Best Santa Cruz County Grants for Nonprofits in California

Our Story

Established over 50 years ago, our founders redefined local philanthropy, fostering connections around a shared sense of place and purpose. As Virginia's largest community foundation, we bring people together to pool resources, co-create solutions and align actions for impactful change in the Richmond region.

Scholarships are offered to students living in the Richmond region and other Virginia locations. Each scholarship was established by a generous individual, family, or organization with a desire to assist high school students, recent high school graduates, and adult learners to continue their education. 

Claude V. Simmons Scholarship

The Claude V. Simmons Scholarship Fund was established to support post-secondary educational opportunities for qualifying members of the Church of Francis de Sales in Mathews County, Virginia.

Awards

• $6,600

Community Foundation of the North State

The Community Foundation builds trust through relationship, integrity, and by providing safe places for donors to give their resources.

We are a nonprofit, public charity serving the people of Shasta, Siskiyou and Tehama counties, with a mission to impact the region through the power of giving.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of the North State manages many scholarship funds that are awarded to graduating high school seniors as well as students already in an undergraduate program. Some scholarships were started by families or individuals; others by businesses or organizations. All scholarships share one important focus: helping young people reach their educational goals.

Kelly Moravec Academic Encouragement Scholarship

An award opportunity for graduating students who are dealing with, or have dealt with, a serious medical adversity.

The Kelly Moravec Academic Encouragement Scholarship, is in honor and loving memory of Kelly Moravec. Kelly Moravec was a young man who despite huge battles with medical tragedies, kept true to his academic goals and dreams. The Fund was established to honor the overcoming of medical adversities and to encourage continued education beyond high school through the awarding of scholarships, awards, and gifts for academic achievement, and the facilitation of connecting students for resource networking and peer support.

Our Story

Established over 50 years ago, our founders redefined local philanthropy, fostering connections around a shared sense of place and purpose. As Virginia's largest community foundation, we bring people together to pool resources, co-create solutions and align actions for impactful change in the Richmond region.

Scholarships are offered to students living in the Richmond region and other Virginia locations. Each scholarship was established by a generous individual, family, or organization with a desire to assist high school students, recent high school graduates, and adult learners to continue their education. 

Casey Neal Rogers Memorial Scholarship

The Casey Neal Rogers Memorial Scholarship was established in 2006 to honor the memory of Casey Rogers who passed away from a tragic automobile accident in 2003. Casey possessed a love of family and friends, excelled at athletics, had a sharp sense of humor, and was an honor student. The fund provides post-secondary educational scholarships for qualifying graduating high school seniors of Northumberland County High School, Northumberland County, VA.

Awards

• (2) $3,000

Sophia Joe Scholarship Fund

Sophia Joe graduated from Capital High School in 2023 and the University of San Diego in 2026 with a degree in Marketing and a minor in International Business. During high school, she was a four-year member of the Dance Team and served as Treasurer and Vice President of the National Honor Society, completing more than 100 hours of community service. She also worked her final two years of high school at local businesses in downtown Olympia. Throughout her academic career, Sophia earned recognition on the President’s List at South Puget Sound Community College and received the Donald R. Knauss Trustee Merit Scholarship at the University of San Diego.

Sophia’s passion for travel and global learning helped shape her vision for this scholarship. While studying abroad, she worked alongside students from diverse backgrounds, deepening her appreciation for the importance of access to opportunity. As a member of a family that has been part of the Thurston County community for more than 20 years, Sophia created this fund to support local students who work hard, demonstrate leadership, and aspire to make a positive impact.

The Sophia Joe Scholarship Fund encourages graduating seniors from Thurston County who are pursuing studies in business or a related field to develop their vision for leadership and positive change, both within their community and beyond.

Applicants will be evaluated on their impact, leadership, and vision, as demonstrated by:

• Community service involvement or a commitment to helping others.
• Leadership or responsibilities outside of school, including work, volunteering, or caring for family members.
• Thoughtfulness and vision, as demonstrated by a supplemental essay responding to the question: “What community project or initiative do you think would make the biggest positive impact in Thurston County, and why?”

About Scholarships

Through the incredible generosity of our donors, the Community Foundation of South Puget Sound manages 26 scholarship funds that offer a wide range of scholarship awards and encourage students of all backgrounds and educational interests to apply. We also want to extend a sincere thank you to our many scholarship donors, advisors, and scholarship committee members for their investment in our student's bright futures this year and for many years to come!

L&E Bottling Company Scholarship

The L&E Bottling Company Scholarship Fund was established by the L&E Bottling Company, Inc. to assist graduating high school seniors in Thurston County in obtaining a higher education. This scholarship has the potential to be renewed for up to an additional three years of undergraduate education. Reapplication each year is required.

About Scholarships

Through the incredible generosity of our donors, the Community Foundation of South Puget Sound manages 26 scholarship funds that offer a wide range of scholarship awards and encourage students of all backgrounds and educational interests to apply. We also want to extend a sincere thank you to our many scholarship donors, advisors, and scholarship committee members for their investment in our student's bright futures this year and for many years to come!

Learning Seed Foundation Scholarship

The Learning Seed Foundation Scholarship Fund was established by the Learning Seed Foundation to assist graduating high school seniors in Thurston and Pierce counties in obtaining a higher education. This scholarship is designed to benefit primarily students of color who have overcome significant obstacles and demonstrate a commitment to others. The scholarship has the potential to be renewed for up to an additional 3 years of undergraduate education. Reapplication each year is required.

The ReFED Catalytic Grant Fund, managed by Refed Inc., supports innovative solutions to minimize food waste and reduce methane emissions, a cost-effective strategy for climate action. This fund prioritizes initiatives that enhance food recycling and improve supply chain efficiency in the beef and dairy sectors. By focusing on proven methods, the grant aims to accelerate impactful changes in the food system, ultimately fostering sustainable practices and collaborative efforts to combat food waste.

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

Sidney High School Alumni Scholarship

Selection based upon:

• Financial need; academic ability; community, religious, and school service; recommendations.

Must be enrolling in a trade school or pursuing a two-year or four-year degree.

Awards

• One $2,000 scholarship

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

William B. and Bonnie Z. Swonger Nursing Scholarship

A Shelby County resident who is a graduate of any high school within Shelby County and is pursuing a Registered Nursing degree. 

Selection based upon:

• Financial need and academic ability.

Awards

• Four $1,250 scholarships available

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

Virginia and Richard Matz Scholarship

Sidney High School past graduates who are pursuing an Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree. 

Selection based upon:

• Financial need, demonstrated community and school service, recommendations, and academic ability.

Awards

• Two $4,500 scholarships.

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

Vera DoLean Ginn Kiwanis Scholarship

Shelby County resident pursuing a career in elementary education. 

Selection based upon:

• Intent to pursue the field of elementary education, financial need, academic ability, community and school service, recommendations.

Awards

• Two $1,000 scholarships

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

Tom and Sandy Shoemaker Skills Scholarship

Adults or graduating seniors who reside in Shelby County, Ohio or in the School Districts of Shelby County, Ohio, who are enrolling in an accredited adult educational program or trade school or pursuing an Associate’s Degree shall be eligible to apply.

Selection based upon:

• Demonstrated interest and passion for a specific career path, demonstrated work experience, demonstrated community or school service and recommendations.

Awards

• One $1,000 scholarship

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

Medical & Health Professions Scholarship

Applicants must be pursuing a certificate or an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree in medical and associated health professions.

Selection based upon (in order of priority):

• Financial need, academic ability, community and school service, and recommendations.

Awards

• Two $1,500 scholarships

About Pfizer External Research & Grants

Pfizer External Research & Grants (ER&G) supports independent research, education, and QI initiatives to improve patient outcomes in areas of unmet need. Competitive grants are awarded through transparent RFPs reviewed by independent expert panels.

About ASCP

American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) is the world’s largest professional membership organization for pathologists and laboratory professionals, with more than 100,000 members. ASCP provides excellence in education, certification, and advocacy on behalf of patients and the laboratory workforce. With a portfolio of more than 900 educational activities, ASCP is the worldwide leader in providing CME/CMLE credit for the entire laboratory team.

Quality Improvement in Molecular Testing Pathways for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (mCRC)

The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), in collaboration with Pfizer Inc. and with participation from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO, invites proposals for pathology-centric Quality Improvement (QI) initiatives aimed at optimizing molecular testing pathways in the management of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). This grant opportunity seeks to fund sustainable projects that improve biomarker testing practices, strengthen targeted therapy selection, and support care teams in implementing patient-centered protocols. 

The overarching goal of this program is to advance diagnostic excellence and improve treatment decision-making for patients with mCRC.

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

Kent R. Smith Scholarship

Student must be pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in the field of education at an accredited college or university.

Selection based upon:

• Academic ability, financial need, demonstrated community and school service, and recommendations.

Various amounts up to $20,000 in scholarships

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

Law Student Assistance Scholarship

Students entering their third year of law school (current second-year students approaching the third year).

Selection based upon:

• Financial need, above-average law school academic achievement, and demonstrated leadership in undergraduate and law school activities and in community, school, and church.

Awards

• Up to $3,500 in scholarships

Grants Program for Penn Investigators - Faculty Awards

Research grant applications in basic science, prevention, disease interception, and early detection that are relevant to the study of BRCA1/2 will be considered. The Basser Cancer Interception Institute focuses on funding new endeavors in emerging, orthogonal fields beyond DNA damage (e.g. mechanisms of haploinsufficiency, cancer evolution and tissue tropism). 

Grants focused on the following are of particular interest:

• Cancer interception and the pre-cancer disease state
• Issues relevant to men (including but not limited to prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, male breast cancer)
• Potential for translation into clinical practice
• Early detection

Grants that demonstrate a potential for translation into clinical practice will be prioritized for funding.

Faculty Awards

Faculty awards are for two years with a funding level up to $200,000 per year.

The Dorsi Blastervold Family Scholarship, offered by the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors and graduate students from the Lucia Mar Unified School District with a minimum GPA of 2.9. This scholarship aims to help students achieve their educational goals and foster a diverse and inclusive community. Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year are now open, encouraging students to reach new heights in their education and careers.

About Us

The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County is a resource for local charitable giving. Created by and for the people of San Luis Obispo County, The Community Foundation is an enduring source of charitable funds to meet the changing needs and interests of the region. We envision San Luis Obispo County as an inclusive haven where everyone, regardless of background, feels free to fully participate. In collaboration with our community partners and donors, we seek to foster a safe, respectful environment with ample opportunity for all to reach their potential and contribute to the success of our community. We invite you to join us in celebrating diversity, making sure all of our neighbors feel seen, and free from dehumanizing rhetoric and violence, as we shape a future where all residents can flourish. 

2025-2026 Scholarship Applications

Big dreams start here! With support from generous individuals, families, and businesses, the Community Foundation offers scholarships that help San Luis Obispo County students reach new heights in their education and careers.

Garris Family Scholarship

The Garris Family Scholarship was established to support deserving students from public high schools or home-schooled programs in San Luis Obispo County in achieving post-secondary education. 

About Us

The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County is a resource for local charitable giving. Created by and for the people of San Luis Obispo County, The Community Foundation is an enduring source of charitable funds to meet the changing needs and interests of the region. We envision San Luis Obispo County as an inclusive haven where everyone, regardless of background, feels free to fully participate. In collaboration with our community partners and donors, we seek to foster a safe, respectful environment with ample opportunity for all to reach their potential and contribute to the success of our community. We invite you to join us in celebrating diversity, making sure all of our neighbors feel seen, and free from dehumanizing rhetoric and violence, as we shape a future where all residents can flourish. 

2025-2026 Scholarship Applications

Big dreams start here! With support from generous individuals, families, and businesses, the Community Foundation offers scholarships that help San Luis Obispo County students reach new heights in their education and careers.

Gary Grossman Scholarship

The Gary Grossman Scholarship was established to provide scholarship support for promising LGBTQIA+ students to achieve their full academic and leadership potential.

The Gary Paul Piantanida Scholarship, established by Paul and Edna Piantanida in memory of their son Gary, offers financial support to high school seniors, undergraduates, and returning students in San Luis Obispo County. This scholarship honors students who exemplify strong work ethic, dependability, and integrity, reflecting the values cherished by the Piantanidas. With a commitment to fostering educational opportunities, the Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County encourages applicants to pursue their dreams and contribute positively to their communities.

The Gronstrand Ernst Scholarship, managed by the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation, supports high school seniors and adult re-entry students with a minimum GPA of 3.5. Eligible applicants must be residents of San Luis Obispo County, attend a university or vocational program, and demonstrate financial need, with English as their second language. This scholarship aims to empower students to pursue their educational dreams and contribute positively to the community.

The Jennifer Thoma Memorial Ballet Scholarship, offered by the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation, aims to support dancers pursuing summer intensive training programs. This scholarship is available to high school seniors, undergraduates, and returning students, fostering growth in both education and the arts. By providing essential funding, the foundation encourages the development of dance skills, ensuring that aspiring dancers can reach their full potential while contributing to the vibrant cultural landscape of San Luis Obispo County.

The John and Barbara Wolcott Memorial Scholarship, offered by the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation, supports public high school students in San Luis Obispo County pursuing post-secondary education. This scholarship recognizes students demonstrating academic potential, motivation, and a strong work ethic. It aims to help deserving individuals achieve their educational and career aspirations, contributing to a brighter future for the community. Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year are now open.

The John and Yvonne Hsu Edmisten Scholarship honors Allan Voight M.D. and supports graduating seniors from Lucia Mar Unified School District or graduate students with a minimum GPA of 2.9. Offered by the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation, this scholarship aims to empower local students to achieve their educational and career aspirations. Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year are now open, inviting eligible students to take advantage of this opportunity.

The John S. Renner Memorial Scholarship, offered by the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation, supports LGBTQ+ individuals pursuing arts education in postsecondary institutions. This scholarship aims to empower students to achieve their educational and career aspirations, fostering an inclusive environment for all. Applications are open for high school seniors, undergraduates, and returning students, providing a vital resource for those looking to make their dreams a reality. Join us in celebrating diversity and supporting the next generation of artists.

Daviess County Community Foundation

The Community Foundation is a charitable resource devoted to our local community. We help people make meaningful gifts that improve life in Daviess County, Indiana today and for generations to come.

The Community Foundation can help you...

• Make a difference where it matters
• Invest in the future of the community you love
• Create greater good together

Dwight Risley Scholarship

Annual scholarship established by Martha Risley Reiners in memory of her husband.

Award Amount

• $31,550 (multiple scholarships may be awarded from this amount).