Best Fremont Grants for Nonprofits in California

The CA$H Theatre Grant, provided by Theatre Bay Area, supports fully-produced performances of artistic projects that are publicly accessible. This grant aims to empower individual artists and small theatre companies in the San Francisco Bay Area, promoting a diverse cultural landscape. Since its inception in 1999, CA$H has facilitated a range of projects, from traditional productions to innovative hybrid experiences, emphasizing the importance of equity and inclusion in the arts.

The CA$H Theatre Grant, provided by Theatre Bay Area, supports individual artists and small theatre companies in the San Francisco Bay Area. This grant program fosters the development of artistic and capacity-building projects, focusing on those not tied to fully-produced performances. With an emphasis on equity and inclusion, it aids in script development, workshops, and organizational improvement, ensuring a vibrant arts community where diverse voices can thrive.

The Will Glickman Award, presented by Theatre Bay Area, honors the best new play premiering in the San Francisco Bay Area each year. Established in 1984, this award celebrates excellence in playwriting, recognizing outstanding original works that enrich the local theatre community. It not only highlights the playwright's achievements but also encourages the development and production of new plays. Submissions are accepted year-round, emphasizing the commitment to fostering diverse and inclusive artistic voices.

The Dolores Zohrab Liebmann Fund Fellowships provide financial support for U.S. citizens pursuing graduate studies in various fields at accredited institutions. The fellowships cover tuition and offer an annual stipend of $18,000 for living expenses. Candidates must demonstrate financial need and have an outstanding undergraduate record. Applications are submitted through the dean of the university, with deadlines in January and notifications by mid-June. This program honors Dolores Zohrab Liebmann's legacy of supporting education.

The Belonging in Oakland: A Just City Cultural Fund Grant supports Oakland-based, BIPOC-led collaborations aimed at transforming power dynamics through cultural policy. This fund offers $100,000 annually for three years, along with stipends for artists and project documentation. The initiative seeks to empower communities impacted by systemic racism and promote innovative approaches to social justice. Collaborative partnerships are encouraged to redefine problems and solutions, fostering a more equitable Oakland.

The T32 Postdoctoral Fellowship in Mental Health Services Research is a two-year program supported by the National Institute of Mental Health. It trains emerging researchers in health systems research focusing on mental health and suicide prevention. The fellowship emphasizes mentorship, research methods, and professional development, preparing fellows to secure independent funding. Candidates with PhDs, MDs, or equivalent degrees, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, are encouraged to apply. More information is available through the program's website.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

Our Philosophy for Education: We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

PLTW Computer Science - Program Expansion In Partnership With Lam Research

The Lam Foundation supports schools implementing or expanding a PLTW program in or near several of their U.S. communities. Schools seeking support for PLTW Gateway or PLTW Engineering will receive priority. The Lam Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Lam Research, a leading provider of equipment and services to the semiconductor industry.

Program Requirements

The purpose of this grant is to assist the grantee's expansion of student access to the PLTW Computer Science program. Grantee must use their grant funds to expand their existing PLTW Computer Science program. Example expansion activities include but are not limited to adding an additional PLTW Computer Science course not previously offered, and/or adding additional class periods of an existing PLTW Computer Science courses previously offered, and/or training additional teachers in PLTW Computer Science courses for the 2027-2028 academic year. Grantee must complete one year of grant reporting.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

Our Philosophy for Education: We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

PLTW Computer Science - New Program In Partnership With Lam Research

The Lam Foundation supports schools implementing or expanding a PLTW program in or near several of their U.S. communities. Schools seeking support for PLTW Gateway or PLTW Engineering will receive priority. The Lam Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Lam Research, a leading provider of equipment and services to the semiconductor industry.

Program Requirements

The purpose of this grant is to assist the grantee's implementation of the PLTW Computer Science program. Grantee must offer at least one PLTW Computer Science course in the 2027-2028 academic year and must offer one additional course in the 2028-2029 academic year (two different courses in two years). Grantee may implement any PLTW Computer Science courses of their choosing. Grantee must complete two years of grant reporting.

The Peggy and Jack Baskin Foundation, established in 2008, focuses on achieving gender and racial equity through grants primarily for nonprofit organizations in Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties. They emphasize intersectional feminism and support initiatives that empower women and gender-expansive individuals of color. The foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals and prefers organizations with diverse decision-makers and equitable personnel policies. Funding areas include reproductive rights, legal advocacy, and gender economic justice.

The Harold Johnson Law Enforcement Scholarship honors the legacy of Police Chief Harold "Hal" Johnson by providing financial support to aspiring law enforcement professionals. Established for students in the greater San Francisco Bay Area, it encourages those with a passion for public service and a commitment to criminal justice. Eligible applicants include high school seniors and college students with a minimum GPA of 2.5, showcasing leadership qualities and financial need, ensuring a new generation of dedicated law enforcement personnel.

Keep Oakland Beautiful : Community Grant Program

A mainstay Keep Oakland Beautiful tradition, the annual Community Grants program financially supports local work that aligns with our mission. 

KOB awards project grants of up to $1,000 every year. Individuals or community groups can apply for a grant to help fund a project that helps keep Oakland clean, green, and beautiful, and brings people together in a public space. Successful past projects have included park and neighborhood cleanups, beautification projects, tree and greens planting, community gardens, pop-up libraries, graffiti removal, and public murals.

The LGBTQ Donor Engagement Grant Program by Horizons Foundation aims to support large LGBTQ-focused organizations in the SF Bay Area with annual budgets over $1 million. Organizations can apply for up to $5,000 to fund fundraising events or alternative donor engagement activities. Criteria include inspiring programming, relationship-building strategies, and inclusivity across the LGBTQ spectrum. Eligible nonprofits must have a home office in the SF Bay Area and meet specific funding criteria.

The Samsung Semiconductor Scholarship is dedicated to supporting future innovators in STEM fields. This program targets exceptional undergraduate and master's students who are committed to full-time education at California public universities, with a preference for those in the greater Bay Area. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and have declared a major in a STEM-related discipline. This initiative emphasizes collaboration and innovation, ensuring diverse voices contribute to the future of technology.

The Latinos in Technology Scholarship, funded by the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley, aims to empower Latino students pursuing STEM careers. Awardees receive up to $6,000 annually for their undergraduate education, with professional development opportunities, mentorship, and internship access. This initiative not only addresses the underrepresentation of Latinos in STEM but also fosters a supportive community to help students transition successfully into the workforce.

The Community Progress Makers Fund, an initiative by the Citi Foundation, aims to empower local organizations by providing $50 million in unrestricted funding. This program, established in 2015, will support 50 selected community organizations over three years with grants of $1 million each, alongside technical assistance and opportunities for collaboration. The fund prioritizes organizations with strong community ties and a proven impact in areas such as affordable housing, economic development, financial health, and workforce readiness.

The Birding For Everyone Fellowship, offered by the Golden Gate Bird Alliance, aims to empower BIPOC conservation leaders and promote diversity in the birding community. This fellowship provides free access to courses, networking opportunities, and field trips to reduce barriers for underrepresented groups. By nurturing diverse leadership, the program enhances community engagement and environmental stewardship in the Bay Area. With over 200 bird walks annually and a century of conservation efforts, the fellowship continues the legacy of inclusivity and education.

The Kuo Family Scholarship, established by the Kuo Family Fund, honors their legacy and supports community impact through grants. It is open to high school seniors and college students in the Bay Area with a GPA of 3.25 or higher and financial need, as determined by FAFSA. This scholarship aims to assist students pursuing full-time education at accredited four-year institutions, fostering educational and cultural growth within the community.

The Artist-in-Residence Program at Kala Art Institute provides artists with 24-hour access to various creative facilities, including printmaking workshops and digital labs. Artists can benefit from professional development resources, potential exhibition opportunities, and participation in a vibrant artist community. With subsidized and fully funded residency options available, including specific programs for veterans and awards, Kala supports artists in advancing their skills and projects in a collaborative environment.

The Krishnan-Shah Family Scholarship, established by Ajay Shah and Lata Krishnan, aims to support financially needy students with strong academic potential and community involvement. This scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors and current community college students from the Silicon Valley region, particularly first-generation college students. It provides essential financial aid to help students successfully complete their undergraduate degrees, fostering educational opportunities and community growth.

The A to Z Fund Mini-Grant for Professional Development supports educators at Oakland public schools by providing funding for individual projects up to $1,500 or group projects up to $5,000. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities through various professional development activities, including training sessions and conferences. Eligible applicants must have principal approval, and projects should be completed by December 31, 2025. This grant empowers teachers and staff to innovate and improve educational outcomes.

The Sandia Corporate Contributions Program, managed by Sandia National Laboratories, has a long-standing commitment to community support, contributing over $1 million annually to non-profits. This initiative focuses on enhancing Educational Success and Family Stability in local communities, reflecting Sandia's dedication to inspiring future generations. With a proud history of service, the program aims to empower organizations that make a tangible difference in people's lives.

The Impact100 East Bay Grant Program empowers women to engage in philanthropy through substantial grants of at least $100,000. It focuses on transformative initiatives across five key areas: Arts & Culture, Education, Environmental Preservation, Family Support, and Health & Wellness. Eligible organizations must demonstrate financial health and a commitment to sustainability, serving the communities of Alameda and Contra Costa. Ineligible projects include general operating expenses and those that do not align with the program's mission.

The Fleishhacker Foundation's Small Arts Grants program offers vital support to filmmakers in San Francisco, Alameda, and Contra Costa counties. This initiative is dedicated to assisting small and mid-sized arts organizations, providing unrestricted funding for film projects in the post-production phase. Eligible filmmakers must demonstrate prior funding and secure a fiscal sponsor or a nonprofit production company. Projects must have a budget under $750,000, with the next review cycle set for fall 2025.

The SWE Santa Clara Valley Section Scholarship, offered by the Society of Women Engineers, supports women in California pursuing engineering or computer science degrees at accredited institutions. Annually, approximately $15,000 is awarded to eligible candidates, including high school seniors and college students, who demonstrate commitment to their fields of study. This scholarship not only encourages academic excellence but also promotes diversity in engineering, aiding the professional growth of women in STEM.

Kala Art Institute

Founded in 1974 by Archana Horsting and Yuzo Nakano as an international workshop rooted in the local community and forum for ideas, Kala Art Institute provides exceptional facilities to professional artists working in and across all forms of printmaking, digital media, film, video, and sound, book arts, photography, and performance.

Misson

Kala Art Institute’s mission is to help artists sustain their creative work over time through its Artist-in-Residence and Fellowship Programs, and to engage the community through exhibitions, public programs, and education.

Curatorial Fellowship Program

We are excited to launch a new Curatorial Fellowship this cycle at Kala. For the inaugural program, we are accepting applications from Bay Area curators, artists, and cultural workers to provide research and exhibition development opportunities. The year-long program culminates in an 8-10 week exhibition in the Kala Gallery.

Curatorial Fellowship Resources

For this pilot program, Kala will select and support one Curatorial Fellow who will receive a $3000 stipend, an available desk in the gallery office for exhibition research and development, a Kala art class or workshop, access to Kala’s permanent collection of over 2,500 prints and works on paper, mentorship by Victoria Sung, Phyllis C. Wattis Senior Curator at Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive, support from Kala’s exhibitions and collections team, Mayumi Hamanaka and Sonya Castillo, and exhibition support (Kala will pay an additional 40 hours directly to Kala’s installers for for install/deinstall and up to $3,000 for artist honoraria, shipping, materials, and other misc exhibition costs for the Curatorial Fellow’s 8-10 week exhibition in the Kala Gallery to take place between September 2027 – January 2028.)

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 C. Edward and Edith Strobel Charitable Trust Grant aims to support conservation and health-related initiatives in the San Francisco Bay Area. Established in 1968, this foundation honors the legacy of its founders, Carolus Edward and Edith McCammon Strobel, who tragically lost their lives in an accident. The trust primarily funds medical research for children's diseases and heart and lung health, along with various environmental and animal welfare projects.