Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in California

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) invites applications for the Toward Translation of Nanotechnology Cancer Interventions (TTNCI) program. This funding opportunity focuses on advanced pre-clinical research aimed at developing nanotechnology-based cancer diagnostics and therapeutics. TTNCI awards will support the maturation of innovative nanomedicines using nanoparticles and nano-devices, enhancing cancer treatment efficacy. Successful projects will progress towards further NCI translational programs, such as the NExT initiative.

The Outstanding Earth Science Teacher (OEST) Award recognizes exceptional K-12 educators for their contributions to Earth Science education. Established in 1971 by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers, the award aims to stimulate interest in Earth Sciences among students. Eight national finalists are chosen annually, ensuring broad recognition and encouraging teaching excellence. Nominees can apply themselves or be nominated by colleagues, allowing for two awards in an educator's career to honor both early and late career achievements.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

Our Philosophy for Education: We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

PLTW Computer Science - Program Expansion In Partnership With Lam Research

The Lam Foundation supports schools implementing or expanding a PLTW program in or near several of their U.S. communities. Schools seeking support for PLTW Gateway or PLTW Engineering will receive priority. The Lam Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Lam Research, a leading provider of equipment and services to the semiconductor industry.

Program Requirements

The purpose of this grant is to assist the grantee's expansion of student access to the PLTW Computer Science program. Grantee must use their grant funds to expand their existing PLTW Computer Science program. Example expansion activities include but are not limited to adding an additional PLTW Computer Science course not previously offered, and/or adding additional class periods of an existing PLTW Computer Science courses previously offered, and/or training additional teachers in PLTW Computer Science courses for the 2027-2028 academic year. Grantee must complete one year of grant reporting.

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) is funding Cycle 3 to enhance patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER). This initiative targets critical methodological gaps, focusing on improving the use of artificial intelligence, study design, data research networks, and ethical protections. By addressing these areas, PCORI aims to strengthen the quality of evidence in CER, thus promoting better outcomes in healthcare decision-making.

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) is offering funding up to $750,000 for studies aimed at addressing critical methodological gaps in patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research. This initiative focuses on enhancing the quality of evidence in clinical research by prioritizing areas such as artificial intelligence, study design improvements, support for data research networks, and ethical considerations. Successful proposals will contribute to advancing research methodologies and improving patient outcomes.

The CFA Ministry Grants Initiative, part of the Kentucky Conference's mission, supports local churches in developing ministries focused on stewardship, technology, and leadership development. Eligible churches can apply for grants up to $500, with each church allowed to submit two applications annually. This initiative aims to foster generosity and enhance church leadership, providing essential resources to help congregations grow and effectively fulfill their mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ.

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) Funding Announcement aims to enhance methods for conducting patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research. This initiative seeks to address critical methodological gaps, focusing on improving the use of artificial intelligence in clinical research, study design, data research networks, and ethical protections in patient-centered CER. With a budget of up to $750,000, successful proposals will contribute to the quality and strength of evidence generated in CER studies.

The Palo Alto Community Fund Grant supports impactful organizations in Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, and Menlo Park. Established nearly 50 years ago, the fund prioritizes areas such as youth support, mental health, food security, and community strengthening. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $20,000 for one year, with potential multi-year funding. PACF operates under trust-based philanthropy principles, ensuring nonprofit leaders have autonomy in funding allocation.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

Our Philosophy for Education: We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

PLTW Computer Science - New Program In Partnership With Lam Research

The Lam Foundation supports schools implementing or expanding a PLTW program in or near several of their U.S. communities. Schools seeking support for PLTW Gateway or PLTW Engineering will receive priority. The Lam Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Lam Research, a leading provider of equipment and services to the semiconductor industry.

Program Requirements

The purpose of this grant is to assist the grantee's implementation of the PLTW Computer Science program. Grantee must offer at least one PLTW Computer Science course in the 2027-2028 academic year and must offer one additional course in the 2028-2029 academic year (two different courses in two years). Grantee may implement any PLTW Computer Science courses of their choosing. Grantee must complete two years of grant reporting.

The Tommy Wilson Memorial Grant, established by Dr. George T. Wilson and his wife Irene, honors their son Tommy, who had cerebral palsy. This grant supports recreational programs for individuals with disabilities and aims to positively impact their lives. Applicants must be nonprofit organizations with a successful history of programming for individuals with disabilities. The grant prioritizes programs serving economically disadvantaged individuals and may only fund applicants once every five years.

The Wilbur Awards, presented annually since 1949 by the Religion Communicators Council, celebrate excellence in communicating religious values and themes in secular media. Open to individuals and organizations, entries must have been published or broadcast in 2024. Categories include audio, audio-visual, images, and written works, allowing for both English and non-English submissions. The awards emphasize professionalism and respect in highlighting uplifting religious narratives within diverse media platforms.

The Congressional Science Fellowship Program offers a unique opportunity for Ph.D. holders to work at the intersection of science and government in Washington D.C. This prestigious fellowship, sponsored by ASA, CSSA, and SSSA, allows participants to apply their expertise as special assistants to Congress members. The fellowship begins in September 2025 and concludes in August 2026, providing an annual stipend and relocation expenses. Ideal for early to mid-career scientists, it encourages the use of scientific knowledge in public policy.

The Digital Wish Donation Program, initiated by Mobile Beacon, aims to provide affordable high-speed Internet access to K-12 schools, colleges, and libraries. For just $10 a month, participating institutions can receive donated mobile hotspots and discounted tablets, enabling them to enhance digital literacy and connectivity among underserved students. This initiative not only breaks down barriers to access but also fosters educational equality, ensuring that all learners have the tools they need to succeed in the digital age.

The Bee a Rae of Sunshine Foundation – MaKenzi Rae Cash Memorial Animal Compassion Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Carroll County, aims to support students dedicated to animal welfare. Eligible applicants must be graduating high school seniors from Carroll County, Maryland, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and at least 125 service hours. This scholarship reflects MaKenzi Rae Cash's love for animals and her commitment to kindness and anti-bullying advocacy.

The Dairy Health, Efficiency & Resource Dynamics Initiative Grant seeks innovative research proposals to enhance animal health, economic viability, and environmental outcomes in the U.S. dairy industry. A partnership between FFAR, Dairy Management Inc., and Zoetis, this initiative aims to explore the interconnections between dairy health, welfare, economics, and environmental sustainability, addressing critical gaps in understanding the impacts of improved animal health on dairy production.

AmeriCorps Vista

AmeriCorps is the federal agency that improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. AmeriCorps brings people together to tackle the country’s most pressing challenges through national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities and those serving. AmeriCorps helps make service a cornerstone of our national culture.

Founded in 1965, AmeriCorps VISTA is a federal anti-poverty national service program designed to provide resources to nonprofit organizations and public agencies to strengthen efforts to address poverty and poverty-related problems in the United States. In 1993, VISTA was incorporated into the AmeriCorps network of national service programs administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, now known as AmeriCorps.

AmeriCorps VISTA Request for Concept Paper

Projects must be developed in accordance with AmeriCorps VISTA core principles:

• an anti-poverty focus
• community empowerment
• sustainable solutions
• capacity building

Project applications must address one of the following areas:

• Economic Opportunity
• Healthy Futures
• Education
• Veteran and Military Families

About Us

Our Mission

The Marfan Foundation drives research, education and support – and builds community – to improve outcomes, save lives and empower all people to thrive who are living with Marfan, Loeys-Dietz, Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndromes, and related genetic aortic and vascular conditions.

Our Vision

Quality of life, longevity, and cures for all people with genetic aortic and vascular conditions.

Career Development Award

The Career Development Award will support two-year $100,000 grants ($50,000 per year) in basic, translational, or clinical research studying any discipline involved in Marfan syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and other related conditions. This grant program is designed to support investigators early in their career to derive preliminary data in a key concept area that has high potential to lead to extended funding from NIH, EU, and other large research funding sources.

Excellence in Medicine Awards

The AMA Foundation’s Excellence in Medicine Awards honor physicians and medical advocates who exemplify the highest values of the profession—volunteerism, community engagement, leadership, and service to underserved populations. Each recipient is recognized at a ceremony during the AMA Annual Meeting in Chicago and receives a $2,500 grant honorarium directed to a nonprofit health organization of their choice. Since 2005, more than 100 honorees have been celebrated through this program, with over $250,000 awarded to strengthen community health and advance equitable care nationwide. 

Excellence in Medicine Awards- Dr. Edmond and Rima Cabbabe Dedication to the Profession Award

Honors physicians who are committed to expanding knowledge through teaching, conducting research and publishing. Other qualifying virtues include leadership, volunteerism and philanthropic activities in medical and other civic organizations.

Made possible by Edmond Cabbabe, MD, and Rima Cabbabe

The Edward C. Roy Jr. Award for Excellence in K-8 Earth Science Teaching, established by the American Geosciences Institute, honors educators who demonstrate exceptional leadership in earth science education. This prestigious award includes a $2500 prize for the winning teacher and a $1500 grant to attend the National Science Teaching Association's annual conference. The award celebrates the legacy of Dr. Edward C. Roy Jr., promoting innovation and excellence in teaching for future generations.

The OpenAI A People-First AI Fund supports U.S.-based nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, focusing on AI literacy, community innovation, and economic opportunity. It aims to enhance public understanding of AI, promote participatory design in AI applications by communities, and expand access to meaningful work through inclusive practices. Organizations at all stages of AI adoption are encouraged to apply, especially those addressing the needs of traditionally marginalized populations. This initiative emphasizes equitable distribution of AI benefits.

The Notice of Intent to Issue NOFO DE-FOA-0003649 aims to leverage domestic infrastructure to enhance the production of alternative chemicals, fuels, and feedstocks. This initiative by the DOE encourages innovative technologies that utilize existing biomass resources, aiming to advance energy innovation and expand energy production. The potential NOFO will support the creation of stable liquid products from biomass, establish pilot sites for hydrogen-natural gas blending, and promote the production of market-competitive commodity chemicals.

The Otto & Aegun Hensens Educational Fund, established in 2018, supports Hawaii high school graduates pursuing degrees in medicine, science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. To qualify, applicants must be residents of Hawaii, maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher, and demonstrate financial need. Preference is given to previous recipients and members of the Aiea Korean Methodist Church. This fund plays a vital role in fostering future leaders in STEM fields.

The Mary W. Jackson Undergraduate Scholarship, offered by the AIAA Foundation, provides $10,000 to support students pursuing studies in aerospace sciences. Honoring NASA mathematician Mary W. Jackson, this scholarship aims to enhance access to educational opportunities for underrepresented students. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.50 and be enrolled in an accredited U.S. institution. This initiative reflects AIAA's commitment to fostering diversity and innovation in the aerospace sector.

The Teacher Professional Development Grant (9-12) supports classroom teachers in grades 9-12 by enhancing their mathematics teaching skills. This initiative, backed by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, aims to elevate educational standards and improve student learning outcomes. Eligible applicants include teachers with at least three years of experience in this grade range. The grant focuses on professional development activities completed within a year, fostering a community of proficient mathematics educators.

The Science of Science: Discovery, Communication, and Impact (SoS:DCI) program fosters research that enhances the public value of scientific endeavors. It invites proposals that explore mechanisms of scientific discovery, improve understanding of communication outcomes, and assess societal benefits of science. Emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches, the program prioritizes proposals that broaden participation in science, engage diverse teams, and support America's leadership in global scientific innovation. The goal is to create impactful, evidence-based policies and advance the science of science.

The Peggy and Robert Matthews Foundation Grant aims to support arts, sciences, and health services in San Diego. This grant is available to established, non-religious, and non-political charitable organizations operating in the region for over a year. Interested applicants must initiate a conversation with the Foundation to determine eligibility, as unsolicited Letters of Intent are not accepted. This initiative seeks to enhance community welfare through strategic funding.

The Professor Emeritus John Edward Lillich Endowed Scholarship Program, funded by the United Negro College Fund, aims to provide need-based scholarships to students majoring in engineering at HBCUs, with a preference for those attending North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NCAT). This scholarship honors John Edward Lillich, a WWII veteran and advocate for women in engineering, supporting students in their pursuit of education and leadership roles.