Best Grants for Cancer Nonprofits in California

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

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 Saw Island Foundation offers grants focusing on education, science, and health, primarily targeting nonprofit organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area. Their education grants support scholarships and program partnerships, while science and health grants aim to enhance life experiences through improved health outcomes. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, and the foundation emphasizes innovative collaborations that demonstrate measurable impact in their communities.

The Sills Family Foundation provides grants to nonprofits focused on early childhood education, environmental justice, arts and culture, and support for families in crisis. They prioritize programs benefiting communities affected by the criminal justice system, as well as refugees and asylees. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $25,000, with an emphasis on systemic change and community-based solutions. The foundation operates primarily in metro New York City and California, accepting applications for one-year grants only.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

The Bayer Fund Health & Wellness Grant Program aims to support organizations that provide education and resources for patients and caregivers facing cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Grants focus on assisting communities, particularly the African American population, in managing these health issues. Funding covers educational services, disease awareness, and access to care, with all activities to commence post-funding decisions. Eligible organizations must hold a 501(c)(3) status and operate within 55 miles of Bayer sites.

The Bernard and Carolyn Torraco Memorial Nursing Scholarships, funded by the UNICO Foundation, offer $2,500 scholarships to students pursuing accredited nursing programs in the United States. These scholarships support nursing students of all ethnicities who demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens and enrolled in a campus-based program, with a focus on continuing their studies within the academic year 2025-2026.

The Ella T. Grasso Literary Scholarship, provided by the UNICO Foundation, offers two $1,000 awards to college students of Italian descent. Candidates must submit an original essay or short story celebrating their heritage while being enrolled in a full-time, accredited U.S. college for the 2026-2027 academic year. This initiative highlights UNICO's commitment to supporting educational endeavors and preserving Italian culture within America.

The Guglielmo Marconi Engineering Scholarship, offered by UNICO Foundation, provides $1,250 to students of Italian descent pursuing engineering degrees in various disciplines. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens, enrolled full-time in accredited programs, and maintain a GPA of at least 3.0. This scholarship not only supports academic achievement but also promotes the heritage and contributions of the Italian American community, continuing UNICO's legacy of service and support.

The Inserra Scholarships, provided by the UNICO Foundation, aim to support students of Italian descent pursuing higher education. Two scholarships of $2,500 each are awarded annually to eligible candidates who are U.S. citizens attending accredited colleges or universities full-time. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and continue their studies in the 2026-2027 academic year. This initiative reflects UNICO's commitment to empowering the Italian American community through education.

The UNICO Foundation offers the Louise Torraco Memorial Scholarship for Science, providing two scholarships worth $2,500 each to U.S. citizens pursuing degrees in physical or life sciences. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be enrolled full-time in accredited programs. This initiative reflects UNICO's commitment to supporting educational pursuits in scientific fields while fostering Italian American heritage and community service.

The Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship for Computer Science Studies, awarded by the UNICO Foundation, offers four scholarships of $1,000 each to full-time students pursuing a degree in Computer Science at accredited U.S. colleges. Eligible applicants must reside in specific states or have a UNICO sponsor, be U.S. citizens aged 18 or older, and continue their studies in the 2026-2027 academic year. Preference is given to those demonstrating financial need.

The Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship for Seminarian Studies, funded by UNICO Foundation Inc, offers four scholarships worth $1,000 each to full-time seminarians attending accredited Catholic seminaries in the U.S. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old, and either reside in specific states or have a UNICO sponsor. This scholarship supports the educational journey of seminarians, reflecting UNICO's commitment to serving the community and promoting Italian American heritage.

The Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship for Special Education, offered by the UNICO Foundation, provides two scholarships of $2,500 each for U.S. students pursuing degrees in Special Education. Eligible candidates must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and plan to continue their studies into the 2026-2027 academic year. This scholarship supports students with various disabilities, ensuring that education is accessible and equitable for all.

The Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship for Therapy Sciences, provided by the UNICO Foundation, awards two scholarships valued at $2,500 each to full-time students pursuing degrees in Therapy Sciences, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, audiology, and speech-language pathology. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and continue their studies in the 2026-2027 academic year. This scholarship promotes educational advancement within the community.

The Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship for Veterinary Studies, offered by the UNICO Foundation, provides two scholarships of $2,500 each for students pursuing veterinary studies at accredited U.S. colleges. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens, enrolled full-time, and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. This opportunity supports diverse applicants and emphasizes community service, reflecting UNICO's commitment to Italian American heritage and educational advancement.

The Robert J. Tarte Scholarship for Italian Studies, offered by the UNICO Foundation, supports students of Italian descent pursuing a major or minor in Italian Studies or Language. Valued at $1,000, this scholarship is awarded to full-time undergraduate students attending accredited institutions in the U.S. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 and continue their studies through the 2026-2027 academic year, with preference given to those demonstrating financial need.

The Sergeant John Basilone Memorial Graduate Scholarship, offered by the UNICO Foundation, provides two awards of $3,000 each for graduate students of Italian descent. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens, enrolled full-time in accredited programs, and reside in specified states. The scholarship supports students pursuing graduate studies in the academic year 2026-2027. UNICO promotes Italian American heritage and community service, making this scholarship a valuable opportunity for deserving students.

The UNICO Foundation offers the Dr. Benjamin Cottone Memorial Scholarship, providing $5,000 to support a U.S. citizen of Italian descent pursuing a medical degree. Eligible candidates must be seniors at accredited colleges or medical schools, with proof of enrollment required. This scholarship not only aids education but also honors the foundation's commitment to community service and heritage, reflecting the core values of the Italian American community.

The UNICO Foundation's Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship provides two scholarships of $2,500 each to students pursuing a degree. Open to all ethnicities, applicants must be U.S. citizens, attend an accredited college full-time, and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. They should continue their studies in the 2026-2027 academic year and may apply if sponsored by a UNICO chapter from specific states. This initiative underscores UNICO's commitment to supporting educational opportunities for deserving students.

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 Pew Biomedical Scholars Program offers significant funding of $300,000 over four years to support early-career researchers in biomedical sciences. The program encourages innovative and impactful research that contributes to human health, requiring nomination from one of the 212 participating institutions. Candidates must hold a doctorate, run an independent lab as an assistant professor, and demonstrate exceptional promise. This program fosters collaboration and annual meetings for scholars to present their findings.

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