California is home to more people than any other state in the union. So many people means plenty of opportunity for philanthropy. California foundations are glad to provide grants to locals to invest in the future of their community. As a result, there are many grants for women in California. These grants are available for a variety of opportunities for which a woman may require a grant.
Education
Academic scholarships are an example of the grants available to women in California. Some of these grants come directly from the California college or university. These can be obtained through the individual school's financial aid office. The California State Chapter of P.E.O. (Philanthropic, Educational Organizations) offers a variety of scholarships, including the Ethel O. Gardner scholarship, which is specifically for California women.
Nonprofit
Grants for women's nonprofit ideas are also available in California. Funders are eager to provide financial backing to organizations who will make a positive impact on the state. For example, the Women's Foundation of California is interested in grassroots organizations. It partners with nonprofit groups, working to make real change in California.
Minorities
Some grants are specifically allocated for certain minority groups of women in California. For example, the Chicana/Latina Foundation provides scholarships to Chicana or Latina women attending a institution of higher learning in northern California. These scholarships of $1,500 are based on academics as well as volunteer experience and need.
Awards
Some grants come in the form of awards, given to women who have made a significant impact in their particular field. The California Wellness Foundation grants the Peace Prize, a $25,000 award to women who serve abused women in California. Some of these awards have an application process, while others are simply awarded to qualified recipients, determined by the funder.
Considerations
Although there are dozens of grants available only to women in California, there are also many open to males and females, and some open to other states as well. However, that does not mean women in California are ineligible. Furthermore, there are many grants available to both men and women outside California. Women in California seeking grants should look outside of opportunities in the state.
