Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in California

The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation/NASPGHAN IBD Young Investigator Award supports early-career researchers in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This three-year grant offers mentorship and funding up to $60,000 annually, plus additional support for research-related expenses. Eligible applicants must hold an MD or PhD, demonstrate relevant research experience, and commit at least 65% of their time to the project. The award also facilitates access to IBD Plexus resources, enhancing research capabilities in the field.

The Balmes Family Trust Grant, established by Robert L. and Margaret K. Balmes, aims to support organizations that assist military personnel who have lost limbs and those enhancing life in Southern California. Founded in 2004, the trust embodies Mr. Balmes's legacy as a pioneer in Homeowner Association Management. It prioritizes funding for 501(c)(3) organizations in California, ensuring a positive impact on the community and honoring the sacrifices of veterans.

The Andy and Carol Hilger Pro-Life Scholarship, offered by CommunityGiving, supports high school seniors and college students from the St. Cloud Diocese area who advocate for pro-life causes. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher and plan to enroll full-time in a two or four-year college. This scholarship reflects the Hilgers' commitment to empowering individuals and fostering community connections through education.

The NASPGHAN Foundation offers a one-year grant to pediatric dietitians aimed at enhancing nutrition care for children with nutritional disorders. Grants ranging from $500 to $5000 will be awarded, with funding distributed in December 2025. Applicants must be Registered Dietitians, CPNP members in good standing, and have a sustained interest in pediatric nutrition. Recipients are required to provide a financial statement and present findings at the 2027 CPNP annual symposium.

The Cottrell Scholar Award supports early career faculty at U.S. and Canadian research universities, fostering innovative research and teaching in Chemistry, Physics, and Astronomy. This prestigious recognition emphasizes the importance of impactful research plans and educational strategies, aiming to enhance undergraduate and graduate science education. The award also encourages academic citizenship and collaboration within institutions, providing funding for three-year projects up to $120,000, thereby promoting excellence in both research and education.

The Arthur A. Cater Scholarship, administered by CommunityGiving, aims to empower high school seniors pursuing full-time education at St. Cloud Technical and Community College. This scholarship supports students from various high schools in the region, emphasizing the importance of local philanthropy and community engagement. By fostering educational opportunities, it helps create a lasting impact on students' lives and encourages future generations to give back to their communities.

The Bernick Family Foundation Scholarship, provided by CommunityGiving, aims to support high school seniors in their pursuit of higher education. This scholarship recognizes well-rounded students from the Bernick Service Area who maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better. With 10 scholarships available, each worth $2,000, the foundation seeks to inspire philanthropy and empower local communities through education. Applications are accepted online, and candidates must have or create a Scholarship Management System account to apply.

The AICEF Overseas Travel Grant provides funding of $3,000 to Indonesian PhD students enrolled in accredited US universities for dissertation research in Indonesia. Applicants must demonstrate commitment to returning to Indonesia after their studies and show preparedness in their field. This grant aims to support academic endeavors that foster international collaboration and knowledge exchange, benefitting both students and their home country.

Melissa Wroblewski Scholarship

The Melissa Wroblewski Memorial Scholarship was established in loving memory of Melissa Wroblewski, a graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School. This award is presented annually to a graduating senior from Kalamazoo Central or Loy Norrix High School who desires to pursue studies in the visual arts.

KZCF scholarships may be applied to any items under your school’s cost of attendance (COA). Each school has a different COA that may include items such as tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, health insurance, etc. Scholarship payments are sent directly to your institution.

This scholarship is a one-time award, meaning that it will not repeat in subsequent years. The money awarded can be applied to your education costs alongside other scholarships or funding that you may receive, and there are no necessary steps once funds are sent.

The Marnell Foundation Scholarship, offered by the National Italian American Foundation, aims to support outstanding Italian American students from Nevada. Eligible candidates must maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher and have an active NIAF membership. This scholarship not only promotes academic excellence but also encourages the preservation of Italian culture and heritage among the community. It serves as an essential resource for students committed to pursuing their educational goals while honoring their rich cultural background.

Kreager Family Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 2001 by the Kreager family to provide financial assistance to college-bound graduating high school seniors that have suffered the loss of a parent or parents through death or abandonment after infancy.

KZCF scholarships may be applied to any items under your school’s cost of attendance (COA). Each school has a different COA that may include items such as tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, health insurance, etc

This scholarship is a one-time award, meaning that it will not repeat in subsequent years. The money awarded can be applied to your education costs alongside other scholarships or funding that you may receive, and there are no necessary steps once funds are sent.

George K. & Lois D. Stegman Scholarship Fund

The George K. and Lois D. Stegman Scholarship was established to invest in the higher education of residents of Kalamazoo County or students graduating from a high school within Kalamazoo County.

KZCF scholarships may be applied to any items under your school’s cost of attendance (COA). Each school has a different COA that may include items such as tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, health insurance, etc. Scholarship payments are sent directly to your institution.

The Bill and Joyce Coborn Memorial Scholarship supports Coborn's employees and their dependents pursuing private high school or post-secondary education. Offered by CommunityGiving, this scholarship provides up to 20 awards of $1,000 each, fostering educational advancement and community empowerment. Eligible applicants include high school seniors, college students, and graduate students who are children of Coborn's employees with at least one year of service. This initiative honors the legacy of Bill and Joyce Coborn while promoting lifelong learning.

This funding opportunity aims to foster innovative mechanistic research on precision probiotic therapies, utilizing a phased R61/R33 award mechanism. The goal is to identify and understand individual variations influencing probiotic responses, thereby enhancing clinical outcomes. The R61 phase focuses on uncovering unique biological patterns over two years, while the R33 phase applies findings to improve probiotic responsiveness through rigorous studies. Ultimately, this initiative seeks to overcome barriers in personalized probiotic interventions.

Jean Hunse Scholarship

Jean Hunse became a certified public accountant in 1943, started and later served as president of the American Association of Women CPA's, and opened her own accounting firm in Kalamazoo in 1977. This scholarship was established in her honor and provides financial assistance to students studying business at Western Michigan University.

KZCF scholarships may be applied to any items under your school’s cost of attendance (COA). Each school has a different COA that may include items such as tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, health insurance, etc. Scholarship payments are sent directly to your institution. 

This scholarship is a one-time award, meaning that it will not repeat in subsequent years. The money awarded can be applied to your education costs alongside other scholarships or funding that you may receive, and there are no necessary steps once funds are sent.

Earl Haas Scholarship

The Earl Haas Scholarship was established through a bequest from the estate of Earl Haas. The purpose of the fund is to provide financial assistance for Kalamazoo County residents or persons who have graduated from a school within Kalamazoo County.

KZCF scholarships may be applied to any items under your school’s cost of attendance (COA). Each school has a different COA that may include items such as tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, health insurance, etc. Scholarship payments are sent directly to your institution. 

This scholarship is a one-time award, meaning that it will not repeat in subsequent years. The money awarded can be applied to your education costs alongside other scholarships or funding that you may receive, and there are no necessary steps once funds are sent.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating female from Scranton or West Scranton High School who is a resident of Lackawanna County.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from Scranton or West Scranton High School who demonstrates an interest in the arts.

The Building Leaders Grants by Catholic Extension aim to enhance the recruitment, education, and ongoing formation of church leaders. This initiative provides critical funding for the professional development of both ordained and lay leaders in mission dioceses. By fostering partnerships with various organizations, it addresses the need for trained ministers and supports various funding areas, including seminarian sponsorship and diaconate formation, ensuring a robust future for church leadership.

Alger Regional Community FoundationThe Alger Regional Community Foundation (ARCF) is a locally based 501(C)(3) nonprofit corporation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Alger County through grants and scholarships.ARCF is a unique institution. It is a permanent, yet flexible, collection of endowment funds contributed by people from all walks of life who want to make a difference in our community.Clarence A. Thunander Endowment Scholarship FundGiven to an Alger County graduate who is continuing his/her education at an institution of higher learning in the medical-related field. The student receiving this award will be required to have completed 50 hours of satisfactory college credit with 10 hours in a medical-related field and provide college transcripts. They must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale. They must be attending an accredited college and pursuing a minimum of a 4-year degree in a medical-related field.

The Spotlight Fund Grants, specifically the STEM Fund, provide essential funding for K-12 educators to enhance their curriculum with necessary tools and materials for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math education. Aimed at supporting under-served communities, these grants typically range from $500 to $1,000 per educator, with a cap of $5,000 per school. Priority is given to educators from high-needs schools, ensuring equitable access to quality STEM education.

The Furci Family Scholarship Fund, offered by the National Italian American Foundation, supports outstanding Italian American undergraduate students enrolled in at least 10 credits of Italian language or studies. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher and hold an active NIAF membership, which can be through a parent or grandparent. This scholarship aims to promote the rich Italian heritage and culture among future generations.

The Joseph and Margaret Rhodes Scholarship, offered by the National Italian American Foundation, is aimed at outstanding Italian American undergraduate students. Eligible candidates must complete 6 or more credits in Italian studies, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5, and demonstrate active community service. Applicants must also hold an active NIAF membership, which can include familial memberships. This scholarship supports the preservation of Italian heritage and culture through education.

The Ms. Molly Foundation provides essential support for domestic violence victims through the Local Shelter/Agency Support Grant. Established in 1996, the foundation aims to raise awareness and assist local agencies committed to helping victims find safety and empowerment. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit shelters that partner with Molly Maid franchises. By addressing the cycle of violence, the foundation strives to create healthier family environments and restore hope to those affected.

The LaMantia Family Scholarship, offered by the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF), aims to support outstanding Italian American students pursuing studies in computer science or STEM fields. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher and hold an active NIAF membership, which can be obtained through a parent or grandparent. This scholarship promotes the importance of Italian heritage while encouraging academic excellence in the next generation of leaders.

The Building Foundation Grants by Catholic Extension aim to support essential pastoral and administrative functions in under-resourced communities. These grants provide salary subsidies and operational funding to ordained, religious, and lay ministers, ensuring access to Catholic services. Prioritizing areas with significant financial need, this initiative seeks to sustain the church's presence where it is most critical, enabling continued ministry and outreach for those who may otherwise be underserved.

The scholarships we award vary each year based on the unique criteria of each scholarship. In 2025, we awarded over $3 million in scholarships to over 500 students, including $1.3 million to 110 students in western NC through our Disaster Relief and Resilience Scholarship.

Depending on the scholarship, it may pay for tuition, room and board, books, fees and/or other related educational expenses. 

Fred M. Parrish, Jr. Scholarship Endowment Fund

Graduating high school seniors from public high schools in Johnston County who are continuing their studies at an accredited college, university, community college or technical school. The Scholarship committee shall have the power to make recommendations to the Foundation as to deserving individual recipients and appropriate scholarship amounts, based on academic performance and on financial need.

This will be outlined in your award notification. The minimum scholarship award amount is $1,000.

NCCF scholarship awards are only issued to not-for-profit institutions and government entities such as public colleges or universities.