditional College Scholarship supports disadvantaged youth in Kansas, aged 17-25, particularly those who have been in foster care or face unstable living conditions. This scholarship not only offers financial aid ranging from $500 to $5,000 annually but also provides mentorship, financial literacy programming, and professional development opportunities, ensuring that recipients have the resources and guidance needed to succeed in their educational pursuits.

The Community Impact Fund Grant, offered by the Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF), aims to support nonprofits in Riverside and San Bernardino counties during challenging times. With a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, this unrestricted grant program provides essential operating support to organizations tackling pressing community issues. In 2025, IECF will distribute $500,000 to empower local nonprofits, ensuring they can effectively fulfill their missions and enhance their impact across various sectors.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

ATI Physical Therapy is dedicated to enhancing community health and wellness through its sponsorship and donation initiatives. With a mission to exceed customer expectations, ATI actively engages in philanthropic efforts that improve lives and promote quality care beyond clinic walls. They encourage requests for support while emphasizing a review process that ensures timely responses. Partnering with local organizations, ATI aims to elevate awareness of health and wellness, impacting thousands of lives each year.

The Awesome Foundation offers Local Chapter Grants of $1000 to individuals and groups for innovative projects that enhance community engagement. Each chapter operates independently, focusing on unique interpretations of 'awesome' across various fields such as arts and technology. Grants are awarded monthly, emphasizing no-strings-attached support. This initiative encourages creativity and experimentation, aiming to inspire and delight communities worldwide. For more details, applicants can explore individual chapter preferences and restrictions through the foundation's website.

The Wonderful Company is offering the Central Valley Community Grants, providing up to $1 million in funding for projects that enhance the health and well-being of rural communities in the San Joaquin Valley. With a history of over $8.5 million granted to nonprofits and schools, this initiative supports equitable living conditions. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, local governments, and schools committed to making a tangible impact in their communities.

The Nonprofit Sustainability Initiative Grant supports nonprofits in Los Angeles County through its Sustained Collaboration Fund, which encourages strategic partnerships. These partnerships can enhance organizational effectiveness and efficiency, ultimately leading to greater mission sustainability. Implementation Grants, ranging from $20,000 to $50,000, are available for organizations that have agreed on collaborative efforts, covering costs such as severance, IT integration, and legal fees. This initiative aims to normalize strategic restructuring within the nonprofit sector.