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Best California Grants for Nonprofits

Find nonprofit grants in California, including opportunities in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego. Updated listings for 501(c)(3) organizations statewide.

370

Available grants

$518.1M

Total funding

$100K

Median grant

370 grants
$518.1M total
$100K median

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AI summary from publicly available grant information

Unspecified amount

Schnurmacher Foundation Program Grants in California

Rolling deadline
Focused on program and project support, 501(c)(3) nonprofits in California can seek funding for human services, education, Jewish causes, health, performing arts, scientific research, and animal advocacy. The Charles and Mildred Schnurmacher Foundation mainly funds program development or specific projects, with U.S.-based organizations, including those in California, eligible when they meet documentation requirements.
Charles and Mildred Schnurmacher Foundation

US $2,500 - US $25,000

California Community Programs Funding via Wismer Foundation

Rolling deadline
Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, churches, and state entities in California can seek funding for education, youth development, health, humanitarian services, and arts programs. Grants from Joan M Wismer Foundation help support community-focused projects in the U.S. and abroad, with awards ranging from US $2,500 - US $25,000 for well-managed organizations with active boards.
Joan M Wismer Foundation

Unspecified amount

Majestic Realty Foundation Grants

Rolling deadline
The Majestic Realty Foundation, established in 2002, champions active philanthropy by addressing critical community needs across eight regions in the U.S. Focused on youth, education, health, family support, and violence prevention, the Foundation fosters sustainable community development. Through initiatives like the Los Angeles Youth Leadership Council, it empowers young leaders while encouraging employee volunteerism. By partnering with local nonprofits, the Foundation strengthens community ties, ensuring lasting impact against challenges such as homelessness and youth violence.
Majestic Realty Co

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Unspecified amount

Community Program Funding for Nonprofits from Amgen Foundation

Rolling deadline
Nonprofit organizations and qualifying public or governmental charities running humanitarian, social, education, or community programs in California may be eligible for Amgen Foundation’s Non-Healthcare Donations and Sponsorships, especially those serving Amgen’s Ventura County and San Francisco Bay Area communities. Funding supports charitable programs and fundraising events for U.S.-based, non-healthcare community organizations.
The Amgen Foundation Inc

Unspecified amount

Water and STEM Funding for Nonprofits from Pentair Foundation

Rolling deadline
Nonprofit organizations working on water access, water quality, swim safety, or STEM education programs in California and other eligible regions can seek support for initiatives that advance sustainable, inclusive communities. Pentair Foundation funds projects focused on water resource management, sanitation and clean drinking water, environmental education, and STEM pathways for youth and young adults.
Pentair Foundation

Unspecified amount

Ralph M. Parsons Foundation Grant

Rolling deadline
The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation supports nonprofit organizations in Los Angeles County, focusing on enriching cultural experiences, education, health services, and human services. By prioritizing general operating support and capital projects, the Foundation aims to empower local organizations to address diverse community needs, fostering civic engagement and leadership. With a commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable populations, the Foundation plays a crucial role in shaping a brighter future for Southern California.
Ralph M. Parsons Foundation

Unspecified amount

California Community Funding via Shaw's Foundation

Rolling deadline
California 501(c)(3) nonprofits and schools working on hunger, youth and education, or health and nutrition may be eligible for program support in communities served by Shaw's and Star Market. Grants from Shaw's Supermakets Charitable Foundation are directed to organizations within its operating area and are reviewed by regional teams after online submission.
Shaw's Supermakets Charitable Foundation

Unspecified amount

S H Cowell Foundation Youth Grants in California

Rolling deadline
Nonprofit organizations, public schools, and school districts in Northern and Central California can seek funding for place-based programs serving children, youth, and families in high-poverty communities. Grants from S H Cowell Foundation help California nonprofits strengthen family supports, K–12 education, youth development, community health, and economic advancement with a focus on racial equity and resident voice.
S H Cowell Foundation

Unspecified amount

Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant

Rolling deadline
The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.
Sidney Stern Memorial Trust

Unspecified amount

Community Program Funding from Smart & Final

Rolling deadline
California 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in health and wellness, education, hunger relief, youth sports, youth development, or disaster relief can access funding through the Smart & Final Charitable Foundation. Eligible organizations must be located in communities the foundation serves across California, Arizona, and Nevada and align with at least one of its focus pillars.
Smart & Final Charitable Foundation

Unspecified amount

California Community Services Funding via Bicycle Hotel

Rolling deadline
California community service organizations seeking sponsorships or donations can access funding through The Bicycle Hotel and Casino by submitting a formal written request and Donation Request Form. Eligible events may need 501(c)(3) status, and only one request per organization is considered, with applications due at least 60 days before the event.
The Bicycle Hotel and Casino

More than US $1,000

California Community Programs Funding via Perdue Foundation

Applications due Sep 30, 2026
California 501(c)(3) nonprofits can seek more than US $1,000 to support community-focused programs such as agriculture, environment, education, hunger and poverty relief, health, social services, and public safety. Grants from Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation may particularly benefit organizations near Perdue facilities and those with direct involvement from Perdue associates.
Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation

US $2,500 - US $20,000

Hesed Foundation Support for California Communities

Applications due Sep 30, 2026
California 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in youth and education, health, or community building can use this funding to improve the human condition and strengthen communities. Grants from Hesed Foundation help organizations in eligible California counties, as well as Boston, New York City, and New Hampshire, with projects serving underrepresented populations; awards range from US $250 - US $10,000.
Hesed Foundation Inc

Unspecified amount

Robert & Toni Bader Foundation Grants for California Education

Applications due Sep 30, 2026
U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on education, science, arts, or Jewish initiatives in California can apply for project-based funding from the Robert & Toni Bader Charitable Foundation. Grants support efforts like teaching, youth learning, job training, hunger relief, and health-related projects that reflect Jewish ideals of improving the world, but not general operating expenses.
Robert & Toni Bader Charitable Foundation

Unspecified amount

Bertin Family Foundation Grants for California Nonprofits

Applications due Sep 30, 2026
Focused on community and education, the Bertin Family Foundation invites California 501(c)(3) nonprofits to apply for Strategic Impact Grants supporting community development, education access, humanitarian aid, and related initiatives. Eligible organizations must be in good standing, demonstrate strong governance and financial transparency, and align with the foundation’s values and focus areas, including work in Northern California.
Bertin Family Foundation

Up to US $1,000

Perdue Foundation Grants for California Communities

Applications due Oct 1, 2026
California 501(c)(3) nonprofits can access funding for community programs addressing agriculture, environment, education, hunger and poverty, health, social services, and public safety. Grants from the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation provide up to US $1,000 for nonprofit, tax-exempt initiatives in eligible communities, with preference for projects endorsed and supported by Perdue associates.
Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation

Unspecified amount

Bank of Marin- Annual Grant Program

Applications due Oct 11, 2026
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.
Bank of Marin

Unspecified amount

Broad Community Funding from Doyle Foundation

Applications due Oct 31, 2026
California 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations seeking support for the betterment of life can apply for grants that fund a wide range of community needs. Focused on improving quality of life, the Doyle Foundation invites eligible U.S.-incorporated nonprofits, including those working in California, to request support for their programs and services.
The Doyle Foundation Inc

US $100,000 - US $1,000,000

Youth and Family Programs Funding from Keck Foundation

Letter of inquiry due Nov 3, 2026
California 501(c)(3) nonprofits and qualifying public entities serving low-income children, youth, and families in Los Angeles County can apply for W. M. Keck Foundation’s Southern California Program, with awards from US $100,000 - US $1,000,000 for high-impact projects. Funding supports arts, education, health care, and community services that build resilient under-resourced communities.
W. M. Keck Foundation

US $5,000 - US $3,000,000

Transformative Community Project Grants from Del E Webb Foundation

Letter of inquiry due Nov 17, 2026
California 501(c)(3) public charities with sustainable health, youth, child welfare, or community development projects can seek US $5,000 - US $3,000,000 to create long-term community benefits. With a mission to invest in productivity that yields lasting impact, Del E Webb Foundation supports innovative, self-sufficient programs through a quiz, LOI, and invitation-only application process.
Del E Webb Foundation

US $5,000 - US $10,000

Capital Project Funding from Papé Family Foundation

Letter of inquiry due Jan 16, 2027
California 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for small capital projects, building improvements, project equipment, or new program start-up costs can apply for Papé Family Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000. Focused on strengthening communities near San Francisco and South Lake Tahoe, the foundation invites eligible organizations to submit letters of intent online.
Papé Family Foundation

Unspecified amount

Flexible Funding for Southern California Nonprofits from S Mark Taper Foundation

Letter of inquiry due Feb 4, 2027
Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in select Southern California counties can seek general operating, program, or capital support for arts, education, health, environment, civic affairs, or social services work. With a mission to enhance quality of life, S Mark Taper Foundation provides grants that may benefit California organizations serving Los Angeles, Imperial, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura counties.
S Mark Taper Foundation

US $3,000 - US $7,500

Community Programs Funding from Teichert Foundation

Applications due Feb 6, 2027
California 501(c)(3) public charities and government or public agencies can access funding for community improvement, education, health, environment, arts, and youth or senior services through Teichert Foundation; awards US $3,000 - US $7,500 for one-year projects. Eligible organizations must be based and operating in specified California and Washoe County, Nevada counties, with preference for clearly defined project support.
Teichert Foundation

Unspecified amount

Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation Grants for California Youth

Applications due Apr 24, 2027
California 501(c)(3) nonprofits with local programs in youth education, next-generation storytelling, or community engagement can apply for Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation’s Local Impact Grants to support positive community change. Organizations must be located in eligible NBC or Telemundo markets and meet revenue, expense, and prior-funding limits; fiscally sponsored groups may qualify.
The Comcast Nbcuniversal Foundation

US $10,000 - US $50,000

Child Abuse Prevention Grants for Nonprofits from In-N-Out Burgers Foundation

Applications due May 2, 2027
California 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving children and youth impacted by child abuse and neglect can access funding through the In-N-Out Burgers Foundation, with awards of US $10,000 - US $50,000 for core program or general operating support. Eligible organizations must operate in specified California counties and have at least a $100,000 annual budget.
In-N-Out Burgers Foundation

US $15,000 - US $100,000

California Community Programs Funding via Pacific Life Foundation

Applications due Aug 15, 2027
Pacific-area 501(c)(3) nonprofits in California can receive US $15,000 - US $100,000 for program and capital support in arts and culture, education, environment, health, and community development. Pacific Life Foundation provides California nonprofits, especially in Orange County, with multi-year program grants and larger capital grants for established campaigns serving broad local populations.
Pacific Life Foundation

Unspecified amount

Human Services Funding for Nonprofits from Sunwest Bank Charitable Foundation

Applications due Aug 22, 2027
Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing food, housing, health, safety, education, or other services for vulnerable children and families in California can apply for community grants supporting local programs. Sunwest Bank Charitable Foundation funds organizations in Los Angeles and Orange Counties, with preference for groups where bank employees volunteer and that operate in communities the bank serves.
Sunwest Bank Charitable Foundation

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California Grants for Nonprofits Highlights

California grants for nonprofits provide funding to support education, environmental protection, technology innovation, and public health. The following grants empower organizations to tackle challenges, promote equity, and foster sustainability throughout the state of California.


Search Instrumentl's California Grants Database


Find 370 funding opportunities for nonprofits in California, with $518.1M available. Instrumentl connects local organizations to tailored grants, offering tools for tracking deadlines, customized searches, and insights to support transformative work across California.

Grant Insights : California Grants for Nonprofits

Grant Availability

How common are grants in this category?

Common — grants in this category appear regularly across funding sources.

400+ California grants for nonprofits grants for nonprofits in the United States, from private foundations to corporations seeking to fund grants for nonprofits.

200+ California grants for nonprofits over $25K in average grant size

200+ California grants for nonprofits over $50K in average grant size

38 California grants for nonprofits supporting general operating expenses

300+ California grants for nonprofits supporting programs / projects

3,000+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Education

2,000+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Health & Medicine

Grant Deadline Distribution

Over the past year, when are grant deadlines typically due for California grants for Nonprofits?

Most grants are due in the first quarter.

Q1
28.5%
Q2
25.8%
Q3
23.3%
Q4
22.4%

Typical Funding Amounts

What's the typical grant amount funded for California Grants for Nonprofits?

Grants are most commonly $100,000.

$0 $0 Min.
$100,000 $100 K Median
$2,149,932 $2.1 M Average
$150,000,000 $150 M Max.

Frequently asked questions

Many grants are currently open for applications in California, including over 200+ individual grants with an average award of over $25k. The median grant amount funded within California is $100,000. As for specific grant focus areas, over 3,000+ available grants in California target education and 2,000+ focus on health & medicine. Additionally, over 300+ grants target specific programs or projects, and 38 grants aim to support general operating expenses.

Grants in California are funded by a variety of sources, including state, local, and federal government agencies, private foundations, corporate funders, and associations. Here’s a breakdown of where you'll find the largest number of grants:

  • State & Local Government: Currently, 210 grants are available from California state/local government agencies. Focus areas across these grants typically include habitat and ecosystem restoration, land and freshwater conservation, and farming. State/local government agencies make up the largest category of funders.
  • Private Foundations: 113 grants in California are funded by private foundations targeting a wide range of categories, from environmental conservation to education to health and medicine.
  • Corporate Funders: 22 corporate grants are open in California. These grants often focus on environmental education, human and social services, and art and culture.

Given the large number of state and local government grants offered in California, nonprofits should stay up-to-date on funding availability in their areas.

Based on currently available data, the best time to apply for grants in California is in Q1, when 28.5% of all grant applications are due. Q2 has a similar rate at 25.8%. Applying for grants during these quarters will offer the most opportunities to secure funding.

The nonprofit funding landscape for grants in California has shown increasing activity over the last few years. Based on IRS funding reports, overall grant funding grew from ~$30.7 billion in 2021 to ~$33.6 billion in 2022 — a 9.61% increase. The largest focus areas for funding included single-organization support, professional societies and associations, and private grantmaking foundations. Los Angeles County, San Francisco County, and Santa Clara County received the most funding during this time.

If you'd like to dive deeper, explore our in-depth California Private Grants Landscape insight report, which explores the top funders and grantees as well as more recent data.

If you want to start finding more grants, Instrumentl simplifies the entire grant process. You can find grants in California while also researching funders, managing deadlines, and keeping on top of everything in our all-in-one platform.

Is your nonprofit struggling to decide how much to request in a grant application? Learn how to calculate the right amount with our grant request sizing guide.

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