Best Quality of Life Grants in California

Excellence in Medicine Awards

The AMA Foundation’s Excellence in Medicine Awards honor physicians and medical advocates who exemplify the highest values of the profession—volunteerism, community engagement, leadership, and service to underserved populations. Each recipient is recognized at a ceremony during the AMA Annual Meeting in Chicago and receives a $2,500 grant honorarium directed to a nonprofit health organization of their choice. Since 2005, more than 100 honorees have been celebrated through this program, with over $250,000 awarded to strengthen community health and advance equitable care nationwide. 

Excellence in Medicine Awards- Pride in the Profession Award

Honors physicians who aid underserved populations in the U.S.

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds. 

Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible

Latino Scholarship Fund

To support graduating Latino high school seniors from Hampden and Hampshire Counties.

Additional Guidelines

• Students can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships from the Community Foundation.
• Scholarship awards could impact the financial aid offered by a college, and students are advised to check with their college financial aid offices about this.
• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. Some part and/or all the award could be considered taxable income. It is advisable students check with the college or tax accountant regarding this matter.

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds. 

Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

Latino Breakfast Club Scholarship Fund   

To support graduating Latino high school seniors from Hampden County.

Additional Guidelines

Students can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships from the Community Foundation.

Scholarship awards could impact the financial aid offered by a college, and students are advised to check with their college financial aid offices about this.

Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. Some part and/or all the award could be considered taxable income. It is advisable students check with the college or tax accountant regarding this matter.

Excellence in Medicine Awards

The AMA Foundation’s Excellence in Medicine Awards honor physicians and medical advocates who exemplify the highest values of the profession—volunteerism, community engagement, leadership, and service to underserved populations. Each recipient is recognized at a ceremony during the AMA Annual Meeting in Chicago and receives a $2,500 grant honorarium directed to a nonprofit health organization of their choice. Since 2005, more than 100 honorees have been celebrated through this program, with over $250,000 awarded to strengthen community health and advance equitable care nationwide. 

Excellence in LGBTQ Health Award

Honors physicians, residents/fellows and final-year medical students that have demonstrated outstanding work, innovation and leadership in LGBTQ policy, advocacy, patient care, academics (teaching and research), workforce diversity and/or health care administration.

Marion Community Foundation

Since 1998, area residents have been turning to Marion Community Foundation to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible. We are a public charity serving thousands of people who share a common concern … improving the quality of life in Marion County. We use distributions from the more than 500 charitable funds — created by generous, local donors — to award more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships each year to many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in this remarkable community we call home.

Marion Community Foundation is the area’s leading philanthropic organization, providing charitable donors the opportunity to easily create endowment funds to benefit and support our community through grants and scholarships. We serve communities throughout Marion County through philanthropy, leadership, and civic engagement.

A.B. & Hazel Augenstein Scholarship

The A.B. & Hazel Augenstein Scholarship Fund is Marion Community Foundation’s first multi-year scholarship.

Created in 2009 by a gift from the Hazel & A.B. Augenstein Scholarship Foundation Trust, it supports students from River Valley. The trust was created by the Claridon Alumni Association to honor and memorialize the significance of A.B. Augenstein’s role in the Claridon School community. The Claridon Alumni Association continues to be the main supporter of this endowment fund.

The Council of Independent Colleges

Founded in 1956, the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) is an association of nonprofit independent colleges and universities, state-based councils, and higher education affiliates that works to support college and university leadership, advance institutional excellence, and enhance public understanding of independent higher education’s contributions to society.

CIC is the major national organization that focuses on providing services to leaders of independent colleges and universities and state-based councils. CIC offers conferences, seminars, publications, and other programs and services that help institutions improve educational quality, administrative and financial performance, student outcomes, and institutional visibility.

NetVUE Grant Programs

NetVUE offers a variety of grants to member institutions, supporting programming for students and professional development for faculty members and staff. Grants support projects ranging from one to four years in length. Grant programs are tailored to differing circumstances among member institutions, including their particular areas of interest, their bandwidth and capacity for administering projects, and the depth of their previous engagement with vocational exploration and discernment. NetVUE grants are administered by the Council of Independent Colleges, with generous support from Lilly Endowment Inc.

NetVUE Professional Development Awards

Colleges and universities that are members of NetVUE are committed to campus activities that encourage vocational exploration by students. Many NetVUE campus leaders have observed, however, that supplemental funding at even modest levels to support opportunities for the professional development of staff and faculty members would enable their institutions to strengthen vocational exploration programming. In an era of careful institutional budgeting, institutional operating funds are not always available for such professional development opportunities. NetVUE Professional Development Awards seek to address this need.

NetVUE Professional Development Awards may be requested for use over one year for professional development activities that enhance the knowledge, skills, and expertise of faculty and staff members who play important roles in undergraduate vocational initiatives. The purpose of this grant is to develop campus conversations about vocation and to deepen the capacity of those who lead vocational exploration efforts at NetVUE member institutions. A special initiative within this grant, focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion, allows for proposals of up to $25,000.

Funds may be used for a range of purposes, but not to substitute for faculty and staff costs that the institution is presently providing for its vocational exploration activities. Grant funds could, for example, support reading groups, faculty/staff retreats, or bringing speakers to campus; funds may be used to provide materials, pay expenses for travel and/or meals, and offer modest stipends.

The Barton-Tomlinson Scholarship, offered by The San Diego Foundation, is designed to support residents of San Diego County who are enrolled in community college and intend to transfer to San Diego State University in fall 2026. Eligibility requires a minimum 2.5 GPA and demonstrated financial need, with community service also considered. This scholarship aims to facilitate a smooth transition for students pursuing their academic goals at SDSU.

The Rural Residency Planning and Development (RRPD) Program enhances rural healthcare access by establishing sustainable residency programs for physicians. Focused on training in accredited rural settings, the program addresses physician shortages by providing start-up funding for various medical specialties, including family medicine and psychiatry. This initiative aims to ensure long-term sustainability through stable funding sources like Medicare and Medicaid, ultimately preparing physicians to serve rural communities effectively.

The San Diego Foundation

We enable donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

For 50 years, donors, nonprofits, communities, government and civic leaders have trusted San Diego Foundation to transform lives and have partnered with us for lasting change that moves our region forward.

As San Diego’s largest regional community foundation, it’s our job to understand the pulse of our local communities better than anyone, enabling donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

Community Scholarship Program

Since 1997, the Community Scholarship Program has awarded $59.5 million to more than 15,400 students, making our program the largest non-university scholarship provider in San Diego County. By offering financial assistance, the program helps students dedicate more time to their studies, stay enrolled and complete their degrees.

The Hayden Scholarship

The Hayden Scholarship applicants should:

• Have resided in San Diego County for at least one year
• Be graduating high school seniors attending high schools in Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos or Escondido, or adult re-entry students who:
• Plan to enroll in an accredited community college, public four-year university, or trade/ vocational school in San Diego County
• Have a minimum unweighted GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
• Have a demonstrated financial need
• Have demonstrated social responsibility and a high level of integrity
• Have contributed to their community as demonstrated by their involvement in extracurricular, work, religious or volunteer activities
• Be United States citizens

The Readiness and Recreation Initiative (RARI) by the National Park Service aims to enhance outdoor recreation and support compatible land uses near military installations. This program, funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund, provides up to 50% of project costs, encouraging collaboration with the Department of War. Projects must involve land acquisition and align with national priorities to ensure public outdoor access in perpetuity, directly benefiting both military and civilian communities.

The Domestic Violence Prevention (DVP) grant from the IHS aims to enhance the capacity of Tribes and Urban Indian Organizations to combat domestic and sexual violence. This initiative promotes culturally appropriate, trauma-informed services, focusing on victim advocacy and collaboration across sectors. It addresses critical issues like human trafficking and child maltreatment, ensuring long-term sustainability through evidence-based practices and data sharing, ultimately improving community health and safety for AI/AN populations.

The Irene S. and Harry Louik College Scholarship Fund, established in 2001 by The Pittsburgh Foundation, supports students pursuing careers in the performing arts. Eligible applicants must be full-time juniors or seniors at a four-year college, have graduated from an Allegheny County high school, show financial need, and demonstrate a commitment to building audiences for the arts. Preference is given to those who appreciate broader cultural experiences beyond the performing arts.

Project Lead the Way inc.

School and district leaders need a solution that cultivates confidence and career readiness—and PLTW checks all the boxes. As a nonprofit organization founded by educators and driven by education leaders, we've spent more than 28 years equipping students with the technical knowledge, transferable skills, and career confidence they need to thrive—through programs that integrate real-world industry partnerships, best-in-class teacher training, and our proven activity-, project-, problem-based (APB) instructional model. At PLTW, we're on a mission to create a transformative learning environment and empower students to develop in-demand knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in an evolving world. 

PLTW Gateway

PLTW Gateway (6-8) opens paths that create meaningful futures. It connects students to careers in areas they can, and can't, imagine. Through explorations of skilled trades, coding and robotics, flight and space, human body systems, and more, PLTW Gateway fuels students’ passion for discovery. As they engage in hands-on, collaborative problem solving focused on real-world challenges, students use and stretch their imaginations in brand-new ways that connect their learning to life. All the while, students step into roles spanning the career landscape—a crucial experience during this transitional time in their lives, long before they enter their degreed or skilled trade professions. 

PLTW Gateway - Program Expansion (3M)

3M forms lasting partnerships with communities and provides resources to help them succeed and grow – ensuring a more interconnected and thriving world. 3M inspires the next generation of science leaders through the following goals:

• Increasing STEM exposure in K-12 classrooms
• Supporting experiential learning opportunities
• Enhancing the quality of STEM teaching
• Providing professional development opportunities for students

3M has partnered with PLTW to ensure students and teachers have the tools, resources and knowledge they need to succeed in STEM.

The Freda Gray Charitable Fund, established by The Pittsburgh Foundation, offers scholarships for undergraduate students majoring in foreign languages. This initiative supports students from Allegheny County, PA, who have demonstrated academic excellence with a minimum GPA of 3.0. By providing financial assistance, the fund aims to empower future generations in their pursuit of education, fostering a diverse and skilled workforce in the field of languages. The Pittsburgh Foundation has been a leader in community support since 1945.

The Eugene and Nell Petrucci Fund #1, established in 1945 by The Pittsburgh Foundation, offers scholarships to graduating seniors from specific local schools. It aims to support students pursuing higher education at accredited institutions, with a focus on those demonstrating financial need. Managed by one of the oldest community foundations in the U.S., this fund reflects a commitment to enhance educational opportunities and improve the quality of life in the region.

The Orthopedic Research Grant, offered by the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, supports early-career investigators in physical therapy and rehabilitation science. The grant funds innovative, hypothesis-driven projects that enhance evidence-based practices and patient outcomes. Through this initiative, the Foundation aims to develop independent researchers and strengthen the scientific foundation of the physical therapy profession. Applications are open to licensed physical therapists or assistants who are APTA members, with deadlines on July 31 and August 18.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:

• Encouraging philanthropy
• Developing a perpetual, flexible endowment
• Assessing and responding to emerging and changing needs
• Serving as a resource, catalyst, and coordinator for charitable activities
• Promoting efficiency in the management of charitable funds

The Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds.

• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. 
• Most scholarships are for students who live in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties. However, some are also available to students who live in Berkshire County and Hartford County in Connecticut.
• We offer scholarships to those who attend on either a full-time or part-time basis. 
• Any student who plans to enroll for the upcoming fall semester, in any year of college as an undergraduate or graduate student and who will attend an accredited post-secondary school in the United States may apply.
• Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

Dietz & Company Architects Scholarship Fund

Supporting residents of Franklin, Hampden, or Hampshire County who are studying architecture. Preference will be given to students in their third or fourth year of college study, or graduate students. Preference also will be given to past recipients of this award.

About Us

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Our Promise

To help you help others through the most effective philanthropy possible.

Richard P. Seiter Scholarship

Richard P. Seiter was a career correctional professional who served as Director of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (DRC) for several years. He began working in corrections after receiving his Ph.D. from The Ohio State University. Dr. Seiter established this scholarship for children of current DRC employees to recognize the commitment of these employees and their service to the State of Ohio. Dr. Seiter established the scholarship with the belief that education (just like in his own life) can set a person’s course for life and put them on the past for success. He values the dedication of people who give their careers to public service, and especially those who work in the difficult jobs of corrections. He believes that if a scholarship can help them with their children, it is an investment in the future of our country and state that is a legacy he wants to leave.

About Us

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Our Promise

To help you help others through the most effective philanthropy possible.

Mary M. Yost Journalism Scholarship

As a journalist, Mary M. Yost proudly served her hometown community for more than 25 years with her thoughtful, balanced and thorough reporting and writing. She was the epitome of a talented journalist, with a keen interest in the community she covered. Her sense of fairness and her compassion and caring for others and for the issues she covered came through clearly in her interactions with the public and in her reporting and writing. As one of few women in the newsroom when she started out, she was a pioneer who gladly offered advice and mentorship to those who followed. She served the community as a long-time journalist and editor on The Columbus Dispatch and as a senior member of the Ohio Hospital Association and on a variety of community boards and commissions.

About Us

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Our Promise

To help you help others through the most effective philanthropy possible.

Kiwanis Club of Columbus - Speakers' Scholarship

Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world, one child and one community at a time. There are more than 8,000 clubs worldwide, in 80+ countries. Kiwanis Club of Columbus was founded in 1916, and is the fifth oldest club. We are an engaging, vibrant group of volunteers involved in hands-on projects right here in downtown Columbus. Our Kiwanis Club encourages camaraderie and fellowship through weekly luncheon meetings, featuring world-class speakers tackling timely topics. In addition, the Kiwanis Club of Columbus provides a wide range of opportunities to volunteer time and talent to make a difference in our community.

In just one application, our Common Scholarship Application provides students access to more than 150 scholarship opportunities with awards ranging from $1,000 to more than $5,000.

In 2025, San Diego Foundation awarded a record-breaking $5.5 million in scholarships to nearly 1,400 students.

Millie Vancio Professional Nursing Scholarship

Millie Vancio spent most of her career in the Critical Care theatre as a staff nurse, charge nurse and department manager. She was always amazed by the ability, strength and resourcefulness of the nurses with whom she worked and supervised.

Knowing how challenging it can be to work a full-time schedule and participate in a degree program Millie established the Millie Vancio Professional Nursing Scholarship fund to assist nurses in their pursuit of either a BSN or Master’s degree (MSN or MA) within the field of Nursing or healthcare. This is her way of offering support and saying “Thank you” to working nurses who continue to enhance the profession of Nursing.

Recipients will be asked to submit a copy of their Registered Nursing license as verification of working as a registered nurse and prior to receiving the scholarship.

This scholarship may be used for tuition, books, fees, room & board, and other educational expenses.

This scholarship may be renewable (depending upon available funds) for up to one additional year (including if they are using the first year of an award to finish a BSN and the second year to begin a Master’s program), provided that the scholarship recipient continues to pursue a degree in Nursing or healthcare and maintains a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.

• Average # of awards: 2
• Average amount of award: $1000

The National Centers for Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NCBIB) provide critical resources for biomedical imaging and bioengineering research. This funding opportunity supports the development of innovative technologies tailored to the needs of basic, translational, and clinical researchers. NCBIB facilitates technology access, training, and dissemination, enhancing collaboration and advancing the field. Applications are encouraged to foster advancements that address complex biomedical challenges.

About Us

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Our Promise

To help you help others through the most effective philanthropy possible.

William Ammer Memorial Educational Trust Fund of the Pickaway County Community Foundation

Judge Ammer was born in Circleville on May 21, 1919, son of the late Moses S. and Mary Ammer. As a graduate of Circleville High School, he continued his education at The Ohio State University (OSU), where he received his bachelor’s degree in business administration. Following three and one-half years of service in the Army during World War II, he came back to OSU and completed a Juris Doctor degree. He served as Ohio Attorney General; Examiner, Industrial commission of Ohio; Assistant Attorney General of Ohio; Prosecuting Attorney in Pickaway County; and was later appointed by Ohio Governor William O’Neill as Common Pleas Judge, Pickaway County. Serving six terms, he handled more than 30,000 cases. After serving 37 years on the bench, Judge Ammer retired, but continued to support and provide service to his community. He was noted for his generous nature by belonging to nearly every civic and service organization in the community.

About Us

Our Mission

To assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents.

Our Promise

To help you help others through the most effective philanthropy possible.

Dorothy Cage Memorial Scholarship

Dorothy Cage's dream was to ensure underserved and economically challenged youth in our community had the tools they needed to succeed in life. Dorothy and her family awarded hundreds of scholarships and invested in laptops, books, and school-related expenses for youth in need. She had a gift for revealing to young people their own potential. By demonstrating her genuine care and affection for them, Dorothy instilled pride and self-confidence and inspired students to achieve greatness. Her legacy will be seen in the successful lives of the students for whom she committed her time, resources, and love. This scholarship fund honors Dorothy’s memory as a shining example of a life well lived.

Team Endowment Grants

Teams with a MidwayUSA Foundation endowment balance may apply to receive 5% of their endowment balance once per year, in either June or December. Grant funds can be used for team expenses, such as ammunition, travel, uniforms, range and entry fees, and more.

Range Development Grants

These competitive range development cash grants will provide funds to allow existing ranges to make improvements and expansions.

A fundamental need of a shooting team is a place to shoot. These competitive funds will provide the opportunity for existing ranges to make improvements and expansions to allow for more youth-oriented shooting activities. Team and Agency endowment holders are encouraged to work with their respective shooting range(s) to identify needs and complete grant application requirements. Currently, MidwayUSA Foundation Donor Designated endowment holders are not eligible to apply.

We accept Range Development grant applications via our online grant application process once per year. The applications are reviewed and awarded by the MidwayUSA Foundation. These competitive cash grants are awarded to grant recipients in June. Awarded projects are subject to a visit by Foundation staff and may be audited to ensure use as directed in the application.

While the Range Development grants are meant for MidwayUSA Foundation Team and Agency endowment holders, certain non-endowment holding organizations, primarily conservation groups and universities, may apply if they are directly benefiting local youth shooting teams and their associated range development grant will enable more youth to become involved in the youth shooting sports.

Many conservation groups and state wildlife agencies build and operate public target shooting facilities using federal excise tax monies as a key source of funds for these projects. In some occurrences, it is possible these non-endowment holders may prove eligible for a Range Development grant. In most cases these groups will pursue R3 (Recruitment, Retention, Reactivation) conservation grants funded by the Pittman-Robertson/Wildlife Restoration Act to acquire 90% of their range expansion funding, while seeking the remaining 10% through other sources. It is possible that the Range Development grant can provide the remaining 10% if certain requirements are met.

Colleges and universities that do not operate their own shooting range may utilize public target shooting facilities for their team’s practice. In some occurrences, it is possible these non-endowment holders may prove eligible for a Range Development grant. In these instances, the non-grant portion of the range development budget can be met with funds acquired by the college/university, shooting range, or a combination of the two. If your conservation, wildlife agency, college, or university is interested in a Range Development Grant, contact us.

Coach Training Grants

These competitive cash grants will fund the certification of youth shooting sports coach candidates.

Qualified coaches are an integral piece to the expansion of youth shooting sports. To continue providing more opportunities for our youth in shooting sports, we will offer competitive grants to fund the certification of more coaches. MidwayUSA Foundation Agency and Donor-Designated Endowment holders will be eligible for Coach Training grants. Teams or individuals interested in our Coach Training grant program should reach out to a state or national organization.

The intent of the Coach Training Grant Program is to develop coaches that can assist youth shooters behind and on the firing line. Grant funds must be utilized to provide coaches with basic or advanced-level certifications. This can include skills training, shooting clinics, train-the-trainer, or other coach training. Prospective coach candidates must be affiliated with an endowment holding team or organization.