Best Health and Medical Grants in California

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing health, medical, human services, or STEM education programs near San Diego or Redwood City can access funding through Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation. Grants support unmet medical needs, community health education, health care access, basic human services, and STEM initiatives in communities where company employees live and work.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving immigrant health access, behavioral health, or health policy in California’s Centinela Valley can apply for more than US $100,000 to support integration, collaboration, and advocacy efforts. Focus areas include integrated medical and behavioral care, cross-sector systems collaboration, and policy/advocacy to expand health coverage and public benefits for South L.A. residents.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Los Angeles County improving healthcare access, prevention, and community health in Centinela Valley may be eligible for $50,000 - $500,000 in operating, program, project, or capacity-building support. California Community Foundation provides California health and medical groups with funding to integrate care, build cross-sector collaborations, and advance health policy and advocacy for underserved residents.

Health and medical organizations improving care access, equity, workforce, or technology for low-income Californians can apply for California Health Care Foundation’s CHCF Grants. Projects must address California health care delivery issues and fit CHCF’s strategic goals, and may include research, policy, systems change, behavioral health, complex care, primary care equity, or safety-net technology initiatives.

The Goldman Fund, established in 1992, focuses on reproductive health and rights, providing vital support for organizations that enhance access to abortion services. They invite proposals from public charities with a 501(c)(3) status and prioritize projects that improve training for abortion service delivery. The fund supports initiatives across multiple states, excluding projects limited to a single state, except California, and considers requests by invitation only.

California health and medical nonprofits can seek support for research, targeted health programs, or general operating needs that improve health outcomes. Saw Island Foundation supports 501(c)(3) organizations, with a preference for those serving the San Francisco Bay Area, and is also open to innovative education and science initiatives that demonstrate measurable impact.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing health care, basic needs, education, or civic and environmental services in Benicia or Wilmington can access funding through Valero Energy Foundation to strengthen local quality of life. Community investments are invitation-only and focus on communities where Valero has major operations and where missions align with its four giving pillars.

Local health departments and community-based nonprofits in California can seek funding for job placement, mental health care, substance use treatment, and related reentry services for communities harmed by past drug policies. Grants from the California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development range from US $600,000 - US $3,000,000 to support trauma-informed, whole-person health and wellness programs.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on health, medical care, or related human services in and near Fresno may be eligible for this funding, excluding staff salaries and benefits. Grants from Isnardi Foundation help support medical advancements, health maintenance, elder and hospice care, and community beautification that can improve health and well-being.

Grants from California Department of Health Care Access and Information help California health and medical training institutions prepare primary care nurse practitioners and physician assistants for underserved communities. Eligible nonprofit businesses and public agencies running approved FNP and PA programs in California can apply to fund recruitment, counseling, placement, and preceptorships in medically underserved areas.

California public bodies, community-based nonprofits, and Federally Recognized Tribes can use this program to build, purchase, or improve essential community facilities and equipment in rural areas. Health and medical providers, including rural hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes, may be eligible for Community Facilities Grant Program support from USDA Rural Development if they serve communities under 20,000 residents.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations advancing neurocognitive healthcare and treatments for brain-related ailments, including California programs and services, can apply for TMCity Foundation’s grants, awarding US $25,000 - US $250,000 for research, projects, or general operating support. Eligible Southern California nonprofits may benefit from one-year awards with potential for multi-year funding.

Health and medical 501(c)(3) organizations in California conducting neurocognitive and brain-related research can apply for TMCity Foundation support, with awards ranging from US $25,000 - US $250,000. Focused on advancing neurocognitive healthcare and treatments for brain-related ailments, this grant funds research, projects, and general operating support within the U.S.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and qualifying public entities in California serving low-income children, youth, families, and special needs populations in Los Angeles County can apply for W. M. Keck Foundation’s Southern California Program, with awards from US $100,000 - US $1,000,000. Funding supports impactful health care, early childhood, education, arts, and community projects, including capital, expansion, pilots, and systems-change initiatives.

Postdoctoral researchers in California medical schools conducting biomedical research on human diseases can receive stipend support and leadership training through the A P Giannini Foundation’s three-year fellowship. This program funds salary-only research training at accredited California medical schools and builds communication and leadership skills for emerging physician-scientists and junior investigators in health and medicine.

Non-governmental organizations working on poverty alleviation and health-related basic needs in East Asia can apply for TFish Fund’s TFish Fund Grant, with awards up to US $10,000. California-based NGOs serving Asian communities in East Asia or the Asian American community may be eligible for support, capacity building, and enhanced transparency requirements.

California NNLM Region 5 member institutions can access funding to support staff professional development in health and medical information services, with awards of US $2,000. Grants from the National Library of Medicine help cover U.S.-based conferences, workshops, classes, and other trainings on health literacy, data science, public health, emergency preparedness, and related topics.

Exempt organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area can apply for the Strobel Charitable Trust’s US $5,000 - US $10,000 grants to support conservation and health-related work. Funding primarily supports conservation efforts, medical research for children's diseases, and heart and lung health across eligible Bay Area counties in California.

The Roy and Ida Eagle Foundation, established in 2009, supports 501(c)(3) organizations focused on strengthening families and protecting wildlife in Northern Santa Barbara and Kern County. With a mission centered on family values and community improvement, the Foundation funds educational opportunities, health care services, and violence prevention programs. Grant applications are by invitation only, with a deadline for Letters of Inquiry set for April 30, 2025. This initiative aims to enhance community well-being through targeted charitable contributions.

Nonprofit and governmental health organizations in California’s Sacramento region can receive funding for HIV prevention, testing, and supportive services to keep people living with HIV in care. Cares Foundation provides health and medical grants for outreach, education, housing assistance, case management, and innovative projects that reduce HIV’s impact in California communities.

Nonprofit and community-based organizations in California that promote worker health, safety, and rights can seek up to US $350,000 to expand outreach and support activities. Focused on workplace health and safety, the California Department of Industrial Relations invites Activator Plus applicants to coordinate events, provide direct worker support, conduct trainings, and offer technical assistance.

Nonprofit legal service providers in California can receive funding to deliver workplace legal consultation and support to workers under the state Labor Code. With a mission to improve working conditions, the California Department of Industrial Relations provides up to US $500,000 to organizations offering intake, assessment, claims assistance, and technical assistance that advance worker health, safety, and rights.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations focused on the health, treatment, education, or rehabilitation of children with physical or mental disabilities in California can seek funding to serve youth 21 and under. The Annunziata Sanguinetti Foundation supports programs primarily benefiting children connected to San Francisco through medical, educational, or human services care. Applications are accepted year-round.

Funding Opportunity: Opioid and Stimulant Use Disorder Prevention and Education

The California Department of Health Care Services, in partnership with The Center at Sierra Health Foundation, is announcing a new funding opportunity, Opioid and Stimulant Use Disorder Prevention and Education. This opportunity offers a 12-month contract for up to $200,000.00. Contracts will run from September 1, 2026 – August 31, 2027.

Funding is available for organizations to implement programs addressing opioid use, stimulant use, and polysubstance use in California. Activities should support awareness, prevention, outreach and education, work to decrease community stigma, and strengthen referral pathways to treatment and medications for opioid use disorder. Activities must be inclusive to all who seek services. Please note that the opportunity will not fund direct treatment activities or recovery support services.

With a mission to support community health, San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation provides California 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored groups with up to US $10,000 for programs benefiting LGBTQ+ residents in San Luis Obispo County. Funding supports affirming healthcare access, community connection, and youth safety and mental health initiatives.

With a mission to support health and medical causes, 501(c)(3) organizations can receive US $5,000 - US $10,000 for medical research and human services from the John and Maria Laffin Trust. Education and animal welfare funding is limited to Los Angeles City and County, while human services grants may reach organizations worldwide.

The John and Maria Laffin Trust provides funding for education, animal welfare, medical research, and human services to 501(c)(3) organizations. It allocates 20% for education, 30% for animal welfare, 25% for medical research, and 25% for humanitarian efforts. There are no geographic restrictions for medical research and human services grants, and organizations must meet IRS requirements for tax-exempt status. This trust honors the legacy of Valentina Laffin, who was dedicated to community service.