Best Marketing Grants for Nonprofits in California

The AWI Implementing Refinement Grant, offered by the Animal Welfare Institute, aims to enhance the welfare of animals in experimentation. Grants up to $8,000 support equipment purchases or staff training for implementing proven refinements. Eligible applicants must be from the U.S. or Canada, and projects should be completed within a year. The grant focuses on improving animal lives beyond basic needs, ensuring no funds are misused for indirect costs or basic care.

About

At Creative Pinellas, we believe the arts are essential to a vibrant, thriving community. Through programs, partnerships, and advocacy, we empower artists and cultural organizations across Pinellas County—enhancing quality of life, driving economic growth, and inspiring residents and visitors alike.

At Creative Pinellas, we’re all about celebrating the power of the arts to bring people together and make life better. We support local artists, spark creative experiences, and help build a cultural scene that makes Pinellas County an inspiring place to live, work, and play. From gallery shows and public art to festivals and performances, the arts play a big role in drawing visitors to the area—boosting local businesses and showcasing everything our vibrant community has to offer.

Arts Tourism Funding Program: Celebrating Pinellas County’s Creative Spirit Grant

Creative Pinellas is spearheading a transformative new arts tourism funding program designed to position Pinellas County as a premier cultural destination while strengthening its creative economy. On Tuesday, March 24, the Pinellas Board of County Commissioners approved the $500,000 program by unanimous vote. Creative Pinellas will direct the program, which is funded by Visit St. Pete-Clearwater (VSPC) with outreach and event support provided by St. Petersburg Arts Alliance and Clearwater Arts Alliance.

The inaugural program will fund a wide range of experiences created by artists and arts organizations selected through a competitive process. The experiences will shape a countywide, multi-week festival of the arts during Fall 2026 featuring performances, exhibitions, workshops, public art, and immersive cultural experiences across beaches, parks, downtown districts, and cultural venues. It is expected to reach an estimated 2.5 million visitors during that time.

This marks the first time Creative Pinellas has distributed arts funding to support not only individual artists and nonprofits, but also for-profit arts organizations.

Award Amounts and Frequency

• The panel plans to select approximately 20-30 arts experiences, totaling $350,000 to Individual Artists and Organizations. It is possible that more or fewer experiences will be selected. Another $50,000 is planned for those selected to provide opening and closing experiences for the month of the arts.
• The panel reviewing applications will be asked to fund in two categories: individuals and organizations.
• Individual Artists may apply for $5,000 to $15,000.
• Organizations may apply for $15,000 to $50,000.
• The panel predicts to select a very limited number of arts experiences at the higher funding levels.
• All applicants acknowledge that Creative Pinellas may offer funding at a different amount than applied for.

The Baker and Taylor YALSA Conference Grant provides two $1,000 awards to librarians working with young adults, enabling them to attend the Annual Conference for the first time. One grant supports a school librarian, while the other is for a public library librarian. Applicants must be current members of ALA/YALSA, with prior membership preferred for at least two years, and must have between one to ten years of experience working with teenagers.

The Philip J. Wyatt Award in Analytical Chemistry, established in 1947 and endowed by the Wyatt Family Foundation in 2026, recognizes outstanding contributions to analytical chemistry. Offered by the American Chemical Society, the award includes a $5,000 prize and a certificate, with up to $2,500 for travel expenses to the award presentation meeting. This award supports diversity and inclusion by being available regardless of race, gender, or background, promoting a global community in the field of chemistry.

This funding opportunity supports the establishment of Animal and Biological Material Resource Centers to enhance biomedical research through the provision of specialized laboratory animals and related resources. It seeks to promote scientific rigor and reproducibility by facilitating the development of new methodologies that complement traditional research. Centers must align with multiple NIH Institutes and focus on integrating innovative approaches like cell culture and computational models, fostering collaboration and advancement in human disease modeling.

The Rapid Response Fund for Movement Building provides urgent financial support to grassroots organizations addressing social justice for low-income residents and people of color. Offering grants of $3,000 to $20,000, projects must show immediate community impact and demonstrate a commitment to racial and economic equity. Applications are processed within 30 days, with projects needing completion within six months. Priority is given to small organizations and collaborative efforts that empower marginalized communities.

Mary's Pence Grants provide essential funding and support for women's social justice organizations in the U.S. and Canada. Established over 30 years ago, the program is dedicated to empowering women on the margins by funding grassroots initiatives that focus on community-centered, sustainable change. Organizations with budgets under $200,000 are eligible to apply for grants up to $5,000, fostering relationships and collaborative efforts to address systemic issues and promote social justice.

The National Institutes of Health is inviting applications for feasibility studies aimed at informing the design of future clinical trials. These studies should demonstrate scientific necessity and may involve mixed methods to assess recruitment, randomization, and intervention delivery. While applications are not currently being solicited, this notice encourages investigators with relevant expertise to prepare for potential collaboration on impactful public health trials.

The Support Grants program by the Arts Council Santa Cruz County provides essential funding to nonprofit arts organizations and artists in Santa Cruz County. With grants up to $7,000, the program aims to enhance artistic excellence, foster audience engagement, and improve equitable access to the arts. This initiative empowers diverse creative expressions while addressing social justice issues, ensuring that all artists can thrive and contribute to a vibrant community. Applications are accepted annually, welcoming first-time applicants.

The ACSCC: Create Grants program offers funding for arts and cultural projects in Santa Cruz County, with grants up to $3,000. This initiative supports local artists and organizations, aiming to enhance community engagement in the arts, promote equitable access, and encourage the sustainability of artistic endeavors. Applications are accepted from both individual artists and nonprofit organizations, providing they meet specific eligibility criteria and project requirements.

The Physicians Aid Association Grant provides essential financial support to physicians facing unforeseen hardships. Established in 1937, this initiative assists those in Los Angeles County with temporary needs such as rent, food, and utilities. It aims to alleviate the burden of unexpected challenges, ensuring that healthcare professionals receive the help they need during difficult times. The grant's focus is on compassionate aid and community support for physicians and their families.

The Cooperative Education Fund, managed by the Cooperative Development Foundation, offers grants, scholarships, and sponsorships to support cooperative education initiatives. Annually, it allocates between $100,000 and $140,000, providing 10-15 grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. Eligible applicants include cooperatives and related organizations within the U.S. The Fund prioritizes research, educational material development, and sponsorship for educational events, ensuring resources remain accessible and non-proprietary.

The Ocotillo Wind Education Fund, part of the Ocotillo Wind Community Benefits Program, is dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities in the Imperial Valley. With an initial commitment of $3 million, this fund prioritizes early childhood development, high school graduation, and student achievement. Grants are awarded through a competitive process, aiming to improve out-of-school programs and develop educational leaders. The fund invites innovative proposals that demonstrate measurable impact and community collaboration, ensuring sustainable educational improvements for future generations.

The Engagement Award: Capacity Building aims to enhance the skills of patients and stakeholders in patient-centered outcomes research (PCOR) and comparative effectiveness research (CER). With funding of up to $300,000 for projects lasting up to two years, this initiative seeks to foster meaningful participation from patients, families, and caregivers. The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) anticipates distributing up to $25 million for these efforts in fiscal year 2026, emphasizing community engagement in research.

The Forrest E. Mars, Jr. Chocolate History Grant, offered by the Mars Wrigley Foundation, supports projects that explore and share chocolate's rich cultural history. Launched in 2013, this grant aims to educate the public about chocolate's global significance and its impact on heritage. Projects can include research, immersive experiences, and publications. Awardees must present their findings at Heritage Chocolate Society meetings, emphasizing educational impact, equity, and inclusion in their proposals.

The Budding Botanist Grant, offered by the Klorane Botanical Foundation, aims to educate students about environmental sustainability and biodiversity through school garden programs. In 2023, grants of $1000 will be awarded to twenty schools across the U.S., prioritizing those with a significant percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals. This initiative encourages young learners to explore and care for their local ecosystems.

The Darrel Hess Community College Geography Scholarship, funded by the American Association of Geographers, supports community college students pursuing geography. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a US community college and have completed two transfer courses in geography, intending to transfer to a four-year institution. The award includes funding for educational expenses and a certificate of merit, announced at the annual AAG meeting. Compliance with the AAG Professional Conduct Policy is required.

The AAG Award for Community College Program Excellence honors outstanding non-Ph.D. granting Geography programs in the U.S. It recognizes departments that have significantly enhanced Geography's prominence and reputation. Eligible programs include those offering associate, baccalaureate, or master-level degrees. The award focuses on compelling vision, pedagogical innovation, student mentorship, and promoting diversity. Nominations are carefully evaluated to ensure fair recognition of each program's unique contributions to the discipline.

The ASPCA National Shelter Grants Initiative offers up to $2.5 million in grants to support U.S. shelters and their communities. Grants ranging from $10,000 to $95,000 aim to enhance animal outcomes, psychological health, and access to veterinary care. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations or municipal agencies with facilities for adoptable animals, while foster-based rescue organizations are excluded. This initiative is crucial in assisting shelters during challenging times.

Outstanding Educator Award (2026-05-01)

Since 1985, the AGC Education and Research Foundation has recognized annually an educator who makes a significant mark in the field of construction education. The Outstanding Educator award is based on a nominee’s academic contribution as well as his/her work with students outside of the classroom and involvement with colleagues in the industry.

The Outstanding Educator receives a $5,000 cash award and may name two students as recipients of $2,500 scholarships for the coming academic year. In addition, the recipient will be invited to the annual AGC convention as a guest of the foundation.

The Garden Club of America offers the Scholarship in Garden History and Design to promote the study of garden history and design. This scholarship supports students pursuing internships at the Archives of American Gardens or similar institutions. Each year, the scholarship funds students with a maximum of $6,000 for a ten-week internship. Eligible candidates include U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in relevant graduate programs, with previous experience in photographic or visual materials preferred.

American Physical Society

The American Physical Society is a nonprofit membership organization working to advance physics by fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and global community dedicated to science and society. APS represents more than 50,000 members, including physicists in academia, national laboratories, and industry in the United States and around the world.

DNP Registration Reimbursement Grants Available for the APS Global Physics Summit

DNP is pleased to offer a limited number of registration reimbursement grants to encourage graduate student participation in the annual APS Global Physics Summit. This APS meeting provides an excellent opportunity for students in nuclear physics to present their research, interact with potential employers, and hear about advances in a broad range of physics topics.

If the nominee's application is accepted, the award will cover the early registration fee for students presenting in-person. Students will need to register prior to confirmation of receiving the award.

The Translational Medicine Postdoctoral Fellowship by the PhRMA Foundation supports U.S. and non-U.S. citizens in multidisciplinary research training at accredited U.S. universities. The program aims to enhance credentials in translational medicine, focusing on turning laboratory observations into effective medical interventions. The fellowship includes a stipend of $60,000 per year for 12 to 24 months, promoting innovative research that addresses unmet clinical needs in various scientific disciplines.

The PhRMA Foundation's Translational Medicine Faculty Starter Grant supports early-career researchers at U.S. universities, providing $100,000 for one year. This grant emphasizes innovative research that translates laboratory findings into clinical applications, addressing unmet medical needs. Applicants must be within five years of independent status and collaborate with clinical partners. The program aims to foster a patient-centric approach in translational medicine, enhancing the development of new diagnostics and therapies for improved patient care.

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.

The Loris and Merle Coe Scholarship Fund

The Loris and Merle Coe Scholarship Fund assists graduating seniors (including home-schooled students) accepted to any two or four-year college or university who are either a Boy Scout or Girl Scout and have earned either an Eagle Scout Award or rank of Life Scout, Gold Award or Silver Award. 

Amount:

• Varies. Minimum $500

Renewable:

• Yes

The Smith-Hobson Foundation Grant provides vital support for arts and cultural initiatives in western Ventura County. This includes funding for museums, historical societies, fine and performing arts, and arts education. The foundation is open to considering broader projects and may reach out directly for proposals outside its standard priorities. Nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply, ensuring a diverse range of cultural projects are promoted and accessible to the community.

The Community Organizing Grants Program by the Peace Development Fund empowers local organizations to drive social justice initiatives. It supports groups that foster grassroots leadership and systemic change while dismantling oppression. Grants are primarily for general support, focusing on projects that align with their mission. Eligible organizations include those in the U.S., Haiti, and Mexico, while excluding completed projects or lobbying activities. This initiative encourages sustainable, community-based solutions and diverse alliances for a just society.