Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in California

About us

SIR Foundation is a scientific foundation dedicated to fostering research in interventional radiology for the purposes of advancing scientific knowledge, increasing the number of skilled investigators, and developing innovative therapies that lead to improved patient care and quality of life. The foundation is committed to fostering the development and enhancement of innovative, minimally invasive, image-guided therapies from inception to mature clinical application and to conduct educational programs in the service of its mission.

Resident Research Award

Provides residents and fellows an opportunity to attend and present their scientific research at the SIR Annual Scientific Meeting. The intent is to expose young researchers who wish to further their careers in interventional radiology.

Award

Up to two recipients will receive complimentary registration and a travel stipend of $1,000.

Battle Creek Community Foundation

Our Mission: The Battle Creek Community Foundation connects people, ideas, and resources to expand opportunity and create lasting community benefit for today and tomorrow.

Scholarships

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

American Business Women's Association Unity Chapter Education Fund

The American Business Women's Association Unity Chapter Education Scholarship is for high school graduates or non-traditional students residing in Calhoun County and who will be attending a community college, university or technical school. Students enrolling in their second year at that community college or sophomore, junior or senior year at a university and have a GPA of 2.5 or higher are eligible. Nontraditional or returning students must have one semester of an established GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Battle Creek Community Foundation

Our Mission: The Battle Creek Community Foundation connects people, ideas, and resources to expand opportunity and create lasting community benefit for today and tomorrow.

Scholarships

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Always A Bearcat Scholarship Fund

The Battle Creek Public Schools Education Foundation board has established the Always A Bearcat Scholarship Fund to fill a need for scholarship support beyond the first year of college. Despite the advantages of a recurring scholarship, the majority of scholarships are, in fact, one-time awards. This leaves sophomores, juniors, and seniors - not to mention graduate students - in search of critical funding to complete their degrees. The Always A Bearcat Scholarship Fund supports upperclassmen, graduate students, and/or adults seeking skilled trades certificates and degrees, helping these students cross the finish line and get into their careers.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Kay Earline Vanderford Nursing Scholarship Fund

The Kay Earline Vanderford Nursing Scholarship Fund was established in 2011 in loving memory of Kay Earline Vanderford by her son Douglas Vanderford. A graduate of Kellogg Community College's nursing program, Kay Earline Vanderford worked as a LPN for several years at area nursing homes. She served the Homer and Litchfield communities most of her life and was very compassionate toward her patients. This scholarship assists those who are called to enter the field of nursing.

We manage one of the largest scholarship programs in our area, with more than $182,000 committed to students in over 70 new and renewed scholarships awarded each year.

For graduating seniors or current college students.

Mason-Oceana-Manistee Board of Realtors Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Mason-Oceana-Manistee Board of Realtors members, who established the Mason-Oceana-Manistee Board of Realtors Scholarship Fund of the Community Foundation for Mason County.

The Mason-Oceana-Manistee Board of Realtors created this Scholarship Fund to benefit graduating seniors from any Mason, Oceana, or Manistee County High. This fund supports a student from each county every year.

The James F. Densler Award, presented by the American Pediatric Surgical Association, recognizes individuals who promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in pediatric surgery. This prestigious award celebrates those who have made significant contributions to diverse care delivery and team dynamics, fostering an inclusive environment within the surgical community. Nominees should exemplify dedication to enhancing the lives of underserved populations through their work in pediatric surgery.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

George V. Dodd scholarship Fund

George Dodd enjoyed life and his family. He was active in their lives. He displayed patience, persistence, professionalism, fairness, kindness, and collaboration at home and work. George served in the Navy during World War II as a radar instructor. After the war, he graduated from the School of Mechanical Engineering at Northwestern University. He worked 37 years at Kellogg's as a Project Engineer. He traveled to Kellogg plants in multiple continents. He participated in local and national engineering clubs and found the energy to lead groups ranging from the Boy Scouts to the PTA. His children attended Battle Creek Public Schools, received an excellent education, and participated in extracurricular activities, sports, and Clear Lake Camp activities. They graduated college and received advanced degrees. The Dodd family would like to honor George's memory by helping Battle Creek Public School graduates achieve their career goals.

Scranton Area Community Foundation

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

Scholarships

We are honored to be the stewards of over 90 scholarship funds established by philanthropically-minded individuals in our community. Generous donors entrust us to connect them to dynamic students to provide financial resources for their education through scholarships. Our donors establish scholarship funds with criteria they wish to be met by applicants. Our scholarship committee considers the criteria, evaluates the submitted applications, and chooses the best candidates for each scholarship.

Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation Nursing Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to individuals seeking financial support to obtain a certification or degree in the nursing field, including a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), or a Registered Nurse (RN), Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN), or nurse educator.

The Senior and Family Services Grant offers vital funding to nonprofits in Sacramento County aimed at assisting seniors and low-income families. Grants up to $4,500 support projects that provide essential services such as transportation, food delivery, and housing assistance. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities located in Sacramento County and demonstrate effective programming. This initiative seeks to empower local nonprofits in their mission to enhance community well-being.

Joel and Dena Gambord Nursing Scholarship

The goal of this scholarship is to attract and support high caliber nursing students who choose to complete their advanced nursing studies in the RN to BSN program at CSU Monterey Bay.

In so doing, this merit-based program will provide CSU Monterey Bay and the College of Health Sciences and Human Services with the opportunity to ensure the development of high-quality nursing expertise in the region.

The Scholarship fund provides financial support to eligible students for tuition assistance in the nursing program.

Scholarship finalists are selected on the basis of academic performance, financial need, demonstrated leadership and participation in community service in the healthcare field, work experience, passing an open book civics test, and a statement of career and educational goals and objectives.

Priority consideration will be given to working RN’s who want to receive their BSN.

The Wyeth Foundation for American Art aims to promote the study and appreciation of historic American art through financial support for research, conservation, and innovative exhibitions. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $25,000 and are awarded to non-profit organizations. The foundation emphasizes the importance of scholarship and excellence in American art, while not funding projects focusing solely on art from the last three decades.

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.

About Community Foundation of Henderson County

• Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.
• Vision: Community Foundation of Henderson County is a highly visible, philanthropic leader directed by an engaged and committed board, staffed by qualified employees, empowering donors at all levels to invest in professionally managed charitable funds that address community needs.

Haddy Harrington Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is to provide financial assistance for students who have demonstrated a passionate desire for advanced education in art or writing. Applicant must be a graduate of a Henderson County high school with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

This is a renewable scholarship.

The Walter B. Lowe Continuing Education Scholarship, managed by the Decatur County Community Foundation, aims to support adults over 40 in Decatur County, Indiana, pursuing a 2-year, 4-year, or graduate degree. This scholarship alleviates the financial burden of education, promoting lifelong learning and personal development. For more details, interested candidates can contact the Decatur County Community Foundation at (812) 662-6364. This initiative reflects the foundation's mission to inspire community generosity and create lasting impact.

Sam A. Mills Memorial Scholarship

Applicant must be a graduate of a Henderson County public high school who is pursuing an undergraduate degree in an accredited school on a full-time basis. The applicant must demonstrate financial need and show scholastic achievement and good citizenship.

Amount

• $1000

National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky

The National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky is a chartered affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB). The National Federation of the Blind (national office and all state affiliates) are tax-exempt non profit agencies and are classified as 501c(3) organizations. The NFB is a Better Business Bureau (BBB) Accredited Charity as well as a Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) Approved Charity.

National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky (NFBK) Scholarship

NFB of Kentucky scholarships may be awarded in amounts that range from $500 to $2,000 to deserving candidates. These scholarships may be awarded to either full time or part time students who meet the criteria set forth.

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

Maxine E. Elkan Scholarship

The Maxine E. Elkan Scholarship was created in 2025 by Diane Mancino, EdD, RN, CAE, FAAN. This permanent scholarship is awarded to a PhD or EdD student. Maxine Elizabeth Elkan, graduate of the third class of the Montefiore Hospital School of Nursing in 1928, served as a psychiatric nurse, American Red Cross Nurse, public health and industrial nurse. Late in her career, Maxine worked as a private duty nurse at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital's Harkness Pavillion. She was also a professional photographer, designer of women’s clothes, and mastered the recorder. Preference will be given to a student pursuing a career as a nurse educator.

The Valley Water Standard Grants - Planning Grants program supports projects that enhance safe drinking water and environmental stewardship in Santa Clara County. With $1.87 million available, it funds planning activities like feasibility studies and environmental planning. Eligible applicants include local governments, nonprofits, and educational institutions. This initiative promotes community engagement and empowers local entities to address water-related challenges effectively, ensuring projects align with Valley Water's mission.

The Combined Pilot Research Grants from the Plastic Surgery Foundation and the American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons aim to promote innovative research in maxillofacial surgery. With funding of up to $15,000 for one-year pilot projects, this initiative supports the preliminary phases of research, fostering the development of surgeon scientists and enhancing scientific knowledge in the field. Eligible applicants include MDs, DOs, or PhDs holding full-time positions in U.S. or Canadian institutions.

Armstrong County Community Foundation (The Community Foundation Serving the Heart of Western Pennsylvania)

In 1997 Merchants National Bank, an Armstrong County community bank, marked its 100th anniversary. The centennial celebration included a unique expression of gratitude to the community in the form of $100,000 to be used as a seed fund to initiate a community foundation for Armstrong County. The bank challenged the community to keep the principal balance of the endowed funds intact and spend only a portion of the interest earnings to ensure a lasting legacy.

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Judy L. (Beveridge) Creel Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is established to honor the memory of Gary and Judy (Beveridge) Creel of East Franklin Township, Armstrong County.

Gary, the son of Clarence and Hally (Sharpe) Creel, was employed in the surface coal stripping industry and then owned and operated a retail tire sales business until his retirement. At the time of his passing, Gary was in the process of getting a patent approved for a canine orthopedic support device.

Judy, the daughter of Floyd "Ernie" and Dorothy (Reesman) Beveridge, was employed in the banking industry. In retirement, Judy designed tombstones/grave markers for both humans and pets. Judy also was a published author having written three books.

Gary and Judy met in high school and shared 55 years of marriage. Life was busy with work, family, and church responsibilities, but both found time to be there for others in their moment of need. Whether it was offering their time, professional skills or personal resources, their compassion was shared authentically and altruistically.

It is the desire of children, Marci and Ryan, to establish this scholarship to continue their parents' legacy of ordinary people doing what they could to help others, simply because it was the right thing to do. Matthew 6:3-4; James 2:15-17

The Rotary Club of Milwaukee Scholarship provides financial support and mentorship to high school seniors in Milwaukee pursuing higher education. This program, which has been active for over 110 years, aims to invest in the next generation of community leaders. Recipients not only receive financial aid but also engage in educational programming and are paired with mentors for guidance throughout their college journey, ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed.

The Max Kade Foundation Grant supports educational institutions and charitable organizations recognized as tax-exempt by the IRS. It emphasizes Germanic studies and transatlantic exchanges through various programs, including postdoctoral research, faculty exchanges, and language teacher training. The foundation aims to foster cross-cultural understanding and collaboration between the U.S. and German-speaking countries, offering funding opportunities for innovative educational initiatives.

Hardin Medical and Dental Staff Memorial Scholarship

A graduating high school senior residing in Breckinridge, Grayson, Green, Hardin, Hart, LaRue, Meade, Nelson or Taylor Counties.

The RAE Family Community Scholarship, established by the Tulsa Community Foundation, supports high school graduates from Mayes County, Oklahoma, seeking to enroll in undergraduate programs. Since its inception in 1998, the Tulsa Community Foundation has been dedicated to enhancing the community through charitable efforts and grants, ensuring that all individuals and families can thrive. This scholarship is a vital resource for students aiming to further their education and make a positive impact in their communities.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Georgia Rothberg Nursing Scholarship Fund

Georgia Rothberg was a school nurse. She as very concerned about cancer research and volunteered many hours with the American Cancer Society. In establishing this scholarship fund, it was Georgia's hope that dedicated nursing careers would develop from this assistance, and that the scholarship recipients share the value of their education with the community. This scholarship was designed to provide financial assistance to individuals who are currently providing nursing services or desire to provide nursing services in the Battle Creek area for educational expenses incurred to obtain nursing degrees and/or continuing nursing education for those who have already obtained nursing degrees. Scholarship recipients are selected on the basis of academic performance, financial need, character and citizenship, and motivation to succeed.

Washington County Community Foundation

The Washington County Community Foundation seeks to improve the quality of life in Washington County by promoting and facilitating philanthropy. We accomplish this by assuming four philanthropic roles of Grantmaker, Donor Service Organization, Fundraiser, and Community Leader. 

Fostering philanthropy by offering charitable gifting opportunities to donors on an individualized basis and at reasonable fees, we make charitable giving easier, more satisfying, and more effective. We broadly support the Washington County community by awarding grants in eight focus areas as follows: Animal Welfare, Arts & Humanities, Community Improvement & Economic Development, Conservation & Environment, Education, Health & Fitness, Human Needs, and Religion & Faith.

Washington County Visiting Nurses Scholarship Fund

The Foundation provides a limited number of need-based and merit-based scholarships to qualifying students attending a graduate school or other educational institution.

The HEAL Initiative's new program aims to generate comprehensive datasets on human pain networks through advanced 'omics and physiology research. Utilizing primary human tissues, the initiative promotes collaboration among diverse experts to enhance the understanding of pain mechanisms. This cooperative agreement will foster best practices and data sharing, ensuring integrated approaches across various pain conditions. While applications are not currently being accepted, the initiative encourages multidisciplinary teams to prepare for future opportunities in pain research.