Best El Dorado County Grants for Nonprofits in California

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

Thomas William Bennett Memorial Scholarship Fund

He believed that a person could do anything if they sat down and read how to do it. When WWII started, he was the first man from the state of South Carolina to enlist in the U.S. Army. He quickly rose to captain and spent most of the war in the Pacific (the Queen of Fiji considered him a friend). Later, Thomas had a long career at Harcourt Brace publishing.

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

The Alcus Family Scholarship Fund

• Demonstrate Financial Need.
• Student must continue to meet the Foundation’s renewal requirements.

The American Fisheries Society…

• Includes 8,000+ members from around the world, including fisheries managers, biologists, professors, ecologists, aquaculturists, economists, engineers, geneticists, and social scientists
• Promotes scientific research and sustainable management of fisheries resources
• Publishes five of the world’s leading fish journals, and many renowned books
• Organizes scientific meetings where new results are reported and discussed
• Encourages comprehensive education and professional development for fisheries professionals

AFS Awards

Each year, AFS presents awards to its members and partners for unique contributions that directly or indirectly impact fisheries science. Each year there is a call for award nominations recognizing professional excellence and/or outstanding contributions to conservation, education, and service.

Distinguished Service Award

Recognizes outstanding contributions of time and energy for special projects or activities by AFS members. The number of recipients may vary. A single member, a group of members, and AFS staff are eligible candidates. Nominations should include description of the outstanding contributions by the candidate(s).

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

Thomas F. Kearney Memorial Scholarship Fund

Not based on financial need.

The American Fisheries Society…

• Includes 8,000+ members from around the world, including fisheries managers, biologists, professors, ecologists, aquaculturists, economists, engineers, geneticists, and social scientists
• Promotes scientific research and sustainable management of fisheries resources
• Publishes five of the world’s leading fish journals, and many renowned books
• Organizes scientific meetings where new results are reported and discussed
• Encourages comprehensive education and professional development for fisheries professionals

AFS Awards

Each year, AFS presents awards to its members and partners for unique contributions that directly or indirectly impact fisheries science. Each year there is a call for award nominations recognizing professional excellence and/or outstanding contributions to conservation, education, and service.

Carl R. Sullivan Fishery Conservation Award

Presented to an individual or organization for outstanding contributions to the conservation of fishery resources. Eligibility is not restricted to AFS members, and accomplishments can include political, legal, educational, scientific, and managerial successes. Nominations should include a synopsis of fishery conservation contributions; a description of the influence of those contributions on improved understanding, management, or use of fishery resources; and, at least, one additional supporting letter.

The American Fisheries Society…

• Includes 8,000+ members from around the world, including fisheries managers, biologists, professors, ecologists, aquaculturists, economists, engineers, geneticists, and social scientists
• Promotes scientific research and sustainable management of fisheries resources
• Publishes five of the world’s leading fish journals, and many renowned books
• Organizes scientific meetings where new results are reported and discussed
• Encourages comprehensive education and professional development for fisheries professionals

AFS Awards

Each year, AFS presents awards to its members and partners for unique contributions that directly or indirectly impact fisheries science. Each year there is a call for award nominations recognizing professional excellence and/or outstanding contributions to conservation, education, and service.

Award of Excellence

The Society’s highest award for scientific achievement is presented to a living AFS member for original and/or outstanding contributions to fisheries and aquatic biology. 

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

The Weitz Company Scholarship Fund

Can go to college or vocational school with a major or emphasis in one of the following fields of study:

• Architecture
• Civil Engineering
• Construction Management
• Interior Design
• Other Construction-related fields (e.g., construction project management, mechanical/electrical engineering and trades).

The Helping Justice-Involved Reenter Employment 2.0 (HIRE 2.0) grant program, funded by the California Workforce Development Board, offers approximately $9.5 million to support employment opportunities for justice-involved individuals. This program focuses on training, reskilling, and supportive services to enhance job mobility. Exclusively available to existing HIRE 1.0 grantees and Network Spokes, it aims to improve workforce programming for the reentry population while fostering collaboration among local agencies and community organizations.

At Raley’s, we believe that giving back is one of the most important things we do. We have re-aligned our giving strategy to ensure our community giving reflects our company’s vision of changing the way the world eats, one plate at a time.

Through our two corporate giving programs, Raley’s Purposeful Giving and Raley’s Extra Credit Grants, we are able to support thousands of organizations throughout our company footprint.

Raley's Extra Credit Grants

Raley’s proudly supports causes that make significant impacts in our schools and align with one or more of our Extra Credit pillars:

• Nutrition Education
• Food Literacy
• Play

Through Extra Credit Grants, we also support:

• School Shopping Days: Store fundraiser where 20% of store sales (up to $5,000) on a mutually agreed upon date will go back to the school.
• Store Tours: Opportunities for students to learn how to shop healthy, read nutrition labels, and more!

Raley's offers 3 primary forms of support:

• Monetary support for programs
• Healthy Food and Snack Items
• Raley's Gift Cards

About American College of Radiology

Founded in 1923, the American College of Radiology® (ACR®) is at the forefront of radiology evolution, representing more than 40,000 diagnostic and interventional radiologists, radiation oncologists, nuclear medicine physicians and medical physicists.

Richard L. Morin, PhD, Fellowship in Medical Physics

The American College of Radiology® (ACR®) is proud to support the development of young medical physicists through the Richard L. Morin, PhD, Fellowship. This fellowship provides one or two medical physics residents the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with the ACR.

Morin fellows interact with College staff, gain governance experience and receive fully funded attendance to the ACR Annual Meeting at the end of their Fellowship year.

In addition, the ACR will fully fund a one-week trip to ACR headquarters in Washington, DC, during the fall of their fellowship year, for the fellow(s) to meet College staff across departments and projects.

Fellows who publish an article or complete a project will earn a stipend of $500.

California Department of Education

California will provide a world-class education for all students, from early childhood to adulthood. The Department of Education serves our state by innovating and collaborating with educators, schools, parents, and community partners. Together, as a team, we prepare students to live, work, and thrive in a multicultural, multilingual, and highly connected world.

Education for Homeless Children and Youth Technical Assistance Center

The CDE invites county offices of education (COEs) throughout the state to apply to become a HETAC. The HETAC(s) will provide regional support, resources, and expertise to homeless education liaisons throughout the state to ensure that local educational agencies (LEAs) meet all of the requirements specified in Section 11432(g)(3) of the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 United States Code [U.S.C.] Sec. 11301 et seq.) and additional homeless education provisions outlined in California Education Code (EC).

The John G. Blakesley Mathematical Excellence Scholarship is awarded annually to an exceptional eighth-grade student in Elkhart County. This four-year scholarship, totaling $5,000, supports higher education expenses and is funded by local businessman John Blakesley, who aims to empower future generations. Candidates are nominated by their schools and must demonstrate outstanding character, leadership, and a commitment to learning, reflecting the values cherished by Mr. Blakesley.

The Tom Roberts Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Erie Community Foundation, supports high school seniors actively participating in baseball or softball with two annual scholarships. Honoring Tom Roberts' 40-year commitment to youth sports, applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.25 and plan to pursue post-secondary education or training. In 2023, over $800,000 in scholarships were awarded to deserving students, highlighting the foundation's dedication to fostering educational opportunities.

The Limited Competition: NIGMS Mature Synchrotron Resources for Structural Biology program aims to support advanced technologies at synchrotron facilities, providing biomedical researchers with cutting-edge X-ray beamlines, user training, and expert assistance. This initiative intends to continue funding through a reissued Notice of Funding Opportunity, inviting eligible organizations to apply. Applications will undergo NIH standard peer-review processes to ensure only the most meritorious proposals are funded.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) invites applications for the validation of biomarkers and assays for cancer detection and treatment. This funding opportunity allows for biphasic or monophasic applications to support both analytical and clinical validation phases. Successful projects will leverage human specimens to develop assays that enhance cancer treatment and prevention, ensuring multidisciplinary collaboration among scientists and clinicians. This initiative aims to improve cancer management through reliable and clinically validated tools.

The PSN Labs Scholarship, awarded by the Erie Community Foundation, supports seniors from Erie County schools who have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and are accepted into accredited four-year colleges. In 2023, the foundation allocated over $800,000 in scholarships to more than 500 students, helping them pursue their educational goals. This need-based scholarship aims to alleviate financial burdens and promote higher education among deserving students.

The Pūkoʻa Fellows Program, launched by the Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) at the Aspen Institute, is a 12-week virtual initiative aimed at Pasifika students in the diaspora. The program fosters exploration of diasporic identity and community responsibility through weekly sessions, mentorship, and a student-led event. Participants will connect with a national network of Pasifika organizers, enhancing their advocacy skills and building supportive campus spaces. This program is open to college students aged 18-26.

The Building Hope: Future Forward Schools Prize & Fellowship Program aims to enhance career exploration for middle and high school students. This initiative, launched by Building Hope in partnership with American Student Assistance, recognizes schools that excel in career-connected learning. Awardees receive funding, mentorship, and resources to empower students from diverse backgrounds, ensuring they develop essential skills for future success. With $50,000 available for five schools, this program fosters innovation and prepares students for a changing economy.

The Victim Offender Dialogue Program Grants aim to provide funding for nonprofit organizations facilitating restorative justice dialogues between crime victims and offenders. With a total of $2 million available over two years, these grants support the creation of safe environments for personal healing and accountability. By empowering victims and encouraging offenders to express remorse, this initiative fosters empathy, responsibility, and healing within California's justice system.

The AVID Scholarship Fund, managed by Scholarship America, supports high school seniors in Orange County, CA, who are enrolled in the AVID elective for at least three years. Eligible students must plan to attend a four-year college and demonstrate financial need, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The scholarship emphasizes community commitment and is available through a single application for multiple funds.

The AVID: Syage Family Scholarship Fund aims to support high school seniors from Orange County, CA, who have been enrolled in the AVID elective class for at least three years. This scholarship, administered by Scholarship America, promotes educational advancement by offering financial assistance for undergraduate studies. Applicants must demonstrate community commitment, have a minimum GPA of 3.0, and show financial need, making this opportunity crucial for those seeking to further their education at four-year colleges.

The AVID: Priscilla and Ranney Draper Scholars Fund offers scholarships to high school seniors enrolled in the AVID elective, supporting their transition to a four-year college or university. Administered by Scholarship America, this program recognizes students from Orange County, CA, who have demonstrated commitment and financial need. Each applicant completes a single application for multiple scholarships, with awards of up to $5,000 available for undergraduate studies.

The AVID: Dad's House Scholarship, administered by Scholarship America, supports high school seniors in Orange County who have participated in the AVID program for at least three years. With an estimated award of $3,000 for undergraduate studies, applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a GPA of 2.5. The scholarship encourages community commitment and aims to assist those planning to enroll full-time at accredited four-year institutions.

The AVID: Beatrice Levin Scholarship Fund, managed by Scholarship America, supports high school seniors in Orange County, CA, who have participated in the AVID program for three years. This scholarship is for students who demonstrate community commitment, have a minimum 3.0 GPA, and show financial need. One common application is used for all AVID scholarships, with awards granted for undergraduate studies only. This program encourages continued education at accredited four-year institutions.

The AVID: Charles H. & Ethel E. Wolfe Scholarship Endowment, managed by Scholarship America, supports high school seniors from Orange County, CA, enrolled in the AVID program. Eligible students must have strong academic records, community involvement, and plan to attend a four-year college. The scholarship awards between $1,500 and $2,500 for undergraduate studies, helping to ease the financial burden of pursuing higher education.

The AVID: Orange County Centennial Scholarship Fund (Art Awards) supports high school seniors enrolled in the AVID elective, aiming to pursue a four-year college education. Funded by Scholarship America, this program offers awards ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 for undergraduate studies. Eligible applicants must demonstrate community involvement, leadership, and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. This scholarship is intended for students from Orange County, CA, pursuing degrees in various art disciplines.

The AVID: Orange County Centennial Scholarship Fund offers financial assistance between $2,000 and $5,000 to eligible high school seniors in Orange County, CA, who are enrolled in the AVID elective. This scholarship program, administered by Scholarship America, encourages community involvement and leadership among applicants. To qualify, students must demonstrate academic excellence with a minimum GPA of 3.5 and show financial need. This one-time award supports those planning to pursue full-time undergraduate studies at accredited institutions.