Best Marketing Grants for Nonprofits in California

Nonprofit organizations in California seeking support for community programs, services, or outreach can apply for the CFMC Small Grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $20,000. Community Foundation for Monterey County offers a streamlined application for first-time Impact applicants, smaller organizations, or initiatives serving specific populations or geographic areas, which may include marketing and communications components.

California 501(c)(3) and similar tax-exempt organizations working in education, human services, health, conservation, or cultural programs can access funding through McGraw Foundation, headquartered in Illinois. Grants of US $2,000 - US $10,000 may support general operations, specific projects, or occasional capital needs, with rare larger awards for especially promising initiatives.

Graduate students researching drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 to advance projects with timely, actionable outcomes for the water industry. Focused on water-related research, American Water Works Association invites eligible students, including those connected to California nonprofits with relevant programs, to apply for the Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship.

Grants from James S Bower Foundation help California public charities fund educational, scientific, religious, and charitable initiatives, primarily on the Santa Barbara South Coast. 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on community-wide or population-level efforts, including early childhood, later-life care, environment, and community priorities, may be eligible, especially those collaborating through collective impact approaches.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, or community arts and culture may be eligible for this program, which can also support marketing tied to these efforts. Grants from US Bancorp Foundation help organizations in designated U.S. Bank communities advance equity and address racial and economic inequities.

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. The California Department of Housing and Community Development provides Community Development Block Grant support for activities like infrastructure, community facilities, job creation, and planning and technical assistance.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and schools in California can seek $25,000 - $100,000 to support environmental programs focused on decarbonization, clean energy, or efficient use of natural resources. With a mission to help communities thrive sustainably, American Honda Motor provides programmatic funding for initiatives like energy efficiency upgrades, onsite solar or wind, recycling, and zero-waste efforts.

Nonprofit organizations and public agencies serving Monterey County residents in California can seek US $20,001 - US $50,000 to support community development, environment and animal welfare, and arts and culture programs. Grants from Community Foundation for Monterey County help fund capital projects, operations, and programs, which may include outreach or marketing components for eligible initiatives.

Research institutions and other organizations conducting scientific studies on forest practice rules and natural resource protection in California can access funding through the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection. Projects must address Effectiveness Monitoring Committee research themes such as wildfire hazard, climate and wildfire resilience, watershed science, wildlife habitat, or water resource management on California forestlands.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits with budgets under $10 million that provide direct services in San Mateo County can access funding through Atkinson Foundation for education, youth development, community support, and basic needs programs. Grants up to US $20,000 prioritize community-led efforts serving BIPOC and historically marginalized residents, including early childhood, out-of-school, vocational, health, and immigrant support services.

Postdoctoral physician-scientists and biomedical researchers in California can receive up to US $210,000 to support salary for innovative translational research on human diseases. Focused on advancing biomedical science, the A P Giannini Foundation also provides a three-year leadership and communications training program that may benefit nonprofit-affiliated medical schools and research programs.

Nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and tribal nations doing rural child- and family-focused work that benefits Siskiyou County, California can seek up to US $5,000 for technical assistance and internal capacity building. Focused on strengthening organizations, the Ford Family Foundation invites applicants to fund consultants or staff training that supports their mission and programs.

Nonprofits, public institutions, and qualified municipalities working on housing, education, environment, or community services in California Weyerhaeuser communities can seek project funding. Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund supports local initiatives in areas like youth development, environmental stewardship, human services, and diversity, equity and inclusion, with awards of more than US $1,000.

California recycling manufacturers and organics facilities can access funding to finance machinery, equipment, and related costs for new or expanded operations. CalRecycle provides California waste and recycling projects with loans to build composting and anaerobic digestion facilities or manufacture recycled fiber, plastic, or glass products, helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support disadvantaged communities.

Nonprofit organizations in California working on housing, youth services, financial education, or economic and workforce development can apply for Banner Bank’s Community Support Program. Funding priorities include programs serving low- and moderate-income populations, which may benefit nonprofits seeking to strengthen outreach and community engagement around their services.

Nonprofit organizations, governmental agencies, and tribal nations supporting children, youth, and rural community development in California can apply for larger grants from The Ford Family Foundation, funding programs, operations, and capital projects. Eligible projects must primarily benefit rural Oregon and Siskiyou County, California, and align with priorities like early childhood, youth education, child welfare, and thriving community spaces.

Nonprofit organizations serving women, children, and families with self-sufficiency, education, or humanitarian programs in California can access funding through the Father’s Table Foundation. Grants up to US $750,000 support projects such as homelessness services, employment readiness, microfinance, child welfare, health care, and disaster relief that build long-term resilience and sustainability.

Small, community-based nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups in California working on environmental health, climate resilience, pollution, land use, or related issues can access funding through the California Environmental Grassroots Fund. Administered by Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment, this program offers up to US $7,500 for grassroots advocacy, organizing, education, restoration, and campaigns, prioritizing historically marginalized communities.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public charities, universities, and qualifying educational or religious organizations can access funding and in-kind support through The Caesars Foundation for community impact programs. Eligible projects may address education and workforce development, social and economic equity, climate and environmental sustainability, food security, mental health, or responsible gaming initiatives that benefit local communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations doing human services, education, workforce, health, environment, or arts and culture work in California’s San Francisco Bay Area or Los Angeles may be eligible for general operating or project support. Grants from Venable Foundation average approximately US $10,000 and prioritize programs serving economically disadvantaged and underserved communities.

The SMUD's Shine Award Program aims to foster inclusive community partnerships by providing equitable support to enhance neighborhoods. It focuses on social well-being, healthy environments, and economic prosperity while prioritizing funding for projects that promote clean energy solutions, energy efficiency, and community education. Eligible applicants are nonprofit organizations within SMUD’s service territory. The program offers various awards to support impactful initiatives that can be quickly implemented or require longer-term investments.

The Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) supports small-scale research grants for institutions with limited NIH funding, emphasizing biomedical research experiences for undergraduates. Eligible institutions must award baccalaureate science degrees and have received no more than $6 million in NIH support over the past seven years. This initiative aims to enhance the research environment at these institutions, fostering student involvement in research activities.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The Society for Northwestern Vertebrate Biology (SNVB) offers scholarships of up to $1500 for two students conducting vertebrate research in Northwestern North America. Eligible applicants include undergraduate, masters, and PhD students who are enrolled in accredited institutions and members of SNVB. The scholarships cover research-related expenses such as travel and supplies. Preference is given to proposals from local institutions, and only one award is granted per applicant each year.

The Emily M. Hewitt Memorial Scholarship, awarded by the Calaveras Big Trees Association, offers a $3,000 monetary award to a promising California upper division or graduate student committed to environmental studies. Created in honor of Emily M. Hewitt, a passionate advocate for nature, this scholarship seeks candidates who demonstrate a dedication to communicating the beauty of nature and understanding the importance of conservation. Eligible students must be enrolled full-time in an accredited California institution.

The Emerging Global Leader Award (K43) offers essential research support and protected time for early career scientists in low- and middle-income countries. This program, aligned with NIH's clinical trials policy, aims to cultivate independent research careers by providing mentorship and funding over three to five years. Eligible candidates must hold a junior faculty position at an accredited LMIC institution, fostering the growth of research capacity in their regions.

The Nature Based Solutions: Wetland Restoration funding aims to enhance wetland restoration, conservation, and climate resilience in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. This initiative addresses significant peat soil subsidence, which threatens water projects and agriculture in the region. By re-wetting peat soils, the program can mitigate CO2 emissions and support diverse projects, including tidal wetland restoration, crop conversion, and land acquisition, fostering a sustainable environment and economy.