Best Imperial County Grants for Nonprofits in California

Nonprofit organizations and student researchers in Imperial County, California can apply for Pasadena Audubon Society’s research grants, awarding up to US $5,000 for bird, birding, and conservation projects. Funding supports both scientific research and community-based initiatives, with preference for work relevant to Southern California, the Pacific Flyway, or post-wildfire recovery.

The Ocotillo Wind Tribal Mitigation Program, established by Ocotillo Express LLC, aims to support local Native American Tribes in preserving their culture and heritage. Administered by the Imperial Valley Community Foundation, the program funds initiatives such as Tribal Monitor Training, Curation Management, and College Scholarships. By creating dedicated funds for each participating Tribe, the program not only addresses the impacts of the Ocotillo Wind Project but also fosters community engagement and collaboration among the Tribes.

Focused on classical music, Colburn Foundation invites Imperial County, California 501(c)(3) organizations to seek support for performance, presentation, education, or training in the classical music tradition. Nonprofits primarily devoted to works from the 17th to early 20th century may receive general operating or scholarship support, after consulting the foundation administrator.

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 Listos California Regional Grant (LL) Program aims to enhance disaster preparedness in California's Southern Region by supporting nonprofits that serve multiple counties with equity priority factors. This program enables organizations to collaborate and provide essential disaster training and resources to underserved communities disproportionately affected by emergencies, ultimately improving their response, recovery, and mitigation capabilities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on affordable housing, skilled trades, clean water, sanitation, or local economic wellbeing in Imperial County, California may be eligible for this funding. Grants from Ferguson help U.S.-based nonprofits within its geographic footprint strengthen communities through housing, workforce development, clean water access, and neighborhood revitalization initiatives.

Non-entitlement jurisdiction agencies and partners in Imperial County, California can seek funding for affordable housing development and housing programs for low-income renters, homebuyers, and homeowners. The California Department of Housing and Community Development supports equitable and affordable housing projects with awards up to US $4,600,000 through the HOME Investment Partnerships Program.

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.

The Imperial Valley Wellness Foundation offers annual Health and Wellness grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to nonprofit organizations primarily serving Imperial County. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of life through health and wellness, community engagement, and nonprofit capacity building. Focus areas include food security, mental health, and community voice empowerment. The foundation prioritizes vulnerable populations to ensure their needs are addressed, fostering a better living environment for all residents.

The David J. Morafka Memorial Research Award, established by the Desert Tortoise Council, offers $2,500 to support research on gopher tortoise species in the southwestern U.S. and Mexico. This award honors Dr. David J. Morafka's contributions to herpetology. Applicants must be affiliated with recognized institutions and present their findings at a Desert Tortoise Council symposium. Evaluation criteria include research significance, originality, and feasibility, ensuring impactful conservation efforts.

Imperial County 501(c)(3) organizations serving children with special needs in health care, education, or mobility can seek funding for program-related transportation through the Variety Sunshine Coach Program. Variety the Children's Charity of Southern California supports child-focused nonprofits in Southern California counties, including Imperial County, that can clearly define the number of children served and report on impact.

Imperial County, California 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving children with special needs in health care, education, or mobility can apply for program-specific support through Variety the Children's Charity of Southern California. Grants help organizations assisting children from birth to age 18 in Southern California, with clear impact reporting on the number of children served.

Rose Hills Foundation provides Imperial County, California 501(c)(3) nonprofits with funding of more than US $10,000 for education, arts and culture, human services, and support for at-risk youth and families. Organizations must be tax-exempt, provide direct services, and primarily benefit Southern California communities, with an emphasis on measurable impact and strong management.

Imperial County, California 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in arts, education, health, environment, civic affairs, or social services can access funding through the S Mark Taper Foundation for general operating, program, or capital needs. Organizations must provide services in designated Southern California counties, with capital projects limited to Los Angeles County-based nonprofits.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations delivering culinary, nutrition, or arts education with life-skills focus in Imperial County, California may be eligible for capital or program support. Focused on youth development, Emeril Lagasse Foundation invites organizations to propose projects that build life skills, support basic needs, and connect healthy eating with learning for vulnerable youth.

The Desert Conservation Program, administered by the California Wildlife Conservation Board, aims to protect and restore the Mojave and Colorado Deserts, which are vital for biodiversity and cultural heritage. This initiative, established through the California Desert Conservation Act, focuses on land acquisition, restoration, and enhancing public access while also addressing climate resilience and improving air and water quality. Eligible projects include habitat restoration and scientific studies to support endangered species recovery.

Spectrum Digital Education Grants support nonprofit organizations in educating communities about broadband benefits and usage. These grants aim to bridge the digital divide, particularly for seniors and those with disabilities or ethnically diverse backgrounds. Applicants must demonstrate community partnership, address specific needs, and provide measurable impact metrics. With a focus on financial feasibility and meaningful outcomes, this initiative ensures that underrepresented urban and rural communities gain access to essential digital resources, fostering long-term improvement in their lives.

Nonprofit organizations supporting people who lost limbs in U.S. military service can apply for the Balmes Foundation’s Balmes Family Trust Grant to fund health and human services programs. 501(c)(3) organizations in California, including those in Imperial County, California, may also be supported for projects that actively improve Southern California communities.

The Innovative Programming Grant (CA) offers $4 million annually to non-profit organizations seeking to expand successful programs in California's correctional facilities. Grants are oriented towards promoting responsibility and restorative justice for incarcerated individuals. Each grant can be up to $250,000 annually, with a cumulative limit of $750,000 for applicants over three years. This initiative supports innovative, insight-based programming that prioritizes rehabilitation and community reintegration.

The TMCity Foundation Grant supports innovative neurocognitive research and mental health initiatives, offering funding between $25,000 and $250,000. Organizations should be 501(c)(3) and focus on healthcare solutions for brain-related ailments. Applications are accepted via a rolling letter of inquiry, followed by a detailed application if interested. The Foundation prioritizes projects based in Southern California and Greater Boston, aiming to advance understanding of mental health through cutting-edge research and technologies.

SA Recycling is a leading metal recycler, operating over 70 facilities across multiple states. Committed to environmental sustainability, the organization promotes recycling to conserve natural resources and reduce production costs. They actively engage with local communities through job creation and support for various programs, including law enforcement and non-profit organizations. SA Recycling also contributes to community well-being via service and monetary donations, striving to enhance the quality of life for employees and their families.

The NRA Foundation in California offers grants aimed at promoting charitable purposes related to firearms and hunting safety. Eligible organizations include IRS-recognized entities and government bodies. Grant requests must align with the Foundation's mission to educate the public about firearms and support research on safety. Ineligible organizations include labor unions and private businesses. The funding decisions are made solely by the Foundation based on its criteria.

Nonprofits, research institutions, and individuals conducting herpetological conservation projects in Imperial County, California can apply for a US $9,000 grant supporting on-the-ground desert tortoise conservation or related research. With a mission to advance desert tortoise protection, Desert Tortoise Council provides funding for habitat restoration, predator control, road fencing, and similar in situ efforts within the Mojave Desert SCE service area.

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.

Imperial County, California visual arts nonprofits can access funding through Pasadena Art Alliance to support contemporary visual art exhibitions, educational programs, and community art projects. Qualified tax-exempt organizations serving Southern California, including Imperial County, may apply if their projects clearly advance contemporary visual arts and align with the Alliance’s mission and grant-making criteria.

Archaeological researchers and students conducting projects in or around Imperial County and the wider Colorado and Mojave Deserts can apply for the Begole Archaeological Research Grant, with awards up to US $5,000. Administered by Anza-Borrego Foundation, this program supports scientific archaeological research connected to Colorado Desert District parks.

High-achieving San Diego County public high school seniors pursuing non-medical STEM degrees at four-year universities in Southern California can apply for the TechAmerica Scholarship, awarding US $1,000 - US $5,000. Students from Imperial County, California, planning to major in math, science, engineering, or computer-related fields may be eligible if they meet the GPA, test score, and citizenship requirements.