Best Grants for Churches in California

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

Focused on innovative social impact, Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation invites California organizations addressing urgent social or environmental issues to apply. Churches and faith-based groups with scalable programs that benefit underserved communities may be eligible for support, especially if their work aligns with areas like poverty alleviation, education, or health care access.

State Farm Companies Foundation provides California organizations with support for community development, safety, and education initiatives. Churches in California engaged in projects like disaster relief, affordable housing, financial literacy, or youth education may be eligible to apply if their programs align with the foundation’s charitable focus areas.

William Randolph Hearst Foundation supports arts and cultural programming in California by funding established nonprofits engaged in performing arts, museums, art education, and artist development. Churches and faith-based organizations offering inclusive arts or cultural initiatives may be eligible, provided they meet the foundation’s criteria for significant impact and organizational capacity.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

Focused on soccer development, Humboldt Area Foundation invites California organizations to apply for grants supporting soccer professionals, field improvements, and participation scholarships in Humboldt County. Churches and faith-based groups serving the community through soccer-related programs may be eligible if they meet the foundation’s charitable project requirements.

Grants from Joan M Wismer Foundation help California organizations advance youth development, education, and humanitarian initiatives. Churches and faith-based groups with 501(c)(3) status may be eligible for support if their programs enrich lives or provide community services. Priority is given to applicants with clear plans for sustainable funding.

Focused on Indigenous services, Humboldt Area Foundation invites California churches and nonprofit organizations to apply for funding that addresses the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples crisis in Northern California. Eligible groups in Humboldt, Del Norte, and Trinity counties may benefit from support for advocacy, organizing, and capacity building efforts in their communities.

PNC Foundation supports community development, early childhood education, and arts initiatives in California by providing grants to eligible nonprofit organizations. Churches in California with programs focused on affordable housing, youth education, or social services that serve low- and moderate-income populations may be eligible for funding through this opportunity.

Grants from La Roche, Inc. help California organizations advance community, educational, environmental, and cultural projects. Churches and faith-based groups may be eligible if their initiatives align with priorities like humanitarian aid, STEM education, or arts and culture. Funding is available for accredited charities operating locally within California.

Grants from Sally Hughes Church Foundation help California organizations support youth development, family services, and arts engagement in Monterey County. Nonprofit groups with initiatives that benefit youth well-being, foster positive parenting, or enrich cultural experiences may be eligible. Churches offering youth-focused programs in the region could also benefit from this funding.

Wells Fargo Foundation supports community development and social services in California by prioritizing financial health, housing affordability, small business growth, and sustainability. Churches and faith-based organizations in California may be eligible if their programs address critical needs such as education, disaster relief, or workforce preparation. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations serving local communities.

With a mission to strengthen resilience, Humboldt Area Foundation provides California churches and faith-based organizations with funding for disaster relief and preparedness. Eligible groups in Humboldt, Del Norte, and Trinity counties may receive support during emergencies such as fires, earthquakes, and floods. Churches serving vulnerable populations may benefit from this opportunity.

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.

California churches and faith-based organizations can access funding through Citi Foundation’s Community Progress Makers Fund, which supports community development, affordable housing, and economic opportunity initiatives. Churches with strong ties to low-income communities and a record of local collaboration may be eligible for unrestricted grants and technical assistance.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

Grants from KEOWN ROBERT J TUW help California Christian organizations that provide charitable, benevolent, and religious support, especially for those in need. While organized churches are not eligible, faith-based nonprofits serving the Christian community may benefit from this funding opportunity. Preference is given to programs assisting needy or vulnerable Christians.

Samueli Foundation supports community services in California by providing unrestricted funding to organizations serving Orange County. Churches and faith-based groups with projects benefiting the broader community—such as food pantries or clothing closets—may be eligible. Grants range from $50,000 to $100,000 and can support leadership, infrastructure, or unique community initiatives.

California churches and faith-based organizations can access funding through the Samueli Foundation’s Build OC Fund for capital projects in Orange County. Eligible projects include facility acquisition, construction, renovation, repairs, or equipment that benefit the community at large. Churches serving local needs may be eligible if their projects align with community well-being and nonprofit development.

Grants from O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Inc help California organizations address economic stability, workforce development, health, and disaster relief. Churches and faith-based groups in California with community-oriented programs—such as hunger relief, mental health, or disaster aid—may be eligible if they operate as 501(c)(3) nonprofits and meet the foundation’s guidelines.

Humboldt Area Foundation provides California churches and nonprofits with funding for summer youth educational programs and camps. Eligible organizations in Humboldt, Del Norte, and Curry counties offering youth activities between June 1 and September 1 may apply. Churches with youth-focused summer programming may benefit from this opportunity to strengthen their community impact.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

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.

Harold J. Miossi Charitable Trust provides California churches with funding for programs and capital improvements, especially those connected to historic Catholic missions in San Luis Obispo County. Nonprofit organizations serving residents in this area may be eligible for support, with a focus on religious, educational, and community enrichment initiatives.