Best Alameda County Grants for Nonprofits in California

The Comis Foundation Grant aims to provide equitable opportunities for children to thrive through education and community engagement. It supports innovative programs that enhance educational outcomes, focusing on areas such as capacity building and pilot projects. With funding ranging from $5,000 to $75,000, the foundation prioritizes nonprofit organizations that foster inclusive environments. By emphasizing trust and collaboration, Comis Foundation strives to create lasting impacts in the communities it serves.

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

Our Mission

The Horner Foundation is a family-based charity dedicated to partnering with community-based organizations that provide youth, aged 10-19, hands-on experiential learning opportunities through Out of School Time (OST) to foster positive youth development.

We work in 4 geographic regions, determined by where family members live, their specific interests and needs identified by the community.

Our Vision

• All youth will be empowered to realize their full potential and become active participants in their communities.
• All youth will have ample opportunities both inside and outside the classroom to experience a diversity of quality learning styles and frameworks.
• All youth will be healthy, strong, and well-prepared for the 21st Century.

Organizational Funding Statement

The Horner Foundation strives to be responsive and meet organizations where they are. This means that we may provide multi-year funding and ongoing support to nonprofits who may be launching a pilot project or going through a transition. However, we also believe in the value of diverse funding sources. The Horner Foundation typically funds organizations for 1-2 funding cycles (2-4 years). In rare cases, we may fund an organizations for 3 funding cycles (6 years).

Grants

The Foundation awards two-year grants dedicated to project funding. We fund in four geographic regions, each with its own funding priorities.

Alameda & Contra Costa Counties, Bay Area, California: Youth Food Justice, Youth Sports, & Girls Empowerment    

For the past several years, the Horner Foundation has worked at the intersection of youth development and food justice, with the goal of empowering youth to learn about and take action to localize their food system and increase food security for all. Our 2026–2027 funding will continue this mission, with an increased emphasis on youth-led and youth-organized projects. Youth outcomes are maximized when youth can envision, organize, and execute projects alongside supportive adult mentors and allies. The Foundation aims to provide more funding directly to youth in the Bay Area, so that they can make a measurable difference in their communities.

We are also continuing our newer funding focus to empower young women and girls to access experiential learning and leadership opportunities in the Bay Area.

In addition, the Foundation is expanding its funding priorities to include Youth Sports programs that promote leadership, teamwork, confidence, and access to high-quality athletic opportunities for under-resourced youth. We are particularly interested in organizations that use sports as a vehicle for positive youth development, academic support, and life skills building.

Funding Focuses

Youth Food Justice

• Organizations working at the intersection of youth development and food justice

• Grants that work to elevate youth voice will be prioritized. This may include mini-grant programs for youth, where one organization or collective of organizations build on existing infrastructure or create a new program for youth to apply for / receive mini-grants. It is understood that many youth development programs provide adult mentoring and structured opportunities for youth to participate meaningfully.

Youth Sports

• Organizations that provide equitable access to organized sports for under-resourced youth, using athletics as a platform for leadership development, mentorship, academic encouragement, and social-emotional growth.

• Priority may be given to programs that: Reduce financial barriers to participation; Provide structured mentorship and coaching; Integrate academic or life-skills components; Demonstrate measurable impact on youth outcomes

Girls Empowerment

• Organizations that expand access to experiential learning, leadership development, and confidence-building opportunities for girls and young women in the Bay Area.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

The Rapid Response Fund for Movement Building provides urgent financial support to grassroots organizations addressing social justice for low-income residents and people of color. Offering grants of $3,000 to $20,000, projects must show immediate community impact and demonstrate a commitment to racial and economic equity. Applications are processed within 30 days, with projects needing completion within six months. Priority is given to small organizations and collaborative efforts that empower marginalized communities.

The Gordon E And Betty I Moore Foundation offers conservation grants to support projects in the San Francisco Bay Area, focusing on maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services. Their initiatives prioritize land acquisition and conservation easements, while fostering partnerships among stakeholders. With a commitment to preserving the region's unique landscapes, the foundation has facilitated over 80 conservation projects across ten counties, enhancing habitats for native species and ensuring sustainable environmental stewardship.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

The LGBTQ Donor Engagement Grant Program by Horizons Foundation aims to support large LGBTQ-focused organizations in the SF Bay Area with annual budgets over $1 million. Organizations can apply for up to $5,000 to fund fundraising events or alternative donor engagement activities. Criteria include inspiring programming, relationship-building strategies, and inclusivity across the LGBTQ spectrum. Eligible nonprofits must have a home office in the SF Bay Area and meet specific funding criteria.

The Community Arts Program supports vibrant artistic expression and inclusivity in the Bay Area, awarding approximately $1 million in grants to individuals and organizations each year. Open to 501c3 nonprofits and fiscally sponsored artists, the program prioritizes projects that engage diverse communities and promote underrepresented voices. Grants range from $5,000 to $15,000, providing essential operating support to adapt to unique project needs while fostering cultural diversity and community engagement.

The Fleishhacker Foundation's Small Arts Grants program offers vital support to filmmakers in San Francisco, Alameda, and Contra Costa counties. This initiative is dedicated to assisting small and mid-sized arts organizations, providing unrestricted funding for film projects in the post-production phase. Eligible filmmakers must demonstrate prior funding and secure a fiscal sponsor or a nonprofit production company. Projects must have a budget under $750,000, with the next review cycle set for fall 2025.

The Fleishhacker Foundation offers Small Arts Grants to support small and mid-sized arts organizations in the Bay Area. These grants are designed for fiscally sponsored organizations, allowing them to access funding without traditional nonprofit status. Eligible applicants must meet specific budgetary requirements and demonstrate alignment with the foundation's mission. The program emphasizes support for historically marginalized artists and communities, ensuring that diverse artistic voices are represented in the cultural landscape.

The Fleishhacker Foundation's Small Arts Grants program offers crucial financial support to small and mid-sized arts organizations in the Bay Area. Designed for nonprofits with budgets between $100,000 and $749,999, this program promotes the presentation of new works by local artists across various disciplines, including theater and visual arts. Grants, typically around $5,000, can be used for a range of operational costs, fostering creativity and cultural expression within communities.

The US Community Grants Program, led by Western Digital Foundation, focuses on funding nonprofit organizations and public schools involved in education, hunger relief, environmental preservation, and veterans' programs. This initiative emphasizes support for under-represented youth in STEM, local hunger alleviation, and community projects that protect the environment. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and demonstrate responsible management and effective use of funds. The program is currently invite-only due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The Teichert Foundation Grant supports organizations in California that enhance community welfare through civic improvement, culture, education, and environmental sustainability. Established by Teichert Construction, the foundation aims to foster a healthier, educated, and more equitable society. Eligible applicants include nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status and public agencies in specified counties. The foundation prioritizes projects that address community needs and demonstrate fiscal responsibility, ultimately striving to create lasting impact and better health for all.

The Community Issues Funding Program by Horizons Foundation aims to support LGBTQ nonprofit organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area. With increased funding this year, the program addresses critical funding shortages and the impact of anti-LGBTQ sentiment. It emphasizes multi-year support and investment in under-resourced communities, promoting equity and sustainability. The program welcomes applications from LGBTQ-primary organizations of all budget sizes, fostering a diverse range of initiatives in advocacy, arts, community building, and health.

The East Bay Fund for Artists Grant Program, initiated by the East Bay Community Foundation, supports individual artists and arts organizations in low-income communities of color. Since 2003, it has partnered with over 300 local artists and secured nearly $3.1 million in funding. The program aims to advance racial justice and social equity through new artistic works. It prioritizes diversity in artistic practices and ensures that BIPOC communities have access to culturally relevant art, promoting resilience and community empowerment.

The Bank of Marin's Annual Grant Program focuses on enhancing community welfare through support for nonprofits that promote social and economic vitality, education, and wellness. With a commitment to collaborative efforts since 1990, the bank has invested millions into local initiatives. It prioritizes funding for basic needs, educational programs, and arts access, and has been recognized as a leading corporate philanthropist in Northern California.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

The Arts Performance and Exhibition Spaces (APEX) Grant supports arts and culture nonprofits in the Bay Area, offering flexible funding for operations and artist compensation. Grants range from $10,000 to $15,000, aimed at organizations with budgets between $500,000 and $2 million. The program prioritizes diverse artistic expressions and supports historically marginalized groups. Applications are due annually by January 15, with letters of inquiry due by December 1, promoting the production of new works by local artists.

The Impact100 East Bay Grant Program empowers women to engage in philanthropy through substantial grants of at least $100,000. It focuses on transformative initiatives across five key areas: Arts & Culture, Education, Environmental Preservation, Family Support, and Health & Wellness. Eligible organizations must demonstrate financial health and a commitment to sustainability, serving the communities of Alameda and Contra Costa. Ineligible projects include general operating expenses and those that do not align with the program's mission.

The Alameda County ARTSFUND Grant Program, managed by the Alameda County Arts Commission, aims to support nonprofit arts and cultural organizations serving the community. Grants ranging from $2,000 to $3,000 are available for various artistic endeavors, including visual arts, dance, and theater. This initiative fosters creativity and cultural expression, reinforcing the belief that arts are vital to community success. The program is funded through county contributions and community donations.

The Peaceful World Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations focused on community peace building through arts and mindful education. Established in 2006, the foundation funds programs that promote global peace, diversity, and ecological sustainability, with grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000. Organizations in the Bay Area are preferred, and funding is limited to two grants within a five-year period. The foundation aims to encourage innovative approaches to peace-making and well-being across diverse communities.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

The In-N-Out Burger Foundation supports organizations that aid children and youth affected by abuse and neglect, offering grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. Eligible nonprofits must be 501(c)(3) registered, operational for at least two years, and demonstrate a commitment to the foundation's mission. Applications are considered for traditional, capital, and program support, focusing on sustainable solutions and clear objectives. Organizations must operate in areas with In-N-Out Burger locations to qualify.