Best Community Services Grants

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.

Wen Bo Wang Scholarship

Be graduating high school seniors and plan to enroll full-time at an accredited four-year university in the United States in fall.

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.

William and Patricia Moises Scholarship

Be current college/university students or community college students. Plan to enroll full-time at an accredited community college, four-year college or graduate school in fall.

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.

William “Peasy” Johnson Scholarship

Plan to enroll full-time at an accredited four-year university, community college, or licensed career/technical school in the United States in fall.

The Spur Community Grant offers up to $10,000 for nonprofits dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the Wood River Valley. This grant supports various initiatives, including program-specific, capacity-building, or general operating projects. The Spur Community Foundation aims to foster a culture of philanthropy, encouraging community members to actively participate in giving back. By addressing local needs, these grants contribute to a compassionate and thriving community for generations to come.

The Spur Community Foundation offers Impact Grants of up to $50,000 to support nonprofits that address significant community needs in the Wood River Valley. These grants aim to drive meaningful change by funding projects that create lasting progress and address pressing issues facing the community. Eligible organizations must be IRS tax-exempt and actively serve local needs. The foundation believes in fostering a culture of philanthropy that enhances the quality of life for all residents.

Cathy Hopper Memorial Scholarship

Cathy Hopper was a long-time educator and resident of San Diego County. She received her Master of Arts in Education from San Diego State University. She was a teacher in the social studies classroom of Gompers Middle School and then Taft Middle School. She became Vice Principal at Madison, then Patrick Henry High which she helped open. Cathy became Principal at Wright Brothers Career High, then Bell Jr. High and was the first Principal at University City High, being one of only two women high school principals at the time. Cathy then served as Assistant Superintendent of Operations for the San Diego Unified School District. She was one of the administrators during the tumultuous integration movement and worked tirelessly to allay fears and helped make for a peaceful transition. Upon her retirement, Cathy helped inaugurate the Aaron Price Fellows Scholarship Program.

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

The scholarship may be renewable (depending upon available funds) for up to two years total, provided the student maintains a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, good citizenship record, and continues to have financial need.

• Average number of awards: 7-9
• Average amount of award: $5,000

Bob Kelly Scholarship

During his 20 years as President and CEO of San Diego Foundation (SDF), Bob Kelly built an enduring legacy that has seen SDF become the regional leader for information about charitable giving and a strong voice for civic engagement. Among a number of significant achievements as President and CEO, Bob was instrumental in building the Community Scholarship Program which is now the largest scholarship provider in San Diego County outside of the university system.

When establishing his own scholarship, Bob wanted to recognize the important role that both San Diego City College and UC San Diego play in the education of so many San Diegans. His hope is to provide a unique scholarship opportunity to those students who may not have been the top of their class, but have since taken advantage of their own “second chance” and are on the path to success.

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

The scholarship may be renewable (depending upon available funds) for up to two years of undergraduate coursework at UC San Diego provided the student maintains a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, good citizenship, and continues to have financial need.

• Average number of awards: 2
• Average amount: $3,500

California Humanities

Founded in 1975, California Humanities is a nonprofit partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities dedicated to strengthening communities through the humanities. The organization supports public humanities programs across California that promote civic engagement, cultural understanding, and inclusive storytelling. Through grants, partnerships, and statewide initiatives, California Humanities funds projects that elevate diverse voices, preserve local histories, and foster dialogue around social issues. Its mission centers on connecting Californians to ideas and one another to inspire greater understanding and participation in public life.

Connecting California - Quick Grants

Connecting California supports publicly accessible activities and events that strengthen social connection and cohesion across California’s diverse communities. Funded projects help foster understanding, empathy, and trust by creating opportunities for people to come together across difference and discover shared values, experiences, and aspirations.

KeyBank's Community Grants support tax-exempt organizations that align with the Foundation's funding priorities, focusing on improving community well-being. With grants ranging from $10,000 to $25,000, eligible organizations must have an operating budget of at least $100,000 and a minimum of three years in operation. The application process is invitation-only, requiring interested organizations to submit an Expression of Interest for review, typically receiving feedback within 90 days.

Key Bank Philanthropic Support - Community Sponsorships aims to enhance community welfare by providing financial backing to nonprofit organizations. With grants ranging from $500 to $5,000, these sponsorships focus on fundraising events and operational support for initiatives that foster economic inclusion and community growth. Applications are accepted from January to October, with decisions typically made within 90 days, ensuring timely support for impactful local projects.

The G. Scott & Bessie K. Guyer Foundation provides grants to charitable organizations and municipal agencies within a 10-mile radius of Shamokin Dam, PA. Funding is geared towards program development, special projects, and capital campaigns, with grants typically ranging from $500 to $3,000. The foundation prioritizes community-driven initiatives and reserves the right to initiate projects of interest. Applications should reflect the potential for community support and volunteerism.

The Vermeer Charitable Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations, primarily in the Pella area, focusing on educational, civic, and faith-based initiatives. The foundation emphasizes measurable outcomes and community impact, leveraging the resources and expertise of Vermeer Corporation. With a commitment to stewardship and excellence, VCF prioritizes special projects over operational budgets, ensuring that proposals reflect the needs of the community and align with the foundation's mission of improving quality of life.

The Elkin/Tri-County Grants, managed by the Winston-Salem Foundation, aim to enhance community investment, philanthropic services, and student aid in Forsyth County. The foundation prioritizes projects that foster an inclusive economy and equitable education. Nonprofits serving the Tri-Counties area can apply for funding, with an emphasis on collaborative initiatives. Grants support innovative ideas but typically do not cover ongoing expenses or capital campaigns. The initiative is dedicated to impactful, lasting contributions to the local community.

The Millennium Circle Fund, established by donors at The Luzerne Foundation, aims to identify and address unmet community needs in Luzerne County through grants. With a goal of 2,000 members, the fund has awarded over $464,000 to local nonprofits. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations nominated by a member. The grant cycle includes an online application and a presentation at the Grant Forum, where selected nonprofits showcase their community-enhancing projects.

The Froderman Foundation Grant, established in 1961 by Mr. and Mrs. G. Harvey Froderman, supports qualified applicants focusing on religious, educational, medical, and charitable initiatives. The foundation promotes equity by considering applications without regard to race, creed, or color. Applicants must provide proof of 501(C)3 status and detailed plans for fund utilization, as general operating budgets are not typically funded. This grant aims to enhance impactful community projects.

The Pinnacle Community Benefit Fund Grant aims to support community-oriented projects around the Pinnacle Wind Farm in Mineral County, West Virginia. With a commitment of $50,000 upon commercial operation and ongoing funding, the grant empowers local citizens through a volunteer Allocation Committee. This approach ensures that funds are allocated effectively to enhance local initiatives, preserving the community's heritage and promoting sustainable development in Keyser, Elk Garden, and New Creek.

The RJJB Family Foundation, established in 1997 by Rodney and Jeanna Pilot, aims to foster a legacy of philanthropy in coastal Alabama. Committed to supporting 501(c)(3) non-profits, the foundation focuses on education, community economic needs, and Christian ministry. Guided by the Pilot family's shared values and passions, the foundation strives to create lasting positive changes in the community, ensuring their contributions lead to causes of eternal significance.

The McLaughlin Family Foundation Grant supports innovative and high-impact nonprofit organizations in central Oklahoma, focusing on empowering disadvantaged children and families. Although major grants are by invitation only, the Foundation encourages new and creative project proposals. They emphasize collaboration, capacity building, and preventative programs, aiming to break negative cycles within the community. Since 2004, the Foundation has provided numerous grants and engages in impact investing to align with its mission.

The Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations serving Hampden County, Massachusetts. Funding areas include early education, health, economic mobility, and arts. The Foundation supports general operating, capital, program, capacity building, and emergency funding to foster community development and address pressing needs. Eligible organizations must demonstrate measurable outcomes and a commitment to sustainable change while enhancing collaboration among local nonprofits.

The Wichita Wagonmasters, through their Good Life Grants established in 2012, aim to enhance the quality of life in Wichita, Kansas. These grants support a variety of community projects that promote collaboration among nonprofits, fiscal soundness, and sustainable solutions. Eligible applicants must be IRS-exempt organizations with measurable outcomes. However, requests for general operational support, fundraising activities, and religious purposes are not accepted. The foundation seeks to showcase Wichita as a vibrant place to live, work, and play.

The Albert & Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations that create positive change in communities. Focused on enhancing lives and providing opportunities for self-improvement, the foundation prioritizes requests from organizations in the Houston area and Texas. Eligible applicants may submit one request per year, ensuring a fair assessment process. Note that grants are not available to individuals, and lobbying efforts may adversely affect the consideration of applications.

The Chemical Bank Fund, part of the Central Montcalm Community Foundation, plays a crucial role in providing support for unanticipated community needs that fall outside the Foundation's typical grant application periods. This fund ensures that essential services and programs can continue to operate effectively, enhancing the overall quality of life for residents in the Central Montcalm area. By utilizing annual earnings from permanent endowments, the fund helps sustain vital community initiatives.

The Ashtabula Foundation offers grants of $5,001 and above to support community development, religious initiatives, and other charitable efforts in Ashtabula County. Eligible organizations must possess a 501(C)(3) status and serve the local community. This foundation prioritizes human services but considers various requests based on available funding and community impact. Applications are limited to one per organization annually, ensuring focused support for each initiative.

The San Angelo Health Foundation Grant supports community health initiatives within the Concho Valley, prioritizing projects that address health issues. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) entities, ensuring funds are used for public purposes. The Foundation seeks innovative proposals with collaborative networks to maximize impact. Grants range from $1,000 to $1.75 million, with an average award of $83,639. Applications should be submitted two to four months in advance to allow for thorough review.

The Robert B. and Ruth K. Lee Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in Greenville County, South Carolina. Established in 2000, the foundation supports diverse areas including arts, education, health, and human services. With no geographic limitations, it primarily funds programs benefiting the local community. Grants typically range from $2,000 to $5,000, emphasizing initiatives for the elderly, children’s programs in the arts, and literary projects. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt to be eligible.

The Ashtabula Foundation offers grants of $5,000 or less to support non-profit organizations serving Ashtabula County. With a focus on Human Services, the foundation also considers requests from categories such as Arts, Education, and Community Development. Eligible organizations must have a 501(C)(3) status and utilize funds for the benefit of local citizens. Applications are limited to one per year, ensuring careful consideration for impactful projects.

The Northwest Florida Grant, previously known as Gulf Power Foundation Grants, is supported by NextEra Energy Foundation. It focuses on enhancing communities in Northwest Florida, promoting sustainability and innovation. Eligible nonprofit organizations must operate within specific counties, be 501(c)(3) certified, and not have received a quarterly grant in the past year. This initiative aims to foster opportunities and safety for diverse communities.