Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in California

The BRAIN Initiative's funding opportunity aims to support the establishment of facilities at minority-serving and IDeA-eligible institutions for the production and distribution of brain cell type-specific reagents. These reagents will enhance neuroscience research by enabling precise manipulation and access to brain cell types, facilitating advancements in understanding circuit functions in various species. The initiative encourages collaboration among awardees to optimize the use of these essential resources across the neuroscience community.

The NICHD Resource Program Grants in Bioinformatics aim to support the operation and enhancement of vital bioinformatics databases for research on animal models of embryonic development. These grants promote user training, data curation, and interoperability with NIH resources, ensuring wide dissemination of critical tools and resources to the research community. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time, with optional Letters of Intent encouraged 30 days prior to the proposal deadline.

General Operating Support Grant Overview

The Perenchio Foundation is dedicated to supporting the arts in Los Angeles, with a focus on visual and performing arts organizations that partner with, support, and represent historically underfunded communities. We believe that the arts play an essential role in creating a more equitable, culturally vibrant, and inclusive region.

Our multi-year General Operating Support Grants provide LA County arts organizations with unrestricted funding, which may be used for costs including but not limited to payroll and benefits for staff, rent or mortgage, leadership and staff development, and strategic planning. By offering flexible support with a commitment for multiple years, we aim to help arts organizations strengthen their infrastructure, plan from a place of greater confidence and stability, build capacity, and address immediate needs.

The Columbus Foundation

In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Mary Siberell Rader Scholarship

This scholarship was established to provide awards to deserving students from Ross County, Ohio, or surrounding counties, who are pursuing post-secondary academic or vocational training to allow themselves to become self-sustaining.

The Columbus Foundation

In 1943, during the darkness of World War II, a group of passionate citizens, led by Columbus businessman Harrison M. Sayre, envisioned a way to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life in central Ohio. With little more than this sound idea and faith, The Columbus Foundation was established.

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

CBC Charities Scholarship

Continental Building Co. (CBC) is a full-service construction management firm headquartered in Columbus, OH, with an office in Pittsburgh, PA. During our 35 year history, CBC has grown and evolved dramatically, investing in our people and the most effective technologies for communication and construction – while spanning geographically from coast to coast. We work with national developers and private clients to build facilities that affect lives daily … places where people live, work, stay and shop.

WindSwell Foundation: Scholarship- Additional Licensing

Managed by the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne, this scholarship opportunity is for up to $2,500 per year for any Special Educator seeking additional licensing.

Enhancing the Flavor of Plant-based & Fermentation-derived Proteins

As global demand for protein continues to rise, this funding opportunity can help diversify protein sources, strengthen the sustainability of food and agriculture supply chains and contribute to a safer, more resilient global food system. Improving the functionality and flavor of plant-based and fermentation-derived proteins can increase consumer acceptance, open new markets for crops, create value-added opportunities for farmers and processors, enhance farmland health and support economic growth.

To drive such innovation the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) and the Good Food Institute (GFI) have joined forces to support plant-based and fermentation-enabled protein ingredient optimization.

The long-term success of plant-based and fermentation-enabled protein foods depends not only on sustainability and cost but also on their ability to deliver a compelling eating experience. By advancing research in ingredient design, enrichment methods and formulation strategies, we can accelerate progress toward high-protein foods that meet or exceed consumer sensory expectations.

Flavor, inclusive of both taste and aroma, remains a critical barrier to consumer acceptance. While early innovation has made progress, many products on the market still face challenges with off-flavors or insufficient desirable flavors. Improving flavor emerged as a key recommendation from the joint FFAR-GFI global call for ideas and workshop, summarized in The Priorities for Plant-based and Fermentation-enabled Protein Ingredient Optimization Convening report.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Coach Dave Gray Scholarship Fund

The Coach Dave Gray Scholarship Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships for students who plan on pursing post-secondary education. This scholarship fund was established by John and Shana Mackie in 2017 with funds raised through their 2017 “Party for a Purpose”, an annual party for their friends and family with the goal of raising awareness for a different worthy local ministry or cause each year. John and Shana named the fund in honor of Coach Dave Gray who has dedicated his career to working with youth in Western Pennsylvania. Through his classes, camps, training and other activities, Coach Dave impacts the lives of thousands of kids in a positive way. Dave’s programs instill confidence, self-esteem, promote a healthy, active lifestyle and are fun for kids. This scholarship fund will honor Coach Dave’s commitment to the community and help benefit students from Western Pennsylvania for years to come.

Award Type: Single-Year Award

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Comptaro, Elden, Lewis Combined Scholarship Funds

The William C. Comptaro Educational Fund, the Laura E. Elden Educational Trust and the Frances L. Lewis Memorial Scholarship Fund were created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships to graduating high school seniors who are residents of Allegheny County, PA planning on pursuing post-secondary education.

Award Type: Single Year Award

The Emergency Educational Grants offer vital financial support of up to $5,000 for undergraduate students who are children of deceased or totally disabled Elks. This grant is renewable for one year and is intended solely for educational purposes, helping cover costs such as tuition and books. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain full-time enrollment in an accredited U.S. college or university, while being unmarried and under 24 years old during the application year.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Dorothy & Richard Barr Westmoreland County High School Scholarship Fund

The Dorothy and Richard Barr Scholarship Fund was created at The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County to provide scholarship support to Westmoreland County High School students who have demonstrated community leadership and strong academic performance. The applicant must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or above. The applicant must also show community leadership in the form of volunteer activities inside and outside of school.

Award Type: Single-Year Award

The Elizabeth Pinkerton Family & History Happened Here Scholarship, offered by the Elk Grove Regional Scholarship Foundation, awards $1000 to students with a minimum GPA of 3.5. This scholarship targets full-time or part-time students interested in history and writing, encouraging community involvement. Applicants must submit an essay showcasing how community contributions enrich society. It aims to support students from various eligible schools in the Elk Grove area, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement and historical appreciation.

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) is set to release a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) aimed at advancing the discovery of in vivo chemical probes for brain targets. Collaborating institutes include the National Eye Institute (NEI), National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), and National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). The initiative seeks to foster research into small molecules and novel biological targets related to brain diseases, encouraging innovative projects and collaborations.

The Jan Langston Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Elk Grove Regional Scholarship Foundation, supports students pursuing degrees in public health, health education, nutrition, or related fields. It requires full-time enrollment and a minimum GPA of 3.5. Eligible candidates must be from specific high schools within the Elk Grove Unified School District. This scholarship is funded through community donations, showcasing local support for educational advancement.

The Home Field Advantage - Brian and Linda Myers Scholarship is offered by the Elk Grove Regional Scholarship Foundation to support EGUSD seniors with at least a 3.0 GPA who are engaged in community service. This scholarship provides opportunities for students enrolling in community colleges, vocational schools, or four-year universities. Applicants are required to submit an essay detailing their community service experiences. Financial need is not a criterion for this scholarship.

The NSF STEM K-12 program supports transformative research to enhance STEM education across various settings. Focusing on innovative projects, it aims to improve teaching and learning through the integration of emerging technologies, including AI. Proposals may address any STEM field, fostering collaboration between research and educational practice. By generating new knowledge and tools, this initiative seeks to strengthen the U.S. position in global STEM innovation and improve educational outcomes for learners of all ages.

The Hanford Sand & Gravel, Inc. Scholarship, offered by the Elk Grove Regional Scholarship Foundation, supports students from the Elk Grove Unified School District pursuing higher education. This scholarship is specifically for those planning to establish female-owned businesses or work in construction. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and participate in community activities. The scholarship does not require financial need and is available for various post-secondary institutions.

The George & Virginia Signorotti, Pepsi-Cola Scholarship, offered by the Elk Grove Regional Scholarship Foundation, supports students from the Elk Grove Unified School District. This scholarship is open to full-time students attending a 4-year university, community college, or vocational school, with no financial need requirement. Students are encouraged to participate in school and community activities and should include reflections on their community service in their personal statements.

The Future Teachers Scholarship, offered by the Elk Grove Regional Scholarship Foundation, supports aspiring educators from the Elk Grove Unified School District. This scholarship is available to full-time students attending a four-year university or community college, with no specific financial need required. Applicants must engage in community activities and submit an essay reflecting on their community service experiences. Eligible schools include Elk Grove High and several others, with a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0.

The Friends of the Foundation Scholarship, offered by the Elk Grove Regional Scholarship Foundation, supports students from various high schools in the Elk Grove area who aim to further their education at a four-year university or community college. This scholarship does not require financial need and mandates full-time enrollment, participation in school, and community activities. Eligible students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, ensuring that dedicated individuals receive the assistance they need to succeed.

The Friends of Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge Environmental Scholarship, offered by the Elk Grove Regional Scholarship Foundation, supports students pursuing careers in wildlife management or environmental sciences. No financial need is required, and applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be full-time students. Eligible schools include Elk Grove High and others within the district. This initiative aims to raise awareness and foster conservation education within the community.

The Fossgreen Family Scholarship, offered by the Elk Grove Regional Scholarship Foundation, supports students from the Elk Grove Unified School District pursuing education in teaching. Financial need is not a requirement, and applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 while being full-time students. Participation in school and community activities is mandatory. This scholarship aims to foster future educators, encouraging their academic and personal growth in a supportive environment.

The Fog Willow Friends of the Farm Scholarship, provided by the Elk Grove Regional Scholarship Foundation, supports students pursuing careers in teaching or agriculture. Open to full-time students from various Elk Grove high schools, this scholarship prioritizes community involvement over academic or athletic excellence. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to their local community, with no financial need required. The minimum GPA requirement is set at 3.0, ensuring a focus on students actively engaged in their surroundings.

The Erika Wiese Scholarship, provided by the Elk Grove Regional Scholarship Foundation, supports students who have attended Franklin Elementary School. This scholarship does not require financial need or an application and is awarded upon high school graduation. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and can claim the scholarship within five years of graduating. It aims to encourage students to pursue higher education at universities, community colleges, or vocational schools.

The 2026 Radiation Oncology Institute- Innovation Awards aim to advance cancer treatment by integrating radiation therapy with immunotherapy. Researchers are invited to submit proposals that explore optimal combinations of these modalities to enhance patient outcomes. Funding of up to $100,000 over two years will support projects focused on identifying effective treatment strategies, understanding mechanisms of synergy, and improving access to care. This initiative represents a significant opportunity for innovative research in oncology.

The Republic Services - Sustainability Scholarship, offered by the Elk Grove Regional Scholarship Foundation, is designed to support students interested in sustainability and environmental science. Applicants must be full-time students from Elk Grove and write a 300-word essay on sustainability's significance for the planet. No financial need is required, but community involvement is necessary. This scholarship aims to empower the next generation of environmentally conscious leaders.

The Karen Louise Behr Scholarship, sponsored by the Elk Grove Regional Scholarship Foundation, supports female students pursuing post-secondary education at universities, community colleges, or vocational schools. It aims to empower young women with financial need and a minimum GPA of 3.5, encouraging active participation in school and community activities. This scholarship reflects the foundation's commitment to fostering educational opportunities for students in the Elk Grove Unified School District area.