Search Through Grants for Nonprofits Serving Disabled in California in the U.S.

Albertsons' Companies Foundation

Our Foundation funds organizations that strengthen the neighborhoods we serve. Please see below for our guidelines and other important information on our grants process.

Priorities

We support nonprofit organizations whose mission is aligned with our priority areas:

• Health and Human Services.
• Hunger.
• Youth and Education.
• Veterans.
• Supporting Diversity and Inclusion of All Abilities.

Timing

We review applications on a quarterly basis. At the close of the application process, it typically takes us at least 6 WEEKS to review and get back to you.

Centinela Valley Medical & Community Funds – Integration, Collaboration, Advocacy

The California Community Foundation is seeking letters of interest for grants supporting work in improving immigrant health access, behavioral health and health policy and advocacy affecting South L.A.’s Centinela Valley.

Strategies & Outcomes

To promote and improve the health and quality of life of children and adults living in the Centinela Valley, the foundation focuses on grants to organizations that address the following topics:

• Increasing integration of medical, dental, vision, mental health and substance use prevention, care and treatment services
• Facilitating cross-sector and regional systems collaboration among L.A. County public sector partners, nonprofit hospital/health systems, other nonprofits, and community partners to address the root causes of racial/ethnic health disparities including but not limited to immigration status.
• Supporting health policy/advocacy efforts that promote universal access to and utilization of health coverage, services and other public benefits
• At least 90 percent of individuals who would be served by the proposed program must reside in these zip codes: 90001, 90002, 90003, 90008, 90011, 90016, 90018, 90037, 90043, 90044, 90045, 90047, 90059, 90061, 90062, 90220, 90245, 90249, 90250, 90260, 90301, 90302, 90303, 90304 and 90305.

Background

The California Community Foundation is seeking letters of interest for grants supporting work in improving healthcare access, disease prevention and community engagement around health issues in South L.A.’s Centinela Valley.

CCF endeavors to be the destination foundation for donors and nonprofits that are passionately committed to creating systemic change in Los Angeles County. We aim to address the root causes of L.A.’s most pressing issues by supporting the nonprofit organizations on the front lines whose innovation and dedication continue to make this a better place for all of us.

Our goal is to make the process simple so that potential grantees can easily explore opportunities, review instructions, monitor deadlines and access tools and other non-grant support – including vital convening support for nonprofits across Los Angeles through the Joan Palevsky Center for the Future of Los Angeles.

Centinela Valley Medical & Community Funds strategy

CCF established the Centinela Medical and Community Fund and the Centinela Medical Care Fund in 1999 to benefit residents in the Centinela Valley.

The funds have since granted approximately $50 million to eligible hospitals and other community-based organizations providing healthcare, medically-related services and health education to economically disadvantaged residents.

Grants are made for core operating, program, project or capacity building support.

Strategies and Outcomes

To promote and improve the health and quality of life of children and adults living in the Centinela Valley, the foundation focuses on grants to organizations that address the following topics:

• Increasing integration of medical, dental, vision, mental health and substance use prevention, care and treatment services
• Facilitating cross-sector and regional systems collaboration among L.A. County public sector partners, nonprofit hospital/health systems, other nonprofits, and community partners to address the root causes of racial/ethnic health disparities including but not limited to immigration status.
• Supporting health policy/advocacy efforts that promote universal access to and utilization of health coverage, services and other public benefits

Please see FAQs for additional guidelines.

Community Support Grant Program

The Community Foundation of Mendocino County supports local educational opportunities open to the public, and public events with broad community impact, that align with the Community Foundation’s strategic plan. Nonprofits, tribes, schools, special districts and organizations with a fiscal sponsor are eligible to apply for these small grants.

Each request is evaluated on:

• The alignment with the Community Foundation’s mission, vision, strategic plan, and current priorities.
• The impact the event will have on meeting immediate needs in Mendocino County.
• The quality of the planning.
• The scope of outreach in the broader community.

Funding

$500-$1,000

Mission/Vision

Our mission is to lead positive systemic change that strengthens Los Angeles communities. We envision a future where all Angelenos have the opportunity to contribute to the productivity, health and well-being of our region. And we believe that our common fate will be determined by how successfully we improve the quality of life for all of our residents. The impact we help create is of, by and for Los Angeles, because the community is our foundation.

Health - Integration, Collaboration & Advocacy

The California Community Foundation is seeking letters of interest for grants supporting work in improving immigrant health access, behavioral health and health policy and advocacy. All potential applicants are strongly encouraged to speak with a Program Officer before beginning the application process to learn more about the current emphases.

Strategies & Outcomes

To promote and improve the health and quality of life of children and adults living in Los Angeles County, the foundation focuses on grants to organizations that address the following topics:

• Increasing integration of medical, dental, vision, mental health and substance use prevention, care and treatment services
• Facilitating cross-sector and regional systems collaboration among L.A. County public sector partners, nonprofit hospital/health systems, other nonprofits, and community partners to address the root causes of racial/ethnic health disparities including but not limited to immigration status
• Supporting health policy/advocacy efforts that promote universal access to and utilization of health coverage, services and other public benefits

Our Mission

The Kampe Foundation is a private foundation that provides programs and funding to nonprofit organizations in the fields of community development, social justice, and environmental issues.

How We Accomplish Our Work

The Kampe Foundation serves nonprofit organizations and communities in most of the western United States. Special project areas include San Mateo County, California and Western Colorado, especially the North Fork of the Gunnison River Valley.

Grants are awarded in our 4 program areas:

• Healthcare and education for special populations (youth, disabled, low-income and senior citizens)
• Christian ministry, ethics and social justice.
• Science and engineering
• Sustainable agriculture and environmental issues.

Michael & Susan Dell Foundation Grants

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation only accepts unsolicited proposals for specific areas within the education, family economic stability and childhood health sectors in select countries where we work, namely the United States, India and South Africa.

As a guideline, the foundation does not fund more than 25% of a project’s budget or more than 10% of an organization’s total annual operating expenses.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation has always recognized the power of providing grants to partner organizations that we knew were already working hard to improve the lives of urban children living in poverty. By aligning with organizations that are already making a difference, we continue to make an immediate impact on the lives of thousands of children.

Foundation priorities:

We fund social enterprises that directly serve or impact children or youth from urban low-income communities in the areas of education, health, and family economic stability (including livelihoods and financial inclusion). These social enterprises may be structured as for-profit or nonprofit entities.

Partnerships

We collaborate with a range of organizations focused on creating opportunities for children and families living in urban poverty, with a deep emphasis on measuring impact. Our funding advances projects already making an impact in education, health, and family economic stability. Through these enduring and long-standing partnerships, we create lasting change together.

Our Mission

The Tony Robbins Foundation is a nonprofit organization created to empower individuals and organizations to make a significant difference in the quality of life of people often forgotten.

We’re dedicated to creating positive changes in the lives of youth, seniors, the hungry, homeless and the imprisoned population, all who need a boost envisioning a happier and deeply satisfying way of life. Our passionate staff, generous donors and caring group of international volunteers provide the vision, inspiration, and resources needed to empower these important members of our society.

Grants

Dedicated to meeting challenges within the global community, creating solutions and taking action, The Tony Robbins Foundation provides monetary donations to various organizations around the world. Funding requests are evaluated on an ongoing basis. We look for organizations that align with our mission to empower individuals and organizations to make a significant difference in the quality of life of those often forgotten.

Albertsons Companies and Vons Foundations funds organizations that strengthen the neighborhoods we serve. We support nonprofit organizations whose mission is aligned with our priority areas:

• Health and Human Services
• Hunger
• Youth and Education
• Veterans
• Supporting Diversity and Inclusion of All Abilities

Outside of a specific RFP, a first-time funded organization will typically receive a grant of $1,000 to $5,000. Once we have some history with an organization, we will entertain a request at a higher value.

Our Foundation does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.

These activities include, but are not limited to,

• hiring, and firing of staff,
• selection of volunteers and vendors, and
• provision of services.

We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients. A nondiscrimination policy will be requested of all applicants.

Investing in Our Communities

At Bank of Marin:

• We believe that doing our part to build a stronger community for all is essential to our collective success
• We strive to support nonprofits that foster community and economic vitality, equitable access to educational resources and an enriched quality of life.
• We commit to being a collaborative community partner through focused leadership, volunteerism, giving and financial education.

Since opening our doors in 1990, the Bank and its employees have donated millions of dollars, served on hundreds of nonprofit boards/committees and volunteered thousands of hours to local philanthropic endeavors.

Each year, Bank of Marin donates at least 1% of pre-tax profit to positively impact the communities we serve. We have been named a “Top Corporate Philanthropist in the Bay Area” by the San Francisco Business Times since 2003, and was recognized as a community leader as a recipient of the North Bay Business Journal’s Corporate Philanthropy award from its inception in 2014 until the award program was retired in 2020.

Grant Funding Priorities

Social & Economic Vitality:

Foster a thriving economy and community by supporting efforts to meet basic needs.

Organization and programs related to:

• Basic needs and social safety net programs,
• economic development,
• affordable housing, and
• small business support, especially BIPOC and women-owned business.

Education

Enable youth and adults to gain the skills to thrive personally and professionally.

Organization and programs related to:

• youth and professional development programs,
• access gaps in education (especially S.T.E.A.M. education) and professional development, and
• youth mentorship, college preparedness and academic success.

Enrichment & Wellness

Enhance quality of life and provide access to health and wellness programs.

Organization and programs related to:

• access to arts and cultural experiences,
• animal rescue and animal-human therapy,
• disability programs, and
• environment and sustainability.

The Foundation’s Purposes

Kirchgessner Vision Foundation (“Foundation”) is a private foundation qualified under Internal Revenue Code §501(c)(3) whose purposes are exclusively charitable. The Foundation supports tax exempt institutions located primarily in the Southern California area which are actively engaged in the provision of services in the field of vision. The Foundation seeks to assist economically disadvantaged persons, especially those among the young, the elderly, and the disabled. While the Foundation may support a limited amount of eye research, its emphasis is to support activities in the area of vision care, and to help those with sight problems to be self-sufficient.The Foundation places the highest priority on the grant proposals of nonprofits serving communities in the five-county region of Greater Los Angeles (Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura Counties). Agencies who serve the Greater LA region but are headquartered elsewhere may also apply for a grant. It is highly unlikely that funding will be offered to an organization, initiative or project that falls outside of this area.Types of GrantsThe Foundation makes the following types of grants:

• Grants to support a specific project or program, or the acquisition by purchase or otherwise of one or more specific items of equipment needed for a project or program.
• Grants for seed money to assist in establishing a new project, program or organization, including salary and other operating expenses. Such grants are determined on a case-by-case basis.
• Grants to provide operating or general support. Such grants will be limited and will generally be acted upon only after one of the first two types of grants above.

Grant Opportunities

Ability Central makes grants to improve communication and information access for people who are Deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent. Since 2010, Ability Central has provided more than $12.5 million in support of 200+ projects, serving more than 555,000 people with disabilities.

We value our grantees as partners and provide practical support in addition to our funding. We encourage the input, collaboration, and knowledge exchange of our partners through regular communication and grantee meetings. Additionally, we uplift and highlight the impact of our grantee partners throughout our digital presence, at conferences, in our newsletter, and in our annual impact report. We also require grantees to participate in at least one in-person grantee gathering during the year of their grant award, and another one the following year, to share ideas, needs, and lessons with other grantees.

Our 2024 funding cycle for Communication Access projects encourages leadership development projects, healthcare training projects, and innovation and digital accessibility improvement for people with communication disabilities. We award our major grants on an annual basis. 

Communication Access Grants

Innovation and digital accessibility projects.

Our major funding encourages the implementation of innovative technologies, services, and solutions benefiting people with disabilities.

Ability Central defines innovation as the development of a new concept into a valuable solution that expands access for people with disabilities when applied and scaled. We encourage innovation with the potential to impact people far beyond the initial study or pilot participants.

Digital accessibility makes it easier for people with communication disabilities to access information, communicate effectively, engage in app-based programs, and participate fully in the digital world.

Developing and training healthcare professionals in strategies and tools that improve access to care for people with communication disabilities.

We are looking for projects to develop, train, and implement resources and programmatic models for people with disabilities who communicate and access information via methods such as braille, screen readers, American Sign Language (ASL), tactile interpreters, co-navigators, and/or Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).

This project is intended to train and equip healthcare professionals and healthcare systems with the knowledge, accessible resources, and multi-modal communication partner strategies to improve culturally responsive care for patients with communication disabilities and their care teams. These projects should be replicable and include people with disabilities in the planning, training, and implementation.

Career and leadership development projects for people with communication disabilities.

We are seeking strong, scalable, and replicable projects that provide supportive and fairly-compensated career training opportunities for people with communication disabilities.

Our History

Headquartered in Oakland, California, Ability Central is the philanthropic division of the California Communication Access Foundation, a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit founded in 2003. Ability Central is committed to improving communications and information access for individuals who are D/deaf or disabled and their families and caregivers.

Our Mission

To serve as an educator, convener, and resource that works collaboratively to ensure communications and information access in service of individuals who are D/deaf or disabled.

Our Vision

Transforming the field of communications and information access so that all individuals can realize their right and ability to access information and express themselves.

Our Goals

• To promote the expansion of quality communication access programs and services to individuals with disabilities
• To strengthen the entire sector providing communication access for people with disabilities
• To educate other grantmakers about the communication access needs of people with disabilities

Rapid Response: Access Improvement Grants

Ability Central offers rapid response Access Improvement Grants on a rolling basis for organizations or projects serving people with communication disabilities.

These mini grants provide short-term funding ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 with a turnaround of roughly one month from application receipt. These rapid response grants aim to help smaller nonprofits (especially those with a budget less than $1 million) increase the participation of people with disabilities in their events and programs.

Examples of expenses covered by rapid response Access Improvement Grants:

• Staff accessibility training
• Audio description of materials
• ASL interpreters
• DeafBlind Co-Navigators
• Captioning
• Sensory or tactile experience rooms for socio-emotional learning

Pacific Power Foundation

The Pacific Power Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Pacific Power. Our mission, through our charitable investments, is to support the growth and vitality of our communities.

Apply for a Grant

The foundation manages its grants in four cycles. This helps the foundation carefully review similar requests to ensure maximum benefit.

• The information on this page is for Health, safety and wellness organizations including:
  • addiction, disability resources, disaster relief, domestic violence, first responders, food insecurity, healthcare accessibility, homeless support, mental health, public safety initiatives, veteran organizations, wellness and preventative care.

Ameriprise Financial Grantmaking

At Ameriprise Financial, giving back is deeply rooted in our culture. We’ve initiated positive change in the communities where we live and work for more than 120 years. We believe our community involvement enables us to actively live our values. Through grant making, volunteerism and employee and financial advisor gift matching programs, we support a diverse group of over 6,000 nonprofits across the country.

Focus Areas

Awarding grant dollars to nonprofits is one way we strengthen our communities and help individuals on a path to financial independence. To ensure we're meeting the needs of our communities and making an even greater collective impact, we focus on three key giving areas when awarding grants.

Volunteer engagement is a priority across all focus areas:

The engagement of Ameriprise employees and financial advisors is a critical component of our philanthropy. Whether it’s serving on a nonprofit board, engaging friends, clients and community members in volunteering or providing skills-based support, our relationships with nonprofits go deep. For this reason, we give priority across all focus areas to applications where there is active volunteer engagement of Ameriprise advisors and employees. 

Meeting Basic Needs

At Ameriprise Financial, we help clients achieve financial security and peace of mind. That’s satisfying, meaningful work. We also help the people in our neighborhoods who struggle to meet basic needs such as where their next meal comes from, where they’ll sleep tonight or how they’ll find a higher wage job. We’re here to help them through the three platforms of our Meeting Basic Needs focus area.

Consideration is given to applications addressing the following: 

• Hunger
• Food banks, food shelves and food pantries, daily meal programs or meal services for the homebound
• Hunger-relief programs targeted to meet the special needs of children, ethnic populations or veterans
• Food programs run by nonprofits where hunger is not their sole focus, for example a youth meal program at the YWCA or a backpack program run by a Boys & Girls Club
• Shelter
• Emergency shelter, including youth homelessness
• Transitional housing, permanent supportive housing and efforts to end chronic homelessness
• Housing-first models (programs quickly providing housing and then addressing needed services)
• Achieving and maintaining home ownership, repair and maintenance efforts helping keep seniors, veterans and other populations in their homes 
• Adult Self-Sufficiency: Programs serving adults age 21 and older that help address the following areas:
• Basic hard and soft skills that help adults achieve economic and family stability
• Basic financial and budgeting skills
• Increase employability and wages, including work readiness and job transitions
• Employment of disabled adults

Supporting Community Vitality

We believe communities should be strong, healthy and resilient. We want livable places for all, where neighbors look out for one another, cultural events are well-attended and people pull together in times of crisis and joy. We work to create economic vitality and cultural enrichment through the following areas of focus.

Consideration is given to applications addressing the following: 

• Community Development
• Neighborhood revitalization
• Economic development
• Strengthening and supporting small businesses and nonprofits through technical expertise
• Cultural Enrichment
• Arts education
• Access for underserved populations
• Diverse artists and performances that spark topical community conversations 

Volunteer Driven Causes: Ameriprise employees and financial advisors are outstanding volunteers who serve in teams and also as individuals bringing personal skill-sets to nonprofits. Volunteering is part of the culture at Ameriprise and we are proud to support communities through contributions of both service and financial resources. 

Funding for Volunteer-Driven Causes is determined by current Ameriprise volunteerism. In general, funding is in proportion to the size of the Ameriprise volunteer team supporting a nonprofit. A team may include employees, financial advisors and/or staff or a combination of any Ameriprise volunteers. 

Background

The California State Coastal Conservancy (Conservancy) announces the availability of grants to public agencies, federally-recognized tribes and indigenous communities, and nonprofit organizations for programs that facilitate and enhance the public's opportunities to explore California's spectacular coast and San Francisco Bay shoreline. The ocean, coast, and beaches have long been recognized and used as spaces of joy, relaxation, and healing for many Californians. The ability to experience the coast without fear of physical barriers, feelings of not belonging, or financial challenge is crucial to how individuals cultivate their lifelong connections with the coast. The Explore the Coast grant program seeks to provide enjoyable coastal experiences for people and communities who face challenges or barriers to accessing or enjoying the coast ("ETC Priority Communities").

ETC Priority Communities may include but are not limited to lower-income individuals and households, people with disabilities, people of color, indigenous communities, immigrant communities, foster youth, and other historically excluded communities who face societal challenges or barriers to accessing or enjoying the coast. You can use this mapping tool or other resources you know of to help determine if you are serving low-income communities (please note the tool linked will refer to these as a “disadvantaged” or “severely disadvantaged community”).

Projects should also meet one or more of the following priorities:

• Provide an enjoyable experience at the coast.
• Reduce economic, physical, operational, or societal barriers to accessing or enjoying the coast.
• Inspire ongoing coastal resource stewardship ethic through active learning and interactive activities.

Eligible Projects

Eligible projects include a wide range of programs and activities that help to bring people to the coast and/or enhance their experience at the coast. Other benefits such as ecosystem stewardship and environmental education are secondary benefits and are not necessary for a project to be eligible.

Examples of eligible projects:

• Providing transportation for ETC priority community members to participate in recreational, educational, or stewardship programs at the coast.
• Providing coastal experiences such as kayaking, surfing, or sailing for persons with disabilities.
• Providing beach recreation day trips for participants and their families.
• Facilitating festivals, docent programs, or other outreach events to promote and increase coastal recreational opportunities for ETC priority community members. Applicants should have a clear plan for engaging ETC priority community members in large-scale festivals open to the public.
• Providing overnight coastal experiences for participants.
• Promoting the use of public transit to access the coast.

Central Valley Regional Center

Central Valley Regional Center (CVRC) is one of 21 regional centers in the State of California. Each regional center is a private nonprofit entity on contract with California’s Department of Developmental Services (DDS).

Central Valley Regional Center’s mission is to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and children at risk, to reach their goals.

HCBS Compliance and Program Improvement Funding

Central Valley Regional Center (CVRC) is pleased to announce the availability of HCBS Compliance Remediation & Program Improvement Funding to support providers in addressing compliance challenges and enhancing service quality for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. This funding is designed to help providers correct identified compliance deficiencies while also fostering improvements that align with Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) standards. 

Through a structured concept submission process and committee approval, this funding opportunity will establish a designated pool of funds for providers to apply, ensuring that resources are distributed equitably and effectively. 

Purpose of Funding

The HCBS Compliance Remediation & Program Improvement Funding is designed to support both compliance remediation efforts and proactive program enhancements. This funding ensures that services not only meet but exceed HCBS (Home and Community-Based Services) requirements by promoting quality, sustainability, and innovation. Specifically, this funding will:

• Assist Providers in Correcting Compliance Deficiencies
  • Funding is available to help providers address compliance issues identified through audits, monitoring, or self-assessments.
  • This support includes resources for corrective action plans, documentation improvements, and technical assistance to maintain HCBS compliance.
• Support Training, Policy Updates, and Service Model Improvements
  • Providers can use funding to develop staff training programs, update policies to align with evolving regulations, and refine service models to improve compliance and elevate the quality of care.
• Encourage Innovative Program Enhancements
  • This funding supports program improvements that align with HCBS principles, such as increasing individual choice, promoting community integration, and ensuring person centered support.
  • Proposals should focus on sustainable and meaningful service enhancements.
• Foster a Collaborative and Transparent Approach to Quality Improvement
  • We encourage projects that promote collaboration, transparency, and continuous quality improvement in HCBS service delivery. Initiatives that strengthen provider capacity, improve oversight, or enhance compliance monitoring processes are eligible for funding.

Allowable Uses of Funding

Funding may be used for provider-specific compliance remediation and program improvement efforts, including but not limited to: 

• Compliance Remediation Activities
  • Staff Training & Development
    • HCBS regulatory training, compliance workshops, and competency-based education.
  • Corrective Action Plan Implementation
    • Addressing deficiencies identified through monitoring, audits, or self-assessments.
  • Policy & Procedure Updates
    • Modifications to ensure alignment with HCBS requirements.
  • Technology & Record-Keeping Improvements
    • Implementation of electronic records systems, data management tools, or monitoring systems to ensure compliance.
• Program Improvement Activities
  • Enhancing Person-Centered Practices
    • Strengthening individualized service planning and participant choice.
  • Expanding Community Integration Efforts
    • Developing strategies to increase meaningful participation in community-based activities.
  • Improving Staff Competencies
    • Offering advanced training to improve service quality and participant outcomes.
  • Innovative Service Models
    • Implementing evidence-based approaches that enhance participant independence and engagement.

Funding Amount

Total Available Funding: $100,000 

Maximum Award per Provider: $25,000 

Funding will be awarded based on the strength of the proposal, demonstrated need, and potential impact on compliance and service quality. Providers are encouraged to submit proposals that clearly outline how the funds will be utilized to address compliance issues and/or improve service models.

Program OverviewCDFA's Farm to Community Food Hubs Program has up to $13.75 million available to award in competitive grants for organizations developing and expanding community food hubs in California. Up to ten percent of the funding will be set aside for California Native American Tribes and Tribal-led nonprofit organizations.This new grant program was established to pilot investments in (1) planning activities and (2) food aggregation and distribution infrastructure and operational costs needed for community food hubs to increase purchasing of local, environmentally sustainable, climate smart, and equitably produced food by schools and other institutions. These investments aim to build a better food system economy, support the local farming and indigenous food production economies, accelerate climate adaptation and resilience, and employ food system workers with fair wages and working conditions. 

Purpose

The purpose of the Farm to Community Food Hubs Program aligns with California Food and Agricultural Code (Sections 590-593). The Farm to Community Food Hubs Program aims to incentivize the creation and permanency of public-serving aggregation and distribution enterprises (i.e., community food hubs – read definition below) by investing in planning activities and piloting investments in the capital aggregation and distribution infrastructure needed to:

• Increase purchasing of local, environmentally sustainable, climate-smart, and equitably produced food by schools and other institutions
• Build a better food system economy
• Support the local farming and Indigenous food production economies
• Accelerate climate adaptation and resilience and
• Employ food system workers with fair wages and working conditions.

Program Priorities

This competitive grant program will fund community food hub projects that:

• Serve California food producers, such as farmers, ranchers, seafood harvesters, and California Native American Tribes, Tribal members, or Native American people using Indigenous food production practices
• Prioritize serving California food producers that represent at least one of the following:
  • Operate on 500 acres or less
  • Are cooperatively owned
  • Are using sustainable, climate smart, or regenerative agriculture practices or production systems;
  • Socially disadvantaged food producer
  • Veteran food producer
  • Beginning food producer
  • Limited resource food producer
  • Disabled food producer
• Prioritize distributing California food to public institutions and nonprofit organizations, with an emphasis on public schools, food banks, and other food distribution nonprofit organizations serving low-income communities in the region.
• Cultivate financial sustainability via strategies that help cover long-term costs 

Our Vision & Mission

Our vision is for every resident of California to enjoy good health and experience wellness. Our mission is to protect and improve the health and wellness of the people of California by increasing access to health care, quality education, good jobs, healthy environments and safe neighborhoods.

Our Work

• We use our resources to advance our mission through grantmaking, investments, sharing our learning and lifting our voice.
• We fund direct services that address the urgent needs people are facing in their communities, particularly the needs of low-income individuals, people of color, youth and residents of rural areas.
• We recognize, encourage and strengthen leaders to be powerful agents of change.
• We support advocacy and civic engagement so that communities can build power and create public policies that reflect their vision, will and needs.
• We trust and invest in nonprofit organizations so that they can operate at full capacity.
• We partner with community-led organizations, philanthropic organizations, businesses, government and individuals who want to improve health and wellness for Californians.

What We Fund

Our vision is that every person in California enjoys health and wellness. That means living in a safe and healthy community. Having access to quality education and good jobs. Drinking clean water. And having access to healthy foods.

But we know that a lot gets in the way of people enjoying health and wellness. The barriers are many and they are systemic. Wellness is directly affected by our race, class, gender and disability. By our zip code. By our family history. By our immigration status and past involvement with the criminal justice system.

That’s why we partner with community organizations to remove barriers to individual and community wellness. And to put in place more equitable processes and systems that improve individual and community wellness.

Through our grantmaking program—Advancing Wellness—we support organizations that are increasing access to health care. Innovative organizations that are advocating for quality education. Organizations big and small that are fighting for good jobs with fair wages and benefits. Local organizations that are working to make our streets and neighborhoods safe.

Equity in Access Fund

All people deserve to be healthy and experience wellness. And all Californians should be able to receive the health benefits and services they need to live healthy lives. We believe that health care is a human right. While California has made significant progress in expanding quality, affordable health care coverage and access, we recognize that due to systemic racism, persistent health disparities remain for people of color. Therefore, we center racial justice in our work as we work toward high-quality universal health care that expands the ability of all Californians, especially people of color, to obtain necessary health care and related services.

Our Equity in Access portfolio champions health care coverage and access for all and defends the rights of immigrants to enjoy access to health services, coverage and other benefits. All people, regardless of immigration status, deserve access to public benefits. Our portfolio also supports the rights of women to access comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care services.

We will support:

Universal coverage and access to care

All Californians should have the ability to see a medical provider when and how they need to. But there are currently many barriers in place that make it difficult for people of color and immigrants to access needed high-quality health care. And universal coverage means more than seeing a doctor once a year. It means having the access to comprehensive services for staying healthy, such as oral and behavioral health services, as well as having medical providers close by — whether in person or via telemedicine — and the means to get to them. We are one of the -few funders in the country investing in oral health care for low-income adults and seniors, despite the critical importance of oral health to overall physical well-being. Finally, people without health insurance need to know their options for getting coverage, and how to use their benefits once they’re enrolled. That’s why we invest in organizations that reach out to communities to both educate and help eligible people sign up for health insurance, help patients retain coverage from year to year, and facilitate full use of benefits.

System transformation

To realize our vision, we will have to help transform the health care system. But what does transforming the health care system require? It requires designing and implementing new models of health care that take a whole-person view while integrating the patients’ clinical and social needs. This also includes intentionally allocating resources and interventions to improve health and wellness for Black, Brown, and indigenous communities that are due justice for past systemic harm. Transforming the health care system also means improving the programs currently in place, such as making Medi-Cal and Covered California easier to access for those who need it. Transformation also requires reimagining how direct service providers collaborate and partner to better meet the needs of community residents . Government health coverage programs, community-based organizations and safety-net health care providers all need to work better together to improve health and equity for vulnerable populations.

Priority Populations

We want to overturn decades of injustice so that communities too long ignored receive both the health care and social services they need. And we want to see communities of color, immigrants, and low-income communities treated with respect and dignity by all governmental and private institutions, including health care institutions.

Because California is a border state and home to the highest number of immigrants, it is important that we pay attention to immigrants’ needs. We’re determined to champion the rights of immigrants. That means supporting organizations that are working to advance and defend immigrant rights, beating back deportation efforts, helping to counter the surge in negative narratives about immigrants, and challenging the rise in racially charged attacks and threats against immigrants.

In this portfolio, we also support the rights of women to access comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care services, which have been under intense attack during the past few years. In particular, we strive to ensure that women of color have access to the care they need.

Please note we currently are not accepting unsolicited letters of interest for the priority populations goal of this portfolio.

Mission of the Inland Empire Community Foundation

The Inland Empire Community Foundation’s mission is “Where giving grows.”

The Foundation does this by raising, stewarding and distributing charitable assets by providing grants to nonprofit organizations, and working toward a shared vision of a vibrant, generous and just region — with unlimited opportunities. The Foundation focuses on building its endowment to ensure that The Inland Empire Community Foundation is where giving grows.

The Inland Empire Community Foundation maintains the rigorous national standards for excellence for community foundations and is a member of the National Council on Foundations and the League of California Community Foundations. 

Youth Grantmakers

Where Youth Voice Meets Real Impact

The Youth Grantmakers (YG) Program, powered by IECF, has been amplifying youth voices since 2008. This isn’t your average after-school program—it’s a leadership journey for high school students (ages 15–18) who want to make real change happen in their communities.

Through a 6-month, hands-on experience, Youth Grantmakers get trained up in grantmaking, build leadership skills, roll up their sleeves for community service, and dig into what matters most to young people across the region. From researching the issues, visiting nonprofits, analyzing grant proposals, and making funding decisions, they’re in the driver’s seat.

What Does the Fund Support?

In the past, YG grants have fueled everything from mental health programs to arts projects to educational initiatives. But in 2025, our student teams across Riverside, San Bernardino, and the Coachella Valley made a powerful move: to center all funding around Mental Health and Education Equity. Why? Because they know that not all students have the same shot at success—and they’re committed to changing that.

In February of 2025, as a collective group representing Riverside, San Bernardino and Coachella decided we wanted to shift the program focus to a more centralized effort. After conducting a Peer Assessment Survey the Inland Empire Youth Grantmakers has made Mental Health and Education Resources their funding focus area of support for the region. 

Mental Health

Youth today face an unprecedented mental health crisis, driven by social pressures, uncertainty about the future, and limited access to support. Prioritizing mental well-being, open conversations, and accessible resources is crucial to ensuring a healthier generation. “Depression, anxiety and behavioural disorders are among the leading causes of illness and disabilities among adolescents. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among those aged 15 to 29 years of age”, according to World Health Organizaiton.

Education Resources

Many high schools lack essential educational resources that could better prepare the students for the real world. Some of these key gaps include: Mental Health Support, Financial Literacy, Career Readiness Programs, and Life Skills Education to name a few.

Youth Mental Health and Education Resources Grantmaking Objectives

• Support nonprofits/programs that offer free, or low cost therapy, counseling, and psychiatric care for youth.
• Support nonprofits/programs that focus on youth mental health trends and advocate for systematic change
• Support nonprofits/school programs that focus on Career Readiness, College Preparation, Financial Literacy
• Support online therapy platforms, mental health apps, and virtual support networks
• Support intervention and prevention

Program Interest Areas

Grant proposals will be accepted that address issues regarding youth mental health and education resources. Program interest areas may include areas of academic supports and resources, advocacy, as well as indirect and direct services that will help youth handle life’s pressures i.e. personal, academic.

Funding Priorities

The Youth Grantmakers Fund is a responsive grant making opportunity designed to empower the Youth Grantmaker members to review, score and recommend grant proposals that provide meaningful impact in the community. Submission of proposal that include activities that involve youth to address community need through involvement in arts (dance, drama, creative arts, music writing etc.), advocacy programs, educational classes, mentoring /tutoring, outdoor experiences, “real-life” learning experiences, service learning and treatment services are encouraged. 

The William & Lottie Daniel Fund Child Care Scholarship (Daniel Fund) is administered under the Foundation’s Child Care focus area for licensed nonprofit child care facilities that align with both the donor’s intent, and other community initiatives for child development.

Access to quality child care continues to be a critical need in our community. The high cost of care is prohibitive for many working families who earn just above the income eligibility threshold. In Santa Barbara County, the median household income varies significantly by region. If a family has an annual median income of $84,356 and has an infant and a preschooler in center-based care, they may need to spend up to 40% of their income on child care. In an effort to address this disparity, California updated the eligibility criteria to qualify for subsidized programs from 70% of the State Median Income (SMI) to 85% of the SMI. Yet, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the challenges around the expense of care for parents and providers and the need for subsidized care far outweighs the availability

The Santa Barbara Foundation believes that every individual deserves an equal opportunity to achieve their potential and for working families to thrive in Santa Barbara County. To make this possible many working families need access to affordable and accessible quality child care. As part of the 2024-2028 Strategic Plan, the Santa Barbara Foundation has prioritized increasing affordable and accessible quality child care in Santa Barbara County. This grant program also emphasizes program quality, which has a big impact on children’s ability to thrive and be successful in school and in life, thus quality improvement efforts have been a longstanding priority for the Foundation.

Focus

Quality child care programs provide children with healthy and safe environments, caring relationships, social-emotional stimulation, and age-appropriate activities that enrich learning. Research shows that children get their best start in life when they have environments that foster their development through stable, nurturing and stimulating environments.[2] These kinds of high-quality early learning opportunities lead to improved academic and life success. Child care scholarships are intended for year-round child care facilities that can demonstrate an alignment with the priorities below. Scholarships will be awarded to licensed nonprofit child care centers serving children 0-5 years of age and school-age children (grades TK-6). Priority will be given to organizations serving 0-5 years of age.

The Daniel Fund guidelines specify that families selected to receive funds must –

• be Santa Barbara County residents;
• be working parent(s)/guardian;
• contribute some portion of the tuition costs; and
• have a child enrolled in the program on a full-time basis.

Funding Amounts and Duration

Funding amounts vary by the age of the child served. The maximum award for Daniel is $50,000. The grant period is up to one year from the award date. A final report using the SmartSimple platform is required and is due within 13 months of the grant award, preferably no later than 30 days following program completion.

Background

The CalMoneySmart program provides annual grants of up to $200,000 to nonprofit organizations to provide financial education and financial empowerment programs and services for unbanked and underbanked Californians.

CalMoneySmart began when Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 455 (Bradford) in October 2019, which created the Financial Empowerment Fund to fund a grant program for nonprofit organizations. The CalMoneySmart program was launched with an initial $4 million fund, and the program was authorized to award up to $1 million each year to nonprofits for financial empowerment programs focusing on unbanked and underbanked consumers in California. In 2021-22, Assembly Bill 137 expanded the Financial Empowerment Fund by an additional $10 million, increasing the annual amount available for grants to $2 million with a maximum grant award to $200,000 per fiscal year until the program sunsets on January 1, 2030.

Unbanked households have disproportionately lower incomes and levels of education than banked households. Black and Hispanic households, single mothers, working-age adults with a disability, and immigrants are also disproportionately represented among the unbanked. Due to their credit status, unbanked and underbanked households often pay high fees for everyday financial services and find it difficult to build savings, establish credit, and build wealth.

Financial education programs, like those funded by CalMoneySmart, are cost-effective means to improve both financial knowledge and financial behaviors that promote stability, protect consumers, and generate wealth (Kaiser, FINRA Foundation, 2022). Individualized counseling reinforces and empowers consumers to participate in financial services and build assets and financial security. Access to free financial products provides a pathway to mainstream financial services and helps to develop habits to increase financial well-being.

Community-based nonprofit organizations that have received CalMoneySmart funding over the past four years have implemented diverse and innovative approaches to reaching underserved communities by supporting and educating Californians about creating a better future for themselves and their families. Reports of previous CalMoneySmart cycles can be found at https://dfpi.ca.gov/calmoneysmart-grant-program/.

Since the program’s inception, grant funds have been awarded on an annual basis through a competitive application process. Beginning in the 2024-25 fiscal year, applications will be accepted for a two-year period. Funding will be announced in advance for two consecutive fiscal years, with funds disbursed separately at the beginning of each year. This program change has been introduced to improve the sustainability of funding for community-based organizations, allowing them to recruit and retain qualified staff and build organizational capacity to meet program objectives.

Use of Funds

The grants may be used to:

• Design, develop, or offer free classroom- or web-based financial education and empowerment content intended to help unbanked and underbanked consumers achieve, identify, and access lower-cost financial products and services, establish or improve their credit, increase their savings, or lower their debt.
• Provide individualized, free financial coaching to unbanked and underbanked consumers.
• Design, develop, or offer a free financial product or service intended to help unbanked and underbanked consumers identify and access responsible financial products and financial services, establish or improve their credit, increase their savings, or lower their debt.

Every project funded with a CalMoneySmart grant must:

• Promote and enhance the economic security of consumers.
• Adhere to the Five Principles of Effective Financial Education described in the June 2017 report issued by the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau titled Effective financial education: Five principles and how to use them.
• These five principles are:
  • Know the individuals and families to be served
  • Provide actionable, relevant and timely information
  • Improve key financial skills
  • Build on motivation and,
  • Make it easy to make good decisions and follow through.

Foundation Overview

The CARES Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides grants to organizations in California’s Sacramento region that serve the needs of people living with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), prevent the transmission of HIV, and/or raise social awareness to end discrimination and stigma against those living with or at increased risk of contracting HIV. These grants may include funds for specific programs, or for general operating support.

The CARES Foundation is committed to improving the health of the Sacramento region by supporting nonprofit organizations that share in its mission and work with a variety of higher risk populations to reduce the impact of HIV and associated co-occurring conditions.

Unlike other chronic diseases, HIV is unique in the need to not only care for the patient, but to do everything possible to prevent transmission to others. Finding those infected with HIV as early as possible also means that HIV testing is a major focus for the Foundation. Equal consideration is given to grant proposals that address either HIV prevention or treatment and support for People Living with HIV (PLWH).

Foundation Priorities

• HIV Prevention such as: 
  • Outreach, Education and Engagement associated with risk reduction supply distribution
  • Outreach, Education and Engagement associated with Pre- and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP and PreP) and Treatment as Prevention (TaSP)
• Filling Unreimbursed Gaps in Supportive services to keep People Living with HIV (PLWH) in care such as:
  • Substance Use Disorder Treatment
  • Transportation
  • Client Navigation
  • Case Management including benefits enrollment
  • Housing Assistance
• HIV Testing with Linkage to Care such as:
  • Mobile Medical Care
  • Referrals to Care with Client Follow Up
• Innovative projects that address the impact of HIV in the Sacramento region such as:
• Pilot Projects
• Provider Collaboration to increase service impact, continuity of care, and decrease service duplication

Background & Purpose

The Folk and Traditional Arts (FTA) grant program intends to redirect resources at the local level by proposing to fund one or more Administering Organizations (AO) with demonstrated capacity for statewide and regional reach that will regrant funds, provide technical assistance, and/or build capacity with artists and arts organizations in support of folk and traditional arts expressions. The AO will work directly with artists who practice traditional art forms. The forms of traditional expression can include but are not limited to: crafts, music, dance, ritual, and technical skills.

This program centralizes local artists and their artistic processes as vehicles for community vitality. This funding opportunity recognizes that artists are integral to healthy communities, and that the arts are a societal cornerstone that brings people together, builds community, and fosters social progress.

Project Requirements

The CAC will award funds to an AO that will develop and administer FTA grants statewide.

The AO will be responsible for the planning and implementation of FTA programs, including but not limited to: development of program components and timeline; providing technical assistance; capacity building at the local level; implementing statewide and community-specific engagement strategies and trusted culture bearers; regular reporting to and collaborating with the CAC on expanded outreach to ensure diverse statewide representation of applicants; and management of the application processes for artists and arts organizations through implementation, screening applications, award management, and regular reporting to the CAC.

Eligible Request Amounts

The AO grant will fund up to $1,000,000 per year for two years for the following purposes:

• Program design and implementation costs of up to 30% can be used for program design and implementation, including up to 10% to support administrative costs and 20% for staff salaries for artists and culture bearers to implement required program activities (see “Administering Organization Requirements,” above).
• The CAC is proposing to serve one AO for this program. However, if it is determined that multiple applicants will meet the requirement of implementing statewide and engagement strategies to priority communities and trusted culture bearers, the CAC will consider distributing awards to multiple AOs.
• Funding is contingent upon availability of funds and passage of the state budget for 2023-24 and 2024-25. Funds will be paid out at $1,000,000 during the first program year and $1,000,000 during the second program year, contingent on passage of the state budget for each year.

Impact Projects

Background & Purpose

The Impact Projects grant program intends to support collaborative projects that center artists and artistic practice in responding to issues experienced by historically and systemically under-resourced communities in California at this time, including, but not limited to, social, political, and economic inequalities. This program prioritizes local artists and forms of arts and cultural expression that are unique to, and/or historically rooted in, the specific communities to be served.

Impact Projects grants support arts organizations for collaborations between local artist(s) and community members to develop and express their own creative and artistic goals and address a community-defined need. Collaborative projects will utilize various creative practices to impact social issues affecting their communities, including but not limited to systemic marginalization, incarceration/justice systems, access to education, poverty/economic disparity, health disparities, accessibility for people with disabilities, housing insecurity, violence, food insecurity, cultural/social justice, intergenerational learning, veterans’ issues, and environmental sustainability. Previous applicants to project-based programs such as Reentry Through the Arts and Veterans in the Arts, etc. are encouraged to apply through this program. Please note that applicants focused on arts education for youth are encouraged to apply for Creative Youth Development, Arts Education Exposure, or Arts Integration Training.

Project Requirements

• Applicant organization must develop and complete a project addressing the goals of the program to be completed within the project timeline. 
  • Projects must be collaboratively developed between local artist(s) and community members to develop and express creative and artistic goals and address a community-defined need. Projects must utilize creative practices to impact social issues affecting a community.
• Project planning, implementation, and evaluation must reflect a commitment to include and represent the communities to be served.
• All aspects of the project should be free to community participants and free and/or affordable and accessible to audiences.
• Rates of compensation for individual artists and/or arts workers to be supported by this grant must be appropriate to experience and comparable to fees for other local skilled workers.
•  Individuals to be compensated by this grant may not be full-time students in a degree program directly related to any type of compensation/credit for this project.
• All CAC-funded programs, services, information, and facilities where funded activities take place, including online spaces, must be accessible for individuals with disabilities, including but not limited to individuals who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Deaf-Blind, have difficulty speaking, have a physical disability, visual disability, developmental disability, learning disability, mental illness, or chronic illness.

Background

The California Fire Foundation (CFF) is a statewide nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization based in Sacramento, CA. Formed in 1987, CFF’s mandate includes an array of survivor assistance projects and community initiatives. Since launching our first funding cycle, over 80% of Governor declared disasters have been wildfire related. The last few fire years in particular have been the deadliest and most destructive in California’s history.

Catastrophic, climate-caused disaster events pose a significant risk to the public’s safety. But, too often, under-resourced communities in high-threat areas lack the resources and information needed to stay safe. CFF, fire departments, local firefighter associations and other community-based organizations are positioned to work in partnership -- providing needed resources to help mitigate the risk of wildfires and other climate-caused disasters. Our grantees are tackling some of the state’s toughest disaster risk needs. Each year, requests for grant funding steadily increase -- with every funding cycle often more competitive than the last.

Focus Areas

The California Fire Foundation supports projects that actively address wildfire preparedness and/or prevention needs, which protect and enhance the public’s safety or the safety of California’s firefighters and other first responders, including:

• Vegetation Mitigation & Fuels Reduction
• Education, Planning and/or Community Outreach Campaigns
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Specialized Firefighting Equipment