Best Diversity Grants for Nonprofits in California

The Albertsons' Companies Foundation - Northern California Grant Program supports nonprofit organizations enhancing community well-being in key areas such as health, hunger, youth education, veterans, and diversity. To apply, organizations must have a local employee sponsor and serve the community where Albertsons operates. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $2,500 for first-time applicants, with a review process taking around six weeks. The Foundation prioritizes inclusivity and does not fund individuals or for-profit organizations.

Our Mission

The Horner Foundation is a family-based charity dedicated to partnering with community-based organizations that provide youth, aged 10-19, hands-on experiential learning opportunities through Out of School Time (OST) to foster positive youth development.

We work in 4 geographic regions, determined by where family members live, their specific interests and needs identified by the community.

Our Vision

• All youth will be empowered to realize their full potential and become active participants in their communities.
• All youth will have ample opportunities both inside and outside the classroom to experience a diversity of quality learning styles and frameworks.
• All youth will be healthy, strong, and well-prepared for the 21st Century.

Organizational Funding Statement

The Horner Foundation strives to be responsive and meet organizations where they are. This means that we may provide multi-year funding and ongoing support to nonprofits who may be launching a pilot project or going through a transition. However, we also believe in the value of diverse funding sources. The Horner Foundation typically funds organizations for 1-2 funding cycles (2-4 years). In rare cases, we may fund an organizations for 3 funding cycles (6 years).

Grants

The Foundation awards two-year grants dedicated to project funding. We fund in four geographic regions, each with its own funding priorities.

Alameda & Contra Costa Counties, Bay Area, California: Youth Food Justice, Youth Sports, & Girls Empowerment    

For the past several years, the Horner Foundation has worked at the intersection of youth development and food justice, with the goal of empowering youth to learn about and take action to localize their food system and increase food security for all. Our 2026–2027 funding will continue this mission, with an increased emphasis on youth-led and youth-organized projects. Youth outcomes are maximized when youth can envision, organize, and execute projects alongside supportive adult mentors and allies. The Foundation aims to provide more funding directly to youth in the Bay Area, so that they can make a measurable difference in their communities.

We are also continuing our newer funding focus to empower young women and girls to access experiential learning and leadership opportunities in the Bay Area.

In addition, the Foundation is expanding its funding priorities to include Youth Sports programs that promote leadership, teamwork, confidence, and access to high-quality athletic opportunities for under-resourced youth. We are particularly interested in organizations that use sports as a vehicle for positive youth development, academic support, and life skills building.

Funding Focuses

Youth Food Justice

• Organizations working at the intersection of youth development and food justice

• Grants that work to elevate youth voice will be prioritized. This may include mini-grant programs for youth, where one organization or collective of organizations build on existing infrastructure or create a new program for youth to apply for / receive mini-grants. It is understood that many youth development programs provide adult mentoring and structured opportunities for youth to participate meaningfully.

Youth Sports

• Organizations that provide equitable access to organized sports for under-resourced youth, using athletics as a platform for leadership development, mentorship, academic encouragement, and social-emotional growth.

• Priority may be given to programs that: Reduce financial barriers to participation; Provide structured mentorship and coaching; Integrate academic or life-skills components; Demonstrate measurable impact on youth outcomes

Girls Empowerment

• Organizations that expand access to experiential learning, leadership development, and confidence-building opportunities for girls and young women in the Bay Area.

The Proposition 1 Stream Flow Enhancement Program in California aims to improve stream flows for the benefit of fish and wildlife. It provides $200 million in funding for projects that align with the California Water Action Plan, focusing on enhancing water flow in streams supporting anadromous fish and at-risk species. The program facilitates water transactions, conservation projects, and habitat restoration efforts to ensure sustainable water resource management and resilience against climate change.

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.

The Rose Hills Foundation Grant aims to foster a healthier and more equitable Southern California by funding nonprofits that address critical needs in the community. With a focus on education, arts, culture, and human services, the foundation supports organizations that empower at-risk youth and families. By providing essential resources, they strive to enhance the quality of life across Los Angeles County, ensuring that all individuals have access to opportunities that promote growth and well-being.

The Vons Foundation, part of Albertsons Companies, supports nonprofit organizations in Southern California that enhance community health, education, and diversity. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $5,000 for first-time recipients. The foundation prioritizes organizations with a valid 501(c)(3) designation and those that serve local communities. Importantly, the foundation maintains a strong commitment to nondiscrimination in all activities, ensuring an inclusive environment for all stakeholders.

The San Marcos Community Foundation offers Mini Grants of up to $1,500 to support nonprofit organizations that benefit San Marcos residents. Eligible projects must be tax-exempt under 501(c)(3) and directly serve the community. Grant requests should adhere to reporting deadlines set by the Board, while funds cannot support religious, fraternal, or political purposes. The Foundation prioritizes applications with matching funds at its discretion, fostering diverse projects in arts, health, education, and more.

The LA County Arts & Culture Organizational Grant Program offers funding to nonprofit arts organizations in Los Angeles County. This two-year grant supports projects that enhance cultural services and provide accessible arts programming for diverse communities. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to arts through their budget and have a history of programming. The program aims to foster artistic initiatives that positively impact local residents, ensuring a vibrant cultural landscape in the region.

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.

The Nissan Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations that promote cultural diversity and heritage. Established in 1992, the foundation focuses on enhancing community quality of life where Nissan operates. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status, be active for over three years, and serve specific communities. Ineligible programs include those not aligned with the foundation's mission, such as disease advocacy and political activities. The foundation does not provide multi-year grants, but organizations can reapply for funding in subsequent cycles.

The Franz Bakery Foundation Grant supports local charitable organizations focused on family support, youth development, and hunger reduction in areas served by Franz Bakery. With an average grant amount of $3,000, the Foundation aims to foster respect, equity, and inclusion within communities. Eligible applicants must be 501c3 tax-exempt nonprofits located in specific states and align with the Foundation's mission. Organizations can reapply annually, although applications do not roll over to the next year.

The Readings & Workshops Mini-Grants provide funding for individual readings and workshops, ranging from $150 to $450 per session. Open to New York State and California organizations, these grants support writers' participation in events. Eligible organizations include colleges, cultural centers, and libraries. Priority is given to those serving diverse audiences and presenting in underserved areas. The application process requires details about the writer and event dates. Grant amounts are capped annually, and matching funds are encouraged.

The CIELO Fund at the Inland Empire Community Foundation aims to uplift and invest in Latino-led initiatives in the Inland Empire. Launched in 2022, it reflects the region's growing Latino majority and addresses disparities in areas such as education, health, and economic mobility. The fund emphasizes equitable growth and community collaboration to foster a vibrant future for all residents. With a focus on leadership development and environmental equity, it champions the aspirations of the Latino community while tackling pressing local challenges.

The Teichert Foundation Grant supports organizations in California that enhance community welfare through civic improvement, culture, education, and environmental sustainability. Established by Teichert Construction, the foundation aims to foster a healthier, educated, and more equitable society. Eligible applicants include nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status and public agencies in specified counties. The foundation prioritizes projects that address community needs and demonstrate fiscal responsibility, ultimately striving to create lasting impact and better health for all.

California Humanities

Founded in 1975, California Humanities is a nonprofit partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities dedicated to strengthening communities through the humanities. The organization supports public humanities programs across California that promote civic engagement, cultural understanding, and inclusive storytelling. Through grants, partnerships, and statewide initiatives, California Humanities funds projects that elevate diverse voices, preserve local histories, and foster dialogue around social issues. Its mission centers on connecting Californians to ideas and one another to inspire greater understanding and participation in public life.

Connecting California - Quick Grants

Connecting California supports publicly accessible activities and events that strengthen social connection and cohesion across California’s diverse communities. Funded projects help foster understanding, empathy, and trust by creating opportunities for people to come together across difference and discover shared values, experiences, and aspirations.

California Governor's Office of Emergency Services

With over 38 million residents (12 percent of the US population), the State of California is the most populous state in the nation and has the third largest land area among the states (163,695 square miles). California is culturally, ethnically, economically, ecologically, and politically diverse, and maintains the eighth largest economy in the world with 13 percent of the U.S. gross domestic product. California also faces numerous risks and threats to our people, property, economy, environment and is prone to earthquakes, floods, significant wildfires, prolonged drought impacts, public health emergencies, cybersecurity attacks, agricultural and animal disasters, as well threats to homeland security. Cal OES takes a proactive approach to addressing these risks, threats, and vulnerabilities that form the basis of our mission and has been tested through real events, as well as comprehensive exercises that help us maintain our state of readiness to plan for and mitigate impacts.

Listos California CERT Support Grant (LC) Program

The purpose of the LC Program is to provide funding to a fiscal administrator which will in coordination with Cal OES, support new and existing CERT programs to build their capacity to prepare vulnerable and underserved populations including, but not limited to: providing CERT training in languages other than English, providing CERT training to underserved populations and/or populations that are at high risk for disasters, providing accommodations for training participants that have access and functional needs, such as English as a Second Language (ESL) interpretation, and building capacity to respond to disasters.

The City of Berkeley's Community Festivals Grant supports diverse cultural events that engage the community and enhance Berkeley's reputation as a vibrant destination. Grants up to $7,000 are available for one-time festivals that are free and accessible to the public. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and artist collectives. The grant encourages projects that celebrate cultural heritage and foster community involvement, while ineligible costs include administrative expenses and ongoing programming.

The Local Parks Grant: Implementation Grants program by Arts in California Parks aims to foster community ties by enhancing local cultural history through art and nature in parks. Eligible projects must engage the public and contribute to community health and well-being, with grants awarded for initiatives in local parks across California. Projects are expected to be executed within a 12-month period, starting in October 2025, and should focus on creating sustainable connections to local heritage.

The Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation offers Local Impact Grants to nonprofit organizations in 11 markets, providing $225,000 to support local programs addressing community issues. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits with a revenue exceeding $100,000 and must operate in one of the specified television markets. The grants aim to empower youth through education, promote diverse storytelling, and enhance community engagement. This initiative underscores Comcast's commitment to fostering inclusion and equitable opportunities for underserved communities.

The CalMoneySmart Grant program, managed by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, offers annual grants up to $200,000 for nonprofit organizations. Its goal is to provide essential financial education and empowerment services to unbanked and underbanked Californians. Initiated by Senate Bill 455 in 2019, the program has expanded funding to enhance economic security and promote financial stability among vulnerable communities, ultimately fostering wealth-building and financial independence.

The Wilhelm Family Foundation Grants aim to enhance access to artistic resources by funding diverse nonprofit arts organizations. Prioritizing projects that engage with environmental and climate issues, the foundation seeks to support creative expression and collaboration in underserved communities. Emphasizing equality and sustainability, it fosters artistic practices that empower individuals and promote cultural dialogue. Grants are typically awarded to small organizations, focusing on community engagement and longevity in the arts sector.

The Arts & Cultural Organizations General Operating Support grant program by the California Arts Council provides essential funding to arts and cultural organizations to support their ongoing operations. This initiative aims to strengthen California's cultural landscape by fostering a diverse arts workforce and infrastructure. Eligible organizations can utilize these funds for various operational costs, ensuring they can continue their vital work in the community without the limitation of project-specific funding.

The TourWest Grants, funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, aim to support presenters and organizations in the Western region by providing flexible funding for touring artists. This competitive grant encourages community engagement and outreach, fostering collaboration between artists and local communities. It prioritizes accessibility to the performing arts, especially in underserved areas. Applicants must be tax-exempt organizations or local government units and demonstrate a commitment to community needs through their projects.

Impact100 Orange County empowers women to become philanthropists through its transformational grant-making model, providing grants of at least $100,000 to nonprofit organizations. Focused on five key areas—Arts & Culture, Education, Environment, Family, and Health & Wellness—the initiative aims to create a positive impact in local communities. By fostering sustainable projects, it ensures that the funds contribute to long-term benefits for the residents of Orange County.

California Governor's Office of Emergency Services

With over 38 million residents (12 percent of the US population), the State of California is the most populous state in the nation and has the third largest land area among the states (163,695 square miles). California is culturally, ethnically, economically, ecologically, and politically diverse, and maintains the eighth largest economy in the world with 13 percent of the U.S. gross domestic product. California also faces numerous risks and threats to our people, property, economy, environment and is prone to earthquakes, floods, significant wildfires, prolonged drought impacts, public health emergencies, cybersecurity attacks, agricultural and animal disasters, as well threats to homeland security. Cal OES takes a proactive approach to addressing these risks, threats, and vulnerabilities that form the basis of our mission and has been tested through real events, as well as comprehensive exercises that help us maintain our state of readiness to plan for and mitigate impacts.

Intimate Partner Violence Prevention (FD) Program Supplemental

Purpose

To create or expand Intimate Partner Violence, Sexual Assault, and Teen Dating Violence prevention programs.

Description

The purpose of the Intimate Partner Violence Prevention (FD) Program is to prevent intimate partner violence, including teen dating violence, and sexual assault.

Requires Matched Funding: 20%

The Child Care Grant Program by the Santa Barbara Foundation aims to enhance the quality of early child care and education in the community. It offers grants of up to $15,000 to nonprofit providers, focusing on workforce development, family engagement, and equitable access for children aged 0-5. With rising demand for quality child care exceeding supply, this initiative seeks to strengthen the sector and ensure that every child has access to safe, nurturing environments for their development.