Best Affordable Housing Grants for Nonprofits in California

About the Strategic Growth Council

The mission of the Council is to coordinate and work collaboratively with public agencies, communities, and stakeholders to achieve sustainability, equity, economic prosperity, and quality of life for all Californians.

Tribal Housing Pre-Development Fund

The Tribal Housing Pre-Development Fund provides funding and technical assistance to Tribes interested in affordable housing development.

The Tribal Housing Pre-Development Fund is a grant opportunity that funds activities related to affordable housing development, including planning, infrastructure, construction, site preparation, and other pre-development activities. The goal of the Fund is to increase preparedness to build housing and access other state-funded, affordable housing programs. 

The programs are exclusively available to California Native American Tribes and Tribal entities; both federally recognized and non-federally recognized Tribes are encouraged to apply. 

Tribal Housing Pre-Development Fund

Purpose:

The Tribal Housing Pre-Development Fund is a grant opportunity that funds activities related to affordable housing development, including planning, infrastructure, construction, site preparation, and other pre-development activities. The goal of the Fund is to increase preparedness to build housing and access other state-funded, affordable housing programs. 

Description:

Eligible activities include but are not limited to Planning Activities, such as Community Needs Assessment . Feasibility Studies, Market Analyses . Environmental Assessments , and similar activities to determine housing needs and develop a project plan that is responsive to the needs of the community. The grant also funds Infrastructure Investments, such as Sewage and Drainage Infrastructure, Waste Management, and Electric Utility, Broadband, and Renewable Energy Infrastructure. The grant funds Sustainable Transportation Investments  such as Road and Safety infrastructure that do not increase vehicle capacity. The grant funds Site Acquisition and Preparation Site Appraisal and Acquisition, such as Site Preparation, including Surveying, Grading, and Mitigation, Architectural and Engineering costs, Ecological and Wildlife Restoration, and Disaster Preparedness. The grant also funds Other Associated Costs Legal Fees, such as Consultant Fees, Staff Development and Training, and Staff Salaries.

The Beneficial State Foundation offers sponsorships to 501(c)(3) organizations in California, Oregon, and Washington, focusing on social justice and environmental work. With a unique business model, Beneficial State Bank reinvests profits back into communities, emphasizing support for existing clients. Organizations must submit requests at least 60 days in advance and cannot use funds for political activities. The foundation prioritizes partnerships, making funding competitive due to high demand.

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Full-Time Associates

Regions supports organizations important to our associates through the Regions Matching Gifts Program. This program, which is open for use for all full-time Regions associates, affiliate associates and recent retirees, allows you to make an even greater difference to your favorite charities by doubling your tax-deductible contributions to these organizations. 

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Recent Retirees

Retirees of Regions and its affiliated companies are eligible for the Matching Gift Program for up to 5 years after retirement (the gift date must be within the first 5 years of retirement). Regions will match donations of $25 or more, up to a total of $1,000 per year per retiree.

The Regions Community Affairs team will contact the organization on your behalf to verify the gift and review eligibility.

The Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Program plays a vital role in California's climate strategy by funding projects that promote affordable housing and sustainable transportation. By reducing reliance on personal vehicles, it aims to decrease greenhouse gas emissions. The program supports new construction, renovation of affordable housing, and transportation infrastructure, including transit amenities and safe walking and biking options, thereby fostering equitable access to essential services for all residents.

The California Advanced Services Fund's Broadband Public Housing Account Grant aims to provide funding for the development of broadband networks that deliver free internet services to low-income residents. Eligible projects include publicly supported housing and mobile home parks lacking access to broadband. Grants finance up to 100% of installation costs, ensuring that underserved communities receive high-quality internet access, which is essential for education, employment, and social connectivity.

Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Program Round 10

The AHSC Program funds projects that implement land-use, housing, transportation, and agricultural land preservation practices that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

The AHSC Program provides grants and/or loans for Projects that achieve GHG Reductions and benefit communities across California, particularly DACs, Low-Income Communities, and Low-Income Households, through increasing accessibility of affordable housing, employment centers, and Key Destinations via low-carbon transportation. These investments result in fewer vehicle miles traveled (VMT) through shortened or reduced vehicle trip length or mode shift to transit, bicycling, or walking.

The purpose of these Program Guidelines is to implement Division 44, Part 1 Chapter 2 of the California Public Resources Code (PRC) (commencing with Section 75200), which establishes the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Program, hereinafter referred to as the AHSC Program. Per the California Public Resources Code, the purpose of the AHSC Program is to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through Projects that implement land use, housing, transportation, and Agricultural Land preservation practices to support infill and compact development, and that support related and coordinated public policy objectives, including the following:

• Reducing air pollution;
• Improving conditions in Disadvantaged Communities (DACs);
• Supporting or improving public health and other co-benefits as defined in Section 39712 of the Health and Safety Code;
• Improving connectivity and accessibility to jobs, housing, and services;
• Increasing options for mobility, including the implementation of the Active Transportation Program established pursuant to Section 2380 of the Streets and Highway Code;
• Increasing transit ridership;
• Preserving and developing affordable housing for lower income households, as defined in Section 50079.5 of the Health and Safety Code; and
• Protecting Agricultural Lands to support infill development.

The Strategic Growth Council's Factory Built Housing Pilot Program Round 3 Catalyst Grant aims to enhance the availability of affordable, high-quality housing in California through innovative factory-built housing solutions. By providing grants of up to $500,000, the program supports regional efforts to build knowledge and capacity, fostering collaboration among stakeholders. The initiative seeks to create scalable strategies that integrate factory-built housing into local plans, addressing barriers and promoting long-term sustainable housing solutions.

The Strategic Growth Council's Factory Built Housing Pilot Program aims to enhance the availability of affordable housing in California through factory-built solutions. With a funding allocation of $12 million, this program supports both Catalyst and Planning Grants to foster scalable strategies for long-term housing initiatives. Designed for advanced planning efforts, applicants are expected to demonstrate collaborative infrastructure and a clear vision for regional housing expansion, thus addressing the pressing need for high-quality homes across the state.

The Washington Federal Foundation offers Community Service Micro Grants aimed at supporting nonprofits that assist low- and moderate-income communities. Eligible organizations must have been operational for at least 12 months and be located near a WaFd Bank branch. The grants focus on essential services like housing assistance, financial literacy, and basic needs support, while excluding medical, animal welfare, and arts-related funding unless tied to employment for low-income populations.

The California Investment and Innovation Fund (Cal IIP) Program aims to strengthen community development financial institutions (CDFIs) by providing grants to enhance their capacity to assist economically-disadvantaged communities. Funding is tiered based on the number of loans closed, with grants up to $200,000 available for eligible applicants. This initiative supports various community needs, including affordable housing and small business development, ultimately promoting economic stability and growth in California.

The Banner Bank Community Support Program offers grants to nonprofit organizations in Washington, Oregon, California, and Idaho focusing on housing, youth development, financial education, and economic growth. Priority is given to programs aiding low- and moderate-income populations. Organizations applying must not discriminate and should support essential community services. Applications are accepted year-round, with a review period of 45-60 days. However, certain areas, such as individual scholarships and political organizations, are ineligible for funding.

Background

The purpose of DR-ACCEL is to address projects with funding gaps so they may move into construction. Funding available under this Project Solicitation is derived from CDBG-DR funds. No bond sale or similar financial arrangements are involved.

HUD requires that 80 percent of CDBG-DR funding be spent within areas designated as Most Impacted and Distressed (MID areas). HCD will spend 100 percent of the 2023 DR Allocation, including the mitigation set-aside, in the HUD MID areas for DR-4683. Data sources relating to these MID counties are further explained in the Unmet Needs Assessment section of the Action Plan.

Low-and moderate income (LMI) renters receive the least amount of resources after disasters yet face the largest need for housing. The housing programs were allocated based on data from Disaster Case Manager Providers (DCMPs). Based on data provided by DCMPs, the largest group of LMI populations impacted by DR-4683 are renters, who plan on continuing renting.

The following counties constitute the MID areas for DR-4683: Merced, Santa Cruz, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura. Data sources relating to these MID counties are further explained in the Unmet Needs Assessment section of the Action Plan.

One of the prioritization criteria is distance to DR-4683 flooded areas. Projects closest to DR-4683 and not in 100-year flood plain areas will receive more points for this program.

The HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) for Tribal Applicants in California offers funding to support affordable housing initiatives. This program accepts applications until September 24, 2025, or until funds are exhausted. It aims to provide decent, safe, and sanitary housing for low-income and very low-income households through loans and grants. Eligible applicants can utilize these funds for various housing-related activities, ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations.

The T2025 Multifamily Finance Super NOFA for Los Angeles allocates approximately $101 million to support multifamily housing and infrastructure projects in areas affected by wildfires in January 2025. The California Department of Housing and Community Development aims to expedite affordable housing solutions for disaster survivors through two application phases, emphasizing immediate construction and readiness. Eligible programs include Multifamily Housing, Supportive Housing, and Infrastructure Grant initiatives, all focused on enhancing housing stability and community recovery.

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Our Work:

The Citi Foundation commits $20 million to help nonprofit housing developers overcome financial and operational barriers to building and preserving affordable housing in the U.S.

Apply for Funding

Citi Foundation primarily provides funding through open Requests for Proposals (RFP). 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. Each RFP launched is accompanied by detailed information on goals, selection criteria and relevant application deadlines.

Housing Affordability

Citi's Blueprint for Housing Opportunity

Recognized as the number one affordable housing lender in the U.S. by Affordable Housing Finance magazine, Citi knows increasing supply is essential to addressing housing affordability — one of the defining economic challenges of our time. That’s why we are putting our capital, community impact and expertise toward helping more Americans access housing they can truly afford.

About NCRC

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) is a nationwide network of nearly 800 organizations and champions working for a Just Economy, where all Americans can build wealth and provide for their families with stability and dignity.

Our vision: To solve America’s historic racial and socio-economic wealth, income and opportunity divides. This vision is the foundation of the Just Economy Pledge.

Fellowship for Equitable Development

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition matches top-level graduate degree students with premiere community development organizations.

NCRC is looking for fellowship projects that move the needle on housing, small business development, and workforce development. Projects may directly result in community outcomes in these focus areas, or involve work with community members to create plans or project pipelines that will solve local issues in these areas.

The NCRC Fellowship cultivates the next generation of community development leaders and empowers them to tackle the issues of tomorrow. The community development sector will face significant challenges in the coming decades from climate change, widening wealth gaps, food insecurities, extreme housing shortages and other needs. These challenges will disproportionately impact low-wealth communities and communities of color. Therefore, it is NCRC’s intention and pledge to uphold the values of community empowerment in the fellowship program.

Interested students and host organizations must apply for this fellowship opportunity.

Program Benefits for Student Fellows Include:

• High-quality training and support from regional leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning and community development fields
• A $20,000 stipend for the eight-month, part-time (20-hours per week) fellowship
• The opportunity to meet with leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning and community development fields
• Academic credit, in accordance with the policies of the Fellows’ respective universities
• Complimentary admission to the NCRC annual Just Economy Conference

Program Benefits for Host Organizations Include:

• Fresh, innovative talent to help advance organizational mission
• The opportunity to help shape the next generation of community development leaders
• Participation in a fellowship program at little to no cost

The Process

1. NCRC Members Apply; 2. NCRC Selects Member Projects; 3. Students Apply To Selected Projects; 4. Top Student Candidates Interviewed; 5. NCRC & Member Select Student Fellow; 6. NCRC Onboards Member & Student 7. Fellowship Commences

Host Partnerships

Fellowship host partners must be NCRC members. If your organization would like to participate in the Fellowship but is not a member, you can join here and then apply.

Host Requirements

• A compelling project to provide a challenging assignment for fellows with real world application.
• Must commit to a schedule with at least one day per week in office for both fellow and host supervisor.

About NCRC

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) is a nationwide network of nearly 800 organizations and champions working for a Just Economy, where all Americans can build wealth and provide for their families with stability and dignity.

Our vision: To solve America’s historic racial and socio-economic wealth, income and opportunity divides. This vision is the foundation of the Just Economy Pledge.

Fellowship for Equitable Development

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition matches top-level graduate degree students with premiere community development organizations.

NCRC is looking for fellowship projects that move the needle on housing, small business development, and workforce development. Projects may directly result in community outcomes in these focus areas, or involve work with community members to create plans or project pipelines that will solve local issues in these areas.

The NCRC Fellowship cultivates the next generation of community development leaders and empowers them to tackle the issues of tomorrow. The community development sector will face significant challenges in the coming decades from climate change, widening wealth gaps, food insecurities, extreme housing shortages and other needs. These challenges will disproportionately impact low-wealth communities and communities of color. Therefore, it is NCRC’s intention and pledge to uphold the values of community empowerment in the fellowship program.

Interested students and host organizations must apply for this fellowship opportunity.

Program Benefits for Student Fellows Include:

• High-quality training and support from regional leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning and community development fields
• A $20,000 stipend for the eight-month, part-time (20-hours per week) fellowship
• The opportunity to meet with leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning and community development fields
• Academic credit, in accordance with the policies of the Fellows’ respective universities
• Complimentary admission to the NCRC annual Just Economy Conference

Program Benefits for Host Organizations Include:

• Fresh, innovative talent to help advance organizational mission
• The opportunity to help shape the next generation of community development leaders
• Participation in a fellowship program at little to no cost

The Process

1. NCRC Members Apply; 2. NCRC Selects Member Projects; 3. Students Apply To Selected Projects; 4. Top Student Candidates Interviewed; 5. NCRC & Member Select Student Fellow; 6. NCRC Onboards Member & Student 7. Fellowship Commences

Student Fellow Applications

Fellow applications will open for eligible students once host projects have been reviewed and finalists selected. Students will apply to be considered for a specific host project. Top student candidates will be interviewed by NCRC as well as the host organization.

Fellow Requirements

• Must provide documentation confirming active enrollment (i.e. Letter of Enrollment from Registrar or transcript)
• Must commit to fellowship for full Period of September 14, 2026-May 14, 2027 academic school year
• Must commit to a 20 hour/week fellowship
• Must commit to a schedule with at least one day per week in-office of host organization

Who We Are

Our goal is to END homelessness in our community and we’re committed to advancing solutions that will deliver true systemic change. 

Through our collective impact model, we convene and collaborate with stakeholders across our community to advance strategies that address the root causes of homelessness and help ensure that all our neighbors have a stable home. We embrace a data-driven and human approach to our work – advocating for policies, incubating new ideas and programs, and investing in strategies that reduce and prevent homelessness in our community.

By working together, we can ensure that homelessness is rare, brief and non-recurring – and create a safer, stronger, more vibrant community for us all.

TECHquity Fund Program

Destination: Home launched the TECHquity Fund in 2022 to meet the technology-related needs of service providers and people seeking assistance throughout the homelessness service sector in Santa Clara County. These needs were identified and documented with an assessment by our partners at Homebase.

The purpose of the TECHquity Fund is to remove barriers to service and housing-related support by providing technology access to those on their path to housing stability and to the Santa Clara County Supportive Housing system. With the launch of MyConnectSV, a first of its kind technology solution, Santa Clara County made a deeper commitment to shifting power to service-engaged individuals by enabling transparent and direct access to their service journey. 

Destination: Home is dedicated to increasing access to MyConnectSV through the TECHquity Fund to support the unique technology needs of Santa Clara County-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations serving Extremely Low Income (ELI) individuals. Understanding how critical WiFi infrastructure is in connecting people to services, we are also interested in supporting WiFi installation projects at housing, shelter and other service sites throughout the Supportive Housing System.

City of Santee

The City of Santee’s evolution from being a small, backcountry village in the late nineteenth century to becoming a diverse and multifaceted modern city is a fascinating and colorful story. From the community’s original founders, George and Jennie Cowles, Hosmer McKoon, and Milton Santee himself, to those who led the incorporation drive toward it becoming a city almost a century later, Santee’s history is filled with people who shared a vision of this community becoming something truly special.

Department of Planning & Building

The Planning & Building Department carries out a variety of functions related to the orderly development of the City. One of its primary tasks is to ensure that current developments comply with the City's General Plan, Municipal Code as well as the California Building Code. 

City of Santee Community Development Block Grant

CDBG is a federal program that provides communities with resources to address a wide range of unique community development needs. The funds are used to develop viable communities by promoting decent housing, a suitable living environment, and expanded economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate- income persons. Eligibility is determined by household income compared to the median household income in the region, adjusted for household size. The City of Santee submits an application for CDBG funds annually.

The Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grants for Fiscal Year 2025 support revitalization efforts in severely distressed public housing and surrounding neighborhoods. This program encourages collaboration among local governments, housing agencies, and community partners to create comprehensive plans aimed at improving housing quality, promoting upward mobility for residents, and attracting long-term investment for neighborhood development. Successful applicants will implement their Transformation Plans, which were developed through prior Planning Grants to enhance the quality of life for residents.

Wegmans Family Foundation Inc focuses on cultivating healthy communities through support for hunger relief, health initiatives, education, and youth programs. They prioritize collaborations with local nonprofits to enhance community well-being, offering assistance in key areas like economic mobility and youth engagement. Despite their wide-ranging support, they have specific ineligibility criteria, such as not accommodating personal requests or solicitation on their property, aiming to direct resources effectively where they are needed most.

Parkview Legacy FoundationThe Parkview Legacy Foundation Impact Grants will provide financial support to organizations that are working everyday to attain permanent affordable housing, social mobility, and whole health for the residents within our service area. The Foundation respects and appreciates the work of all organizations that aim to improve the lives of others but is committed to fund systemic change that positively affects the root causes of poverty and health disparity.Focus Areas

• Housing Stability
• Social Mobility
• Whole health accessibility
• Integrated Solutions

About Emergent Needs Impact Grant

• Emergent Needs (formely Special Needs) funding is intended to support one-time needs organizations have to accomplish institutional or programmatic goals that are instrumental to their mission. Examples of emergent needs include purchases of equipment or software, one-time programmatic gap funding, cash flow support, a special staff support project, and one-time staff development needs.
• The Emergent Needs Fund is the smallest of our three funds and intended to help fill smaller funding gaps or cover smaller one-time needs that are not currently funded by other sources. 
• Grants from the Emergent Needs fund are expected to be used as described in the Grant application within one year of distribution.