Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in California

William and Bess Osheroff Memorial Scholarship

William Osheroff was born in Omaha and grew up in Erickson, Nebraska. He earned his Bachelor of Science and his Masters and Doctor of Medicine degrees from the University of Nebraska.

A member of the Grays Harbor Medical Association and the American Medical Association, Dr. Osheroff became known on the Harbor as an excellent physician who cared deeply about the community. A general practitioner, he trained to work as a cardiologist and introduced cardiac care services to the Harbor after recognizing that such services were badly needed in the community. Before the technology became commercially available, Dr. Osheroff developed a device for sending EKG tracings over the phone, allowing him to keep better track of his patients’ heart conditions. In 1972, he became a member of the American College of Cardiology.

Like her husband, Bess Osheroff cared deeply about the communities of Grays Harbor and worked to improve the quality of life and health of her neighbors. Born in Jessup, Pennsylvania and raised in Emporia, Virginia, Bess Osheroff became a Registered Nurse through New York City’s Cumberland Hospital School of Nursing.

Together, Bess and her husband helped organize the first Red Cross Blood Drive on Grays Harbor. Bess continued to organize blood drives for twenty years. William and Bess had a daughter and four sons, one of whom died in 1977. Bess died in November 1996, a month after seeing her son Doug, a Stanford physics professor, win the Nobel Prize in Physics.

While preference will be given to applicants interested in studying science or medicine, the William and Bess Osheroff Memorial Scholarship is open to all applicants who satisfy the general eligibility requirements of the Scholarship Program.

American Physical Society

The American Physical Society is a nonprofit membership organization working to advance physics by fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and global community dedicated to science and society. APS represents more than 50,000 members, including physicists in academia, national laboratories, and industry in the United States and around the world.

APS Honors recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of the global physics community. Guided by our core values, APS Honors encourages nominations that reflect the full range of talent, distinction, and experience in our field, and supports broad canvassing for professional achievement across diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise.

Neil Ashcroft Early Career Award for Studies of Matter at Extreme High Pressure Conditions

The award recognizes outstanding theoretical or experimental contributions by an early-career scientist to studies of matter at extreme high pressure conditions. This includes static and/or dynamic compressions within the disciplines of Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Earth and Planetary Science, Soft Matter and Biology. The honor is conferred annually and includes of a $5,000 stipend, a certificate citing the contributions of the recipient, and an allowance for travel to an APS meeting to receive the award to deliver an invited lecture at either the biennial SCCM Conference or the APS March Meeting.

Nominations are active for three years provided the the nominator re-certifies the nomination before the next deadline and all eligibility criteria are still met.

The John Deere FIRST LEGO League Discover program aims to support equity, diversity, and inclusion in STEM fields by providing grants to teams that meet specific eligibility criteria. Teams must be associated with an educational institution or nonprofit and demonstrate a commitment to recruiting underserved and underrepresented students. The initiative is part of John Deere’s goal to empower one million youth by 2030, fostering innovation and better decision-making in local communities.

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

James P. Humphrey, Black Achievers Scholarship

Shelby County residents who are of African-American descent and a graduating senior at a Shelby County High School maintaining a high school GPA of no less than 2.0.

Selection based upon (in order of priority):

Financial need, academic ability, demonstrated community and school service, and recommendations, and an interview.

Awards Vary.

The Novak Family Scholarship

Walter M. Novak was born on April 19, 1921, the second son of Michael and Apolonia, Polish immigrants who had arrived in America just after the turn of the century. They were determined that their two sons receive a college education and through years of hard work in Hoquiam mills, survival through the Great Depression, and with help from their large vegetable garden, fishing, and clamming they were able to send both sons to the University of Washington where they each received Mechanical Engineering degrees.

Walter has inspired many people throughout his life with his dedicated work ethic, intelligence, honesty, concern and care for his employees and friends and his love for his family. He is the true product of the “American Dream” and these scholarships given in his name are meant to help others achieve their goals.

Dr. John D. “Jack” Ehrhart Memorial Scholarship

Dr. John D. Ehrhart was a standout athlete in tennis, football, and basketball who graduated from Hoquiam High School in 1935 and went on to study at Stanford University and earn his M.D. degree from Stanford Medical School.

In high school, Jack won the Pacific Northwest Junior Tennis Championship, and in later years he was instrumental in helping young people learn to play tennis. He remained an avid sports fan all his life. He practiced medicine in Aberdeen for nearly 30 years before his life was cut tragically short in 1974 when the plane he was piloting through dense fog crashed in the hills of East Aberdeen.

The Dr. John D. “Jack” Ehrhart Memorial Scholarship is open to all applicants who satisfy the general eligibility requirements of the Scholarship Program

The Energy, Power, Control, and Networks (EPCN) Program, managed by the National Science Foundation, fosters innovative research in multi-agent systems, resource allocation, and machine learning. It focuses on applications in energy, transportation, and robotics, while emphasizing the integration of renewable energy into power systems. EPCN also explores advanced power electronics, cybersecurity for grids, and the development of adaptive systems. This program encourages groundbreaking advancements in energy-efficient technologies and promotes collaboration in addressing complex challenges.

The Emo Jean Cottrell Scholarship Fund, administered by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports students pursuing various degrees, including Associate, Bachelor's, and vocational certificates. Open to high school seniors, current college students, and adult learners in the USA, it encourages academic excellence with a minimum GPA requirement of 2.5. This renewable scholarship, available for up to three years, aims to enhance educational opportunities and foster community growth, reflecting the foundation's commitment to improving lives in San Antonio.

The NMDP Amy Strelzer Manasevit Research Program Grant supports early-career researchers in hematopoietic cell transplantation and cellular therapy. With a maximum funding of $400,000 over five years, it aims to address complications post-transplant, such as infection and relapse. This prestigious grant encourages innovative research proposals, particularly those targeting HLA-mismatched donor outcomes. By fostering new talent in the field, the program is essential for advancing our understanding of critical post-transplant challenges.

Read Conmigo Grant Program

Advancing Dual-Language  Education for Bilingual Students

The Read Conmigo Educator Grants support educators in dual-language (Spanish-English) programs at public and charter elementary schools. Grant applications are accepted twice annually in the spring and the fall.

Each year, The Kemper Foundation awards up to 100 Read Conmigo Educator Grants of $3,000 each. Grant funds must be used towards classroom resources and/or professional development that advance dual-language (Spanish-English) education for bilingual students.

Classroom Resources Examples of eligible uses:

• Audiovisual equipment
• Books
• Computers
• Field Trip(s)
• Furniture
• Games
• Lesson plans
• Manipulatives
• Technology

The Community Foundation of Marquette County distributes over $130,000 annually in scholarships to benefit aspiring students in Marquette County.

The Paul W. and Pearl K. Goodman Music Scholarship Fund

Provides financial assistance for individuals attending the NICE School District (grades 3 to 10, based on financial need) to take part in instrumental and vocal music lessons.

Distribution Process

• CFMC scholarship recipients will be contacted in June requesting student enrollment verification
• Scholarships can only be distributed once student’s information is received
• Scholarships will be distributed to the college/school/university indicated by student
• The scholarship must be used for tuition and fees required for the enrollment or attendance of the student at a qualifying educational institution; fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for courses of instruction at such an educational institution; and room and board, within the first semester of first year of students enrollment
• That year’s recipient must claim the scholarship within that fiscal year to be distributed (by 12/31/xx)

The National Pride Grant for LGBTQIA+ Small Businesses, opening for applications on April 22, 2025, offers $25,000 in funding distributed as $1,000 micro grants to 25 eligible LGBTQIA+ business owners. Designed to support diverse founder-led enterprises, this initiative encourages professional development and aids in achieving over $1 million in revenue. Eligible participants must have a U.S.-based business and meet specific criteria regarding ownership, revenue, and employee count.

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds. 

Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

Latino Breakfast Club Scholarship Fund   

To support graduating Latino high school seniors from Hampden County.

Additional Guidelines

Students can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships from the Community Foundation.

Scholarship awards could impact the financial aid offered by a college, and students are advised to check with their college financial aid offices about this.

Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. Some part and/or all the award could be considered taxable income. It is advisable students check with the college or tax accountant regarding this matter.

Margaret Jones Irvin Scholarship Fund

Fund provides higher education scholarship assistance to students pursuing an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral degree.

Amount

$1,000+

The AI for Economic Opportunity Fund, established by the GitLab Foundation, aims to catalyze transformative economic opportunities using advanced AI technologies. This funding round invites bold proposals that leverage AI to enhance economic mobility, improve service delivery, and create new educational pathways. Grantees will receive $250,000 in funding, technical support, and access to a network of practitioners. The fund seeks projects that demonstrate ethical awareness and promote fairness in AI deployment.

Boom & Bucket's Student Scholarship Program aims to provide a $1,000 scholarship each year to students pursuing heavy machinery programs at colleges or trade schools in the U.S. and Canada. This initiative supports both current and future students, ensuring access to quality education regardless of financial background. By investing in education, Boom & Bucket hopes to foster the next generation of heavy equipment professionals while demonstrating its commitment to transparency and customer service.

Fund provides scholarships to further the education of young men and women who appear to be able, deserving, and in real need of financial assistance in their post high school education in the fields of either technical, vocational, academic, or professional education.

Amount

• $1,000+

Sterling High School Alumni Association Scholarship Fund in Memory of Dwight David Huggins

Dwight David Huggins (Class of 1962) contributed to this scholarship with a gift from his estate in 2024. His intent was to assist deserving African American/Black students residing in Greenville County, in need of financial assistance to be able to attend institutions of higher learning while seeking to become lifelong learners and productive, self-sufficient members of our society. The preference for descendants of Sterling High School Alumni and Israel Metropolitan AME church is in recognition of him being a former member of both organizations.

John I. Smith Charities Scholarship

Established in 1989 by John I. Smith Charities to provide educational incentives and financial assistance to individuals residing in government-subsidized housing with the goal of helping students achieve self-sufficiency and become contributing citizens of the community through educational attainment.

Funding Amount

• $800.00 per semester for up to 4 years.
• At least one scholarship will be awarded annually.
• Award amount and number of awards are determined annually based on the Community Foundation of Greenville’s Spending Policy for Endowment Funds.
• Scholarship funds will be paid per semester to the approved educational institution in the name of the student and applied only to the costs of tuition, room, and board, or required fees.

Greenville County Fire Chiefs’ Association Scholarship

In 1995, the Greenville County Fire Chiefs’ Association established a scholarship fund to promote higher education for firefighters and their spouses or children.

Funding

• A minimum of $5,000 will be awarded annually and the number and amount of each award will be determined annually.
• Scholarship funds are paid to an approved educational institution in the name of the student.
• Scholarship funds are awarded for one academic year and are not subject to automatic renewal. 

The ASTR Po-Hsien Chu International Scholar Award Fund aims to support international scholars facing unique challenges in the U.S. due to their visa status. This initiative offers annual research awards to up to two scholars, with a focus on at least one Asian recipient. The $1000 honorarium promotes access to funding for groundbreaking research in theatre and performance studies and encourages recipients to engage with the ASTR community through conferences and mentoring.

Tampa Jazz Club

The Tampa Jazz Club was incorporated as a non- profit organization in 1995, with the objective of “generating interest in preserving, understanding and performing jazz.”

Tampa Jazz Club Scholarship

The Tampa Jazz Club is committed to encouraging talented young jazz students and to presenting great live jazz in Tampa.

Since 2003, we have awarded Tampa Jazz Club scholarships to graduating area high school seniors who went on to study jazz performance or education. To date, we have awarded $24,750 to 22 graduates.

The Thoracic Surgery Foundation

The Thoracic Surgery Foundation is the premier philanthropic organization in cardiothoracic surgery, with nearly four decades of dedicated investment in the work of cardiothoracic surgeons and professionals. TSF is committed to improving patient care through support for research, education, innovation, and humanitarian outreach, aiming to advance heart and lung health for all.

As the charitable heart of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons, TSF collaborates globally to drive progress in cardiothoracic surgery. Through the efforts of TSF and its worldwide partners, patients with heart and lung disease experience improved longevity and a high quality of life.

STS Perioperative & Critical Care Conference Resident Scholarship

Purpose

This Resident Scholarship allows CT surgery residents to attend the STS Perioperative & Critical Care Conference. The scholarship covers course registration fees, two nights' lodging at the host hotel, and and expense reimbursement of eligible travel expenses.

Course Description

Attendees of the 2026 STS Perioperative & Critical Care Conference will explore the latest techniques and management strategies in cardiovascular and thoracic (CVT) critical care and enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS). This two-day event features dynamic and interactive presentations, hands-on demonstrations, scientific abstracts, and expert panel discussions designed for all members of the CVT perioperative and critical care team. Learn more here.

The Barton-Tomlinson Scholarship, offered by The San Diego Foundation, is designed to support residents of San Diego County who are enrolled in community college and intend to transfer to San Diego State University in fall 2026. Eligibility requires a minimum 2.5 GPA and demonstrated financial need, with community service also considered. This scholarship aims to facilitate a smooth transition for students pursuing their academic goals at SDSU.

Agnes Zuverink-Norman Nursing Scholarship

Graduating senior or graduating early college student from one of the following high schools: Black River, Holland Christian, Holland High School, West Ottawa, Zeeland East, or Zeeland West.

Robert & Grace Karst R.N. Scholarship

This scholarship was created by Grace Karst RN, who dedicated 44 years to the nursing profession and as a nursing home administrator. Her husband Robert served in the Army, was a White House guard, and eventually retired after 36 years working for the railroad.

This award is presented to a Whitley County student intent upon becoming a Registered Nurse.

Scholarships

Grand Haven Area Community Foundation scholarships are awarded competitively based on criteria set by donors. These criteria could include financial need, the school the applicant is attending, academic achievement, as well as personal or career goals. The Community Foundation has a rigorous internal selection process for each scholarship decision, and each applicant is reviewed in depth, and considered thoroughly.

Our scholarship program is simple. You are able to apply once for all foundation scholarships you may be eligible for. Once your application is submitted, you will be eligible for all those for which you meet the requirement.

Zenko Family Fund 

This fund was established in 1990 by Margaret L. Zenko as a means to assist individuals to help themselves become productive members of our community. Her husband, Edward, was a graduate of Pigeon Creek School and a self-educated engineer who started Progressive Engineering, which made parts for airplanes during World War II. They both had a keen interest in the Grand Haven Lighthouse and Pier and in retirement, Edward's energy was funneled into getting the lights installed on the catwalk. The Zenko Family Fund continues to give scholarships to deserving local students who show through their work ethic that education is important.