Best Forestry Grants in California

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, or community arts and culture can apply for the Community Possible Grant Program from U.S. Bank Foundation. Organizations in designated U.S. Bank communities, especially those led by people of color and addressing multiple pillars, may be eligible to support community-serving projects and services.

California nonprofits focused on children, education, or health and human services can seek monetary support for community programs that demonstrate measurable outcomes and strong collaboration. California community organizations can access funding through Costco Foundation, which reviews 501(c)(3) requests year-round and typically supports a portion of overall program budgets.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology for crisis response, education, or economic empowerment projects can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants of up to US $100,000. Focused on tech-enabled solutions for underserved communities, Cisco Systems Foundation invites innovative programs, including climate resilience and green jobs efforts, that may benefit forestry-related work in California.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Accredited charities running community, environmental, humanitarian, education, or arts projects in California and worldwide can seek support for high-quality, sustainable initiatives. Grants from Roche help organizations deliver local programs where a Roche affiliate operates, especially those engaging employees and leveraging Roche expertise in community and environmental work that may intersect with forestry-related efforts.

With a mission to support marginalized communities, Semnani Family Foundation provides California nonprofits and other organizations with funding for health care access, humanitarian aid, education, and social services. Organizations working in the U.S. and internationally on health, disaster relief, or vulnerable populations may be eligible to partner with this global funder.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on community development, housing, hunger, workforce training, or related basic needs can access funding through Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s sponsorship program. Organizations with forestry-related projects that preserve neighborhoods, support environmental initiatives, or strengthen low- and moderate-income communities may be eligible for regional sponsorship support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in California working on land and habitat conservation, wildlife corridors, or related environmental advocacy can seek US $10,000 - US $30,000 through the Weeden Foundation. Grants support biodiversity protection in the California Floristic Province, including forest, river, and wildlife habitat conservation that may intersect with forestry-focused projects.

Public TK-12 schools creating green schoolyards to improve environmental conditions and outdoor learning for students in select Los Angeles County neighborhoods can seek funding via the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Focused on urban forestry, projects must be in Porter Ranch, Granada Hills, Northridge, Chatsworth, North Hills, Canoga Park, Reseda, Winnetka, West Hills, Van Nuys, or Lake Balboa.

Nonprofit child care facilities in California can seek US $200,000 - US $6,000,000 to plan and implement green schoolyard projects that improve outdoor environments and children’s well-being. CAL FIRE supports nature-based climate solutions like tree planting, green infrastructure, and natural play and learning areas that enhance urban forestry, reduce heat, and cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Insperity's Corporate Contributions program emphasizes community involvement and corporate citizenship, providing philanthropic grants and event sponsorships to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Eligible organizations must engage Insperity employees or contribute to the communities where they operate. The program aims to support nonprofits in achieving their service goals and enhancing community welfare. Applications must be submitted 90 days prior to events, and funding requests can be made once a year.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities in California communities within 30 miles of a Georgia-Pacific manufacturing facility can apply for Georgia-Pacific Foundation grants to support education, environment, entrepreneurship, and community enrichment projects. Forestry and conservation programs that meet these priorities and serve GP communities may be competitive candidates.

Nonprofit organizations in California and across the U.S. can seek US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support community-based programs and facilities. Grants from Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation help fund museums, cultural and performing arts, education and job training, health facilities, environmental and wildlife efforts, and services for youth, seniors, and people with disabilities, which may include forestry-related initiatives.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven causes can access funding through Ameriprise Financial for hunger relief, shelter and housing, economic development, arts access, and adult self-sufficiency programs. Grants from Ameriprise Financial help organizations across the U.S., with priority for communities where Ameriprise employees and advisors are actively engaged as volunteers.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

California upper-division and graduate students in environmentally related fields can receive US $3,000 to support their education and career development. Calaveras Big Trees Association supports forestry, environmental conservation, wildlife and fisheries biology, parks and recreation, and related studies through the Emily M. Hewitt Memorial Scholarship, emphasizing dedication to communicating a love of nature and conservation.

California college students in forestry, horticulture, environmental science, or related majors can access funding for tuition, books, and school expenses through scholarships ranging from US $500 - US $5,000. Folsom Garden Club supports eligible undergraduates with at least a 3.0 GPA who are residents or temporary residents of Placer, Sacramento, El Dorado, or Yolo counties.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving economic stability, workforce readiness, health, social services, or disaster relief can seek project, general operating, or capital support from O'Reilly Automotive Foundation. Funding supports programs addressing hunger, homelessness, poverty, literacy, job readiness, health access, early childhood development, domestic violence, and disaster relief in communities where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in California working on safety, community vitality, workforce development, or environmental sustainability projects can seek US $5,000 - US $30,000 to expand local programs. With a mission to strengthen communities, Union Pacific Foundation provides Local Grants that may benefit forestry, outdoor recreation, conservation, and environmental education efforts in its service areas.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Research institutions and other organizations conducting scientific studies on forestry and natural resource protection in California can seek funding to evaluate the effectiveness of Forest Practice Rules and related regulations. California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection’s Effectiveness Monitoring Committee supports projects on wildfire hazard, watershed science, wildlife habitat, climate resilience, and related monitoring questions.

California public agencies, tribes, and partner organizations focused on urban and community forestry can seek funding for large-scale tree canopy and climate resilience projects in California. Focused on forestry and environmental equity, CAL FIRE invites projects that expand urban tree cover, engage disadvantaged communities, and build green jobs pathways, with awards ranging from US $150,000 - US $3,000,000.

Forestry and wood-products organizations in California can seek $5,000 - $450,000 to support sustainable forest restoration, ecosystem health, carbon storage, and wood, biofuel, or bioenergy products. Focused on long-term forest sustainability, the California Board of Forestry invites projects in research, innovative wood and biomass products, workforce housing, and workforce development that advance forest and biomass utilization.