Best Merced County Grants for Nonprofits in California

The Gospel Fest Music Arts Scholarship, established by Vicki Hill of WTLZ-FM, aims to support Saginaw County students pursuing degrees in Musical Arts. This initiative is part of a larger effort by the Saginaw Community Foundation to enhance local education through scholarships and grants. The annual Gospel Fest, attracting up to 2,000 attendees, serves as a vibrant community event promoting peace and cultural unity through music, showcasing both local and national talent.

About Foam Recycling

The process to recycle foam is like that of other recyclables. In the case of foam products, a special compactor – called a “densifier” – may be used in the processing of the material. Foam products are over 90% air, so densifying it allows the material to be transported more cost-effectively. To give you an example, a 48-foot truckload of baled foam polystyrene weighs only around 16,000 pounds, whereas a truckload of densified foam polystyrene weighs 40,000 pounds.

Innovative alternatives are being developed and deployed that are categorized as chemical recycling (vs. mechanical recycling). This will take the plastic resin back to its base state – in the case of foam PS, back to a styrene monomer. With chemical recycling, increased organic contamination will only impact the amount of foam for recovery (yield), but will not impact the recyclability of the plastic.

Foam Recycling Coalition Grant Program

Funding Source: Funding for the grant program comes from contributions from members of the Foam Recycling Coalition, a special interest group of the Foodservice Packaging Institute.

Grant Amounts: Funding amounts will be made on a case-by-case basis and will be dependent on equipment needs. The maximum amount per grant is $50,000.

Cash Match: No cash match is required, but additional costs by the grantee may be incurred for related items such as site preparation, provision of conveying system and electrical infrastructure, freight, and other installation costs.

About the Strategic Growth Council

The mission of the Council is to coordinate and work collaboratively with public agencies, communities, and stakeholders to achieve sustainability, equity, economic prosperity, and quality of life for all Californians.

Tribal Housing Pre-Development Fund

The Tribal Housing Pre-Development Fund provides funding and technical assistance to Tribes interested in affordable housing development.

The Tribal Housing Pre-Development Fund is a grant opportunity that funds activities related to affordable housing development, including planning, infrastructure, construction, site preparation, and other pre-development activities. The goal of the Fund is to increase preparedness to build housing and access other state-funded, affordable housing programs. 

The programs are exclusively available to California Native American Tribes and Tribal entities; both federally recognized and non-federally recognized Tribes are encouraged to apply. 

The Academic Career Excellence (ACE) Award (K32) supports early-stage postdoctoral scholars through rigorous research and career development over three years. Applicants must submit their proposals up to a year before or two years after starting their postdoctoral positions. This award emphasizes innovative research ideas and strategic planning for training and mentorship, aiming to cultivate independent investigators in research fields aligned with the missions of NIH Institutes and Centers.

The Small Business Transition Grant for New Entrepreneurs, funded by the NIH, aims to support early-career scientists as they transition into entrepreneurship. This program invites eligible small business concerns to apply for STTR Phase I and Fast-Track grant applications, which include funding for research and development, as well as essential entrepreneurial training and mentorship. It is designed for first-time Principal Investigators, emphasizing the importance of industry mentorship in project development.

The Small Business Transition Grant for New Entrepreneurs aims to support early-career scientists transitioning into entrepreneurship. Funded by the NIH and CDC, this initiative encourages small business concerns to apply for SBIR Phase I and Fast-Track grants. Key components include research funding, entrepreneurial training, and mentorship. Potential applicants are urged to prepare their projects and identify mentors, ensuring the inclusion of experienced personnel committed to the project. This opportunity is tailored for first-time Principal Investigators.

About The Department of Industrial Relations

The Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) was established in 1927. Its mission is to improve working conditions for California’s wage earners and to advance opportunities for profitable employment in California. DIR has four divisions, the Divisions of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE or Labor Commissioner’s Office or LCO), the Division of Safety and Health (DOSH or Cal/ OSHA), the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC), and the Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS). DIR administers and enforces laws governing wages, hours and breaks, overtime, retaliation, workplace safety and health, apprenticeship training programs, medical care, and other benefits for injured workers. DIR also publishes materials and holds workshops and seminars to promote healthy employment relations, conducts research to improve its programs, and coordinates with other agencies to target egregious violators of labor laws and tax laws in the underground economy.

California Workplace Outreach Project (CWOP)

The California Workplace Outreach Project (CWOP) empowers community-based organizations (CBOs) to be trusted messengers for the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and the Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA), delivering crucial information on workers’ rights and safety measures to workers, employers, and their communities. At this time, CWOP is in a two-year cycle known as "CWOP 5.0/6.0." 5.0 refers to the fifth year of the project, covering approximately July 2025 – June 2026, and 6.0 refers to the sixth year of the project, covering approximately July 2026 – June 2027, with some exceptions. The present RFA is intended to supplement the current CWOP cohort.

CWOP Supplemental Funding Request for Applications (RFA)

Supplemental funds will support CWOP 6.0 and be available both for current grantees wishing to expand their deliverables and for new grantees who can address identified gaps and emerging needs as described in the Request for Application (RFA).

These supplemental funds will support the second year of the current cohort and fill identified gaps and emergent needs.

Existing grantees that are on track or surpassing their existing 5.0 grant deliverables and would like to increase their current deliverables as an Activator, Activator Plus, or Regional Lead may request additional funds by filling out this survey instead of going through the RFA process. Organizations must be competitive in their proposed goal changes to be considered for additional supplemental funds.

Applicants may apply for the following types of grants as part of this RFA: 1) Legal Services; 2) Outreach Tools; 3) Communications Support; 4) Activator Role; 5) Activator Plus Role.

Applicants fullfiling identified gaps and emerging needs for CWOP 5.0/6.0 will be prioritized for supplemental funding.

Legal Services Grant

Recipients will be required to provide legal consultation and support to workers on workplace issues under the California Labor Code. Under this category, legal consultation and support include initial intake, assessment and consultation, assisting workers with preparing initial claims/complaints, or providing limited presentation to the worker. Deliverables under this category include the number of workers directly supported with legal consultation and support. Recipients may also provide legal advice or consultation to CWOP grantees, counted as hours of technical assistance provided.

Technical assistance includes consultation on interpreting laws, regulations, or guidelines, identifying what workers may need to advocate with employers and suggesting actions to support workers. All applicants must demonstrate substantial and extensive experience by the number of years and depth of work that overlaps with this category. Applicants applying for the full amount will need to support at minimum 100 unique workers with legal consultation and support.

About Us

Our team is working tirelessly to heal the planet and ensure that a just and livable future prevails.

With three decades of clean energy industry experience, our leadership team draws upon a long track record of environmental stewardship and meaningful throughput to confidently navigate today's unprecedented challenges.

We are teaming up with local philanthropists, nonprofit organizations, advocates and elected officials to implement effective solutions towards stopping the climate crisis.

Solar Moonshot Program Grant

The Solar Moonshot Program is helping nonprofit organizations across the United States afford the switch to clean energy.

Grants up to $25,000 are typically awarded, with grant amounts dependent on various factors, including the organization’s need for funding. 

In addition to grants given through the program, we also offer short-term, low-interest recoverable grants to help cover the project costs offset by the Investment Tax Credit.

Grants for 2026 are made possible by the BQuest Foundation and two anonymous donors, and the program is managed by Hammond Climate Solutions Foundation. Learn more about the program's status and participants below! 

About The Department of Industrial Relations

The Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) was established in 1927. Its mission is to improve working conditions for California’s wage earners and to advance opportunities for profitable employment in California. DIR has four divisions, the Divisions of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE or Labor Commissioner’s Office or LCO), the Division of Safety and Health (DOSH or Cal/ OSHA), the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC), and the Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS). DIR administers and enforces laws governing wages, hours and breaks, overtime, retaliation, workplace safety and health, apprenticeship training programs, medical care, and other benefits for injured workers. DIR also publishes materials and holds workshops and seminars to promote healthy employment relations, conducts research to improve its programs, and coordinates with other agencies to target egregious violators of labor laws and tax laws in the underground economy.

California Workplace Outreach Project (CWOP)

The California Workplace Outreach Project (CWOP) empowers community-based organizations (CBOs) to be trusted messengers for the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and the Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA), delivering crucial information on workers’ rights and safety measures to workers, employers, and their communities. At this time, CWOP is in a two-year cycle known as "CWOP 5.0/6.0." 5.0 refers to the fifth year of the project, covering approximately July 2025 – June 2026, and 6.0 refers to the sixth year of the project, covering approximately July 2026 – June 2027, with some exceptions. The present RFA is intended to supplement the current CWOP cohort.

CWOP Supplemental Funding Request for Applications (RFA)

Supplemental funds will support CWOP 6.0 and be available both for current grantees wishing to expand their deliverables and for new grantees who can address identified gaps and emerging needs as described in the Request for Application (RFA).

These supplemental funds will support the second year of the current cohort and fill identified gaps and emergent needs.

Existing grantees that are on track or surpassing their existing 5.0 grant deliverables and would like to increase their current deliverables as an Activator, Activator Plus, or Regional Lead may request additional funds by filling out this survey instead of going through the RFA process. Organizations must be competitive in their proposed goal changes to be considered for additional supplemental funds.

Applicants may apply for the following types of grants as part of this RFA: 1) Legal Services; 2) Outreach Tools; 3) Communications Support; 4) Activator Role; 5) Activator Plus Role.

Applicants fullfiling identified gaps and emerging needs for CWOP 5.0/6.0 will be prioritized for supplemental funding.

Outreach Tools Grant

Applicants may propose the development and adaptation of outreach tools that can be used to support outreach planning and delivery for the cohort. Examples include, but are not limited to, tools that:

• automate the calculation of wages owed and potential penalties associated with those owed wages,
• automate the development of documents that workers can use to redress workplace complaints, and/or
• facilitate the understanding of workers of their rights under the Labor Code and options to resolve their complaints.

By applying under this category, the tools created must be made available to CWOP grantees at no additional cost.

About The Department of Industrial Relations

The Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) was established in 1927. Its mission is to improve working conditions for California’s wage earners and to advance opportunities for profitable employment in California. DIR has four divisions, the Divisions of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE or Labor Commissioner’s Office or LCO), the Division of Safety and Health (DOSH or Cal/ OSHA), the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC), and the Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS). DIR administers and enforces laws governing wages, hours and breaks, overtime, retaliation, workplace safety and health, apprenticeship training programs, medical care, and other benefits for injured workers. DIR also publishes materials and holds workshops and seminars to promote healthy employment relations, conducts research to improve its programs, and coordinates with other agencies to target egregious violators of labor laws and tax laws in the underground economy.

California Workplace Outreach Project (CWOP)

The California Workplace Outreach Project (CWOP) empowers community-based organizations (CBOs) to be trusted messengers for the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and the Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA), delivering crucial information on workers’ rights and safety measures to workers, employers, and their communities. At this time, CWOP is in a two-year cycle known as "CWOP 5.0/6.0." 5.0 refers to the fifth year of the project, covering approximately July 2025 – June 2026, and 6.0 refers to the sixth year of the project, covering approximately July 2026 – June 2027, with some exceptions. The present RFA is intended to supplement the current CWOP cohort.

CWOP Supplemental Funding Request for Applications (RFA)

Supplemental funds will support CWOP 6.0 and be available both for current grantees wishing to expand their deliverables and for new grantees who can address identified gaps and emerging needs as described in the Request for Application (RFA).

These supplemental funds will support the second year of the current cohort and fill identified gaps and emergent needs.

Existing grantees that are on track or surpassing their existing 5.0 grant deliverables and would like to increase their current deliverables as an Activator, Activator Plus, or Regional Lead may request additional funds by filling out this survey instead of going through the RFA process. Organizations must be competitive in their proposed goal changes to be considered for additional supplemental funds.

Applicants may apply for the following types of grants as part of this RFA: 1) Legal Services; 2) Outreach Tools; 3) Communications Support; 4) Activator Role; 5) Activator Plus Role.

Applicants fullfiling identified gaps and emerging needs for CWOP 5.0/6.0 will be prioritized for supplemental funding.

Communications Support Grant

Communications support, specifically interpretation services for Indigenous languages and/or the development of outreach assets. Applicants in this category can propose to:

• create accessible and easy to understand outreach materials based on State-approved messaging and talking points and/or
• provide Indigenous language interpretation capacity to the CWOP program by interpreting at events and meetings and creating, or supporting with the creation of, Indigenous language audio and videos based on State-approved content.

All applicants must demonstrate substantial and extensive experience by the number of years and depth of work that overlaps with this category.

Casting your Future – UAW Local 668 Scholarship

The International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) is one of the largest and most diverse unions in North America and is committed to improving the lives of working men and women around the globe. Here in Saginaw, Amalgamated UAW Local 668 proudly represents the hourly employees at the General Motors Saginaw Metal Casting Operations plant and the Knight Facilities Maintenance Group at the same facility.

Our commitment is unwavering to the education of the youth of this country. The success of our middle class is directly dependent on education which provides the skills required to compete in a global economy.

Clifford H. Spicer Memorial Scholarship

Clifford Spicer, founder of Spicer Engineering, was a registered professional engineer and professional land surveyor. A member and past president of the Michigan Society of Professional Engineers, Michigan Society of Land Surveyors, Michigan Waterworks Association and Michigan Water Pollution Control Federation, he served also on the Board of Appeals on Zoning for the City of Saginaw for 21 years.

At Spicer Engineering’s 50th Anniversary celebration in 1994, Mr. Spicer was honored by community leaders, including Governor John Engler and employees of Spicer Engineering. Former Saginaw Township Manager Frank Jones remarked, “Clifford Spicer … instilled in all employees his own extremely high professional work ethic. A finer gentlemen and engineer I have yet to meet.” Mr. Spicer died in 1997 at the age of 94.

The FY26 Autism Research Program Career Development Award aims to support early-career investigators in conducting innovative research that can significantly impact autism. It encourages applications addressing specific areas of interest and mandates community collaboration for projects involving pilot clinical trials. Proposals must include partnerships with community members for effective planning and implementation, ensuring that the research is grounded in the needs of the autism community.

The FY26 Autism Research Program's Idea Development Award from the US DOD aims to support groundbreaking research that improves outcomes for Autistic individuals. This award encourages innovative, high-risk projects that can lead to significant advancements in autism research. Applications must address specific areas of interest or justify the importance of the research problem. A unique Partnering Principal Investigator option allows two researchers to collaborate on a single project, enhancing the potential for impactful discoveries.

The FY26 Autism Research Program Clinical Trial Award aims to rapidly implement clinical trials that significantly impact autism treatment and management. Projects may range from small proof-of-concept trials to large-scale studies assessing efficacy in relevant populations. Applications are encouraged to partner experienced and early-career investigators and must include community collaborations to enhance research impact. At least one community partner is required to provide ongoing consultation throughout the project.

The FY26 Orthopaedic Research Program Clinical Research Award supports vital clinical research addressing orthopaedic-specific factors and interventions. It aims to generate evidence that optimizes patient outcomes and informs clinical care, benefiting Service Members, Veterans, and the public. Applications should focus on priority areas such as Ligamentous Trauma and Military Women’s Health, ensuring significant impact on patient care and mitigation of orthopaedic injuries.

The DoW Orthopaedic Applied Research Award supports innovative research aimed at improving treatment and functionality for individuals with combat-related orthopaedic injuries. Applicants are required to present preliminary data and focus on applied research that evaluates new solutions, including pharmacologic agents and rehabilitation techniques. This initiative emphasizes the importance of military relevance, aiming to benefit Service Members, their families, and Veterans, while clinical research proposals are not permitted.

About

Six Decades of Human(e) Progress

At IHS, we build bridges across coalitions working to renew the liberal project—creating a 21st century that's freer, more tolerant, and more prosperous than any in human history.

This work takes on new urgency in a world of rising illiberalism and authoritarianism. Thanks to the generosity of over a thousand individual donors and foundations, IHS continues to find new ways to support the thinkers and leaders who are carrying liberal principles forward.

Impact

IHS works where ideas take root. We place smart bets on the people and research projects that are redrawing the boundaries of human potential in classrooms, in policy, and in public life.

Free Society Grants

For Faculty

Free Society Grants support faculty seeking to develop or expand undergraduate programming grounded in the liberal tradition. Grants are awarded based on project scope and need. The next application cycle opens March 13, 2026; the deadline is June 15, 2026. Funding decisions will be announced by August 7, 2026.

Support for Undergraduate Programming

These grants are designed for faculty who want to cultivate sustained intellectual engagement through mentorship, structured reading, and rigorous discussion—inside and beyond the classroom. The goal is not simply exposure to ideas, but intellectual formation.

All grants include access to ScholarsEdge digital tools, including registration support, to help ensure smooth execution and sustained engagement.

The NSF SBIR/STTR programs are launching a pilot emphasis on advancing scientific instrumentation and enabling technologies to drive innovation and economic growth in the U.S. This initiative supports startups and small businesses developing critical scientific equipment and platforms, with funding opportunities up to $2 million for R&D. By prioritizing next-generation instrumentation, NSF aims to enhance the scientific enterprise and foster breakthroughs essential for the future of AI-driven discoveries and broader scientific advancements.

The Goodridge Brothers Scholarship, offered by the Saginaw Community Foundation, supports residents of Saginaw County pursuing careers in technical education, such as welding or auto mechanics. This initiative recognizes the growing demand for skilled tradespeople and aims to alleviate financial barriers for students. Scholarships typically range from $500 to $4,000, promoting educational opportunities in urban and regional planning and enhancing the community's workforce capabilities.

The Ken and Eileen Gross Memorial Scholarship, established by friends of the couple, supports Saginaw County high school seniors pursuing a teaching degree. With a focus on fostering education, this scholarship honors Ken, a dedicated educator, and Eileen, a successful property manager. Eligible students must demonstrate a minimum 3.0 GPA and financial need, ensuring that those committed to teaching can pursue their aspirations. Awards typically range from $500 to $4,000, empowering the next generation of educators.

William L. & Mary Ann Brown STEM Endowment Scholarship Program

The William L. & Mary Ann Brown STEM Endowed Scholarship Program was established by William L. and Mary Ann Brown to provide need-based scholarship support to seniors graduating from a high school in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, enrolled at a UNCF member institution, four-year HBCUs, and four-year institutions.

Successful applicants must be graduating high school seniors entering their first year of college, pursuing a STEM degree, including, but not limited to, fields in physical sciences, mathematics, the biological sciences, the chemical sciences, computer sciences, and engineering. Applicants must be enrolled or planning to enroll as a full-time student.

Improving Metastatic Prostate Cancer (mPCa) Care Through Innovative Strategies

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® and Pfizer Global Medical Grants (Pfizer) are collaborating to offer a new grant opportunity seeking proposals for investigator-initiated research to improve mPCa care. Pfizer (hereafter, “Grantor”) is providing $1 Million in funding to support quality improvement studies to advance health care quality, the delivery of quality care, and improve health care provider performance in mPCa care. The Grantor will serve as the funding organization. Grants are available to all investigators from institutions within the United States. 

Aim

To promote the advancement of scientific knowledge, health care provider performance, and/or health care quality improvement focused on improving mPCa care.

A total of $1 Million is available to fund all projects. The intent is to fund 2-5 studies. There is a funding cap of $250,000 per study. Exceptional studies with budgets above this amount will be considered based on scientific merit and must contain a robust justification. All budgets must include line-item information and robust justification.

Implementing Germline and Somatic Testing for Precision Medicine in Community-Based Prostate Cancer Care 

The intent of this Request for Proposal (RFP) is to invite organizations to submit applications to host a 2.5-to-3 hour medical education program at or nearby the organization, to be led by 1-2 Visiting Professors (VPs) with expertise matched to the organization’s unmet educational and pragmatic needs related to integrating and acting on germline and somatic (tumor and/or ctDNA) testing for patients with prostate cancer. Following the education program, organizations will implement their action plan to incorporate, increase, or improve the use of guideline-concordant germline and somatic testing to improve prostate cancer patient care.

The total budget for the RFP is $250,000 USD, with plans to support 5-7 organizations. Individual project budgets should not exceed $50,000 USD.

About Us

The Community Foundation of Dickinson County, Inc. was established in 1999 by a group of civic-minded individuals who cherished their community and wanted to ensure future generations experience the same quality of living they had received in Dickinson County. These visionaries secured the future of the Foundation by establishing an Endowed Founder’s Fund.  

Woodrow and Esther Tyrell Technical Scholarship - (Up to 5) $10,000

The Woodrow and Esther Tyrell Technical Scholarship honors the legacy of Benjamin Woodrow Tyrell and Esther Tyrell, whose lives reflected a strong commitment to hard work, service, and education. Born in Talmage, Kansas, Woodrow Tyrell served in World War II before returning to Dickinson County, where he worked for 33 years at the Abilene Flour Mill. Esther Tyrell, originally from Longford, Kansas, dedicated her career to education in Dickinson County. Married in 1952, the Tyrells believed deeply in the value of education and skills-based training. 

About Us

The Community Foundation of Dickinson County, Inc. was established in 1999 by a group of civic-minded individuals who cherished their community and wanted to ensure future generations experience the same quality of living they had received in Dickinson County. These visionaries secured the future of the Foundation by establishing an Endowed Founder’s Fund.

Woodrow and Esther Tyrell Scholarship - (2 or more) $20,000

The Woodrow and Esther Tyrell Scholarship honors the lives and legacy of Benjamin Woodrow Tyrell and Esther Tyrell, whose commitment to hard work, service, and education continues to benefit students in Dickinson County. Born in Talmage, Kansas, Woodrow Tyrell served in World War II before returning home to work at the Abilene Flour Mill for 33 years. Esther Tyrell, originally from Longford, Kansas, was a longtime educator in Dickinson County. Married in 1952, the Tyrells shared a strong belief in the importance of education. Through their generous endowment at the Community Foundation of Dickinson County, their legacy continues to support students and foster brighter futures through educational opportunity.

Evidence Based Safety Contextualization of JAK inhibitors in the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Atopic Dermatitis

Primary Area of Interest:

Dermatology – Atopic Dermatitis

General Area of Interest for this RFP:

Potential applicants should describe their initiative to synthesize the existing medical literature on the safety data available for JAKis indicated for the treatment of M2S AD and distill it into a concise, practical communication for the community of providers who treat AD. The educational initiative should be based on the body of scientific evidence available in the literature including the following, but not limited to:

• Retrospective, cohort analyses evaluating the background risk of adverse events of special interest (infections, cardiovascular events, malignancies etc.) in patients diagnosed with M2S AD.
• Clinical trial safety data for use of JAKis for the treatment of M2S AD, including assessments of subpopulations (i.e. adolescents, elderly; cardiovascular risk factors etc.).
• Observational analyses, network meta-analyses, or other safety analyses, including comparative safety analyses and/or real-world assessments to examine the rate of adverse events of special interest in patients receiving JAKis for treatment of AD.

Funding Range and Project Length

Individual projects requesting up to $75,000 USD will be considered. Maximum project length is 1 year.