Best Grants for Women in California

California 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations led by women of color or gender-expansive leaders can seek general operating support for gender, racial, economic, and environmental justice work. With a mission to build a multiracial feminist democracy, Women’s Foundation of California prioritizes grassroots, movement-building efforts serving women of color and gender-expansive communities statewide.

California NCAA Division II schools and multisport conference offices seeking to hire full-time, entry-level athletics administrators can access funding through the National Collegiate Athletic Association; awards US $30,000 for a one-year internship plus professional development support. Programs focused on women, ethnic minorities, and diversity in athletics administration may be especially well-suited.

California grassroots organizations advancing gender equity and justice can seek up to US $15,000 for catalytic, intersectional projects prioritizing low-income women, women of color, and immigrant women. Focused on gender-based inequity and violence, East Bay Community Foundation’s Women’s Catalytic Fund supports smaller, community-led efforts, including those serving women and girls statewide.

California NCAA Division II conferences and institutions seeking to enhance ethnic minority and gender representation in mid- to senior-level athletics administration can access funding through the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Grants support full-time positions focused on strategic planning, budgeting, fundraising, compliance, diversity initiatives, and student-athlete welfare, and may benefit programs advancing opportunities for women in sports leadership.

NCAA Division II member colleges, including those in California, can receive US $48,000 over three years to create new assistant coaching positions that increase ethnic minority and gender representation. With a mission to enhance diversity in collegiate athletics, the National Collegiate Athletic Association supports schools’ salary and benefits costs for these new coaching roles.

NCAA Division III conferences and institutions seeking to fund full-time athletics administration roles focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion may be eligible for this national Strategic Alliance Matching Grant, including those in California. The National Collegiate Athletic Association supports positions advancing ethnic minority and gender representation in mid- to senior-level athletic administration over a five-year commitment.

California NCAA Division III institutions creating new assistant coaching positions to increase ethnic minority and gender representation can receive salary and benefits support through the Coaching Enhancement Grant. National Collegiate Athletic Association funding helps schools advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in women’s and girls’ athletics and other NCAA-sponsored sports across Division III campuses.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on women’s and girls’ education, vocational training, or health and mental health access can seek program expansion funding from the L B Research and Education Foundation. U.S.-based, small to medium organizations with proven, research-informed models may receive US $10,000 - US $75,000, beginning with a 300–500 word concept paper and rolling review.

Female high school seniors pursuing an undergraduate degree and interested in women and girl services may benefit from this scholarship opportunity, though it is based in Ohio rather than California. Erie County Community Foundation’s College Women's Club Charitable Fund Scholarship considers financial need and requires a minimum 3.5 GPA from eligible students.

Female students at least 23 years old returning to interrupted studies and enrolled in 2–4 year programs at accredited U.S. colleges or vocational schools may be eligible for this scholarship, including women in California who meet residency rules. With a mission to foster community, Erie County Community Foundation supports the Zonta Club of Greater Sandusky Nontraditional Students Scholarship Fund.

Female high school seniors in Erie, Huron, or Ottawa Counties in Ohio planning to study STEM or medical fields can apply for the Zonta Club of Greater Sandusky High School STEM Scholarship Fund from Erie County Community Foundation. Awards support tuition at accredited nonprofit colleges, universities, community colleges, or vocational schools across the U.S.

Women connected to YWCA of Clark County who are survivors of domestic violence and returning to the workforce can receive US $1,000 - US $4,000 for education and job training; they must be Washington residents with financial need. Community Foundation for Southwest Washington offers this renewable scholarship, which may benefit women-focused programs similar to those in California.

Nonprofit leaders supporting women and girls in California can receive US $25,000 to advance education, child welfare, community development, and volunteerism through the Women of Worth Award. With a mission to celebrate community service, L'Oreal Paris provides U.S.-based women-led nonprofits with funding, mentorship, and a national platform for their work.

Mid-career women of color environmental leaders working in California can receive personal funding through the Rachel’s Network Catalyst Award to advance their leadership and impact. Grants from Rachels Network help women and girl services and environmental stewardship leaders across the U.S., including California, with a US $15,000 personal award plus leadership support and recognition.

The Rachel’s Network Catalyst Award is an impactful initiative aimed at supporting mid-career women of color in environmental leadership. This award provides recipients with a personal grant of $15,000 and, if applicable, an organizational grant of $10,000. It also offers essential leadership services and public recognition, fostering a community of empowered women dedicated to creating a healthier and more just world. The award exemplifies Rachel’s Network’s commitment to environmental advocacy and the promotion of women as leaders.

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Common Scholarship Application

Achieve your Higher Education Dreams

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.

The Springfield Women’s Club Scholarship Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, aims to support women over 19 from Hampden County pursuing two- or four-year degrees. Eligible students can apply through a single online application that matches them with various scholarships, providing up to $3,000 in financial assistance. This initiative encourages women to further their education while addressing the unique needs of the community.

Women's Education Coalition Grant

This multiyear grant helps women who are unemployed or struggling to support themselves and their families. This scholarship supports tuition, college expenses, and helps build a better future for you and your family. 

This education grant was established by a coalition of four member organizations: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, YWCA Kalamazoo and the former Kalamazoo Network.

KZCF scholarships may be applied to any items under your school’s cost of attendance (COA). Each school has a different COA that may include items such as tuition, fees, housing, transportation, food, health insurance, etc. Scholarship payments are sent directly to your institution.

This is a multiyear scholarship, meaning that it is eligible to repeat annually up to the degree/program completion.

The Women’s Service League of North Central Washington Scholarship, established in 2013, aims to support female students from various high schools in the region. This scholarship prioritizes applicants who demonstrate community involvement, leadership skills, and a minimum GPA of 2.75. Special consideration is given to those who have faced significant challenges and to children or grandchildren of League members, fostering a commitment to volunteerism and community improvement.

The Bonnie Sorenson Scudder Scholarship aims to support female students aspiring to become teachers, particularly those passionate about women's physical education. Established in memory of Bonnie Sorenson Scudder, a dedicated physical education teacher at Harvard High School, this scholarship encourages future educators to continue her legacy. For more details, contact Marcia Miller at Harvard High School.

The John Wells Memorial Scholarship, established by the Muskingum County Community Foundation, honors the legacy of John Wells, a dedicated pitching coach. This one-time, non-renewable scholarship supports outstanding female softball players from a six-county area pursuing higher education. Candidates must demonstrate exceptional athletic involvement and commitment to academic success. The scholarship aims to provide financial assistance for tuition, room, and other educational expenses, continuing John's mission of empowering young athletes.

The Celine Wyatt Memorial Scholarship honors a remarkable young athlete who embodied determination and leadership. This scholarship is aimed at empowering high school senior girls from Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, or Pennsylvania who excel in softball and aspire to pursue higher education. By supporting these young women, the scholarship continues Celine's legacy of positivity, resilience, and encouragement, ensuring that her spirit of hard work and dedication inspires future generations of student-athletes.

The Juliette Low’s Amazing Girls Scholarship, established in 2011 by the East Texas Communities Foundation, is aimed at female graduating seniors from Smith County who have been active in Girl Scouts. This scholarship supports educational pursuits for students attending any college in the U.S. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and have a minimum GPA of 3.00. The award amount is $1,000, and preference is given to recipients of the Girl Scout Gold Award. Reapplication is encouraged.

The Jeanne L. Hammond Memorial Scholarship, funded by the BPW/Maine Futurama Foundation, supports Maine women pursuing undergraduate degrees or certifications. Established in 1962, it emphasizes financial need and community involvement, with a preference for journalism students and BPW members. This scholarship aims to empower women to achieve economic self-sufficiency and contribute positively to their communities.

The BPW/Maine Futurama Foundation offers a $3000 Continuing Education Scholarship to support Maine women pursuing accredited college or training programs. Since 1962, this initiative has empowered women to achieve economic self-sufficiency through educational funding. Eligible applicants must be Maine residents, have completed at least one year of college, and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship is a vital resource for women committed to enhancing their education and career prospects.

The Gretchen Miller Bowker Scholarship, offered by the Central Indiana Community Foundation, provides financial assistance to women pursuing education in STEM fields. Designed to support tuition, room and board, and related fees, this scholarship aims to empower women in their educational journeys. Eligibility includes demonstrating financial need and enrollment in a qualifying program. With a commitment to building a community of opportunity, this scholarship is a vital resource for aspiring female STEM students.

The McMichael Family Scholarship, administered by the Crown Point Community Foundation, supports women over 21 who are residents of Crown Point, IN. This non-renewable scholarship is designed for college students and adult learners, providing financial assistance to help meet various educational needs. The foundation manages over 80 scholarship funds, tailoring support to the specific criteria set by generous donors, thereby enriching the quality of life in South Lake County.