Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in California

The Community Support Grant Program by the Community Foundation of Mendocino County offers funding ranging from $500 to $1,000 for local educational opportunities and public events that benefit the community. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, tribes, and schools that serve Mendocino County residents. Grants are awarded based on alignment with the foundation's mission, community impact, planning quality, and outreach scope. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, emphasizing the need for early submission.

The Junior Board Grants by the Frieda C. Fox Family Foundation aim to empower nonprofit organizations in Los Angeles County focused on maximizing youth potential. While the grant amounts can reach up to $10,000, priority is given to organizations with a strong operational history and a budget under $10 million. Applications are currently closed, but organizations that meet the criteria are encouraged to reach out for future opportunities.

The Saw Island Foundation offers grants focusing on education, science, and health, primarily targeting nonprofit organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area. Their education grants support scholarships and program partnerships, while science and health grants aim to enhance life experiences through improved health outcomes. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, and the foundation emphasizes innovative collaborations that demonstrate measurable impact in their communities.

The S. H. Cowell Foundation Grant focuses on supporting public and nonprofit organizations in Northern and Central California that address acute poverty and promote racial equity. The foundation prioritizes place-based strategies to fund initiatives that foster child development, family empowerment, and youth leadership. By building on community strengths, it aims to create equitable access to essential services and enhance the overall well-being of families and children, ensuring their voices are integral to program design and implementation.

The Ford Family Foundation offers larger funding requests over $25,000 for projects aligned with their funding priorities, including family support, education, and community development. Their grants aim to strengthen family connections, enhance educational opportunities for rural children, and foster thriving communities. Eligible organizations must primarily benefit rural residents in Oregon and Siskiyou County, California. The Foundation emphasizes community support and prohibits funding for discriminatory practices or debt retirement.

The Ford Family Foundation offers Technical Assistance Grants aimed at bolstering the capacity of organizations serving rural communities in Oregon and Siskiyou County, California. These grants, which can reach up to $5,000, support activities such as staff training, strategic planning, and consulting services. By enhancing internal capabilities, the foundation seeks to improve the effectiveness of nonprofits and agencies that focus on family, education, and community development, ultimately benefiting children and their families.

The Social Impact Theatre Grant Program supports innovative theatrical productions that address pressing social issues, fostering dialogue and community engagement. With a focus on sustainability, the program offers production-specific and change capital grants to eligible nonprofit organizations in select states. Grantees are encouraged to explore new models, deepen community connections, and support emerging leaders in theatre. Applications for the next cycle will open in Spring 2025, following the completion of the current funding round.

The Rural Business Development Grants in California provide vital support for small rural businesses through technical assistance and training. Aimed at entities in rural areas, the program prioritizes smaller funding requests and offers two types of grants: Opportunity and Enterprise. Eligible applicants include towns, nonprofits, and tribal organizations. The grants can finance a variety of projects, from business training to infrastructure improvements, fostering economic growth and development in underserved communities.

What does this program do?

It provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to:

• To help microenterprises startup and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund.
• Provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs.

Microenterprise Development Organizations must demonstrate experience in managing a Revolving Loan Fund, or:

• Certify that it or its employees have received education and training from a qualified microenterprise development training entity so that the applicant has the capacity to manage such a revolving loan fund.
• Demonstrate that it is actively and successfully participating as an intermediary lender in good standing under the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Microloan Program or other similar loan programs as determined by the Administrator.

 What kind of funding is available? 

• Grants are available to provide technical assistance to rural micro-entrepreneurs or microenterprises, up to $205,000 annually.
  • Funding at the requested level is not guaranteed, and at least 15 percent matching funds are required.
• Loans of $50,000 to $500,000 may be used for establishing a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund managed by the Microenterprise Development Organization.
  • Total aggregate debt is capped at $2.5 million.

What are the loan terms? 

• Maximum term is 20 years.
• Two-year payment deferral.
• Must establish a loan loss reserve fund.

What terms are required on loans to ultimate recipients? 

• Up to $50,000.
• Fixed interest rate.
• Limited to 75 percent of project cost.

How may the funds be used? 

Microlenders may make microloans for qualified business activities and expenses including, but not limited to:

• Working capital.
• Debt refinancing.
• Purchasing equipment and supplies.
• Improving real estate.

The Better Together Nature Positive Innovation Grant Program, administered by the PG&E Corporation Foundation, offers $100,000 grants for projects in five regions focused on environmental stewardship. Applications open on May 21, 2025, targeting land, air, and water quality initiatives. Priority is given to projects benefiting disadvantaged communities. In 2024, PG&E supported nearly 1,000 grants totaling over $36 million, demonstrating a commitment to community resilience and environmental sustainability.

The Impact Fund provides recoverable grants to legal services nonprofits and small law firms working on social, environmental, and economic justice issues. With over $10 million awarded since 1992, the fund supports impactful litigation addressing systemic injustices. Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 and prioritize cases directly involving affected communities. Recipients must repay the grant amount with interest if they recover fees or costs, ensuring sustainability for future funding.

The Wonderful Company is offering the Central Valley Community Grants, providing up to $1 million in funding for projects that enhance the health and well-being of rural communities in the San Joaquin Valley. With a history of over $8.5 million granted to nonprofits and schools, this initiative supports equitable living conditions. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, local governments, and schools committed to making a tangible impact in their communities.

The Arts Leadership Residency, offered by Theatre Bay Area, provides a transformative opportunity for aspiring artistic and managing directors to gain hands-on experience in Bay Area theatres. Over a 12-16 week period, residents will work closely with established leaders, engage in significant projects, and enhance their skills in a supportive environment. This initiative emphasizes mentorship, professional growth, and fostering diversity within the arts community, ensuring that underrepresented voices have access to vital resources and opportunities.

The Region Grants Open Grant Round: Community Vitality, supported by Land O'Lakes Foundation, aims to enhance the vibrancy of dairy communities in the East and West Regions. With a total investment of $500,000 annually, grants ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 are available for organizations focused on rural development, education, and community resources. Eligible applicants must have a 501c3 status and serve specific geographic areas, ensuring support reaches those in need.

The LA County Arts & Culture Organizational Grant Program offers funding to nonprofit arts organizations in Los Angeles County. This two-year grant supports projects that enhance cultural services and provide accessible arts programming for diverse communities. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to arts through their budget and have a history of programming. The program aims to foster artistic initiatives that positively impact local residents, ensuring a vibrant cultural landscape in the region.

The Bank of Marin's Annual Grant Program focuses on enhancing community welfare through support for nonprofits that promote social and economic vitality, education, and wellness. With a commitment to collaborative efforts since 1990, the bank has invested millions into local initiatives. It prioritizes funding for basic needs, educational programs, and arts access, and has been recognized as a leading corporate philanthropist in Northern California.

The Banner Bank Community Support Program offers grants to nonprofit organizations in Washington, Oregon, California, and Idaho focusing on housing, youth development, financial education, and economic growth. Priority is given to programs aiding low- and moderate-income populations. Organizations applying must not discriminate and should support essential community services. Applications are accepted year-round, with a review period of 45-60 days. However, certain areas, such as individual scholarships and political organizations, are ineligible for funding.

The Trinity Trust offers Community Response Grants to benefit Trinity County residents in California. Managed by the Humboldt Area Foundation, these grants address urgent community needs where small investments can create a significant impact. Eligible projects include building partnerships, engaging youth, and enhancing organizational capacity. Nonprofit organizations, public schools, and government agencies may apply. However, grants are not available for expenses outside the service area or for religious activities.

The Peter E. Palmquist Memorial Fund Grant provides vital support for research into under-researched women photographers and Western American photographers from the Great Depression era. Open to both individual researchers and nonprofit institutions, this grant emphasizes the importance of quality proposals and the ability to execute projects efficiently. Recipients will contribute their findings to the Humboldt Area Foundation, thus enriching the Peter Palmquist Archive and promoting the legacy of photography history.

The S. Mark Taper Foundation, established in 1989, is a private family foundation committed to improving lives through support for nonprofit organizations in Southern California. It funds projects in arts, education, health, and more, with grant sizes ranging from $50,000 to over $100,000. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified and serve specific counties. Notably, those receiving funding in the past three years are ineligible to apply.

The Bessie Minor Swift Foundation Grant supports programs that enhance literacy and educational enrichment in communities served by Swift Communications. Grants are available to nonprofit organizations focused on developing literacy skills, STEM education, and interdisciplinary programs for children and youth. With funding ranging from $500 to $5,000, the foundation prioritizes initiatives that foster active citizenry and provide direct service to underserved populations.

The TFish Fund Grant aims to alleviate poverty in East Asia by empowering small but impactful NGOs to achieve sustainability and transparency. Founded in 2011, the Transparent Fish Fund partners with select organizations that focus on poverty alleviation. By providing financial aid, capacity building, and promoting accountability, the fund bridges the gap between Western donors and local NGOs, fostering a philanthropic spirit while addressing the complex social issues faced in the region.

The City of Berkeley's Community Festivals Grant supports diverse cultural events that engage the community and enhance Berkeley's reputation as a vibrant destination. Grants up to $7,000 are available for one-time festivals that are free and accessible to the public. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and artist collectives. The grant encourages projects that celebrate cultural heritage and foster community involvement, while ineligible costs include administrative expenses and ongoing programming.

SVCreates offers Unrestricted Operating Grants to support small nonprofit arts and culture organizations in Santa Clara County. These grants aim to enhance equity, inclusion, and sustainability while positively impacting the local cultural ecosystem. Eligible organizations must have a 501c3 status and operate primarily within the county. The grant amounts are determined based on various factors, including panel recommendations and organizational budgets, with awards ranging from $2,000 to $6,000 depending on budget categories.

The Valley Water Standard Grants - Stewardship Grants program provides $1.87 million in funding for projects aimed at enhancing safe, clean drinking water, water conservation, and environmental stewardship in Santa Clara County. This initiative supports diverse community efforts including pollution cleanups, habitat restoration, and educational programs, requiring a 15% matching contribution. Open to public agencies and nonprofit organizations, it empowers local communities to tackle pressing water and environmental challenges effectively.

The Wilhelm Family Foundation Grants aim to enhance access to artistic resources by funding diverse nonprofit arts organizations. Prioritizing projects that engage with environmental and climate issues, the foundation seeks to support creative expression and collaboration in underserved communities. Emphasizing equality and sustainability, it fosters artistic practices that empower individuals and promote cultural dialogue. Grants are typically awarded to small organizations, focusing on community engagement and longevity in the arts sector.

The Yolo Voter Education Grant aims to enhance voter understanding in Yolo County ahead of the 2024 elections. Funded by the Walter & Evelyn Haas Fund, the initiative focuses on educating communities about the voting process, including changes in voting locations and methods. Nonprofit organizations are encouraged to leverage existing relationships and resources to maximize outreach effectiveness. Training and multilingual materials will be provided to support grantees in their efforts to engage priority communities.