Best Agriculture Grants in California

California rural community nonprofits can access funding through AgWest Farm Credit for capital projects that improve local facilities, equipment, or infrastructure in agricultural areas. Grants range from US $500 - US $2,500 and require a letter of support from a current AgWest employee or active customer, plus a W-9 or IRS determination letter.

With a mission to support climate resilience and natural resources, California Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy provides California environmental and community access projects with funding for multi-benefit work in the Delta and Suisun Marsh. Eligible projects may include improving community access to parks and open space, enhancing climate resilience, protecting natural resources, and supporting biodiversity and local economies.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on sustainable agriculture and related environmental or community programs can access funding through the Dorrance Family Foundation. Grants support charitable, educational, or scientific projects, including natural resource conservation, children’s health, animal welfare, and organizational capacity, with a local focus on Southern California communities.

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Harbor Freight is America’s #1 Tool Store with more than 1600 locations nationwide. Founded in 1977 by Eric Smidt, the company began as a small mail-order tool business in North Hollywood, California. Over 75 million customers have come to Harbor Freight for our unmatched assortment of quality tools at an unbeatable value, including automotive, air and power tools, storage, outdoor power equipment, generators, welding supplies, shop equipment, hand tools, and much more.

Harbor Freight Tools Gift Card Donation Requests

If you are a Harbor Freight Associate and have been affected by an unexpected, unavoidable crisis and are in financial need, please apply to our Employee Emergency Relief Fund (EERF). To apply, go to www.myHFT.com to review our FAQs, guidelines, eligibility requirements and application form.

For all other donation requests, please note that we have recently updated our criteria. You can find the current eligibility requirements below.

All donations are given in the form of Harbor Freight Store gift cards. We do not provide cash donations, event sponsorships or support for individuals.

Harbor Freight Tools proudly supports the following:

Skilled Trades Education

• Skilled trades classes that emphasize the expert use of tools and materials to build, repair and maintain products and structures. Fields include Agricultural Mechanics, Carpentry, Construction, Electrical, HVAC, Advanced Manufacturing, Plumbing, Transportation Mechanics and Repair, and Welding
• Donation requests must be submitted by a K-12 public-school teacher for their own school/classroom. Harbor Freight store gift cards are given directly to the school/teacher requesting one. We do not provide donations to outside organizations, clubs or third parties.

Grants from Hind Foundation help California conservation and land stewardship organizations fund capital projects that create lasting community benefits. Eligible California-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits can apply for support for ecosystem and land conservation, plant and wildlife protection, historical landmark restoration, and music or visual arts facilities, provided projects align with the foundation’s funding areas and are already substantially supported.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits with community-backed projects in ecosystem or land conservation, plant and wildlife protection, historic restoration, or arts programming can seek up to US $2,500 for supplemental needs. Grants from Hind Foundation help agriculture-related and conservation groups fund scholarships, performances, educational materials, fundraising events, and similar community-benefit projects.

Public agencies, nonprofit organizations, public utilities, eligible tribes, and mutual water companies in California can seek funding to enhance stream flows that benefit fish, wildlife, and water resources. With a mission to improve water reliability and restore habitats, California Wildlife Conservation Board supports projects like water transactions, conservation measures, groundwater storage, and habitat restoration that also strengthen agricultural water management.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public agencies working on criminal justice reform, immigrant and workers’ rights, or civil rights can seek project support from the Rosenberg Foundation. Focused on equity for low-income communities and communities of color, it invites California organizations to apply for grants up to Up to US $100,000 that advance its priority areas.

California public libraries providing summer meals for children and teens in California can receive funding to run USDA meal sites, pop-up libraries at community meal sites, and related enrichment. California State Library’s Lunch at the Library program supports Farm to Summer activities, hands-on food education, and youth development tied to sustainable, locally sourced food.

California agriculture and environmental nonprofits with IRS 501(c)(3) status can seek US $1,000 - US $10,000 for sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation, and related demonstration projects. Focused on sustainability and innovation, the Foundation for Sustainability and Innovation invites seed projects that integrate farming, community development, and ecological restoration, including initiatives that may link rural and urban communities.

Educational institutions and programs in California that provide agricultural education and leadership training for K-12, post-secondary, or adult learners can apply for the CalAgPlate Grant Program. Funding from the California Department of Food & Agriculture supports activities that strengthen agricultural knowledge and leadership development across the state.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits in California working on agriculture, environment, hunger relief, education, health, poverty, or public safety can apply for the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation’s Corporate Giving Program, with awards up to US $1,000. Requests must be endorsed by a Perdue associate and benefit the broader community.

Nonprofit and public entities running nutrition incentive programs in California can seek funding to boost CalFresh shoppers’ purchases of fresh, California-grown fruits and vegetables at farmers’ markets, CSAs, farm stands, and small businesses. Grants from California Department of Food & Agriculture prioritize projects serving low-access, low-income communities with high rates of diet-related disease.

Agriculture and related nonprofit organizations in California seeking project support can apply for competitive grants supporting agriculture, education, health, environment, recreation, culture, civic services, and technology. Gilroy Foundation awards US $500 - US $5,000 for community-focused projects, with priority for impactful efforts that address local needs and leverage additional funding, especially in the Gilroy area.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on agriculture, environment, education, hunger, poverty, health, or public safety can seek more than US $1,000 to strengthen local communities. Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation supports programs in areas where its associates live and work, with preference for communities near major Perdue facilities.

California municipalities and nonprofit organizations providing spay and neuter services can apply for US $25,000 - US $50,000 in funding from the California Department of Food & Agriculture. This one-year grant supports efforts to reduce pet overpopulation in California and may benefit agriculture-related entities involved in animal welfare or veterinary services.

Focused on agriculture, California Department of Food & Agriculture invites California producers, commodity groups, and related organizations to apply for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, awarding US $100,000 - US $500,000 for projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Eligible projects must benefit California fruits, vegetables, nuts, and other specialty crops.

California agriculture and food systems organizations can seek up to US $20,000 for sustainable farming and community food projects in California. The University of California supports work on regenerative production, fair labor and marketing, healthy and culturally appropriate food access, and stronger producer–community connections, with priority for disadvantaged, Tribal, and socially disadvantaged farming communities.

California farm and food system businesses, nonprofits, governments, Tribal entities, and colleges can seek UC SAREP small grants to plan, research, and deliver sustainable agriculture and food systems projects. Administered by University of California, Davis, awards range from US $10,000 - US $20,000 and prioritize disadvantaged communities, Tribal communities, and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.

California environmental and conservation-focused 501(c)(3) public charities, educational institutions, and government agencies can request up to US $25,000 for programs, capacity building, general support, or capital needs. Focused on water quality, land-sea connections, and protecting special places, the Keith Campbell Foundation invites proposals that may benefit agriculture-related conservation work.

California grassroots environmental and agriculture groups with annual budgets under $150,000 can access funding to advance climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, and environmental justice. Through the California Environmental Grassroots Fund, Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment offers up to US $7,500 for community-based advocacy, organizing, campaigns, restoration, litigation, and environmental education projects statewide.

The Harden Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations in Monterey County across seven focus areas, including youth, family welfare, health, and arts. The Foundation promotes self-reliance, quality of life improvements, and humane treatment of animals. Eligible applicants must have 501(C)3 status and can seek funding for general support, special projects, and one-time capital grants. However, the Foundation does not fund sectarian programs, endowments, or organizations outside its geographical focus.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits running agriculture, conservation, or related community programs can apply for the Henry Mayo Newhall Foundation’s grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $20,000 for program support. Organizations in the Santa Clarita Valley, San Francisco, and Santa Maria Valley may also receive funding for youth enrichment, basic needs, animal welfare, and historic preservation initiatives.

With a mission to support transformational community projects, Impact 100 Greater Sacramento provides California agriculture and related nonprofits with grants of more than US $100,000. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in Sacramento, Yolo, Placer, and El Dorado Counties may apply under focus areas such as environment, environmental education, sustainable agriculture, and climate action.

California upper-division and graduate students in environmentally related fields can receive US $3,000 to support their studies and careers in environmental communication, conservation, and related disciplines. The Emily M. Hewitt Memorial Scholarship from Calaveras Big Trees Association may benefit students whose work connects to agriculture, natural resources, and environmental stewardship in California.

The Harold J. Miossi Charitable Trust Grant Program aims to enhance the quality of life for residents of San Luis Obispo, California, focusing on key areas such as animal welfare, education, environmental protection, support for the Catholic Church, fine arts, and youth development. Grants are available to California-based organizations for specific projects that align with these priorities, promoting community engagement and sustainable development.

California 501(c)(3) organizations seeking capital funding for agricultural purposes or related land and wildlife conservation can apply for the T.S. & K.D. Glide Foundation’s grants, with awards up to US $50,000. Eligible nonprofits must be at least two years old and request support for specific capital items rather than operating costs.