Best Corporate Grants for Nonprofits in California

The Forrest Shreve Student Research Fund, awarded by the Ecological Society of America, supports research in North America's hot deserts, including the Sonoran and Mojave. This fund aims to enhance our understanding of desert ecology through innovative projects. Eligible applicants include graduate and undergraduate students who are ESA members. Proposals are evaluated based on their significance, feasibility, and design, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $2,000, granted annually.

The Apprenticeship Innovation Funding (AIF) in California supports innovative apprenticeship programs. Established in 2022, it allocates $95 million over three years to sustain and scale these initiatives. With $3500 per active apprentice per year and a $1000 completion bonus, the AIF aims to enhance training opportunities. The funding rounds have awarded $17.3 million and $24.8 million, with an additional $52 million available for FY 2024-2025 to build on previous successes.

The McKesson Foundation Grant provides funding up to $25,000 for organizations focused on improving health outcomes in underserved communities. Established in 1943, the foundation prioritizes health equity through strategic partnerships aimed at reducing cancer burdens, preparing healthcare professionals, and enhancing crisis response efforts. Eligible applicants include national and local nonprofits targeting specific regions in the U.S. and Canada. The foundation emphasizes projects that align with its mission and demonstrate significant community impact.

The Bridge Association of REALTORS Community Foundation Grants aims to financially support vital community programs that promote housing, youth opportunities, and diversity. The foundation focuses on Youth Arts and Education, Senior Services, and Workforce Housing, providing grants to non-profits in Albany, Berkeley, Emeryville, Kensington, Oakland, and Piedmont. With an emphasis on specific projects, eligible organizations must have tax-exempt status and demonstrate a commitment to addressing pressing community needs.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers the DGLF Summer Reading Grants, which support the development and expansion of summer reading programs aimed at Pre-K to 12th grade students, particularly new and below-grade-level readers, including those with learning disabilities. Eligible organizations, such as nonprofits, schools, and libraries within 15 miles of a Dollar General store, can apply for grants up to $3,000 to foster literacy and education initiatives.

The Shigeo and Winifred Ito Scholarship Fund, established by a former recipient of the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, aims to support students from Hawaii pursuing higher education on the U.S. mainland. With awards averaging around $6,000, the fund prioritizes residents demonstrating financial need and maintaining good academic standing. The scholarship reflects a commitment to fostering educational opportunities and giving back to the community, ensuring that deserving students can achieve their academic goals.

The Molina Fellowship in the History of Medicine and Allied Sciences, offered by The Huntington Library, is designed for scholars pursuing advanced research in history, literature, art, and the history of science. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. or have successfully defended their dissertation by the application deadline. The fellowship supports innovative studies that explore the impact of medicine on society and culture, leveraging The Huntington's extensive collections related to the American West.

The Flexible Assistance for Survivors (FA) Pilot Grant Program in California aims to enhance safety, healing, and financial stability for victims of crime and their families. It provides direct cash assistance ranging from $1 to $700,000. Eligible applicants include businesses and nonprofits, with funding available statewide. This initiative is designed to support those affected by crime, helping them regain stability and rebuild their lives.

The Bonnycastle Fellowship for Wetland and Waterfowl Research supports graduate students in advancing conservation efforts. Offered by Ducks Unlimited, this fellowship provides up to $17,000 annually for research and personal support. The fellowship emphasizes the importance of research originality, ecological contributions, and feasibility. It is open to all North American graduate students, with a preference for doctoral candidates. The award is renewable for PhD students up to two years, and once for Master's students, contingent on satisfactory progress.

The NRP Young Investigator Award is designed to support research on optimizing newborn care during delivery using Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) techniques. This grant encourages innovative projects addressing gaps in transitional physiology and resuscitation practices. Eligible applicants include researchers from Canadian and US institutions, particularly those in training or within four years of completing medical training. Awardees may receive up to $15,000 to enhance their skills and knowledge, ultimately improving neonatal outcomes.

The F26AS00104 State ANS Management Plan 2026 aims to combat aquatic nuisance species through pre-proposals followed by full applications. Managed by the US Department of the Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service, this initiative requires a 25% cost-share and limits administrative costs to 5%. Applications are due by October 14, 2026, though the funding opportunity closes on December 16, 2026. The plan is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and supporting a coordinated national approach to invasive species management.

The American Cetacean Society, San Francisco Bay Chapter offers research grants to support marine biologists and advanced degree students in Northern California. These grants aim to enhance understanding and protection of cetaceans and their habitats, especially in the context of human impact and climate change. Eligible applicants can find more details and apply through the provided link. Awards include the Christine Fitzsimmons, Isidore Szczepaniak, and Jonathan Stern Cetacean Research Grants.

The Growing Justice Fund provides grants ranging from $25,000 to $250,000 to support community-led initiatives that enhance equitable food procurement. This initiative aims to empower Tribal, Indigenous, Black, Latinx, Asian, and immigrant communities by facilitating access to institutional contracts and promoting local economic viability. With a focus on health, environmental justice, and collective action, these grants are designed to foster sustainable food systems and build wealth in historically marginalized communities.

The Charter School Facility Grant Program (SB740) aims to provide financial assistance for charter school facilities, specifically targeting schools that enroll a significant percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals. This program, now managed by the California School Finance Authority, offers annual grants to help offset facility costs. Funding availability is announced annually on the CSFA website, ensuring support for schools in need of financial aid for their operational expenses.

The DGLF Youth Literacy Grants, established by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, aim to enhance literacy among underperforming students in K-12. Organizations such as schools and libraries can apply for funding to implement or expand literacy programs, purchase necessary materials, and acquire technology. With over $159 million awarded to date, the foundation supports efforts that provide equitable education opportunities, ensuring every child has the chance to learn and succeed, regardless of their background.

California Energy Commission

As the state’s primary energy policy and planning agency, the California Energy Commission (CEC) plays a critical role in creating the energy system of the future—one that is clean, modern, and ensures the fifth largest economy in the world continues to thrive. Combating climate change is fundamental to maintaining California’s future. The agency’s research, programs and policies remain crucial today as the state plans for 100% clean energy and carbon neutrality by mid-century. CEC is helping create the energy system of California’s future through activities such as Planning and Policy Development, Renewable Energy Growth; Energy Efficiency; Energy Innovation; Cleaner Transportation; and Responsible Electricity Infrastructure.

California’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program – Solicitation 3

Purpose of Solicitation

This is a competitive grant solicitation. The California Energy Commission (CEC) announces the availability of up to $79,000,000 in grant funds for projects that will strategically deploy electric vehicle (EV) charging stations with publicly accessible, high-powered, direct current fast chargers (DCFCs) to support lightduty EV travel along major corridors as required under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) formula program.

The Dibner Program in the History of Science offers long-term fellowships at The Huntington, a prestigious research institution. Scholars in history, literature, and the history of science can apply for nine to twelve months of support. Recipients are expected to engage with the intellectual community, attend symposiums, and contribute to working groups. This program aims to foster advanced research in fields that align with The Huntington's diverse collections, enhancing scholarly discourse and discovery.

The California Access to Justice Commission offers the State Legal Aid Infrastructure & Innovation Grants, providing $5 million to nonprofit organizations for civil legal aid to indigent persons. This funding aims to enhance infrastructure and innovation in legal services, ensuring all Californians have access to justice. Eligible projects include capacity building and innovative service delivery models. The anticipated grant size ranges from $25,000 to $150,000, with a focus on serving rural and underserved communities.

The San Diego Foundation

We enable donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

For 50 years, donors, nonprofits, communities, government and civic leaders have trusted San Diego Foundation to transform lives and have partnered with us for lasting change that moves our region forward.

As San Diego’s largest regional community foundation, it’s our job to understand the pulse of our local communities better than anyone, enabling donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

Community Scholarship Program

Since 1997, the Community Scholarship Program has awarded $59.5 million to more than 15,400 students, making our program the largest non-university scholarship provider in San Diego County. By offering financial assistance, the program helps students dedicate more time to their studies, stay enrolled and complete their degrees.

The Lischewski Family Fund for Aspiring Collegians

The Lischewski Family Fund for Aspiring Collegians applicants should:

• Have resided in San Diego County for at least one year
• Be graduating high school seniors
• Plan to enroll full-time at a community college in California with the intent to earn an Associate of Arts or similar accreditation within two years
• Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Be engaged in their community through their involvement in extra-curricular, volunteer activities or work experience
• Have a demonstrated financial need.

The San Diego Foundation

We enable donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

For 50 years, donors, nonprofits, communities, government and civic leaders have trusted San Diego Foundation to transform lives and have partnered with us for lasting change that moves our region forward.

As San Diego’s largest regional community foundation, it’s our job to understand the pulse of our local communities better than anyone, enabling donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

Community Scholarship Program

Since 1997, the Community Scholarship Program has awarded $59.5 million to more than 15,400 students, making our program the largest non-university scholarship provider in San Diego County. By offering financial assistance, the program helps students dedicate more time to their studies, stay enrolled and complete their degrees.

The Scholarship Foundation Inc of California Retired Teachers Association of North San Diego County

The Scholarship Foundation Inc of California Retired Teachers Association of North San Diego County applicants should:

• Be graduating high school seniors from a public high school in North San Diego County
• Plan to attend full-time a public community college or university in California majoring in education OR
• Be students who have entered or have been accepted into their fifth year of full-time schooling at a public university in California with the goal of achieving a teaching credential in the state of California
• Have a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0
• Have shown a commitment to their community through meaningful community service

The Cannabis Equity Grants Program for Local Jurisdictions, led by California's Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development, aims to foster economic justice for communities adversely affected by cannabis prohibition. This initiative provides essential support to local jurisdictions, helping to create equitable access to California's regulated cannabis industry. By reducing barriers for equity program applicants and licensees, the program not only aids in compliance and technical support but also contributes to the elimination of the illicit cannabis market.

GFO-25-303 - Improving Net Load Forecasting Models by Integrating Data on Behind-the-Meter Resources

Purpose

The purpose of this solicitation is to fund research that improves the accuracy and operational value of tools used to forecast Behind-the-Meter (BtM) resources. These improvements will enable grid operators and electricity market participants to more effectively plan their generation reserves, capacity, and real-time operations, supporting a more reliable, efficient, cleaner, and cost-effective energy system for California ratepayers.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant for schools to implement the PLTW Biomedical Science program for the 2026-2029 academic years. Eligible schools can receive up to $14,000 to cover participation fees and training costs. This grant encourages public, private, and charter schools across the U.S. to enhance their science curriculum, supporting students with engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Schools must commit to offering specific courses during the grant period to qualify for funding.

Mission

The Foundation was established in December 2013 by Kathryn B. McQuade, after retiring from 33 years of working in the business community. I was blessed to have been born into a loving middle class family. My father worked very hard to insure that all of his children were given an opportunity for a good education and my mother, “a stay at home Mom’ was always there for us. My world was safe and comfortable. My life is in stark contrast to how much of the rest of the world lives. I continue to read of the terrible injustices waged against women and children globally and hope that this foundation can provide them the opportunity and resources to succeed. We will support organizations that help us achieve our goal of Striving to make sustainable improvements in women and children’s rights education and welfare.

Kathryn McQuade Foundation Grant

The Foundation will make timely decisions on your grant request and provide clear communications on our expectations of reporting progress.

Women

The Foundation’s goal is to provide women assistance and provide them an opportunity to succeed. Assistance can take many forms, however our goal is to help them become self sufficient and enable them to lift themselves out of poverty and provide for their children. Access to education, job training and professional skills, even access to capital in order to build a business are possible ways we will consider helping women to succeed. Grant requests should focus on enabling the women to sustain financial independence.

We look forward to hearing of the many creative ways organizations are working on helping women succeed through out the world. To help women is to help their children and the communities they live in.

Children

Too many children in the US and across the world live in poverty and lack the access to education. Education and/or appropriate skills training are necessary to break the cycle of poverty and crime. While the assistance to women may take many forms, the foundation’s focus for children will target education and/ or skills training. The Foundation is open to many ideas on how to accomplish this goal and look forward to receiving proposals to help all children achieve their potential.

The Jonathan O. Davis Fellowship, offered by the Desert Research Institute, supports exceptional Masters and PhD students conducting research in Quaternary geology, geomorphology, and geoarchaeology within the Great Basin. Awards of up to $2500 for Masters students and $5000 for PhD students are available. This fellowship honors Jonathan O. Davis, a dedicated Quaternary scientist, and aims to foster significant research contributions to understanding this critical geological period.

The Dr. Seuss Foundation aims to enhance literacy through strategic partnerships and funding. While there will be no public granting cycle for 2025, the Foundation is planning for 2026. It supports evidence-based programs that prepare children for school, particularly those from underserved communities. Key priorities include improving instructional quality, expanding early education services, and promoting arts and environmental education. The foundation values creativity, excellence, and community engagement while focusing on diverse and equitable opportunities.

The Alumni Professional Development Fund, established by Creative West, focuses on supporting alumni of its leadership development programs. It aims to foster personal and professional growth through flexible funding, ensuring that artists can access resources that enhance their skills and contributions to the community. This fund emphasizes equity, storytelling, and the importance of democracy, wellness, and belonging in the creative economy, ultimately strengthening the arts sector nationally.