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Discover active funding opportunities in Santa Barbara County Grants for Nonprofits. 37,000+ grants are available for a wide range of missions and programs with additional grants in Los Angeles County, Ventura County, and San Luis Obispo County.
10,000+
Available grants
$3.54B
Total funding
$5K
Median grant
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Scholarships
Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.
Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.
Mildred Culbert Kelly & Fred W. Kelly Traditional Student Scholarship
Mildred Culbert Kelly and Fred W. Kelly never had children, but they were generous with contributions of time and talent to church and community groups that focused on youngsters.
Prior to his death in 1989, Mr. Kelly had been employed as an insurance agent and later purchased the Wheeler Insurance Agency which he owned and operated until his retirement in 1977. He was a founding member and past president of the Optimist Club and he assisted in establishing Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Saginaw and the READ Saginaw program.
Mrs. Kelly retired from the Accounting Department at Chevrolet Saginaw Grey Iron Foundry after 39 years of service. She volunteered at First United Methodist Church as director of the Children’s Choir, the Interpretive Choir and the Sacred Dance Group for many years. She was also a volunteer at READ Saginaw and Delta College Channel 19 and was a past president of the Opti-Mrs. Club. She died in 2000 at the age of 94.
Mildred Culbert Kelly and Fred W. Kelly’s legacy continues to assist youth with scholarships for students who might not otherwise obtain a college or Career and Technical Education (CTE) degree/certificate.
Scholarships
Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.
Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.
Music Scholarship
At a very early age in Alabama, Lee Essie Smith was a self-taught musician. After losing her mother as a young teenager, she began putting her God-given musical talent to work as a pianist for several churches. By the time she graduated from high school, she had learned the cosmetology trade and met Charlie McMillan, Jr.
After his wife’s death, Mr. McMillan continued his community service with the Democratic Party, Habitat for Humanity and Mt. Olive Baptist Church as an usher. Although he did not serve very long in the military, Mr. McMillan continues to exemplify the values and physical energy of the “Army Strong” slogan. He is the patriarch of the family – always dapper – and a regular attendee at church services.
Scholarships
Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.
Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.
Nexteer Scholarship
The Nexteer Scholarship Fund mission is to help high school graduates in financial need through a scholarship program for residents of Saginaw, Midland and Bay Counties who are pursuing a career in engineering or general business. The goal is to help deserving individuals within our community achieve their career goals – an objective which has the added benefit of improving the community-at-large.
Nexteer draws upon a 100 year heritage of vehicle integration expertise and product workmanship. The company has a strong foundation and a reputation for providing dependable steering solutions and enduring customer relationships.
Scholarships
Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.
Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.
Omega Psi Phi – Jesse Johnson Scholarship
Applicant must be a child, stepchild, or grandchild of an Omega Psi Phi Fraternity member.
Scholarships
Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.
Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.
Optimist Club of Saginaw – “Officer Ed” Nowaczyk Scholarship
The “Officer Ed” Scholarship is sponsored by the Optimist Club of Saginaw in memory of Edwin F. Nowaczyk, a longtime member of the Optimist Club and School Safety Officer for the City of Saginaw Police Department. Better known as “Officer Ed” to the thousands of children who loved and worked with him, Officer Ed was responsible for the school pedestrian and traffic safety programs. He was also instrumental in developing the school safety patrol program.
Although Officer Ed may be best remembered for his involvement with child safety programs, he also served as accident investigator, police community relations specialist and juvenile investigator with the Police Department. During his 38 years in law enforcement, Officer Ed received several letters of commendation and was the first recipient of the Saginaw Police Department’s “Lifetime Meritorious Service Award.”
Scholarships
Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.
Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.
Pursuit of Hospitality – The George William Roe Scholarship
George William Roe is a hospitality professional who graduated from Arthur Hill High School in 2003, and Michigan State University’s – The School of Hospitality Business in 2007 with a specialization in International Lodging. He finds it important to give back to the community and industry which has given him much growth, success and adventure.
George is passionate about the hospitality industry and understands that without scholarships he would not have been able to experience so much at Michigan State University and even more after graduation. His involvement in extracurricular activities and internships took him around the world and he encourages young aspiring hoteliers to continue to “step out of their comfort zones, in order to experience something extraordinary.” George hopes that this scholarship will allow others the ability to explore opportunities within the hospitality industry and he encourages everyone to continue to push themselves for a greater future.
Scholarships
Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.
Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.
Rotary Club of Saginaw Sunrise Scholarship
The Rotary Club of Saginaw Sunrise was founded on September 7, 2001 and celebrated its 20th anniversary as a club in 2021.
In an effort to make an impact and to change the lives of aspiring students in the Great Lakes Region and beyond, the Club formulated a plan to create a second endowed scholarship to meet some of the educational needs of the community. The Club set a goal to fundraise $20,000 in commemoration of its 20 years of service. Through fundraising efforts of the Club and generous donations, their goal was accomplished.
This endowed scholarship will be made available to students wishing to pursue careers that require a four-year accredited degree.
Scholarships
Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.
Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.
Saginaw Choral Society – Joanne Robertson Memorial Scholarship
Joanne Robertson, a lifelong resident of Saginaw, devoted much of her life to community service. Her 30 years of professional work was with the Buena Vista School District, where she was a speech and language pathologist helping young people with their communication skills.
Joanne was an enthusiastic supporter of the performing arts. Her interest in music was both as a patron and as a performer. She sang with the Saginaw Choral Society for 14 years. She served as their librarian, vice president of marketing and vice president of membership. The Joanne Robertson Memorial Scholarship was created to perpetuate the memory of her devotion to helping others and her love of music.
The California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW), Clean Vessel Act Education and Outreach Grant Program provide grants to support programs that educate California boaters and increase public awareness about boat sewage management and proper disposal. The goal of this grant program is to reduce recreational boater sewage from being discharged into California waterways.
Mission
The Social Science Research Council (SSRC) is an independent, international, nonprofit organization founded in 1923. The Council fosters innovative research, nurtures new generations of social scientists, deepens how inquiry is practiced within and across disciplines, and mobilizes necessary knowledge on important public issues.
Driving University Impact: Expanding the Public Exchange Network
With generous support from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, the Social Science Research Council is pleased to invite U.S. R1 research universities in SSRC’s College and University Fund for the Social Sciences to apply for funding to join the Public Exchange Network. Public Exchange is a new network that turns university research expertise into real-world action and impact. Foundedat the University of Southern California in 2020 and expanded to Washington University in St. Louis in 2025, Public Exchange connects researchers with government, nonprofit, and industry partners to tackle pressing challenges—from disaster recovery and climate solutions to food insecurity and homelessness prevention. Since its founding, Public Exchange has developed high-impact collaborations between 48 partners and 142 researchers including:
Partners have included the City and County of Los Angeles, the State of California, the City of St. Louis, Yelp, Solar AquaGrid, the United Nations Foundation, Keck Medicine of USC, the Southern California Association of Governments, Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency, the Sustainable Entertainment Alliance, the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, Department of Angels and many more. In addition to real-world impact positively affecting millions of lives, Public Exchange collaborations have resulted in over $18m in research funding, some helping to incubate new centers or areas of research, more than 40 academic journal publications, hundreds of media hits, and dozens of student career opportunities.
The Public Exchange Model
Public Exchange is a partner-driven program, working collaboratively with external partners to: (1) define a research scope, timeline, and deliverables; (2) identify the right team of multidisciplinary academic experts to analyze the problem; (3) provide project management from concept and strategy development to project outputs and tools delivery; and (4) manage the public and stakeholder engagement related to the project, as well as communications and design needs. Public Exchange staff are not researchers, but come from government, industry, and non-profit backgrounds, uniquely equipping project teams to understand partners’ needs and lead projects to action. Staff oversee activities including partnership and proposal development, funder cultivation, research translation, dissemination, and communications, impact and scaling strategy, administrative support, cross-sector convening, and more, to maximize the real-world impact of university expertise. Public Exchange builds results-driven teams that deliver measurable impact and lasting solutions for partners.
How the Public Exchange Network Works
No single university – even a large R1 – has enough faculty expertise available to meet the needs of every partner. The Public Exchange Network was designed to help universities work together seamlessly to build robust partnerships and generate more collective impact. Universities joining the network are independent but affiliated members, with full control over their own program and project portfolios. As a national network with local, on-the-ground capacity, Public Exchange Network members can also share approaches that work, scale solutions to common problems, and build cross-regional partnerships together.
As an institutional partner in the Public Exchange Network, universities will build capacity to develop, test and implement solutions to the most urgent problems in their regions and beyond. Universities joining the Public Exchange Network get:
SSRC Public Exchange Network Expansion Grants
Public Exchange Network Expansion grants will cover 75-80% of the minimum estimated annual costs for two years to launch a new Public Exchange. To launch a Public Exchange, universities must have the following in place: (1) a staff executive director with experience launching and leading social impact partnerships, (2) a project seed fund, and (3) a modest operations budget. We also recommend some in-kind project management support from an existing university staff member. The grant includes a two-year Public Exchange Executive Director (ED) compensation subsidy of $300,000 to launch the Public Exchange on campus, and a 2-year license to use the Public Exchange brand. New Public Exchange Network members will also receive ongoing support and guidance from current Public Exchange leadership and staff at USC and WashU, including recruitment support and intensive training for hiring and onboarding an executive director, a sub-site on the Public Exchange website, incubation and project management support from current Public Exchange staff, and a suite of tools for developing and implementing Public Exchange projects.
In addition, every university in the Public Exchange Network benefits from central communications support (currently housed at USC), and access to a collaborative network of project partners, researchers, and funder relationships. Separately, SSRC will select a local research fellow to study and document how the Public Exchange model develops within and between host institutions during the grant term, and how the Public Exchange Network universities work together to effect larger-scale change.
Expectations
Institutions selected to join the Public Exchange Network are expected to:
Middlesex County Medical Society Foundation
The Middlesex County Medical Society Foundation, founded in 1964 and was initially funded by contributions from the first mass polio vaccination in our county.
MCMS Foundation Scholarship Fund
Middlesex County Medical Society Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization that awards scholarships to deserving students from Middlesex County, New Jersey for the study of medicine. Scholarships are awarded to deserving students who are enrolled in an accredited medical school.
Community Foundation of Washington County Maryland
We are one of more than 750 similar tax-exempt public charities throughout the United States that work to make their community a better place to live. We are a local organization staffed by residents of the community and led by a board of trustees who have an in-depth knowledge of the issues that shape our County.
This Community Foundation was created by and for the people of Washington County MD, and exists to improve the quality of life for all of our citizens, now and for generations to come, by building community endowments, addressing needs through grant making and providing leadership on key community issues.
About Our Scholarships
The Community Foundation of Washington County, MD offers more than 100 scholarships for graduating high school students and non-traditional students in continuing education.
Karen C. and A. Wells Ridenour Nursing Scholarship Fund
This scholarship supports a Washington County resident of any age, race, or gender that’s accepted to an accredited four-year nursing program with the intention of completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia
Our Community Foundation was established in Roanoke in 1988. With our growth, we expanded into the Martinsville/Henry County area in 2005. Today, we administer many hundreds of named endowment funds ranging in size from a minimum of $10,000 to millions of dollars. To date, donors have also committed very significant resources to the Foundation through future estate gifts.
Our Mission:Enabling people who love their community to easily give back.
Scholarships
Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, the region’s community foundation, administers a variety of scholarships to reward and assist capable and deserving students based on the criteria established by the fund donors.
Jim Barker Scholarship Fund
Fund provides higher educational scholarship assistance to deserving students.
Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia
Our Community Foundation was established in Roanoke in 1988. With our growth, we expanded into the Martinsville/Henry County area in 2005. Today, we administer many hundreds of named endowment funds ranging in size from a minimum of $10,000 to millions of dollars. To date, donors have also committed very significant resources to the Foundation through future estate gifts.
Our Mission:Enabling people who love their community to easily give back.
Scholarships
Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, the region’s community foundation, administers a variety of scholarships to reward and assist capable and deserving students based on the criteria established by the fund donors.
Joycelyn “Fudgie” Lee Farrelly Music Education Scholarship Fund
Fund provides higher education scholarship assistance to deserving students who intend to pursue a degree in music or music education.
Scholarships
Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.
Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.
Jerrold E. Potts Scholarship
Jerrold E. Potts was born and raised in Saginaw, living here until his death in 1997. An electrician by trade, he served in the U.S. Army and Army Reserves. Jerry was a longtime member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local #557. He was also a member of the Saginaw Lodge #77, F&AM, where he twice served as Worshipful Master.
Jerry was a caring, compassionate person who supported many causes, often anonymously. When establishing the Jerrold E. Potts Scholarship, Jerry indicated that the primary scholarship beneficiaries should be the children and grandchildren of IBEW 557 members because “I started there.” He also wanted the scholarship to “make the difference between going to school and not going to school.”
Scholarships
Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.
Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.
Judge Gary R. McDonald Memorial Scholarship
January 2004 marked the passing of a true champion of justice and compassion for the men and women of Michigan. Judge Gary R. McDonald, beloved father and friend, served the citizens of Saginaw and the rest of Michigan for over 30 years.
In honor of his esteemed service, the family and colleagues of this respected Michigan leader have created the Judge Gary R. McDonald Memorial Scholarship Fund. Its purpose is to grant students of Saginaw County the financial means to pursue a career in a law-related field so that Judge McDonald’s unrelenting pursuit of justice may continue in his honor.
Awarding this scholarship to those in need serves Judge McDonald’s personal mission of inspiring the hearts and minds of our youth to serve our communities for the good of all.
Scholarships
Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.
Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.
Junior League of the Great Lakes Bay Region Scholarship
Junior League of the Great Lakes Bay Region is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. The Junior League of the Great Lakes Bay Region is an organization that welcomes for membership all women regardless of age, race, creed, religion or national origin, who demonstrate an interest in and commitment to volunteerism.
The league has had many fundraising events in its history, always with the purpose of returning monies to the community through varied and needed projects. The Junior League of the Great Lakes Bay Region Scholarship is one of those projects.
Scholarships
Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded college scholarships to area students totaling more than $13.7 million, thanks to our generous donors. Each year, over 500 college-bound or career and technical education students benefit from our scholarship awards.
Our single application process makes it easy to potentially qualify for one or more of our 260+ scholarships.
JustJane Art Scholarship Fund for Women
Truly unique humans like Jane Marie Ewing do not populate the universe very often, and the JustJane Art Scholarship for Women was created to honor her remarkable spirit.
Jane was an artist at heart, finding joy in countless creative pursuits – whether baking delectable treats, capturing life’s beauty through photography, or expressing her imagination in fashion and digital illustration. Her zest for life was infectious, often bringing laughter through her playful “Jane Pranks”, which will forever live in the hearts of family and friends. Jane shared an inseparable bond with Kyle, each the center of the other’s universe. Tragically, Jane was taken from this world unexpectedly in 2025.
Her vibrant artistic soul touched every aspect of her life – from painting and interior design to crafting costumes for parties and pranks. Though her passion for art wasn’t fully nurtured early on, once she embraced it later in life, creativity flowed freely, illuminating the lives of everyone around her. Jane saw beauty everywhere, and her art became a reflection of that vision.
This scholarship carries forward Jane’s legacy, helping future generations cultivate their own artistic passions. It is a reminder to future generations that art has the power to transform lives.
The Greater Houston Community Foundation (GHCF) administers a variety of unique scholarship funds that grant over $5.7 million annually to college students. The scholarship funds have been established by thoughtful and generous donors and each has a unique set of eligibility criteria and award structure.
Pi-Squared Scholarship
Benefiting graduating seniors of Spring ISD (Texas), Klein ISD (Texas), and Houston ISD (Texas).
Looking for Santa Barbara County grants for nonprofits?
Read more about each grant below or start your 14-day free trial to see all Santa Barbara County grants recommended for your specific programs.
How common are grants in this category?
Uncommon — grants in this category are less prevalent than in others.
Over the past year, when are grant deadlines typically due for Santa Barbara County grants for Nonprofits?
Most grants are due in the third quarter.
What's the typical grant amount funded for Santa Barbara County Grants for Nonprofits?
Grants are most commonly $10,000.
What's the typical amount funded for California?
Grants are most commonly $145,539.
What's the total number of grants in Santa Barbara County Grants for Nonprofits year over year?
In 2024, funders in California awarded a total of 256,564 grants.
Among all the Santa Barbara County Grants for Nonprofits given out in California, the most popular focus areas that receive funding are Education, Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Foundations, and Human Services.
1. Education
2. Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Foundations
3. Human Services
How is funding for Santa Barbara County Grants for Nonprofits changing over time?
Funding has increased by -1.38%.
How does grant funding vary by county?
Los Angeles County, San Francisco County, and San Mateo County receive the most funding.
| County | Total Grant Funding in 2024 |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles County | $10,841,756,858 |
| San Francisco County | $5,409,542,294 |
| San Mateo County | $5,358,878,304 |
| Santa Clara County | $3,811,026,208 |
| Alameda County | $3,749,322,182 |