Best Santa Cruz County Grants for Nonprofits in California

The Kennedy Fellowships and Presidential Scholarships at Harvard Kennedy School provide opportunities for both U.S. and international students who demonstrate exceptional academic ability and professional distinction. These scholarships are awarded based on merit and financial need, ensuring support for diverse applicants. The school is committed to improving public policy and leadership, making a significant impact on societal challenges. Apply for these prestigious awards after completing your admission application.

The Margaret Traub and Phyllis Dicker LGBT+ Graduate Fellowship, offered by the Harvard Kennedy School, supports students committed to issues affecting the LGBT+ community. This fellowship emphasizes the importance of diverse representation in public policy and leadership, aligning with Harvard's mission to foster a just and prosperous society. It is accessible to both U.S. and international students, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and merit-based funding.

The Public Policy & International Affairs (PPIA) Scholarship at Harvard Kennedy School is designed for alumni of the PPIA Junior Summer Institute. This scholarship aims to support both U.S. and international students by considering merit and financial need. Harvard Kennedy School is committed to fostering leadership and public policy expertise, making a significant impact on global societal issues. Recipients must have participated in the PPIA program to be eligible for this limited funding.

The Robert C. Seamans, Jr. Fellowship in Science, Technology, and Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School supports students excelling in research and management at the intersection of technology and public policy. This fellowship fosters future leadership in these critical areas, ensuring a commitment to addressing pressing public challenges. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged, as the program is designed to promote inclusivity and recognizes the importance of varied perspectives in policy-making.

The Scott and Isabelle Black Fellowship at Harvard Kennedy School supports students in two-year degree programs focused on addressing societal issues such as homelessness, poverty, and education. Awarded based on merit and financial need, this fellowship aims to cultivate future leaders in government and nonprofit sectors. It encourages studies that explore the causes and solutions to problems affecting vulnerable populations, ensuring that graduates are equipped to make a meaningful impact in their communities.

The HKS American Service Fellowship provides full scholarships and stipends for mid-career public service leaders to pursue a one-year Mid-Career Master in Public Administration at Harvard Kennedy School. Targeting U.S. military veterans, public employees, and alumni of service programs, this fellowship emphasizes skill development and community impact. Participants learn from esteemed faculty and engage with a network of changemakers, equipping themselves to address pressing societal challenges and enhance their leadership capabilities.

The Rich Huntsman Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Muskingum County Community Foundation, aims to support high school seniors from the Muskingum Valley League or Muskingum County who have actively participated in bowling. Eligible applicants must demonstrate ongoing involvement in the sport during their senior year. This scholarship reflects the foundation's commitment to enhancing community quality of life through education and sports engagement.

The AOA/AOSA Opportunities in Optometry Grant program aims to promote inclusion within the optometric profession. This program offers $1,500 grants to under-represented minority students who are applying to optometry school. Eligible candidates include U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or DACA recipients who meet specific academic criteria. The initiative seeks to enhance diversity in the field and expand access to primary eye care, supporting the next generation of optometrists.

The Next Generation Undergraduate Scholarship, established by the Architects Foundation, aims to support diverse students pursuing architecture degrees. With a total award of up to $20,000, the scholarship is available to US citizens or permanent residents who are seniors in high school or second-year college students enrolled in NAAB-accredited programs. This initiative reflects a commitment to fostering inclusivity and excellence in the architectural profession, empowering future leaders to shape the built environment.

The Next Generation Graduate Scholarship, established by the Architects Foundation, supports aspiring architects from diverse backgrounds. With an award of up to $20,000 over five years, it aims to enhance education accessibility in architecture. This initiative honors Whitney Young Jr.'s call for a more responsible profession, inviting students from technical schools, community colleges, and non-NAAB programs to apply. The scholarship not only aids in educational pursuits but also fosters a network of future leaders in architecture.

The Jefferies-Park Scholarship, established in 1988 by Evelyn Jefferies-Park, honors her commitment to education. It supports graduating seniors from Ord High School, Nebraska, who are in the top 15% of their class and plan to pursue a four-year degree. This scholarship reflects the legacy of generosity fostered by the Lincoln Community Foundation, which has provided over $606,000 in scholarships to local students in 2025 alone.

The Donald & Janice Svehla Family Endowed Scholarship, established in 2022 by their sons, supports students from Lincoln Northeast High School pursuing higher education. This initiative, backed by the Lincoln Community Foundation, honors Donald and Janice's dedication to education and community involvement. In 2025, the scholarship contributed to over $606,000 awarded to 299 recipients. It emphasizes the importance of academic excellence alongside financial need, continuing a legacy of support for local students.

The Greater Evansville USBCA Scholarship, established by the Greater Evansville USBCA, supports students from Posey, Vanderburgh, and Warrick counties who engage in community service and bowling activities. Eligible applicants must have been members of the USBCA for two of the past four years or be children of members with a minimum 2.0 GPA. The selection process considers academic performance, bowling involvement, community service, and submitted essays and recommendations.

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences Special Student Scholarship at Harvard supports Bachelor of Liberal Arts candidates who are admitted as Special Students. This scholarship, awarded by the Extension School, covers tuition for one undergraduate course per term, provided it aligns with the student's field of study and isn't available in the Extension School curriculum. Recipients are selected based on financial need and academic merit, requiring a minimum GPA of 3.33.

The Federal Pell Grant provides financial assistance to undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. Administered by the U.S. Department of Education, eligibility is determined through the FAFSA application. Award amounts vary based on the student's financial situation and enrollment status, with a maximum duration of six years of full-time enrollment. This grant aims to make higher education accessible to all qualified individuals, facilitating lifelong learning opportunities.

The Sandusky Bay Kiwanis Community Services Scholarship supports graduating seniors from several high schools in Erie County, Ohio, including Huron, Margaretta, Perkins, Sandusky, and St. Mary’s Central Catholic. To qualify, applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.8 and demonstrate a commitment to community service and financial need. This scholarship aims to empower students to contribute positively to their communities while furthering their education.

The Walter B. Lowe Continuing Education Scholarship, managed by the Decatur County Community Foundation, aims to support adults over 40 in Decatur County, Indiana, pursuing a 2-year, 4-year, or graduate degree. This scholarship alleviates the financial burden of education, promoting lifelong learning and personal development. For more details, interested candidates can contact the Decatur County Community Foundation at (812) 662-6364. This initiative reflects the foundation's mission to inspire community generosity and create lasting impact.

The Ted & Marian Stout Scholarship, managed by the Decatur County Community Foundation, supports individuals from the First Baptist Church of Greensburg pursuing post-secondary education. Eligible recipients must demonstrate Christian values, maintain good academic standing, and have clear educational and life goals. This scholarship aims to ease financial burdens and encourage community involvement, fostering the foundation's mission to create a lasting impact in Decatur County.

The Burney and Lucy Lehman Scholarship, managed by the Decatur County Community Foundation, provides financial support for up to four years of post-secondary education to graduating seniors from North and South Decatur High Schools. This scholarship aims to assist students who face challenges in pursuing higher education, promoting academic success and community engagement. For eligibility, applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. More information can be found at ndsdscholarship.com.

The Cecelia Springmeyer Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Decatur County Community Foundation, aims to support North and South Decatur students pursuing post-secondary education in law enforcement, criminal justice, animal husbandry, agronomy, or teaching. Applicants must reside within the Decatur County Community Schools district and may receive a minimum scholarship of $1000 to ease their educational costs. For more details, visit ndsdscholarships.com.

The Mystery Donor Vocational Scholarship Fund, managed by the Decatur County Community Foundation, supports local students accepted into vocational schools. This scholarship aims to assist those pursuing hands-on careers through skill development in various institutions or apprenticeship programs. By easing financial burdens, it encourages students to gain practical experience and contribute to their communities, fostering a skilled workforce for the future.

The E. Wayne Baumgartle Agricultural Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Decatur County Community Foundation, aims to support students from Decatur County, Indiana, pursuing post-secondary education in agriculture. This scholarship seeks to alleviate the financial burden of educational expenses for deserving candidates. Interested students are encouraged to reach out to the local FFA instructor for more information. This initiative reflects the foundation's commitment to fostering community growth through educational opportunities.

The Strategic Growth Council's Factory Built Housing Pilot Program Round 3 Catalyst Grant aims to enhance the availability of affordable, high-quality housing in California through innovative factory-built housing solutions. By providing grants of up to $500,000, the program supports regional efforts to build knowledge and capacity, fostering collaboration among stakeholders. The initiative seeks to create scalable strategies that integrate factory-built housing into local plans, addressing barriers and promoting long-term sustainable housing solutions.

The Robert E. Gross Award for Excellence in Pediatric Research and Achievement, presented by the American Pediatric Surgical Association, honors an individual whose significant contributions have transformed pediatric surgery practices. This prestigious award recognizes enduring changes in clinical management that are widely accepted by pediatric surgeons as standard. Nominations are required for this award, which showcases the commitment of APSA to advancing surgical care for children through advocacy and education.

The PAE Diversity in Engineering Scholarship offers a renewable $5,000 award for undergraduate students from marginalized ethnic backgrounds or genders pursuing engineering at a U.S. university. Established in 2024 in partnership with PAE, the scholarship aims to enhance diversity in engineering fields, focusing on candidates committed to climate justice. Awardees benefit from mentorship and networking opportunities with industry professionals, fostering both academic success and community impact.

The James F. Densler Award, presented by the American Pediatric Surgical Association, recognizes individuals who promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in pediatric surgery. This prestigious award celebrates those who have made significant contributions to diverse care delivery and team dynamics, fostering an inclusive environment within the surgical community. Nominees should exemplify dedication to enhancing the lives of underserved populations through their work in pediatric surgery.

The Donald E. Meier Surgical Humanitarian Award, presented by the American Pediatric Surgical Association, honors a member dedicated to providing surgical care to underserved children without expecting reimbursement. This award recognizes significant humanitarian contributions, whether through local outreach or global missions. Nominations are submitted to the Board, which determines the frequency of the award based on the submissions received. This accolade highlights the commitment of surgeons to humanitarian efforts in the pediatric surgical field.