Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in California

The Doctoral Student Representative Precision Medicine Research grant, funded by the California Health and Human Services Agency, aims to support approximately 15 doctoral students conducting precision medicine research in California. With a budget of $2.3 million over 2.5 years, the program focuses on including underrepresented populations in research to reduce health disparities and ensure that the benefits of precision medicine reach all communities in California.

The California Library Literacy Services grant offers funding to public libraries in California to develop adult literacy programs. This initiative aims to enhance literacy levels among adults, enabling them to achieve personal and professional goals. Libraries participating in this program will receive annual funds to support continuous literacy efforts, fostering a more literate community. The grant is aimed at addressing the urgent need for adult literacy improvement across the state.

The California Department of Education offers funding for a statewide professional development initiative aimed at enhancing adult education programs. This grant supports activities that improve instruction in English Language Acquisition, Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education. Bidders must first submit a Letter of Inquiry to be eligible for the Full Proposal. This initiative aims to ensure high-quality literacy and basic skills training for adults.

The Literacy Coaches and Reading Specialists Grant Program, administered by the California Department of Education, aims to enhance literacy outcomes for students from kindergarten to grade 3. Funding supports local educational agencies in developing literacy programs, employing coaches, and providing targeted interventions for English learners and multilingual students. Allocations are based on enrollment and aim to ensure all students receive the necessary support to succeed academically in a diverse educational environment.

The Environmental Grant Program by the Marisla Foundation focuses on marine resources conservation, emphasizing the protection of biodiversity in regions like California, Northwest Mexico, Hawaii, and the Western Pacific. Established in 1986, the foundation supports tax-exempt organizations and encourages sustainable ecosystem management. Grants are not available to individuals or for political activities. The program aims to foster international projects through donor-advised funds, reinforcing its commitment to environmental health.

With support from Toyota Motor North America, the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) is pleased to announce $250,000 in grant funding to make public lands more accessible and enjoyable for people of all abilities. The 2026 grant program will focus on communities near Toyota Motor North America facilities and is restricted to 16 communities, as detailed below. 

Overview

Through the 2026 Driving Mobility and Accessibility on Public Lands grant, NEEF aims to:

• Increase the capacity of local organizations and government agencies to address mobility and accessibility considerations on public lands; and
• Improve the level of access, comfort, and enjoyment experienced by public lands visitors of all abilities, together with their families and friends.

The grant will provide up to $20,000 per grantee to increase physical or digital access, provide adaptive recreation equipment or programming, or perform accessibility assessments on public lands in communities near 16 Toyota Motor North America facilities.

The CHFFA: Tax-Exempt Equipment Financing Program provides California health facilities with access to tax-exempt, fixed-rate financing for equipment purchases exceeding $500,000. This initiative, managed by the California Health Facilities Financing Authority, enables applicants to finance essential medical and diagnostic equipment, computers, and telecommunications tools. The program is designed to ease the financial burden on public and nonprofit hospitals by offering competitive loan terms, ensuring that loan maturity aligns with the equipment's useful life, and facilitating minor installation costs.

The Standard's Corporate Giving Program emphasizes community support and employee engagement, reflecting its foundational mission to enhance financial well-being. Established in 1906, the program focuses on Healthy Communities, Disability and Empowerment, Cultural Development, and Education. With a funding range of $500 to $25,000, it aims to make a substantial impact in the lives of individuals and families facing challenges. The Standard Charitable Foundation, launched in 2006, further extends this commitment by supporting organizations that align with its philanthropic goals.

The Victim Offender Dialogue Program Grants aim to provide funding for nonprofit organizations facilitating restorative justice dialogues between crime victims and offenders. With a total of $2 million available over two years, these grants support the creation of safe environments for personal healing and accountability. By empowering victims and encouraging offenders to express remorse, this initiative fosters empathy, responsibility, and healing within California's justice system.

The 2026 Pet Lover's Spay and Neuter Grant Program aims to reduce pet overpopulation in California by providing financial assistance for spay/neuter services. Funded through the Pet Lover’s License Plate Program and the Prevention of Animal Homelessness and Cruelty Tax Fund, this initiative expects to distribute up to $500,000 in grants ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 to eligible municipalities and non-profits, facilitating a healthier pet population.

The Ella T. Grasso Literary Scholarship, provided by the UNICO Foundation, offers two $1,000 awards to college students of Italian descent. Candidates must submit an original essay or short story celebrating their heritage while being enrolled in a full-time, accredited U.S. college for the 2026-2027 academic year. This initiative highlights UNICO's commitment to supporting educational endeavors and preserving Italian culture within America.

Workforce Development Solicitations for Proposals

Program Year 2026–27

The Employment Development Department, in close collaboration with the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency, announces the availability of up to $1.5 million in funding through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Governor’s Discretionary 15 percent fund for the Emergency Medical Services Technical Assistance (EMS TA) grant for PY 26-27.

This funding supports the continued implementation, improvement, and long-term sustainability of established EMS Corps programs across California. The PY 26–27 grant is designed to strengthen existing programs by ensuring fidelity to the EMS Corps model, improving participant outcomes, and supporting consistent statewide quality.

The California Lichen Society provides small grants to support research on California lichens. Open to both students and non-students, the program encourages innovative projects without geographical restrictions. Grant funds can be allocated for various research-related expenses, including supplies and living costs. However, grants are exclusively awarded to individuals, not institutions, and high-end capital equipment purchases are not permitted. Members in good standing are eligible to apply for funding.

The Inserra Scholarships, provided by the UNICO Foundation, aim to support students of Italian descent pursuing higher education. Two scholarships of $2,500 each are awarded annually to eligible candidates who are U.S. citizens attending accredited colleges or universities full-time. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and continue their studies in the 2026-2027 academic year. This initiative reflects UNICO's commitment to empowering the Italian American community through education.

Rooted in Purpose. Focused on Progress.

California’s Credit Unions and Nevada’s Credit Unions are the trade associations representing credit unions across both states. For more than 90 years, we’ve united and empowered credit unions to better serve more than 13.5 million members — providing advocacy, resources, and leadership that strengthen the entire movement.

Each year, California’s Credit Unions and Nevada’s Credit Unions honor distinguished industry leaders and volunteers during the Leagues’ REACH Conference. 

J. Alvin George Outstanding Volunteer Award

This award honors significant contributions by people who serve credit unions in volunteer capacities, such as a director or committee member. It was renamed in 2013 in honor of the long-time credit union volunteer, J. Alvin George, who passed away that same year.

The Ford Opportunity Scholars Program offers scholarships to parents and adult learners over 25 with financial barriers to education in Oregon and Siskiyou County, California. Annually, up to 90 scholarships are awarded, providing up to $40,000 per year based on need and costs. Support includes financial assistance, academic guidance, and a connection to the Ford Family alumni community, aiming to empower students in their pursuit of an associate or bachelor’s degree.

The CA Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Grant Program, managed by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, offers grants to local governments, tribal entities, and nonprofits for assessing and cleaning up brownfields. Eligible applicants can utilize funds for environmental cleanup activities, including contamination mitigation and engineering controls. This program aims to foster community health and environmental restoration through effective site management and remediation efforts.

The Endangered Species Conservation and Recovery Grant Program, administered by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, aims to support state initiatives for the conservation and recovery of federally threatened and endangered species. Funded through federal sources, this program encourages collaborative project development with CDFW staff and partner organizations. Eligible applicants must provide at least 25% in matching funds, ensuring a commitment to the protection of vulnerable inland and marine species under the Endangered Species Act.

The Asian Cultural Council's Graduate Fellowship provides financial support for travel and living expenses to graduate students from Asia studying in the U.S. It offers $15,000 for one academic year, potentially renewable for another year, covering essential costs while pursuing full-time coursework. This initiative fosters international cultural exchange and enhances academic training in the arts. Eligible applicants must be enrolled full-time in accredited graduate programs and commit to at least two consecutive semesters of study.

The Tobacco-Related Disease Research Program (TRDRP) offers a Postdoctoral Award aimed at supporting innovative research focused on reducing tobacco use and diseases. This program encourages a minimum 75% time commitment from postdoctoral trainees, who must submit original research proposals with mentor guidance. Awards provide up to $70,000 annually for three years, including a fixed institutional allowance for various research-related expenses. This initiative enhances the career development of researchers dedicated to tobacco-related public health issues.

The Tobacco-Related Disease Research Program (TRDRP) offers a Predoctoral Award aimed at supporting innovative, hypothesis-driven research to combat tobacco-related diseases. With a maximum funding of $60,000 per year for up to three years, this program encourages predoctoral students to develop their research skills under mentorship. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in a doctoral program and commit significant time to their research. This opportunity fosters the next generation of independent researchers in tobacco control and public health.

The Pilot Community-Partnered Participatory Research Award (Pilot CPPRA) aims to support collaborative research addressing tobacco-related health disparities. With a funding cap of $500,000 per year for up to two years, this award encourages partnerships between community and academic researchers. Projects should focus on enhancing the feasibility of methods for interventions, developing collaborative relationships, and collecting preliminary data to improve future funding opportunities. This initiative fosters community engagement in tobacco research.

In just one application, our Common Scholarship Application provides students access to more than 150 scholarship opportunities with awards ranging from $1,000 to more than $5,000.

In 2025, San Diego Foundation awarded a record-breaking $5.5 million in scholarships to nearly 1,400 students.

Witt Matheny Scholarship

Plan to enroll full-time at an accredited community college or licensed career/technical school in California in fall.

Depending on the scholarship, it may pay for tuition, room and board, books, fees and/or other related educational expenses. This will be outlined in your award notification.

About the North Valley Health Education Foundation

The North Valley Health Education Foundation (NVHEF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health through education. Since its founding in 1973, the Foundation has supported students pursuing healthcare careers and strengthened communities across Northern California’s North Valley.

NVHEF serves as a regional connector—bringing together students, educators, healthcare institutions, donors, and community leaders who share a commitment to a strong and sustainable healthcare workforce.

Healthcare Scholarships

The North Valley Health Education Foundation (NVHEF) provides scholarships to students pursuing healthcare careers who are committed to serving Northern California communities. Our focus is on strengthening the regional healthcare workforce by supporting students in medical, nursing, and allied health programs.

Each year, NVHEF awards $20,000–$30,000 in healthcare scholarships to students enrolled in accredited programs who demonstrate academic commitment, community connection, and a passion for healthcare service.

Enloe Employee Advancement Scholarship

This application is for current Enloe Health employees seeking scholarship support for education or training that advances their role in healthcare.

About the North Valley Health Education Foundation

The North Valley Health Education Foundation (NVHEF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health through education. Since its founding in 1973, the Foundation has supported students pursuing healthcare careers and strengthened communities across Northern California’s North Valley.

NVHEF serves as a regional connector—bringing together students, educators, healthcare institutions, donors, and community leaders who share a commitment to a strong and sustainable healthcare workforce.

Healthcare Scholarships

The North Valley Health Education Foundation (NVHEF) provides scholarships to students pursuing healthcare careers who are committed to serving Northern California communities. Our focus is on strengthening the regional healthcare workforce by supporting students in medical, nursing, and allied health programs.

Each year, NVHEF awards $20,000–$30,000 in healthcare scholarships to students enrolled in accredited programs who demonstrate academic commitment, community connection, and a passion for healthcare service.

Enloe Junior Volunteer Scholarship

This application is for students who are graduating high school seniors that currently volunteer at Enloe Health and are considering a medical career. 

The Project Acceleration Notes and Credit Enhancement Alternatives (PANACEA) Program, funded by an $8 million federal grant, aims to enhance financing for California charter schools' facilities. This initiative supports the purchase, construction, and renovation of such facilities and operates alongside the Charter School Facilities Program. The program is designed to expedite the development of permanent charter school facilities by providing necessary credit enhancements, ensuring broader access to quality education for students.

The Full Community-Partnered Participatory Research Award (Full CPPRA) supports research targeting tobacco-related health disparities through community-academic partnerships. With a maximum award of $600,000 per year for up to three years, this funding encourages the development and testing of tobacco prevention interventions. Applicants must include both a Community Co-PI and an Academic Co-PI from California-based institutions, fostering collaboration to enhance research efficacy and community impact.