Best Imperial County Grants for Nonprofits in California

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.

Edison International's Community Grants Program partners with local nonprofits focused on education, the environment, public safety, and civic engagement. With a commitment to supporting underserved communities, the program has contributed $20 million to initiatives that improve air quality, enhance disaster preparedness, and promote diversity. The grants prioritize educational programs emphasizing STEM and environmental sustainability, aiming to empower diverse populations and foster community resilience in Southern California.

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 Bloom-Hays Ecological Research Grant and Zembal Wetland Research Grant support ecological research in Southern California, focusing on avian species and coastal wetland habitats. Grants ranging from $250 to $2,500 are awarded to graduate and outstanding undergraduate students, promoting innovative research that benefits native species and habitats. Preference is given to projects directly related to local ecology, ensuring that funding addresses critical habitat issues in the region.

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, California nonprofits, charities, 501(c)(3)s, and governmental organizations can access funding through NRG Energy’s PositiveNRG program for community-focused projects. Support may cover environmental education, resilient and sustainable communities, disaster relief, public safety, business education, and human and social services initiatives that have a meaningful, direct impact and strengthen community involvement and inclusiveness.

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.

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 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. 

The Julius Sumner Miller Foundation Grant supports projects that enhance science education, particularly in physics, and improve health care for the elderly in southern California's South Bay region. The Foundation prioritizes programs that address critical needs, provide measurable impacts, and are non-discriminatory. Grants are awarded annually, with multi-year options available based on project goals and outcomes. Eligible organizations must hold IRS 501(c)(3) status and cannot be private foundations.

The Smart & Final Charitable Foundation focuses on enhancing community well-being through strategic donations. Committed to Health & Wellness, Education, Hunger Relief, Team Sports & Youth Development, and Disaster Relief, the foundation supports local non-profits in California, Arizona, and Nevada. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)3 registered and aligned with the foundation's focus areas. While the foundation aims to assist various groups, it has specific exclusions, such as for-profit entities and political activities.

The Sustainable Recreation, Tourism, and Equitable Outdoor Access Directed Grant Program (2025-2027) supports innovative projects aimed at enhancing sustainable recreation and tourism in the Sierra-Cascade region. Key goals include improving public access to nature, mitigating overuse impacts on resources, and fostering sustainable recreation economies. Projects eligible for funding must focus on climate resilience, equitable access, or landscape-scale assessments, all ensuring multiple benefits for community education and environmental protection.

The Brinker International Charitable Giving Program focuses on giving back to communities through support for kids, hunger, and education. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501c(3) non-profits and submit requests at least six weeks prior to events. The program does not support individuals, political or religious organizations, or explicit discrimination policies. Funding is provided through monetary donations or in-kind contributions like dining certificates.

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.

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.

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.

Individual artists and culture bearers in Imperial County, California can receive US $5,000 - US $50,000 in unrestricted support for their creative practice across all disciplines through the Individual Artists Fellowship program. Administered regionally by the City of San Diego, this California Arts Council initiative strengthens the arts workforce and cultural vitality in Imperial and San Diego Counties.

Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains

Our mission at the Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains is to improve the region’s quality of life through the power of philanthropy. We do this by offering individuals, families, and businesses the most effective charitable giving tools available in the marketplace today. Founded in 1998, the Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains is honored to work with hundreds of donors, nonprofits, advisors, and civic leaders to achieve dreams for making the Endless Mountains region of Northeastern Pennsylvania an even better place to live for everyone.

Scholarships

Many generous individuals, families, and businesses have established scholarship funds to provide support to graduates in our region. Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors.

Robert and Diane Turrell Family Scholarship

Established by Robert and Diane Hill Turrell. Provides a post-secondary scholarship to a high school graduate who is a student of good moral character and who demonstrates financial need through their Student Aid Report. Students from Lackawanna Trail, Tunkhannock, Elk Lake, Homeschooled and Wyalusing Valley High Schools may apply. Priority will be given to students living in Habitat for Humanity Housing. The recipient may re-apply during each of the remaining years of undergraduate study until reaching the age of 25.

Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains

Our mission at the Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains is to improve the region’s quality of life through the power of philanthropy. We do this by offering individuals, families, and businesses the most effective charitable giving tools available in the marketplace today. Founded in 1998, the Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains is honored to work with hundreds of donors, nonprofits, advisors, and civic leaders to achieve dreams for making the Endless Mountains region of Northeastern Pennsylvania an even better place to live for everyone.

Scholarships

Many generous individuals, families, and businesses have established scholarship funds to provide support to graduates in our region. Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors.

Thomas Conaty Memorial Scholarship

Established by the family of Mr. Conaty to provide a college or post-secondary degree program scholarship to a student from Blue Ridge, Elk Lake or Montrose Area School Districts, including home schooled students from those districts. Preference will be given to a student who will pursue a degree in business or a related field.

The Scholarships for Careers Endowment, established by a local family in connection with the Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains, aims to support graduates of Elk Lake School District and the Susquehanna County Career & Technology Center. This scholarship prioritizes students with financial need and promise for future success, assisting them in pursuing vocational, technical, academic, or other post-secondary programs. Additionally, it contributes to special projects within the school district and community.

About Us

Leadership. Collaboration. Impact.

The Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley helps philanthropists support the causes closest to their heart while connecting local residents to the resources they need for a better quality of life.

Our Mission

To serve as a leader and advocate for strategic philanthropy, partnering with donors to anchor a permanent and growing endowment and making investments in the Mahoning Valley that improve the quality of life for all residents.

Scholarship Opportunities

Your Community, Your Support System

Our community members support hundreds of local students every year through various scholarships facilitated by the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley.

Awarded to Mahoning County students graduating high school that have shown scholastic achievement and demonstrate financial need.

The LPGA Foundation

The LPGA Foundation supports women and young people through programs and initiatives aimed at empowering them through the game of golf. Since its founding, The LPGA Foundation has touched more than 500,000 lives through various scholarship and financial assistance programs, along with its flagship junior golf program, LPGA*USGA Girls Golf. The LPGA Foundation was established in 1991 and is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization, which supports junior golf programs, scholarships, and financial assistance programs for women and young ladies.

Renee Powell Scholarship

The Renee Powell Scholarship will be awarded through The LPGA Foundation and the LPGA Renee Powell Fund. Established in 2022, the Renee Powell Scholarship will provide financial aid to female, Black or African American, high school seniors pursuing a full-time course of study and playing collegiate golf at an accredited college or university in the United States. Through this effort, The LPGA Foundation will further its commitment to Change the Face of Golf and create opportunities for Black or African American girls to pursue their dreams. 

The Renee Powell Education Grant, established in 2022 by The LPGA Foundation, aims to empower female, African American LPGA Professionals pursuing certification. This initiative supports their educational journey through financial aid for various certification costs, including membership fees and registration. With over 60 years of dedication to golf education, the LPGA Foundation is committed to enhancing opportunities for African American women in the golf industry, fostering a diverse and inclusive environment.

The scholarships we award vary each year based on the unique criteria of each scholarship. In 2025, we awarded over $3 million in scholarships to over 500 students, including $1.3 million to 110 students in western NC through our Disaster Relief and Resilience Scholarship.

Depending on the scholarship, it may pay for tuition, room and board, books, fees and/or other related educational expenses. 

Fred M. Parrish, Jr. Scholarship Endowment Fund

Graduating high school seniors from public high schools in Johnston County who are continuing their studies at an accredited college, university, community college or technical school. The Scholarship committee shall have the power to make recommendations to the Foundation as to deserving individual recipients and appropriate scholarship amounts, based on academic performance and on financial need.

This will be outlined in your award notification. The minimum scholarship award amount is $1,000.

NCCF scholarship awards are only issued to not-for-profit institutions and government entities such as public colleges or universities.

SparkForce: The FMA Foundation

Formerly known as Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs (or NBT), SparkForce is the charitable foundation of the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association. While our name has changed, our mission has not. Our purpose is to inspire, attract, and support individuals in discovering an interest in manufacturing and to encourage their pursuit of a manufacturing career.

2020 marked the 50th Anniversary of FMA. Started by one man and his vision, FMA has transformed into an association dedicated to helping metal manufacturers thrive and move the industry forward.

Scholarships

SparkForce, The FMA Foundation, awards scholarships twice each year to students pursuing degrees or certifications related to manufacturing careers.

3 Scholarship Awards, 1 Application

• Community College, Trade School, or University; The U.K. Gupta & Family Scholarship; and The John Grossheim Memorial Scholarship.

Scholarship funds can be used to cover tuition, school fees, books purchased through the college store, and required tools or equipment such as PPE (if available for purchase through the college store). Funds cannot be used for housing, meals, or costs unrelated to the program.

FMA Scholarship: Community College, Trade School, or University

Open to eligible students pursuing degrees or certifications related to a career in manufacturing.

SparkForce: The FMA Foundation

Formerly known as Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs (or NBT), SparkForce is the charitable foundation of the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association. While our name has changed, our mission has not. Our purpose is to inspire, attract, and support individuals in discovering an interest in manufacturing and to encourage their pursuit of a manufacturing career.

2020 marked the 50th Anniversary of FMA. Started by one man and his vision, FMA has transformed into an association dedicated to helping metal manufacturers thrive and move the industry forward.

Scholarships

SparkForce, The FMA Foundation, awards scholarships twice each year to students pursuing degrees or certifications related to manufacturing careers.

3 Scholarship Awards, 1 Application

• Community College, Trade School, or University; The U.K. Gupta & Family Scholarship; and The John Grossheim Memorial Scholarship.

Scholarship funds can be used to cover tuition, school fees, books purchased through the college store, and required tools or equipment such as PPE (if available for purchase through the college store). Funds cannot be used for housing, meals, or costs unrelated to the program.

FMA Scholarship: The John Grossheim Memorial Scholarship

Preference to employees and their dependents of FMA member companies.

This scholarship is funded through the Outside Processors Council (OPC) Endowment.