Best Human Rights Grants in California

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in California supporting children, education, or health and human services can seek program funding that benefits communities where Costco operates. With a mission to strengthen community well-being, Costco Foundation provides nonprofits with monetary support that may aid social justice and human rights efforts focused on vulnerable children and families.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting youth health, education, development, or welfare can seek up to US $15,000 from the Dan Paul Foundation for programs in California and beyond. Funding may benefit groups advancing social justice and human rights through child advocacy, homelessness services, poverty alleviation, refugee enrichment, and related youth-focused initiatives.

Nonprofit and impact-first, mission-driven for-profit organizations addressing social justice and human rights in California and other priority regions can receive up to US $300,000 from Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation for early-stage, scalable solutions. DRK supports post-pilot ventures with capital, intensive capacity-building, and a global community to expand impact for underserved populations.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

Grants from Rosenberg Foundation help California 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public agencies advance social justice and human rights through leadership development, policy advocacy, and grassroots organizing. Funding up to US $100,000 supports work in criminal justice reform, immigrant and workers’ rights, civil rights, and civic engagement for low-income communities and communities of color.

California social justice and human rights nonprofits working globally on health, education, or disaster relief for marginalized communities may be eligible for support to expand their programs. The Semnani Family Foundation funds organizations serving vulnerable populations in countries including the U.S., focusing on healthcare access, humanitarian aid, women and children’s services, and related human and social services.

California 501(c)(3) charitable, scientific, medical, educational, and human rights organizations can seek funding for programs that significantly benefit their target populations and general welfare. Grants from Sidney Stern Memorial Trust help U.S.-based nonprofits with tax-exempt status under federal and, when applicable, California law; all funded activities must occur within the U.S.

Nonprofit organizations advancing early childhood education, environmental justice, arts for social change, or support for families in crisis may be eligible for Sills Family Foundation’s human rights-focused grants, including in California. The foundation awards one-year grants of US $10,000 - US $25,000, often for general operating needs, prioritizing community-based programs serving low-income, marginalized families, immigrants, refugees, and justice-impacted communities.

California human rights and health-focused nonprofits conducting clinical research on robotic-assisted bronchoscopy for pulmonary disease may be eligible for this opportunity. The Intuitive Foundation funds principal investigators at not-for-profit institutions worldwide, offering up to US $75,000 for salaries of research staff, supplies, limited equipment, and related project costs over one year.

Principal investigators at not-for-profit institutions in California conducting clinical research on robotic-assisted surgery can apply for Intuitive Surgical’s Clinical Research Grants, with awards up to US $75,000 for one-year projects. Funding supports research staff, supplies, limited equipment, and travel, and may benefit institutions studying surgical outcomes, imaging, health economics, or new robotic procedures.

Legal services nonprofits, solo practitioners, and small law firms pursuing impact litigation for social, economic, environmental, or racial justice in California and beyond can receive US $10,000 - US $50,000 in recoverable grants for out-of-pocket litigation costs. The Impact Fund supports class actions and major cases that seek systemic change and significant law reform benefiting oppressed communities.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for community services programs or fundraising events may be eligible for grants or event sponsorships. Focused on community involvement and corporate citizenship, Insperity invites organizations connected to its employees, client base, or local communities to apply for philanthropic funding that can also benefit social justice and human rights initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding, including those in California, can seek project support from the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. Grants from Dudley T Dougherty Foundation help human rights and social justice efforts that respect people, the environment, and all forms of life.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation provides California nonprofits with funding for community-based programs such as museums, cultural and performing arts, education and skills training, health facilities, disability and senior services, and environmental and wildlife protection. IRS-qualified organizations may receive US $1,000 - US $20,000, and human rights or social justice initiatives that fit these areas may be eligible.

501(c)(3) public charities in the Santa Barbara, California area can apply for Hillman Family Foundations’ Audrey Hillman Fisher Foundation Grant to support arts, education, and human services projects. Organizations advancing social justice or human rights through these program areas may be eligible; applications are accepted year-round with decisions made in June and November cycles.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

California nonprofit organizations working on toxics reduction, environmental education, and environmental justice can access funding through As You Sow to support investigation, research, and enforcement of environmental laws. Projects must substantially benefit California residents and focus on consumer protection, toxic exposure education, or toxics prevention in communities, including under-served areas, with awards ranging from US $1,000 - US $10,000.

California 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored projects working on social justice, immigrant services, or broader human rights issues can seek US $10,000 - US $30,000 for discrete, project-based work. The Firedoll Foundation prioritizes vulnerable populations, including detained immigrants and asylum seekers, and supports advocacy, legal aid, and related community development efforts in Northern California counties.

Nonprofits, schools, government entities, and community-serving faith-based organizations working in Orange County, California can access the Breakaway Fund for unrestricted capacity-building support. Grants from Samueli Foundation help California social justice and human rights organizations strengthen talent and leadership, upgrade systems and equipment, secure expert assistance, or pursue other mission-advancing projects, with awards of US $50,000 - US $100,000.

California human rights and social justice nonprofits can access funding through O'Reilly Automotive Foundation for programs improving quality of life for underserved people. U.S.-based 501(c)(3)s near O’Reilly Auto Parts locations may request project, general operating, or capital support for efforts like economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, and disaster relief.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

Non-sectarian nonprofits helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant, including those advancing social justice and human rights, can seek US $5,000 - US $250,000 in support, including work reaching California. Grants from Gupta Family Foundation fund smaller organizations operating in countries such as the U.S., India, Kenya, Mexico, Rwanda, South Africa, Botswana, Thailand, and Mongolia.