Best Community Development Grants in California

Community Development Grants

Community Development provides grants to neighborhood groups, public service districts and other organizations to construct or improve public neighborhood facilities such as senior centers, parks, playgrounds, community center, and recreation buildings in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods and communities in unincorporated Fresno County.

Public Facilities & Infrastructure Improvements

Provides grants for public infrastructure improvements such as sewer, water, drainage, streets, curbs and sidewalks in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods and communities in unincorporated Fresno County and participating cities in the CDBG Urban County. 

Partner Cities Grants

Community Development provides CDBG grants to the following partner cities to improve the quality of life in city low- and moderate-income neighborhoods:

• Fowler
• Kerman
• Kingsburg
• Mendota
• Orange Cove
• Reedley
• Sanger
• Selma

Public Services Grants

Community development provides CDBG grants to the Fresno County Sheriff's Department and to non-profit community-based social service agencies to provide eligible public services to low- and moderate-income residents of unincorporated Fresno County.

Who We Are

OneStar strengthens Texas communities by creating pathways for individuals and organizations to engage, connect, and accelerate their impact.

OneStar AmeriCorps VISTA Project

OneStar AmeriCorps VISTA Project places skilled individuals with a diverse range of backgrounds at nonprofits and agencies throughout the state of Texas. AmeriCorps VISTA members serve full-time for one year on capacity-building projects to advance your organization’s anti-poverty mission.

OneStar AmeriCorps VISTA Project places community-driven individuals with nonprofits & agencies throughout Texas on transformative projects focused specifically on building organizational capacity and infrastructure to alleviate poverty. Get the support you need to accelerate your efforts in volunteer management, marketing, community outreach, fundraising, program development, and more!

Capacity building activities include:

• Volunteer Engagement
• Fundraising & Development
• Communication & Marketing
• Community Engagement & Outreach
• Program Development

About the Bertin Family Foundation

Founders: Kim and Jennifer BertinAfter a successful career innovating orthopedic surgical techniques, devices, and implants, Kim and his wife Jennifer feel a deep sense of stewardship to dedicate their resources to helping others. They engage all three generations of the Bertin family in hands-on service and grantmaking decisions, fostering a shared commitment to giving back. Through the foundation’s work, the Bertin family seeks to strengthen communities, support meaningful causes, and inspire future generations to lead with compassion and purpose. 

NOW Grants

A limited number of grants are available for one time projects or programs that emerge outside of the standard review period. These grants are for $5000 or less.

The Ecolab Community Giving Program, supported by the Ecolab Foundation, matches employee donations to eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits up to $1,000 annually. This initiative promotes community engagement and supports various focus areas, including youth education, civic development, environmental conservation, and arts. With over $174 million contributed since 1980, Ecolab demonstrates its commitment to enhancing the communities where its employees live and work through impactful philanthropic efforts.

National Main Street Center Inc.

Main Street America (MSA) leads an inclusive, impact-driven movement dedicated to reenergizing and strengthening older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts through place-based economic development and community preservation. We work in collaboration with thousands of local partners and grassroots leaders across the nation who share our commitment to advancing shared prosperity, creating resilient economies, and improving quality of life.

Main Street America was founded in 1980 as the National Main Street Center®, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Over the past 40 years the MSA network has helped to generate over $115.27 billion in local reinvestment, rehab 345,801 buildings, create 815,894 new jobs, and start 181,647 new businesses in over 2,000 communities. 

Great American Main Street Awards

Main Street America celebrates communities whose successes serve as a model for comprehensive, preservation-based revitalization efforts in their historic downtowns and commercial corridor districts with the Great American Main Street Awards (GAMSA).

Winners represent the diversity of communities in the Main Street America network — small towns, mid-sized communities, and urban commercial districts from every region in the country — and demonstrate the power of the Main Street Approach™. Since the inception of the Great American Main Street Awards in 1995, 118 Main Street programs have been honored.

Selection Criteria: Semifinalists and winners are selected from a nationwide pool of applicants by a jury of Main Street professionals and leaders in the fields of community and economic development and historic preservation. Criteria for winning GAMSA include: strength of the Main Street program in spurring community transformation, commitment to historic preservation, innovative programming, implementation of cross-sector partnerships, community outreach and stakeholder engagement, and ensuring their downtown districts are for everyone. 

Accolades & Ceremony: Semifinalists are promoted through Main Street America’s digital channels and receive media relations support. Winners also receive a short documentary film, a plaque, communications and media relations support, prominent placement on the Main Street America website for two years, and recognition at the 2027 Main Street Now Conference in Detroit, Michigan.

About Us

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.

Coast Central Credit Union

As a credit union with a People Helping People approach, we reinvest in you, local organizations, small businesses, and our CCCU family. It’s how we work toward bringing community together.

Community Investment Grant

With thanks to our members, we award $300,000 in grants annually to deserving organizations.

Our Community Investment Program provides grants to local non-profit organizations twice per year. An employee committee reviews all applications and then makes recommendations to our Board of Directors who approves grant recipients.

Rotary Club of San Jose

The Rotary Club of San Jose is the largest, most active and well-known service organization in the community. We are a leadership organization working together to make a difference. Our members include local business, nonprofit, professional and civic leaders. We form lasting friendships through our shared Rotary experiences including weekly meetings with interesting speakers, committee meetings and projects, social events and group service projects within our community and internationally.

Community Grants

• The primary purpose of the Rotary Club of San Jose Foundation Community Grants is to assist nonprofit organizations serving the citizens of San Jose with grants up to $15,000 for specific, tangible and identifiable capital purchases. Recent examples include grants to purchase a commercial oven, refrigerator, computers (including peripherals), streaming equipment, and cameras.

• Grants up to $15,000 may also be made for small facility improvement projects of under $30,000 total. Recent examples include linoleum flooring, electrical upgrades, carpet and fences. The intent is to provide a grant that will serve the grantee for many years.

Adam R Scripps Foundation

Adam Scripps lived a life of humble generosity, helping to improve the lives of others without seeking recognition or fanfare for himself. The family-run Adam R. Scripps Foundation, established posthumously in 2023, allocates millions annually to his cherished causes like animal welfare and community development, with grants overseen by his relatives to honor his legacy.

Honoring Adam’s legacy, we make grants to collaborate, provide support and build resources that create opportunities and transformative pathways. For generations to come, we will improve lives and transform communities because we are a leader in family philanthropy. We value helping communities create lasting change. We do this through compassion, love of neighbor, humility, and generosity.

Community Development Grant

Raised in rural Texas, Adam saw firsthand the challenges small towns face related to demographic changes, workforce development, capital access, infrastructure, health, land use and environment and community preservation. As he got older, he often felt compelled to help - even in small ways - when he saw a neighbor struggling. Inspired by his generosity and leaning into innovation, we built a Community Grant & Loan Program to be the catalyst for investable initiatives while working to leverage additional public and private capital.

We are getting further, faster thanks to partnering with leaders in the Program Related Investment (PRI) arena. PRIs are powerful and versatile tools in the philanthropic toolkit, making capital available to any kind of organization advancing any charitable purpose via various financial structures. Financial returns can be repurposed for new charitable objectives, multiplying the impact. The focus through this program revolves around the types of communities Adam called home with a focus on specific economic barriers.

This grant is focused on semi-permanent or permanent community assets including infrastructure, public works, green space, revitalization, and other real assets essential for businesses to thrive in a community. Generally, these funds will not be used exclusively for beautification.

The Durfee Foundation Stanton Fellowship offers exceptional leaders in Los Angeles County the opportunity to receive $100,000 over two years to pursue innovative inquiries that can lead to meaningful improvements in the community. This fellowship emphasizes cross-disciplinary collaboration, allowing fellows to expand their knowledge and networks while dedicating focused time to their projects. With a strong commitment to supporting creative thinkers, the Durfee Foundation aims to enhance civic engagement and foster impactful change in Los Angeles.

The Peter Chortek Leadership Award honors Jewish high school students in San Diego who demonstrate outstanding leadership and commitment to community service through tikkun olam. Awardees receive a $9,000 stipend, $540 to set up a Donor Advised Fund, and a professional video showcasing their project. This award encourages students to create or enhance community initiatives, fostering engagement in social justice and service projects.

The Sierra Grant Program, initiated by Bank of the Sierra, aims to enhance community welfare since 2004 by providing grants to nonprofits and governmental organizations. Focus areas include community services, affordable housing, economic development, and revitalization of low-to-moderate income areas. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, ensuring that impactful projects can receive timely support to improve the quality of life for families and individuals in the communities served.

John Muir Health offers community event sponsorships aimed at supporting health-related initiatives within Contra Costa County, Tri-Valley, and Northern Alameda County. As a not-for-profit health system, they prioritize funding for projects that address identified health needs, ensuring good stewardship of resources. Organizations must be registered 501c3 entities and align with their community health mission. Requests must be by invitation only, and personal or political sponsorships are not accepted.

The Lowell Berry Foundation Grants aim to enhance leadership within local Christian church ministries while providing community support in California. Established in 1950 by Mr. Lowell W. Berry, the foundation focuses on assisting organizations that foster personal development and leadership. Grants are limited to programs in Contra Costa and Alameda counties, with funding not available for individual projects or capital equipment. This initiative continues to build on a legacy of community service and leadership advancement.

The Richard Reed Foundation Grant supports small, innovative non-profit organizations in Colorado and Northern California that aim to improve community welfare through initiatives in mental health, child development, environmental impact, and animal welfare. The foundation focuses on organizations with a proven track record, clear goals, and sustainable funding. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $10,000, and the foundation encourages creativity and collaboration to foster significant community change.

The Peggy and Robert Matthews Foundation Grant aims to support arts, sciences, and health services in San Diego. This grant is available to established, non-religious, and non-political charitable organizations operating in the region for over a year. Interested applicants must initiate a conversation with the Foundation to determine eligibility, as unsolicited Letters of Intent are not accepted. This initiative seeks to enhance community welfare through strategic funding.

The NTCA Emergent Grant supports urgent projects that enhance community vitality, economic health, and environmental sustainability in North Lake Tahoe. Funded by TOT and NLT-TBID, it prioritizes initiatives outside the Annual Grant Cycle. Eligible applicants must demonstrate immediate funding needs and align with specific priorities. The program encourages innovative solutions for community enhancement, environmental stewardship, and workforce housing, fostering a thriving destination for residents and visitors alike.

The North Tahoe Community Alliance (NTCA) is offering event funding for 2025, supporting initiatives that enhance economic health, community vitality, and environmental stewardship. Applications open on December 13, with a deadline of January 10. Events must promote public engagement and sustainability while being open to all. Funding priorities include community enhancement, environmental stewardship, and workforce housing, ensuring that events positively impact the region's economy and community spirit.

The U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation supports initiatives that drive self-sufficiency and community enrichment for vulnerable populations. With over $4.31 million awarded last year, the foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate measurable impact and foster stronger communities. Eligible organizations include those designated as public charities by the IRS. The foundation emphasizes collaboration with other funders, avoiding sole financial support to ensure comprehensive community development.

The Capital Improvements for District 3 Intergenerational Recreational Facilities RFP aims to fund upgrades to recreational facilities in San Francisco's District 3, serving diverse generations. With a total grant amount of up to $500,000, the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development will prioritize proposals based on scoring until funds are exhausted. The funding period is set from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2027, ensuring impactful community enhancements.

The MCF Community Heart & Soul Program, a collaboration between the Montana Community Foundation and Montana State University Extension, aims to empower rural communities in Montana to identify their core values and aspirations. This resident-driven initiative fosters community engagement through exploratory activities, grants, and support, ultimately enhancing local pride, volunteerism, and economic development. Selected communities will benefit from financial assistance, coaching, and a structured process over two years to ensure sustainable community growth and connection.

The Monterey Peninsula Foundation K-12 Grant supports local nonprofits and schools in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties, focusing on arts, education, health, and community services. With a responsive grantmaking strategy, the foundation aims to address unmet community needs and foster resilience through various types of support, including operating, program, and capital funding. Organizations must demonstrate management capacity and a clear evaluation plan, ensuring long-term impact and community collaboration.

The Thriving Community Impact Fund offers grants up to $2,499 to support local programs that enhance community health and well-being. This initiative by Gundersen Health emphasizes collaboration, focusing on areas such as physical and mental health, poverty alleviation, and neighborhood improvements. Organizations like non-profits and government agencies can apply for funding during a rolling application period, with decisions made monthly. The fund aims to empower communities and address health inequities through impactful partnerships.

The Thriving Community Impact Fund offers grants ranging from $2,500 to $49,999 to support community health initiatives. Gundersen Health emphasizes collaboration and addressing social needs to foster well-being. Eligible organizations include non-profits, schools, and government agencies. The fund prioritizes projects that align with the Community Health Improvement Plan, focusing on health equity, civic engagement, and neighborhood enhancement. This initiative aims to empower communities and improve health outcomes while fostering corporate social responsibility.

The North Lake Tahoe-Truckee Leadership Program aims to develop community leaders in the region, having graduated over 500 participants since 2004. The program, running from January to June 2026, offers full-day sessions on vital topics like economic development and environmental issues. Participants will learn from experienced local leaders and engage in hands-on activities, enhancing their leadership skills. This year's program includes insights on intergenerational leadership, fostering a robust alumni network dedicated to community impact.

The Ochylski Family Foundation supports registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations through grants aimed at enhancing their operational capacity. With an application deadline of October 1, organizations must submit a detailed request outlining their initiatives. The foundation's mission aligns with its commitment to foster community development and nonprofit effectiveness in Iowa, ensuring that resources are allocated to impactful projects that serve the public good.

The Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grants for Fiscal Year 2025 support revitalization efforts in severely distressed public housing and surrounding neighborhoods. This program encourages collaboration among local governments, housing agencies, and community partners to create comprehensive plans aimed at improving housing quality, promoting upward mobility for residents, and attracting long-term investment for neighborhood development. Successful applicants will implement their Transformation Plans, which were developed through prior Planning Grants to enhance the quality of life for residents.