Best Grants for Veteran Nonprofit Organizations in California

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting military and veterans, youth development, hunger and nutrition, or basic needs can access funding through the Sundt Foundation, with awards of US $2,500 - US $25,000 for specific programs. Eligible organizations must have a local presence, at least one year of operations, and annual revenue of $100,000 or more.

Veteran-serving 501(c) or 170(c) nonprofits in California can benefit from Regions Bank’s employee Matching Gifts Program, which doubles eligible full-time associate donations to their organizations. Military and veterans services organizations within the Regions footprint may receive these matched contributions when supported by Regions associates or recent retirees.

Nonprofit organizations supporting U.S. service members and veterans in California can receive matching donations through Regions Bank’s program, with awards up to US $1,000 per retiree gift. Regions Bank provides California military and veterans services groups with matches when recent retirees contribute at least $25, helping boost funding for their eligible programs.

Veterans and military service nonprofits in California can seek project support for military and veterans' assistance through grants from Sunstate Equipment Foundation. Charities in good standing may apply once every 12 months. Organizations serving disadvantaged people, domestic violence survivors, those needing housing assistance, or abused animals may also be eligible where missions overlap with veterans’ needs.

Eligible multifamily housing developers in California can obtain loans and infrastructure funding to build, rehabilitate, or convert affordable and supportive rental housing, including units for veterans and people experiencing homelessness. California Department of Housing and Community Development provides US $3,000,000 - US $15,000,000 per project for Los Angeles County developments in areas impacted by January 2025 wildfires.

Veteran- and first responder–serving organizations in California that provide wellness, rehabilitation, and recovery programs can apply for the Gridiron Veterans Scholarship from the Bob Woodruff Foundation. Funding supports mental health services, physical therapy, strength and conditioning, adaptive training, and holistic wellness resources for the military and veteran community.

Students whose parent serves at specified U.S. military installations and who are entering a technical/trade school or two- or four-year college can apply for the Capital Region Chamber Unified Military Affairs Council Scholarship. The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region offers this academic scholarship, which may benefit families connected to military and veterans services in California.

Veterans of the U.S. military pursuing post-secondary education can receive scholarship support for tuition and related costs, including those working with California veteran-serving nonprofits to further their studies. Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region offers one non-renewable US $1,000 Guyon Scholarship for Veterans to attend accredited 2- or 4-year colleges, universities, or technical schools.

Military members and veterans facing breast cancer-related financial hardship in California can receive up to US $1,000 for transportation, childcare, housing, food, or medical costs. National Breast Cancer Foundation’s Military Patient Relief Fund supports eligible U.S. service members and veterans in active treatment or treated within the last year, with income under 500% of the federal poverty level.

Veterans with a service-connected condition causing infertility, including those living in California, can apply for Bob Woodruff Foundation’s VIVA fertility grants to help pay for treatment at Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) clinics. These grants support military and veteran families pursuing reproductive health care when VA-covered options are limited.

Early-career active-duty military orthopaedic surgeons in California and across the U.S. can access a traveling fellowship supporting advanced orthopaedic trauma training and observation. Orthopaedic Trauma Association’s Teague-Gaudin OTA/SOMOS fellowship offers one-week experiences at up to three high-volume trauma centers, emphasizing education, mentorship, and military-civilian collaboration in orthopaedic trauma care.

California veteran-serving nonprofits should note this $2,500 scholarship supports children of fallen U.S. service members from Clark, Cowlitz, or Skamania County, Washington, pursuing higher education. Eligible Gold Star students with significant financial need may receive renewable awards from the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington to help them make adequate progress toward a degree.

Veteran and military-affiliated students pursuing full-time post-secondary education can receive US $1,000 scholarships through the Fox Valley Marines Detachment 1233 Scholarship Endowment Fund. Grants from Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley help those in Military & Veterans Services, including California-focused veteran nonprofits supporting eligible students from Kane or Kendall County, Illinois, attending accredited U.S. institutions.

Graduate or undergraduate students pursuing college or military education, including those involved in ROTC or attending a service academy, can apply for the Raymond Steve Tumlin Scholarship, awarding US $2,500 for tuition. Students from Cobb or Marietta, and those connected to Kiwanis, may be especially competitive, including applicants from California with qualifying ties.

California law enforcement officers who have performed an exceptional act or service may be nominated for national recognition and support through this award, which can benefit those serving veterans and military communities. California public safety and military police professionals can access funding through NRA Foundation’s Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award program, based on endorsed nominations.

Nonprofit organizations and public agencies addressing poverty through veteran and military family services, education, economic opportunity, or healthy futures in California may be eligible for AmeriCorps VISTA support. With a mission to strengthen communities through national service, Volunteer Mississippi connects organizations to VISTA members who build capacity and develop sustainable, anti-poverty programs benefiting veterans and their families.

Individuals who are family members of U.S. veterans or enrolled as ROTC sophomores or above can receive scholarship support for higher education through the Purple Heart Gary Gutelius Memorial Scholarship. With a mission to strengthen communities, Community Foundation of Mahoning Valley provides military- and veteran-connected students, including those in California, with assistance for college costs, prioritizing families of combat-wounded veterans.

Justamere Foundation

Our goal is to remove barriers that are keeping hard working people from being fully self-sufficient. We support programs that are addressing these obstacles, big and small, in a way that opens a path to self-reliance.

The Justamere Foundation is dedicated to working with our community partners to find innovative ways to help our neighbors through education, coaching, and connections.

Small solutions can result in enormous change. The Justamere Foundation’s mission is to find those needs and connect them to the right resources to make the biggest impact.

Areas of Need We Support

The Justamere Foundation’s mission is to find those areas that are underserved by traditional resources and see if we can make a bigger difference with direct involvement. Solutions might involve grants, non-traditional scholarships or simply making the right connection.

We focus on four main areas of need in our community:

• Trade Education: Individuals working towards obtaining a family-sustaining income encounter many small barriers that can impede their progress. We’ve partnered with local community colleges and organizations that work to eliminate the barriers.
• Veterans Resources: Veterans entering the civilian workforce can struggle to find the right fit. We’re working with organizations to support veterans with this process.
• Childhood Literacy: Reading is essential. Fostering a love of reading and learning opens so many doors as children grow up. We support organizations with programs that focus on education and literacy resources for children in underserved areas.
• Arts Education: Arts programs inspire and help children express themselves. We support summer and after-school programs in music, art, and theatre.

How do we support these areas?

• Non-Traditional Scholarships
• Grants that make a real impact

Non-Traditional Scholarships

There are many traditional Scholarship and Financial Aid resources for high school kids going on to college. This is great but it leaves a whole lot of people out of the solution. Kids who couldn’t go directly to college or didn’t finish highschool – Adults who are in a job that cannot effectively support their family and want to make a change – or anyone simply looking for a better life. The resources available to them are limited. We want to work with organizations that are addressing those challenges and see if there’s a connection to be made, an existing program to utilize or even a new program to be developed.

The Justamere Foundation focuses on removing barriers to self-sufficiency by supporting innovative community programs. They prioritize four key areas: trade education, veterans resources, childhood literacy, and arts education. By providing grants and non-traditional scholarships, the foundation aims to empower individuals and create lasting change. Their mission is to connect underserved communities with essential resources, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.

The Veterans Artist Residency Program at Kala Art Institute offers unique opportunities for veterans in the arts. This program supports innovative work across various mediums such as printmaking, digital media, and sculpture. Selected artists receive 1-4 months of studio access, a cash award of $1,000, housing for out-of-area artists, and participation in community events. The residency fosters a collaborative environment, encouraging artistic growth and community engagement.

The Laine - Casey Laine Armed Services Scholarship, established to honor Lieutenant Casey Laine Swakon, supports students from the Coastal Bend area who have participated in JROTC or are part of ROTC programs. Eligible candidates include high school seniors, current college students, and veterans. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and complete at least 12 credit hours per semester, ensuring they are well-prepared for their academic pursuits.

The Captain John G. Gardner, USMC, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Scholarship honors a dedicated Marine who went missing in action during the Vietnam War. Established by Local Chapter 124 of the Vietnam Veterans of America, it aims to support the descendants of decorated Vietnam Veterans from 18 western counties in North Carolina. This scholarship provides financial assistance to graduating high school seniors who plan to pursue higher education at accredited institutions.

The Deana and Paul Strunk Military Veterans Scholarship Program offers financial aid ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 for veterans and military dependents pursuing geoscience degrees at accredited institutions. This program facilitates educational opportunities and aids in the transition of veterans to civilian careers. Eligible applicants must provide proof of military service and demonstrate financial need, along with academic excellence and a commitment to geoscience. This initiative aims to support both active service members and veterans in their educational journeys.

The VFW Student Fellowship, hosted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Student Veterans of America, empowers student veterans to advocate for their community on Capitol Hill. Running from October 2025 to March 2026, this program offers selected fellows the chance to collaborate on policy priorities, attend leadership training, and participate in significant conferences, ensuring their voices are heard among 500 advocates at the VFW Washington Conference. Travel expenses are fully covered.

The Kei Lin Foundation Grant, established in 2012 by Margaret Tsai, honors her mother, Kei Lin. This grant supports charitable organizations that provide essential services such as housing, food, and medical assistance to senior citizens and veterans. Priority is given to tax-exempt organizations under 501(c)(3) status. Applicants must adhere to specific guidelines and provide regular reports on fund usage to ensure transparency and accountability in their operations.

The ENF Community Investments Program offers Spotlight Grants to Lodges, empowering them to tackle pressing community issues such as family literacy, veteran homelessness, and hunger. Each Lodge can apply for a $2,000 grant without needing to meet the GER's per-member-giving goal. Funds can be used for one of the designated project plans or combined with the Beacon Grant, enabling flexible support for local initiatives.

The ENF Community Investments Program - Freedom Grants will award $1,000 grants to 1,000 Lodges for projects focused on veterans and active-duty military families in 2025-26. Eligible projects must address five key areas: employment, homelessness, current military members and their families, health, and educational support. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of life for service members and their families, ensuring that local needs are met through community-driven efforts.