Best Evolutionary Biology Grants in California

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on economic and workforce advancement, affordable housing, or community arts and culture can apply for US Bancorp Foundation’s Community Possible Grant Program. Organizations based in and serving U.S. Bank communities, especially those led by people of color and addressing multiple “work, home, and play” pillars, may be competitive.

California nonprofits focused on children, education, or health and human services can access funding through the Costco Foundation for programmatic work, not capital or equipment. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth, including those with science or evolutionary biology-related education components, may apply for monetary support, with decisions based on community need, collaboration, and measurable outcomes.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits with innovative approaches to human and social services, health, environment, arts, literacy, or community issues can access funding through Creag Foundation. Organizations, including those addressing evolutionary biology–related societal challenges, may submit a letter of inquiry if they have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and are invited to apply.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology for crisis response, education access, or economic empowerment in California and worldwide can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Focused on innovative, early-stage, tech-enabled solutions for underserved communities, Cisco Systems Foundation invites year-round LOIs from organizations meeting its public-charity and program criteria.

Educational institutions, government programs, and qualifying nonprofits in California can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives, including STEM and academic programs, from State Farm Companies Foundation. With a mission to strengthen communities, the foundation supports long-term, sustainable projects that enhance public safety, expand economic opportunity, and improve educational outcomes; invitations are typically required to apply.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) cultural institutions with audited expenses over $2 million can apply for the Hearst Foundation’s Culture Grant to support impactful arts and science programming, including in California. Awards more than US $100,000 may fund program, capital, or limited general and endowment support, with preference for youth arts education, artist development, and STEAM initiatives.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

Nonprofit and equivalent charitable organizations working in health, education, or community services in California may be eligible for funding to expand services or programs. Focused on equitable care and education, Labcorp Charitable Foundation supports food pantries, healthcare for underserved populations, STEM programming, and healthy lifestyle initiatives, which could include evolutionary biology outreach or education efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in California communities where PNC has a significant presence can seek grants for early childhood education, community development, and services for low- and moderate-income families. Grants from PNC Foundation help support programs like preschool learning, affordable housing, small business assistance, job training, and arts and cultural enrichment that strengthen local neighborhoods.

Accredited charities in California and other countries can seek support for humanitarian, social development, science and education, community, environmental, and contemporary arts projects. Grants from Roche help organizations running innovative, sustainable programs that may include evolutionary biology education or outreach, especially where Roche’s expertise, logistics, and employees can be actively engaged alongside local partners.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations conducting charitable, scientific, medical, or educational work in California can apply for grants that must be used within the U.S. Grants from Sidney Stern Memorial Trust help evolutionary biology and related research or education programs that are well-managed, broadly serve their target populations, and contribute to general welfare.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on basic needs, workforce development, housing, community development, arts, environment, or inclusion can access funding via Bank Of America Charitable Foundation. Grants support economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities nationwide and may benefit organizations whose evolutionary biology work connects to these community priorities.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

California nonprofits working on education, health, poverty relief, conservation, or related community services can access funding through the Robinson Foundation if they serve communities in the Southern region below the Mason-Dixon line. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations must be at least three years old, seek single-year support, and demonstrate tangible, meaningful impact.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for community services or fundraising events can receive grants or event sponsorships through Insperity; organizations may apply once per year. Insperity provides California evolutionary biology organizations with philanthropic grants or sponsorships when they are clients, engage Insperity employees, or serve communities where employees live and work.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on environmental conservation, community services, or peacebuilding can apply for funding that may benefit evolutionary biology-related efforts in California. With a mission to respect all life and the environment, Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides support to charitable projects addressing our changing world.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and qualified local government entities in California communities within 30 miles of a Georgia-Pacific manufacturing facility can apply for Georgia-Pacific Foundation support. Grants may fund education, environment, entrepreneurship, and community enrichment projects that improve long-term well-being in local Georgia-Pacific communities.

California nonprofits providing basic needs, youth enrichment, workforce readiness, or domestic violence safety services can seek program funding that helps vulnerable children and families. Focused on community support, TJX Foundation invites eligible 501(c)(3) organizations within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office to begin with an online eligibility questionnaire and Letter of Inquiry.

California 501(c)(3) public charities, public schools, and libraries working on environmental or human services programs can access funding through the Lawrence Foundation, with typical awards of US $5,000 - US $10,000. Unrestricted grants may support general operating or project costs, and organizations doing evolutionary biology-related environmental work may be eligible.

Nonprofit organizations in California working on community-based programs, education, environment, or cultural initiatives can apply for grants of US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support their work. Grants from Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation help U.S. nonprofits, including those with evolutionary biology-related education or conservation components, fund projects where modest awards make a significant impact.

Graduate students conducting field-based evolutionary biology, ecology, systematics, or conservation biology research in California’s Colorado Desert and Peninsular Range can receive up to US $2,500 for travel, supplies, equipment, and other field expenses. Anza-Borrego Foundation evaluates proposals for scholarly merit, feasibility, and contributions to regional conservation; necessary research permits are required.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven causes can apply for Ameriprise Financial Community Grants to support hunger relief, shelter, self-sufficiency, and local development or arts access programs. Grants are open to U.S.-based organizations, with priority for strong Ameriprise volunteer engagement and measurable, financially stable programs.

California 501(c)(3) organizations seeking project support in education, health care, social services, civic and cultural, or environmental programs can apply for funding via Dr Scholl Foundation. Focused on practical, innovative solutions, this U.S.-based funder offers US $5,000 - US $25,000, which may benefit evolutionary biology initiatives that fit these categories.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving economic stability, workforce readiness, health, social services, or disaster relief can seek project, operating, or capital support, including California organizations. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation provides funding for community-focused programs serving underserved and underrepresented people in areas such as hunger, homelessness, literacy, mental health, early childhood, and domestic violence support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with programs in safety, workforce development, community vitality, or environmental sustainability in California can apply for Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, offering US $5,000 - US $30,000. With a mission to strengthen local communities, the foundation supports projects serving Union Pacific–served areas, including STEM, youth development, environmental stewardship, and public safety initiatives.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.