Best Merced County Grants for Nonprofits in California

The McDaniel Scholarship at Adams State University aims to provide full-tuition scholarships to students in junior standing or above, including post-graduate and graduate students. Established by Dr. John E. McDaniel, this scholarship honors past students while supporting the educational aspirations of future scholars. As part of Colorado's premier Hispanic-Serving Institution, this initiative reflects the university’s commitment to equitable access to education and empowering historically underserved populations.

The DTRF + Thurgood Marshall College Fund Scholarship, offered by the Descendants Truth & Reconciliation Foundation, provides annual need-based scholarships of up to $10,000 for Certified Descendants of Jesuit slaveholding. This initiative aims to support educational advancement at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other post-secondary institutions, while promoting racial healing and minimizing the wealth gap within the Descendant community.

The Hungry for History Marker Grant Program, funded by the William G Pomeroy Foundation, aims to celebrate America's food history through roadside markers. This initiative supports 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities in recognizing significant food dishes created before 1970, highlighting their cultural importance. Grants are available twice yearly, inviting communities to showcase their unique culinary heritage while fostering a sense of identity and connection.

The Historical Transportation Marker Program provides grants to commemorate significant transportation methods used before 1945, such as canals, bridges, railroads, and aircraft. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities in the U.S. Grants aim to recognize historical facts with clear inscriptions, supported by documentation, while ensuring markers are publicly accessible near existing sites. This initiative highlights the evolution of transportation and its impact on community development.

The BISCUITS Grant, offered by Southern Vision Alliance, provides up to $5,000 to organizations with budgets under $300,000 that focus on building power through organizing and collective action. Recipients gain access to a supportive cohort and networking opportunities. Participation in two virtual gatherings and a $500 wellness stipend is included. This grant is aimed at new applicants or those who have submitted their final QMF reports, ensuring support for emerging grassroots organizations.

The Wenatchee Valley Medical Group and Confluence Health Employee Scholarship supports employees and their families pursuing higher education in healthcare. Offered by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, this scholarship is available for various educational paths, including trade schools, community colleges, and four-year universities. Preference is given to employees, their children, and first-degree relatives, emphasizing those aiming for healthcare-related training. This initiative fosters educational advancement within the community.

The Howard and Beverly Murray Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, honors high-achieving students pursuing education in math and science. Eligible applicants must be graduating seniors from Chelan or Douglas high schools with a minimum GPA of 3.4. This scholarship aims to support students who demonstrate a commitment to their academic pursuits in fields like mathematics, physics, and chemistry, ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed in further education.

The Gil and Kay Sparks Scholarship, established in 2020 by friends of the couple, honors their contributions to the Wenatchee Valley community. This scholarship supports graduating seniors from Westside High School or similar non-traditional schools in Chelan, Douglas, or Okanogan counties, aiming to aid students pursuing further education. Recipients should demonstrate resilience in overcoming life challenges, reflecting the legacy of Gil and Kay, who exemplified community building with humility.

The Gerald E. Robinson Memorial Scholarship, established in 2018 by the Community Foundation of NCW, honors the legacy of Gerald "Jerry" Robinson, a devoted animal lover. This scholarship supports college students pursuing veterinary or pre-veterinary programs, ensuring that Jerry's passion for animals continues through future generations. Eligible applicants include high school seniors from Okanogan, Ferry, or Lincoln Counties, with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and experience in animal care.

The Everett & Roy Hill Music Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, supports graduating seniors from Chelan, Douglas, or Okanogan counties who are pursuing further education in music. This scholarship emphasizes the importance of musical education, reflecting the philanthropic spirit of Everett Hill, who aimed to enrich his community. Eligible candidates must demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 to continue receiving support for up to two years.

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) offers Grants for Arts Projects (GAP) to support diverse arts initiatives that enhance public engagement and education. These grants aim to improve community well-being through the arts and are open to all organizations, regardless of size or location. Applicants are encouraged to align their projects with NEA funding priorities, fostering creativity across various disciplines such as music, theater, and visual arts.

The Piñon Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations and educational institutions focused on enhancing the education, health, and well-being of children and the elderly. Although it primarily funds initiatives in West Texas, the Dallas Fort Worth area, and Oklahoma City, it is open to proposals from other regions that can positively impact community growth. The foundation believes in the transformative power of education and health to foster community success and development.

The Sundance Collab's Cultural Impact Residency, honoring Michael Latt, is a six-month online program supporting early-career, underrepresented storytellers focused on social impact. Running from March to August 2026, it offers mentorship, feedback sessions, and resources to eight selected fellows in screenwriting, directing, and documentary filmmaking. This opportunity is designed for works-in-progress, fostering a supportive creative community to inspire and develop impactful narratives.

The Cecilia Payne Gaposchkin Doctoral Dissertation Award in Astrophysics, provided by the American Physical Society (APS), honors outstanding doctoral research in astrophysics. It encourages effective communication of research findings. The award includes a $1,500 grant, a certificate, and a registration waiver for the APS April Meeting. Finalists receive up to $750 for travel reimbursement. Open to doctoral students who have defended their thesis within two years prior to the meeting, this award promotes excellence in astrophysics research.

The NIH Collaborative International Research Project aims to foster international research collaborations that align with the NIH mission. This grant encourages applications that incorporate at least one international subproject, offering oversight and tracking for NIH-funded international initiatives. Projects should leverage unique resources or populations abroad, contributing to advancements in health sciences relevant to NIH's objectives. This initiative underscores the importance of global partnerships in enhancing research capabilities and outcomes in the United States.

The Koerner Family Foundation Scholarship, offered by the Four County Community Foundation, supports high school seniors and recent graduates from Almont, Dryden, and Romeo High Schools. Eligible students must plan to major in business, engineering, IT, medical health fields, natural sciences, or vocational training, with a minimum GPA of 2.50. Award recipients will be honored at a Scholarship Celebration in May and at their respective high school awards events.

The Como Charitable Foundation Grants support various programs in human services and education, prioritizing organizations with proven community service records. Funding is available for projects that demonstrate genuine need and a solid fundraising plan. While operating support is a lower priority, proposals are reviewed year-round. The Foundation particularly favors projects benefiting Franklin Parish and surrounding areas, with a focus on capital projects and human resource improvements that promise broad public benefits.

The AIPG National Undergraduate Scholarship, provided by the American Institute of Professional Geologists, aims to support undergraduate students majoring in geological sciences. With awards ranging from $1,000 to $3,000, this scholarship promotes student participation in the AIPG and helps cover college education costs. Eligible applicants must be at least sophomores and either current student members of AIPG or have applied for membership. Up to ten scholarships will be awarded annually.

The Robert Christman Distinguished Service Award, established in 2008 by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers, honors individuals for their exceptional and long-term contributions to geoscience education. Named after Robert "Bob" Christman, who dedicated over thirty years of service, this award recognizes nominees who demonstrate significant impact at both national and section levels. Active NAGT members can submit nominations that detail the nominee's contributions, promoting excellence in the geoscience community.

The G. Scott Ransom Scholarship Fund, established by Team Duluth and the Duluth/Superior Alpine Club, supports youth athletes aged 5 to 19 in Northeastern Minnesota and Northwestern Wisconsin. This scholarship, honoring Coach Scott "Race" Ransom, helps cover team fee costs for competitive skiing experiences. By participating, young athletes not only enhance their skiing skills but also gain valuable life skills for future success. Award amounts vary based on individual needs.

The National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT) has been promoting excellence in geoscience education since 1938. Through its sponsorships, NAGT aims to enhance visibility and impact within the geoscience community, fostering collaborations and expanding membership. Sponsorships support both long-term programs and single events, ensuring that NAGT is acknowledged and involved in all associated activities. This initiative aligns with NAGT's mission to provide effective Earth education to diverse audiences.

The JGE Outstanding Reviewer Award, presented by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers, recognizes exceptional reviewers for their quality and quantity of contributions to the Journal of Geoscience Education. Eligible nominators include JGE authors and Editorial Board members, who must describe the nominee's outstanding peer-review contributions. This prestigious award aims to honor those who enhance the journal's integrity and effectiveness in geoscience education.

The JGE Outstanding Paper Award, presented by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers, recognizes exceptional contributions to geoscience education. Nominations are open to JGE readers, authors, and Editorial Board members, and must include a discussion of how the nominated paper enhances student learning, advances the discipline, or demonstrates significant societal impact. This prestigious award has been celebrating excellence in education since 1938.

The Neil Miner Award, presented annually by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers, honors outstanding contributions to stimulating interest in Earth sciences. Established in 1953, this prestigious award recognizes educators who embody personal excellence and effective teaching, inspired by Neil Miner's philosophy. Nominations are open to NAGT members, who may submit a letter of nomination, letters of support, and the nominee's curriculum vitae. This award promotes excellence in geoscience education and celebrates dedicated educators.

The Outstanding Teaching Assistant Awards, presented by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT), honor exemplary teaching assistants in geoscience education. With up to 30 awards given annually, both undergraduate and graduate TAs are eligible. Winners receive a one-year NAGT membership, including a subscription to the Journal of Geoscience Education. This award aims to recognize the contributions of TAs in enhancing Earth education, regardless of their formal titles.

The Duluth Building & Construction Trades Council Scholarship Fund provides $2,500 for one year to eligible applicants. To qualify, students must have a parent or legal guardian who is a member of one of the 17 unions affiliated with the council and must be graduates of any school within the DSACF service area with a GPA of 2.75 or higher. Preference is given to those pursuing careers in healthcare, but all career paths are encouraged to apply.