Best Grants for Women in California

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 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 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.

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.

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.

Women and nonbinary adults pursuing technical, vocational, or undergraduate education may be eligible for non-tuition support through the Jeannette Rankin Foundation’s Emerge Grant. This program provides up to US $12,500 for students at accredited, nonprofit U.S. institutions. California programs serving similar women’s education needs may find this opportunity informative, though eligibility is limited to Georgia and Montana residents.

California nonprofits and educational institutions serving girls in grades K–12 with STEM programs can access funding through American Association of University Women to run community-based projects that build confidence, skills, and identity in STEM. U.S.-based 501(c)(3)s, schools, and fiscally sponsored groups may receive up to US $50,000 for hands-on learning, mentorship, and related supports.

AAUW branches and state organizations in California designing or running hands-on STEM programs for girls in grades K–12 can access funding through American Association of University Women to expand their impact. Grants up to US $10,000 support skill-building, confidence and STEM identity, college and career preparation, and mentoring connections with women in STEM.

Doctoral students at U.S. universities researching 19th–early 21st century Russian/Soviet history can receive up to US $28,000 for dissertation research or completion, including a designated women’s and gender studies fellowship. With a mission to advance regional scholarship, Association for Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies provides California gender studies researchers with substantial dissertation support.

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 National Girls and Women in Sports (NAGWS) Legacy Award, established by SHAPE America, honors exemplary contributions to increasing opportunities for women in sports. This annual award recognizes current SHAPE America members who submit impactful proposals related to women's sports, with a monetary prize of $1000. The award will be presented at the National Convention & Exposition, with a special deadline of November 1st. Nominations can include various initiatives aimed at empowering women in sports.

Women in California and other Soroptimist member countries who are primary financial providers for their families and enrolled in vocational training or undergraduate programs can receive education funding through the Live Your Dream Awards. Grants from Soroptimist International of the Americas offer up to US $10,000 to women with financial need pursuing economic empowerment and stability.

The Altrusa Club of Wenatchee Scholarship supports female graduates of Wenatchee Valley College pursuing further education. Funded by the Community Foundation of NCW, this scholarship aims to empower women through financial assistance based on need and academic merit. Eligible recipients must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and demonstrate commitment to their educational goals. This initiative reflects the club's dedication to promoting women's education and ensuring their successful transition to higher learning institutions.

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.