Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in California

The Solomon Scholarship, offered by the Ashland County Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Ashland County high schools, especially Hillsdale students. Candidates must major in Elementary Education, maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and be accepted to a four-year accredited college. Established in honor of Lee Solomon and Jane Welsh, this scholarship aims to foster future educators and promote a love for teaching in the community.

The Tim Considine Memorial Scholarship, provided by the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, offers two $1,250 scholarships for Torrington residents who are high school seniors or vocational technical students aiming for university admission. Preference is given to those involved in organized sports and faith-based activities, highlighting academic achievement and character through community service. This scholarship is non-need-based, ensuring accessibility for dedicated students.

The Shanna Stoffer Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Ashland County Community Foundation, aims to support Ashland County residents pursuing degrees in Education. Eligible applicants include graduating high school seniors, continuing college students, and non-traditional students with a minimum GPA of 2.5. This scholarship provides financial assistance to those enrolled or planning to enroll in two or four-year colleges or graduate programs, fostering educational advancement in the community.

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.

Williamson Pioneer Fund

Must demonstrate community involvement and show financial need.

The National Geographic Content Scholarship, offered by the United Negro College Fund, supports juniors and seniors from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Recipients receive a $10,000 award and participate in a one-week immersion program with National Geographic, gaining valuable industry experience and mentorship. This program seeks passionate individuals interested in creative storytelling and environmental advocacy, promoting diversity and inclusion within the media field.

About Legacy Foundation

Legacy Foundation is the community foundation for Lake County, Indiana. We connect people, knowledge, and funding to build an equitable, accessible, and inclusive Lake County, now and for generations to come.

Legacy Foundation is supported by a broad base of individuals, families, and businesses connected by the desire to improve Lake County, Indiana. With a growing portfolio of over 300 funds and approximately $80 million in assets, Legacy Foundation is a trusted source for philanthropic giving in the region.

For over 30 years, Legacy Foundation has been empowering people, providing strategic leadership, and impactful philanthropic support to create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Mission Statement

Transforming Lake County by providing strategic leadership and impactful philanthropic support to ensure equitable opportunity for all communities that we serve.

Vision Statement

Create an equitable Lake County where all people thrive.

Good Teachers Count Scholarship

Use the chart below to see which scholarships are the best fit for you! You must complete the Legacy Universal Application to apply.

Scholarship eligibility requires students to attend an accredited 2 or 4 year public or private institution of higher learning. All scholarships are for full-time students, unless otherwise noted. Renewable awards are for 4 years of undergraduate study and cannot be used for post graduate coursework; all awards are paid directly to the school or may be used for book reimbursement.

The Immunology and Immunotherapy SMRT Grant by Pacific Biosciences aims to enhance research through advanced sequencing technologies. This grant offers free sequencing to support innovative projects in immunology and immunotherapy, encouraging researchers to apply their findings to better understand the immune system and develop new therapies. With the opportunity to utilize highly accurate long-read sequencing, winners will gain access to state-of-the-art technology that can accommodate multiple libraries, enhancing their research outcomes significantly.

The Cy & Marsha Holmes Family Scholarships, offered by the Elk Grove Regional Scholarship Foundation, aim to support students in the Elk Grove Unified School District pursuing higher education. Scholarships are awarded based on varying criteria, including financial need and academic performance. Eligible candidates include full-time students attending four-year universities, community colleges, or vocational schools, fostering educational opportunities across diverse fields such as agriculture, nursing, and the arts.

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.

Trimble Scholarship for Martin County Fund

• Must participate in extracurricular activities.
• Based on financial need.

The PLTW Engineering - Program Expansion initiative aims to enhance STEM education by increasing access to Project Lead The Way (PLTW) programs in communities served by Burns & McDonnell. This partnership focuses on empowering students through real-world learning experiences, helping them develop essential skills for future careers. Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, grants will support schools in expanding their existing PLTW Engineering programs to foster greater participation and engagement in STEM fields.

The K.C. Kinch Scholarship, established in 2017 in memory of Kathleen Carol Kinch, provides financial assistance to students from East Palo Alto, CA. This scholarship supports high school seniors and graduates with a GPA of 3.0 to 3.75 who demonstrate financial need and community involvement. The selection committee values academic promise and aims to empower local students to pursue higher education at colleges, universities, or technical schools.

The Mcnenny, George W. Scholarship offers a $500 award to graduating seniors from Beatrice High School pursuing careers in art or architecture. Established by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, this scholarship requires high academic achievement and exemplary citizenship, along with a faculty recommendation. The Foundation, founded in 1987, provides financial support to enhance educational opportunities within the Beatrice School District, managing a $3.8 million Endowment Fund to grant over $55,000 annually in scholarships.

The Om & Shanti Scholarship, funded by the Communities Foundation of Texas, offers four-year awards of up to $6,000 annually for graduating high school seniors from public high schools in Dallas or Collin Counties. Applicants are required to have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and preference is given to those pursuing a degree at an accredited Texas institution. This initiative aims to support local students in their educational aspirations.

The Krishnan-Shah Family Scholarship, established by Ajay Shah and Lata Krishnan, aims to support financially needy students with strong academic potential and community involvement. This scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors and current community college students from the Silicon Valley region, particularly first-generation college students. It provides essential financial aid to help students successfully complete their undergraduate degrees, fostering educational opportunities and community growth.

The Community Foundation proudly supports students in Portage and Waushara counties with over $325,000 in scholarships annually, thanks to the generosity of local individuals and families. Award amounts range from $500 to $40,000, opening doors to educational opportunities.

The Community Foundation provides scholarships for a wide range of students, including high school seniors, college students, non-traditional learners, and those pursuing specific fields of study.

C. Jerry & Lynne Dernbach Scholarship

Criteria for Selection:

• Pursuing a degree in the Visual Arts field, Mechanical Design, or Architecture. 

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.

The Alcus Family Scholarship Fund

• Demonstrate Financial Need.
• Student must continue to meet the Foundation’s renewal requirements.

The Abby Sobrato LCPA Alumni Scholarship, established in memory of John Matthew Sobrato's mother, aims to honor her dedication to education and equal opportunity. It offers significant financial support to graduates of the Latino College Prep Academy in San José, California, facilitating their college access and success. The selection committee prioritizes students demonstrating academic potential and meaningful contributions to their communities and schools, ensuring the scholarship aligns with its mission to empower future leaders.

The Barbara Hodgdon Award, presented by the Shakespeare Association of America (SAA), honors exceptional scholarship in the field of Shakespeare and Performance. Established in memory of Barbara Hodgdon, this award encourages innovative research across various media and time periods related to Shakespeare's work. Eligible submissions must be authored by SAA members and published two years prior to the award presentation. This recognition promotes new discussions and insights within the realm of Shakespearean performance studies.

The PSN Labs Scholarship, awarded by the Erie Community Foundation, supports seniors from Erie County schools who have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and are accepted into accredited four-year colleges. In 2023, the foundation allocated over $800,000 in scholarships to more than 500 students, helping them pursue their educational goals. This need-based scholarship aims to alleviate financial burdens and promote higher education among deserving students.

The Corky Kress Golf Scholarship, administered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from specific high schools in Iowa who are members of their golf teams. This scholarship, which is need-based and offers up to $2,500, aims to assist students in covering college costs for two-year or four-year programs. Financial need is a primary criterion for selection, emphasizing the importance of academic performance and commitment to the sport.

The Dr. Frederick Jones Sr. Family Scholarship Fund, established by the Communities Foundation of Texas, aims to support graduating high school seniors from Southwest Dallas, specifically Duncanville, DeSoto, Cedar Hill, and Lancaster. This scholarship is intended for students pursuing degrees in STEM fields or medicine at accredited colleges or universities across the United States. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.8 and be in good academic standing.

Wilburn Clary Medal

The Clary Medal, made possible through the generosity of the Eddie and Jo Allison Smith Family Foundation, recognizes outstanding high school student-athletes annually in memory of Wilburn C. Clary.

Consideration given to the following criteria:

• Applicant must demonstrate excellence in athletic participation through awards, honors, and special recognitions.
• Applicant must demonstrate success in other, non-sport, extra-curricular activities.
• Applicant must demonstrate active involvement within their community through volunteer service programs, scouts, or other similar activities.
• Applicant must demonstrate a desire to excel in all areas of life - athletics, education, sportsmanship, teamwork, leadership, honesty and integrity.

Awards

• 2, $3000

The Henry J. and Lucille J. Straus Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, provides twelve renewable scholarships of $6,000 each for high school seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.2. Eligible students must enroll in a four-year accredited private college and demonstrate financial need via FAFSA. Requirements include a transcript, an essay on community service, and a letter of recommendation highlighting the applicant's character and commitment to diversity and inclusivity.

The Boesl-Gentry Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, aims to support graduating high school seniors from specific schools pursuing studies in Ministry or related fields. This $1,200 scholarship requires an essay and a letter of recommendation. Eligible students must apply to accredited post-secondary institutions and provide transcripts. The foundation is committed to enhancing community quality of life through various initiatives, underscoring values of integrity, respect, leadership, and vision.

The BHS Class of 1961 Scholarship, managed by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, offers a $700 award to a graduating senior from Beatrice High School. This scholarship prioritizes students in the top 40% of their class, demonstrating financial need and exemplary personal ethics. Recipients must provide a Student Aid Report from FAFSA, ensuring assistance for tuition and related expenses. The Foundation, established in 1987, aims to enhance educational opportunities within the Beatrice School District.

The ASCO Clinical Oncology & Research Experience (ASCO CORE) offers medical students immersive exposure to the field of oncology through shadowing experiences in clinical and research settings. With two distinct tracks, participants can gain insights into patient care or research practices, guided by mentors. Eligible students must be enrolled in a U.S. DO or MD program and maintain a good academic record. This program aims to inspire the next generation of oncology professionals.

The Don Linn Scholarship, offered by the Beatrice Educational Foundation, provides $700 to a graduating senior from Beatrice High School. Established in 1987, the Foundation supports educational opportunities in the district and awards over $55,000 annually in scholarships. Candidates are selected based on academic merit and financial need, with preference given to those who may struggle to pursue higher education. Applicants must submit their FAFSA Student Aid Report to qualify.