Best Merced Grants for Nonprofits in California

The Dr. Carolyn Baum Cognitive Function in Daily Life Mentor Award, funded by the American Occupational Therapy Foundation, supports mid-to senior-level occupational therapy researchers mentoring assistant professors or post-doctoral fellows. This $10,000 stipend aims to enhance understanding of cognition's role in daily life through research. Dr. Carolyn Baum, a pioneer in the field, inspires this initiative, promoting the advancement of functional cognition in occupational therapy.

The Volk – Geyman Scholarship, established by the San Juan Pilots Association, honors John Volk and John Geyman by providing financial assistance to students pursuing careers in aviation and medicine. This scholarship aims to support high school graduates with a commitment to academic excellence and community service. Eligible fields include aviation-related studies and emergency medical training. By fostering leadership and service, the scholarship encourages students to follow the inspiring examples set by its namesakes.

The Vida Wight Memorial Scholarship, established in memory of Vida Luisa Demuth Wight, supports young women pursuing higher education in fields like dance, psychology, and agriculture. This scholarship aims to honor Vida's vibrant spirit and commitment to empowerment by aiding those who demonstrate passion for their studies and a strong work ethic. Preference is given to students of color, promoting diversity and inclusion in educational opportunities.

The SJICF Scholarship supports San Juan Island residents seeking higher education through accredited institutions. This scholarship empowers eligible high school graduates and adult learners alike, promoting academic excellence and career development. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, show commitment to their studies, and participate in an interview. The funds can cover tuition, fees, and necessary materials, but cannot be used for transportation costs. This initiative transforms lives by making education accessible.

The Katie Cannon Scholarship honors Rev. Dr. Katie Geneva Cannon, a pioneering figure in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). This scholarship aims to empower Presbyterian women of color, clergywomen, and college women by providing financial assistance for leadership development events and educational opportunities. It promotes spiritual growth and mission involvement within the church, ensuring that women are equipped for greater service and leadership roles. This fund is part of the Women's Ministry Fund at the Presbyterian Mission Agency.

The Samuel Robinson Award is a scholarship for college juniors and seniors attending Presbyterian-related institutions. To qualify, students must memorize the Westminster Shorter Catechism's 107 questions and answers within 18 months. Eligible applicants for 2024 are those graduating in 2024 or 2025. This award encourages academic achievement and religious education among students committed to their faith and educational pursuits.

The Leadership Development Grants empower women in the PC(USA) to enhance their leadership skills through educational opportunities. This initiative fosters personal growth and active participation within the Presbyterian Women community, ultimately strengthening the church's mission. Eligible women can apply for grants to attend various leadership events, ensuring that they can contribute effectively to the church's goals while developing their unique gifts and talents.

The Social Impact Fund - Nationwide Grant supports innovative solutions addressing health care access, food security, and economic empowerment. Funded by the American Heart Association, this grant prioritizes community-led projects from organizations with under $10M in revenue. Eligible entities include both for-profit and nonprofit organizations based in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Grants can provide up to $250,000 to initiatives that demonstrate measurable impact, fostering sustainable change in health and wellness.

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.

The Frank Chapman Sharp Memorial Prize, established in 1990 by the Sharp family, honors the legacy of Frank Chapman Sharp, an influential philosopher. This prize, awarded for the best unpublished essay or monograph on the philosophy of war and peace, aims to encourage scholarly contributions in this field. Eligible submissions are restricted to APA members, with a funding amount of $1,500. This award highlights the importance of philosophical discourse on critical societal issues.

The HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) for Tribal Applicants in California offers funding to support affordable housing initiatives. This program accepts applications until September 24, 2025, or until funds are exhausted. It aims to provide decent, safe, and sanitary housing for low-income and very low-income households through loans and grants. Eligible applicants can utilize these funds for various housing-related activities, ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations.

The Creative Capital Award, established in 1999, provides unrestricted project grants ranging from $15,000 to $50,000 for innovative artistic works in various disciplines. It supports artists in visual arts, performing arts, film, and literature through a democratic, open-call process. Awardees receive professional development resources and mentorship over a five-year relationship. Additionally, recipients are automatically considered for the State of the Art Prize, which offers a $10,000 grant to one artist from each U.S. state.

The Leadership Development Grants for Young Women, offered by Presbyterian Women, empower women aged 18-30 to enhance their leadership skills through participation in educational events. With grants of up to $2,000 for the Commission on the Status of Women and $1,000 for the Ecumenical Advocacy Days, this program fosters personal and community growth within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Eligible applicants must be active in PC(USA) and meet specific grant requirements.

The Robert B. Kyts & Jadwiga Roguska Kyts, M.D Scholarship, offered by the Kosciuszko Foundation, supports graduate students majoring in arts studies for two years, with a total funding of $60,000. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents of Polish descent, enrolled full-time, and maintain a GPA of 3.7 or higher. The award is disbursed in four installments, contingent on meeting scholarship conditions. Deadline for recommendation letters is March 3, 2026.

The Hershey Heartwarming Young Heroes GYSD Grant supports youth-led projects for Youth Service Month and Global Youth Service Day. Open to U.S. and Canadian youth aged 5-25, grants of $250 or $500 are available, depending on volunteer engagement. Projects should address community needs and foster inclusivity among diverse youth volunteers. Successful applications will partner with local organizations and focus on relationship-building. A total of $50,000 in grants will be awarded, encouraging meaningful community service.

The Greater Cincinnati African American Scholarship Fund, administered by the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, offers scholarships for high school seniors in the Greater Cincinnati area. With awards ranging from $2,000 to $10,000, the program aims to support students pursuing higher education. Since its inception in 2002, it has awarded over $170,000 in scholarships, empowering local youth to achieve their academic goals and contribute positively to their communities.

The Russell Sage Foundation is launching the Causal Research on the Criminal Justice System Grant to support early-career scholars in conducting causal research related to the criminal justice system, including police, courts, and probation. This initiative aims to build a pipeline of researchers and enhance collaboration through a capstone conference. Eligible applicants must be tenure-track assistant professors in the U.S. The next deadline is expected in April 2026, with a budget limit of $100,000 for one-year projects.

The RFP for the Rural Rental Housing Preservation Academy offers no-cost training sessions aimed at empowering rural housing providers to acquire and preserve affordable housing financed by USDA, HUD, and LIHTC. Participants will engage in peer learning, receive targeted technical assistance, and access expert guidance tailored to their needs. This initiative seeks to enhance the preservation of affordable housing opportunities, particularly those with rental assistance, in rural communities across the region.

The Carnegie Young Leaders for Civic Preparedness Fellowship Program invites young individuals aged 14-24 to engage in community projects, bridging divides and tackling pressing issues nationwide. In 2025, 500 changemakers will form 100 teams, enhancing their civic skills through collaboration and discussions. Participants will receive stipends and reimbursement funding, while committing to regular meetings and project work. This initiative aims to empower diverse youth populations, providing equitable access to civic education and leadership opportunities as America approaches its 250th anniversary.

The Paul Purcell "Kids Win!" Annual Baird Education Grant honors the legacy of former Baird CEO Paul E. Purcell, who dedicated his life to educational causes. Established in 2020, this grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations that ensure all children, regardless of circumstances, have access to quality education. Funded by Baird and its associates, it prioritizes programs serving diverse and underserved populations, embodying Purcell's belief that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed.

The Sagol Network GerOmic Award for Junior Faculty supports early career investigators in aging research, focusing on -omics studies related to biological aging and age-related diseases. Research areas include genomics, proteomics, and interventions targeting aging. Eligible applicants are independent researchers at U.S. not-for-profit institutions, with 10 years or fewer since their postdoctoral training. The award may cover overhead costs, promoting innovative research in the vital field of gerontology.

The Professional & Technical Training Scholarships-Mission San Rafael Scholarship, offered by 10,000 Degrees, aims to support Marin County students with financial need pursuing vocational programs that lead to a license or certificate. Eligible applicants include Marin residents or San Rafael Unified School District graduates, attending accredited training institutions. This initiative provides not only financial aid but also essential resources to ensure students' success in their educational journeys.

The Emerging Artist Grant, offered by the Guild of Carillonneurs in North America, supports the next generation of carillonneurs by providing financial assistance for education and professional development. Eligible applicants can receive up to $750 or $2,000 depending on their qualifications, which may be used for tuition, travel, and equipment. This initiative aims to foster talent in the carillon community, ensuring a vibrant future for this unique musical art form.

The Arthur F. Burns Fellowship offers journalists from the U.S., Canada, and Germany a unique opportunity to enhance their skills through a two-month exchange program. Participants engage in a structured orientation in Washington, D.C., followed by hands-on training at German media outlets. This fellowship not only enriches careers but also fosters international understanding, with many alumni advancing in prominent media roles globally. With financial support for living and travel expenses, this program significantly enhances the quality of transatlantic news coverage.

The Mobile Learning Fund provides grants to adult literacy programs in the U.S. and Canada, enabling access to digital learning solutions. These grants support various online learning tools, such as New Readers Press, Learning Upgrade, and EnGen, aimed at enhancing literacy, math, and digital skills. Eligible programs must implement the solutions within 30 days and ensure active learner engagement. This initiative empowers educators to expand their reach and improve student outcomes through innovative digital resources.

The Walking College Fellowship, offered by America Walks, is an innovative online program aimed at empowering community champions to enhance walkability. Participants engage in six modules, committing 5-10 hours weekly, to develop actionable plans addressing local challenges. Over 200 alumni have successfully implemented initiatives such as sidewalk installations and complete streets policies. The program encourages diverse candidates, fostering collaboration and effective advocacy for safer, more accessible communities.

The Wyeth Foundation for American Art aims to promote the study and appreciation of historic American art through financial support for research, conservation, and innovative exhibitions. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $25,000 and are awarded to non-profit organizations. The foundation emphasizes the importance of scholarship and excellence in American art, while not funding projects focusing solely on art from the last three decades.