Best Grants for Preschools in California

The Judy Anton Woman of Valor/Lupita Loves to Read Project Scholarship, funded by the Community Foundation Santa Cruz County, offers $1,000 or more annually to Latina students from Santa Cruz County high schools or Cabrillo College. Applicants must reside in Live Oak or Watsonville and demonstrate financial need, supporting educational aspirations and community involvement. This scholarship aims to empower young women through education, fostering a brighter future and greater opportunities for success.

The Isabel Fowler Sewell Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation Santa Cruz County, provides multiple one-time awards of $5,000 to graduating seniors from Pajaro Valley High School or any public high school in Santa Cruz County. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0, demonstrate financial need, and plan to attend college at Cabrillo or an accredited four-year institution full-time. This initiative aims to support local students in their pursuit of higher education.

The Hank Garcia Jr. & Family Scholarship, funded by the Community Foundation Santa Cruz County, provides renewable awards of $2,000 for graduating seniors from selected high schools. Eligible students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5, demonstrate financial need, and be U.S. citizens. This scholarship aims to support local students and empower them to pursue their educational goals, fostering a brighter future for the community.

The Giles Family Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation Santa Cruz County, provides multiple awards of up to $5,000 (renewable annually) for graduating seniors from any Santa Cruz County high school involved in art, craft, or music programs. Eligible students must be enrolled in Cabrillo College, San Jose State University, or the University of California at Santa Cruz, demonstrate financial need, and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.

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 Emmett & Elsie Geiser Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation Santa Cruz County, provides multiple awards of up to $3,000 annually to graduating seniors from Watsonville, Pajaro Valley, and Aptos High Schools. Eligible students must have earned at least one letter in an athletic program. This scholarship aims to support local students and foster their educational pursuits, reflecting the foundation's commitment to community investment and leadership.

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.

The Barbara J. Thompson Scholarship offers multiple one-time awards of $1,000 or more for high school graduates and current seniors from accredited schools within the Santa Cruz City Schools District. Eligible candidates must have a minimum GPA of 3.0, be U.S. citizens residing in Santa Cruz County for at least three of the past four years, and participate in activities such as employment, family care, community involvement, volunteer work, or sports.

The Community Foundation Santa Cruz County offers the Environmental Scholarship for undergraduate and graduate students in good standing at local colleges. This scholarship aims to support innovative individuals pursuing careers that promote a harmonious relationship with natural ecosystems. By investing in the next generation, the foundation fosters environmental stewardship and empowers students to contribute positively to their communities and the planet.

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.

The ENF Community Investments Program offers Spotlight Grants to Lodges, empowering them to tackle pressing community issues such as family literacy, veteran homelessness, and hunger. Each Lodge can apply for a $2,000 grant without needing to meet the GER's per-member-giving goal. Funds can be used for one of the designated project plans or combined with the Beacon Grant, enabling flexible support for local initiatives.

The Berkshire Woodworkers Guild Scholarship offers financial support to aspiring professional woodworkers and designers. Established in 1998, this scholarship is funded through generous donations and proceeds from an annual silent auction. Recipients are encouraged to engage with the Guild and showcase their work at events. Preference is given to applicants pursuing comprehensive woodworking programs that lead to certification or degrees, but other professional development opportunities may also be considered.

The Walt Disney Company UNCF Enhanced Scholars Program offers scholarships and internships to high-achieving college juniors interested in off-camera careers in the entertainment industry. With a scholarship of up to $5,000 and mentorship opportunities during the 2025-2026 academic year, this program aims to create a diverse pipeline of professionals. Selected students will gain invaluable experience through a summer internship with The Walt Disney Company, enhancing their career readiness in various business areas.

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 Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile Jr. Scholarship Program, established by the Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile Jr. Foundation in partnership with UNCF, supports students attending UNCF member institutions, HBCUs, or other accredited four-year colleges. This renewable merit-based scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities for residents of specific counties in Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana, particularly focusing on those majoring in education or STEM fields.

The Alzheimer’s Association Research Fellowship for All (AARFA) Program aims to support early career researchers dedicated to advancing the understanding and treatment of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. By providing funding to postdoctoral researchers under established mentorship, the program fosters the development of independent scientists. It encourages applications from individuals in underrepresented groups, recognizing the value of diverse perspectives in scientific inquiry and clinical practice, ultimately contributing to the fight against dementia.

The Alzheimer’s Association Clinician Scientist Fellowship for All (AACSFA) aims to support the training of clinician scientists in Alzheimer’s and other dementias. This program encourages applications from individuals in underrepresented groups, emphasizing the value of diverse representation in clinical and scientific fields. The fellowship is designed for professionals with patient contact or diagnostic roles, fostering advancements in dementia research and care.

The Live Your Dream Awards, sponsored by Soroptimist International of the Americas, empower women by providing vital monetary assistance for their education and training. Each year, over $3 million is awarded to more than 2,300 women who are the primary financial support for their families. This initiative supports those overcoming significant challenges like poverty and domestic violence, ensuring they have the resources to achieve their dreams and live fulfilling lives.

The Bring Back the Trades Scholarship is dedicated to addressing the skilled trades shortage by providing $1,500 monthly scholarships to students enrolled in post-secondary skilled trades programs across the United States. Founded by a seasoned business owner, the initiative aims to raise awareness and reshape perceptions of trade careers, ensuring that students have the resources to succeed in vital roles that contribute to the nation's future.

The Chick-fil-A Community Scholars program awards up to thirteen $25,000 scholarships annually to students demonstrating academic excellence, community service, and financial need. In addition to financial support, recipients participate in a year-long mentoring and leadership development program. This initiative aims to cultivate future leaders who are committed to serving their communities, while also alleviating educational costs associated with attending accredited colleges or vocational schools.

The Schneider Electric SkillPointe Scholarship aims to close the skills gap in America by providing $3,000 scholarships to individuals pursuing careers in building automation and related fields. Funded by the SkillPointe Foundation, this initiative is designed for students enrolled in relevant training programs who are passionate about energy and sustainability. With a proven success rate of 95% in training completion and 97% employment, this scholarship empowers workers to thrive in high-demand industries without requiring a four-year degree.

The Niagara Cares SkillPointe Scholarship offers $1,000 to $3,000 for individuals pursuing high-demand careers in manufacturing. Administered by the SkillPointe Foundation, this initiative addresses the skills gap by funding vocational training for candidates enrolled in post-secondary institutions. With over 1,000 scholarships awarded and a 97% employment rate among recipients, this program empowers workers and strengthens the economy by promoting essential skills without requiring a four-year degree.

The Gunther & Lee Weigel Medical School Scholarship is an exclusive opportunity for current and former Elks National Foundation scholarship recipients pursuing medical or osteopathic degrees. This scholarship, established in memory of Gunther Weigel, aims to support Elks scholars entering their first year of medical school. The number and amount of scholarships vary annually, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to healthcare education.

The Gates Scholarship (TGS) is a prestigious last-dollar scholarship launched by the Gates Foundation in 2017, aimed at empowering high school seniors from low-income backgrounds. By covering financial barriers, it supports exceptional student leaders in pursuing their college education. The program not only provides funding but also engages scholars with resources and services throughout their academic journey, fostering their growth into future leaders. TGS exemplifies the Foundation's commitment to educational equity and student success.

The U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation supports initiatives that drive self-sufficiency and community enrichment for vulnerable populations. With over $4.31 million awarded last year, the foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate measurable impact and foster stronger communities. Eligible organizations include those designated as public charities by the IRS. The foundation emphasizes collaboration with other funders, avoiding sole financial support to ensure comprehensive community development.

The LAFLA LEIF Fellowship Program empowers underrepresented law students to pursue public interest careers. Launched in 2021, it provides fellowships to select summer law clerks, addressing inequities in the legal profession. Along with participation in the Summer Law Clerk Program, LEIF fellows engage in weekly meetings and complete a final project. They are eligible for up to $10,000 in educational reimbursement for tuition, fostering a community dedicated to equal justice.

The DTA Foundation: Dental Hygiene Scholarship, in partnership with the Benco Family Foundation, provides up to $10,000 to dental hygiene students from underrepresented backgrounds. This initiative honors Lawrence and Sally Cohen's contributions to the field. With a generous $1M endowment, the scholarship aims to support aspiring dental hygienists, ensuring increased accessibility to the profession and recognizing those who demonstrate passion and commitment to dental care.