Best Scouting Organization Grants in California

Target Foundation

At Target Foundation, we envision a world where all families and communities have the resources they need to determine and realize their own joy in life. It’s a reality that is out of reach for far too many families as they struggle for access to economic opportunity, financial stability and the kind of empowerment that lifts up their communities. We believe we have a responsibility to work to remove barriers and to help create that access, resulting in a world where all families can thrive.

Community Engagement Funds

Community Engagement Funds (CEF) is a community grant program that empowers Target stores and distribution center leaders to make meaningful, localized giving decisions that meet the needs of the communities where our team members and guests live, work, and thrive.

• Organizations cannot apply for the same program in both grant cycles.
• Organizations are encouraged to apply during the cycle that best aligns with their program timing.
• A maximum of 10 applications is allowed per organization at any time.

CEF will prioritize nonprofit programs and initiatives aligned to its focus areas:

• Thriving Families; Basic needs and youth development..
• Vibrant Neighborhoods: Community vitalization; Community and green spaces.
• Emerging Creative & Culture: Cultural partnerships and creative programming.
• Economic Opportunity: Workforce development.

American Camp Association

The American Camp Association is a community of camp professionals who, for over 100 years, have joined together to share our knowledge and experience and to ensure the quality of camp programs. Because of our diverse 10,000 plus membership and our exceptional programs, we’re uniquely able to unleash the life-changing power of camp. Our work gives more children and adults the opportunity to learn powerful lessons in community, character-building, skill development, and healthy living — lessons that can be learned nowhere else.

Character at Camp Grant Program

The purpose of this program is to provide financial support, training, and technical assistance for selected day and overnight camps in the U.S. who are interested in starting, enhancing, expanding, or celebrating character development programs or projects. By the end of the Character at Camp initiative, we anticipate camps in the US will represent one of the largest and most potent contexts for character development in the learning and development ecosystem.

Eligible organizations can apply for a Planning Grant, an Implementation Grant, or a Network Implementation Grant.

Planning Grants

Planning Grants are designed for organizations that need a year of planning, training, and capacity building before they can develop and implement a full character program or project.

American Camp Association

The American Camp Association is a community of camp professionals who, for over 100 years, have joined together to share our knowledge and experience and to ensure the quality of camp programs. Because of our diverse 10,000 plus membership and our exceptional programs, we’re uniquely able to unleash the life-changing power of camp. Our work gives more children and adults the opportunity to learn powerful lessons in community, character-building, skill development, and healthy living — lessons that can be learned nowhere else.

Character at Camp Grant Program

The purpose of this program is to provide financial support, training, and technical assistance for selected day and overnight camps in the U.S. who are interested in starting, enhancing, expanding, or celebrating character development programs or projects. By the end of the Character at Camp initiative, we anticipate camps in the US will represent one of the largest and most potent contexts for character development in the learning and development ecosystem.

Eligible organizations can apply for a Planning Grant, an Implementation Grant, or a Network Implementation Grant.

Implementation Grants

Implementation Grants are designed for organizations that have a specific character program or project in mind and sufficient capacity to successfully implement that program or project starting in 2027. 

We welcome both individual and joint applications to the Implementation Grant Program.

Individual Applications 

Individual applications are for programs and projects that will be implemented by and for a single organization. Single organizations can propose programs and projects to be implemented across multiple sites — this would be considered an individual application as there is a single coordinating entity, and the small number of sites (less than six) operate more or less the same within this organization.

Joint Applications

Joint applications are for programs and projects that will be implemented by up to five organizations that will receive one grant award to implement programs and projects across each of the organizations. In this case, the organizations are either distinct and functionally independent from each other or are sites that operate more or less independently or with different programmatic foci from one another. One organization will submit the application and serve as the primary point of contact. Applicants submitting a joint application will be asked to identify the additional organizations in the application and to reflect budgetary allocations to these organizations

The Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund provides grants to support communities in the U.S. and Canada where the company operates. Focused on affordable housing, education, environmental stewardship, and more, the fund emphasizes projects that meet local needs and demonstrate community support. Eligible organizations include nonprofits and educational institutions. Applications are accepted year-round with a deadline for 2025 on September 30. National initiatives related to working forests are funded by invitation only.

The John & Marcia Goldman Foundation supports youth development initiatives aimed at improving the life trajectories of underserved children and families. Through grants, the foundation provides access to essential services and activities in the Mid-Peninsula region of the San Francisco Bay Area, addressing critical service gaps and fostering community engagement. No deadlines exist for proposals, and support is focused on established organizations with a strong capacity for impact.

The Dwight Stuart Youth Fund Grant supports organizations providing essential services to underserved youth in Los Angeles County. Established in 2001, it aims to empower children through educational enrichment, arts, and leadership programs. The fund emphasizes capacity building, allowing organizations to enhance their impact. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) status and focus on direct services for marginalized communities. The grant excludes funding for individuals, political activities, and projects outside the specified geographic area.

The Southern California Grant Program, managed by the W. M. Keck Foundation, supports diverse projects that enhance community well-being in areas such as Arts, Health, and Education. It emphasizes initiatives aiding low-income families and special needs populations in Los Angeles County. Grants are awarded twice a year, focusing on innovative solutions with measurable impact. Eligible organizations must demonstrate strong leadership and thorough planning, ensuring a significant long-term effect on the communities they serve.

The Junior Board Grants by the Frieda C. Fox Family Foundation aim to empower nonprofit organizations in Los Angeles County focused on maximizing youth potential. While the grant amounts can reach up to $10,000, priority is given to organizations with a strong operational history and a budget under $10 million. Applications are currently closed, but organizations that meet the criteria are encouraged to reach out for future opportunities.

The Doheny Foundation Capital Grant focuses on enhancing social welfare, health, education, and religious initiatives in Los Angeles. It supports nonprofits that empower underserved communities through vital services like food, shelter, healthcare, and education. The foundation seeks to fund projects that align with its mission, especially those benefiting vulnerable populations and promoting economic self-reliance. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) registered, and funding is generally limited to the Los Angeles area.

The Legacy San Jose Alviso Youth Foundation Grant is committed to enhancing the lives of children and youth in Alviso through financial support for essential programs. This includes education, social services, and recreational activities for those aged 18 and younger. The foundation aims to empower local nonprofit organizations by providing grants that foster growth and development, ensuring equal access to opportunities regardless of background. With a focus on community enrichment, it plays a vital role in uplifting youth in the area.

The S. H. Cowell Foundation Grant focuses on supporting public and nonprofit organizations in Northern and Central California that address acute poverty and promote racial equity. The foundation prioritizes place-based strategies to fund initiatives that foster child development, family empowerment, and youth leadership. By building on community strengths, it aims to create equitable access to essential services and enhance the overall well-being of families and children, ensuring their voices are integral to program design and implementation.

The Sally Hughes Church Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations in the Salinas Valley focused on youth development. Grants are awarded annually, typically in September, to organizations that demonstrate a commitment to improving youth well-being, cultural enrichment, and family support. While unsolicited applications are not accepted, interested organizations are encouraged to keep the Foundation informed about their initiatives through regular communications.

The Clorox Company Foundation

Founded in 1980, The Clorox Company Foundation has a mission to foster healthy and inclusive communities so people can be well and thrive. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded cash grants totaling nearly $135 million to nonprofit organizations.

The foundation’s signature theme of health security is tied to its mission and The Clorox Company purpose: We champion people to be well and thrive, every single day.

Health security is based on the belief that health and wellness is a basic human right. The Clorox Company Foundation has organized its philanthropy around efforts to help ensure the equality of opportunity of under-resourced people and our communities. We provide support to improve their overall physical and mental health and help them flourish and are also aligning our foundation giving to programs that advance the relevant U.N. Sustainable Development Goals.

Foundation Focus Areas

Community Wellness

• Racial Justice: Organizations that are working at the community level to address social determinants of health and racial equality issues.
• Youth Development/Education: Programs that increase equity of opportunity, access and outcomes to create lasting social impact.
• Sustainability: Organizations that focus on solving environmental justice issues that disproportionately impact urban areas and communities of color.

Disease Prevention

Organizations that:

• Educate and/or provide supplies to people/healthcare facilities.
• Conduct research regarding infection control/preventing the spread of germs and disease in a post-pandemic life.

Disaster Relief & Preparedness

Organizations that focus on emergency preparedness, response and recovery locally and nationally.

The foundation serves the communities surrounding our Oakland, California, headquarters as well as those surrounding our remote offices and manufacturing facilities. We also support public health on a global level, through American Red Cross and other partners, donating cash and disinfecting products to address pandemics such as COVID-19 and Ebola as well as supporting a program to provide safe drinking water in Peru and Africa. 

The Seneca Foods Foundation Grant supports philanthropic initiatives focused on empowering youth and strengthening communities. Since 1988, it has provided funding for education, community assistance, and internships. The Foundation prioritizes organizations connected to Seneca employees, located near its operational facilities, and those that align with its mission. It requires documented performance results and considers only one request per organization annually, ensuring that grants foster measurable impact within the communities served.

The Ben B. Cheney Foundation Grant supports community improvement projects in areas where Mr. Cheney's lumber company operated. Focused on one-time project grants, the foundation emphasizes sustainability and local support. Eligible applicants include public charities and government units primarily in Washington, Oregon, and California. The foundation prioritizes projects that invest in long-lasting community needs and demonstrate innovative solutions. Since 1975, it has supported over 1,200 organizations, making a significant impact in local communities.

The Holthouse Foundation for Kids supports organizations that empower at-risk youth through character education, life skills, and entrepreneurship. They provide grants to non-profit entities recognized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, focusing on community enrichment in Houston and beyond. While inquiry letters are accepted year-round, they do not guarantee funding, and applicants must understand that proposals are not a promise of financial support.

The Hutton Parker Foundation's Core/General Operating Support program is designed to enhance the capacity and sustainability of nonprofit organizations in Santa Barbara County. This unrestricted funding allows eligible 501(c)(3) organizations to support essential programs and administrative needs. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 aim to empower organizations to effectively serve their communities, particularly those impacting underserved populations. This initiative fosters operational strength and strategic growth for nonprofits, ensuring they can fulfill their missions successfully.

The Ford Family Foundation offers Technical Assistance Grants aimed at bolstering the capacity of organizations serving rural communities in Oregon and Siskiyou County, California. These grants, which can reach up to $5,000, support activities such as staff training, strategic planning, and consulting services. By enhancing internal capabilities, the foundation seeks to improve the effectiveness of nonprofits and agencies that focus on family, education, and community development, ultimately benefiting children and their families.

The Nobbs Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged youth and young adults in Southern California through education, scholarships, training, and mentoring. The Foundation prioritizes organizations that align with its mission and seeks to provide opportunities for individuals to achieve independence and self-sufficiency. Although unsolicited applications are not accepted, invited organizations may submit a Letter of Inquiry for potential funding. Grants are typically awarded for a single year to support program, operating, or capital expenses.

The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation, established in 2005, aims to enhance community well-being through grants focusing on five key areas: Community Enhancement, Culture, Education, Health, and Native American Interests. Its competitive grant process supports organizations that benefit Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo Counties. The Foundation prioritizes projects that promote environmental preservation, cultural appreciation, educational access, health services, and Native American culture, ensuring no discrimination in its funding practices.

The Kars4Kids Small Grant Program aims to support educational initiatives globally, impacting the lives of children. This program welcomes applications from IRS-recognized nonprofit organizations focused on youth development, mentorship, and education. Grants typically range from $500 to $2,000, depending on mission alignment and available funds. Kars4Kids, a national Jewish nonprofit, is dedicated to nurturing productive community members through educational and mentoring opportunities.

The Michael J. Connell Foundation Grant supports a variety of initiatives in the Pasadena/Los Angeles area, focusing on cultural, educational, environmental, and medical endeavors. The foundation emphasizes performing and visual arts, environmental preservation, and healthcare access for under-resourced groups. Grants are available for programs that align with these priorities, including arts education and community health projects. However, funding is limited to specific criteria and does not support unsolicited applications or multi-year grants.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation supports nonprofit organizations in Los Angeles County, focusing on enriching cultural experiences, education, health services, and human services. By prioritizing general operating support and capital projects, the Foundation aims to empower local organizations to address diverse community needs, fostering civic engagement and leadership. With a commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable populations, the Foundation plays a crucial role in shaping a brighter future for Southern California.

The Minnesota STEM and Youth Leadership Grants, offered by the H.B. Fuller Company Foundation, focus on empowering young individuals through STEM education and leadership development. These grants are intended for tax-exempt organizations that serve communities near H.B. Fuller facilities, aiming to address racial inequities in education and employment. The initiative underscores the company's commitment to community support and creating opportunities for youth to thrive in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.

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.

The Pacific Power Foundation provides Education/STEM Grants aimed at enhancing community vitality through charitable investments. With over $1 million awarded in 2021, eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, and youth organizations. The foundation emphasizes initiatives in electrical safety, energy efficiency, and workforce development. Grants are available in four cycles to ensure thorough evaluation of requests. Exclusions apply to organizations that discriminate or operate outside the service areas of Pacific Power and Rocky Mountain Power.