Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in California

The Marian Settle Memorial Music Scholarship, established in 2015, honors the musical legacy of Marian Settle, a cherished educator and family member. This scholarship supports graduating seniors and current college students from Fulton, Montgomery, or Schoharie counties who plan to pursue music or music education. Eligible applicants must demonstrate active participation in music-related activities within their communities or schools. The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region proudly facilitates this opportunity to empower local students.

The Shasta Chapter CNPS scholarship is awarded to undergraduate and graduate students conducting research relevant to the flora of Shasta, Lassen, Modoc, and Siskiyou counties. Eligible candidates must be full-time students engaged in botany or plant ecology studies. The scholarship prioritizes projects on rare or endemic species and invasive plants impacting native species. Applicants should indicate their eligibility in their cover letter and application. For more details, visit the Shasta Chapter's website.

The NCB - Botany Research Scholarship Program, offered by Northern California Botanists, targets undergraduate and graduate students pursuing research in botany and plant ecology. Scholarships of $1,500 support independent study, thesis, or dissertation projects within a specific geographic area of Northern California. Eligible applicants may reapply for funding for up to four years. This initiative aims to foster academic careers in botany and promote valuable ecological research.

Anita Tarr Turk Fund for Breast Cancer Research

The Anita Tarr Turk Fund for Breast Cancer Research was established in October 2011 as an endowed field of interest fund. Its purpose is to distribute grants annually to one or more charitable, educational or scientific organizations conducting top-level research searching for the cause of, and cure for, breast cancer.

Anita Tarr Turk encouraged the Community Foundation for Monterey (CFMC)’s board to consider grants to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation and the California Breast Cancer Research Program. The Fund may also consider proposals from organizations conducting similar research. Due to the narrow field of interest and suggested organizations in the fund’s establishing documents, organizations are invited to share research projects for CFMC to consider.

Grant Amount

• $60,000/year

The William L. and Diane C. Wilson Scholarship for Karst Science, established in 2002, honors the legacy of William L. Wilson and aims to support innovative karst scientists. Funded by Diane C. Wilson, it provides a one-time award of $2,500 and recognition at the KWI spring banquet. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in a master's program focused on karst science and its subfields, while PhD students are excluded. This scholarship fosters the growth of new talent in karst research.

Rangeley Educational Fund

Fund provides scholarships to further the education of young men and women pursuing study in technical, vocational, academic, or professional fields.

Amount

$1,000+

The Beacon Scholarship for Rural America, sponsored by Carrot-Top Industries, Inc., offers $1,000 scholarships to support low-income students from rural areas pursuing higher education. Eligible applicants must be graduating high school seniors, current college students, or adult learners with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and reside in a rural area. The scholarship aims to empower students by alleviating financial burdens as they enroll in accredited college programs.

The James S.T. Yao Resident Research Award encourages early-career physicians in the U.S. and Canada to engage in groundbreaking research on vascular diseases and therapies. Awarded by the SVS Basic and Translational Research Committee, it includes a $5,000 prize, a presentation opportunity at the Vascular Annual Meeting, and a subscription to the Journal of Vascular Surgery. This award honors the legacy of Dr. James S.T. Yao, a prominent figure in vascular research.

Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation

Vision: We envision a vibrant, prosperous northern Chautauqua community, rich in opportunity today and tomorrow.

Our Mission

To realize our vision we focus on:

• strategic and responsive grant making
• encouraging local philanthropy and building permanent endowments for the future
• actively serving as a community leader and partner for the benefit and enrichment in our community.

Scholarships

Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation proudly manages over 200 individual scholarship funds,

Matthew Hazelton Memorial Scholarship for Law Enforcement

The Matthew Hazelton Memorial Scholarship for Law Enforcement supports students in northern Chautauqua who wish to pursue a career in law enforcement or criminal justice.

Samuel “Bo” Terry Scholarship Fund

Fund provides higher education scholarship assistance to needy and deserving students graduating from Roanoke City Public Schools.

Amount

• $500+

The Headache Medicine Fellowship aims to enhance training in headache medicine by supporting programs focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Targeting regions with workforce challenges, the fellowship encourages clinical practice, research, and education to address healthcare disparities. Preference is given to institutions that serve underserved populations and demonstrate a commitment to mentorship and expert guidance for fellows. This initiative seeks to improve understanding and treatment of headache conditions.

The Arnold Fields Community Endowed Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, provides a $1,000 award to a deserving high school senior from Hampton County. Eligible applicants must be graduating from one of the specified high schools with a minimum GPA of 2.25 and plan to pursue further education at a college or university. This scholarship aims to support local students in achieving their educational goals.

The David W. McCoy Scholarship, established by David W. McCoy in 2021, supports qualified students from Troy Buchanan High School pursuing undergraduate degrees in STEM fields. Administered by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, this scholarship aims to empower the next generation of leaders by providing essential financial resources. Eligible applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to their education, ensuring that deserving students have the opportunity to thrive in higher education.

The Delesky-Wetmore Scholarship, established in October 2025 by Cathy Delesky and Doug Wetmore through the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, aims to support high school seniors in Beaufort, Jasper, Hampton, or Colleton Counties, South Carolina. This scholarship focuses on students with financial need pursuing a four-year degree in STEM, finance, or economics, requiring a minimum GPA of 3.5 and above-average ACT or SAT scores.

The CTTSS Graduate Students Research Award, offered by the Society of Toxicology, recognizes outstanding research by current Ph.D. students in translational and clinical toxicology. Recipients are announced at the SOT Annual Meeting, with the first-place winner receiving a cash award and certificate. This award aims to encourage innovation and academic growth among graduate students in the field of toxicology, enhancing the impact of their research on human, animal, and environmental health.

The Dunkirk Community Funds: Marilee & Gayle Gaunt Scholarship, established in 2007 by The Dunkirk Foundation, honors the memory of Betty L. Gaunt's daughters, Marilee and Gayle, who tragically passed away in 1966. This scholarship aims to support residents of Dunkirk, IN, or those living within two miles of its boundary, by providing financial assistance for educational and vocational training at post-secondary institutions.

The Jeannette Rankin National Scholar Grant supports women and nonbinary students aged 35 and older, providing up to $2,500 annually for technical or vocational education, associate’s degrees, or first bachelor’s degrees. This grant, renewable for up to five years, aims to empower those facing financial need, fostering better futures for American women. Recipients are selected based on their applications, ensuring that all candidates are informed about their status.

The Emerge Grant, established by the Jeannette Rankin Foundation, supports women and nonbinary individuals aged 25 and older from Georgia and Montana. With grants up to $2,500 annually, recipients can pursue technical, vocational, or degree programs at accredited U.S. institutions. This initiative, rooted in Rankin's legacy, aims to empower those demonstrating financial need. Applicants will be informed about their status, ensuring transparency in the selection process.

The W. Storrs Cole Memorial Research Award, offered by the Geological Society of America (GSA), supports innovative research in invertebrate micropaleontology. This prestigious award honors the legacy of Dr. W. Storrs Cole, a pivotal figure in the society's history. Recipients may be previous awardees and must have published significant works in the field. The GSA aims to advance geoscience through such initiatives, fostering scientific discovery and professional growth among earth scientists globally.

The Inspired to Serve Scholarship Fund honors Seigo and Hisaye Kagawa, providing support for Kauai residents pursuing graduate studies in social justice, public service, education, or health. Established in 2016, it aims to assist students who demonstrate financial need, maintain a GPA of 3.0, and commit to full-time studies at colleges in Hawaii or the mainland. This initiative encourages future leaders to engage with their communities and contribute to meaningful change.

The Jack Ford Shelby Scholarship Fund, established in 1953, supports graduating seniors from Littlefield High School in Texas with scholarships up to $5,000 for pursuing a baccalaureate degree at accredited colleges or universities. This initiative aims to enhance community health and equity by investing in the education of local students, ensuring they have the necessary resources to succeed academically and contribute positively to society.

The Grady Graves Scholarship Fund, established in 1953, aims to uplift the community by providing scholarships of up to $20,000 for graduating seniors of Crowell High School in Texas. Focused on enhancing health, wealth, and education, this initiative fosters a culture of giving and equity. By partnering with local donors and organizations, the fund plays a vital role in shaping a brighter future for students and the broader community.

Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation

Vision: We envision a vibrant, prosperous northern Chautauqua community, rich in opportunity today and tomorrow.

Our Mission

To realize our vision we focus on:

• strategic and responsive grant making
• encouraging local philanthropy and building permanent endowments for the future
• actively serving as a community leader and partner for the benefit and enrichment in our community.

Scholarships

Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation proudly manages over 200 individual scholarship funds,

Terence J. Centner Agricultural and Environmental 4-H Scholarship

The Terence J. Centner Agricultural and Environmental 4-H Scholarship benefits student that participated in 4-H for a minimum of 3 years and completed an outstanding agricultural or environmental project.

This fund is established in memory of Harry E. and Mary Ellen Centner to honor their dedication and hard work on their family farm in the Town of Dunkirk and their leadership activities in the Chautauqua County 4-H Program.

Patrick Caroselli Scholarship

To provide financial assistance for college to high school seniors in Monroe County whose parents immigrated to the United States and attained citizenship.

Number and Size of Awards

Number of recipients and award amounts vary; award amount may be split between two or more recipients. Award paid in one lump sum in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters. Average award $5,000; not to exceed the cost of tuition.

Allowed Use of Award

Awards must be used for costs related to enrollment in a higher education program, prioritizing tuition fees.

The Jean Penny Scholarship, established by The Dayton Foundation in 2022, aims to assist students from the Miami Valley in completing their college degrees. This scholarship honors Jean Penny, a Miami University graduate and co-founder of Penny and Penny Advertising, known for her love of education and generous spirit. The foundation, committed to strengthening local communities through philanthropy, emphasizes support for education, workforce development, and equitable opportunities.

Stanislaus Community Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students in order to help them achieve their educational and career goals. We believe that by investing in our students, we are investing in a brighter future for Stanislaus.

Jim & Betty Lilly Scholarship Fund

Open to students from Stanislaus and Calaveras County who have attended a continuation high school, including those who have returned to and graduated from traditional high schools or attending a Vocational School.

Award Amount:

• $1,000

The Champions for Change program, initiated by the Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute, empowers Native youth through leadership opportunities. Founded in 2011, it selects 5-6 exceptional young leaders (ages 14-24) each year to inspire their communities and promote positive change. Participants engage in tailored advocacy training, fostering skills to create impactful stories from Indian Country, while all applicants join the CNAY network, enhancing their community involvement.