Best Grants for Museums in California

The Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Topical PCORI Funding aims to support high-quality, patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER) focusing on individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This funding opportunity recognizes the diversity of conditions under IDD and the varying support needs among individuals. PCORI encourages the use of both person-first and identity-first language, acknowledging the preferences within the disability community, and aims to enhance the quality of healthcare delivery for these populations.

The J. Waldo Smith Hydraulic Fellowship, established by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) in 1938, supports graduate students pursuing experimental hydraulics research. With a focus on practical experiments to advance knowledge in hydraulic flow, this fellowship is awarded to up to two deserving members annually, aiding in tuition and living expenses. Preference is given to Associate Members, fostering the education of future leaders in civil engineering.

The Jack E. Leisch Fellowship, established by the American Society of Civil Engineers, supports full-time graduate students in transportation planning and traffic operations. This fellowship honors Jack E. Leisch's contributions to civil engineering and offers approximately $5,000 to deserving candidates. Selection criteria include academic performance, leadership potential, and financial need, ensuring support for future leaders in the field.

The Freeman Fellowship, established by the American Society of Civil Engineers in 1924, supports young engineers pursuing graduate studies in hydraulic engineering. Awarded annually to up to three deserving students, it covers tuition, research, and living expenses. This fellowship encourages the next generation of civil engineers to excel in their education and contributes to the advancement of the field, reflecting ASCE's commitment to fostering talent within the profession.

The Fred and Tana Moses Bridge Engineering Fellowship, established by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), aims to advance the field of bridge engineering. This annual fellowship is awarded to a graduate student pursuing an advanced degree in the discipline, providing vital support for their studies. ASCE, representing over 160,000 civil engineers worldwide, is committed to fostering professional excellence and innovation in the civil engineering community.

The Arthur S. Tuttle Fellowship, established in 1983 through the generosity of ASCE President Arthur S. Tuttle, supports graduate students in civil engineering. Up to four students may receive this annual fellowship, which is intended for their first year of graduate studies. Candidates must be members of the American Society of Civil Engineers and demonstrate financial need and educational merit. This fellowship promotes the development of future civil engineering professionals.

The Ignite Leadership Program, organized by the Society of Women Engineers, empowers early-career women engineers to enhance their leadership skills. Participants will assess their strengths, identify growth opportunities, and create personalized leadership development plans. This virtual program runs from September to December 2025, featuring group discussions and peer coaching. Its goal is to broaden the leadership pipeline within SWE, preparing the next generation of women leaders in engineering and technology.

The SWE–OC Undergraduate Student Scholarship, funded by the Society of Women Engineers, offers $700 to support female students pursuing engineering degrees at California universities. Eligible applicants must identify as female, be rising juniors or seniors, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, and demonstrate leadership and community involvement. The scholarship aims to empower women in engineering and will be awarded at the SWE-OC Professional Development Conference in May.

The SWE–OC Graduate Student Scholarship, awarded by the Society of Women Engineers, supports female graduate students pursuing engineering degrees at accredited California universities. Established in 2021, it aims to empower women in engineering by providing $800 to eligible candidates. Selection criteria include academic performance, community involvement, and leadership potential. Recipients will be honored at the SWE-OC Professional Development Conference in May, fostering a supportive network for future engineers.

The SWE–OC Endowed Student Scholarship, established by the Society of Women Engineers Orange County Section, provides a $1,250 award to support women pursuing engineering degrees at California universities. Launched in 2021, it recognizes academic excellence, work experience, community involvement, and leadership potential. Eligible applicants must identify as female, be high school seniors in the Orange County area, and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. The scholarship recipients will be honored at the SWE-OC Professional Development Conference in May.

The SWE Golden Gate Section (SWE-GGS) Scholarships provide financial support ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 for Bay Area students planning to pursue engineering or related degrees. Open to high school seniors and community college students entering college in Fall 2026, applicants must identify as women or other underrepresented genders and reside within the Golden Gate Section boundaries. The application period starts on December 1, 2025, encouraging diverse candidates to apply.

The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) offers Program Development Grants to support the initiatives of SWE Organizations. These micro-grants range from a minimum of $250 to a maximum of $5,000 and are available in three application cycles. To qualify, organizations must be in good standing, and the event must occur at least 45 days post-application deadline. Active SWE membership for the event manager and treasurer is also required for grant submission.

The Wag Wine Operation supports no-kill adoption groups by providing grants ranging from $250 to $1000. These funds assist organizations in purchasing essential supplies, food, and medical care for adoptable pets. Offered by the Petfinder Foundation, this initiative aims to keep homeless animals healthy and facilitate their transition to loving homes. Grants are awarded monthly until funds are depleted, with the program benefiting over 10,000 adoption groups across North America.

Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy

Our mission is to protect the natural and cultural resources of the Coachella Valley: the scenic, wildlife, cultural, geologic, and recreational resources that make this such a splendid place for people and all the other life forms with which we share this special place.

The Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy is a state agency established in 1991 to pursue this mission, and is directed by a 20-member governing board. The Conservancy is an exceptional example of local communities, state elected officials, non-profit organizations, and business and environmental interests working together for the good of all. Since its inception, the Conservancy and its partners have conserved over 106,000 acres.

Proposition 4 Grant Program

The objectives of the Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond of 2024 (“Proposition 4”) are to target the most urgent climate needs by investing in preventing devastating wildfires, providing clean, safe drinking water, and boosting water supplies, and protecting California’s iconic landscapes. Proposition 4 project investments aim to assist communities that have been historically underserved by allocating a minimum of 10 percent of available funds to severely disadvantaged communities and a minimum of 40 percent of available funds to disadvantaged communities. 

The Conservancy has approximately $11 million available for local assistance grants over the life of its Proposition 4 Grant Program. The minimum local assistance grant amount is $50,000 for implementation projects.

The What’s Your Gap Grant, provided by BreatheStrong CF in partnership with the Closing the Gap Foundation, supports teens and adults living with cystic fibrosis. This grant alleviates financial barriers, allowing recipients to pursue health and wellness opportunities tailored to their individual goals. It aims to empower applicants who envision a healthier lifestyle but face challenges in achieving it, serving as a catalyst for positive change in their lives.

The Loretta Morris Memorial Grants support individuals with cystic fibrosis in California who wish to engage in physical activities such as swimming, horseback riding, dance, or golf. Established in memory of Loretta Morris, this fund aims to help recipients enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle. Applications are welcomed from both children and adults, promoting inclusivity and well-being within the CF community. Note that certain items, like memberships or accessories, are not eligible for funding.

The Exercise Grants program by BreatheStrong CF aims to support individuals with cystic fibrosis in maintaining a healthy lifestyle through physical activity. Providing funding for various fitness-related expenses, the grants cover gym memberships, exercise classes, and equipment. Eligible applicants include children and adults with cystic fibrosis residing in the U.S. The program encourages regular physical fitness to enhance both lung function and overall well-being.

The Robert P. Wadell Transportation Engineering Scholarship, established in 2022 by Robert P. Wadell, P.E., MSCE, F.ASCE, supports undergraduate students in civil engineering with a focus on transportation. Funded through the ASCE Foundation, the scholarship aims to aid up to two deserving students annually with tuition and fees. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens enrolled in an ABET-accredited program and members of the ASCE. Preference is given to those in their final two years of study.

The Robert B. B. and Josephine N. Moorman Scholarship, established in 2008 by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), provides financial support for undergraduate students pursuing degrees in civil engineering or related fields. This scholarship honors Robert B.B. Moorman, a dedicated civil engineering professor. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in an ABET-accredited program and maintain good standing with ASCE. This award aims to alleviate tuition costs for deserving students committed to the civil engineering profession.

The Paul Drury Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of Paul Drury, who inspired many while living with cystic fibrosis. This scholarship is aimed at siblings and children of individuals with CF, recognizing the crucial support family members provide. Eligible applicants must have a family member with CF, demonstrate academic achievement, and be enrolled in an educational program. This initiative highlights the importance of family in managing the challenges posed by cystic fibrosis.

The Lawrence W. & Francis W. Cox Scholarship, established by Mrs. Wahneta T. Hinrichs in 2008, honors the legacy of her husband and father-in-law. This scholarship is awarded annually to one undergraduate civil engineering student enrolled in an ABET-accredited program. It aims to support students with tuition expenses, furthering their education in civil engineering disciplines, thus contributing to the profession's growth and sustainability.

The John Lenard Civil Engineering Scholarship, established in 2008 by John Lenard, P.E., F.ASCE, supports undergraduate students pursuing civil engineering with a focus on water supply or environmental engineering. The scholarship aims to assist deserving students in covering tuition expenses. Awarded annually, it is limited to two recipients who demonstrate commitment to their field. The American Society of Civil Engineers, founded in 1852, oversees this scholarship, fostering excellence in civil engineering education.

The Eugene C. Figg, Jr. Civil Engineering Scholarship, established by Figg Engineering Group in 2002, honors the legacy of Gene Figg, who was renowned for his artistic bridge designs. This scholarship aims to support undergraduate civil engineering students with a passion for bridge design and construction, facilitating their education in an ABET-accredited program. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens and Student Members of the American Society of Civil Engineers in good standing.

The SWE Santa Clara Valley Section Scholarship, offered by the Society of Women Engineers, supports women in California pursuing engineering or computer science degrees at accredited institutions. Annually, approximately $15,000 is awarded to eligible candidates, including high school seniors and college students, who demonstrate commitment to their fields of study. This scholarship not only encourages academic excellence but also promotes diversity in engineering, aiding the professional growth of women in STEM.

The B. Charles Tiney Memorial ASCE Student Chapter Scholarship, established in 1980 by Mrs. Hazel M. Tiney, provides financial support to deserving undergraduate civil engineering students. This scholarship aims to assist with tuition expenses for those enrolled in ABET-accredited programs. Recipients are chosen based on their commitment to the civil engineering field and must be members in good standing of the American Society of Civil Engineers and their respective student chapters.

The Mabel Esteves Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Society of Women Engineers' Sacramento Valley Section, supports female students pursuing engineering degrees at ABET accredited institutions. Named in honor of Mabel Esteves, a pioneering woman engineer, this scholarship aims to empower future generations of women in engineering. Eligible applicants are incoming freshmen who have completed at least one academic year and plan to study in engineering fields. Scholarships range from $500 to $1500.

The John Muir Community Health Fund (CHF) Grant focuses on enhancing health care access for underserved populations in Central and East Contra Costa County. As part of John Muir Health's commitment to improving community well-being, the CHF provides financial support to nonprofit organizations addressing critical health needs. By fostering innovative health initiatives and filling service gaps, the grant aims to create lasting health improvements and ensure equitable care for vulnerable groups.