Best Grants for Seniors in California

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

California nonprofits providing direct services in Los Angeles County can receive funding for senior services, health, education, human services, and cultural programs. The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation offers support for general operations, capital projects, specific programs, staff positions, and other capacity-building needs, with a focus on organizations serving vulnerable community members, including seniors and low-income populations.

Nonprofit organizations providing early childhood education, youth violence prevention, arts, environmental justice, or family crisis services in California can access funding through Sills Family Foundation, with typical awards of US $10,000 - US $25,000. California programs that also serve low-income families, immigrants, refugees, or communities impacted by the justice system may be especially competitive.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving San Marcos residents can receive up to US $1,500 in mini grants for projects benefiting seniors, youth, health, education, civic life, arts, or wildlife. San Marcos Community Foundation’s Endowment Fund supports small-scale, community-focused programs, with simple reporting requirements and no matching funds required for these mini grants.

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.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

California senior services and aging-focused organizations in California can access funding through the California Department of Food & Agriculture to support nutrition incentives and technical assistance for WIC, WIC FMNP, and Senior FMNP shoppers at certified farmers’ markets. Projects prioritizing low-income, low-access communities and promoting purchase of California-grown fresh fruits and vegetables may be competitive.

With a mission to support literary programming, Poets & Writers provides California organizations hosting public readings or writing workshops with mini-grants to pay published writers’ fees. Colleges, libraries, senior centers, cultural and community centers, and similar hosts may be eligible, including those serving seniors, especially when featuring diverse writers and underserved audiences.

California senior services and other health and human services 501(c)(3) nonprofits can seek up to US $10,000 for safety, wellness, and related programs that benefit communities in PacifiCorp’s service area. Focused on community vitality, PacifiCorp/Pacific Power/Rocky Mountain Power Foundation invites projects such as senior centers, wellness initiatives, and public safety efforts in eligible counties.

Nonprofit organizations, Gilroy public and private schools, and the City of Gilroy can seek funding for youth programs, therapeutic or rescue animal services, and senior citizen initiatives in California’s Gilroy area. Grants from Gilroy Foundation help projects that address root causes of community problems and leverage local volunteers, strong governance, and sound fiscal management.

California Department of Parks and Recreation

The California Department of Parks and Recreation, popularly known as State Parks, is honored to provide access to parks and open spaces and contribute to a healthier and richer quality of life for Californians and for people all over the world who visit the golden state’s natural wonders.

Mission

To provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state's extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation.

Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program

Since 1965, a variety of funding measures administered by the Office of Grants and Local Services (OGALS) have created or improved nearly 8,000 local and regional parks across California. The Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program (SPP) is the largest state administered grant program for community park access in California. This tool shows where SPP grant projects are located.

Parks are unique places where children can play, people exercise, families bond, seniors socialize, youth are mentored, cultures share and celebrate their differences, and everyone can connect with nature. The California Department of Parks and Recreation sponsors this website to help advance park access for all Californians. The tools on this site show where grant funding improved park access, and where communities still need more resources to achieve the goal for everyone in California to have close-to-home parks.

Intent

The Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program (SPP) is a competitive grant program creating new parks and new recreation opportunities in underserved communities across California.

California organizations providing broadband access or digital literacy programs can seek funding to expand services for seniors and other residents with limited internet adoption. Grants from California Public Utilities Commission help California senior-serving agencies, libraries, schools, and community nonprofits offer free broadband, training, and outreach in public or community spaces to boost connectivity and inclusion.

With a mission to enhance seniors’ quality of life, Bethlehem Foundation provides California nonprofits serving older adults with funding for programs that promote health, independence, and social interaction. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in Northern California counties can apply year-round, with deadlines in February and August for spring and fall consideration.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving seniors and other residents in Monterey County, California can apply for Harden Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $100,000 to support programs and operations. Harden Foundation funds senior services alongside youth, family, health, agriculture, animal welfare, environment, and arts, including capital projects, special initiatives, and general operating support.

Nonprofit organizations and fiscally sponsored groups in California planning one-time community festivals in Berkeley can receive up to US $7,000 for festival-related expenses. Focused on arts and cultural events, City of Berkeley invites festivals that are public, include a free component, and may feature programming for seniors and older adults.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, youth groups, and similar organizations offering STEM, literacy, workforce development, or youth education programs can apply for Pacific Power Foundation grants. The PacifiCorp/Pacific Power/Rocky Mountain Power Foundation provides up to US $10,000 for education and STEM initiatives in communities within its California service area, which may include senior-focused learning or intergenerational programs.

With a mission to strengthen local communities, Impact 100 Greater Sacramento provides California nonprofits serving seniors and families with transformational project grants of more than US $100,000. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in Sacramento, Yolo, Placer, and El Dorado Counties may apply under focus areas like family services, senior services, health and wellness, or education.

Nonprofit organizations serving seniors, youth, or broader human services in the greater Lafayette, California community can apply for Lafayette Community Foundation’s Excellence Grants, awarding US $1,000 - US $10,000 for local programs and services. California groups focused on senior services or aging-related support in Contra Costa County may be especially well-suited.

California 501(c)(3) community-based organizations focused on energy efficiency and conservation can apply for the Flex Alert Grant Program to fund outreach that educates residents about Flex Alerts and reducing energy use. Senior-serving nonprofits, especially those reaching low-income, multicultural, disabled, rural, or older residents in PG&E, SCE, or SDG&E territories, may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, educational institutions, youth groups, cultural organizations, and health and human services providers in California communities served by Pacific Power can seek funding for community enhancement and environmental respect projects. With a mission to support local vitality, PacifiCorp/Pacific Power/Rocky Mountain Power Foundation provides up to US $10,000 for efforts like affordable housing, recreation centers, parks, trails, and natural resource conservation.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups providing senior services and disability support in San Luis Obispo County can seek two-year general operating grants, awarding US $20,000 - US $40,000. San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation funds programs that promote independent living, social and emotional support, and access to food and basic needs for seniors and people with disabilities.

Nonprofit organizations and fiscally sponsored projects providing senior services, disability support, health, arts, or environmental programs in California’s San Luis Obispo County can seek project funding and limited administrative support. San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation’s General Community Grants Program offers up to US $20,000 through a competitive review process for mission-focused work serving local residents.

California senior service nonprofits can access funding through Harry C. & Deborah L. Elliott Family Foundation to support disadvantaged seniors, along with related health, housing, environmental, and scholarship initiatives. 501(c)(3) organizations, especially those serving Sacramento County, may apply for US $10,000 - US $50,000, submitting proposals by mid-September for consideration in the late-fall funding cycle.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities supporting arts and culture projects in California communities served by Pacific Power can apply for PacifiCorp Foundation grants, with awards up to US $10,000. Senior-focused cultural programs, festivals, museums, or heritage initiatives that engage older adults may be eligible if they operate in the listed service-area counties.

California 501(c)(3) cultural and arts organizations, including those serving seniors, can apply for Rocky Mountain Power Foundation’s arts and culture grants, awarding US $2,000 - US $5,000 for performing and visual arts, historic preservation, and cross-cultural education. Eligible projects must benefit communities within the Pacific Power service area in California.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing civil legal aid to low-income people, including seniors, can seek $25,000 - $150,000 for infrastructure or innovation projects that improve legal services. Focused on strengthening civil legal systems, the California Access to Justice Commission prioritizes projects serving rural or underserved immigrant communities and those partnering with community-based organizations.