Best Santa Clarita Grants for Nonprofits in California

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.

California Energy Commission

As the state’s primary energy policy and planning agency, the California Energy Commission (CEC) plays a critical role in creating the energy system of the future—one that is clean, modern, and ensures the fifth largest economy in the world continues to thrive. Combating climate change is fundamental to maintaining California’s future. The agency’s research, programs and policies remain crucial today as the state plans for 100% clean energy and carbon neutrality by mid-century. CEC is helping create the energy system of California’s future through activities such as Planning and Policy Development, Renewable Energy Growth; Energy Efficiency; Energy Innovation; Cleaner Transportation; and Responsible Electricity Infrastructure.

GFO-25-605 – Reliable Electric Charging for Eligible School-bus Sites (RECESS)

Purpose

The California Energy Commission’s (CEC’s) Clean Transportation Program announces the availability of up to $22,000,000 in grant funds for projects that will install electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure for electric school buses. This is a multi-funding lane grant solicitation (first come, first served and competitive) with minimum requirements and certain conditions as further described in the manual.

Funding Lanes

This solicitation has three funding lanes: Funding Lane 1; Funding Lane 2; and Funding Lane 3

Applicants may apply for funding in only one of the three funding lanes based on their eligibility as described in Section II A. Eligibility Requirements of the attached manual.

Funding Lane 3 (Competitive)

$9 million in funding available for electric school bus charging infrastructure projects that will support existing and future electric school bus deployments by third-party transportation providers who serve local educational agencies, as defined in Section II.A.1 of the solicitation manual. This funding lane is competitive.

The BRAIN Initiative Connectivity across Scales (BRAIN CONNECTS) invites innovative research proposals aimed at advancing technologies for understanding brain connectivity. This funding opportunity supports specialized projects focused on creating comprehensive atlases of brain wiring, emphasizing human and non-human species. Successful applications will contribute to a network aimed at enhancing the analysis and interpretation of brain circuits, ultimately leading to better strategies for treating brain disorders. Proposals must demonstrate novel approaches to data collection and integration.

The FY26 Reconstructive Transplant Research Program Concept Award encourages innovative research addressing critical issues in reconstructive transplantation. It supports groundbreaking concepts and untested theories, emphasizing creativity and relevance to specific focus areas. Notably, preliminary data presentation is prohibited, yet applications must demonstrate potential for interpretable results. Early-career investigators are particularly encouraged to apply, fostering new talent in this vital research field.

Community Resilience Centers Round 2

The California Strategic Growth Council (SGC) is pleased to announce the availability of approximately $55 million in funding from the Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024 for Round 2 of the Community Resilience Centers (CRC) Program through this Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA). 

Program Summary

The CRC Program will offer Planning Grants and Implementation Grants. Unlike Round 1, the CRC Program will not offer a separate Project Development Grant type. Instead, Round 2’s Implementation Grant will offer a new, funded “Pre-Development Phase” that will support Lead Grantees’ project readiness before implementation. The Pre-Development Phase will last no more than one year from grant execution.

Implementation Grants

Grant Purpose

Implementation Grants will fund new construction and retrofits of facilities to serve as Community Resilience Centers, as well as programs and services that build overall community resilience.

Examples of Eligible Activities

Construction, retrofits, and other upgrades to the CRC Facility itself; Campus Amenity improvements; programs and services; community engagement.

Project Area

CRC applications must be community focused. All CRC Implementation Grant applicants are required to define a Project Area. The Project Area must encompass the physical location of the CRC Facility (the CRC Site), Campus Amenities connected to the CRC Facility, Partner Sites and any programs and services based out of the CRC Facility or Partner Sites.

About Us

Our Vision

Healthy, thriving, and resilient communities for all

Our Mission

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

Community Resilience Centers Round 2

From extreme heat to wildfires, recent climate events and public health emergencies impact every part of California. The best available projections anticipate that these climate impacts will intensify. In the face of these challenges, strengthening resilience requires investments in both physical and social infrastructure. In addition to climate resilience activities, community resilience builds ongoing social cohesion, trust, and networks.

The Community Resilience Centers (CRC) Program:

• Funds the planning, construction, and retrofit of community resilience centers across California’s diverse communities
• Advances communities’ capacity to plan for long-term resilience and acute emergencies
• Encourages meaningful engagement, cross-sectoral collaboration, community-based partnerships, and shared governance and decision-making models
• Mitigates the public health impacts of extreme heat and other emergency situations exacerbated by climate change
• Prioritizes projects located in and benefiting under-resourced, rural, unincorporated, and Tribal communities across geographically diverse regions in the state of California

The WIOA, Title II: Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA) grant provides supplemental funds over a 4 year grant cycle for adult education to:

• assist adults to become literate and obtain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment and economic self-sufficiency;
• assist adults who are parents or family members to obtain education and skills;
• assist adults in attaining a secondary school diploma and postsecondary education and training, including through career pathways;
• assist immigrants and other individuals who are English language learners.

The Polly W. Roesch Vocal Music Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln, supports graduating seniors from Sangamon County pursuing degrees in vocal music and performing arts. This scholarship reflects the foundation's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities in the region. Eligible candidates include high school seniors and college students who are direct descendants of U.S. Service Members residing in specific Illinois counties. This initiative aims to foster talent in the arts and provide financial assistance to deserving students.

The Mary Lou and Dwight Pitman Scholarship supports area public high school students in Sangamon County, excluding Springfield and Chatham districts, who have siblings planning to attend college. Established through the Sangamon County Foundation in 1924, this scholarship honors the legacy of community leaders and aims to empower the next generation by aiding students' educational pursuits. Eligible applicants include graduating high school seniors and current college students who are direct descendants of U.S. Service Members.

Every Kindness is a Gift

Dollar Tree Gift Card Program 2026

Every Kindness is a Gift is a gift card grant program made possible through the generosity of Dollar Tree and managed by the team here at Gift Card Bank. We are a nonprofit organization that specializes in the distribution of gift cards and our mission is to improve well-being and build financial stability by supporting people through their time of need.

Through Every Kindness is a Gift, nonprofit organizations and Title I schools located in the 48 contiguous states may apply to receive a grant of Dollar Tree gift cards.

Gift cards received through these grants are meant to be distributed directly to individuals and families in need. A primary goal of the program is to give gift card recipients the dignity of choice by empowering them to shop for what they need themselves. By putting gift cards directly in the hands of our neighbors in need, we are able to increase access to essentials like food, school supplies, paper products, cleaning products, and hygiene items.

In 2026, there will be two rounds of grant distributions. In each round, we will award a number of grants between $2,500 and $10,000.

Round One is a summer distribution. Gift cards awarded in Round One will arrive in late June, while kids are on break and back-to-school is around the corner. Round Two is a holiday distribution. Gift cards awarded in Round Two will arrive in early November, as the end-of-year holidays approach.

We know that these are times of year when budgets are tight. Through these gift card grants, we hope to connect individuals and families directly to the essential resources they need during difficult months.

The Mark Mayden Scholarship, established in 2006 by the Community Foundation of Dickinson County, honors the legacy of Mark Mayden, a devoted supporter of agribusiness. This $700 scholarship aims to assist hardworking students from Dickinson County in pursuing technical or vocational education, fostering opportunities for future generations. By rewarding initiative and talent, the scholarship reflects Mark's belief in the transformative power of education and hard work, ensuring that deserving students have the support they need to succeed.

The Loren Engel Memorial FFA Scholarship, established by Margaret Engle in 2005, honors Loren Engel’s dedication to agriculture and leadership. This $300 scholarship is available for graduating high school students from Dickinson County who have served as FFA chapter officers, demonstrating commitment to agricultural education. The Community Foundation of Dickinson County aims to support local students pursuing technical or vocational education, ensuring future generations can thrive in their community.

The Vanguard

Remuseum announces The Vanguard, an award and accelerator for innovative leaders in the visual and performing arts, in partnership with the Doris Duke Foundation. The Vanguard’s $100,000 annual award will recognize up to ten leaders who are exploring new ways to strengthen arts institutions, and a year-long accelerator will help them refine, implement, and evaluate their ideas. The first award and accelerator of its kind, The Vanguard celebrates leaders who are ready to center the public in their work in new ways, building models for increased relevance and sustainability in the arts.

The Program

The $100,000 grant that accompanies each award will go to that leader’s institution, to support ideas developed in The Vanguard’s 12-month accelerator program. That program begins with a week-long retreat at Shangri La, the Doris Duke Foundation’s global center for culture and ideas in Honolulu, Hawaii, followed by a year of monthly coaching sessions, regional peer gatherings, and collaborative workshops, culminating in a public presentation of their work and findings to the broader arts community. The accelerator and its curriculum, tailored specifically for cultural leaders, has been designed by Jenny Larios Berlin, entrepreneur in the creative and tech sectors and Lecturer at MIT Sloan School of Management, and will be co-taught with Gregory Bunch, entrepreneur and Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and will be advised by Ethernet Inventors Professor of Entrepreneurship Bill Aulet, Managing Director of the Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship.

By year’s end, members of The Vanguard will have built an intellectual kinship with each other while modeling a spirit of innovative leadership for the field. Remuseum will continue evaluating and sharing their work as case studies for cultural organizations broadly, and future classes will continue expanding a Vanguard of leaders (10, then 20, and on) who build models of success for cultural organizations in the 21st Century, allowing arts & cultural institutions not just to survive but to support a stronger and more pluralistic civil society.

The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) is launching a funding opportunity for the ancient DNA for Modern Genomics (aDMG) program. This initiative aims to create an ethical resource of ancient human DNA to enhance understanding of modern human traits and health. By leveraging both existing and new aDNA data, the program seeks innovative collaborations that integrate ancient and contemporary genomic information. Researchers with expertise in population genomics are encouraged to apply.

The NHGRI's Analysis, Visualization, and Informatics Lab-space (AnVIL) program is set for a limited competition renewal to enhance a cloud-based platform that supports genomic research. With over 5 petabytes of data accessible to researchers, AnVIL fosters collaboration and innovation while adhering to FAIR principles. The renewed focus will include improved scalability, interoperability, and robust security measures. Additionally, training initiatives will ensure researchers maximize the potential of AnVIL's multimodal datasets. The funding opportunity is expected in 2027.

The Radiation Oncology-Biology Integration Network (ROBIN) Centers, funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), aims to enhance national radiation oncology infrastructure through collaborative research. This initiative supports studies on biological responses to radiation treatment in cancer patients, focusing on understanding tumor and tissue changes. By integrating various scientific disciplines and collecting comprehensive data, ROBIN intends to improve cancer care, optimize treatment strategies, and accelerate translational discoveries to enhance patient outcomes.

Who We Are

OneStar strengthens Texas communities by creating pathways for individuals and organizations to engage, connect, and accelerate their impact.

OneStar AmeriCorps VISTA Project

OneStar AmeriCorps VISTA Project places skilled individuals with a diverse range of backgrounds at nonprofits and agencies throughout the state of Texas. AmeriCorps VISTA members serve full-time for one year on capacity-building projects to advance your organization’s anti-poverty mission.

OneStar AmeriCorps VISTA Project places community-driven individuals with nonprofits & agencies throughout Texas on transformative projects focused specifically on building organizational capacity and infrastructure to alleviate poverty. Get the support you need to accelerate your efforts in volunteer management, marketing, community outreach, fundraising, program development, and more!

Capacity building activities include:

• Volunteer Engagement
• Fundraising & Development
• Communication & Marketing
• Community Engagement & Outreach
• Program Development

Who We Are

Thousands of your friends and neighbors make up Samaritan Health Services. We’re a nonprofit network of hospitals, clinics and health services caring for more than 290,000 residents in the mid-Willamette Valley and central Oregon Coast and portions of Marion and Polk counties. We work together to provide highly reliable and innovative medicine with world-class quality in a way that supports the values of the communities we serve. That includes caring for all people, regardless of your ability to pay.

Linn County- Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship

East Linn County students currently attending college and majoring in a medical field are invited to apply for the Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital $1,000 Auxiliary Scholarship.

Since 1977, MAHF has provided grants to help fund almost 50 research and educational projects through individuals and institutions to improve the health and welfare of all animals. These grants have improved veterinary care, animal housing and medical techniques for all species for animals.

Quest Diagnostics Foundation

Established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Quest Diagnostics Foundation is committed to addressing the systemic root causes of health disparities. By combining corporate resources with trusted community leadership, we fund and scale evidence-based initiatives that promote wellness, prevent chronic disease, and empower individuals.

We focus our resources on three critical, interconnected clinical and social interventions to build sustainable health improvement:

• Strengthening the community health workforce
• Addressing social drivers of health (SDoH)
• Promoting the prevention, early detection, monitoring, and treatment of disease through diagnostic testing

About Quest for Healthy Communities Champions

The Quest for Healthy Communities Champion award was created to honor, uplift, and support outstanding organizations across the United States that are actively living our core purpose:

Working together to create a healthier world, one life at a time.

Whether you are expanding access to life-saving screenings, supporting maternal and family wellness, or addressing critical social drivers of health, your dedication is moving us closer to an equitable healthcare future. We want to recognize and celebrate your impact.

What we celebrate: Our core impact pillars

The Champions we look to honor are community-first organizations and coalitions tackling critical disparities head-on. We are especially excited to spotlight work that advances health, addresses social drivers of health, fosters community-clinical linkages and develops the community workforce. Examples of this work could include: 

• Programs actively dismantling clinical barriers to ensure every individual—regardless of zip code, background, or income—has access to high-quality care
• Innovators providing creative solutions for food security, transportation, health education, and maternal-child support networks
• Organizations bringing critical care directly to those in need through mobile clinics, community health workers, and localized diagnostic screenings
• Organizations finding creative ways to engage the communities they serve directly into the solutions they are delivering

The award: Selected organization champions will receive a $10,000 grant.

Please see FAQs for additional guidelines.

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.