Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in California

The Detter Family Foundation Education Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, aims to support residents of Allendale Charter Township pursuing post-secondary education. This competitive scholarship considers various criteria including financial need, academic achievement, and personal goals. Applicants can apply just once to be eligible for all applicable foundation scholarships, ensuring a streamlined process for securing educational funding.

The Community Action Grants - Faith and Neighborhoods program by the Silicon Valley Community Foundation supports faith-based organizations addressing social justice and community needs in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. This initiative emphasizes racial justice and encourages organizations with annual budgets under $3 million to apply. By fostering community leadership and participation, the program aims to empower underserved communities and tackle pressing issues such as housing and immigration, ensuring equitable solutions for all.

The Northeast Asia Council Japan Studies Grants support seminars that enhance knowledge of Japan and improve Japanese language pedagogy. With grants up to $5,000, these projects are aimed at educators and scholars, emphasizing the importance of teaching Japan in academic disciplines. Eligibility includes a detailed project proposal, budget, and current membership in AAS. Preference is given to new projects and those not recently funded by NEAC, ensuring a broad impact on Japanese studies in the U.S.

The Northeast Asia Council Japan Studies Grants provide funding for small scholarly conferences on Japanese studies in the U.S. These grants, up to $5,000, support events that foster collaboration among scholars, focusing on cutting-edge research. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or Japanese nationals and current AAS members. Priority is given to those securing matching funds and for projects not previously funded by NEAC. Ineligible costs include stipends for organizers and travel to unrelated seminars.

The ASPCA Fund to End Factory Farming Grant Program aims to transform the U.S. food system by promoting humane practices and reducing reliance on factory farming. By funding eligible projects, the program seeks to improve animal welfare, support farmers, and enhance public health. Projects must include educational components to raise awareness about their impact. This initiative reflects ASPCA's commitment to ethical treatment of animals and fostering a culture of compassion and inclusion.

The NRA Foundation in California offers grants aimed at promoting charitable purposes related to firearms and hunting safety. Eligible organizations include IRS-recognized entities and government bodies. Grant requests must align with the Foundation's mission to educate the public about firearms and support research on safety. Ineligible organizations include labor unions and private businesses. The funding decisions are made solely by the Foundation based on its criteria.

The John Krakauer Charitable Trust, established in 2012, focuses on supporting 501(c)(3) nonprofits that create measurable impacts in education, health, and human services, particularly in Southern Nevada and San Diego. The foundation prioritizes mission-driven organizations that demonstrate innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to their cause. Grants, averaging $10,000 for first-time recipients, aim to enhance capacity building and provide scholarships, especially for programs aiding single mothers and non-English speaking immigrants.

The NRA Foundation: California – North CAN Grants provides funding to organizations that promote charitable purposes related to firearms and shooting sports as defined by the IRS. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) entities, governmental bodies, and recognized nonprofits. The Foundation supports educational programs and activities that enhance firearms safety and marksmanship, while certain projects, such as commercial ventures and fundraising activities, are ineligible for funding. Applications must align with the Foundation's mission and requirements.

The NRA Foundation offers grants aimed at supporting charitable purposes aligned with their mission, including promoting firearms safety, education, and research in shooting sports. Eligible applicants must be recognized entities under IRS 501(c)(3) regulations, such as nonprofits or government organizations. This funding is crucial for initiatives that foster public understanding and safety regarding firearms, while ineligible entities include labor organizations and private businesses.

Grant funding provided by The NRA Foundation must meet all NRA Foundation requirements and be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials. Eligibility and funding amount are determined solely by the Foundation.

Grant requests must conform to, and foster the purposes in, The NRA Foundation’s mission statement, such as:

• Promote, advance, and encourage firearms, the shooting sports, and hunting safety.
• Educate individuals, including the youth of the United States, with respect to firearms, firearms history, participation in the shooting sports, hunting safety, and marksmanship, as well as with respect to other subjects that are of importance to the well-being of the general public.
• Conduct research in furtherance of improved firearms safety and marksmanship facilities and techniques.
• Support activities of the National Rifle Association of America, to the extent that such activities are in furtherance of charitable, educational, or scientific purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code which includes activities that are charitable, educational, or foster National or International sports competition.

The S. Mark Taper Foundation, established in 1989, is a private family foundation committed to improving lives through support for nonprofit organizations in Southern California. It funds projects in arts, education, health, and more, with grant sizes ranging from $50,000 to over $100,000. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified and serve specific counties. Notably, those receiving funding in the past three years are ineligible to apply.

The City of Berkeley's Civic Arts- General Operating Support Grant provides essential funding to nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in Berkeley. These grants, awarded biennially, aim to enhance the vibrancy of the local arts scene by supporting operational costs. This initiative focuses on promoting equitable representation for historically marginalized groups, ensuring a diverse and inclusive arts ecosystem. Grantees receive funding for two consecutive fiscal years, streamlining the application process and fostering stability in the arts community.

The San Marcos Community Foundation offers Mini Grants of up to $1,500 to support nonprofit organizations that benefit San Marcos residents. Eligible projects must be tax-exempt under 501(c)(3) and directly serve the community. Grant requests should adhere to reporting deadlines set by the Board, while funds cannot support religious, fraternal, or political purposes. The Foundation prioritizes applications with matching funds at its discretion, fostering diverse projects in arts, health, education, and more.

NASA Internships

Background

NASA has developed a single, one-stop Agency system for the recruitment, application, selection and career development of undergraduate and graduate students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines. Students access information about internship and fellowship opportunities across NASA to engage in research, aerospace education and space exploration. A student completes a single internship and/or fellowship application to express interest in up to 15 specific opportunities for each summer, fall, spring or year-long session.

Objectives

NASA Internships are competitive awards to support educational opportunities that provide unique NASA-related research and operational experiences for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students, as well as educators. These opportunities serve students by integrating interns with career professionals emphasizing mentor-directed, degree-related tasks, while contributing to the operation of a NASA facility or the advancement of NASA’s missions.

Award Level

Levels may vary per opportunity.

Community Foundation for Mason County, MI

At the Community Foundation for Mason County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues. As a leader in community philanthropy, building a vibrant community with great opportunities for all, we are focused on advancing education, increasing recreation opportunities, and community and economic development.

The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.

Lee Shipman Engineering Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Lee Shipman who established the Lee Shipman Engineering Scholarship Fund of the Community Foundation for Mason County.

Lee Shipman has always had a love for all things electrical as far back as grade school when he added an additional phone in his family home so calls could be answered from more than one location! This eventually led him to get his degree in electrical engineering and a career at Dow Chemical in Ludington. He continued following his passion after retiring from Dow by working with a local Ludington business helping with the selection and modifications of equipment. Through this work, he recognized the real challenges that downtown merchants face. Lee is thankful for the people who have made a difference in his life, from his Latin teacher to coworkers to close friends and, because of this, he wants to give back to others. He established this Scholarship Fund for students pursuing electrical engineering.

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.

Thomas William Bennett Memorial Scholarship Fund

He believed that a person could do anything if they sat down and read how to do it. When WWII started, he was the first man from the state of South Carolina to enlist in the U.S. Army. He quickly rose to captain and spent most of the war in the Pacific (the Queen of Fiji considered him a friend). Later, Thomas had a long career at Harcourt Brace publishing.

Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors. Applications are accepted from mid-November until mid-March. Scholarship award recipients will be announced at the high school awards ceremony. 

Susquehanna Beekeepers Association College Scholarship

Established by the Susquehanna Beekeepers Association to provide college tuition assistance to students from northeastern Pennsylvania who will major in agriculture or biology.

The MPRPD Transportation Grants, funded by the Community Foundation for Monterey County, aim to enhance access to recreational, environmental, and cultural education in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, schools, and public agencies that receive a Special Use Permit from MPRPD. The grants cover transportation-related costs for group visits to MPRPD parks, aligning with the mission to promote education and protect natural resources.

The Research on Research Security Program, funded by the National Science Foundation, aims to foster collaboration between STEM researchers and research security practitioners. It encourages interdisciplinary approaches to enhance evidence-based research on security issues. Proposals can include conferences, workshops, and planning grants, as well as international partnerships, to address U.S. concerns in research security. This initiative is vital for developing a robust community in this emerging field.

The Snapdragon Book Foundation Grant aims to enhance school libraries for disadvantaged children by providing essential funding. Established in 2008, it supports public, private, and experimental schools in the U.S., including territories. The foundation emphasizes access to quality reading materials, aiming to address inequities caused by structural racism. Eligible libraries can apply for funding to acquire books, reference materials, and subscriptions, ensuring that all students have access to enriching literary resources.

The Small Business Transition Grant for New Entrepreneurs, funded by the NIH, supports new investigators in entrepreneurship. This grant aims to enhance the entrepreneurial skills of researchers while facilitating their research and development efforts in small businesses. It encourages the employment of Program Directors/Principal Investigators (PDs/PIs) who possess strong scientific expertise but limited entrepreneurial experience, fostering innovation aligned with NIH's mission to improve health and save lives.

Stark Community Foundation

Since 1963, Stark Community Foundation has been helping individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits like you support the causes you care about.

In addition to personalized donor services, we manage a competitive grantmaking program and award grants to address local needs. Today, the Foundation stewards over 1,000 charitable funds totaling $485 million in assets and has granted more than $300 million to nonprofits in our community and beyond.

Scholarships

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.

The Ken Finney Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Ken Finney Memorial Scholarship Fund assists students seeking a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering or music who are residents of Stark, Wayne or Carroll counties (or adjacent counties).

This scholarship is renewable.

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.

John Masus Memorial Scholarship Fund

Originally the Masus Financial Group Scholarship Fund, the fund was renamed the John Masus Memorial Scholarship Fund as a memorial to John Masus at the time of his passing.

The Fund supports scholarships to graduating high school seniors who reside within the 60510 zip code in Kane County. 

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.

Scholarship funds are established by local individuals, families, businesses and organizations. They provide tuition assistance and financial support to new and continuing college students, and many offer renewable awards.

Jennie V. and Marie Cook Scholarship

Continuing students pursuing degrees in Engineering, Health Science (includes nursing and medicine), or Science who are currently enrolled at: UC Irvine, UC San Diego, UCLA, UC Riverside, CSUF, CSULB, California Institute of Technology, or Occidental College. 

The Blueprint MedTech Translator program aims to support the advancement of therapeutic and diagnostic devices for nervous and neuromuscular disorders. This initiative encourages clinical feasibility studies and the implementation of clinical prototype devices, along with safety and efficacy testing. Participants will receive funding to conduct research in their own labs, collaborate with NIH consultants, and access contract research organizations for specialized testing, ensuring a comprehensive approach to device development.

Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy

Unlike surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, cell and gene therapies harness the power of your immune system to destroy cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. We fund the research that will make this vision a reality.

Collaborating with partners and funding research fellows, we are transforming cancer treatments today while bringing the world closer to a cure for all cancers tomorrow.

ACGT Investigator Award in Cell and Gene Therapy for SOLID TUMOR CANCERS 

Purpose

Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy, Inc. (ACGT) funds breakthrough research that is transforming cancer treatment through cell and gene therapy. This ACGT grant award is for those conducting translational cell and gene therapy research specifically in solid tumor cancers.

Research Objectives

Cell and gene therapy for solid tumors poses major challenges driven by antigen heterogeneity, physical exclusion, immunosuppressive microenvironments, genomic instability, and safety limitations. This RFA seeks innovative, translational cell and gene therapy strategies that directly address these barriers.

Proposed approaches should demonstrate the capacity to: (1) overcome antigen escape through multi-targeted designs that broaden patient populations and account for heterogeneity and resistance due to antigen loss; (2) enhance trafficking, infiltration, and persistence within solid tumor sites; (3) resist or reprogram the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment; and (4) incorporate built-in safety and controllability mechanisms suitable for clinical translation. Successful proposals will integrate these elements to enable durable, precise, and scalable therapeutic impact in solid tumors.

Building on the priorities outlined above, this RFP encourages proposals spanning a broad range of cell and gene therapy (CGT) platforms and rational combinations, including but not limited to:

• Engineered T Cell Approaches
• Innate and Alternative Immune Cell Platforms
• Gene Editing & Synthetic Biology Strategies
• Microenvironment-Modulating Strategies
• Combinatorial Approaches

Proposals that integrate multiple strategies to overcome trafficking, suppression, antigen escape, and safety barriers in a coordinated manner are strongly encouraged. Preference will be given to approaches with clear mechanistic rationale and a credible path toward clinical translation in solid tumors.

This funding opportunity aims to advance mechanistic research for precision probiotic therapies. It invites R33 applications focused on characterizing individual differences in probiotic responses, identifying responder subgroups, and enhancing clinical outcomes. The goal is to develop strategies addressing barriers to effective probiotic use, accounting for human variability. Proposals should include innovative studies using animal models or human subjects, supported by preliminary data to test biological patterns and their effects on health outcomes.