Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in California

501(c)(3) nonprofits in California working on economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, or community arts and culture can apply for US Bancorp Foundation’s Community Possible funding. Organizations that address multiple pillars (work, home, play), advance diversity, equity and inclusion, and are based in U.S. Bank communities may be especially competitive, including those supporting educator development.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits with innovative human services or social problem–solving programs can access funding through Creag Foundation. Organizations must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and be developing new approaches to existing or previously unaddressed social issues, which may include education-related initiatives for teachers’ professional growth.

Early-stage, independent nonprofit and impact-first, mission-driven for-profit organizations in California tackling urgent social or environmental problems can apply for Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation’s support, with awards up to US $300,000. Funding over three years combines capital with intensive capacity-building to help scalable solutions expand their impact for underserved communities.

Nonprofit and NGO programs using technology for crisis response, education, economic empowerment, or climate resilience in California may be eligible for Global Impact Cash Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation. Organizations must primarily serve economically underserved communities, keep overhead below 25 percent, and propose innovative, tech-enabled solutions rather than general operating support or traditional school-based activities.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in California can seek Good Neighbor Citizenship company grants to support safety, education, and community development initiatives. State Farm Companies Foundation funds projects such as K–12 and higher education, STEM, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, financial literacy, and neighborhood revitalization with long-term, sustainable impact.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits and equivalent charities working in health, education, or community services can seek funding for programs such as STEM education, food pantries, and healthcare for underserved populations. Focused on community well-being, Labcorp Charitable Foundation invites proposals that advance equitable care, education, and healthy lifestyles; requests are reviewed in March and September.

Accredited charities in California and worldwide can seek funding for humanitarian, education, community, environmental, and contemporary arts projects that engage Roche expertise and employees. Grants from Roche help organizations develop high-quality, sustainable programs, including science and STEM education for youth, social services, disaster relief, and cultural initiatives, through local Roche affiliate offices.

Nonprofit and humanitarian organizations providing health, education, or disaster relief services can seek support for programs serving marginalized communities in California and worldwide. With a mission to empower vulnerable populations, Semnani Family Foundation provides funding to initiatives such as medical care, child welfare, literacy, and related social services, which may include teacher or professional education components.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on community development, basic needs, workforce education, arts, environment, or inclusion can access funding via Bank of America Foundation’s sponsorship program. These regional sponsorships support economic, social, and cultural initiatives, so education-focused organizations, including those supporting teachers’ professional growth, may be eligible when aligned with housing, jobs, or hunger priorities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and aligned for-profits in California seeking to share their impact stories can use this storytelling grant to highlight preservation, education, or wellness work. Grants from Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation support organizations across the U.S., so California programs for teachers, students, or community wellness may be eligible to enhance outreach and visibility.

U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations running education, science, arts, or Jewish life projects, including those benefiting California teachers’ professional growth, may be eligible for project-based support. Robert & Toni Bader Charitable Foundation funds initiatives that advance Jewish ideals through education, science, and the arts, but does not cover general operating expenses or support individuals.

California education nonprofits focused on children, families, poverty relief, or related services can access funding through Robinson Foundation for single-year projects that create tangible, meaningful impact. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) public charities active for more than three years and serving communities in the Southern region below the Mason-Dixon line; capital projects are not supported.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in California seeking support for community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding projects may be eligible for this funding. With a mission to respect all life, the environment, and all people, Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides grants that could help educators and schools expand related programs and initiatives.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities in California communities near Georgia-Pacific facilities can apply for Georgia-Pacific Foundation grants to support education, entrepreneurship, environmental initiatives, and community enrichment. Programs that improve long-term well-being and sustainability in these communities, including those benefiting teachers’ professional growth, may be competitive.

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

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits and eligible public entities serving low-income children, youth, and families can seek US $100,000 - US $1,000,000 for program expansion, capital projects, pilots, or systems-change work. Grants from W. M. Keck Foundation help California education, youth development, arts, health, and human services organizations, especially those benefiting under-resourced communities in Los Angeles County.

Nonprofit organizations across the U.S., including California, can apply for $1,000 - $20,000 to support education, cultural, health, environmental, and community-based programs. Grants from Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation help schools, museums, clinics, and youth-serving groups, which may include teacher development or continuing education initiatives within broader organizational programs.

Charter school developers in California can apply for CA Department of Education’s 2025-26 Start-Up Subgrants, awarding US $300,000 - US $1,900,000 for planning, implementation, replication, and expansion of public charter schools. Educators and school teams pursuing new, conversion, or expanding high-quality charter schools may benefit, including those focused on educational access and equity.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on basic needs, community development, cultural enrichment, or volunteer-driven causes can apply for Ameriprise Financial’s Community Grants program. Grants from Ameriprise Financial help organizations across the U.S. that provide hunger relief, shelter, adult self-sufficiency, neighborhood revitalization, arts access, or other community vitality initiatives, with priority for sites engaging Ameriprise employee and advisor volunteers.

Education nonprofits in California can seek US $5,000 - US $25,000 from the Dr Scholl Foundation for program-focused projects, rather than general operating support. 501(c)(3) organizations working in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural, or environmental initiatives may benefit, with applications accepted annually between October 1 and March 1.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

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.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

Non-sectarian nonprofits helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant can seek US $5,000 - US $250,000 for humanitarian and social service programs from Gupta Family Foundation. U.S.-based 501(c)(3)s and qualifying foreign organizations, including those in California, may be eligible if they are smaller, founder-led groups directing at least 90% of funds to beneficiaries.