Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in California

For 30 years, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation has served as a partner in philanthropy to credit unions, with a mission to empower and inspire credit unions in the Carolinas through collaborative opportunities to enrich our communities. A great example of this collaborative philanthropy is our scholarship program. 

More than 20 credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina have active managed funds at the Foundation. The generosity of these credit unions helps hundreds of high school seniors as well as undergraduate and graduate students receive scholarship funds each year.

As a member of any of the following credit unions, you may apply for a scholarship. 

Skyla Credit Union Herman Hoose Scholarship

The Skyla Foundation is dedicated to partnering with and supporting the local community through annual scholarship awards to high school seniors in pursuit of continuing education.

Each May, Skyla awards $5,000 Herman Hoose Scholarships to deserving students who are graduating from high school in the current school year and enrolls in an institution of higher education for the fall of that same year.

Skyla is partnering with the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation on the 2025-2026 Herman Hoose Scholarship cycle. The application window is from now through February 1, 2026.

The Erin Wilson McMahon Memorial Scholarship, offered by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports students from Bexar County pursuing higher education outside Texas. Eligible applicants include high school seniors and current college students seeking a Bachelor's or technical degree. The scholarship aims to foster educational growth and community development. With awards limited to one student, recipients can utilize funds for tuition, fees, and other educational expenses, promoting academic achievement and leadership.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

Wilson-Hooper Veterinary Medicine Assistance Program 

The Wilson-Hooper Veterinary Medicine Assistance Program, created in the memory of Jane Wilson Hooper and Colonel Philip L. Hooper, provides financial assistance to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native students pursuing a degree in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Veterinary Technology (Associate of Applied Science) full-time at an accredited institution. 

The maximum amount of an academic year award is $5,000. This opportunity is a renewable, merit-based award.

The Ernest B. and Marie H. Graham Scholarship, offered by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports current high school seniors pursuing studies in Mathematics or STEM fields. This renewable scholarship, available to students from select San Antonio school districts, covers tuition and fees for up to three years. Applicants must maintain a C average and enroll full-time in an accredited U.S. institution. This initiative aims to empower the next generation of innovators and leaders in STEM.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

Wells Fargo Scholarship for Undergraduates

The Wells Fargo Scholarship for Undergraduates provides financial assistance to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native undergraduate students pursuing degrees full-time at an accredited institution in any field of study.

The maximum amount of an academic year award is $5,000. This opportunity is a need-based award.

The Margaret Mary Curtin Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, provides $500 to support female students from Southeastern CT pursuing degrees in government or politics. Since 1983, the Foundation has awarded over $11.9 million in scholarships to help students achieve their educational and career goals. Awards are paid directly to colleges by August 1, ensuring timely funding for recipients.

For 30 years, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation has served as a partner in philanthropy to credit unions, with a mission to empower and inspire credit unions in the Carolinas through collaborative opportunities to enrich our communities. A great example of this collaborative philanthropy is our scholarship program. 

More than 20 credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina have active managed funds at the Foundation. The generosity of these credit unions helps hundreds of high school seniors as well as undergraduate and graduate students receive scholarship funds each year.

As a member of any of the following credit unions, you may apply for a scholarship.

HopeSouth FCU Scholarship Fund

Scholarships range from $500 to $5,000 and are available based on achievements and/or financial need.

When you apply for a HopeSouth Scholarship, you’re also entered into consideration for multiple opportunities. We have partnered with Carolinas Foundation Scholarship Program — giving you even more opportunities to fund your education.

The Amazing Grace Sulak Scholarship, established in 2017 by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, honors Grace Sulak and aims to support high school seniors from Bluffton, May River, or Hilton Head Island High Schools. To be eligible, students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate involvement in athletics and community service. This scholarship reflects the foundation's commitment to empowering local youth through educational opportunities.

The Robert (Driz) Young Scholarship, offered by the Ashland County Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Canton/McKinley High School with a GPA of 2.0 or higher. This scholarship is designed for students who have been accepted into accredited two- or four-year colleges or universities, providing essential financial assistance to help them achieve their academic goals and pursue higher education.

The National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship offers U.S. citizens and nationals the opportunity to pursue doctoral degrees in science and engineering fields critical to the Department of Defense. Awardees receive full tuition coverage, a monthly stipend of $3,600, and health insurance support. With over 4,400 fellowships awarded since its inception, the program aims to foster the next generation of scientists and engineers, encouraging diverse applicants to align their research with DoD priorities.

The Lisa Yoder Scholarship Fund, established by the Defiance Area Foundation in memory of Lisa Yoder, supports higher education for students who have graduated from public high schools and are members of St. Michaels Ridge Catholic Church in Defiance, Ohio. This annual, non-renewable scholarship assists first-year students pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree at their chosen accredited college or university, with the award amount determined based on fund performance.

For 30 years, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation has served as a partner in philanthropy to credit unions, with a mission to empower and inspire credit unions in the Carolinas through collaborative opportunities to enrich our communities. A great example of this collaborative philanthropy is our scholarship program. 

More than 20 credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina have active managed funds at the Foundation. The generosity of these credit unions helps hundreds of high school seniors as well as undergraduate and graduate students receive scholarship funds each year.

As a member of any of the following credit unions, you may apply for a scholarship. 

Sharonview CARES Paul Paliyenko Scholarship Fund

We're proud to support the academic goals of our young members and family members of our Sharonview team. Each year, we partner with the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation to honor deserving students with scholarship money to help with the costs of their higher education needs.

Any applicant that does not receive a scholarship award from Sharonview is automatically entered in the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation's scholarship pool.

Paul Paliyenko, who served on Sharonview’s Board of Directors for more than 25 years, felt it was the Credit Union’s first duty to serve its members. He insisted that it was the responsibility of the Credit Union to create not only the best returns for its members, but to establish a trusting relationship with them. Paliyenko’s drive to care for the member is why we honor his memory with the Sharonview Cares Scholarship.

The First Christian Church Educational Scholarship, provided by the McPherson County Community Foundation, supports members and friends of the First Christian Church of McPherson or Galva who are pursuing higher education. The scholarship amount varies based on the number of applicants each year, ensuring that community members can access educational opportunities that align with their goals. This initiative reflects a commitment to nurturing local talent and fostering educational growth within the community.

The ASHP Foundation offers Professional Advancement Scholarships for up to 13 graduating pharmacy students to attend the 2025 ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting. Each recipient will receive full meeting registration and $1,000 for travel expenses. This initiative aims to enhance professional development and networking opportunities for future pharmacists, facilitating their engagement with the pharmacy community and furthering their education in patient care.

The Martin, Lucas Scholarship, provided by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offers a $1,000 award to a graduating senior male from Beatrice High School. Eligible students must have participated in soccer during their junior and senior years and demonstrate a strong commitment to teamwork. One reference letter must come from the head boys soccer coach, and financial need will be considered. The Foundation aims to support students seeking higher education.

The McMichael Family Scholarship, administered by the Crown Point Community Foundation, supports women over 21 who are residents of Crown Point, IN. This non-renewable scholarship is designed for college students and adult learners, providing financial assistance to help meet various educational needs. The foundation manages over 80 scholarship funds, tailoring support to the specific criteria set by generous donors, thereby enriching the quality of life in South Lake County.

The Hanover Insurance Community and AVID Scholarship Program, administered by Scholarship America, aims to support high school seniors from specific areas in Massachusetts and Michigan who plan to pursue higher education. By providing scholarships, this initiative seeks to eliminate financial barriers and promote educational success for underrepresented students. With a focus on equity and accessibility, the program encourages eligible students, particularly those in the AVID program, to further their academic aspirations.

The Acock – Beverly Acock Memorial Scholarship honors Beverly Acock's legacy by supporting students who excel in artistic pursuits and engage in community service. This scholarship ranges from $100 to $16,000, with an average award of $1,000. Eligible candidates must graduate in the top 25% of their class, reside in Nueces County, and plan to enroll full-time at an accredited college or university following high school graduation.

The Lucrecia C. Lester Memorial Scholarship, established in 2015 by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, provides financial assistance to high school seniors from Colleton, Hampton, Jasper, or Beaufort Counties in South Carolina. This scholarship aims to support students pursuing post-secondary education, emphasizing financial need and academic determination. The foundation has invested over $125 million in the Lowcountry since its inception, striving to enhance community well-being through philanthropic leadership.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

Women’s Empowerment Scholarship Fund

Florida Resident and female high school or non-traditional students who exhibit financial need (as defined by the Foundation’s scholarship policies).

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) seeks to advance its mission by continuing support for a Clinical Research Network on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). AMR is a major health challenge that limits treatment options and allows resistant infections to persist. Individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes and cancer are particularly vulnerable, resulting in increased illness and death as well as higher healthcare costs in the United States. The program aims to design, implement, and manage clinical research addressing key clinical questions in AMR. Research will focus on bacterial and fungal infections associated with AMR. Areas of emphasis include clinical testing of new antibiotics and other treatments such as bacteriophage therapy, methods optimizing the use of existing antibiotics, evaluating novel diagnostic tests including using diagnostics to refine treatment strategies, and mentoring the next generation of AMR clinical researchers. Grant authorities that allow NIAID to forecast this opportunity are as follows: Sections 301 and 405 of the Public Health Service Act as amended (42 USC 241 and 284) and under Federal Regulations 42 CFR Part 52 and 2 CFR Part 200.

The Todd Moore Memorial Scholarship, administered by the Community Foundation of Abilene, honors a passionate golfer and student. This scholarship supports high school seniors from select schools who have played varsity golf. Awards range from $500 to over $5,000, with payments made directly to educational institutions. Todd's legacy lives on through this scholarship, reflecting his love for golf and education. Eligible students must demonstrate academic commitment and athletic participation in golf during high school.

The David & Chris Ishikawa Spirit of Scouting scholarship, offered by the Elk Grove Regional Scholarship Foundation, supports students pursuing higher education at universities, community colleges, or vocational schools. Applicants must be active members of Boy Scouts of America, Venturing, Sea Scouts, or Explorers, and must be enrolled as full-time students. This scholarship reflects the long-standing commitment of David and Chris to scouting, having dedicated over 40 years to mentoring youth and fostering community engagement.

The Paul and Beverly Eckert Scholarship, offered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, provides financial support of up to $4,000 annually to graduating seniors from select Davenport high schools. This scholarship is renewable for up to four years, assisting students pursuing their education at accredited colleges, universities, or trade schools. The foundation is dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities and fostering community growth through generous donor contributions.

The Theodore S. and Kathy Smith Smetzer Scholarship, offered by the Ashland County Community Foundation, aims to support single parents, widowed individuals, and non-traditional students in furthering their education. Eligible applicants must have graduated from an Ashland County high school with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and have been accepted to an accredited institution. The scholarship considers work experience, financial need, and unusual circumstances, making it a vital resource for those facing financial hardships.

The Masonic Scholarship, offered by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, provides a $500 award to graduating seniors of Beatrice High School. This scholarship recognizes good citizenship and moral character without requiring academic standing or financial need. It can be used at any accredited institution of higher learning, with a preference given to children of Masons or members of Jobs Daughters and Demoley. This initiative supports students aiming to further their education.

The Maude MacKenzie Scholarship, offered by the General Federation of Women’s Clubs in Maine, provides $1,000 annually to a deserving student who has graduated from an accredited high school in Maine, demonstrating academic achievement, leadership, and community service. Applicants must be residents of Maine and accepted into a college or university. This scholarship aims to support students in their pursuit of higher education while promoting the values of commitment and service within the community.