Best Imperial County Grants for Nonprofits in California

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 LA84 Foundation Grant offers small grants of up to $10,000 to organizations that support youth sports programs, particularly for underserved youth. This funding aims to enhance social-emotional and educational outcomes through sports, prioritizing programs that promote equity, access, and safety. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations in Southern California, focusing on youth under 18, and adhere to specific safety guidelines for various sports. LOIs are accepted year-round.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running structured sports programs for youth under 18 in Imperial County, California can apply for LA84 Foundation’s large grants, with awards of more than US $10,000 for program costs, equipment, facilities, and new sports-based youth development models. Grants from LA84 Foundation help youth services and sports organizations expand access for underserved children and girls.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Binational Resilience Initiative Grant

The Binational Resilience Initiative (BRI) builds resilience in the Cali-Baja region by supporting binational projects that strengthen the capacity of our communities to adapt to the impacts of our changing climate. A partnership of San Diego Foundation (SDF), International Community Foundation (ICF), Resilient Cities Catalyst (RCC), and the San Diego Regional Climate Collaborative (SDRCC), we are leading an innovative, community-driven process that recognizes the interdependent environmental, economic, and cultural assets in San Diego and northern Baja California and strengthens resilience by addressing climate vulnerabilities through binational collaboration and localized solutions.

The Funding Opportunity

The Binational Resilience Initiative supports projects that build resiliency in the Cali-Baja region. We will expand the network of binational partners advancing the resiliency of the region between San Diego County and northern Baja California coastal communities, as well as expand funding to generate innovative binational approaches and thriving communities. Grantmaking goals for BRI include expanding binational, scientific climate collaboration as well as advancing coastal/marine resilience from an integrated, regional approach.

Specific Criteria for BRI Coastal/Marine Grants

• Focus on coastal/marine resilience: where the work proposed helps increase our region’s understanding of climate change effects on our coastal/marine resources.
• Effective demonstration of binational collaboration: where the work proposed supports true binational collaboration among U.S. and Mexican community-based organizations, scientists, researchers, educators, and/or government agencies.
• Contributes to coastal/marine resilience in two or more of these areas:
  • Climate relevance: Directly or indirectly supports efforts that mitigate, adapt or create resilience to impacts from climate change.
  • Economic prosperity: Supports efforts for organizations to obtain additional impact dollars where the project/grant serves to support catalytic funding needs for the organization/project.
  • Knowledge sharing: Supports education and/or communication of binational resilience needs and climate-related impacts.
  • Organizational resilience: Supports efforts related to the long-term resilience and health of the organization, such as resources that directly support organizational capacity building and staff needs.
  • Research: Creating new knowledge, filling gaps in collective understanding and synchronicity with existing research.
• Nonprofit organizations in Mexico or the U.S. should be the lead applicant but partnerships with other stakeholders are highly encouraged.
• Each binational partnership proposing a project should include at least one US nonprofit (or an entity with an equivalent tax-exempt status) and one MX nonprofit that is not a subsidiary of the US nonprofit (or an entity with an equivalent tax-exempt status, such as a research center or university.)
• The budget can include subgrants between nonprofit organizations if these are working on different areas within the same proposed binational project.
• The budget requested may include up to a maximum of 15% of total direct expenses as overhead or indirect costs. For example, if the total budget requested from BRI is the maximum allowed of $100,000 per project, then the indirect costs cannot exceed 15% of the direct costs ($86,957 in combined direct costs, plus a maximum of 15% of these (as indirect costs), will add up to the maximum of $100,000 per project).
• Funding requested can be up to $50,000 per year per organization, regardless of the number of partnerships or projects each organization collaborates with.
• Funding requested can be up to $100,000 per year, per binational project; this maximum includes requests for BRI funding from all partners per binational project.
• Funding can be requested for up to one year. Larger funding requests may require additional information and documentation. 

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.

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.

About

THE DOAN FOUNDATION is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to uplifting the overlooked—underserved youth, emerging creatives, and grassroots cultural organizations. Through scholarships, artist grants, and cultural sponsorships, we provide access, resources, and recognition to those too often unseen. By investing in creativity as a force for healing, identity, and community, we ensure that the arts remain vital, visible, and accessible across Southern California.

Roots & Resilience Artist Grant

This grant provides artists or arts & culture organizations from Southern California with $1,000 each to bring impactful projects to life – projects that address social issues, mental health, uplift underrepresented voices, and inspire healing and connection within communities. By investing in these creatives, The Doan Foundation aims to preserve powerful stories, strengthen cultural understanding, and drive change.

The Roots & Resilience Artist Grant Program reflects our commitment to empowering artists as changemakers, using their craft to inspire and unite us all.

Together, we’re building a brighter future through the transformative power of art.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Public agencies and partners improving freight transportation infrastructure in Imperial County, California can access funding through the California Transportation Commission’s Trade Corridor Enhancement Program. This competitive program supports projects on key freight corridors that enhance safety, reduce congestion and community impacts, and improve freight efficiency, with priority for regionally planned, ready-to-deliver projects leveraging matching funds.

Nonprofits and other organizations working on water resource management and resilience projects in Imperial County, California, San Diego County, and northern Baja California can apply for up to US $100,000 to support binational water initiatives. The San Diego Foundation’s Binational Resilience Initiative funds Tijuana River restoration, pollution reduction, and water conservation efforts that strengthen community and watershed health.

The Foundation for Developmental Disabilities (FDD) offers program grants to nonprofit organizations in San Diego and Imperial Counties, focusing on innovative projects that enhance the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs). Grants range from $500 to $20,000, supporting areas such as employment, family support, housing, and self-advocacy. The FDD aims to provide equitable access to opportunities that maximize the potential of IDD individuals and their families.

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.