Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in California

The Kathryn Cramer Early Career Research Development Award provides essential start-up funding for orthopedic trauma surgeons in the U.S. and Canada, who have completed their fellowship within the last five years. This award aims to support innovative research projects that can be accomplished within two years, fostering professional development and collaboration among surgeons. Applicants must be members of AO Trauma and demonstrate early success in their research endeavors.

The CIRI Foundation offers the Higher Education Scholarship to support Alaska Native students pursuing post-secondary education. Scholarships provide $200 per credit hour for undergraduates and $400 for graduates, with a maximum of $9,000 per year. Eligible applicants must be CIRI shareholders or descendants, maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA, and be enrolled in accredited institutions. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities and promote cultural heritage.

The CIRI Foundation offers the Career Technical Education Scholarship to support Alaska Native beneficiaries pursuing post-secondary education. This scholarship provides up to $9,000 per year for educational expenses, including tuition and required supplies. Eligible applicants must be CIRI original shareholders or descendants, possess a high school diploma or GED, and maintain a minimum GPA. The foundation aims to promote self-sufficiency and the cultural legacy of Alaska Natives through education.

The CIRI Foundation, established in 1982, promotes education and economic self-sufficiency for Alaska Natives through scholarships like the Cap Lathrop Scholarship. This award offers up to $2,000 to full-time students pursuing degrees in fields such as business, engineering, and media. Eligible applicants must be Alaska Native shareholders or descendants, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, and intend to work in Alaska's broadcast industry. The scholarship supports both educational and personal expenses.

The Achievement Annual Scholarship, offered by the CIRI Foundation, supports Alaska Native students pursuing higher education. This merit-based scholarship awards up to $8,000 for one academic year, covering direct educational costs and personal expenses. Applicants must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and be enrolled full-time in a 4-year undergraduate or graduate program. The scholarship aims to promote academic excellence and career development while honoring the cultural legacy of Alaska Natives.

Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program

Program Overview:

Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian (LB21) projects build a library and archival workforce that can meet the information needs of communities and increase the institutional capacity of libraries, archives, and library and information science graduate programs across the country.  

The program supports projects that:  

• provide training and professional development to library and archives professionals;  
• develop faculty and information leaders; and 
• recruit, educate, and retain the next generation of library and archives professionals. 

Projects can support the recruitment, education, training, and retention of pre-professionals, students, faculty, and the current library and archives workforce. 

Project Type

Applied Research

The R A Bowen Trust Scholarship, established in 1943 by Mr. Robert A. Bowen, Sr., supports deserving students from central Georgia pursuing higher education. This private scholarship aims to empower full-time students accepted into accredited four-year colleges or universities. Eligible candidates must reside in specific Georgia counties or plan to attend select institutions in Macon, GA. The Trust has a strong legacy of generosity, continuing to benefit local nonprofits and students for over four generations.

The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program (ORLP) is a competitive grant initiative by the National Park Service, aimed at enhancing parks and recreational opportunities in urban, underserved communities. This program supports the acquisition, development, and renovation of outdoor recreation areas through federal funding, addressing the needs of community organizations, local governments, and recognized tribes. Applications are accepted twice a year, before June 1 and November 1.

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a collection of individual funds and resources given by local citizens to enhance and support the quality of life in the Fox River Valley of Illinois.

We are a tax-exempt public charity that allows individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations to establish permanent endowments and temporary funds within the confines of one large foundation.

Foundation funds are used to provide grants to non-profit organizations and scholarships to area students. The Foundation also hosts a Youth Engagement in Philanthropy (YEP) program, which helps high school students learn more about philanthropy and empowers them to make a difference in the community.

The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley serves the City of Aurora, Kane County, and Kendall County within the State of Illinois.

Schafer Scholarship Endowment Fund

The Schafer Scholarship Endowment Fund was created to provide scholarships to students pursuing careers in business.

“This fund was established in memory of our fathers, Tom Angott and Jerry Schafer both who built successful businesses. Midge and I hope this fund will help students reach their dreams and learn the leadership skills it takes to be successful in business. We are proud of the fact that we have built several successful companies that now allows us to establish the Schafer Scholarship Endowment Fund, in hopes of helping generations well into the future learn the ethical practices of a business.”

The monetary value of each scholarship award varies depending upon the amount available in each individual scholarship fund. The most common scholarship award amount is $1,000 for a single year. Scholarships are designated as non-renewable one-year awards or renewable multi-year awards depending upon the scholarship fund criteria, as established by the donor of the scholarship fund.

The Mission Boost Grants (MBG) by the American Cancer Society aim to enhance cancer research by funding projects that translate into human testing. These grants support investigators at all levels, offering resources for innovative clinical projects. The program consists of two funding stages: Stage I focuses on developing clear milestones for new treatments, while Stage II supports patient testing, ultimately contributing to advancements in cancer care and treatment.

Evidence Based Safety Contextualization of JAK inhibitors in the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Atopic Dermatitis

Primary Area of Interest:

Dermatology – Atopic Dermatitis

General Area of Interest for this RFP:

Potential applicants should describe their initiative to synthesize the existing medical literature on the safety data available for JAKis indicated for the treatment of M2S AD and distill it into a concise, practical communication for the community of providers who treat AD. The educational initiative should be based on the body of scientific evidence available in the literature including the following, but not limited to:

• Retrospective, cohort analyses evaluating the background risk of adverse events of special interest (infections, cardiovascular events, malignancies etc.) in patients diagnosed with M2S AD.
• Clinical trial safety data for use of JAKis for the treatment of M2S AD, including assessments of subpopulations (i.e. adolescents, elderly; cardiovascular risk factors etc.).
• Observational analyses, network meta-analyses, or other safety analyses, including comparative safety analyses and/or real-world assessments to examine the rate of adverse events of special interest in patients receiving JAKis for treatment of AD.

Funding Range and Project Length

Individual projects requesting up to $75,000 USD will be considered. Maximum project length is 1 year.

The National Institute on Aging is announcing a Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Centers (OAICs) award. This initiative aims to establish centers of excellence in geriatrics research and education to enhance the independence of older adults. Applicants are encouraged to identify a research focus that fosters collaboration and education in aging. Though applications are not currently being accepted, this notice allows potential applicants to prepare meaningful projects. The P30 activity code will be utilized.

Scholarships for High School Seniors

Mid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.

Talbot Co. Public Schools Career and Technology Scholarship

Awarded to students graduating from Talbot County Public Schools, who are planning to attend a vocational, trade, or career school.

Neuroscience & Society Grants

Applicants may request up to $150,000 in funding for projects over a period of up to 18 months.

Neuroscience and society is the interdisciplinary study of how neuroscience informs and reflects society, and practical work to put these ideas into action. Neuroscience and society includes fields where neuroscience interfaces with the world, such as ethics, law, humanities, medicine, arts, social sciences, policy, education, journalism, and public engagement. This list is meant to be illustrative, not exhaustive. Other disciplines may fall within the purview of neuroscience and society. 

While neuroscience and society is not the same as neuroethics, bioethics, or science and technology studies, there are areas of overlap. 

Another way we think about it: Neuroscience & society is a paradigm for how we can teach neuroscience to people, train people to do societally relevant neuroscience-focused work, and engage diverse communities of people to shepherd the development and application of neuroscience.   

The Veterans Artist Residency Program at Kala Art Institute offers unique opportunities for veterans in the arts. This program supports innovative work across various mediums such as printmaking, digital media, and sculpture. Selected artists receive 1-4 months of studio access, a cash award of $1,000, housing for out-of-area artists, and participation in community events. The residency fosters a collaborative environment, encouraging artistic growth and community engagement.

The LA County Arts & Culture Community Impact Arts Grant (CIAG) program provides funding between $5,000 and $20,000 to support exemplary arts projects by municipal and nonprofit organizations outside of the arts. This initiative aims to enhance access to arts and culture, recognizing its role in civic problem-solving and community development. Emphasizing cultural equity, it promotes diverse participation in arts, fostering mutual respect and understanding across Los Angeles County's communities.

About The EGRSF

The Elk Grove Regional Scholarship Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the college and career plans of students in the Elk Grove Unified School District area.

Scholarships are provided every year from the endowments and donations of community members, families, individuals, businesses, and community organizations.

Mike & Chantelle Albiani Scholarship

Financial Need: Preferred

Post Secondary Type of School: 4 year university, community college or Vocational School

Specific Requirements for Applying: Involvement in FFA or ASB

Attendance Requirement: Full or Part-Time Student

Required Participation in School Activities: Yes

Required Participation in Community Activities: Yes

The U.S. Hillman Prize for Newspaper Journalism, awarded by the Sidney Hillman Foundation, recognizes outstanding journalism that serves the common good. Open to global journalists, entries must be published in English and accessible to U.S. audiences within the last year. Winners receive a $5,000 honorarium and a certificate at a New York City ceremony. The foundation also honors work related to racial and economic justice through additional awards. Entries should focus on impactful stories.

The Mark Foundation Emerging Leader Award supports innovative cancer research led by early career investigators. Aimed at high-impact, high-risk projects, this grant is available to those employed by U.S. or Canadian non-profit academic institutions. Eligible applicants must be within three to eight years of starting their independent faculty research appointment. This award emphasizes multi-year independent funding and is not intended as the main funding source for the laboratory, ensuring that diverse research efforts are encouraged.

The Youth Programming Grant, offered by the Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF), aims to support Native American farmers and ranchers through various projects. This grant focuses on providing essential business assistance, agricultural education, and advocacy services. By funding diverse initiatives, the NAAF seeks to promote the ongoing involvement of Native communities in agriculture, ensuring their sustainable growth and development within the sector.

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.

Esther Sheehy McShurley Scholarship Fund

For Esther Sheehy McShurley, giving back has always meant investing in young lives. Whether volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club of Port Salerno or raising funds through its annual events, Esther has seen firsthand how early support can change a child’s path.

“It provides a wonderful start for the boys and girls,” she says. “If we can get to children while they’re young, they can become better citizens when they get older.”

Wanting to extend her impact beyond today, Esther created the Esther Sheehy McShurley Scholarship Fund through a charitable remainder unitrust with the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties. The scholarship will help graduating seniors from Martin County high schools, with a preference for students pursuing vocational or technical education.

She hopes the fund will empower students who are ready to learn skills, launch careers, and build better futures — especially those who dream of starting their own businesses. “There is a great need for scholarships for young people who want to apply their knowledge directly to making a living,” she says.

Esther sees her scholarship as an extension of the work she loves most: encouraging young people to believe in their potential and take their first steps toward independence.

“This is my legacy,” she says. “It’s nice to know that the children who receive this scholarship will know who I am and what I cared about. It’s a good feeling to know that someone will have an opportunity to make something of themselves — and make this a better world.”

The Master of Public Health Summer Practicum offers UC Berkeley students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in public health. Participants engage in a 10-week, full-time internship, working closely with departments focused on community health, equity, and improvement. This program not only provides a stipend but also facilitates career exploration in healthcare for under-represented students, promoting diversity in the field. Ideal candidates are Master's students in good standing, with the ability to travel to various locations in Contra Costa County.

The Charles L. Brewer Distinguished Teaching of Psychology Award honors psychologists with outstanding teaching records. Awardees receive a plaque, a $2,000 monetary prize, and a $1,000 travel stipend, along with the opportunity to present at the APA Annual Convention. This prestigious award encourages nominations from diverse backgrounds, emphasizing achievements in teaching, curriculum development, and research in psychology education. Note that self-nominations are not permitted, and international applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria.

The Grey Muzzle Organization offers grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 to improve the lives of at-risk senior dogs across the U.S. Since 2008, they have awarded over $2.5 million to shelters and nonprofits focused on senior dog welfare. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations and demonstrate measurable outcomes. The initiative aims to ensure that every senior dog thrives, providing support for foster care, hospice services, and adoption programs.

The OTA Member Full Research Grant, offered by the Orthopaedic Trauma Association, aims to fund clinical, translational, or basic research projects related to musculoskeletal trauma. Grants of up to $40,000 per year for two years are available for clinical research, and $25,000 per year for two years for basic research. Eligible applicants include OTA members in good standing, and research must be conducted in North America. The initiative seeks to enhance the quality of care for injured patients.

The Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Topical PCORI Funding aims to support high-quality, patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER) focusing on individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This funding opportunity recognizes the diversity of conditions under IDD and the varying support needs among individuals. PCORI encourages the use of both person-first and identity-first language, acknowledging the preferences within the disability community, and aims to enhance the quality of healthcare delivery for these populations.

The Frances M. Culbertson Travel Grant provides essential funding for women from developing countries at the beginning of their psychology careers. This grant helps address the challenges posed by limited resources, allowing recipients to attend international and regional conferences. Eligible applicants must hold a doctoral degree and be within ten years postdoctoral, promoting diversity in the field. Preference is given to those attending key psychology conferences, fostering professional growth and networking opportunities.