Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in California

Nonprofits, tribes, schools, special districts, and fiscally sponsored groups hosting public educational opportunities or community events in California’s Mendocino County can seek $500 - $1,000 to support their work. Grants from Community Foundation of Mendocino County help small nonprofits deliver well-planned events with broad community impact and address immediate local needs.

About Us

Harbor Freight is America’s #1 Tool Store with more than 1600 locations nationwide. Founded in 1977 by Eric Smidt, the company began as a small mail-order tool business in North Hollywood, California. Over 75 million customers have come to Harbor Freight for our unmatched assortment of quality tools at an unbeatable value, including automotive, air and power tools, storage, outdoor power equipment, generators, welding supplies, shop equipment, hand tools, and much more.

Harbor Freight Tools Gift Card Donation Requests

If you are a Harbor Freight Associate and have been affected by an unexpected, unavoidable crisis and are in financial need, please apply to our Employee Emergency Relief Fund (EERF). To apply, go to www.myHFT.com to review our FAQs, guidelines, eligibility requirements and application form.

For all other donation requests, please note that we have recently updated our criteria. You can find the current eligibility requirements below.

All donations are given in the form of Harbor Freight Store gift cards. We do not provide cash donations, event sponsorships or support for individuals.

Harbor Freight Tools proudly supports the following:

Skilled Trades Education

• Skilled trades classes that emphasize the expert use of tools and materials to build, repair and maintain products and structures. Fields include Agricultural Mechanics, Carpentry, Construction, Electrical, HVAC, Advanced Manufacturing, Plumbing, Transportation Mechanics and Repair, and Welding
• Donation requests must be submitted by a K-12 public-school teacher for their own school/classroom. Harbor Freight store gift cards are given directly to the school/teacher requesting one. We do not provide donations to outside organizations, clubs or third parties.

California 501(c)(3) public charities with budgets under $10 million that provide direct services to children and youth in Los Angeles or Santa Clara counties can seek funding for youth-focused programs. Grants from Frieda C Fox Family Foundation help small nonprofits with projects that maximize youth potential, with awards up to US $10,000 and annually changing themes like mentoring or STEM through the arts.

Small 501(c)(3) nonprofits in California working in education, science, or health can apply for Saw Island Foundation’s grants to support scholarships, research, targeted programs, or general operating needs. New grants generally prioritize the San Francisco Bay Area, and organizations elsewhere in the state should explain why this foundation is an appropriate partner.

California small nonprofits, public schools, and school districts serving children, youth, and families in high-poverty Northern or Central California communities can access funding through S H Cowell Foundation to support place-based programs. Grants may back family services, K–12 education, youth development, mental health, affordable housing, community development, and related capacity-building efforts that advance racial and economic equity.

Nonprofit organizations, governmental agencies, and tribal nations serving rural communities can apply for larger grants from The Ford Family Foundation, with awards up to Up to US $20,000 for programs, operations, or capital projects. California small nonprofits working in rural Siskiyou County on early childhood, youth education, or community facilities may be eligible.

Small 501(c)(3) nonprofits, governmental agencies, and tribal nations in rural Oregon and Siskiyou County, California can apply for the Ford Family Foundation’s technical assistance grants, awarding up to US $5,000 for capacity-building. Funding supports consultants for planning, governance, fundraising, or fiscal systems, and staff participation in mission-relevant trainings.

Nonprofit and public benefit organizations, schools, government agencies, and tribal governments in Trinity County, California can access funding through the Trinity Trust’s Community Response Grants to address urgent, one-time community needs. Administered by Humboldt Area Foundation, awards up to US $10,000 support projects that build collaboration, engage youth and residents, and strengthen long-term organizational capacity.

Focused on impact litigation, legal services nonprofits, solo practitioners, and small law firms in California and nationwide can seek recoverable grants to support economic, environmental, racial, and social justice cases. The Impact Fund awards US $10,000 - US $50,000 primarily for out-of-pocket litigation costs in class actions or multi-plaintiff cases benefiting communities facing systemic oppression.

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.

Nonprofit institutions and individual researchers in California studying under-researched women photographers worldwide or Western American photographers through the Great Depression can apply for Humboldt Area Foundation’s Peter E. Palmquist Memorial Fund, with awards of US $500 - US $2,000. Funding must be used strictly for research in photographic history.

Nonprofits, federally recognized tribes, and higher education institutions in California that serve rural microenterprises can apply for USDA’s Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program, with awards up to US $500,000 for loans and technical assistance. Funding supports revolving microloan funds and training for rural businesses with 10 or fewer employees, including working capital, equipment, and real estate improvements.

California small grassroots organizations focused on environmental health, climate resilience, or environmental justice can access funding through the Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment for one-year projects. Grants up to US $7,500 support community-based advocacy, organizing, education, restoration, and related efforts, with priority for BIPOC, frontline, immigrant, and low-income communities statewide.

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.

Small 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering literacy, STEM, STEAM, or educational enrichment programs in North County San Diego, California can receive US $500 - US $5,000 for direct-service projects. The Bessie Minor Swift Foundation favors local, low-budget organizations and program-based requests that help children and community members improve reading and writing skills.

Small, high-impact NGOs working on poverty alleviation and related services in East Asia can access funding through TFish Fund; awards up to US $10,000 support basic needs, health, and education programs. California-based nonprofits serving Asian communities or operating in East Asia may be eligible if they meet the fund’s transparency and focus criteria.

Small 501(c)(3) arts and culture nonprofits based in Santa Clara County can receive unrestricted operating support to sustain accessible performances, exhibitions, and community programming. Focused on equity, inclusion, and artistic vibrancy, Silicon Valley Creates backs organizations with three-plus years of local activity and average annual budgets between $250,000 and $1.5 million in California.

California small nonprofits, public agencies, and educational institutions can fund water and watershed stewardship projects in Santa Clara County through Santa Clara Valley Water District’s Stewardship Grants, with awards from US $10,001 - US $150,000. Eligible projects include water conservation, pollution prevention, creek cleanups, community gardens, and small-scale habitat restoration, with a 15% match required.

The Region Grants Open Grant Round: Hunger Relief, sponsored by the Land O'Lakes Foundation, aims to combat food insecurity in rural communities. Grants between $1,000 and $20,000 are available for organizations supporting food banks, meal programs, and community gardens. With a total investment of $500,000 annually, this initiative prioritizes nonprofits with 501c3 status serving specific regions in the East and West. The program seeks to enhance the vibrancy of member-owner communities while fostering educational and community vitality.

Nonprofit professional theatres producing contemporary shows on social issues in California and other eligible Western states can receive US $10,000 - US $25,000 for artistic, production, and community engagement costs, plus select change-capital projects. Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation supports 501(c)(3) theatres with at least $1,000,000 in annual revenue and a two-year production history.

Rural public entities and nonprofit organizations in California can use these grants to provide technical assistance, training, and infrastructure support for small rural businesses. With a mission to strengthen rural development, USDA Rural Development offers US $100,000 - US $500,000 for projects like business counseling, facilities, revolving loan funds, and community economic development benefiting rural areas.

Government agencies, tribal governments, educational institutions, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in California can receive US $100,000 for land, air, or water stewardship projects. PG&E Corporation Foundation provides California environmental organizations with support for planning, construction, design, education, or coordination, prioritizing projects serving disadvantaged or vulnerable communities within PG&E’s service regions.

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.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, local agencies, and community health organizations can seek funding for visible, community-focused projects that advance equity in rural San Joaquin Valley communities. Focused on community development, The Wonderful Company invites small nonprofits to apply for US $1,000 - US $100,000 to support program expansion, innovation, equipment, and small capital improvements.

California small nonprofits supporting housing, youth development, financial education, or economic and workforce development can apply for Banner Bank’s Community Support Program. Grants from Banner Bank help organizations in California and other Western states serve low- and moderate-income residents through affordable housing, academic achievement, job creation, and related community vitality efforts.

Small 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting rural community vitality projects, including in select California counties, can apply for Land O'Lakes Foundation grants of US $1,000 - US $20,000. Focus areas include education, agricultural education, economic development, public infrastructure, first responders, firefighting, and community improvement projects that strengthen local resources and opportunities in member-owner dairy communities.

Nonprofit arts organizations and fiscally sponsored groups providing arts programming in Los Angeles County can receive up to US $250,000 for two-year projects and operating activities. Grants from Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture help California small nonprofits fund exhibitions, performances, arts education, outreach, and other public arts programs that serve local communities.