Best Chico Grants for Nonprofits in California

The Wildfire & Forest Resilience Directed Grant Program, managed by the California Sierra Nevada Conservancy, aims to enhance community safety and forest health in California. By supporting projects that align with the state's Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan, this program prioritizes funding for initiatives that benefit vulnerable populations. With up to $30.9 million allocated from Proposition 4, the program seeks to address urgent wildfire prevention and resilience needs. Proposals will be accepted until January 31, 2026.

The North Valley Community Foundation traces its history to 1989.

It started as the Chico Community Foundation and was formed by the Chico Chamber of Commerce as a way to make tax-deductible donations to benefit the community. Early examples of programs included a graffiti eradication program and Volunteers In Police Service, or VIPS.

The foundation became independent from the Chico Chamber of Commerce in 1996. The foundation decided to expand its geographic scope and changed its name to North Valley Community Foundation, with the objective of doing work in all of Butte, Glenn and Tehama counties. It later added Colusa County.

Donna Murrill Fund Grant

Donna Murrill memorial fund supports wildfire recovery efforts.

North Valley Community Foundation has awarded more than $108,500 in wildfire recovery grants from a memorial fund set up by Donna Murrill. The largest grant was $25,000 to the Rebuild Paradise Foundation for its gravel grant program that is helping residents save money on home insurance.

The grant from the Donna Murrill Fund provided gravel for defensible space for atleast 50 homes, which in turn allowed homeowners thousands of dollars a year in insurance premiums. 

Murrill, a longtime Durham resident and Butte County Health Department employee, established the fund through her estate for wildfire relief.

The Erin Jergentz Junior Golf Memorial Fund Grant Program provides financial assistance to high school students in Butte and Plumas counties who face barriers to participating in golf. This funding supports the purchase of equipment, gear, lessons, and team events, ensuring that all interested students have the opportunity to engage in the sport despite financial hardships. The program aims to promote inclusivity and support young athletes in their pursuit of golf.

The Friends of Outdoor Adventures Grant Program, offered by the North Valley Community Foundation, aims to support Butte County youths facing financial barriers to engage in outdoor activities. Eligible applicants include residents within 300% of the Federal Poverty Level and those displaced by natural disasters. The program provides crucial funding for school and independent programs like Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, ensuring that all children have the opportunity to participate in enriching outdoor experiences.

The Camp Fire Fund Grant Program, administered by the North Valley Community Foundation, aims to support recovery efforts in the Camp Fire burn scar area. Grants ranging from $500 to $10,000 will be awarded to nonprofits and government agencies addressing the needs of vulnerable community members. The program focuses on projects that enhance health, housing, education, and economic development, ensuring strategic funding while avoiding duplication of existing resources.

Background & Purpose

The California Arts Council (CAC) is a statewide agency committed to serving California artists, arts organizations, and communities of all sizes and needs. Guided by racial equity principles, the CAC continuously evaluates its grantmaking practices to ensure fair and inclusive funding opportunities that sustain a vibrant, safe, and resilient creative ecosystem across the state.

Through regionally based Administering Organizations (AOs), the Individual Artists Fellowship (IAF) program uplifts and celebrates California artists across all disciplines and traditions, highlights their excellence and acknowledges their leadership in shaping traditional and contemporary cultures. The program includes three fellowship tiers with a different award amount:

CAC Emerging Artist Fellows – $5,000

Emerging artists are those in the beginning stages of making their work public and engaging the larger community in their practice.

CAC Established Artist Fellows – $10,000

Artists in the Established tier regularly make their work public and engage the larger community in their practice.

CAC Legacy Artist Fellows – $50,000

Artists in the Legacy tier can point to a significant body of work, produced over a substantial period of time, that has engaged their communities and that has made significant social impact.

The CAC approved eight regional AOs for the fellowship in September 2025. Each of the AOs has information and  details regarding their Individual Artists Fellowship programs, including application deadlines. If you are an individual artist, apply to the statewide fellowship program through the Regional AO listed below that serves your county. Please note: Individual artists must live in the region they are applying to and may submit an application to only one region.

• Bay Area (Kala Art Institute) - Counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Sonoma

• Central Valley & Sierra (Kern Dance Alliance) - Counties: Amador, Calaveras, Fresno, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Mono, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tulare, Tuolumne

• Inland Empire & South Coast (ArtsOC) - Counties: Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange

• Far South (Commission for Arts and Culture / Cultural Affairs) - Counties: Imperial, San Diego

• Central Coast (Arts Council Santa Cruz County) - Counties: Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Ventura

• Capital (Teatro Nagual) - Counties: Yolo, Solano, Sacramento, El Dorado, Alpine

• Upstate (Nevada County Arts Council (NCArts)) - Counties: Del Norte, Siskiyou, Modoc, Humboldt, Trinity, Shasta, Lassen, Mendocino, Tehama, Butte, Plumas, Lake, Glenn, Sierra, Colusa, Sutter, Yuba, Nevada, Placer

• South (Los Angeles Performance Practice) - County: Los Angeles

Region 1: Upstate Administered by the Nevada County Arts Council (NCArts)

In partnership with California Arts Council, Nevada County Arts & Culture is honored to serve as the Administering Organization for the Upstate Individual Artists Fellowship. The California Arts Council (CAC) has selected Nevada County Arts & Culture to design and implement a fellowship program that supports individual artists and culture bearers across all disciplines. The Upstate Individual Artists Fellowship will provide unrestricted funding in support of the fellows’ artistic practice. 

The Firedoll Foundation, a private family foundation, focuses on five key areas: Community Development and Entrepreneurship, Immigrant Issues and Human Rights, Environmental Conservation, Middle East Peace, and support for Traumatic Brain Injury survivors. Emphasizing support for vulnerable populations in Alameda and Contra Costa counties, the foundation backs projects that promote social justice and environmental sustainability. With a commitment to providing alternatives to detention and legal aid for immigrants, it aims to empower communities while addressing urgent environmental concerns.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

The Music Therapy Impact Fund Grant offers funding for music interventions aimed at addressing the spiritual, developmental, and physical needs of individuals in Butte County. This grant operates on a first-come, first-served basis, ensuring that anyone who submits a request form can receive support, as long as funds are available. The program focuses on assisting individuals with Parkinson’s disease, hospice and palliative care, and at-promise youth, striving to maintain low or no costs for participants.

The City of Chico Arts Grant Program aims to enhance cultural engagement by supporting local artists and arts organizations. Funded by a portion of the Transient Occupancy Tax, the grant promotes diverse projects that include community participation and artistic excellence. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a 1:1 cash match and a commitment to serving underserved populations. This initiative fosters inclusivity and access to quality arts experiences, ensuring a vibrant cultural landscape for Chico's residents.

Raley's Community Giving supports impactful community initiatives in areas such as child welfare, food access, and sustainability. They prioritize requests that align with these focus areas and require submissions to be made at least 90 days prior to the need date. Organizations must be located in cities with Raley's stores and can only receive support once per fiscal year. Notably, requests for individual sponsorships or third-party fundraising are not eligible.

The Trade Corridor Enhancement Program aims to enhance infrastructure on significant trade corridors in California, supporting efficient freight movement. With approximately $300 million in annual state funding, it focuses on improving safety, reducing congestion, and increasing rail capacity. Projects must align with regional transportation plans and demonstrate readiness and community benefits. This competitive program not only addresses freight system factors but also prioritizes environmental impacts and economic growth, ensuring a sustainable transportation future.

The Community Impact Fund of The Hignell Companies Foundation offers financial support to enhance community welfare through educational scholarships, social welfare initiatives, community betterment projects, and Christian spiritual growth. This grant prioritizes projects aiding vulnerable populations, promoting public safety, and fostering personal development. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations or charitable equivalents located in Butte, Tehama, or Shasta Counties. The fund aims to create a lasting positive impact through diverse community-focused initiatives.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program - California

The Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program provides supplies, equipment, and financial support to a variety of qualified groups and programs at the local level; geared towards youth, women, law enforcement, veterans, the disabled, and the general public, including:

• General shooting programs
• Competitive shooting
• Education, training and safety
• Hunting and conservation
• Community outreach
• Historical education

Grant funding must be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials.

The California Mini-Corps Program aims to enhance the educational experience of migratory students by establishing a statewide network of college tutors who provide essential support in classrooms. Funded by the California Department of Education, this program recruits bilingual college students interested in teaching to assist academically at-risk migratory students. It addresses educational barriers and promotes academic success aligned with the Every Student Succeeds Act, ensuring all migratory children meet challenging state academic standards.

The Aaron Rodgers NorCal Fire Recovery Grant Program aims to enhance health and wellness initiatives for youth in Butte County, particularly those affected by the Camp Fire. This program prioritizes creative projects that support mental health and overall well-being in the community, focusing on innovative solutions tailored to the needs of young people. The initiative seeks to ensure impactful investments that avoid duplicating existing funding while addressing the ongoing challenges faced by the youth in the region.

The Brave Heart Fellowship, initiated by the Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute, empowers Native youth aged 18-24 to lead in environmental justice and food sovereignty efforts. This 9-month program offers a culturally-competent curriculum and promotes advocacy for protecting traditional lands and sacred sites. By uplifting Indigenous voices, the fellowship addresses inequities and fosters community engagement, aiming for a sustainable future rooted in Native culture and leadership.

The Permanente Medical Group (TPMG) Informatics Fellowship offers a 1- to 2-year program focused on clinical informatics, leveraging data science and health technology to enhance care delivery. Nestled within the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research, this fellowship encourages innovative approaches to address healthcare challenges. Mentored by expert clinician-scientists, fellows will gain hands-on experience and collaborate with healthcare leaders, fostering skills in electronic health records, clinical decision support, and telemedicine.

The Francis Grants, established by Catholic Extension, offer funding for significant events in poor mission dioceses, such as the ordination of new Bishops, anniversaries, or papal visits. These grants also support educational endeavors for Bishops. Named in honor of Francis Clement Kelly, Francis Cardinal George OMI, and Pope Francis, the program aims to strengthen the Catholic faith across the U.S. Since 1905, Catholic Extension has invested over $500 million to assist communities in need.

The Catholic School Leadership Development Grant Program aims to cultivate and retain promising leaders within the Catholic school system. In partnership with Loyola Marymount University, this initiative offers a graduate-level online Certificate in Catholic School Administration, covering 80% of tuition costs and providing funding for essential travel. The one-year program focuses on mission effectiveness, operational management, and instructional leadership, requiring participants to serve two years in their diocese post-completion, thereby enhancing local educational leadership.

The Society for Ecological Restoration Northwest Chapter offers Student Research Grants up to $3,000 to support research that enhances ecosystem restoration in the Cascadia bioregion. Eligible applicants include social or natural science graduate students and upper-level undergraduates. The grant can cover various project expenses, fostering innovative approaches to restore natural systems while promoting the diversity of life in the region.

Catholic Extension's Enhancing Pastoral and Social Ministry Grants aim to empower the church to broaden its outreach and foster societal transformation through targeted pastoral and social initiatives. This program supports specific elements of the church's ministerial efforts, including funding for catechetical resources, marriage and family ministries, and social outreach for vulnerable populations. By investing in these areas, Catholic Extension seeks to enhance the church's role in communities, especially following disasters.

The Bethlehem Foundation Grant, established in 2013, aims to enhance the quality of life for senior adults in Sonoma County, California. It supports nonprofit organizations focused on health, independence, and social interaction for seniors. Applications are accepted year-round, with deadlines on February 28 and August 31 for spring and fall meetings respectively. Grants are limited to qualified public charities under 501(c)(3) and do not extend to individuals.

The Building Capacity Grants by Catholic Extension aim to enhance the financial and operational capabilities of dioceses. This initiative focuses on funding projects that promote efficiency, financial stability, and effective fiscal management, ultimately fostering a self-sustaining community. Eligible programs include fundraising development initiatives and operational assessments, ensuring resources are utilized efficiently while supporting professional development for church leadership. This grant empowers dioceses to strengthen their foundations for future growth.

The Engaging Young Catholics Grants aim to support ministries that provide faith formation to children, teens, young adults, and families. By focusing on the pastoral needs of young Catholics, the program enhances community vibrancy and fosters new leadership within the church. Catholic Extension prioritizes operational support and seed funding for initiatives that develop youth and young adult ministries, ensuring that dioceses can effectively reach and engage younger generations in their faith.

The Building Leaders Grants by Catholic Extension aim to enhance the recruitment, education, and ongoing formation of church leaders. This initiative provides critical funding for the professional development of both ordained and lay leaders in mission dioceses. By fostering partnerships with various organizations, it addresses the need for trained ministers and supports various funding areas, including seminarian sponsorship and diaconate formation, ensuring a robust future for church leadership.

The Albertsons' Companies Foundation - Northern California Grant Program supports nonprofit organizations enhancing community well-being in key areas such as health, hunger, youth education, veterans, and diversity. To apply, organizations must have a local employee sponsor and serve the community where Albertsons operates. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $2,500 for first-time applicants, with a review process taking around six weeks. The Foundation prioritizes inclusivity and does not fund individuals or for-profit organizations.