Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in California

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation's College Scholarship Program offers financial support to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need. Scholarships cover significant educational expenses, including tuition and living costs, potentially providing up to $55,000 annually. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.75 or higher and plan to enroll in an accredited four-year institution. This competitive program not only alleviates financial burdens but also connects students to a network of over 3,400 Cooke Scholars.

The Parker B. Francis Respiratory Research Grant, offered by the American Respiratory Care Foundation, aims to support innovative research in respiratory care. Grants are available to qualified investigators, with a focus on projects involving respiratory therapists or technicians. Awards typically do not exceed $10,000 annually and are intended to supplement other funding sources. This initiative underscores the foundation's commitment to enhancing respiratory health through research and education.

The Jerome M. Sullivan Research Fund, established by the American Respiratory Care Foundation, aims to promote original research in respiratory care. Grants, typically up to $10,000, are available for projects involving respiratory therapists or technicians. The fund supports both applied clinical and basic research in respiratory care and cardiopulmonary medicine, fostering advancements in the field. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to enhance respiratory health through research and education.

The Smallwood Young Investigator Fellowship, established in memory of Craig Smallwood, PhD, RRT, supports emerging researchers in pediatric respiratory therapy. It provides funding up to $5,000 to help candidates gain mentorship, hands-on experience, and essential resources to launch their research projects. Ideal applicants are members of the American Association for Respiratory Care, either at the thesis phase of their education or recently graduated. This initiative aims to foster growth in the field of respiratory health.

The Tom Woodward Memorial Visual Arts Scholarship

The Tom Woodward Memorial Visual Arts Scholarship benefits students pursuing postgraduate studies at an accredited two-year or four-year college, university, or trade school. Art is not a required major for eligible applicants. This scholarship is renewable.

Application Requirements:

• High School Transcript, Essay, 3 Pieces of Artwork and References.

The Shreveport Geological Society Scholarship supports undergraduate and graduate students pursuing geology-related studies. Established in 1919, the Shreveport Geological Society promotes innovation in geology and offers financial assistance to eligible students. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited institution, demonstrate financial need, and show academic capability. Special consideration is given to renewal scholarships for deserving recipients. This initiative fosters educational growth and professional development in the geological sciences.

The International Fellowship, offered by the American Respiratory Care Foundation, supports healthcare professionals from abroad to enhance their expertise in respiratory care. Participants will engage in site visits across the U.S., observing practices in hospitals and educational institutions, while attending the AARC Congress. This fellowship covers travel expenses, lodging, and food allowances, promoting global collaboration and knowledge exchange in respiratory health.

The Dr. Hildegard H. Balin Charitable Trust Grant supports the welfare of financially-at-risk and elderly residents in Santa Barbara County, California, as well as the welfare of dogs. Established in 1996, the Trust has awarded over $3 million to eligible non-profit organizations. Grant recipients must focus on nutritional, legal, and medical needs for the elderly, as well as providing housing and care for dogs. The Trust honors Dr. Balin's legacy in promoting community welfare.

The James B. Linsmayer Foundation Grant supports programs in arts, culture, education, health, and human services primarily within the Twin Cities of Minnesota. Established in memory of James B. Linsmayer, the foundation aims to be a strategic partner in these vital areas. Eligible grantees include public charities recognized under IRC guidelines, with no geographic limitations but a preference for local organizations. While start-ups may be considered, funding for organizational expenses is not permitted.

The Grow Wild Grant Program, offered by the National Wilderness Stewardship Alliance, aims to establish a wilderness stewardship group for every Wilderness area in the National Wilderness Preservation System. This initiative supports start-up groups and existing organizations seeking to expand their impact. Funded by The David Berolzheimer Foundation, it honors Elaine Dermody, a dedicated wilderness champion. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized nonprofits and those with qualified fiscal sponsors.

Eldon & Mary Jean Jensen Family Scholarship

The Jensen Family Scholarship was established by Eldon and Mary Jean Jensen to inspire graduating seniors to return and contribute to their hometown communities. Throughout their lives, Eldon and Mary Jean have dedicated themselves to serving and supporting the communities of Faith, Lemmon, Bison, Hettinger, and beyond— with a spirit of generosity and community commitment. 

Awarded fall semester of sophomore year.

To provide financial support to graduates of high schools in the Lemmon, SD area.

The CDC's initiative focuses on developing clinical decision support (CDS) tools for cancer screening and management, specifically for cervical, breast, and colorectal cancers. The project aims to enhance guideline-concordant screening and improve management processes through rigorous implementation and evaluation within large health systems. By integrating these tools into electronic health records, the initiative seeks to support clinicians in making evidence-based decisions at the point of care, ultimately improving patient outcomes in cancer care.

Harlan & Mae Niedermyer Scholarship

To provide financial support to graduates residing in Fall River County.

The BJA FY 2026 John R. Justice Formula Grant Program offers loan repayment assistance to local and state prosecutors and public defenders who commit to three years of service. Administered by state agencies, this program aims to alleviate the financial burden on legal professionals dedicated to public service. Applications are due by November 10, 2026, providing a crucial opportunity for eligible beneficiaries to secure support for their educational loans.

Jeff & Marcia Sveen Scholarship

To provide financial support to South Dakota graduates with preference given to Dakota Provisions, LLC personnel in Huron, SD.

South Dakota Community Foundation

As a statewide community foundation, we work with donors, nonprofits and community leaders to strengthen philanthropy in South Dakota every day.

Scholarships

At South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF), we proudly manage more than 350 scholarship funds in partnership with generous donors who are committed to supporting students. These scholarships offer countless opportunities to help ease the financial burden of continuing their education.

Wilmer & Esther Werner Family Scholarship

To provide financial support to graduates who plan to attend a college or technical school.

South Dakota Community Foundation

As a statewide community foundation, we work with donors, nonprofits and community leaders to strengthen philanthropy in South Dakota every day.

Scholarships

At South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF), we proudly manage more than 350 scholarship funds in partnership with generous donors who are committed to supporting students. These scholarships offer countless opportunities to help ease the financial burden of continuing their education.

South Dakota Farm Bureau Scholarship

To provide financial support for scholarships as recommended by the South Dakota Farm Bureau.

The South Dakota Farm Bureau is committed to supporting agriculture across our state. This scholarship is designed to honor young people with a passion for agriculture and a dedication to their rural communities. It aims to provide scholarships to youth who plan to return to rural areas to work and contribute to the continued vitality of these communities.

The Oak Foundation's Learning Differences Grant Programme aims to foster equitable educational experiences for students with learning differences, particularly those marginalized by racism and poverty. Through strategic partnerships with not-for-profit organizations, the program enhances understanding of diverse learners' needs, translates knowledge into effective practices, and influences systemic changes to create supportive learning environments. The initiative emphasizes the importance of community involvement, ensuring that students' voices are heard and their educational needs are met.

Regional Core Centers Grant

The goal of this grant is to enable eligible organizations to build capacity in order to achieve their mission, and to support direct consumer financial assistance programs in eligible organizations. The ceiling for local patient organizations and hemophilia treatment and sickle cell centers is $8,000; the ceiling for national organizations and the eight HHS-designated federally designated and funded regional core coordinating centers is $10,000. 

Types of Grants Considered

Three types of grants will be considered:

• Project Grants that strengthen the organization’s ability to better serve its constituents
• Patient Financial Assistance Grants
• Project Grants for supplemental funding of the HHS-Designated Federally-Funded Regional Core Coordinating Centers’ annual meetings

Our Mission

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.

Scholarships

We offer hundreds of different scholarships for students in and around Kansas City.

Allen P. and Josephine B. Green Foundation, Inc. Scholarship Program

Scholarships are available for students who graduate from Mexico High School and who plan to attend an accredited college or university in the United States.

The Traditional scholarship will be $7,500.00 per year payable in the amount of $3,750.00 per semester for students who plan to attend an accredited college or university. The scholarship is renewable for a total of four years. Summer school sessions will not be considered as a semester. In the event the recipient attends a college that is based on the trimester system the scholarship will be in the amount of $2,500.00 per trimester

Subject to the other rules of the scholarship program, once a recipient receives a scholarship, the recipient may continue to receive the scholarship if the student maintains a first year grade point average of 2.5 or better, a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better, and is a full time student.

The scholarship award will be paid directly to the college, university or technical school to be applied toward the recipient’s tuition, books, educational fees, and on campus resident costs.

South Dakota Community Foundation

As a statewide community foundation, we work with donors, nonprofits and community leaders to strengthen philanthropy in South Dakota every day.

Scholarships

At South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF), we proudly manage more than 350 scholarship funds in partnership with generous donors who are committed to supporting students. These scholarships offer countless opportunities to help ease the financial burden of continuing their education.

Read-Veflin American Legion Post 180 Scholarship

To provide financial support to high school graduates with first preference to students who are residents of the original New Effington, SD school district.

South Dakota Community Foundation

As a statewide community foundation, we work with donors, nonprofits and community leaders to strengthen philanthropy in South Dakota every day.

Scholarships

At South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF), we proudly manage more than 350 scholarship funds in partnership with generous donors who are committed to supporting students. These scholarships offer countless opportunities to help ease the financial burden of continuing their education.

Perry & Doreen Evans Scholarship

To provide financial support to graduates of South Dakota high schools with preference to high schools within Clark and Codington counties.

The Perry & Doreen Evans Scholarship has been established to provide financial assistance to students pursuing post-secondary education. First preference will be given to students residing in Clark County, with secondary preference given to students residing in Codington County.

Four $5,000 renewable scholarships for a maximum of four years to students attending a college or university. Student must maintain and provide proof of a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) and enrolled as a full-time student.

Four $2,500 renewable scholarships for a maximum of two years to students attending a technical college. Student must maintain and provide proof of a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA (based on 4.0 scale) and enrolled as a full-time student. 

South Dakota Community Foundation

As a statewide community foundation, we work with donors, nonprofits and community leaders to strengthen philanthropy in South Dakota every day.

Scholarships

At South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF), we proudly manage more than 350 scholarship funds in partnership with generous donors who are committed to supporting students. These scholarships offer countless opportunities to help ease the financial burden of continuing their education.

Norm & Margo Meriweather Veterinarian Scholarship

To provide financial support to graduates of the Miller area pursuing a degree in veterinary science.

This scholarship was established to help South Dakota students, reach their goal to becoming a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Preference will be given to a student who has been admitted to or is currently attending a School of Veterinary Medicine and plans to practice in South Dakota following graduation. 

The Actors' Equity Foundation, established in 1962, is dedicated to supporting the professional theatre community through grants. Annually, it funds over 150 nonprofit theatres and arts organizations, promoting initiatives that enhance the performing arts landscape. The Theatre Grants are specifically aimed at organizations with 501(c)(3) status, ensuring a commitment to artistic excellence and fiscal responsibility. By investing in diverse programs, the Foundation plays a pivotal role in nurturing both emerging and established talent within the theatre industry.

The David Roy Kovacs Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, supports local high school graduates from New Britain who plan to pursue further education at community colleges, trade schools, or vocational schools. This scholarship emphasizes financial need as determined by the FAFSA and is intended to help students acquire the skills necessary for career success and economic independence, fostering a brighter future for the community.

The Maria and Paolo Alessio Southern Italy Scholarship, offered by the UNICO Foundation, supports students of Southern Italian descent pursuing a degree at an accredited U.S. college or university. Valued at $2,500, this scholarship aims to empower students who demonstrate academic excellence with a minimum GPA of 2.7. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens and can be Freshmen, Sophomores, or Juniors, continuing their studies in the 2026-2027 academic year.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) invites applications for clinical trials and ancillary studies within its funded research networks. This program supports multi-center trials, emphasizing collaborations and responsive projects. The UG3/UH3 cooperative agreement will fund an initial 2-year planning phase, with a potential 5-year implementation phase. This notice is to prepare applicants for future submissions, as applications are currently not being solicited. Prioritization will be given to studies aligned with network capabilities.