Best Humboldt County Grants for Nonprofits in California

The Klamath River Fund: Community Impact Grant, initiated by the Humboldt Area Foundation and Wild Rivers Community Foundation, aims to enhance community-led climate resilience and restorative justice in the Klamath River Basin. This grant supports initiatives that prioritize racial equity, youth development, and environmental health. With funding requests starting at $10,000 and an average grant size of $50,000, it encourages partnerships and innovative projects that foster sustainable growth and well-being for local communities.

The Grants for Aquatic Center Education Program aims to enhance boating safety education in California by providing funding to non-profit organizations, colleges, and local agencies. The grants support on-the-water training, covering essential topics such as boating laws and environmental stewardship. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a commitment to safe boating practices and have qualified staff. This initiative promotes public access to waterways while ensuring a safer recreational boating environment.

The Proposition 68: Rivers and Streams Grant Program aims to restore and protect vital river and stream ecosystems in the Klamath-Trinity Watershed. With a funding of at least $5 million, projects focus on enhancing habitats for salmon and steelhead through activities like reconnecting floodplains, restoring riparian areas, and improving fish passage. This initiative emphasizes ecological restoration and sustainable management practices to benefit both wildlife and local communities.

The Victor Thomas Jacoby Award, established by the Humboldt Area Foundation, supports visual artists and craftspeople in Humboldt County. This grant encourages creativity through exploration of new ideas and materials, offering up to four awards of $10,000 each. Artists are invited to submit their artistic projects along with samples of their work. The foundation aims to foster a thriving arts community while promoting racial equity and environmental sustainability.

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.

The Klamath Basin Forests and Watersheds Restoration RFP aims to enhance critical fish habitats in the Klamath River Basin following the historic removal of four dams. With up to $11,553,000 in funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, this initiative seeks to restore populations of native fish species and improve habitat conditions. The program will support various conservation projects, ensuring the ecological integrity of this vital ecosystem is preserved for future generations.

Pacific Redwoods Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples Crisis Action Fund

The Pacific Redwoods Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples Crisis Action Fund supports work being done to address the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples crisis in Northern California. Specifically, by providing grants to Tribes and non-profit organizations, the grants will support strengthening organizing, advocacy, technical assistance and capacity building for programs working to advance efforts in California.

Average grant size:

• $5,000 -$7,000

Applications will be reviewed on a monthly basis.

Coast Central Credit Union

As a credit union with a People Helping People approach, we reinvest in you, local organizations, small businesses, and our CCCU family. It’s how we work toward bringing community together.

Community Investment Grant

With thanks to our members, we award $300,000 in grants annually to deserving organizations.

Our Community Investment Program provides grants to local non-profit organizations twice per year. An employee committee reviews all applications and then makes recommendations to our Board of Directors who approves grant recipients.

Arcata Foundation Fund Grant

The Arcata Foundation is dedicated to the enhancement of community life in the Arcata area. Arcata Foundation grants support community projects, with an emphasis on unique and specific projects, especially those that focus on youth and seniors. Grants average $500-1,000, with a maximum grant size of $2,00. 

Applicants will be notified of the status of their application approximately 8-10 weeks after the application deadline. Grants may not fund already incurred expenses; please be sure that your project does not start until after the expected notification date.

Humboldt Health Foundation

The mission of Humboldt Health Foundation (formerly the Union Labor Health Foundation), a supporting organization of HAF+WRCF, is to improve the health and well-being of the residents and communities of Humboldt County.

Grants

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HAF+WRCF grant funding supports charitable programs and projects in our region (Humboldt, Del Norte, and Trinity counties in California, and Curry County, Oregon). 

Angel Fund

Grant Details

The Angel Fund provides small grants to support the unmet health needs of Humboldt County residents. Grants are made on a one-time basis, per person, per 365-day period. Items that are of a recurrent nature are generally not funded.

Average grants range in size from $50 – $250 (grants in excess of $500 are seldom approved). Decisions to grant funds are contingent upon funding criteria and the availability of funds at the time of review. 

There is a two-week turnaround processing time required for application review and check processing. The committee meets every Tuesday, with the exception of holidays. Occasionally the committee will ask for additional information before making a decision. This will often result in a longer turn-around time.

Grants

We’re Here to Support You

HAF+WRCF grant funding supports charitable programs and projects in our region (Humboldt, Del Norte, and Trinity counties in California, and Curry County, Oregon).

Aging to Thrive: Empowering Aging Through Community '26-27

This grant opportunity supports programs that uplift and enhance the independence and quality of life for seniors in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties. Examples include social programs, food and nutrition programs, health related activities and needs, transportation and access support. 

Grants of $2,000-5,000 available.

Grants are supported by the Senior Citizens Foundation Fund and the Andrew and Bertha Pon Memorial Fund. Recipients will be notified in November 2026.

Humboldt County Field Trip Support '26-27

Humboldt County Field Trip Support is funded by the Ride to the Wild Fund and the Edward L. & Joan Nilsen Fund.

Grants made through this process support the costs of bringing Humboldt County's students out of the classroom and into their communities. Applications for all types of field trips are accepted. There is select funding to support transportation costs for educational field trips to local natural areas. Humboldt County K-12 teachers are encouraged to apply. 

Applicants can expect decisions in 4-6 weeks.

Grants range between $1,000-$3,000.

About the Funds that support these grants:

Bill & Melissa Zielinski established this fund because of their belief that exposure to the outdoors at a young age can help develop an understanding of environmental issues and an appreciation of how the protection of natural places can enhance the quality of life. Grants provide funds to cover the cost of a bus or other transportation so that teachers can take their students on educational field trips to local natural areas. 

Ed and Joan Nilsen established this leadership fund in December of 1994. Ed Nilsen served as a member of the Board of Directors from the time Humboldt Area Foundation was founded in 1972 until 2001. He served as the first chair of the Board and then served in many other essential capacities. Ed Nilsen passed away on February 17, 2015.

The Hesed Foundation Grant supports charitable initiatives that promote social justice through Tzedakah and gemilut hasadim, which emphasize justice and loving kindness. This private foundation focuses on enhancing the welfare of underrepresented communities, particularly in the Boston area, NYC, and Northern California. Grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, and the foundation prioritizes projects related to youth, education, health, and community building.

The In-N-Out Burger Foundation supports organizations that aid children and youth affected by abuse and neglect, offering grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. Eligible nonprofits must be 501(c)(3) registered, operational for at least two years, and demonstrate a commitment to the foundation's mission. Applications are considered for traditional, capital, and program support, focusing on sustainable solutions and clear objectives. Organizations must operate in areas with In-N-Out Burger locations to qualify.

Lynne and Bob Wells Fund for Performing Artists '26-27

The Lynne & Bob Wells Fund for Performing Artists has been established to provide encouragement and support to adult actors, singers, dancers, comedians and other performing artists in Humboldt County.  

This grant round is for individuals seeking support in developing artistic work in the performing arts.

The selection committee is looking for the following qualities: originality, honesty, talent, passion and inspiration. 

Grants up to $1,000 available.

Grant Criteria:

• Grants will be made to individual performing artists in Humboldt County. 
• Grants will not be made for religious activities or projects that exclusively benefit the members of sectarian or religious organizations. 
• Grants cannot pay for expenses that have already been incurred before the grant date.

Grants

We’re Here to Support You

HAF+WRCF grant funding supports charitable programs and projects in our region (Humboldt, Del Norte, and Trinity counties in California, and Curry County, Oregon). 

Phyllis Nilsen Leal Memorial Fund '26-27

This sponsor will help to administer the funds which are granted.

Louis Leal established this fund in honor of his wife, Phyllis Nilsen Leal. The Leal Fund was established to provide children suffering from cancer, or other sicknesses, something to lift their spirits during their treatment. This could be a piece of equipment, a tutor, books, toys, or other items and experiences that could lift the child’s spirits.

Recipients can receive a maximum of $2,000 per person per fiscal year. 

Grants

We’re Here to Support You

HAF+WRCF grant funding supports charitable programs and projects in our region (Humboldt, Del Norte, and Trinity counties in California, and Curry County, Oregon). 

General Inquiry

Submit a general grant inquiry if you have reviewed the current grant opportunities offered by HAF+WRCF and do not see one that fits your organization’s needs. Submitting the inquiry will allow our team to learn about your project, assess what resources we may have available and direct you to the appropriate resource(s) at the foundation or otherwise. Please note, due to a high volume of funding requests there may be a delay in contact time.

The Brave Heart Fellowship, initiated by the Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute, empowers Native youth aged 18-24 to lead in environmental justice and food sovereignty efforts. This 9-month program offers a culturally-competent curriculum and promotes advocacy for protecting traditional lands and sacred sites. By uplifting Indigenous voices, the fellowship addresses inequities and fosters community engagement, aiming for a sustainable future rooted in Native culture and leadership.

The NRA Foundation: California – North CAN Grants provides funding to organizations that promote charitable purposes related to firearms and shooting sports as defined by the IRS. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) entities, governmental bodies, and recognized nonprofits. The Foundation supports educational programs and activities that enhance firearms safety and marksmanship, while certain projects, such as commercial ventures and fundraising activities, are ineligible for funding. Applications must align with the Foundation's mission and requirements.

The Rocky Mountain Power Foundation supports arts and culture organizations through grants typically ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, with a focus on enhancing community vitality. Eligible organizations include nonprofits dedicated to performing arts, visual arts, and historic preservation. The foundation operates on a quarterly grant cycle, ensuring careful review of applications. Grants are limited to tax-exempt organizations, and the foundation does not fund projects outside its service areas in Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon, and California.

Catholic Extension provides essential funding to support the construction, expansion, or renovation of churches and community facilities. This initiative aims to meet the facility needs of under-resourced Catholic dioceses across the U.S. By focusing on active projects, Catholic Extension ensures that communities can enhance their worship spaces and support local ministries, ultimately fostering a stronger church community. Funding is available for both minor and major requests, with an emphasis on urgent needs and robust funding strategies.

The Building Foundation Grants by Catholic Extension aim to support essential pastoral and administrative functions in under-resourced communities. These grants provide salary subsidies and operational funding to ordained, religious, and lay ministers, ensuring access to Catholic services. Prioritizing areas with significant financial need, this initiative seeks to sustain the church's presence where it is most critical, enabling continued ministry and outreach for those who may otherwise be underserved.

The Elks Valerie Murphy Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Sky Lakes Medical Center Foundation, supports full-time students in health or science-related fields, requiring a minimum GPA of 3.0. Priority is given to military service members, their families, and high school seniors in the Civil Air Patrol. This scholarship aims to encourage future healthcare professionals while honoring the legacy of community support since 1985.

The James Bocchi Memorial Scholarship, provided by the Sky Lakes Medical Center Foundation, supports college students beyond their first year pursuing nursing programs at Klamath Community College or OHSU/Oregon Institute of Technology. Eligible applicants must be graduates of Klamath Basin high schools and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. This scholarship underscores the Foundation's commitment to enhancing community health and education through financial assistance.

The Klamath Falls Elks Nurse’s and Health Careers Education Scholarship, offered by the Sky Lakes Medical Center Foundation, supports students in health-related fields, prioritizing those from Klamath Basin high schools and those accepted into the OHSU Nursing Program. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of at least 2.0. This initiative underscores the Foundation's commitment to nurturing local talent in healthcare, ensuring quality patient care through educational support.

Sky Lakes Medical Center Foundation

The Sky Lakes Medical Center Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to advancing the mission of Sky Lakes Medical Center through philanthropy—raising, managing, and distributing funds to support the hospital’s programs, capital equipment needs, patient assistance and community health initiatives. 

Since its founding in 1985, the Foundation has relied on the generosity of hundreds of donors—from former patients to local businesses—to help maintain high-quality, patient-focused care for the region.

The Linkville IPA Fund Scholarship

The Linkville IPA Scholarship Fund provides awards of up to $10,000 per year to support medical students enrolled full-time in an accredited or certified medical school. The program prioritizes applicants from the Klamath Basin, those planning to enter primary care fields such as family medicine, pediatrics, or internal medicine, and those intending to return to practice in the Klamath Basin or other rural or underserved areas. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0, be in good academic standing, and funds are distributed only upon verification of full-time medical school enrollment and eligibility documentation.

The Dr. Ralph Waldo Stearns Scholarship, provided by the Sky Lakes Medical Center Foundation, supports nursing students with a minimum 2.0 GPA and relevant high school coursework. Priority is given to graduates from Klamath Basin high schools. This initiative aims to promote nursing education and ensure a steady influx of qualified healthcare professionals dedicated to patient care and community health in the region.