Best Corporate Grants for Nonprofits in California

The Marin County Bar Association Legal Education Scholarship is designed to assist Marin County residents pursuing a legal education. Sponsored by 10,000 Degrees, this scholarship aims to inspire future legal leaders who are committed to community service. Eligible applicants must be full-time law students in California, with a connection to Marin County and a demonstrated financial need. This initiative reflects a dedication to supporting students who aspire to make a positive impact in their communities.

The HDR Foundation Grant Cycle supports community organizations aligned with HDR's values, focusing on education, healthy communities, and environmental stewardship. This employee-funded initiative emphasizes the importance of employee engagement in grant proposals, requiring a clear scope of work and completion within a year. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based nonprofits, educational institutions, and tribal governments, while grants are not provided for faith-based organizations or individual support.

The Proposition 64 Public Health and Safety Grant Program Cohort 4, funded by the California Board of State and Community Corrections, allocates $125 million to local governments. This initiative aims to enhance public health and safety in relation to the regulation of adult-use marijuana. Grants will support law enforcement and fire protection efforts from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2031, with additional time for final evaluations. Proposals must align with outlined categories for funding consideration.

University of California Humanities Research Institute (UCHRI)

The University of California Humanities Research Institute facilitates experimental, interdisciplinary humanities scholarship through partnerships, research initiatives, and competitive grants.

UCHRI was founded by UC President David Gardner in 1987 as a centerpiece of the University of California’s system-wide investment in humanities research. Over the past three decades UCHRI has promoted innovation and leadership in the practice and sharing of collaborative humanistic research across all 10 UC campuses, nationally, and globally.

UCHRI Manuscript Workshop and Research Development Program

The UCHRI Manuscript Workshop and Research Development Program supports the publication goals of early- and mid-career faculty members in the humanities and qualitative social sciences while helping them build strong networks of support in their fields and across the University of California. Each participant convenes an online workshop with five experts in their field, including at least three UC faculty, who read and comment on their book manuscript. Based upon successful national models, this workshop provides faculty with quality feedback from experts in the field on a full draft of a pre-promotion book manuscript in preparation for submission to a publisher for a contract or for publication. To accommodate participants’ availability, the workshop can be divided into one or more separate online sessions, but respondents should not be expected to attend more than one session. We encourage applicants to submit full manuscripts for respondents’ review.

The program also provides quarterly research development sessions and culminates in a writing retreat with a press editor. In addition to supporting the publication goals of individual faculty, these workshops build new communities of concern around particular research topics, including areas that may not be fully supported by traditional departmental structures.

This opportunity is open to all UC faculty at the assistant and associate levels in the humanities and qualitative social sciences. Faculty who have contributed substantively to building a culture of inclusive excellence on their campus, have encountered unexpected obstacles in completing their research, and/or are working in emergent or underserved research areas are especially encouraged to apply.

This program is funded by and supports the goals of the Advancing Faculty Diversity Program run by the Office of the Vice Provost of Academic Personnel and Programs at the UC Office of the President.

The Sonoma County Law Student Scholarship Fund, established in 2024 by the Sonoma County Bar Association, offers financial support to law students from Sonoma County or its high school graduates enrolled in accredited law schools in California. This initiative aims to empower local students to pursue their legal education while strengthening community ties. Applicants are evaluated based on financial need, academic achievement, community involvement, and other relevant circumstances.

The Sylvia Shugrue Award for Elementary School Teachers recognizes outstanding educators who create interdisciplinary, inquiry-based lesson plans. This prestigious award, funded by the National Science Teachers Association, includes a $1,000 grant and additional funding for attending the NSTA National Conference on Science Education. Eligible applicants must be full-time elementary teachers with a minimum of five years of experience and must be NSTA members in good standing. This initiative aims to enhance science education in elementary schools.

University of California Humanities Research Institute (UCHRI)

The University of California Humanities Research Institute facilitates experimental, interdisciplinary humanities scholarship through partnerships, research initiatives, and competitive grants.

UCHRI was founded by UC President David Gardner in 1987 as a centerpiece of the University of California’s system-wide investment in humanities research. Over the past three decades UCHRI has promoted innovation and leadership in the practice and sharing of collaborative humanistic research across all 10 UC campuses, nationally, and globally.

Graduate Student Dissertation Support

The Graduate Student Dissertation Support grant offers funds to support dissertation work for UC PhD candidates in the humanities and humanistic social sciences. Support may include travel expenses for dissertation research, supplies such as books or copies directly related to the dissertation topic, and fees for summer institutes likely to advance the dissertation (such as language or theory programs). Funds may not be requested for rent or other regular living expenses. Please note that grant funds may only be used for projects taking place between July 1, 2026 and December 31, 2027. Plan your research travel accordingly.

The INDIGO Program and FPIP are initiatives designed to support industrial decarbonization and improve grid operations while ensuring food production sustainability. These programs focus on funding projects that enhance electrical grid reliability, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and comply with state energy goals. They specifically target eligible industrial and food production facilities, promoting innovative solutions for environmental impact and operational efficiency.

The Focus Agriculture Grant is a pioneering educational initiative by Agri-Culture aimed at community leaders. This nine-session program includes monthly seminars and farm tours, providing vital information on topics like production, government relations, and marketing. Participants from various sectors such as non-profits, education, and local business are encouraged to apply. The tuition is $1,500, with a $350 refund for 100% attendance. For more details, refer to the FAQ available on their website.

The Jill Barrett Research Award in Biology offers prestigious research opportunities for undergraduate students at Northeastern University. This competitive program focuses on environmental sciences and behavioral neuroscience, providing mentorship, advanced research skills, and professional development. Participants engage in an 11-week summer project, culminating in a formal presentation of their research. Paid positions are available with on-campus housing at the Oakland campus, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience.

The California Botanical Society Paul Silva Student Research Grant supports undergraduate and graduate student members conducting botanical research in western North America. Grants of up to $600 are available for projects aimed at advancing Western American botany. The funding can cover research travel, supplies, and minor equipment, with the goal of producing a professional publication. Collaborative applications are encouraged, and there are no restrictions based on citizenship.

About the Library

Established in 1850, the California State Library is the central reference and research library for state government and the Legislature. The library collection includes more than 4 million titles, 6,000 maps, and 250,000 photographs. It has an extensive collection of documents from and about the state’s rich history and is one of the major genealogical reference libraries on the West Coast. It also holds significant collections from Mexico, the United Kingdom and Europe, with manuscripts dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries. The State Library is both a State and Federal Depository Library, providing free and open access to government information, and is a U.S. Patent and Trademark Resource Center. It is home to the Bernard E. Witkin State Law Library and the Braille and Talking Book Library. It also directs state and federal funds to support local public libraries and statewide library programs and services.

Digital Literacy and Access

The Digital Literacy and Access opportunity provides funds to help California public libraries improve access to high-speed broadband and improve digital literacy in their communities, through digital navigation services for library users, digital literacy training opportunities for the public, and AI and/or internet safety. The Digital Literacy and Access opportunity provides funds to help California public libraries improve access to high-speed broadband and improve digital literacy in their communities, through digital navigation services for library users, digital literacy training opportunities for the public, and AI and/or internet safety classes.

Purpose

As many as two million Californians experience slow or no internet access at home, which can mean limited access to essential online activities like banking, healthcare, homework, remote work, and job seeking. Without high-speed internet at home, however, these Californians can rely on one anchor institution that offers free, reliable broadband: local public libraries. 

Public libraries provide access to digital resources and the skills to safely use those resources, which are key components of the Broadband for All Initiative (external link). The goals of this opportunity are to help libraries improve access to high-speed broadband and improve digital literacy in their communities.

Coover/Rural Schools Partnership Celebrate Rural Schools Grant Program

The Louis L. and Julia Dorothy Coover Foundation, a partnership between Community Foundation of the Ozarks and The Commerce Trust Company is proud to offer the Celebrate Rural Schools grant program, which will support projects that celebrate, strengthen, and elevate the unique identity of rural schools and the communities they serve. This grant supports projects that celebrate the unique culture, achievements, and identity of rural schools and their communities. It encourages districts to amplify local voices, showcase student success, and strengthen community connections. 

• Eligible applicants must be a member of the CFO's Rural Schools Partnership program.
• Total amount to award is $100,000.00.
• This is a single year grant program with final reports due in May 2027.
• Applicants may apply for up to $5,000 in funding for this grant cycle. 

The Community Foundation of the Ozarks and its Rural Schools Partnership Program are committed to supporting rural schools. In awarding grants, the CFO and its affiliates will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status. As part of the grant process, all grantees will be required to affirm that, in providing services funded in whole or in part by a CFO grant, the grantee will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status either in its employment practices or in its policies and procedures concerning access to services. 

The James W. Caughy and Florence L. Caughy Verbeek Vacaville High School Memorial Service Award Fund, managed by the Solano Community Foundation, honors students who demonstrate academic excellence and commitment to community service. This scholarship is specifically for Vacaville High School graduates with a minimum GPA of 3.0, planning to attend a four-year college in California, and who have engaged in community volunteer work for at least two years.

California Department of Education

California will provide a world-class education for all students, from early childhood to adulthood. The Department of Education serves our state by innovating and collaborating with educators, schools, parents, and community partners. Together, as a team, we prepare students to live, work, and thrive in a multicultural, multilingual, and highly connected world.

Start-Up Subgrant For the Planning, Implementation, Replication, and Expansion of Charter Schools

Purpose and Background

The PCSGP is a subgrant program funded by the federal Charter Schools Program (CSP). The PCSGP is a discretionary grant program. California was awarded approximately $93 million in grant funds for 2024–29. States that are awarded these federal funds distribute them in subgrants to charter school developers, known as PCSGP Start-Up Subgrants in the state of California, to assist in the development and initial operations of newly established or conversion charter schools as well as to assist in the expansion and replication of high-quality charter schools.

PCSGP Start-Up Subgrants identify funding levels and terms into four subgrant types: Planning, Implementation, Replication, and Expansion. For FY 2025, the CDE has an approved pipeline and budget to award approximately 14 subgrants. The actual number and type of subgrants awarded during each RFA competition may vary based on demand. If all authorized awards are not approved for funding, the CDE may open additional RFA competition events for new applicants until all of the allocated funds have been awarded.

The Dunkin' Joyful Spaces Grant supports children's hospitals and community health centers in creating joyful environments for pediatric patients. Launched in 2022, this initiative helps fund play areas, healing gardens, and other kid-friendly spaces, enhancing the hospital experience. Grants typically range from $25,000 to $65,000 annually, with a maximum of $150,000 over three years. This opportunity encourages creativity in designing spaces that provide comfort and joy to children and their families during hospital stays.

21st Century California School Leadership Academy, Cohort 3

California Education Code Section 44690(c)(1) directs the California Department of Education (CDE), the State Board of Education (SBE) and the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE) to select providers of professional learning for administrators and other school leaders. The professional learning through the 21CSLA will be free of charge to local educational agencies that receive federal Title II funds.

Description:

The CDE, SBE, and CCEE will select one awardee to serve as the 21CSLA Center and up to seven awardees to serve as 21CSLA Regional Academies. Please note that the Center application is a renewal. Only the current 21CSLA Center may apply. Awardees, supported by the CDE, CCEE, and SBE, will work collaboratively within the Statewide System of Support (SOS) to build the capacity of educational leaders statewide through professional learning aligned to the California Professional Standards for Education Leaders (CPSEL) and the Quality Professional Learning Standards (QPLS). A goal of this program is to have a Regional Academy located in each of the seven Geographic Lead Agency boundaries. 

The NIOSH Miner Safety and Health Training Program aims to enhance health and safety training for miners in the Western United States. With mining fatalities significantly higher than the national average, this initiative seeks to address critical training needs by developing effective programs, increasing qualified instructors, and ensuring compliance with existing safety guidelines. By focusing on culturally appropriate training methods and collaborative efforts with other agencies, the program aims to reduce injuries and fatalities in the mining sector.

The Ford Transfer Scholars Program provides scholarships of up to $40,000 per year for community college students from Oregon and Siskiyou County, California. Aimed at those with financial need, this program supports students ready to transfer to four-year colleges. Selection is based on resilience and academic potential, with no minimum GPA requirement. Scholarships are renewable and cover tuition, living expenses, and other necessary costs to help students achieve their bachelor's degrees.

The CHCF Innovation Fund Grant aims to enhance healthcare access and quality for Californians by investing in early- to growth-stage companies. It focuses on technologies developed by diverse founders who understand community challenges, particularly in California's Medicaid ecosystem. The fund seeks partners committed to improving care quality, reducing costs, and ensuring access for low-income populations. This initiative highlights the importance of lived experiences in driving innovative healthcare solutions. For more information, please refer to the FAQs on their website.

The Western SARE Local Education and Demonstration Grants aim to promote sustainable agriculture through practical demonstrations and educational activities. This program addresses barriers to adopting sustainable practices by integrating findings from previous research. Projects can last up to three years and receive funding of up to $60,000. Successful proposals involve local demonstrations, trainings, and technical assistance, engaging farmers, ranchers, and agricultural professionals in the process of sustainable agriculture adoption.

Belief & Purpose

Guiding beliefs, principles, and performance benchmarks of the California Department of Education.

California will provide a world-class education for all students, from early childhood to adulthood. The Department of Education serves our state by innovating and collaborating with educators, schools, parents, and community partners. Together, as a team, we prepare students to live, work, and thrive in a multicultural, multilingual, and highly connected world.

Mandate Block Grant, Fiscal Year 2026-27

Funding Description

Provide funding to county offices of education (COE), school districts and charter schools to fund the costs of various mandated programs and activities identified in Government Code (GC) Section 17581.6(f).

Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation Inc supports independent medical education to enhance healthcare professional competence and improve patient health outcomes. Their mission is to be a global leader in innovative medical education, focusing on evidence-based activities that address critical gaps in knowledge. By fostering excellence in healthcare, they aim to ensure measurable improvements in performance and patient outcomes across various disease areas.

The McKesson Foundation Grant provides funding above $25,000 to support health equity initiatives across North America. Founded in 1943, its mission focuses on removing barriers to quality healthcare for vulnerable communities. The foundation prioritizes projects that align with strategic pillars: reducing cancer burdens, preparing the healthcare workforce, and enhancing crisis response. Eligible organizations include national and local nonprofits. Funding is limited to specific regions and assessed based on demonstrated need and expected impact.

The California Energy Commission's GFO-25-302 initiative, known as CHOIR, aims to advance virtual power plants that effectively coordinate inverter-based resources like solar, batteries, and electric vehicles. This program is crucial for enhancing power quality, mitigating grid congestion, and promoting clean energy within disadvantaged communities in California. By fostering innovation in energy management, CHOIR supports the state's transition to a sustainable energy future, aligning with goals for carbon neutrality and energy efficiency.

California Department of Parks and Recreation

The California Department of Parks and Recreation, popularly known as State Parks, is honored to provide access to parks and open spaces and contribute to a healthier and richer quality of life for Californians and for people all over the world who visit the golden state’s natural wonders.

Mission

To provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state's extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation.

Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program

Since 1965, statewide grants administered by The office of Grants and Services have created and improved over 8,000 parks. We look forward to continuing this legacy with grantees to improve the quality of life for communities throughout California.

Parks are unique places where children can play, families and friends bond, people exercise, older adults socialize, youth are mentored, cultures are celebrated, and everyone connects with nature. For these reasons and more, vibrant parks funded by this program will create humane and healthier communities. Building successful parks in underserved communities is “a work of art.” The Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program (also referred to as Statewide Park Program or SPP) embraces meaningful engagement with residents where park designs represent each community’s unique recreation needs and creativity.

Intent

This competitive grant program creates new parks and new recreation opportunities in underserved communities across California.

The Adult Reentry Grant (ARG) Program, funded annually by the California Budget Act, provides essential support to community organizations delivering reentry services for formerly incarcerated individuals. Totaling $114 million, the grant prioritizes funding for warm handoff services and rental assistance, particularly for those transitioning from state prison to parole. This program embodies a Housing First approach, ensuring quick access to permanent housing without barriers related to sobriety or criminal history, promoting successful reintegration into communities.