Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in California

The Koch, Delvin Dee Scholarship, funded by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offers a $500 scholarship to a deserving Beatrice High School senior. Established in 1987, the foundation supports students with financial need who demonstrate good citizenship and a commitment to education. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and provide a Student Aid Report from FAFSA. This initiative promotes academic success and civic involvement within the community.

The Burt W. and Virginia Polin FARM Bureau Scholarship, provided by the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation, aims to support students pursuing careers in agriculture. Open to high school seniors and undergraduates, this scholarship fosters educational advancement and community growth. The Foundation emphasizes inclusivity and provides resources to help students thrive. Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year are now being accepted, encouraging local students to reach their educational aspirations.

The Arthur Joseph Ludwick Scholarship, offered by the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation, provides crucial support for students pursuing career technical education or training in construction trades. This annual scholarship aims to alleviate financial burdens for high school seniors, undergraduates, and returning students in San Luis Obispo County. By investing in local education, the foundation fosters opportunities for students to achieve their academic and career goals, contributing to a thriving community.

The Alfred I., Catharine J., and Eleanor G. Switzer Scholarship, offered by the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation, aims to support local youth residing in Los Osos, CA. This scholarship is open to high school seniors, undergraduates, and returning students, providing them with essential financial assistance to pursue their educational goals. By fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, the foundation encourages students to achieve their dreams and contribute positively to their community.

About Us

The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County is a resource for local charitable giving. Created by and for the people of San Luis Obispo County, The Community Foundation is an enduring source of charitable funds to meet the changing needs and interests of the region. We envision San Luis Obispo County as an inclusive haven where everyone, regardless of background, feels free to fully participate. In collaboration with our community partners and donors, we seek to foster a safe, respectful environment with ample opportunity for all to reach their potential and contribute to the success of our community. We invite you to join us in celebrating diversity, making sure all of our neighbors feel seen, and free from dehumanizing rhetoric and violence, as we shape a future where all residents can flourish. 

2025-2026 Scholarship Applications

Big dreams start here! With support from generous individuals, families, and businesses, the Community Foundation offers scholarships that help San Luis Obispo County students reach new heights in their education and careers.

Alan D. Stephenson Scholarship

The Alan D. Stephenson Scholarship was established to support promising LGBTQIA+ students to achieve their academic potential.

Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri

The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri Inc. was established in 2009 as a 501(c)3 public charity to help donors support their favorite charities while receiving maximum tax advantage.

We serve as a vehicle for charitable giving, helping donors give to the causes they care about. Donor gifts will strengthen nonprofits increasing programs and services. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to establish a fund with us. 

St Joseph School District Foundation Midland Empire Safety Association Scholarship

This fund was established by the Midland Empire Safety Association to provide academic scholarships to students pursuing a degree in occupational safety and/or health, industrial hygiene, environmental safety, industrial fire prevention, risk management and occupational medicine.

Guidelines:

Scholarship recipient is chosen by The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri’s Finance/Grant Committee. Scholarships will be awarded on a one-time basis and disbursed in August.

Amount:

Minimum of $500.00 to be paid at the start of the Fall semester.

The City of Carlsbad offers Community Arts Grants aimed at fostering artistic and cultural activities in the region. These grants support diverse projects that promote inclusion and participation from various community groups. The funding initiative encourages collaboration among arts organizations, educational institutions, and professional artists to enhance the cultural landscape of Carlsbad. Grants are available to qualified nonprofits and educational entities, with a focus on projects that enrich the community's artistic experience.

The Tommy Aaron/Charlie Aaron Foundation Scholarship, managed by the North Georgia Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Hall County or Gainesville City public schools and Lakeview Academy. This $10,000 scholarship, distributed over four years, promotes academic achievement and integrity through golf. Eligible applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5, demonstrate financial need, and exhibit strong character traits. This initiative aims to empower local students to pursue higher education while honoring the values of sportsmanship and respect.

Achievement Scholarship for Students with a History of Chronic Illness (FN)

Essay:

• Tell us about your experiences/struggles with your chronic illness and what you have done to overcome it.

Awards:

• One time award of $1,500.

The Greater Ozarks Chapter of the National Association of Orthopedic Nurses offers an $800 scholarship to high school seniors or undergraduate nursing students. Preference is given to orthopedic nurses and dependents of NAON members. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, demonstrate financial need, and apply to an accredited institution. Required documents include a transcript, personal essay, and a letter of recommendation, fostering the next generation of nursing professionals.

The Summit Credit Union Grant emphasizes charitable giving through partnerships that support equity, financial wellbeing, and women's empowerment. Committed to reducing inequities, the credit union seeks nonprofit organizations that align with these pillars to foster community growth. Eligibility criteria include being a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving specific areas and submitting an online application. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious or political organizations, or any entities that discriminate based on various identities.

The Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission (JUSFC) is a federal agency established in 1975 to enhance U.S.-Japan relations through educational and cultural exchanges. JUSFC supports various initiatives in arts, education, and global challenges, focusing on fostering partnerships between U.S. and Japanese organizations. The Commission aims to facilitate dynamic people-to-people exchanges, ensuring a robust understanding between the nations and promoting collaborative projects that enrich both societies.

The Nicholas B. Ottaway Foundation's Community Impact Fund Grants aim to enhance community well-being by supporting 501(c)(3) organizations focused on underrepresented populations. Grants range from $3,000 to $20,000 and are intended for projects in areas like disaster relief and sexual health. First-time applicants must submit a letter of intent before applying. The foundation prioritizes projects in regions where its members live and work, ensuring local engagement and impact.

The Jespen, Peter W. Scholarships, managed by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offer two $2,150 scholarships to graduating seniors from Beatrice High School. These scholarships support students pursuing higher education, including vocational training. Recipients are selected based on academic performance, extracurricular involvement, character, and financial need, with a FAFSA Student Aid Report required for need-based consideration. The Foundation has provided substantial financial support to local students since its establishment in 1987.

The Chrysalis Fund, managed by the Entomological Society of America, supports K-12 educators in fostering youth interest in insect science. Grants can cover various project expenses, including supplies and travel costs. Funding levels include micro-grants (under $500), regular grants ($500-$999), and large grants ($1,000-$2,500). This initiative encourages innovative educational programs that engage students with entomology, enhancing their learning experience and promoting science education.

The Holy Cross Lutheran Church Matt 25 Scholarship, funded by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offers a $500 award to one deserving student from Beatrice High School. Established to support education, this needs-based scholarship is applicable for various higher education institutions, including colleges and trade schools. Applications can be obtained from the Student Services Office or the foundation's website. The foundation has been active since 1987, promoting academic excellence and community involvement.

The Gage County Agricultural Society Scholarship, managed by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, awards four $500 scholarships to graduating seniors from Beatrice High School. Candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and have participated in Gage County Agriculture Society events. The foundation, established in 1987, supports educational opportunities and does not consider economic need in its selection process. Applications are available through local resources and online.

The Butler County Scholarship, established by the Central Alabama Community Foundation, aims to support graduating African American seniors from Georgiana School, Greenville High School, and McKenzie School. Annually, one scholarship is awarded, with the amount determined each year. Recipients may renew the scholarship for up to three additional years, provided they submit a high school transcript and references during the application process. This initiative underscores a commitment to educational advancement in the community.

The Seth Smith Memorial Endowment Scholarship, offered by the Elk Grove Regional Scholarship Foundation, supports students interested in performing arts, particularly theater. This scholarship honors Seth Thomas Smith, a compassionate individual lost too soon, and is aimed at those from local high schools, including Cosumnes Oaks. Applicants must be full-time students who have completed at least two AP courses and are required to engage in school and community activities, showcasing their commitment to making a difference.

The Fishel Scholarship Fund, managed by The Columbus Foundation, offers financial assistance to children of active Teammates pursuing higher education. This initiative aims to alleviate college-related expenses, thus supporting families and encouraging academic achievement. As one of the largest community foundations, The Columbus Foundation is dedicated to enriching the quality of life in the Columbus, Ohio region through impactful philanthropic efforts.

The PERF: Infrastructure/Registry Research Grant focuses on developing new multicenter infrastructures or enhancing existing programs in pediatric neurology. It aims to advance clinical research, particularly in pediatric epilepsy, supporting projects that train and mentor young investigators. The grant offers up to $300,000 for a duration of three years, with an emphasis on mentorship for both senior and early-stage investigators, ensuring the growth of expertise in the field.

L’Oréal Paris Celebrates 20 Years of Women of Worth

For 20 years, L’Oréal Paris has honored women who uplift their communities through service. These non-profit leaders, our Women of Worth, each receive $25,000 to support their causes, mentorship from the L’Oréal Paris network and a national platform to share their stories.

The Rooted Pathways Program, initiated by First Peoples Fund, offers essential support to Native-led arts organizations, fostering their growth and stability. This funding empowers these organizations to thrive in their missions, providing unrestricted operating support and participation in a Learning Cohort. Eligible applicants include Native nonprofits and collectives with budgets under $500,000, and the program aims to uplift artists from U.S. federally recognized tribes. This initiative is part of the Wallace Foundation's broader commitment to enhancing well-being in the arts.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

The RFA-FD-23-001 funding opportunity aims to support clinical trials for orphan products targeting rare diseases. It focuses on evaluating the efficacy and safety of treatments to address unmet medical needs. By promoting innovative and collaborative trial designs, the FDA seeks to enhance the approval rates of effective therapies for rare conditions, ultimately benefiting patients and advancing drug development in this critical area.

This funding opportunity aims to enhance the development of medical products in rare diseases through innovative natural history studies. By generating high-quality data, the FDA seeks to bridge critical knowledge gaps and eliminate barriers in rare disease research. The initiative focuses on diseases with unmet needs, fostering significant impacts for those affected and facilitating the development of effective therapeutic solutions.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation offers the Medical Resident Research Award to engage residents in CF-related research projects. This initiative aims to inspire a lasting interest in cystic fibrosis research or care. Awardees are encouraged to include training on equitable care for individuals with CF, with a maximum award amount of $10,000 for one year. This funding supports research efforts while fostering professional development in the CF community.