Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in California

The BPW/Maine Futurama Foundation offers the Career Advancement Scholarship, a $3000 award aimed at women aged 30 and above residing in Maine. This scholarship supports those enrolled in accredited colleges or training programs, covering both full-time and part-time studies. It assists women in improving their skills for career advancement, whether entering a new field or re-entering the job market. Since 1962, the foundation has empowered women towards economic self-sufficiency.

The ACI Presidents' Fellowship, offered by the ACI Foundation, supports graduate students in construction, design, education, or materials. Awardees receive a $10,000 stipend for educational expenses, recognition in industry publications, and travel support for two conventions. This fellowship emphasizes mentorship and professional development, ensuring that recipients are well-prepared for their future careers. International students are eligible, provided they study in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico, and no internship is required.

The Lemieux-Lovejoy Youth Scholarship, provided by the BPW/Maine Futurama Foundation, supports Maine women pursuing higher education. Established in 1962, this scholarship honors Rachel E. Lemieux and Arline Andrews Lovejoy, who were instrumental in its founding. Applicants must be Maine residents graduating high school and demonstrate financial need. This initiative aims to empower women and promote economic self-sufficiency, enabling them to achieve their educational goals and contribute positively to the community.

Mission

To improve the health and healthcare of all residents residing within Stanislaus and Merced counties (19 specific cities and Zip codes) by increasing access to various healthcare services and educating people about healthy lifestyle decisions. Our objective is to dramatically improve the quality of life within the greater LHE community by bringing together resources, expertise, vision and the belief we can – and will – make a difference.

Jonnie York Nursing Fellowship

The Jonnie York Nursing Scholarship: The York Fellows

The Jonnie York Nursing Scholarship: The York Fellows was created to honor Jonnie York, RN, a former board member of Legacy Health Endowment and retired public health nurse for Stanislaus County. Her contributions across the Central Valley are indicative of the hard work and dedication nurses provide. Her leadership and servant’s heart for community wellness have helped close the gap in public healthcare, bringing community wellness to as many people as possible.

This fellowship program will allow Legacy Health Endowment to educate local students who want to obtain a degree in nursing and stay and work in our community. The fellowship will cover full tuition, books, and equipment up to $60,000. LHE will assist local students from the 19 Zip codes who have been accepted into an accredited Bachelor of Science Nursing Program or accredited Accelerated Bachelor of Science Nursing program (ABSN).

Upon completing their studies, graduates must return to work as nurses for two years at a nonprofit or for-profit entity within the communities the Legacy Health Endowment serves.

Our goal is to rebuild the Central Valley’s nursing infrastructure with individuals who grew up in the region and would be more inclined to live and work in the Central Valley, ensuring that all its residents can access quality registered nursing services provided by culturally appropriate trained professionals. The hope is that every local ethnic group will have students who want to become a York Fellow.

Mission: To continually improve the Marion Area community through philanthropy, leadership and civic engagement. Eula M. Rhoads ScholarshipThe Eula M. Rhoads Scholarship Fund makes awards to Marion area high school seniors in the top 25 percent of their graduating class and graduates who maintain a college GPA of 3.0 or better. Special consideration is given to those pursuing a degree in pharmacy or veterinary medicine at an Ohio college.

The Antonio and Antoinette Pieropan Scholarship Fund, established by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, supports local students from Stockbridge and West Stockbridge pursuing higher education. This fund prioritizes those in financial need, particularly encouraging vocational training in trades. It reflects the values of its namesakes, promoting independence and community contribution. Scholarships can be renewed annually through age 23, providing essential support for students seeking careers in technical fields and trades.

The Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award offers a one-time, need-based grant of up to $10,000 for pre-collegiate musicians aged 8-18 participating in From the Top’s Learning and Media Lab Fellowship. This award aims to support talented young musicians facing financial barriers in their pursuit of classical music education. Applicants must demonstrate strong musical ability and are required to fully engage in the fellowship program to receive the award.

Call for Applications: Seeking Outstanding Women Impact Entrepreneurs

The Cartier Women’s Initiative is an annual international entrepreneurship program that aims to drive change by empowering women impact entrepreneurs. Founded in 2006, the program selects 27 fellows from 9 regions for its Regional Awards:

• Latin America and the Carribean
• North America
• Europe
• Francophone Sub-Saharan Africa
• Anglophone and Lusophone Africa
• Middle East and North Africa
• East Asia
• South Asia and Central Asia
• Oceania

The Berkshire Inspired Educational Fund, established by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, aims to assist BIPOC and economically disadvantaged students from Berkshire County, MA, facing emergency financial needs. Inspired by local traditions of supporting educational aspirations, the fund provides vital financial resources for college-related expenses, ensuring these students can achieve their academic goals. This initiative reflects the foundation's commitment to community empowerment and economic mobility, reinforcing their mission to foster equitable opportunities for all residents.

Stanislaus Community Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students in order to help them achieve their educational and career goals. We believe that by investing in our students, we are investing in a brighter future for Stanislaus. 

Richard & Dolla Squires Memorial Music Scholarship

Open to graduating high school seniors pursuing a degree in music and demonstrating financial need. 

Award Amount:

• $1,000 

The Kiwanis Club of McPherson Scholarship, sponsored by the McPherson County Community Foundation, offers three $700 awards to graduating seniors from McPherson County pursuing post-secondary education in law enforcement, medical fields, or education. This initiative aims to support local youth in their educational endeavors, ensuring that the community's charitable goals are met through sustainable investments and memorializing the values of donors.

The Ruth Scholarship, established by the McPherson County Community Foundation, honors the legacy of Central Kansas women who valued education, family, and community. This scholarship aims to support female graduates of McPherson High School with a minimum GPA of 2.5, who actively participate in school or employment and demonstrate financial need. One $750 scholarship will be awarded to help recipients achieve their educational goals.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

A.B. & Hazel Augenstein Scholarship

The A.B. & Hazel Augenstein Scholarship Fund is Marion Community Foundation’s first multi-year scholarship.

Created in 2009 by a gift from the Hazel & A.B. Augenstein Scholarship Foundation Trust, it supports students from River Valley. The trust was created by the Claridon Alumni Association to honor and memorialize the significance of A.B. Augenstein’s role in the Claridon School community. The Claridon Alumni Association continues to be the main supporter of this endowment fund.

The Faye Lynn Deckard Memorial Scholarship Fund, managed by the Brown County Community Foundation, aims to provide scholarships for students accepted into accredited two- or four-year institutions. This fund supports residents of Brown County pursuing degrees in early childhood education, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder their educational aspirations. Since its inception, the foundation has been dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities for local students, reinforcing its commitment to community development and academic achievement.

The Harry D. Poling Scholarship, managed by the Brown County Community Foundation, supports current and former 4-H members pursuing higher education or vocational training. Established to assist students from Brown County, this scholarship prioritizes those seeking CDL or vocational training, emphasizing financial need. Since 1993, the Foundation has focused on educational initiatives, providing numerous scholarships to local graduates and working closely with The Lilly Endowment Inc. for enhanced educational opportunities.

The Graduate Student Scholarship for Minority Students, offered by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation, supports graduate students from racial or ethnic minority groups who are U.S. citizens. This scholarship aims to promote academic achievement among students enrolled in communication sciences and disorders programs. Applicants must be full-time students and will be considered for multiple scholarship categories, but can only receive one award. The program emphasizes educational support for tuition and related expenses.

The Edwin R. Stucky Debate Scholarship, administered by the McPherson County Community Foundation, is designed for graduating seniors from McPherson County who have participated in the high school debate program. One $1,250 scholarship is available, which is renewable for an additional year, totaling $2,500. Preference will be given to students attending Moundridge High School. This scholarship aims to support students in furthering their education at a public post-secondary institution.

The Buhl Regional Health Foundation Scholarships provide essential financial support to students pursuing healthcare education. Open to high school seniors from Mercer County, PA, these scholarships enable recipients to earn degrees, diplomas, or certificates in various healthcare fields. By investing in the education of future healthcare professionals, the foundation aims to enhance community well-being and empower students to develop vital skills for a successful career in healthcare.

The Lester Little Ag Education Scholarship, offered by the Muskingum County Community Foundation, aims to support graduating seniors pursuing higher education in agricultural studies. Scholarships will be awarded to students from John Glenn, Philo, Tri-Valley, Maysville, and West Muskingum High Schools. Preference is given to those active in their school's ag programs and 4-H, with additional consideration for female applicants, fostering a commitment to agricultural education and community engagement.

The Kiwanis Club of Elk Grove offers the Jessie Baker Memorial Scholarship, valued at $1,000, aimed at supporting local students pursuing education in Special Education Teaching or related fields. Applicants must be full-time students from designated Elk Grove high schools, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5, and demonstrate financial need. A personal essay outlining educational objectives is required, along with participation in school and community activities, ensuring a commitment to both academic and civic engagement.

The Kiwanis Club of Elk Grove Scholarship offers a $1,000 award to eligible high school students from Elk Grove, including Elk Grove High, Cosumnes High, Laguna Creek High, and Monterey Trail High. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5, demonstrate full-time enrollment in a post-secondary institution, and participate in school and community activities. A Key Club membership and a 200-500 word essay detailing the applicant's experiences and future goals are also required.

The Kiwanis Club of Rancho Murieta offers scholarships to graduating high school seniors who are residents of Rancho Murieta, Sloughhouse, or Wilton. With three scholarships available at $2,000 each, eligibility includes a minimum GPA of 2.0 and full-time enrollment in a post-secondary institution. Applicants must participate in school and community activities, and provide two letters of recommendation. This initiative supports local youth in their educational pursuits.

The Bauer Trust Fund Grant supports charitable organizations benefiting blind or handicapped persons. Established by Anthony F. Bauer, it aims to provide lasting support for those in need. To be eligible, organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and primarily operate in Connecticut. The fund does not support general operating costs, endowments, individuals, or political activities. This initiative reflects Mr. Bauer's legacy of generosity and commitment to aiding vulnerable communities.

The Kiwanis Club of Rancho Murieta offers the Turn Around Scholarship to support local students in their educational pursuits. Six scholarships of $1,000 each are available for eligible high school seniors from Pleasant Grove, Sheldon, Calvine, Las Flores, Rio Cazadero, and William Daylor. Applicants must demonstrate academic improvement and a minimum GPA of 3.0, as well as overcome personal challenges. This initiative aims to empower youth and strengthen community ties.

The Laura A. Lujan Autry Scholarship Fund provides financial support of $1,750 to eligible students from specific schools such as Elk Grove High and Cosumnes River College. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship encourages students with interests in nursing and agricultural programs, particularly those from single-parent households or with prior involvement in relevant activities. It aims to enhance educational opportunities within the community.

The Lillian & Warren Woodward Memorial Scholarship, awarded by the Elk Grove Regional Scholarship Foundation, supports students pursuing education, especially in teaching or special education. This $1,000 scholarship is available to students from eligible Elk Grove schools with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicants must demonstrate community service involvement and write an essay reflecting their experiences. The scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities and foster community engagement among youth.

The Robert L. Wesley Award, established by the SOM Foundation in 2020, honors BIPOC undergraduate students in architecture and related fields. Each year, three students receive a $10,000 award along with mentorship from leading BIPOC professionals. This initiative aims to support the educational journey of these students, enabling them to pursue their aspirations in design without financial constraints. The award fosters a community of support, encouraging the next generation of licensed architects to thrive.