Best Grants for the Arts in California

Nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in California, including those in Los Angeles and Sutter Counties, can seek community support grants to promote arts and culture. The Amcor Cares Foundation funds projects over More than US $1,000 that also address basic needs, education, health, disaster relief, or life skills in its facility communities.

California 501(c)(3) arts and culture nonprofits can receive up to US $1,000 to support programs, events, or capital campaigns advancing social justice and environmental goals. Beneficial State Foundation sponsors organizations doing transformative community-building work; requests must be submitted at least 60 days before funds are needed, with priority for existing bank clients and partners.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on arts and culture, children’s health, animal welfare, sustainable agriculture, or natural resource conservation can apply for Dorrance Family Foundation’s local grantmaking. Organizations in Southern California with arts programming may be eligible for project or institutional support if they meet the foundation’s guidelines and geographic focus, including select counties and the Island of Hawaiʻi.

California arts and culture nonprofits can seek US $2,500 - US $25,000 to support education, youth development, cultural programs, and related humanitarian or research initiatives. The Joan M Wismer Foundation funds 501(c)(3) organizations, as well as eligible schools, governments, and churches, that enrich lives through arts, education, and community-focused services in the U.S. and abroad.

With a mission to strengthen community services, the Ralph M. Parsons Foundation provides California arts and culture nonprofits serving Los Angeles County with responsive funding. Eligible direct-service organizations can seek general operating, program, capital, or capacity-building support, especially in performing and visual arts, museums, arts education, and cultural institutions that enrich civic life.

Nonprofit organizations providing arts, culture, education, youth, human services, or community programs in Southern California, especially Los Angeles County, can seek funding to expand direct services and access to opportunities. With a mission to build healthy, equitable communities, Rose Hills Foundation provides California arts and culture groups with responsive grants of more than US $10,000.

California nonprofits, public schools, and school districts supporting children, youth, and families can receive funding to strengthen community-based services, education, and youth development. The S H Cowell Foundation focuses on Northern and Central California communities facing widespread poverty, and arts or cultural programs for youth may be eligible when they advance education, leadership, or community well-being.

Nonprofit organizations providing arts education or arts-based social justice programs in California can receive US $10,000 - US $25,000 for general operating or program support. Sills Family Foundation also funds early childhood education, environmental justice, and services for families in crisis, immigrants, refugees, and asylees, primarily in metro New York City and California.

California arts and culture nonprofits and community groups can request sponsorship or donation support for events and programs, subject to The Bicycle Hotel and Casino’s board review process. Eligible organizations must submit a Donation Request Form and formal letter at least 60 days before the event; some events require 501(c)(3) status.

Nonprofits, government agencies, and tribal nations serving rural communities in Oregon and Siskiyou County, California can apply for the Ford Family Foundation’s Good Neighbor Grants, with awards up to US $20,000 for community programs and capital needs. California arts and culture organizations may be eligible when projects primarily benefit these rural residents and support local community life.

California arts and culture 501(c)(3) organizations can seek project funding that advances Jewish ideals in education, science, and the arts. Robert & Toni Bader Charitable Foundation supports U.S.-based nonprofits with program-focused grants, reviewing requests based on financials, project fit with its mission, and potential to improve quality of life and community well-being.

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.

Arts and culture nonprofits in California supporting Los Angeles County communities can apply for W. M. Keck Foundation’s Southern California Program, with awards from US $100,000 - US $1,000,000. Funding supports impactful arts and culture projects that benefit low-income children, youth, families, and special needs populations through museums, performing arts, public media, and arts education programs.

Arts and culture nonprofits in Monterey County, California can seek programmatic funding for music, dance, museums, and arts education projects. With a mission to support cultural, educational, health, and youth activities, Dunspaugh-Dalton Foundation provides one-year grants to established 501(c)(3) organizations operating at least five years with strong financial records.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running behavioral health or substance use disorder programs in California can apply for Elevance Health Foundation’s Behavioral Health Grant to expand treatment, prevention, and early intervention services. National and local initiatives that reduce loneliness and improve mental health may be eligible alongside arts-focused organizations integrating these supports.

The S. Mark Taper Foundation, established in 1989, is a private family foundation committed to improving lives through support for nonprofit organizations in Southern California. It funds projects in arts, education, health, and more, with grant sizes ranging from $50,000 to over $100,000. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified and serve specific counties. Notably, those receiving funding in the past three years are ineligible to apply.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in arts, culture, and related community programs can apply for Clyde F. Newton Charitable Trust awards of US $4,000 - US $6,000. Funding supports charitable organizations located in Orange County across arts, education, environment, health, human services, public benefit, and religious activities.

California 501(c)(3) organizations offering youth arts or broader arts and culture programs can seek US $10,000 - US $150,000 to strengthen community-focused work. Focused on environment, youth in nature and arts, maternal health, and healthy aging, the Joseph & Vera Long Foundation supports projects benefiting Northern California communities, with separate spring and fall grant cycles.

California arts and culture nonprofits can access funding through the Henry Mayo Newhall Foundation for academic and cultural enrichment programs for children and youth, including fine, visual, and performing arts. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in San Francisco, Santa Clarita Valley, and Santa Maria Valley may receive US $5,000 - US $20,000, with possible multi-year support and a preference for matching or challenge grants.

California 501(c)(3) public charities, government agencies, schools, and faith-based organizations serving the Truckee–North Tahoe region can seek Lahontan Community Foundation Fund Grants to support arts, culture, and civic life initiatives. Tahoe Community Foundation also funds education, youth development, environment, recreation, health, human services, and animal welfare programs in this area.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in California seeking support for arts and culture programs can apply for the C. J. Stafford and Dot Stafford Memorial Trust’s grants of US $5,000 - US $7,500. Funding is limited to organizations located in and serving residents of San Diego County, and may also support education, health, and human services initiatives.

California arts and culture nonprofits can access funding through the James C Stewart Charitable Foundation for programs in arts, culture, and humanities, with typical awards around Approximately US $10,000. 501(c)(3) organizations in California, especially in Southern California, may also seek support for education, health, environment, human services, and related community programs.

The Maurice J. Masserini Trust Grant aims to support diverse charitable causes primarily in the San Diego area. Established in memory of Maurice Masserini, a World War I veteran and passionate investor, this grant focuses on arts, education, environmental initiatives, health, human services, and religious organizations. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, while start-ups and general operating support requests are typically not funded. The Trust prioritizes specific project requests to ensure impactful contributions.

The Adams-Mastrovich Family Foundation Grant aims to support charitable organizations in Los Angeles County, California, and South Dakota. Focus areas include education, health, human services, the arts, and religious initiatives. Special priority is given to organizations aiding women, particularly victims of domestic violence. Eligibility requires 501(c)(3) status, while ineligible requests include political campaigns and fundraising events. The foundation emphasizes self-sufficiency and community support, aiming to uplift vulnerable populations through targeted funding.

California 501(c)(3) organizations seeking support for arts, culture, and humanities projects can apply for grants that also encompass education, health, environment, human services, and more. Grants from Charles and Ruth Billingsley Foundation help California arts groups and other charities year-round, with applications due by June 30 for consideration at the July grant meeting.

California 501(c)(3) organizations working in arts, culture, humanities, or education can seek flexible program support through the Wheeler Charitable Trust. Focused on education and related charitable causes, Ruth Anderson Wheeler and Henry O. Wheeler Charitable Trust primarily supports organizations in California and Washington across arts, health, human services, public benefit, and religious programs.

Arts and culture nonprofits serving Orange County, California can apply for Pacific Life Foundation’s program or capital grants, with awards from US $15,000 - US $100,000 for program, operating, or facility needs. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations should serve multiple communities and meet the foundation’s size and experience requirements.