Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in California

The Franklin Research Grants support noncommercial research by funding travel to libraries and archives, purchasing research materials, and covering fieldwork or laboratory expenses. With a maximum award of $6,000, these grants are aimed at scholars with a doctorate or equivalent publications, excluding Ph.D. candidates. Grants are taxable, not retroactive, and are not intended for conference attendance or publication costs. The program encourages young scholars and allows reapplications after two years.

The Career Enhancement Fellowship, offered by Citizens & Scholars, supports junior faculty from diverse backgrounds in the humanities and humanistic social sciences. With stipends up to $35,000, funding for research, and travel support, this program nurtures academic diversity and enhances campus perspectives. Since 2001, over 400 fellows have advanced their careers while fostering a rich academic community. The fellowship promotes innovative scholarship and leadership roles, contributing to a more inclusive academic environment.

The Professional Formation of Engineers (PFE) initiative aims to enhance the engineering workforce through integrated research and education. It focuses on developing ethical engineers who can adapt to a changing technical landscape. PFE supports diverse training contexts, including formal education, internships, and community experiences, ensuring clear pathways into the profession. This initiative fosters collaboration among engineers, technical workers, and communities, enhancing the skills needed for global competition and technological advancement.

The Organizational Change in the Professional Formation of Engineers (ENGINEER:OC) initiative promotes innovative research and activities aimed at transforming engineering education and workforce development. Supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), it seeks to enhance access to quality engineering programs across diverse institutions. Projects may involve implementing new curricular innovations or adapting existing models to different contexts, ultimately advancing the professional formation of engineers and fostering inclusive educational pathways.

Gulf Coast Community Foundation

The Gulf Coast Community Foundation (GCCF) is dedicated to fostering charitable giving, empowering donors, and enhancing our community by facilitating investments in a diverse array of charitable causes. We serve a pivotal role in attracting, managing and distributing substantial charitable funds to enrich the lives of residents across George, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Pearl River, and Stone counties.

Established in 1989 as a 501(c)(3) organization, GCCF has invested more than $110 million into South Mississippi, providing administrative services to more than 120 funds that support local grassroots organizations in achieving their charitable objectives.

Jack A. Wilson Engineering Scholarship Fund

The Jack A. Wilson Engineering Scholarship Fund was established in December 2001 by Ms. Gertrude A. Wilson through the Gulf Coast Community Foundation to honor Mr. Wilson. The purpose of the fund is to award a scholarship for a college, junior college, or graduate school student entering their third or more years of engineering education. Applicants must be residents of Jackson, Harrison or Hancock County. Students meeting the criteria will be awarded a scholarship to be used toward the following, in order of priority: tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies.

The BHW Women in STEM Academic Scholarship is a new initiative by The BHW Group, aimed at supporting women pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in undergraduate or master's programs at universities in the United States. This scholarship emphasizes the importance of female representation in STEM fields and provides financial assistance directly to the winner's educational institution.

The Guglielmo Marconi Engineering Scholarship, offered by UNICO Foundation, provides $1,250 to students of Italian descent pursuing engineering degrees in various disciplines. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens, enrolled full-time in accredited programs, and maintain a GPA of at least 3.0. This scholarship not only supports academic achievement but also promotes the heritage and contributions of the Italian American community, continuing UNICO's legacy of service and support.

The Advancing Oil and Natural Gas Production and Delivery initiative, led by the United States Department of Energy, seeks innovative proposals that enhance the efficiency and resilience of the oil and gas supply chain. This funding opportunity aims to improve resource utilization, modernize infrastructure, and promote digital transformation. Key objectives include increasing natural gas utilization, reducing economic losses, and optimizing operational costs through advanced technologies and predictive maintenance strategies.

This funding opportunity invites academic and research institutions to enhance shared biomedical research facilities through the purchase of modern scientific equipment. Aimed at core laboratories and animal research facilities, the program seeks to improve operational efficiency and strengthen research-auxiliary activities. Note that the funding does not cover individual research instruments or indirect infrastructure components. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time.

DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation

Mission – The Foundation’s mission is to broaden awareness and understanding of agriculture through outreach and education.

Scholarships

The DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture is proud to offer numerous scholarships for high school seniors and college students. Preference will be given to applicants of Farm Bureau members or their children with certain eligibility requirements.

College Students Scholarships 

The DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation endeavors to recognize students for their academic, school and community performance while in college. The recognition is in the form of a scholarship to the student’s school of choice. The scholarship award will be sent directly to the recipient’s school to be applied toward college costs. 

Robert Morley Science Scholarship

This scholarship was established in memory of Robert Morley, a former DeKalb science teacher. The $2,000 scholarship is for juniors and seniors in college majoring in a field of science. Up to seven scholarships will be given.

The Collaborative Program Grant for Multidisciplinary Teams, funded by the US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health (NIH), supports integrated teams of researchers tackling ambitious projects that individual efforts cannot achieve. This program promotes collaboration among experts with complementary skills, aiming for significant advancements in their fields. Teams are encouraged to pursue innovative objectives that have the potential to transform research landscapes.

The PLTW Engineering program, in partnership with Phillips 66, aims to expand access to quality STEM education in underserved communities. With a total grant of $10,000 available for the 2026-2027 academic year, the initiative focuses on middle and high school programs that foster student engagement in engineering and computer science. Priority will be given to schools with high-needs student populations, ensuring equitable educational opportunities and workforce preparedness for future generations.

Communities Foundation of Oklahoma

The Communities Foundation of Oklahoma stems from the vision of Tom McCasland Jr., and Gene Rainbolt. Two decades ago, these gentlemen formed a shared vision to create a single philanthropic organization to serve the charitable needs to rural communities across the great state of Oklahoma. Today, CFO has grown to assist hundreds of efforts in more than 45 counties.

Scholarship Opportunities

CFO offers over 100 diverse scholarship opportunities, empowering students across the state to pursue their educational goals. Each scholarship is tailored to meet unique needs, making higher education more accessible for all.

Tulsa Engineering Scholarship

Provides a $24,000 ($3,000/semester) scholarship to graduating seniors in the Tulsa-area pursuing an engineering degree with a minimum GPA of 3.2 and overall ACT score of 24 or higher, with a minimum math sub-score of 24.

The National Biomedical Research Centers (NBRCs) aim to enhance biomedical research by providing advanced equipment, scientific expertise, and innovative human-based models. Supported by NIH and other federal agencies, this initiative focuses on reducing reliance on live animal models through the development of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs). The program invites applications that propose actionable plans to refine and replace animal use, promoting innovative research at centers with existing nonhuman primate colonies.

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

Ken and Mary Beth Monnier Engineering Scholarship

Shelby County high school senior with a GPA of no less than 3.0, who is pursuing an ABET accredited Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering.

Selection based upon (in order of priority):

• Demonstrated community and school service, academic ability, financial need, and recommendations.

Awards

• Two $2,000 scholarships

The Edward Mallinckrodt, Jr. Foundation provides crucial support for early-stage biomedical researchers in the first four years of their tenure-track positions at American institutions. With grants of $75,000 annually for up to three years, this funding aims to help investigators advance their projects towards securing independent funding. The foundation emphasizes the importance of a clear project description and requires a one to two-page lay summary, making it accessible to both scientific and non-scientific board members.

The Saw Island Foundation offers grants focusing on education, science, and health, primarily targeting nonprofit organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area. Their education grants support scholarships and program partnerships, while science and health grants aim to enhance life experiences through improved health outcomes. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, and the foundation emphasizes innovative collaborations that demonstrate measurable impact in their communities.

The Bergel Institute

The Bergel Institute is dedicated to the advancement of human knowledge and the human condition.

The Institute focuses on six major areas:

• Economics
• Science
• Technology
• Consciousness
• Health
• Culture

The common theme in all of the Institute’s work is the pursuit of what is possible. It brings a commitment to critical thinking and the questioning of accepted norms and approaches to issues that lie at the foundation of what we think and how we live. In every discipline, assumptions are tested against evidence.

In addition to its research and programmatic endeavors, the Institute offers fellowships. Fellowships come with high expectations and are supported with structure and active mentorship.

Bergel Institute Fellowships

The Bergel Institute offers Fellowships to individuals of all ages who wish to spend a year in intensive study and project development in a subject area that aligns with the advancement of human knowledge and the human condition. Each year, the Institute will list specific fellowship topics within these areas. Applicants may pick one or propose a different topic, as long as it aligns with the Institute’s goals.

Fellowships run from June to May and are primarily virtual, with two paid Institute visits (to the home office in Florida) as the only in-person expectations during the Fellowship year. Fellows are expected to work approximately 20 hours per week and to bring a strong intrinsic motivation for the project. They will spend the year conducting intensive research and/or project development, supported by Institute staff, with monthly meetings and quarterly progress reports to help maintain momentum.

The Fellowship is also intended to function as an incubator, providing time, guidance, and structure for work that continues beyond the Fellowship year.

As noted above, Fellows travel to the Institute twice during the Fellowship year to present to leadership: once in August, at the end of Q1, and again in May, at the end of the Fellowship year. The May presentation focuses on what was accomplished during the year and the Fellow’s plans for next steps. Final work may take many forms, including detailed manuscripts, the launch of a business or organization; or a video series, documentary films, etc. Travel and lodging for both presentations are covered by the Institute.

Upon completion of the Fellowship year, all Fellows are required to serve as mentors for future Fellows, ensuring that accumulated knowledge and experiences are passed to their successors.

FT1: Using AI to Expand Economic Opportunity

During the past ten years, many in the U.S. and around the world have worried that AI and AI-related technologies will reduce the need for human labor, shrink the number of jobs, and push more people into economic instability. The Bergel Institute has a different perspective: rapid improvements in communications and access to information can expand economic opportunity and open new entryways into the mainstream economy.

This Fellowship will explore where AI can remove long-standing obstacles to stability, including translation issues on forms, limited English proficiency when searching and applying for jobs online, navigating cost-of-living differences across regions, and making informed relocation decisions by comparing pay to real-world expenses.

The Fellowship will also examine applications that expand opportunity by reducing shocks and removing barriers to stability. AI and satellite imagery may improve mapping relative to who is living in poverty so providers of aid and assistance can reach towns, villages, or households missed by traditional survey methods, helping families access support sooner and re-enter the mainstream economy faster. AI tools can also strengthen disaster relief and recovery so households are not impacted as intensely or for as long, protecting livelihoods, savings, and continuity of work and school. Given that many people in poverty around the world live and work on small farms, AI can help identify crop issues and disease and optimize production, strengthening household income. In education and skill development, new platforms can deliver quality, affordable education to remote areas, reducing geographical and transportation obstacles and expanding pathways into better-paying work.

By the end of the Fellowship, the Fellow will produce a credible roadmap for what can be built, who must be involved, what barriers to adoption exist, and what can be implemented in the near term.

The Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) aims to cultivate skilled clinician-scientist leaders to meet the nation's biomedical research demands. It supports domestic organizations in developing dual-degree training that integrates clinical and research education, leading to both a clinical degree (e.g., M.D., D.O.) and a Ph.D. Through comprehensive mentoring and career development, MSTP prepares trainees for impactful careers in health-related research, ensuring a robust pipeline of qualified scientists.

Beckley Area Foundation

Beckley Area Foundation was established in January 1985 by ten community-minded citizens. It began with a gift of $1.1 million from the Dr. Thomas Walker Memorial Health Foundation as “seed” money for this Raleigh County project. BAF assets have grown to over $70 million with over 500 different funds managed by our three trustee banks. Today, Beckley Area Foundation is one of West Virginia’s largest community foundations.

Since its inception, BAF has distributed over $23 million to charities and other worthy projects in the fields of education, public recreation, health & human services, the arts, animal services and beautification.

Scholarships

The Beckley Area Foundation proudly manages scholarship funds established by individuals, businesses, and organizations dedicated to helping students pursue higher education. Many of these scholarships are tailored for specific schools, fields of study, or graduates from local high schools, while others offer broader opportunities. No matter the path, our scholarships aim to support students from our region as they work toward achieving their educational goals.

Most of these scholarships must be awarded to students from our geographic area or at least preference given to such students. While the majority of scholarships benefit Raleigh County applicants there are others designated for Fayette, Summers, Webster, and Wyoming students. 

Appalachian Scholarship

High school graduate from Appalachian coal fields enrolling in an engineering program at a technical college or university such as Carnegie Mellon, Georgia Tech, MIT, Cal Tech, Colorado School of Mines, or the engineering schools of Virginia Tech and Texas A&M; Applicants planning to attend engineering schools not listed must contact the BAF office to determine if it is a donor approved program. The recipients are to be selected based on their academic potential.

This scholarship is renewable.

Beckley Area Foundation

Beckley Area Foundation was established in January 1985 by ten community-minded citizens. It began with a gift of $1.1 million from the Dr. Thomas Walker Memorial Health Foundation as “seed” money for this Raleigh County project. BAF assets have grown to over $70 million with over 500 different funds managed by our three trustee banks. Today, Beckley Area Foundation is one of West Virginia’s largest community foundations.

Since its inception, BAF has distributed over $23 million to charities and other worthy projects in the fields of education, public recreation, health & human services, the arts, animal services and beautification.

Scholarships

The Beckley Area Foundation proudly manages scholarship funds established by individuals, businesses, and organizations dedicated to helping students pursue higher education. Many of these scholarships are tailored for specific schools, fields of study, or graduates from local high schools, while others offer broader opportunities. No matter the path, our scholarships aim to support students from our region as they work toward achieving their educational goals.

Most of these scholarships must be awarded to students from our geographic area or at least preference given to such students. While the majority of scholarships benefit Raleigh County applicants there are others designated for Fayette, Summers, Webster, and Wyoming students. 

Brown Wesley Payne Fellowship Scholarship

Provides scholarship aid to disadvantaged and minority West Virginians who will attend law school to prepare for a legal practice in the State of West Virginia; Applicants must demonstrate outstanding contribution to organizations and programs in the human rights field.

This scholarship is not renewable.

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) invites applications for the Scholarly Editions and Translations program, aimed at supporting teams that edit and translate crucial humanities texts. This year's focus is on projects related to American history and culture or Western civilization, addressing the need for accessible editions or translations of foundational works essential for new scholarship.

The NSF Expeditions in Computing program aims to foster transformative research in computer and information science. By funding projects up to $15 million over seven years, it encourages multidisciplinary teams to tackle ambitious research agendas that redefine the future of computing. The program supports innovative areas such as new architectures for intelligence, advanced robotics, and next-generation communication, emphasizing the importance of collaboration across various fields to achieve groundbreaking advancements.

The Graduate Student Conference Support Fund, provided by the American Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies, aims to assist ABDs and recent PhDs in attending the Annual Meeting. This fund offers free or reduced registration for eligible students. Each year, the number of awards depends on contributions to the fund. Membership in ASECS is required for eligibility, and only one award can be granted to each recipient, ensuring broad access to this valuable support.

The American College of Bankruptcy Foundation offers a Pro Bono Grant aimed at supporting legal services organizations that align with its mission. Grants typically do not exceed $15,000, with some exceptions for innovative projects up to $20,000. Eligible initiatives focus on bankruptcy law and pro bono assistance, while ineligible projects include lobbying, fundraising, and those not directly related to debtor-creditor education. The Foundation encourages efforts that promote legal aid for disadvantaged communities.

The Limited Competition: High Impact Specialized Innovation Programs in Clinical and Translational Science (RC2 Clinical Trials Optional) aims to foster unique hub capabilities and research platforms to tackle critical gaps in clinical and translational science. Open to eligible organizations involved in the CTSA Program, this funding opportunity is crucial for laying groundwork for future advancements across CTSA Program Hubs. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time, with Letters of Intent encouraged 30 days prior to the deadline.

The Zorn Blythe Aviation Scholarship, offered by the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation, supports students pursuing careers in aviation. Established in memory of Zorn Blythe, who had a passion for airplane engines, this scholarship encourages aspiring aviators to explore opportunities in the field. The foundation administers numerous scholarships to help students achieve their educational goals, fostering an inclusive community where everyone can thrive.