Best Grants for Women in California

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

The Peggy and Jack Baskin Foundation, established in 2008, focuses on achieving gender and racial equity through grants primarily for nonprofit organizations in Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties. They emphasize intersectional feminism and support initiatives that empower women and gender-expansive individuals of color. The foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals and prefers organizations with diverse decision-makers and equitable personnel policies. Funding areas include reproductive rights, legal advocacy, and gender economic justice.

The Rancho Santa Fe Women's Fund Grant aims to empower women in philanthropy to enhance community impact through collective giving. Focused on health and social services, this initiative prioritizes projects addressing homelessness, climate change, and elderly issues. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)3 and demonstrate effective management and results. Notably, discrimination in any form disqualifies applicants. Preference will be given to projects in North County, ensuring funds support local community needs.

Ebell of Los Angeles

The Ebell of Los Angeles is an educational and philanthropic organization founded by women, for women in 1894. Our mission is to participate in and encourage the educational, cultural and social growth of the diverse Los Angeles community; and to conserve and protect our historic Clubhouse, collections and Wilshire Ebell Theatre.

Inspired by scholar Dr. Adrian Ebell, the Ebell of Los Angeles was founded by women, for women in 1894. The non-profit organization remains dedicated to its original mission “to interest women in the study of all branches of literature, art and science and the advancement of women in every branch of culture.” The organization’s philanthropic endeavors include awarding scholarships to students and providing grants to charities that help at-risk women and children in the Los Angeles community. The club also hosts social and cultural events that inspire and empower. It is a gathering place to connect with artists, educators, authors, entertainers, speakers and politicians. The Ebell has been honored to host diverse and outstanding women such as Amelia Earhart, the last Queen of Romania and Michelle Obama.

Rest Cottage Association

The Ebell Rest Cottage Association, more than over 100 years old, is the Ebell Club’s oldest philanthropy and the best example of its commitment to “Women Helping Women.” It’s Bylaws call for the Rest Cottage Association to use the income from its endowment “for charitable purposes designed to benefit females, who, for whatever reason, are in need of loving care and helpful assistance of a charitable nature.” Today, nearly 100 years later, it still does.

Rest Cottage Association Grant

100 years ago, Ebell members created the “Rest Cottage Association” which was a home that served as a refuge for women in need of a place to convalesce. Today, the RCA has evolved into a department which awards grants to charities that help needy women and their children in Los Angeles County.

The Karen Colina Wilson Foundation Grant supports programs for children, youth, and women, enhancing their health and well-being through education, art, literature, and music. Established in 2006, the foundation aims to make a positive difference in their lives, particularly in Southern and Western Wayne County, Michigan. Grants typically range from $500 to $10,000, often as matching funds, fostering broader fundraising efforts by local nonprofit organizations.

The Scaife Family Foundation Grant has been supporting vulnerable community members for nearly 40 years, providing over $180 million in donations to non-profits. The Foundation aims to match organizations with aligned goals, focusing on women and children, addiction prevention, and animal welfare. It offers grants for general operating and program support, prioritizing impactful programs that address societal issues. Notably, the Foundation considers proposals that foster healthy relationships and promote treatment for addiction, enhancing the welfare of both humans and animals.

The Community Foundation of the North State offers the Women's Fund Grant to support women's initiatives in Redding. Since 2008, this fund has empowered women and families through collaborative philanthropy, contributing to over $47 million in grants awarded by the foundation. Through relationship-building and integrity, the foundation aims to create a positive impact in Shasta, Siskiyou, and Tehama counties by fostering a culture of giving.

The June G. Outhwaite Charitable Trust Grant supports charitable organizations in Santa Barbara County, focusing on areas such as medical care, assistance for the disabled, and wildlife preservation. Established by June Outhwaite, the foundation prioritizes projects benefiting Southern Santa Barbara County. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations. The trust aims to strengthen the community by funding diverse initiatives that enhance the quality of life for all residents.

The AWG Geoscience Idea Scholarship supports women from under-served communities to pursue careers in Earth Sciences, a field known for its lack of diversity. It offers $2,500 to three upper-division and $500 to one lower-division undergraduate student, along with a one-year AWG membership. Recipients can also be matched with mentors, enhancing their educational journey and career prospects in geoscience disciplines. This initiative aims to promote inclusion and diversity in the geoscience workforce.

The Marisla Foundation, established in 1986, offers a Human Services Grant aimed at supporting women in crisis in Orange County and Los Angeles, California. This grant focuses on enhancing physical, emotional, and financial wellbeing through stable housing, addiction treatment, and vocational training. Eligible organizations must possess 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. The foundation does not support individual applications or multiple submissions from the same organization within a year, ensuring a fair and equitable distribution of resources.

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 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 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–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 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 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 San Diego Section Continuing Student Scholarships support female students pursuing engineering degrees in San Diego. Established in 2021, these scholarships are open to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in ABET-accredited programs. Eligible applicants must demonstrate academic commitment and provide proof of enrollment for the upcoming academic year. The scholarship aims to empower women in engineering, with a focus on inclusivity for both SWE members and non-members, while varying in number and amount based on available funding.

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 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 Jennie K. Scaife Charitable Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing family support, women's and children's health, and animal welfare. It aims to fund programs that promote beneficial human-animal interactions and early intervention in addiction prevention. Eligible organizations must have a valid 501(c)(3) designation. Grants align with at least one of the foundation's focus areas, ensuring impactful contributions to community welfare and well-being.

The Crawford Taylor Foundation focuses on enhancing programs that create lasting legacies in St. Louis. With priorities in community development, women's health, animal welfare, and environmental preservation, the foundation seeks to support 501(c)(3) organizations that meet specific eligibility criteria. They avoid funding multi-year grants or for-profit initiatives, emphasizing support for local causes and relief efforts deemed important by the Taylor family.

The Travel & Training Fund, established by the Women’s Sports Foundation, has supported over 1,500 female athletes since 1984, including Olympians and national team members. Grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 aim to alleviate financial burdens for women athletes pursuing elite competition. Prioritizing those with a plan to contribute back to women's sports, the fund emphasizes eligibility for U.S. citizens or legal residents, ensuring a significant impact on the recipients' athletic journeys.

The CSW Mini-Grant Program, run by the County of Santa Clara, aims to fund projects that empower women and girls in leadership, civic engagement, economic, educational, social, and health areas. Organizations can apply once per fiscal year, with a focus on initiatives that benefit women and girls in Santa Clara County. Grants cannot be used for retroactive funding, ensuring support is provided before project commencement.

The Katie Cannon Scholarship honors Rev. Dr. Katie Geneva Cannon, a pioneering figure in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). This scholarship aims to empower Presbyterian women of color, clergywomen, and college women by providing financial assistance for leadership development events and educational opportunities. It promotes spiritual growth and mission involvement within the church, ensuring that women are equipped for greater service and leadership roles. This fund is part of the Women's Ministry Fund at the Presbyterian Mission Agency.

The Leadership Development Grants empower women in the PC(USA) to enhance their leadership skills through educational opportunities. This initiative fosters personal growth and active participation within the Presbyterian Women community, ultimately strengthening the church's mission. Eligible women can apply for grants to attend various leadership events, ensuring that they can contribute effectively to the church's goals while developing their unique gifts and talents.

The Leadership Development Grants for Young Women, offered by Presbyterian Women, empower women aged 18-30 to enhance their leadership skills through participation in educational events. With grants of up to $2,000 for the Commission on the Status of Women and $1,000 for the Ecumenical Advocacy Days, this program fosters personal and community growth within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Eligible applicants must be active in PC(USA) and meet specific grant requirements.

The LACCW Resilience Scholarship Program, initiated by the Los Angeles County Commission for Women, supports women in overcoming personal and academic challenges. Established in 1999, it has awarded over $500,000 in scholarships, emphasizing resilience and determination. Eligible applicants must reside in Los Angeles County and maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA while enrolled in accredited educational programs. This scholarship not only provides financial assistance but also motivates women to achieve their academic goals despite adversities.