Best Youth Sports Grants in California

Grand Rapids Community Foundation

The Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that connects people, passion and resources. With our partners, the Community Foundation uses the tools of philanthropy to find solutions to pressing issues. We provide grants to support the work of nonprofits, scholarships to local students and other forms of support to communities working to eliminate barriers to opportunity, prosperity and belonging.

Scholarships

Each year Grand Rapids Community Foundation supports hundreds of students on their college or career training journeys. We are excited to remove barriers to academic success so that students like you can pursue what you're passionate about.

Guy D. & Mary Edith Halladay Scholarship

Open to graduate students, with a preference for those studying music.

American Physical Society

The American Physical Society is a nonprofit membership organization working to advance physics by fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and global community dedicated to science and society. APS represents more than 50,000 members, including physicists in academia, national laboratories, and industry in the United States and around the world.

APS Honors recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of the global physics community. Guided by our core values, APS Honors encourages nominations that reflect the full range of talent, distinction, and experience in our field, and supports broad canvassing for professional achievement across diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise.

Edward A. Bouchet Award

This award promotes the participation of underrepresented minorities in physics by identifying and recognizing a distinguished minority physicist who has made significant contributions to physics research and the advancement of underrepresented minority scientists. The program will help publicize the lecturer's work and career development to the physics community, especially among minority physics students. The Lectureship consists of a stipend of $5,000 plus support for travel to an APS meeting where the recipient will receive the award and give a presentation. In addition, the lecturer should arrange to give up to three additional talks at academic institutions where the impact of the visit on minority students would be significant. The purpose of these visits would be to deliver technical lectures or lectures about his/her specialty, to visit classrooms when appropriate, to assist the college/university in pre-college outreach efforts where appropriate, and to talk informally with both faculty and students about research and teaching careers in physics. Financial support will also be provided for travel to these lectures. It will be presented annually.

The Scholarships for Careers Endowment, established by a local family in connection with the Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains, aims to support graduates of Elk Lake School District and the Susquehanna County Career & Technology Center. This scholarship prioritizes students with financial need and promise for future success, assisting them in pursuing vocational, technical, academic, or other post-secondary programs. Additionally, it contributes to special projects within the school district and community.

Humboldt Area Foundation

Who We Are

Thriving, Healthy, Just, Equitable. That’s the vision Humboldt Area Foundation and Wild Rivers Community Foundation has for our region. This vision is implemented through four decade-long goals of increasing racial equality, supporting thriving youth and families, growing healthy ecosystems and environments, and bolstering a just economy.

Humboldt Area Foundation and Wild Rivers Community Foundation (HAF+WRCF) serve the residents of Humboldt, Del Norte and Trinity counties in California and Curry County in Oregon, including the region’s Tribal Nations and histo

rically indigenous territories. We support our four-county region through a strategic vision of:

• Racial Equity
• Thriving Youth & Families
• Healthy Ecosystems & Environments
• A Just Economy & Economic Development

Trinity Trust

The Trinity Trust makes grants exclusively for the benefit of the residents of Trinity County California.

Trinity County Summer Youth Program

For the past 20 years Trinity Trust has been committed to supporting programs that provide opportunities for children and youth to learn, play and develop in a safe, productive setting. Grants will be awarded to non-profit organizations serving Trinity County youth for programs offered between June 1 and September 1.

Average Grant Size: The average grant awarded will be $500. However, we recognize that some Summer Programs have special needs, and will consider applications of over $500 in some circumstances.

Grant resources are limited, so we ask that you apply for only what is sincerely needed. This funding is stretched to meet the needs of an enormous number of extremely valuable Summer Programs in Trinity County, and we want to provide support to as many programs as possible.

The Fred and Betty Worsh Scholarship Fund, managed by the North Carolina Community Foundation, offers financial support to residents of New Hanover and Brunswick Counties who are U.S. citizens attending accredited four-year colleges or universities. Scholarships are available to undergraduates, graduates, and adult re-entry students, and may be renewed annually based on academic performance and financial need. Applications open on December 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026.

Scholarships

We partner with donors to administer scholarships for students across the state. Most NCCF scholarships open for applications on Dec. 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026.

Undergraduates, graduates, medical and professional school students and adult re-entry students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities, career/technical schools, teaching credential programs and graduate, medical or professional schools in the United States are eligible for scholarships offered at NCCF.

Each scholarship has specific eligibility requirements defined by the donor when the scholarship was established. Be sure to read the requirements of each scholarship carefully as directed through the universal application and address those elements as needed in your application.

Grayce Wills MacDonald and Ivan A. MacDonald Endowment

Shall support students who attended high school in Cherokee, Graham, Clay, Swain, Macon, Jackson, Haywood, Buncombe, and Henderson counties, and who are pursuing a college or post-graduate level degree in the field of nutrition with emphasis on the study of natural foods and the vegetarian lifestyle. Scholarships may be based on both need and merit.

The JADE Learning Electrical Technologies Scholarship supports students enrolled in North Carolina technical or occupational schools focused on electrical systems technologies. Eligible candidates include undergraduates, graduates, and apprentices who demonstrate financial need and strong academic performance. The scholarship application requires careful attention to specific donor-defined eligibility criteria. Applications open on December 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026, with preference given to those pursuing a two-year associate’s degree.

The Joyce Price Johnson’s Samaritan Fund provides scholarships for young people in North Carolina who are exiting foster care or facing poverty. Eligible candidates include undergraduates, graduates, and adult re-entry students attending various accredited institutions. Applications for NCCF scholarships open on December 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026. Preference is given to applicants from Wayne County and adjacent areas, ensuring support for those with exceptional financial need.

Mission

The mission of Yolo Community Foundation is to inspire and support giving and to provide philanthropic leadership in our community. Yolo Community Foundation (YCF) promotes philanthropy by serving as a public foundation through which:

• community members pursue their own charitable goals;
• local nonprofits benefit from YCF programs and events; and
• youth learn the meaning of community involvement and service. As a community foundation, we lead the campaign to create a county-wide culture of service and giving.

Wide Wide World Fund

The Wide Wide World Fund was established by Maggie Burns and Roy Bellhorn to support nonprofits in advancing their missions and to help students pursue higher education. Upon their passing in 2024, Maggie and Roy ensured that their legacy would continue by creating a fund dedicated to supporting youth in Winters, CA.

The Sacramento Region Community Foundation (the Foundation), in partnership with Yolo Community Foundation, is proud to announce the Wide Wide World Grant. The purpose of the Wide Wide World is to promote educational and cultural enrichment for students in Winters schools that will open a wider world to them.

We will consider proposals in two categories (though we may choose to fund proposals in only one category, depending on the strength of the proposals): Programmatic Applications and Capacity Building Applications.

• The committee would entertain proposals with amounts above the caps for these two categories for truly transformational initiatives.
• Organizations may submit more than one application, but we do not expect to fund more than one application per organization.

Programmatic Funding

Organizations applying for programmatic funding do not need to be based in Winters in order to apply, however the funding must directly benefit the students of Winters and is restricted to projects that support students in Winters schools.

Mission

The mission of Yolo Community Foundation is to inspire and support giving and to provide philanthropic leadership in our community. Yolo Community Foundation (YCF) promotes philanthropy by serving as a public foundation through which:

• community members pursue their own charitable goals;
• local nonprofits benefit from YCF programs and events; and
• youth learn the meaning of community involvement and service. As a community foundation, we lead the campaign to create a county-wide culture of service and giving.

Wide Wide World Fund

The Wide Wide World Fund was established by Maggie Burns and Roy Bellhorn to support nonprofits in advancing their missions and to help students pursue higher education. Upon their passing in 2024, Maggie and Roy ensured that their legacy would continue by creating a fund dedicated to supporting youth in Winters, CA.

The Sacramento Region Community Foundation (the Foundation), in partnership with Yolo Community Foundation, is proud to announce the Wide Wide World Grant. The purpose of the Wide Wide World is to promote educational and cultural enrichment for students in Winters schools that will open a wider world to them.

We will consider proposals in two categories (though we may choose to fund proposals in only one category, depending on the strength of the proposals): Programmatic Applications and Capacity Building Applications.

• The committee would entertain proposals with amounts above the caps for these two categories for truly transformational initiatives.
• Organizations may submit more than one application, but we do not expect to fund more than one application per organization.

Capacity Building Funding

Organizations applying for capacity building funding must be based in Winters and must focus specifically on educational and cultural enrichment for students in Winters schools.

The NC Hunter and Jumper Association’s Norah Morris Memorial Scholarship Endowment supports individuals pursuing higher education who have engaged in equestrian activities. Open to undergraduates, graduates, and adult re-entry students, the scholarship aims to assist those attending various educational institutions in the United States. Applications for NCCF scholarships will be accepted from December 16, 2025, to March 3, 2026. Be sure to check specific eligibility requirements for each scholarship.

The Computational Mathematics program supports research that integrates computation with mathematical analysis, encouraging innovative algorithm development and application. Proposals may range from individual projects to interdisciplinary teams, focusing on new computational techniques to address significant application challenges. The program also emphasizes training for junior mathematicians through hands-on research. Conference proposals must adhere to strict submission timelines to ensure review and funding opportunities, fostering collaboration within the mathematical sciences.

The Linguistics Program, supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), promotes fundamental research in human language. It covers various areas including syntax, semantics, and phonetics, encouraging interdisciplinary projects that explore language production, comprehension, and social factors influencing language change. The program welcomes proposals from qualified scholars, including those focusing on endangered languages, while emphasizing the importance of basic research over applied methods. For more details, refer to the NSF's guidelines.

The Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) focuses on enhancing education and workforce development in food and agricultural sciences. It invites applications for various grants aimed at professional development, non-formal education for youth, community college training, and fellowships for both predoctoral and postdoctoral candidates. The program, managed by the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture, emphasizes the cultivation of skills necessary for the future workforce in agriculture, with multiple deadlines for submissions.

The ROSS Rapid Response Program (RRP) by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides expedited funding to assist communities in addressing urgent social needs. This program offers one-time cost-reimbursable grants for service coordination and direct services, especially in response to emergencies like natural disasters or public health crises. By streamlining the application process, the RRP empowers local leaders to efficiently support residents in HUD-assisted housing, promoting self-sufficiency and resilience.

The ROSES25: B.2 Heliophysics Foundational Research program invites proposals for foundational research in heliophysics. The submission deadline for Step-1 proposals is May 1, 2026, with Step-2 deadlines announced 60 days prior. Amendments include an increase in Step-1 proposal length from two to three pages and clarification on budget expectations per award. Individuals may serve as Principal Investigators for only one proposal, with exceptions for specific institutional requirements.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is offering Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Biology to support innovative research at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Biological Sciences. These fellowships aim to cultivate expertise in both fields, enabling scientists to leverage AI for breakthroughs in biotechnology and bio-system design. The program encourages proposals that utilize existing biological data and infrastructure to enhance discovery and innovation, ultimately benefiting human lives and the U.S. economy.

The Peter S. Slomianyj Scholarship Fund offers financial assistance to Subway employees and their children who meet specific eligibility criteria, including a minimum of 500 work hours over the past year and a GPA of 2.0 in high school or 2.5 in college. Applications for this scholarship will be open from December 16, 2025, to March 3, 2026. It is part of a broader initiative by the North Carolina Community Foundation to support students pursuing education at various institutions.

The National Quantum and Nanotechnology Infrastructure (NQNI) program by the NSF aims to enhance research in emerging technologies like quantum computing and AI. By establishing a nationwide network of accessible research facilities, NQNI will facilitate innovation and collaboration among researchers. The program emphasizes user facility capabilities and plans for outreach, education, and workforce development, ultimately supporting the nation's quantum and nanotechnology advancements.

The Pathways to Enable Secure Open-Source Ecosystems (PESOSE) program, funded by the National Science Foundation, aims to transform open-source research into sustainable ecosystems that tackle national and societal challenges. This initiative promotes innovation across various sectors, including AI and cybersecurity, by fostering strong governance and broad user engagement. PESOSE invites proposals to establish and enhance open-source ecosystems, ensuring their safety, security, and effectiveness in meeting emergent needs.

The Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Research Program invites applications for whole genome sequencing of pediatric cohorts. This initiative aims to explore the genetic basis of childhood cancers and congenital anomalies, enhancing our understanding of their etiology. Researchers are encouraged to propose sequencing methods, including whole genome and exome sequencing, to investigate genetic contributions and associations with cancer risk. The resulting data will be integrated into the Kids First Data Resource for broader research collaboration.

The Lasker Clinical Research Scholars Program supports early-career clinical researchers aiming to enhance human health. It provides a unique opportunity to bridge NIH's intramural and extramural research environments over two phases: an initial 5-7 year tenure-track position at NIH followed by up to 3 years of extramural support. This program is designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders in clinical research and foster innovative health solutions.

The LPGA Foundation

The LPGA Foundation supports women and young people through programs and initiatives aimed at empowering them through the game of golf. Since its founding, The LPGA Foundation has touched more than 500,000 lives through various scholarship and financial assistance programs, along with its flagship junior golf program, LPGA*USGA Girls Golf. The LPGA Foundation was established in 1991 and is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization, which supports junior golf programs, scholarships, and financial assistance programs for women and young ladies.

Dolores Hope Financial Assistance Initiative

The LPGA Foundation has a tradition of taking care of its members and others in the golf industry. The Financial Assistance Fund was renamed the Dolores Hope LPGA Financial Assistance Initiative in 2007 to acknowledge Hope’s generous support of the fund and her long-time friendship with the LPGA.

The LPGA Foundation

The LPGA Foundation supports women and young people through programs and initiatives aimed at empowering them through the game of golf. Since its founding, The LPGA Foundation has touched more than 500,000 lives through various scholarship and financial assistance programs, along with its flagship junior golf program, LPGA*USGA Girls Golf. The LPGA Foundation was established in 1991 and is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization, which supports junior golf programs, scholarships, and financial assistance programs for women and young ladies.

Marge Burns Educational Grants

The Marge Burns Education Grant is available for LPGA Teaching and Club Professionals and is awarded to assist with the expenses of attending LPGA Certification Programs. Established with a bequest from Marge Burns, the grant recognizes the importance of LPGA Certification and Continuing Education for LPGA Teaching and Club Professionals.

• Grant Applicants must be an Approved Applicant or an LPGA Apprentice or Class B LPGA Professionals member in good standing.
• We ask that you provide details about the reason why you are requesting assistance.

The LPGA Foundation

The LPGA Foundation supports women and young people through programs and initiatives aimed at empowering them through the game of golf. Since its founding, The LPGA Foundation has touched more than 500,000 lives through various scholarship and financial assistance programs, along with its flagship junior golf program, LPGA*USGA Girls Golf. The LPGA Foundation was established in 1991 and is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization, which supports junior golf programs, scholarships, and financial assistance programs for women and young ladies.

Renee Powell Scholarship

The Renee Powell Scholarship will be awarded through The LPGA Foundation and the LPGA Renee Powell Fund. Established in 2022, the Renee Powell Scholarship will provide financial aid to female, Black or African American, high school seniors pursuing a full-time course of study and playing collegiate golf at an accredited college or university in the United States. Through this effort, The LPGA Foundation will further its commitment to Change the Face of Golf and create opportunities for Black or African American girls to pursue their dreams. 

The Renee Powell Education Grant, established in 2022 by The LPGA Foundation, aims to empower female, African American LPGA Professionals pursuing certification. This initiative supports their educational journey through financial aid for various certification costs, including membership fees and registration. With over 60 years of dedication to golf education, the LPGA Foundation is committed to enhancing opportunities for African American women in the golf industry, fostering a diverse and inclusive environment.

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.