Best Humboldt County Grants for Nonprofits in California

The Hansen Family Trust Christian Endowment Fund Grants, administered by the Humboldt Area Foundation, support local and international Christian organizations, focusing on Lutheran activities. Grants aim to enhance racial equity, economic development, and support for vulnerable communities within Humboldt, Del Norte, and Trinity counties in California, as well as Curry County in Oregon. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations and public benefit groups committed to charitable projects in these regions.

The S. H. Cowell Foundation Grant focuses on supporting public and nonprofit organizations in Northern and Central California that address acute poverty and promote racial equity. The foundation prioritizes place-based strategies to fund initiatives that foster child development, family empowerment, and youth leadership. By building on community strengths, it aims to create equitable access to essential services and enhance the overall well-being of families and children, ensuring their voices are integral to program design and implementation.

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.

The California Energy Commission (CEC) has allocated up to $59,484,345 for the GFO-24-603 program aimed at enhancing the reliability of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. This initiative will focus on repairing, replacing, and installing at least 1,302 non-operational charging ports statewide, ensuring they comply with the Federal Highway Administration's guidelines. The program is critical for facilitating broader EV adoption and improving access to charging stations throughout California.

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 Barry F. Phelps Leukemia Fund, established by the family of Barry Phelps, is dedicated to supporting young leukemia survivors in the Eel River Valley and greater Humboldt County. This grant aims to empower individuals through necessary resources and assistance, promoting healing and resilience within the community. Applications must be submitted by qualified sponsors, ensuring that the support reaches those who need it most within this region. The fund reflects a commitment to health and well-being for local youth.

The Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation offers Local Impact Grants to nonprofit organizations in 11 markets, providing $225,000 to support local programs addressing community issues. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits with a revenue exceeding $100,000 and must operate in one of the specified television markets. The grants aim to empower youth through education, promote diverse storytelling, and enhance community engagement. This initiative underscores Comcast's commitment to fostering inclusion and equitable opportunities for underserved 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 Sustainable Recreation, Tourism, and Equitable Outdoor Access Directed Grant Program (2025-2027) supports innovative projects aimed at enhancing sustainable recreation and tourism in the Sierra-Cascade region. Key goals include improving public access to nature, mitigating overuse impacts on resources, and fostering sustainable recreation economies. Projects eligible for funding must focus on climate resilience, equitable access, or landscape-scale assessments, all ensuring multiple benefits for community education and environmental protection.

The 0-5 Maternal Behavioral Health Grant, funded by the California Behavioral Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission, aims to enhance behavioral health services for children aged 0-5 and birthing individuals. With a budget of $1,601,000 over three years, the initiative focuses on providing technical assistance to six grantees, promoting integrated care systems, and ensuring access to essential resources. This collaborative approach seeks to improve outcomes, reduce school failures, and support families in navigating developmental and behavioral health challenges.

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.

The North Coast Seafood Extension Fellowship, funded by California Sea Grant, aims to enhance seafood marketing and production opportunities in California's rural North Coast region. The fellowship will support collaboration among local partners to improve seafood availability and sales, strengthen marketing efforts, and develop infrastructure. The fellow will engage in training and educational initiatives for commercial fishers, facilitating connections between them and regional markets, all while promoting sustainable practices and community resilience.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program - California

The Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program provides supplies, equipment, and financial support to a variety of qualified groups and programs at the local level; geared towards youth, women, law enforcement, veterans, the disabled, and the general public, including:

• General shooting programs
• Competitive shooting
• Education, training and safety
• Hunting and conservation
• Community outreach
• Historical education

Grant funding must be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials.

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 Summer Youth Partnership Grants, funded by the Humboldt Area Foundation, support charitable organizations providing summer programs for vulnerable youth. With a focus on low-income and at-risk populations, the program encourages extensive operating hours and multiple funding sources. In 2023, $50,634 was awarded to 43 organizations, enhancing educational, artistic, and recreational opportunities for youth in the region. The initiative aims to inspire and support community-driven summer activities that foster growth and development.

The Firedoll Foundation, a private family foundation, focuses on five key areas: Community Development and Entrepreneurship, Immigrant Issues and Human Rights, Environmental Conservation, Middle East Peace, and support for Traumatic Brain Injury survivors. Emphasizing support for vulnerable populations in Alameda and Contra Costa counties, the foundation backs projects that promote social justice and environmental sustainability. With a commitment to providing alternatives to detention and legal aid for immigrants, it aims to empower communities while addressing urgent environmental concerns.

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.

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.

Background & Purpose

The California Arts Council (CAC) is a statewide agency committed to serving California artists, arts organizations, and communities of all sizes and needs. Guided by racial equity principles, the CAC continuously evaluates its grantmaking practices to ensure fair and inclusive funding opportunities that sustain a vibrant, safe, and resilient creative ecosystem across the state.

Through regionally based Administering Organizations (AOs), the Individual Artists Fellowship (IAF) program uplifts and celebrates California artists across all disciplines and traditions, highlights their excellence and acknowledges their leadership in shaping traditional and contemporary cultures. The program includes three fellowship tiers with a different award amount:

CAC Emerging Artist Fellows – $5,000

Emerging artists are those in the beginning stages of making their work public and engaging the larger community in their practice.

CAC Established Artist Fellows – $10,000

Artists in the Established tier regularly make their work public and engage the larger community in their practice.

CAC Legacy Artist Fellows – $50,000

Artists in the Legacy tier can point to a significant body of work, produced over a substantial period of time, that has engaged their communities and that has made significant social impact.

The CAC approved eight regional AOs for the fellowship in September 2025. Each of the AOs has information and  details regarding their Individual Artists Fellowship programs, including application deadlines. If you are an individual artist, apply to the statewide fellowship program through the Regional AO listed below that serves your county. Please note: Individual artists must live in the region they are applying to and may submit an application to only one region.

• Bay Area (Kala Art Institute) - Counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Sonoma

• Central Valley & Sierra (Kern Dance Alliance) - Counties: Amador, Calaveras, Fresno, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Mono, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tulare, Tuolumne

• Inland Empire & South Coast (ArtsOC) - Counties: Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange

• Far South (Commission for Arts and Culture / Cultural Affairs) - Counties: Imperial, San Diego

• Central Coast (Arts Council Santa Cruz County) - Counties: Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Ventura

• Capital (Teatro Nagual) - Counties: Yolo, Solano, Sacramento, El Dorado, Alpine

• Upstate (Nevada County Arts Council (NCArts)) - Counties: Del Norte, Siskiyou, Modoc, Humboldt, Trinity, Shasta, Lassen, Mendocino, Tehama, Butte, Plumas, Lake, Glenn, Sierra, Colusa, Sutter, Yuba, Nevada, Placer

• South (Los Angeles Performance Practice) - County: Los Angeles

Region 1: Upstate Administered by the Nevada County Arts Council (NCArts)

In partnership with California Arts Council, Nevada County Arts & Culture is honored to serve as the Administering Organization for the Upstate Individual Artists Fellowship. The California Arts Council (CAC) has selected Nevada County Arts & Culture to design and implement a fellowship program that supports individual artists and culture bearers across all disciplines. The Upstate Individual Artists Fellowship will provide unrestricted funding in support of the fellows’ artistic practice. 

The Permanente Medical Group (TPMG) Informatics Fellowship offers a 1- to 2-year program focused on clinical informatics, leveraging data science and health technology to enhance care delivery. Nestled within the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research, this fellowship encourages innovative approaches to address healthcare challenges. Mentored by expert clinician-scientists, fellows will gain hands-on experience and collaborate with healthcare leaders, fostering skills in electronic health records, clinical decision support, and telemedicine.

Community Care Centers of Excellence (INFR8) 

The Community Care Centers of Excellence (CCCE) is a funding program by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) that aims to expand access to innovative clinical trials and regenerative medicine treatments throughout designated counties in Northern California.

CCCEs will enhance patient access to regenerative medicine treatments by:

• Expanding the geographic reach of centers capable of conducting clinical trials and delivering approved therapies, and
• Developing a skilled workforce to support the delivery of regenerative medicine treatments and ensure broad accessibility to California patients.

This initiative addresses a key mandate of the California Stem Cell Research, Treatments, and Cures Initiative of 2020 (Proposition 14), emphasizing the importance of providing access to clinical trials and approved therapies resulting from CIRM-funded research.

Award Details

• Maximum Award Amount $9,000,000
• Maximum Award Duration Five years

The Disaster Response & Resilience Fund, managed by the Humboldt Area Foundation, supports non-profit organizations and community groups in Humboldt, Trinity, Del Norte, and Curry counties during disasters. The fund focuses on immediate needs and safety for the vulnerable, addressing challenges posed by natural and man-made disasters. By prioritizing equitable support, it aims to strengthen community resilience and ensure effective disaster response and recovery.

The Ride to the Wild Fund Grant, established by Bill and Melissa Zielinski, supports Humboldt County K-12 teachers by covering transportation costs for educational field trips to local natural areas. This initiative aligns with the funding priorities of the Humboldt Area Foundation and Wild Rivers Community Foundation, which focus on equity, economic development, and environmental health. Grants typically cover the average cost of a bus for a single outing, encouraging hands-on nature experiences for students.

The Summer Youth Mini Grants Program, funded by the Humboldt Area Foundation, aims to support non-profit organizations serving youth in Humboldt, Del Norte, and Curry counties. This initiative encourages creative and impactful summer programs from June 1 to September 1, offering grants averaging $500, with larger requests considered on a case-by-case basis. By promoting equitable access to resources, the program aligns with strategic goals of fostering healthy environments and thriving communities for youth.

The Lithia 4Kids Program, initiated by Lithia Motors, aims to enhance youth development through strategic partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Since 1946, Lithia has prioritized community enrichment, focusing on supporting 501(c)3 certified nonprofits dedicated to improving the lives of children and families. With over 200 locations nationwide, Lithia empowers its employees to engage meaningfully in local initiatives, fostering confident youth ready to face future challenges. Volunteering is a core value, creating a collaborative environment for positive impact.