Best Quality of Life Grants in California

Adaptive Sports in Schools Mobility Grants

Request for Proposals

More than 7 million students in the U.S. receive special education services for disabilities in public schools. A 2010 study by the U.S. General Accountability Office found that students with disabilities participated in athletics at significantly lower rates than their peers. Currently, 2,490 k-12 public schools in the U.S. are members of the American Association of Adaptive Sports Programs schools and have adaptive sports programs for students.

The Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund seeks public schools pursuing funding to start adaptive sports programs or increase access to adaptive sports and equipment for children and youth. Bridgestone is offering eight $25,000 “mobility” grants to organizations that can establish new athletic programming for students with disabilities. Organizations must articulate a clear plan to provide access to new athletic programs for students with disabilities in one or more public schools for students grades K-12.

The Undergraduate Winner's Circle Scholarships, offered by the Iowa Foundation for Agricultural Advancement, support Iowa youth pursuing agricultural studies at 2- or 4-year institutions. Eligible applicants must be graduates of Iowa high schools or members of 4-H or FFA chapters and maintain full-time status. This initiative aims to encourage students to excel in agricultural careers by providing financial assistance tailored to their educational needs.

The Hank Riley Zolla Scholarship Fund, administered by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports students pursuing nursing careers, including neonatal and child care. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA and demonstrate financial need. This renewable scholarship can cover various degree levels, including associate, bachelor's, and vocational certificates. The fund aims to empower future healthcare professionals in the USA, ensuring quality education and community support for generations to come.

The Alice M. Ditson Fund supports recording projects that aim to document and promote the music of younger, lesser-known American composers. The fund prioritizes living composers of classical concert music, especially those in the early stages of their careers, while also recognizing established composers who deserve greater visibility. Eligible applicants include organizations with a fiscal sponsor or non-profit status, and projects must involve significant contemporary American music.

The Fleishhacker Foundation's Small Arts Grants program offers vital support to filmmakers in San Francisco, Alameda, and Contra Costa counties. This initiative is dedicated to assisting small and mid-sized arts organizations, providing unrestricted funding for film projects in the post-production phase. Eligible filmmakers must demonstrate prior funding and secure a fiscal sponsor or a nonprofit production company. Projects must have a budget under $750,000, with the next review cycle set for fall 2025.

The William H. Scheide Prize, established in 1990 by the American Bach Society, honors exceptional publications on Bach or related figures by early-career scholars in North America. Awarded biennially with a prize of $1,000, it recognizes works published within the last two years. Nominations are open to all Society members, and self-nominations are encouraged. Each winner also receives a two-year membership in the American Bach Society.

The Frank H. and Zona T. Hall Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports students pursuing a major in Business or vocational training. Established in 1964, this fund provides renewable scholarships to high school graduates in the USA who demonstrate financial need and maintain a GPA of 2.5. With a commitment to enhancing the community's quality of life, the fund has distributed millions in grants and scholarships, making a lasting impact on education and local initiatives.

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.

About US

In 1994, a group of visionary Lowcountry community leaders recognized the need to create a community foundation. Through the sale of the nonprofit Hilton Head Hospital, Hilton Head Island Foundation, Inc. was born, with a mission to provide philanthropic leadership to a growing community.

In 2001, our service area expanded to include northern Beaufort County, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties. To reflect this, our name changed to Community Foundation of the Lowcountry.

Jeff Katon Scholarship

Jeff Katon was a beloved son, brother, friend and business associate to many of us in the Hilton Head community. Jeff always displayed great passion for wine, food, golf and his community. The outpouring of support after his untimely death greatly touched Jeff's family and friends. The Jeff Katon Scholarship Foundation was established as a way to give back to the community Jeff loved.

The Innovations in Alzheimer’s Caregiving Awards, overseen by the Family Caregiver Alliance, recognize organizations that enhance support for family caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. These awards highlight innovative approaches in three categories: Creative Expression, Increasing Access and Reducing Stigma, and Public Policy. Each award is valued at $20,000, and applicants must be non-profit organizations, government agencies, or universities operating within the U.S. that focus on the needs of unpaid caregivers.

The FSR Early Career Fellowship Grant supports early-stage researchers in sarcoidosis, fostering skills and knowledge advancement. With $150,000 over two years, this grant aims to enhance medical care and scientific understanding of the disease. Eligible applicants, including international candidates, must present innovative study proposals and demonstrate a commitment to sarcoidosis research. FSR encourages transitions from fellowships to faculty positions, thereby strengthening academic credentials and promoting impactful research contributions.

The Early Career Research Programs: 'A' Award Grant by Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation aims to support promising early career scientists in pediatric oncology. This grant fosters innovation in childhood cancer research by funding original projects that are not currently financed. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to pediatric cancer investigation and provide a solid career development plan with mentorship. The funding can reach up to $800,000 over four years, with a maximum of $200,000 available annually.

The Our Village Grants by the Jack and Jill of America Foundation aim to support 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations dedicated to uplifting African American families. These grants focus on programs that address educational and economic disparities, particularly those exacerbated by the pandemic. Initiatives may include digital learning resources, tutoring, and support for health and food security. The foundation prioritizes organizations that align with their mission to create lasting positive impacts in under-resourced communities.

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 Richard K. Sauret Viticulture and Enology Scholarship, offered by the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation, supports students pursuing degrees in viticulture or enology at a four-year college. This scholarship aims to empower high school seniors, undergraduates, and returning students in San Luis Obispo County. By providing financial assistance, it encourages academic and career advancement, fostering the next generation of leaders in the viticulture and enology fields.

The Richard J. Weyhrich Leadership Scholarship, offered by the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation, aims to support high school seniors, undergraduates, and returning students with demonstrated leadership potential. This scholarship, established in memory of Richard Weyhrich, a West Point graduate and U.S. Army officer, provides financial assistance to help students achieve their educational and career aspirations. The foundation fosters an inclusive environment, encouraging all students to apply and reach their full potential.

The PLTW Launch program, supported by Ardagh Group, aims to enhance education in local communities over the next decade. This initiative is set to benefit over 500,000 PreK-12 students and provide exceptional training to more than 5,000 teachers across 2,000 U.S. schools. As a global supplier of sustainable packaging solutions, Ardagh is committed to fostering educational opportunities that empower communities and promote equal access to quality education.

The PLTW Launch program, in partnership with Ardagh Group, aims to enhance educational opportunities for over 500,000 PreK-12 students and train more than 5,000 teachers in U.S. communities. This initiative focuses on program expansion, enabling schools to implement additional PLTW Launch modules and improve access to quality education. By fostering a robust educational framework, Ardagh and PLTW are committed to building vibrant, successful communities through sustainable educational practices.

The PLTW Gateway program expansion, funded by Ardagh Group, aims to enhance educational opportunities for over 500,000 PreK-12 students across various U.S. communities. This initiative will provide essential teacher training for more than 5,000 educators and introduce new program units. By partnering with local schools, Ardagh Group emphasizes the importance of education in fostering vibrant communities and ensuring equitable access to learning resources over the next decade.

The EMF/Fisher and Paykel High Flow Therapy Research aims to explore the use of high flow therapy as a first-line respiratory support in emergency departments. This research seeks to assess the number of patients with acute respiratory failure who may benefit from this therapy, understand the characteristics of EMS services, and identify patient outcomes. By analyzing these factors, the study intends to enhance patient care and inform effective health policies in emergency medicine.

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.

The Young Investigator Grant from Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation supports early career researchers in pediatric oncology. This grant, offering up to $50,000 per year for three years, aims to cultivate promising researchers and encourage innovative research ideas. With a commitment to changing the lives of children with cancer, ALSF plays a crucial role in funding impactful research and empowering the next generation of scientists dedicated to this vital cause.

The PLTW Gateway program, backed by Ardagh Group, aims to enhance educational opportunities in local communities. Over the next decade, this initiative will support over 500,000 PreK-12 students and provide exceptional training for more than 5,000 teachers across 2,000 schools in the U.S. The program focuses on fostering innovation and creativity through engaging STEM curricula, ensuring that educational resources are accessible and effective for all students.

The SPARK Research Match Expansion initiative by the Simons Foundation aims to enhance autism research participation among undersampled groups. By providing incentives for participants in online surveys and other research methods, this program seeks to address the demographic disparities in clinical research. This funding opportunity encourages innovative studies that prioritize inclusivity, ensuring that the research reflects the diverse population of the United States, thereby advancing scientific discovery in autism and related fields.

The Creative Ambassador Grant Program, initiated by the City of San José Office of Cultural Affairs, aims to promote creative expression among residents. This program invites individuals to serve as Creative Ambassadors, engaging the community through hands-on projects and social media outreach. The initiative, launched in 2018, is part of the San Jose Creates and Connects initiative, which seeks to integrate the arts into daily life and foster connections through diverse creative experiences across the city.

Jack Beaty Educational Scholarship Foundation Grant

Jack Beaty was a pillar of the community he lived in and loved. He was a successful businessman from an early age having founded two companies. One company supplied food to retail stores throughout New Mexico, where Jack became friends with all his customers and fell in love with the state. He founded an oil and gas company in Farmington, New Mexico as well.

Jack eventually became involved in politics in New Mexico where he served as the Bernalillo County Democratic Chairman and the New Mexico State Democratic Chairman. During the 1960 Presidential campaign, Jack became friends with John F. Kennedy and Robert Kennedy. Jack served as the Western States coordinator for the Kennedy campaign. After the 1960 election, Jack sold his food supply business and moved to Washington, D.C. Jack served in both the Kennedy and Johnson Administrations. Following this service, Jack formed the public relations firm Jack Beaty and Associates in Washington, D.C.

While in Washington, D.C., Jack met and married Rose Marie Beaty Martinez, the personal assistant to Senator Joseph M. Montoya, the United States Senator from Mexico. Jack and Rose Marie retired to New Mexico in 1979 where Jack devoted his time to managing Western Minerals and Oil. Jack desired that upon his and Rose Marie’s death that his estate be used to assist and provide access to education to less fortunate students in New Mexico.

In his estate plan, Jack desired that the Jack Beaty Educational Scholarship Foundation be established to carry out his charitable goal of assisting students to obtain a secondary education.

The Bobette Bibo Gugliotta Memorial Scholarship for Creative Writing honors the legacy of author Bobette Bibo Gugliotta, encouraging high school seniors and undergraduate students in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Established in 1995, this scholarship seeks applicants who demonstrate a passion for creative writing and are enrolled full-time in a four-year college or university. It supports emerging writers who embody Gugliotta's spirit of curiosity and literary pursuit.