Best Marketing Grants for Nonprofits in California

The Quality Jobs Fund, a $100 million initiative, aims to enhance community well-being by creating sustainable, well-paid jobs and providing skill development in underserved areas, primarily Arizona, California, and Nevada. By funding intermediaries, the program supports organizations that offer financing for small business growth and job training. This initiative focuses on long-term employment opportunities that ensure a living wage, safe working conditions, and pathways for upward mobility, ultimately fostering economic stability for working families.

The E.B. Henderson Award, presented by SHAPE America, honors minority members who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to scholarship, mentorship, and advocacy for ethnic minorities within health and physical education. Established in 1885, SHAPE America serves over 200,000 professionals, promoting high-quality education standards. The award recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to increasing the participation of underserved populations in the field. Limited to two awards annually, it highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in health education.

The Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarships, offered by the Pacific Dental Services Foundation, provide financial aid of up to $5,000 for eligible dental assistant students. Applicants must be over 18, U.S. citizens or legal residents, and enrolled in a qualifying program. The scholarship emphasizes mentorship and training, supporting the next generation of dental assistants. Awards are based on financial need and application quality, with multiple cycles each year to support aspiring professionals.

The Indian Environmental General Assistance Program (GAP), administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), provides crucial funding to tribal governments and intertribal consortia for developing environmental protection programs. Since 1992, GAP has focused on remediation of pollutants and, more recently, supports climate adaptation initiatives. The program emphasizes tribal sovereignty while aiding in capacity building, policymaking, and establishing joint EPA-Tribal Environmental Plans to effectively address environmental challenges faced by tribal communities.

Gilead North America Grants support community-informed programs that enhance healthcare for vulnerable populations. Grants are available for innovative projects addressing HIV, liver diseases, oncology, and inflammatory diseases. Applications are invited from tax-exempt nonprofits based in the U.S. who focus on health equity and community engagement. Gilead prioritizes funding for projects that demonstrate a strong capability to deliver impactful outcomes, helping to eliminate barriers to healthcare and improve access to essential services.

This program involves scientists, agricultural producers, and others using interdisciplinary approaches to advance sustainable agriculture at local and regional levels. With the collaboration of producers, projects must integrate rigorous research and education aiming to advance the three components of sustainable agriculture- environmental, economic, and social- and use innovative educational outreach to disseminate new knowledge to students, producers, and stakeholders. It is expected that outcomes of funded projects will result in quantifiable benefits for producers, increase the preservation of the natural resources upon which agriculture depends, and be documented in scholarly journals and disseminated through teaching and educational activities with students, producers, and other agricultural stakeholders. 

The Milton and Sophie Meyer Fund Grant supports Jewish charities, primarily in the San Francisco Bay Area. Established by Milton Meyer, who lived from 1885 to 1978, the fund aims to foster arts, education, health, and human services. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and focus on Jewish community needs. This grant enhances community welfare through diverse program areas, embodying a commitment to support and uplift Jewish charities in California.

The California Commission for Behavioral Health announces the Innovation Partnership Fund (IPF) Request for Application (RFA) for Large Grants, offering up to $20 million this year. This initiative aims to fund innovative, equity-centered solutions that enhance mental health services across California. Grants range from $500,000 to $5 million, targeting county behavioral health departments and addressing the needs of underserved populations. Applicants are encouraged to develop community-centered models that demonstrate significant improvements in service delivery.

The CNPS - SCVC Graduate Student Research Scholarship, offered by the Santa Clara Valley Chapter of the California Native Plant Society, aims to support students researching native plant conservation and ecology in Central and Northern California. With funding up to $3,000, this scholarship encourages graduate and undergraduate students to explore topics related to plant community restoration and systematics, particularly in the San Francisco Bay Area, fostering a deeper understanding of local botanical studies.

The Bernard and Carolyn Torraco Memorial Nursing Scholarships, funded by the UNICO Foundation, offer $2,500 scholarships to students pursuing accredited nursing programs in the United States. These scholarships support nursing students of all ethnicities who demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens and enrolled in a campus-based program, with a focus on continuing their studies within the academic year 2025-2026.

The Starseed Foundation Grant offers support to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on enhancing the arts, environmental protection, literacy, and social services. Grants are available to organizations throughout the United States, with a specific emphasis on programs based in Oregon. Interested parties must first submit a Letter of Inquiry to be considered for funding. This initiative aims to improve the quality of life for underserved communities through cultural and educational enrichment.

The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, funded by the California Department of Education, offers grants to eligible school food authorities for the 2026-27 school year. This initiative aims to provide free fresh fruit and vegetable snacks to elementary school students during the school day, enhancing nutrition and promoting healthy eating habits. Grants will vary based on school enrollment, with a minimum award of $50 per student. Schools with higher percentages of low-income students are prioritized.

The Associate Degree Nursing Scholarship Program (ADNSP) aims to address the nursing shortage in California by providing scholarships up to $8,000 for eligible applicants enrolled in Associate's Degree Nursing Programs. In return, recipients must commit to a 12-month service obligation in a qualified facility within a medically underserved area post-graduation. This initiative supports the training of Registered Nurses (RNs) who will deliver essential direct patient care, enhancing healthcare accessibility across the state.

The Anchor QEA Scholarship supports graduate students pursuing degrees in engineering, environmental sciences, or related fields, with awards between $1,000 and $10,000. This program emphasizes helping those in financial need, particularly focusing on BIPOC students to address inequities in STEM. Eligible candidates must demonstrate a commitment to community service and possess an inclusive mindset. This initiative reflects Anchor QEA's dedication to fostering a diverse and equitable educational environment.

The CRSI Foundation offers an Undergraduate Scholarship Program designed for senior-level students majoring in Civil or Architectural Engineering. This program includes five regional scholarships and six named scholarships, awarded through the CRSI network. Eligible candidates must be pursuing their Bachelor’s Degrees and demonstrate a commitment to the steel reinforced concrete industry. The scholarships aim to support students who are focused on careers in structural engineering.

The Jay L. Smith Family Foundation provides grants to tax-exempt non-profit organizations in the United States, primarily focusing on healthcare, family values, and supporting the disadvantaged. With a strong commitment to Alzheimer's research, the foundation has funded various initiatives including elderly care, domestic violence prevention, and cancer research. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals and communities through meaningful contributions, aiming to address critical social issues and promote well-being.

The Dollar General School Library Relief Grant Program, managed by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, provides crucial support to K-12 public school libraries that face significant damage due to disasters such as fires or federally recognized acts of terrorism. This grant aims to restore essential library resources, ensuring that affected communities can continue to access vital educational materials and support. Libraries must be within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and meet specific eligibility criteria.

The Division of Boating and Waterways Aquatic Center Boating Safety Education Grant for FY25 aims to enhance public knowledge of boating safety. It funds organizations that provide on-water education courses covering vital topics like boating laws, vessel handling, and weather conditions. Eligible applicants include local agencies and nonprofits operating within California's waterways, ensuring that safety education reaches a wide audience and promotes responsible boating practices.

The Jesse M. Unruh Assembly Fellowship Program at California State University, Sacramento offers a unique opportunity for emerging professionals to engage in state policy-making. Participants gain hands-on experience within legislative offices, develop essential skills, and receive mentorship from seasoned staff. This program fosters a collaborative environment for aspiring leaders interested in public service, emphasizing education, environmental justice, and other critical issues. It aims to empower participants to build impactful careers while contributing to community development.

The Charter School Facilities Incentive Grants Program provides vital funding for charter schools to cover costs related to rent, mortgage, and facility expenses. Established under federal law, this program aims to support the growth and renovation of educational facilities. With a recent $30 million grant awarded, the California School Finance Authority plans to initiate three additional funding rounds starting in the 2025-26 school year, ensuring continued support for charter school development.

The Farm to Summer Grant Program, funded by the California State Library, aims to connect children and families with locally sourced food through engaging activities at public libraries. Participants are expected to offer hands-on food education, including gardening, cooking, and sustainability practices. Open to all public libraries supporting summer meals for youth, the program encourages creativity in facilitating food education and promoting community involvement, although certain costs like food purchases and entertainers are not covered.

California Department of Education

California will provide a world-class education for all students, from early childhood to adulthood. The Department of Education serves our state by innovating and collaborating with educators, schools, parents, and community partners. Together, as a team, we prepare students to live, work, and thrive in a multicultural, multilingual, and highly connected world.

California Educators Together Platform

Funding Description

Authorized under Section 147 of Assembly Bill 126, the legislative intent is to maintain the California Educators Together (CaET) online repository and expand standard-aligned instructional resources to improve pupil outcomes. The program serves K-12 local educational agencies, teachers, and pupils by providing professional collaboration tools and digital literacy guidance, focusing on safety safeguards for emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence.

The selected county office must show experience curating standards-aligned educational resources, capacity to assess needs of diverse local educational agencies, a track record building educator communities of practice across subjects and regions, and demonstrated experience managing digital platforms or tech-based educational initiatives. Chosen via competitive application process open to all county offices.

The Youth Development Grant Program aims to empower California public libraries to enhance summer meal initiatives by providing teens with valuable leadership and workforce readiness skills. Libraries can apply for funding to support scholarships, food handling certifications, training materials, and workshops that foster essential skills. This initiative not only feeds children but also cultivates future community leaders, making it a vital resource for youth development in the state.

The Applied Materials Foundation offers grants focusing on education, arts and culture, civic engagement, the environment, and girls' empowerment. These grants are designed to meet local community needs and support innovative projects that enhance educational opportunities, promote cultural activities, and foster civic participation. The foundation prioritizes collaboration with local organizations in areas where Applied Materials operates, ensuring impactful contributions to community resilience and sustainability.

The Division of Boating and Waterways offers the BSEE Grant Program for FY26, aimed at local government agencies seeking funding for boating safety and enforcement equipment. This program supports purchases such as patrol boats and rescue gear, covering up to 100% of eligible costs. Applicants must demonstrate a clear need for equipment dedicated to enhancing local boating safety and marine law enforcement. This initiative promotes safer waterways and effective enforcement practices across California.

The Honda USA Foundation provides funding to support mobility initiatives that empower individuals, particularly those facing disabilities, by removing barriers and expanding opportunities. Focused on sustainable change in underserved communities, the Foundation encourages applications for programs in education, infrastructure, and technology that align with its commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Eligible organizations must be based in the U.S. with appropriate tax-exempt status and can apply for multiple funding opportunities while adhering to specific eligibility criteria.

The Von Voigtlander Family Foundation Grant, though currently closed, aims to support 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, primarily in Michigan. The foundation emphasizes animal welfare, parks preservation, veteran support, and youth empowerment. Their mission is to enhance lives through community-focused initiatives that foster resilience, education, and well-being. They prioritize charities that promote responsible pet ownership, outdoor recreation, and provide resources for veterans and youth, ensuring a positive impact across multiple sectors.