Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in California

About the North Valley Health Education Foundation

The North Valley Health Education Foundation (NVHEF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health through education. Since its founding in 1973, the Foundation has supported students pursuing healthcare careers and strengthened communities across Northern California’s North Valley.

NVHEF serves as a regional connector—bringing together students, educators, healthcare institutions, donors, and community leaders who share a commitment to a strong and sustainable healthcare workforce.

Healthcare Scholarships

The North Valley Health Education Foundation (NVHEF) provides scholarships to students pursuing healthcare careers who are committed to serving Northern California communities. Our focus is on strengthening the regional healthcare workforce by supporting students in medical, nursing, and allied health programs.

Each year, NVHEF awards $20,000–$30,000 in healthcare scholarships to students enrolled in accredited programs who demonstrate academic commitment, community connection, and a passion for healthcare service.

Advanced Practice & Medical School Scholarship

This application is for students pursuing Advanced Practice degrees (NP, PA, PT, Dietetics, Pharmacy) or attending medical school.

The Aurand Harris Grants & Fellowships support children’s theatre by funding projects that foster artistic growth and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Eligible applicants include 501c3 nonprofit theatres and individual artists. The grants cover various expenses, such as fees for artists and equipment costs, while prioritizing projects that align with the values of the Children's Theatre Foundation of America. Notably, funding will not cover general operating support or projects already in progress.

About Samaritan Health Services

We’re a nonprofit network of hospitals, clinics and health services caring for more than 290,000 residents in the mid-Willamette Valley and central Oregon Coast and portions of Marion and Polk counties. We work together to provide highly reliable and innovative medicine with world-class quality in a way that supports the values of the communities we serve. That includes caring for all people, regardless of their ability to pay.

Health Education Scholarships

One of the many keys to maintaining a healthy, prosperous community is ensuring a sustainable supply of excellent health care providers. To achieve this, Samaritan Health Services offers numerous scholarships to local students pursuing careers as doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners and physician assistants, as well continuing education or specialty training for current medical providers.

Each year, Samaritan awards more than $25,000 in scholarships for health care education to ensure the communities we serve receive the best care possible well into the future.

Larry A. Mullins, DHA, Scholarship

The Larry A. Mullins, DHA, Endowed Scholarship for Health Care Education scholarship was established in 2003 by the board of directors of Samaritan Health Services, Corvallis, Oregon. It was formed in honor of Dr. Mullins, the President/CEO of Samaritan Health Services (now retired), upon the completion of his doctoral degree in health care administration (DHA) from the Medical University of South Carolina.

About Samaritan Health Services

We’re a nonprofit network of hospitals, clinics and health services caring for more than 290,000 residents in the mid-Willamette Valley and central Oregon Coast and portions of Marion and Polk counties. We work together to provide highly reliable and innovative medicine with world-class quality in a way that supports the values of the communities we serve. That includes caring for all people, regardless of their ability to pay.

Health Education Scholarships

One of the many keys to maintaining a healthy, prosperous community is ensuring a sustainable supply of excellent health care providers. To achieve this, Samaritan Health Services offers numerous scholarships to local students pursuing careers as doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners and physician assistants, as well continuing education or specialty training for current medical providers.

Each year, Samaritan awards more than $25,000 in scholarships for health care education to ensure the communities we serve receive the best care possible well into the future.

Jeanne Hazleton Scholarship

The Jeanne Hazleton Scholarship for Midwifery and Doula Education was established in 2008 by Patrick Hazleton, husband of the late Jeanne Hazleton, and funded by numerous contributions made by family and friends. The purpose of the Jeanne Hazleton Scholarship Fund is to honor Jeanne’s lifetime service and contribution to the community as a practicing Doula and Midwife and to encourage women to enter or continue their education in the birthing profession. The scholarship program is designed to help residents of Benton, Linn, and Lincoln counties begin or continue their education for Doula and/or Midwife training, certification, or licensing.

Community Foundation of New Jersey

Over our 46-year history, the Community Foundation of New Jersey has collaborated with individuals, families, organizations, and businesses to design charitable funds and implement the philanthropic solutions they want to see in their communities. We leverage $1.17 billion in assets and 1,200 funds to help our partners think boldly and creatively about ways to give.

Scholarship Fund Overview

Beyond a shared commitment to educational opportunity, families establish scholarship funds with a variety of goals and purposes in mind. They may offer traditional scholarships or customize fund awards for alternative scholarships.

Currently, CFNJ administers more than 135 scholarship funds. Our scholarship opportunities run the gamut, from those exclusive to a local high school or geographic region to those supporting specific majors or career pursuits. Last year, we awarded over $2 million in scholarship assistance to 271 scholars.

Applicants may be evaluated on academic performance; extracurricular activities; community involvement; paid or unpaid work; and a statement of their personal aspirations, educational goals, and demonstrated unmet financial need in our scholarship review process.

Watts Mountainside Community Foundation Scholarship

Blanche M. and George L. Watts were long-time Mountainside residents. Blanche was a school teacher and George was employed by Western Electric. When they passed, the Watts Mountainside Community Foundation was created to aid organizations delivering services to Mountainside residents and provide local students with scholarship assistance. Applicants for this scholarship must be Mountainside residents, may attend any high school inside or outside of Mountainside, and must be a graduating senior. Students must plan to continue their education at a two-year college or a four-year college/university or enroll in an associate degree program or a certificate program at an accredited technical or trade school. 

Napa Valley Community Foundation

We work side-by-side with local donors and nonprofits to tackle the most important challenges our Valley faces.

Our Board and staff are completely dedicated to the people and causes of Napa Valley and represent communities from American Canyon to Calistoga. They share skills, perspectives and the collaborative spirit that define our Napa Valley diversity.

Edward W. Solomon Scholarship

The Edward W. Solomon Scholarship is offered by CalRTA Napa Valley and administered by Napa Valley Community Foundation. It is awarded in memory of Dr. Edward W. Solomon. The Solomon Scholarship is given to support current Napa County teachers/educators who are continuing their education. Previous recipients of the scholarship are eligible to reapply.

In addition, applicants must demonstrate the potential for academic success by having been accepted in an upcoming college or university upper division or graduate level education program or course. Community college courses are acceptable only for current teachers who want/need to supplement their credential authorizations, and if the community college course is acceptable to the CTC Credentialing Office.

Napa Valley Community Foundation

We work side-by-side with local donors and nonprofits to tackle the most important challenges our Valley faces.

Our Board and staff are completely dedicated to the people and causes of Napa Valley and represent communities from American Canyon to Calistoga. They share skills, perspectives and the collaborative spirit that define our Napa Valley diversity.

George & Gwendolyn Goodin Endowment Fund

The George and Gwendolyn Goodin Endowment Fund provides one-year college and university scholarships to Napa County residents who are military veterans, or Napa County residents who are dependents of military veterans who were wounded or died while in active service. The number of scholarships awarded and the amount of each scholarship will be determined by the Fund’s Scholarship Selection Committee.

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 Jack O. Weimer, Jr. Scholarship Fund

The Jack O. Weimer, Jr. Scholarship Fund assists current or former residents of Stark County enrolled or accepted in a graduate program in a business-related field. Preference will be given to individuals demonstrating financial need. Personal interview may be required.

This scholarship is renewable.

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 John Onaitis Memorial Scholarship Fund

The John Onaitis Memorial Scholarship Fund awards scholarships to Stark County vocational student graduates pursuing post-secondary education from a college, university, trade or apprenticeship program.

This scholarship is renewable.

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.

Community Foundation of New Jersey

Over our 46-year history, the Community Foundation of New Jersey has collaborated with individuals, families, organizations, and businesses to design charitable funds and implement the philanthropic solutions they want to see in their communities. We leverage $1.17 billion in assets and 1,200 funds to help our partners think boldly and creatively about ways to give.

Scholarship Fund Overview

Beyond a shared commitment to educational opportunity, families establish scholarship funds with a variety of goals and purposes in mind. They may offer traditional scholarships or customize fund awards for alternative scholarships.

Currently, CFNJ administers more than 135 scholarship funds. Our scholarship opportunities run the gamut, from those exclusive to a local high school or geographic region to those supporting specific majors or career pursuits. Last year, we awarded over $2 million in scholarship assistance to 271 scholars.

Applicants may be evaluated on academic performance; extracurricular activities; community involvement; paid or unpaid work; and a statement of their personal aspirations, educational goals, and demonstrated unmet financial need in our scholarship review process.

Clanseer and Anna Johnson Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a college-bound, Black/African-American graduating high school senior from the greater Newark area or Paterson who has pursued a rigorous course of study (with particular emphasis on math and science courses). Applicants will show evidence of readiness for and a commitment to pursue a STEM major. Students will be evaluated on academic performance, extracurricular activities, community service, work (paid or unpaid), and unmet financial need.

Community Foundation of New Jersey

Over our 46-year history, the Community Foundation of New Jersey has collaborated with individuals, families, organizations, and businesses to design charitable funds and implement the philanthropic solutions they want to see in their communities. We leverage $1.17 billion in assets and 1,200 funds to help our partners think boldly and creatively about ways to give.

Scholarship Fund Overview

Beyond a shared commitment to educational opportunity, families establish scholarship funds with a variety of goals and purposes in mind. They may offer traditional scholarships or customize fund awards for alternative scholarships.

Currently, CFNJ administers more than 135 scholarship funds. Our scholarship opportunities run the gamut, from those exclusive to a local high school or geographic region to those supporting specific majors or career pursuits. Last year, we awarded over $2 million in scholarship assistance to 271 scholars.

Applicants may be evaluated on academic performance; extracurricular activities; community involvement; paid or unpaid work; and a statement of their personal aspirations, educational goals, and demonstrated unmet financial need in our scholarship review process.

Blossom Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a college-bound, Black/African-American graduating high school senior from the greater Newark area or Paterson who has pursued a rigorous course of study (with particular emphasis on math and science courses). Applicants will show evidence of readiness for and a commitment to pursue a STEM major. Students will be evaluated on academic performance, extracurricular activities, community service, work (paid or unpaid), and unmet financial need.

Binational Resilience Initiative Grant

The Binational Resilience Initiative (BRI) builds resilience in the Cali-Baja region by supporting binational projects that strengthen the capacity of our communities to adapt to the impacts of our changing climate. A partnership of San Diego Foundation (SDF), International Community Foundation (ICF), Resilient Cities Catalyst (RCC), and the San Diego Regional Climate Collaborative (SDRCC), we are leading an innovative, community-driven process that recognizes the interdependent environmental, economic, and cultural assets in San Diego and northern Baja California and strengthens resilience by addressing climate vulnerabilities through binational collaboration and localized solutions.

The Funding Opportunity

The Binational Resilience Initiative supports projects that build resiliency in the Cali-Baja region. We will expand the network of binational partners advancing the resiliency of the region between San Diego County and northern Baja California coastal communities, as well as expand funding to generate innovative binational approaches and thriving communities. Grantmaking goals for BRI include expanding binational, scientific climate collaboration as well as advancing coastal/marine resilience from an integrated, regional approach.

Specific Criteria for BRI Coastal/Marine Grants

• Focus on coastal/marine resilience: where the work proposed helps increase our region’s understanding of climate change effects on our coastal/marine resources.
• Effective demonstration of binational collaboration: where the work proposed supports true binational collaboration among U.S. and Mexican community-based organizations, scientists, researchers, educators, and/or government agencies.
• Contributes to coastal/marine resilience in two or more of these areas:
  • Climate relevance: Directly or indirectly supports efforts that mitigate, adapt or create resilience to impacts from climate change.
  • Economic prosperity: Supports efforts for organizations to obtain additional impact dollars where the project/grant serves to support catalytic funding needs for the organization/project.
  • Knowledge sharing: Supports education and/or communication of binational resilience needs and climate-related impacts.
  • Organizational resilience: Supports efforts related to the long-term resilience and health of the organization, such as resources that directly support organizational capacity building and staff needs.
  • Research: Creating new knowledge, filling gaps in collective understanding and synchronicity with existing research.
• Nonprofit organizations in Mexico or the U.S. should be the lead applicant but partnerships with other stakeholders are highly encouraged.
• Each binational partnership proposing a project should include at least one US nonprofit (or an entity with an equivalent tax-exempt status) and one MX nonprofit that is not a subsidiary of the US nonprofit (or an entity with an equivalent tax-exempt status, such as a research center or university.)
• The budget can include subgrants between nonprofit organizations if these are working on different areas within the same proposed binational project.
• The budget requested may include up to a maximum of 15% of total direct expenses as overhead or indirect costs. For example, if the total budget requested from BRI is the maximum allowed of $100,000 per project, then the indirect costs cannot exceed 15% of the direct costs ($86,957 in combined direct costs, plus a maximum of 15% of these (as indirect costs), will add up to the maximum of $100,000 per project).
• Funding requested can be up to $50,000 per year per organization, regardless of the number of partnerships or projects each organization collaborates with.
• Funding requested can be up to $100,000 per year, per binational project; this maximum includes requests for BRI funding from all partners per binational project.
• Funding can be requested for up to one year. Larger funding requests may require additional information and documentation. 

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 Clark H. and Louise A. Criss Charitable Fund

The Clark H. and Louise A. Criss Charitable Fund was established to assist Stark County, OH high school graduates attending a two or four year university, college, or technical school. 

Amount:

• Varies. Minimum $500.

Renewable:

• Yes

The John and Marlene Heslip Architecture Student Scholarship Program supports full-time undergraduate and graduate architecture students at accredited institutions in the U.S. and Canada. With a focus on innovative design using manufactured concrete masonry and hardscape products, the program awards a $5,000 scholarship each academic year. The scholarship aims to advance the education of future architects while fostering a commitment to excellence and diversity in the field.

The BMC Expedition Grant supports British climbers for international expeditions, prioritizing those who have been BMC members for at least two years. Grants are aimed at younger climbers and under-represented groups, promoting sustainable practices in expedition planning. Eligible teams must demonstrate a commitment to climbing and innovative objectives, while ineligible projects include commercial expeditions and those failing to adhere to grant conditions. This funding aims to foster significant personal development and environmentally conscious climbing.

Bill and Maria Hoekstra Dental Scholarship

Graduating senior, graduating early college student, or current college student who permanently resides and attended high school, including home school, within the Foundation’s greater service area, including Fennville, Hamilton, Hudsonville, Saugatuck, and CTC students from any district.

Charles and Beatrice Kulier Scholarship

Graduating senior or graduating early college student who attends public, private, or home school in the primary service area of the Community Foundation

David Wiersema Memorial Scholarship

Graduating home school senior or graduating high school or early college student from one of the following high schools: Black River, Hamilton, Holland Christian, Holland High School, Saugatuck, West Ottawa, Zeeland East, or Zeeland West.

The AAP Foundation Fellowship offers financial support for the Institute for Teaching and Learning in the Health Professions, covering full tuition for its Program for Dental School Faculty. This $3,500 fellowship is designed for periodontists pursuing teaching roles, providing essential skills in academic environments. The program includes comprehensive training, interactive learning methods, and mentorship, enabling participants to successfully transition into educational positions and develop their careers as dental educators.

Community Foundation of Henderson County

Individuals, families, organizations and businesses establish funds at the Foundation to carry out their charitable giving now and in the future.

Community Foundation of Henderson County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, public charity, governed by a volunteer board of directors, that has been assisting donors fulfill their philanthropic dreams since 1982.

Our Mission: Helping people who care make lasting contributions to causes that matter.

Scholarships

Community Foundation of Henderson County's Scholarship Program began in 1984. Thanks to the generosity of passionate donors, over 2,000 traditional and non-traditional students have been provided more than $10 million in scholarships to pursue higher education.

Robert and Vivian Edwards Scholarship

This scholarship is for a graduate of a Henderson County public, private or parochial high school who plans to enter into the field of veterinary medicine or related studies. This scholarship may be utilized for undergraduate and/or post-graduate studies. The recipient must be a legal resident of the United States.

The USPOULTRY Research Grants program, sponsored by the U.S. Poultry and Egg Association, aims to enhance the poultry industry through comprehensive research funding. Established in 1963, it supports diverse projects related to poultry and egg production. With over $30 million invested, the program emphasizes improving product quality and safety. Proposals are evaluated by a panel of experts, with a funding rate of 15-20%. Eligible projects typically have budgets under $80,000 and timelines of 1-2 years.

About

Founded in 1971, the Mensa Foundation was established by members of American Mensa to extend the organization’s impact. While connected by a shared purpose, the Foundation operates independently, guided by its own Board of Trustees, strategic plan, and initiatives.

Awards

Excellence in Research

The Mensa Foundation’s Awards for Excellence in Research recognize researchers who are building new knowledge in intelligence.

Presented annually, these awards honor exceptional work published in peer-reviewed journals or presented at professional conferences.

Details

A prestigious recognition in the field, the Awards for Excellence in Research celebrate innovative contributions that redefine how intelligence, giftedness, and related fields are studied and applied.

Award Components

Criteria for Entry

Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area seeks to ensure that our community thrives today, tomorrow, and forever by building our Community’s Endowment to support high impact charitable projects, helping donors achieve their charitable goals, and leading and partnering in community-level initiatives.

Scholarships

CFHZ awards over $1 million in scholarships each year for students to attend schools of higher education throughout the nation. Our scholarships are possible thanks to the generosity of donors who invest in our community’s future by furthering the education of others.

All Holland/Zeeland area individuals interested in post-secondary education are encouraged to apply for CFHZ scholarships.

The Foundation proudly administers over 100 scholarships, each with unique eligibility criteria that must be met before a candidate can be considered.

Global Concepts Enterprise, Inc. Founders’ Scholarship

• Graduating high school senior, graduating early college student, or currently enrolled college or vocational/technical school student
• Enrolled or enrolling at any accredited post-secondary educational institution (including vocational/technical school) within the United States
• Financial need, a consideration (encouraged to submit the page of the FAFSA Submission Summary showing the Student Aid Index amount)
• Age 25 or under
• The dependent child of a Global Concepts Enterprise, Inc. employee
• This scholarship is potentially renewable and supports one student at a time.

Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area seeks to ensure that our community thrives today, tomorrow, and forever by building our Community’s Endowment to support high impact charitable projects, helping donors achieve their charitable goals, and leading and partnering in community-level initiatives.

Scholarships

CFHZ awards over $1 million in scholarships each year for students to attend schools of higher education throughout the nation. Our scholarships are possible thanks to the generosity of donors who invest in our community’s future by furthering the education of others.

All Holland/Zeeland area individuals interested in post-secondary education are encouraged to apply for CFHZ scholarships.

The Foundation proudly administers over 100 scholarships, each with unique eligibility criteria that must be met before a candidate can be considered.

Franz Family Scholarship for Families Impacted by Cancer

• Graduating senior who attends public, private, or home school in the primary service area of the Community Foundation
• Accepted into a 2 or 4-year degree program at an accredited post-secondary school (including vocational/technical school) within the United States
• Financial need, a consideration (encouraged to submit the page of the FAFSA Submission Summary showing the Student Aid Index amount)
• A cancer patient or survivor; or a sibling or child of a cancer patient, survivor, or victim

Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area seeks to ensure that our community thrives today, tomorrow, and forever by building our Community’s Endowment to support high impact charitable projects, helping donors achieve their charitable goals, and leading and partnering in community-level initiatives.

Scholarships

CFHZ awards over $1 million in scholarships each year for students to attend schools of higher education throughout the nation. Our scholarships are possible thanks to the generosity of donors who invest in our community’s future by furthering the education of others.

All Holland/Zeeland area individuals interested in post-secondary education are encouraged to apply for CFHZ scholarships.

The Foundation proudly administers over 100 scholarships, each with unique eligibility criteria that must be met before a candidate can be considered.

Franz Family International Adoption Scholarship

• Graduating senior who attends public, private, or home school in the primary service area of the Community Foundation
• Accepted into a 2 or 4-year degree program at an accredited post-secondary school (including vocational/technical school) within the United States
• Financial need, a consideration (encouraged to submit the page of the FAFSA Submission Summary showing the Student Aid Index amount)
• From a family with an internationally adopted child or children (applicants do not have to be adopted themselves but must have at least one sibling who is internationally adopted)

Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area seeks to ensure that our community thrives today, tomorrow, and forever by building our Community’s Endowment to support high impact charitable projects, helping donors achieve their charitable goals, and leading and partnering in community-level initiatives.

Scholarships

CFHZ awards over $1 million in scholarships each year for students to attend schools of higher education throughout the nation. Our scholarships are possible thanks to the generosity of donors who invest in our community’s future by furthering the education of others.

All Holland/Zeeland area individuals interested in post-secondary education are encouraged to apply for CFHZ scholarships.

The Foundation proudly administers over 100 scholarships, each with unique eligibility criteria that must be met before a candidate can be considered.

DeLong and Brower, P.C. Scholarship

• Graduating senior, graduating early college student, or college freshman or sophomore who attends/attended public, private, or home school in the primary service area of the Community Foundation
• Enrolling/enrolled in a 2 or 4-year degree program at an accredited post-secondary school (including vocational/technical school) within the United States
• Financial need (must submit the page of the FAFSA Submission Summary showing the Student Aid Index amount)
• GPA of 3.0 or greater
• Planning to study accounting, finance, or economics
• Potentially renewable for one additional year