Best Fremont Grants for Nonprofits in California

The PVF Special Education Grants, offered by the Philanthropic Ventures Foundation, provide funding up to $500 for public school teachers and therapists serving special education students from TK to 12th grade. These grants support classroom supplies, educational field trips, and professional development aimed at enhancing teaching resources and student independence. Eligible applicants include teachers from low-income schools in select California counties, with a limit of three grants per school and one per teacher.

The PVF Technology, Engineering and Design Thinking Resource Grants offer funding of up to $1,000 for TK-12 teachers in low-income public schools across specific California counties. These grants support innovative projects in Technology, Engineering, and STEAM curriculum through hands-on learning and expert guidance. Applications for the 2026-2027 school year are now open, encouraging collaborative efforts among teachers to maximize the impact of the resources provided.

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 Kala Fellowship Program offers innovative artists a unique residency experience. Funded by the Kala Art Institute, this fellowship provides financial support of $3,000, extensive studio access, and a collaborative community. Artists can engage in specialized training in printmaking and digital media, culminating in participation in an annual group exhibition. With over 30 years of tradition, the program emphasizes creativity and artistic excellence, fostering diverse media exploration and project completion.

The Firedoll Foundation provides grants for community-based services assisting survivors of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in California. Emphasizing post-acute support, the Foundation seeks to enhance the quality of life for TBI survivors, enabling their integration into society. Funding is prioritized for 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally-sponsored projects focused on discrete deliverables. Notably, they do not support individuals or general operating costs for first-time applicants.

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.

StopWaste

StopWaste is a public agency serving the 1.7 million diverse residents of Alameda County. Formed in 1976, we work on behalf of 17 member agencies—the County, 14 cities, and 2 sanitary districts—committed to advancing environmental sustainability and building healthy, equitable, climate resilient communities in Alameda County. Our vision is focused on an Alameda County in which people thrive and are empowered to utilize resources and energy in ways that are good for the health of our communities, our local economy, and the planet.

StopWaste's work is guided by three long-term goals: building a healthy local food system that eliminates waste, advancing a thriving circular economy, and accelerating innovation in the built environment. We prevent wasted food, recover surplus food to nourish communities, and keep materials in circulation through reuse, repair, recycling, and composting—while helping communities across Alameda County cut pollution, save money, and meet California’s climate and waste goals.

Reusable Foodware Grants

StopWaste offers grants to help replace single-use disposable foodware with reusable systems in closed-environment dining facilities. Controlled settings with high meal volumes are ideal for reusable alternatives — items are used on-site, collected, washed, and returned for reuse.

Up to $50,000 for schools, colleges, institutions, and large venues to replace single-use items with durable, reusable foodware and dishwashing systems.

The Furthur Foundation Grant supports grassroots organizations focused on community needs, environmental preservation, and social justice. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, the foundation aims to empower groups working directly toward impactful goals, such as food distribution, job assistance, and ecological conservation. There are no application deadlines, making it accessible for various organizations. However, it does not fund individuals or groups without 501(c)(3) status, or those with budgets exceeding $1 million.

The Callison Foundation Grant supports small organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area focused on educational success for marginalized children, youth at-risk, and vulnerable adults. Grants of up to $25,000 are awarded in three areas: education, children and youth services, and adult and senior services. Organizations can receive funding for five years within an eight-year period, with a preference for those with unique offerings and limited government funding.

Community Finance Initiative 

Advancing the financial resilience of low-income households across the U.S.

This model enables us to engage and support a broad range of organizations across the globe to tackle some of the most pressing social issues of our time.

The Citi Foundation’s 2026 Community Finance Initiative commits $35 million to support programming that bolsters the financial stability, strength and safety of low-income households in the U.S.

Focus Areas

The Foundation seeks to support organizations advancing low-income household financial resilience in the United States across three focus areas:

Stabilize: Programs that help low-income households to build financial skills and confidence to manage daily finances and navigate financial stress.

• Financial coaching on budgeting, credit, debt reduction and savings strategies.
• Digital tools offering personalized financial guidance and product navigation.
• Assistance with public benefits and social safety net programs.

Strengthen: Programs that help low-income households build and repair credit, as well as short- and long-term financial assets.

• Financial products or services for credit building and credit repair.
• Initiatives to increase savings, including emergency funds.
• Support for homeownership, including readiness, preservation and long-term stability (e.g., first-time buyer assistance, preventing displacement and support systems for aging in place resources).

Safeguard: Programs that protect low-income household financial security by preventing and addressing financial losses.

• Education and support for the safe and confident use of digital financial tools.
• Fraud and scam awareness, prevention and recovery initiatives, including protection from identity theft.
• Interventions to help households recover from major financial shocks (e.g., healthcare costs, extended family care, job transitions or natural disasters).

Funding Opportunity

The Foundation plans to award 70 $500,000 (USD) grants (to be disbursed over two years) totaling $35 million to community organizations working in select communities where Citi has a presence.

The grants will be restricted and are anticipated to be disbursed in two annual payments in 2026 and 2027. Proposed projects should be for a term of 24 months, starting no sooner than August 1, 2026 and ending no later than December 31, 2028.

International Paper Grants focus on community engagement, emphasizing education, hunger relief, health & wellness, and disaster relief. They support nonprofit organizations that demonstrate good financial standing and effective management. Eligible organizations must operate in areas where International Paper has facilities. The foundation prioritizes local needs, particularly critical and environmental issues, while encouraging employee involvement. Ineligible entities include private foundations and those without a local presence. Applications are accepted through mid-September in the U.S. and Canada.

StopWaste

StopWaste is a public agency serving the 1.7 million diverse residents of Alameda County. Formed in 1976, we work on behalf of 17 member agencies—the County, 14 cities, and 2 sanitary districts—committed to advancing environmental sustainability and building healthy, equitable, climate resilient communities in Alameda County. Our vision is focused on an Alameda County in which people thrive and are empowered to utilize resources and energy in ways that are good for the health of our communities, our local economy, and the planet.

StopWaste's work is guided by three long-term goals: building a healthy local food system that eliminates waste, advancing a thriving circular economy, and accelerating innovation in the built environment. We prevent wasted food, recover surplus food to nourish communities, and keep materials in circulation through reuse, repair, recycling, and composting—while helping communities across Alameda County cut pollution, save money, and meet California’s climate and waste goals.

Surplus Food Donation Equipment Grants

SFDE Grant supports Alameda County non-profit organizations that recover, transport, store, and distribute surplus edible food to community members. The program prioritizes investments that strengthen edible food recovery infrastructure and improve the safe, efficient, and dignified distribution of recovered edible food. 

SFDE grant funding is intended to support equipment with a demonstrated connection to edible food recovery activities. It is not intended to support general nonprofit operations or facility improvements. Applications are reviewed based on project need, operational readiness, food recovery impact, community benefit, and alignment with SFDE funding priorities. 

Philanthropic Ventures Foundation

Philanthropic Ventures Foundation (PVF), a 501(c)(3) public charity, was founded in 1991 to test new approaches to creative grantmaking and to maximize the impact of the philanthropic dollar. We are proud of our 34 years of advancing philanthropy.

Christopher Wellington Moore Memorial Scholarship

The Christopher Wellington Moore Memorial Scholarship is a $20,000 award to one graduating senior at Castlemont High School, McClymonds High School, Oakland High School or Skyline High School in Oakland, CA who has been accepted to a 4-year university pursuing a degree in music or education. The award will be disbursed in four annual installments of $5,000 to the recipient's chosen university.   

The Permanente Medical Group's Delivery Science Fellowship Program provides a unique opportunity for health professionals and PhD researchers to engage in impactful delivery science research. Fellows work closely with experienced mentors and Kaiser Permanente physicians to address critical healthcare delivery issues, enhance their research skills, and contribute to innovative solutions that improve patient care. This two-year program includes individualized mentorship, access to extensive data resources, and opportunities for publication and presentation at national conferences.

The Saint-Gobain Corporation Foundation Direct Grants program provides support to non-profit organizations in focus areas including STEM education, sustainable construction, and workforce development. The foundation aims to foster community development and environmental stewardship. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations and accredited educational institutions in the U.S. The Foundation prioritizes partnerships that allow employee involvement and volunteer support, aiming to build meaningful relationships with grantees.

About Rose

Our Mission, Vision, and Roots

Rose believes that environmental stewardship, community justice, and consumer rights are all inextricably linked.

We amplify community voices by making grants, building capacity, and fostering the next generation of environmental leaders.

Environmental Justice for California’s Environment and Communities Fund

This funding opportunity is borne out of a partnership with the California Department of Toxic Substances Control to receive Supplemental Environmental Project money associated with the agency’s enforcement actions. The Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment is administering these funds to support organizations working on hazardous waste related issues throughout the area affected by the facility’s violations. The funding opportunity is expected to be offered on an annual basis once established, though availability is dependent on DTSC enforcement actions. 

The Morris Stulsaft Foundation offers the Participation in the Arts Grant for organizations serving youth ages 5 to 18 in the Bay Area. This grant focuses on providing essential arts education, promoting creativity, and fostering community connections among economically vulnerable children. Programs must include at least 15 hours of immersive art experiences and align with California's educational standards. The foundation prioritizes strong leadership in organizations to ensure impactful programming for under-served populations.

The Bayer Fund: Food & Nutrition Grant supports high-quality programs that combat malnutrition and improve access to nutritious foods, particularly for underserved communities and families with young children. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government units. The fund prioritizes long-term behavioral change towards healthy eating and nutrition, with grants typically not exceeding 25% of an organization's operating budget. International requests start at $25,000, fostering sustainable food security and education initiatives.

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.

The Olympic Club Foundation provides grants up to $25,000 to 501(c)(3) organizations that support youth sports programs in the Bay Area. The foundation prioritizes funding for programs that serve at-risk youth, focusing on developing leadership and teamwork skills through various sports. With an average grant size of $9,500, it aims to empower youth aged 5-18 to engage in athletic activities, fostering a healthy and active lifestyle.

The Division of Boating and Waterways offers the Sewage Management Education and Outreach Grant Program to educate Californians about proper boat sewage disposal. Established under the Clean Vessel Act of 1992, this program funds pumpout stations and promotes public awareness in targeted regions including the San Francisco Bay Delta and Southern California Coastal Counties. Grants will support education, outreach, and monitoring efforts to ensure safe and environmentally friendly boating practices.

The Morris Stulsaft Foundation offers the Educational Support for Children Grant aimed at organizations serving Bay Area children aged 5-14 from low-income households. This grant prioritizes programs that enhance educational stability, foster healthy relationships, and support social-emotional development. Eligible organizations must be located in specific Bay Area counties and demonstrate effective leadership. Preference is given to initiatives supporting foster and homeless youth, along with those addressing community risk factors.

The Morris Stulsaft Foundation's Pathways to Work Grant focuses on empowering Bay Area youth aged 15 to 24 from low-income households. The grant emphasizes the importance of early work experience as a predictor of future employment, providing hands-on job training and support. Organizations must connect youth to paid work opportunities and offer programs that develop essential soft skills, ensuring they are prepared for various career paths in high-demand sectors.

John Muir Health offers community event sponsorships aimed at supporting health-related initiatives within Contra Costa County, Tri-Valley, and Northern Alameda County. As a not-for-profit health system, they prioritize funding for projects that address identified health needs, ensuring good stewardship of resources. Organizations must be registered 501c3 entities and align with their community health mission. Requests must be by invitation only, and personal or political sponsorships are not accepted.

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 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.