Best Housing Grants in California

Developers and housing sponsors planning multifamily rental or supportive housing projects in Los Angeles County can apply for California Department of Housing and Community Development funding to build, rehabilitate, or convert affordable units and related infrastructure. This California opportunity offers US $3,000,000 - US $15,000,000 per project for real estate, equitable housing, and supportive housing needs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in California working on safe, affordable, and supportive housing may be eligible for Community Possible funding to advance economic stability and community well-being. Grants from US Bancorp Foundation help groups that address work, home, and play, with priority for organizations led by people of color in designated U.S. Bank communities.

California local governments in non-entitlement areas can use this program to fund housing, community facilities, public infrastructure, and economic development that benefit low- and moderate-income residents. The California Department of Housing and Community Development offers Community Development Block Grant funding for activities like housing rehabilitation, homeownership assistance, shelters, and related planning and technical assistance.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on equitable and affordable housing, social justice, or environmental initiatives can access sponsorship funding that supports capital campaigns, program operations, and events. Beneficial State Foundation offers up to US $1,000 for organizations in California, prioritizing existing bank clients and partners and requiring applications at least 60 days before funds are needed.

California housing and community development entities can access funding through California Strategic Growth Council to develop or renovate affordable housing linked with sustainable transportation in California. Grants support projects near jobs and schools that add or improve transit, sidewalks, bikeways, and related amenities to cut greenhouse gas emissions and encourage walking, biking, and transit use.

California housing providers serving low-income residents can seek funding to build broadband networks offering free service in their communities. California Public Utilities Commission supports broadband infrastructure in publicly supported housing, farmworker housing, mobile home parks, and similar developments in California, financing up to 100 percent of inside wiring and network equipment costs through the California Advanced Services Fund Broadband Public Housing Account.

Food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters in California that are registered nonprofits can receive funding to purchase food or provide shelter for low-income and vulnerable people. Focused on supportive housing and emergency food services, UNICO Foundation invites established programs meeting health regulations to apply; 100% of funds must go to direct services.

California local governments working on housing, homelessness services, and supportive housing can access funding through the California Department of Housing and Community Development’s Permanent Local Housing Allocation Formula Component. This ongoing program provides a permanent source of support for local housing-related projects and programs that address unmet housing needs in their communities.

Nonprofit organizations in California serving low- and moderate-income communities can seek Washington Federal Foundation micro grants of US $1,000 - US $5,000 for affordable and sustainable housing, community revitalization, and related services. Funding may also support job development, financial literacy, and basic needs programs connected to housing stability near WaFd Bank branches.

Community development financial institutions in California can use these grants for working capital and to grow net assets supporting affordable housing, economic development, and related services. With a mission to strengthen community investment, California State Treasurer's Office provides California housing and community lenders with up to US $200,000 based on recent lending activity and tiered loan-volume criteria.

Nonprofit organizations in California working on homelessness services, affordable housing, or homeownership support can apply for Banner Bank’s Community Support Program. Funding prioritizes programs serving low- and moderate-income residents and may also back related economic development, financial education, and youth services that help stabilize housing and community conditions.

Tribal governments and eligible housing entities in California can apply for the California Department of Housing and Community Development’s HOME funding to build, buy, or rehabilitate affordable housing or provide rental assistance for low-income households. This program supports equitable, safe, and sanitary housing options and may benefit Native communities expanding affordable housing projects.

Nonprofit organizations creating permanent, affordable housing or related community development for low- and moderate-income residents in California can apply for Washington Federal Foundation’s Community Impact Grants, with awards up to US $5,000. Eligible groups must be near a WaFd Bank branch and may also seek support for economic development, community revitalization, and job development initiatives.

Multifamily housing developers and partners addressing disaster recovery in California can apply for $20,671,840 - $48,234,525 to close funding gaps and move projects into construction. Grants from California Department of Housing and Community Development support CDBG-DR funded projects serving low- and moderate-income renters in HUD-designated MID counties: Merced, Santa Cruz, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura.

California charities providing supportive housing, shelters, or related services can access funding through grants from Sunstate Equipment Foundation. Support focuses on disadvantaged children and adults, housing assistance, domestic violence protection, military and veterans’ assistance, and care for abused or neglected animals. Eligible charities in good standing may apply once every 12 months.

California public entities and regional partners planning factory-built housing strategies can seek US $500,001 - US $3,000,000 to expand affordable, high-quality homes statewide. Focused on equitable and affordable housing, the California Strategic Growth Council supports scalable, regional planning efforts that move beyond one-off projects toward long-term, replicable housing solutions.

California housing and community development entities can seek funding to expand affordable factory-built housing through the Factory Built Housing Pilot Program’s Round 3 Catalyst Grants. California Strategic Growth Council supports early-stage, regional efforts that build capacity, partnerships, and scalable strategies to integrate factory-built housing into local and regional housing plans and remove deployment barriers over two years.

California public agencies and housing partners planning affordable housing with integrated transit and sustainable land use can apply for the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Program. Focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the California Department of Housing and Community Development supports projects that expand equitable, infill housing, improve low‑carbon transportation options, and enhance access to jobs and key services statewide.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations working on equitable and affordable housing and related community development in California can receive up to US $1,000 in matched donations through Regions Bank’s recent retirees matching gifts program. Eligible groups within the Regions footprint may benefit when recent retirees request a match for their monetary contributions.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations in California working on equitable and affordable housing and related community development can apply for matching gifts from Regions Bank’s employee giving program. Eligible housing and neighborhood revitalization charities within the Regions footprint may receive matched donations when supported by full-time associates or recent retirees.

About the Strategic Growth Council

The mission of the Council is to coordinate and work collaboratively with public agencies, communities, and stakeholders to achieve sustainability, equity, economic prosperity, and quality of life for all Californians.

Tribal Housing Pre-Development Fund

The Tribal Housing Pre-Development Fund provides funding and technical assistance to Tribes interested in affordable housing development.

The Tribal Housing Pre-Development Fund is a grant opportunity that funds activities related to affordable housing development, including planning, infrastructure, construction, site preparation, and other pre-development activities. The goal of the Fund is to increase preparedness to build housing and access other state-funded, affordable housing programs. 

The programs are exclusively available to California Native American Tribes and Tribal entities; both federally recognized and non-federally recognized Tribes are encouraged to apply. 

Helpers Community Grants

Helpers Community cares deeply about nonprofits that enrich the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities. Helpers Community is dedicated to supporting nonprofit agencies and individuals that help those who provide residential care, recreation, and job training programs to Adults with developmental disabilities. Helpers Community grants fund 501(c)(3) organizations that serve individuals with developmental disabilities, with priority given to those in the state of California.

Organizations that qualify through their commitment to serve Adults with developmental disabilities can apply for grants for infrastructure and materials for specific programs or projects, including facility improvement projects, but not for general operating support and/or salaries.

The amount of funding requested, keeping in mind our typical grant awards range from $15,000 to $25,000, and if any other potential funders have been approached or have committed to fund a portion of this infrastructure need.

Tribal Housing Pre-Development Fund

Purpose:

The Tribal Housing Pre-Development Fund is a grant opportunity that funds activities related to affordable housing development, including planning, infrastructure, construction, site preparation, and other pre-development activities. The goal of the Fund is to increase preparedness to build housing and access other state-funded, affordable housing programs. 

Description:

Eligible activities include but are not limited to Planning Activities, such as Community Needs Assessment . Feasibility Studies, Market Analyses . Environmental Assessments , and similar activities to determine housing needs and develop a project plan that is responsive to the needs of the community. The grant also funds Infrastructure Investments, such as Sewage and Drainage Infrastructure, Waste Management, and Electric Utility, Broadband, and Renewable Energy Infrastructure. The grant funds Sustainable Transportation Investments  such as Road and Safety infrastructure that do not increase vehicle capacity. The grant funds Site Acquisition and Preparation Site Appraisal and Acquisition, such as Site Preparation, including Surveying, Grading, and Mitigation, Architectural and Engineering costs, Ecological and Wildlife Restoration, and Disaster Preparedness. The grant also funds Other Associated Costs Legal Fees, such as Consultant Fees, Staff Development and Training, and Staff Salaries.

The Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in California provide essential funding to organizations aiding low-income families in constructing their own homes. This program allows participants to gain valuable skills while building community through cooperative labor. Eligible applicants include government non-profits, federally-recognized Tribes, and private non-profits. The funds can be utilized for technical assistance, recruitment, and support in loan applications, fostering self-sufficiency and homeownership in rural areas.

The Tribal Multifamily Finance Super NOFA provides approximately $50 million in funding aimed at enhancing the living conditions of Indian communities. By facilitating flexible financial options, it seeks to address critical needs related to health, climate, and household stability. All applicants must engage in a pre-application meeting with the Department, and applications will be accepted on an over-the-counter basis until funds are exhausted.

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 TruStage Foundation focuses on fostering economic mobility through education and housing initiatives. By supporting K-12 literacy, mentoring, and affordable housing projects, the foundation aims to uplift marginalized communities. With a commitment to addressing racial and socioeconomic disparities, TruStage seeks to empower individuals and families to build a brighter future. Their funding is directed towards impactful programs that align with their mission, while avoiding causes that do not meet their criteria for economic mobility.