Best Hayward Grants for Nonprofits in California

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

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

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

PLTW Computer Science - Program Expansion In Partnership With Lam Research

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

Program Requirements

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

Traditional public and public charter schools expanding PLTW Engineering programs in Hayward, California can use this funding for PLTW fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and teacher core training. Project Lead The Way, through Lam Foundation support, prioritizes schools serving students with economic need and offers awards of US $10,000.

Traditional public and public charter schools in Hayward, California (Alameda County) can seek funding to launch or expand PLTW Engineering programs, including fees, required equipment, and teacher core training. Focused on K–12 STEM and academic enrichment, Project Lead The Way prioritizes schools with higher economic need and requires at least two PLTW Engineering courses over two years; awards are US $30,000.

Traditional public and public charter schools expanding PLTW Gateway STEM programs in Hayward, California (Alameda County) can apply for US $10,000 in funding. Focused on K–12 STEM enrichment, Project Lead The Way supports expenses like PLTW participation fees, required equipment, devices, and teacher core training, with priority for schools serving students with economic need.

The California Arts Council offers the Individual Artists Fellowship to support California artists across diverse disciplines. This program emphasizes racial equity and is administered through regionally-based organizations that assist artists in their applications and promote their work. Funding tiers range from $5,000 to $50,000, aimed at emerging to legacy artists, ensuring that a broad spectrum of artistic expression is recognized and celebrated. The initiative underscores the importance of artists' contributions to their communities.

Traditional public and public charter schools in Hayward, California can receive funding to launch or expand PLTW Gateway STEM programs through Project Lead The Way. Grants support PLTW participation fees, required devices, program equipment and supplies, and PLTW Core Training costs, with priority for schools serving students with demonstrated economic need; typical awards are US $20,000.

The Union Home Foundation Grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that promote economic self-sufficiency through financial literacy and housing initiatives. Established in 2015, this grant has awarded over $2 million to various nonprofits across the U.S. Grants typically start at $1,000 and are available for a one-year period. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and can only apply once per year, following specific eligibility criteria.

Traditional public and public charter schools expanding Project Lead The Way STEM programs in Hayward, California can apply for $5,000 from Project Lead The Way to cover PLTW fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and core training costs. Funding supports adding Launch modules, reaching more students, or training additional PLTW teachers in eligible Alameda County districts.

The Youth Access to Nature Fund, established by Justice Outside, aims to enhance access to nature for youth of color in the San Francisco Bay Area. With a focus on racial justice and environmental education, the fund supports projects that empower young leaders and promote mental well-being. Grants up to $25,000 are available for initiatives that engage communities and foster relationships with the outdoors, ensuring that marginalized voices are prioritized in environmental movements.

The National Estuary Program Watersheds Grant Program, administered by Restore America’s Estuaries and supported by the EPA, funds competitive projects addressing critical threats to estuaries. Key priorities include habitat restoration, enhancing coastal resilience against extreme weather, managing nutrient impacts, and mitigating stormwater runoff. Established in 1987, the program aims to improve ecological integrity and water quality in 28 estuaries nationwide, providing essential funding and guidance to local initiatives.

Traditional public and public charter schools implementing PLTW STEM programs in Hayward, California (Alameda County) can apply for Project Lead The Way’s PLTW Launch – New Program grants, with awards of US $15,000 for program startup costs. Funding covers PLTW fees, required technology, equipment and supplies, and PLTW Core Training with related travel and lodging.

The City of Berkeley's Civic Arts- General Operating Support Grant provides essential funding to nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in Berkeley. These grants, awarded biennially, aim to enhance the vibrancy of the local arts scene by supporting operational costs. This initiative focuses on promoting equitable representation for historically marginalized groups, ensuring a diverse and inclusive arts ecosystem. Grantees receive funding for two consecutive fiscal years, streamlining the application process and fostering stability in the arts community.

The Community Assistance Grant Program (CAP) in San Leandro provides vital financial support to non-profits serving low-income residents. With a total estimated funding of $440,000 over two years from the City’s general fund and CDBG, this program aims to enhance social services. Eligible projects address mental health, family services, job development, and housing support, contributing to the well-being of the community.

The HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) offers approximately $35 million in federal funding to support housing projects in non-entitlement jurisdictions in California. This initiative aims to assist low-income households by providing affordable housing options. Applications are due by May 22, 2025, while Native American entities can apply until September 24, 2025, or until funds are exhausted. Eligible activities must directly benefit low-income renters, homebuyers, or homeowners.

Cytokinetics is dedicated to supporting local communities in the San Francisco Bay Area and Greater Philadelphia Region by providing access to essential services that address food and housing insecurity. Their funding initiatives aim to foster stability and resilience among at-risk populations, emphasizing charitable donations to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations that align with their corporate giving priorities. This support helps build strong connections between Cytokinetics and the communities they serve.

Ipson Tully Memorial Scholarship

The Ipson Tully Memorial Scholarship Scholarship provides support for students from the Salinas Valley to study at the University of California, Berkeley who have strong academic potential, demonstrate community support and require financial support to pursue their studies at University of California, Berkeley. Students who have graduated from Salinas Valley High Schools and Hartnell College and are accepted at University of California, Berkeley are eligible to apply for the scholarship.

Award

• $2,500

Cytokinetics is dedicated to enhancing diversity in STEM education for underrepresented students in the San Francisco Bay Area and Greater Philadelphia Region. Their funding supports innovative educational programs, scholarships, and initiatives that promote equity and inclusion in science, technology, engineering, and math. By empowering the next generation of science leaders, Cytokinetics aims to create pathways to college and future success in the STEM fields.

About Rose

Our Mission, Vision, and Roots

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

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

Environmental Justice for California’s Environment and Communities Fund

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

The Dawn Foods Foundation Corporate Grants program is dedicated to enhancing community well-being through strategic investments in key areas like hunger prevention, education, community vibrancy, and volunteerism. With a strong commitment to improving lives, the foundation supports initiatives that promote health, literacy, and creative arts, while also encouraging team members to engage in volunteer efforts. Though applications for 2025 are closed, opportunities will reopen in 2026.

501(c)(3) nonprofits working on safety, well-being, housing, community development, preservation, or disaster relief can access funding and in-kind support, including in Hayward, California. Grants from Benjamin Moore help organizations in eligible areas, such as Alameda County, create healthy, accessible, safe, and inclusive environments through community and housing-focused initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with budgets under $1,000,000 can seek up to US $3,500 for specific community projects serving Albany, Berkeley, Emeryville, Kensington, Oakland, or Piedmont. With a mission to support youth arts and education, senior services, and workforce housing and homelessness, Bridge Association of REALTORS provides project-based funding that may benefit Hayward-area partners serving these communities.

About Us

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

PVF Visiting Artist Grants

Teachers are encouraged to apply to have an artist visit their classroom! Teachers who might not have expertise in the art form presented by the visiting artist, are often able to use what they learn during the visiting artist’s presentation to model future lessons.

This program is working to fill a large need, and makes a difference in the number of students who receive inspirational, quality arts education. Interactive workshops from professional artists in the community are motivating to students, and increase both student and teacher morale.

Grants of up to $1,000 can pay for the artist’s time and classroom materials for the lesson. Teachers can apply to bring an artist or art historian to their classroom. These are visual and material artists who would complement the lesson plan. Examples: painter, sculptor, wood carver, weaver.

The Senate Bill 1 Sea Level Rise Adaptation Planning Grant Program in California provides vital funding for local governments to develop sea level rise adaptation plans. With $17.18 million available, this program aims to enhance coastal resilience against the impacts of climate change. The program supports jurisdictions in creating consistent and effective strategies to address rising sea levels, ensuring public safety and safeguarding infrastructure and biodiversity along California's coastline.

The Unique Zan Foundation offers small grants to empower women in education and health, focusing on initiatives that promote peace and community leadership, especially in high-conflict regions of West Asia and the Middle East. Non-profit organizations that align with their mission are encouraged to apply. They support projects that enhance women's human rights, education, and health, while also fostering cultural activities in the Bay Area. This commitment reflects their dedication to women's empowerment and community development.

The PNC Foundation's Grow Up Great Grant is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for children from birth to age 5. With a commitment of $500 million, this program focuses on improving school readiness through support in vocabulary development, social-emotional learning, and the arts. By partnering with community-based nonprofits, PNC aims to foster stronger, smarter, and healthier communities, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.

StopWaste

StopWaste is a public agency serving the 1.7 million diverse residents of Alameda County. Formed in 1976, we work on behalf of 17 member agencies—the County, 14 cities, and 2 sanitary districts—committed to advancing environmental sustainability and building healthy, equitable, climate resilient communities in Alameda County.

Our Current Goals

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

Reusable Foodware Mini-Grants

Up to $500 for Alameda County restaurants, cafes, and retail food businesses to purchase reusable foodware for dine-in service.

What You Get

• Up to $500 in reusable foodware (plates, cups, utensils, etc.)
• Free hands-on support during your transition
• No complicated paperwork required.

What's Covered

Reusable items for dine-in service, including:

• Plates and bowls
• Cups and mugs
• Utensils (forks, knives, spoons, chopsticks)
• Serving trays and baskets

TE Connectivity's Community Ambassador Program supports meaningful community impact by providing grants to registered nonprofits and educational institutions. This initiative evaluates proposals based on alignment with TE's values, community focus areas like education or health services, and opportunities for employee engagement. The program operates both in the US and internationally, with numerous ambassador locations, aiming to foster community development and engagement around the globe.