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Search Through Social Science Research Grants in California

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

Wells Fargo Community Giving supports nonprofit organizations focusing on financial health, housing affordability, small business growth, and sustainability. The grant cycle runs from February to October, inviting organizations with 501(c)(3) status or equivalent to apply. Funding is prioritized for programs addressing critical community needs, while limited support is available for local initiatives like disaster relief and arts. Organizations must demonstrate fiscal stability and potential impact to be considered for funding.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Conference Grants and Research Training Awards

Objective

The mission of California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) is to accelerate world class science to deliver transformative regenerative medicine treatments in an equitable manner to a diverse California and world. In September 2024, CIRM released its Strategic Allocation Framework (SAF), a structured and data-driven process guiding how the Agency prioritizes its funding and programs.

To this end, CIRM will periodically issue Requests for Applications (RFA) to support valuable mission-specific conferences that complement CIRM’s Programs and align with the Strategic Allocation Framework. Recipients of these conference grants are expected to collaborate with CIRM to fulfill a specific need as defined in the RFA.

EDUC3: Funding Opportunity for Summer Programs to Accelerate Regenerative Medicine Knowledge (SPARK)

Objective 

To inspire, educate, and motivate high school students to become involved in CIRM’s mission to accelerate world-class science and deliver transformative regenerative medicine treatments in an equitable manner to a diverse California and world

To provide summer training opportunities and broaden participation in stem cell, gene therapy, and related research to high school students, including those who might not otherwise have opportunities for summer research internships due to social, geographic, or other constraints

Scope

SPARK Awards support mentored, hands-on summer internships for high school students in regenerative medicine related science. Each program is led by a qualified program director who is responsible for coordinating all activities supported by the program, including recruitment and selection of qualified trainees and tracking program alumni. Additional activities include educational enhancements, patient engagement, community outreach, and participation in a culminating summer conference. To broaden internship possibilities, an applicant institution may collaborate with other organizations to provide broader program access to candidate trainees/interns.

The Delta Science Fellowship, administered by California Sea Grant, offers a unique opportunity for postdoctoral, Ph.D., and master's fellows to conduct impactful research in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. The program aims to advance scientific knowledge in priority areas and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion through mentorship and collaboration. Successful applicants will receive funding for research projects up to two years, including stipends and support for education-related expenses, enhancing their contributions to Delta management and policy.

Insperity's Corporate Contributions program emphasizes community involvement and corporate citizenship, providing philanthropic grants and event sponsorships to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Eligible organizations must engage Insperity employees or contribute to the communities where they operate. The program aims to support nonprofits in achieving their service goals and enhancing community welfare. Applications must be submitted 90 days prior to events, and funding requests can be made once a year.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

The CNPS Student Research Grants Program supports research on California's native flora, aiming to protect these vital plants and their habitats. Founded in 1983, it encourages diverse applicants, including underrepresented groups in science. Grants are awarded based on alignment with CNPS's mission and the significance of the research in areas like conservation and ecology. The program honors several awards, including the Doc Burr and Hardman Native Plant Research Awards, to promote innovative botanical studies.

The Permanente Medical Group's Delivery Science Fellowship Program provides a unique opportunity for health professionals and PhD researchers to engage in impactful delivery science research. Fellows work closely with experienced mentors and Kaiser Permanente physicians to address critical healthcare delivery issues, enhance their research skills, and contribute to innovative solutions that improve patient care. This two-year program includes individualized mentorship, access to extensive data resources, and opportunities for publication and presentation at national conferences.

The Florida Atlantic University-Huntington Fellowship offers advanced graduate students a unique opportunity to conduct research using the Weiner Spirit of America Collection and the Huntington Library's extensive resources. Each year, three fellows will receive $6,000 to cover travel expenses and spend two months in residence. This fellowship emphasizes interdisciplinary studies in political philosophy, history, and literature, fostering scholarly contributions through academic research and collaborative efforts between the two esteemed institutions.

The Loye and Alden Miller Research Award, presented by the American Ornithological Society, recognizes lifetime achievements in ornithological research. It honors the legacy of Loye Holmes Miller and his son Alden Holmes Miller, who significantly contributed to the field and mentored numerous students. This prestigious award aims to uphold high ethical standards in ornithology and is open to current AOS members, promoting a diverse and supportive community in bird conservation.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

The Delta Extension Fellowship, hosted by California Sea Grant and the Delta Stewardship Council, aims to enhance community resilience and social well-being in the Delta region. Over 24 months, the fellow will support a community outreach campaign for the Delta Residents Survey, analyze research on water management impacts, and organize resilience training for residents. This initiative addresses the Delta's challenges, including climate change and resource vulnerability, fostering informed decision-making and sustainable practices among local communities.

The North Coast Seafood Extension Fellowship, funded by California Sea Grant, aims to enhance seafood marketing and production opportunities in California's rural North Coast region. The fellowship will support collaboration among local partners to improve seafood availability and sales, strengthen marketing efforts, and develop infrastructure. The fellow will engage in training and educational initiatives for commercial fishers, facilitating connections between them and regional markets, all while promoting sustainable practices and community resilience.

The California Sea Grant College Program invites proposals for applied research projects aligned with its 2024-2027 Strategic Plan, focusing on Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture (SFA) and Resilient Communities and Economies (RCE). With a funding pool of $2.8 million, the program aims to enhance California's coastal resilience and sustainability. Projects should exhibit significant benefits to coastal communities while addressing challenges like climate change and economic disruptions. Eligible applicants include public agencies, universities, and nonprofit organizations.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.