Best Grants for Community Service Projects in California

California community-based organizations and local partners planning community resilience centers in California can seek US $100,000 - US $500,000 for planning, construction, or retrofits that strengthen social and physical infrastructure. With a mission to support sustainable, equitable communities, California Strategic Growth Council prioritizes under-resourced, rural, unincorporated, and Tribal areas working on community development and public safety projects.

County offices of education in California can obtain funding to provide leadership, training, and technical assistance for tobacco-use prevention education and related school-based efforts. With a mission to strengthen education statewide, California Department of Education supports tobacco-free school policies, staff development, family and community engagement, cessation referrals, and efforts to reduce health disparities among youth.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits with budgets under $1,000,000 can apply for Ability Central’s Community Impact Grants, awarding US $500 - US $5,000 for short-term projects expanding communication and information access for Deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent people. Community service projects that improve accessibility, inclusion, and participation in local programs and services may be eligible.

Community development financial institutions serving low- and moderate-income communities in California can receive up to US $200,000 to build working capital and increase net assets for lending and technical assistance. With a mission to strengthen community development, the California State Treasurer's Office provides CDFIs with tiered grants supporting affordable housing, small business lending, childcare, health, education, and related community services.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charities with offices in California can apply for Del E Webb Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $3,000,000 to support innovative, sustainable community development and service projects. Eligible organizations also operating in Arizona or Nevada and focused on long-term community benefits may be considered.

California local governments and non-entitlement jurisdictions can use this program to fund community development, housing, public facilities, and economic development projects that benefit low- and moderate-income residents. California Department of Housing and Community Development provides grants for activities like infrastructure, community facilities, job creation, microenterprise support, and planning and technical assistance across eligible communities.

Public agencies, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and fiscally sponsored community groups in California can seek US $200,000 - US $5,000,000 for coastal restoration, public access, and climate resilience projects. State of California Coastal Conservancy supports work along the coast, San Francisco Bay, and coastal watersheds, including community-focused parks, trails, and nature-based resilience efforts.

California property owners, lessees, and their representatives can receive up to US $12,000 to install shared Level 2 EV charging stations that serve community users. Focused on clean transportation and community development, the California Energy Commission’s Communities in Charge program supports well-lit, secure sites, including public, workplace, and multifamily housing locations across California.

California Native American tribes planning for sea level rise impacts on ancestral lands and cultural resources can apply for US $250,000 - US $750,000 from the California Ocean Protection Council. Funding supports community visioning, education and outreach, data collection, vulnerability assessments, and adaptation planning to protect tribal cultural sites and lifeways.

California charter schools organized as 501(c)(3) nonprofits can apply for the Charter School Facilities Credit Enhancement Grant Program to fund debt service reserves for facility financing. This California State Treasurer's Office program supports acquisition, renovation, construction, or refinancing of charter school facilities, which may benefit schools leading community development and service projects in their neighborhoods.

California community development and service nonprofits can seek funding for humanitarian, social, educational, environmental, and arts projects that promote sustainable development. Roche supports accredited charities worldwide through its Corporate Donations and Philanthropy program, prioritizing innovative, high-quality initiatives that engage local partners and employees and are managed within the same country as the relevant Roche affiliate.

The Durfee Foundation Stanton Fellowship offers exceptional leaders in Los Angeles County the opportunity to receive $100,000 over two years to pursue innovative inquiries that can lead to meaningful improvements in the community. This fellowship emphasizes cross-disciplinary collaboration, allowing fellows to expand their knowledge and networks while dedicating focused time to their projects. With a strong commitment to supporting creative thinkers, the Durfee Foundation aims to enhance civic engagement and foster impactful change in Los Angeles.

The Crawford Taylor Foundation focuses on enhancing programs that create lasting legacies in St. Louis. With priorities in community development, women's health, animal welfare, and environmental preservation, the foundation seeks to support 501(c)(3) organizations that meet specific eligibility criteria. They avoid funding multi-year grants or for-profit initiatives, emphasizing support for local causes and relief efforts deemed important by the Taylor family.

The WE Initiative Grant, part of the Walter and Elise Haas Fund's Social Well-being program, seeks nonprofit organizations dedicated to fostering belonging and community cohesion in the Bay Area. With a focus on cultural identity and collective action, grantees will receive $100,000 annually for five years to support collaborative projects aimed at uplifting diverse voices and driving community-led change. This initiative promotes connection, creativity, and healing to address social fragmentation and empower marginalized communities.

The EDA FY25 Disaster Supplemental program provides critical funding to support communities recovering from severe economic distress caused by natural disasters in 2023 and 2024. With no submission deadlines for Readiness and Implementation Paths, and a specific deadline for Industry Transformation applications, this initiative aims to enhance community resilience and improve economic trajectories through strategic projects that engage local stakeholders and private industries.

The Greenpoint Foundation Grant aims to enhance community life by supporting organizations that focus on agriculture, food security, education, and community enhancement. Established in 2022, the Foundation accepts grant applications year-round for both general operating budgets and specific projects. Priority is given to 501(c)(3) organizations and local government entities, while faith-based programs are considered on a case-by-case basis. Grant recipients must submit impact reports to ensure continued support.

The H. Hovnanian Family Foundation Grant supports the Armenian community in Armenia and the U.S., focusing on Monmouth and Ocean Counties, New Jersey. The Foundation prioritizes education, healthcare, arts, and youth development through grants to registered non-profits. Proposals should demonstrate sustainability and community impact, with favorable consideration given to projects that engage local stakeholders and foster collaboration. Applications are accepted year-round, with a maximum funding limit of $10,000 for operational expenses.

The Coast Central Credit Union Grant supports local non-profit organizations in Humboldt, Del Norte, and Trinity counties. Grants range from $3,000 to $25,000, with a total of $150,000 available each funding round. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status or be public benefit entities. Priority is given to projects that demonstrate a positive impact on the community and are already in progress, fostering collaboration and support among various community groups.

The Peter Chortek Leadership Award honors Jewish high school students in San Diego who demonstrate outstanding leadership and commitment to community service through tikkun olam. Awardees receive a $9,000 stipend, $540 to set up a Donor Advised Fund, and a professional video showcasing their project. This award encourages students to create or enhance community initiatives, fostering engagement in social justice and service projects.

The Sierra Grant Program, initiated by Bank of the Sierra, aims to enhance community welfare since 2004 by providing grants to nonprofits and governmental organizations. Focus areas include community services, affordable housing, economic development, and revitalization of low-to-moderate income areas. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, ensuring that impactful projects can receive timely support to improve the quality of life for families and individuals in the communities served.

John Muir Health offers community event sponsorships aimed at supporting health-related initiatives within Contra Costa County, Tri-Valley, and Northern Alameda County. As a not-for-profit health system, they prioritize funding for projects that address identified health needs, ensuring good stewardship of resources. Organizations must be registered 501c3 entities and align with their community health mission. Requests must be by invitation only, and personal or political sponsorships are not accepted.

The Lowell Berry Foundation Grants aim to enhance leadership within local Christian church ministries while providing community support in California. Established in 1950 by Mr. Lowell W. Berry, the foundation focuses on assisting organizations that foster personal development and leadership. Grants are limited to programs in Contra Costa and Alameda counties, with funding not available for individual projects or capital equipment. This initiative continues to build on a legacy of community service and leadership advancement.

The Richard Reed Foundation Grant supports small, innovative non-profit organizations in Colorado and Northern California that aim to improve community welfare through initiatives in mental health, child development, environmental impact, and animal welfare. The foundation focuses on organizations with a proven track record, clear goals, and sustainable funding. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $10,000, and the foundation encourages creativity and collaboration to foster significant community change.

The Peggy and Robert Matthews Foundation Grant aims to support arts, sciences, and health services in San Diego. This grant is available to established, non-religious, and non-political charitable organizations operating in the region for over a year. Interested applicants must initiate a conversation with the Foundation to determine eligibility, as unsolicited Letters of Intent are not accepted. This initiative seeks to enhance community welfare through strategic funding.

The North Tahoe Community Alliance (NTCA) is offering event funding for 2025, supporting initiatives that enhance economic health, community vitality, and environmental stewardship. Applications open on December 13, with a deadline of January 10. Events must promote public engagement and sustainability while being open to all. Funding priorities include community enhancement, environmental stewardship, and workforce housing, ensuring that events positively impact the region's economy and community spirit.

The U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation supports initiatives that drive self-sufficiency and community enrichment for vulnerable populations. With over $4.31 million awarded last year, the foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate measurable impact and foster stronger communities. Eligible organizations include those designated as public charities by the IRS. The foundation emphasizes collaboration with other funders, avoiding sole financial support to ensure comprehensive community development.

The Monterey Peninsula Foundation K-12 Grant supports local nonprofits and schools in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties, focusing on arts, education, health, and community services. With a responsive grantmaking strategy, the foundation aims to address unmet community needs and foster resilience through various types of support, including operating, program, and capital funding. Organizations must demonstrate management capacity and a clear evaluation plan, ensuring long-term impact and community collaboration.