Best Grants for Community Centers in California

The Community Foundation for Monterey County provides Community Impact Grants to support programs aimed at improving the lives of children, youth, and underserved populations. With an average grant award of $25,000, these grants focus on early childhood education, academic support, and health services. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public agencies in Monterey County. The foundation values innovative, collaborative proposals that demonstrate measurable impact and sustainability.

Amgen is a leading biotechnology company dedicated to advancing medicine through Independent Medical Education (IME). It funds accredited educational programs that empower healthcare providers to enhance patient care. IME funding supports critical areas such as oncology, bone health, cardiovascular education, and more. Amgen's commitment ensures that these educational activities remain unbiased and compliant with applicable guidelines, fostering innovation and improved health outcomes for patients worldwide.

Womens Foundation Of California

Since our founding in 1979, our work at Women’s Foundation California has evolved and expanded. Over the decades, we have celebrated our milestones and reflected on our journey as we continue to push towards what’s next. The Women’s Foundation California is a statewide, publicly supported foundation dedicated to achieving racial, economic, environmental, and gender justice by centering the experience and expertise of communities most impacted by systemic injustice. Our vision is to build a feminist future for California.

We amplify, mobilize, and redistribute power and resources to community leaders advancing racial, economic, environmental, and gender justice. This is achieved through grants to community-led organizations, grassroots leadership training through the Solís Policy Institute, and convenings to unite advocates, donors, policymakers, grantmakers, academics, and others, sharing knowledge to strengthen California’s social justice movement.

Bea Solís Power Fund

Our Bea Solís Power Fund invests in the leadership of our Solís Policy Institute alum as they continue to build racial, economic, environmental, and gender justice beyond our training.

This year, our Bea Solís Power Fund solidified our commitment to empowering transformation by disbursing $18,000 in small grants for essential resources to support alums to continue with their advocacy work.

Together, we can ensure that the creative doers and thinkers, movers, and shakers across our SPI alum network have the resources they need to build our shared feminist future. 

International Paper Grants focus on community engagement, emphasizing education, hunger relief, health & wellness, and disaster relief. They support nonprofit organizations that demonstrate good financial standing and effective management. Eligible organizations must operate in areas where International Paper has facilities. The foundation prioritizes local needs, particularly critical and environmental issues, while encouraging employee involvement. Ineligible entities include private foundations and those without a local presence. Applications are accepted through mid-September in the U.S. and Canada.

The Charis Fund Grant supports non-profit organizations in California, Oregon, Washington, and Nevada, focusing on social welfare, health, and education. Grants range from $2,500 to $7,500, aimed at addressing issues such as housing, food insecurity, and support for at-risk youth. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified and can apply every three years, with specific restrictions on funding for arts and political activities.

The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) program, managed by the California State Water Resources Control Board, provides essential financial assistance for public water systems. It supports the planning and execution of drinking water infrastructure projects to ensure compliance with Safe Drinking Water Act requirements. Eligible costs cover planning documents, engineering specifications, environmental reviews, and more, facilitating access to safe drinking water and promoting the human right to water.

The Doris Duke Foundation's Environment Program grants aim to foster a resilient environment through effective conservation efforts. By supporting U.S. nonprofit organizations, the foundation seeks to protect biodiversity, address climate change, and advance equity, particularly for marginalized communities. The program emphasizes land conservation, natural climate solutions, and inclusive practices, ensuring that conservation efforts benefit both wildlife and people. This initiative is pivotal for enhancing the health of ecosystems and communities across the United States.

The CA ACEP - Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) program, managed by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service, is designed to protect the agricultural viability of eligible lands. This initiative helps landowners, including tribes and local governments, by limiting non-agricultural uses through conservation easements. ALE enhances public benefits such as environmental quality and wildlife habitat while ensuring the long-term stewardship of agricultural lands, vital for maintaining the nation's food supply.

The BH UWC Consolidated Grant Program aims to enhance environmental equity by funding high-impact projects that address climate resilience and improve access to recreational spaces for disadvantaged communities. It aligns with the Cutting Green Tape initiative, focusing on strategic investments in conservation and community access. The program prioritizes projects that directly benefit vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable distribution of resources and measurable community benefits, thereby fostering sustainable development throughout California.

The MathWorks Community Grant supports nonprofit organizations that align with its social mission, focusing on education, community support, green initiatives, and global relief. Grants, ranging from $200 to $5,000, are awarded quarterly to eligible organizations serving local communities. Applicants must demonstrate their programs' alignment with MathWorks goals and provide a summary report post-funding. The program excludes support for religious, political, or fundraising activities, ensuring a focus on charitable endeavors.

The Neighborhood Builders Program, supported by Bank of America, empowers 501(c)(3) nonprofits through a two-year leadership development initiative. Participants receive funding, training, and networking opportunities to enhance their impact in communities. Since its inception, the program has invested over $346 million, training more than 4,000 leaders. The initiative focuses on advancing social mobility and economic opportunities, ensuring affordable housing, and fostering resilient communities. This program is vital for nonprofits aiming to strengthen their leadership and community engagement.

The Joint Institute for Wood Products Innovation Grant for FY 2025-2026, sponsored by the California Board of Forestry, aims to enhance sustainable forest restoration efforts across California. This grant focuses on projects that support long-term ecosystem sustainability, carbon storage, and innovative wood products. Eligible activities include research and development in biomass utilization and workforce development, with a preference for projects that meet current state needs in advancing wood and biomass utilization.

The Doheny Foundation Capital Grant focuses on enhancing social welfare, health, education, and religious initiatives in Los Angeles. It supports nonprofits that empower underserved communities through vital services like food, shelter, healthcare, and education. The foundation seeks to fund projects that align with its mission, especially those benefiting vulnerable populations and promoting economic self-reliance. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) registered, and funding is generally limited to the Los Angeles area.

The Roy A. Hunt Foundation's Environment Initiative Grants aim to support projects that enhance ecological health and sustainability. With an annual budget of approximately $3.4 million, the foundation prioritizes initiatives that promote responsible environmental practices, clean energy, and waste reduction. Grants between $25,000 and $75,000 are available for projects at various levels, focusing on innovative solutions that foster community partnerships and address root causes of environmental challenges.

The Business & Workforce Development Grants aim to bolster California's wood products infrastructure, ensuring the sustainability of forests and supporting the communities reliant on them. Funded through California Climate Investments, this initiative promotes diverse projects that enhance business and workforce development in the forestry sector. Key areas include business development, bioenergy, and forest-related workforce training, all contributing to healthier, resilient forests and a stronger economy, particularly in disadvantaged communities.

Every Kindness is a Gift

Dollar Tree Gift Card Program 2026

Every Kindness is a Gift is a gift card grant program made possible through the generosity of Dollar Tree and managed by the team here at Gift Card Bank. We are a nonprofit organization that specializes in the distribution of gift cards and our mission is to improve well-being and build financial stability by supporting people through their time of need.

Through Every Kindness is a Gift, nonprofit organizations and Title I schools located in the 48 contiguous states may apply to receive a grant of Dollar Tree gift cards.

Gift cards received through these grants are meant to be distributed directly to individuals and families in need. A primary goal of the program is to give gift card recipients the dignity of choice by empowering them to shop for what they need themselves. By putting gift cards directly in the hands of our neighbors in need, we are able to increase access to essentials like food, school supplies, paper products, cleaning products, and hygiene items.

In 2026, there will be two rounds of grant distributions. In each round, we will award a number of grants between $2,500 and $10,000.

Round One is a summer distribution. Gift cards awarded in Round One will arrive in late June, while kids are on break and back-to-school is around the corner. Round Two is a holiday distribution. Gift cards awarded in Round Two will arrive in early November, as the end-of-year holidays approach.

We know that these are times of year when budgets are tight. Through these gift card grants, we hope to connect individuals and families directly to the essential resources they need during difficult months.

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.

GFO-25-305 - Non-Energy Impacts of Integrated Energy Retrofit Packages from the Equitable Building Decarbonization Program

Purpose

The purpose of this solicitation is to fund an applied research and development project that informs California’s transition to an equitable, zero-carbon energy system that is climate-resilient and meets environmental goals. Applied research supported by this solicitation will evaluate the non-energy impacts of building retrofits, taking advantage of the opportunity to study the impacts and benefits of the Equitable Building Decarbonization (EBD) Direct Install Program. By leveraging the work of the EBD program, this research can shed light on previously understudied benefits and costs to low-income households. The expected outcomes include lessons learned to inform ongoing and future decarbonization investments and priorities.

The Sigma Xi Grants-in-Aid of Research Program, celebrating 100 years of supporting research, offers financial assistance to undergraduate and graduate students. Members can receive grants ranging from $500 to $5,000, while non-members can apply for up to $1,000. Additionally, there are specific funds available for astronomy and vision-related research. This program fosters collaboration between students and mentors, promoting scientific excellence through hands-on experience.

The Diminished Tree Species Grant Program focuses on restoring native tree species crucial for biodiversity and forest health. By funding scientific research, seed orchard development, and land preservation, the program aims to combat climate change through effective tree restoration projects. The Oak Hill Fund, a private entity, encourages project-specific applications, prioritizing organizations that meet eligibility criteria under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS. This initiative is vital for sustaining healthy ecosystems and mitigating environmental impacts.

The Sustainable Recreation, Tourism, and Equitable Outdoor Access Directed Grant Program (2025-2027) supports innovative projects aimed at enhancing sustainable recreation and tourism in the Sierra-Cascade region. Key goals include improving public access to nature, mitigating overuse impacts on resources, and fostering sustainable recreation economies. Projects eligible for funding must focus on climate resilience, equitable access, or landscape-scale assessments, all ensuring multiple benefits for community education and environmental protection.

The Growing Healthy Kids Grant, funded by The Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation, aims to support community-based programs that enhance children's nutrition access and health education. With grant amounts ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, this initiative focuses on hands-on programs that promote healthy habits among children and their families. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Sprouts Farmers Market operates, helping to ensure that the funds directly benefit local communities.

The Climate Adaptation Planning Grant, part of California's Sustainable Transportation Planning Grants, provides $3 million to support local and regional efforts in addressing climate vulnerabilities in transportation infrastructure. This grant encourages the development of adaptation plans that aim to mitigate damage from climate change and extreme weather. Open to applicants with ongoing or new adaptation efforts, it fosters strategic planning for roads, railways, and other critical transport systems across the state.

The FY2026 Implementation of the Quagga and Zebra Mussel Action Plan (QZAP) seeks to address the rapid spread of these invasive species in the Western United States. This funding opportunity aims to support proposals that align with the priorities established in QZAP 2.0, focusing on critical areas for prevention and control. Applications will only be accepted through grantsolutions.gov, and the initiative is limited to U.S. states within the Western Regional Panel.

The Sustainable Transportation Planning Grants support local and regional planning efforts aimed at enhancing active transportation, safe routes to schools, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and 2050. With a total funding of $29.5 million, these competitive grants also include subcategories for climate adaptation planning and strategic partnerships. Eligible projects must align with state goals and contribute to comprehensive transportation strategies, with grant amounts ranging from $50,000 to $700,000.

The Local Government Waste Tire Enforcement Grant Program, offered by CalRecycle, provides essential funding for California jurisdictions to enforce waste tire laws. Eligible applicants, including cities and counties, can receive grants based on their population size, with amounts ranging from $350,000 to $650,000. This non-competitive funding aims to ensure compliance with regulations related to waste tire permitting, hauling, and storage, fostering a cleaner environment and public safety.

The County-wide and Regional Funding Program by the California State Water Board aims to support counties and eligible partners in addressing drought and contamination issues for disadvantaged communities. Funding is available through the SAFER Program to implement regional programs targeting state small water systems and domestic wells. Eligible recipients include counties and NGOs, with projects focusing on assessments, domestic well testing, and interim solutions like bottled water. The program is vital for enhancing water resilience in underserved areas.

The Volkswagen (VW) Environmental Mitigation Trust provides approximately $423 million to California for reducing excess nitrogen oxide (NOX) emissions from VW diesel vehicles. This initiative includes funding for various projects aimed at replacing older, polluting vehicles with cleaner alternatives, particularly in low-income communities. Key categories for funding include zero-emission buses, freight trucks, and marine projects, all aimed at improving air quality and public health.