Best Kern County Grants for Nonprofits in California

The Colburn Foundation Grant supports organizations dedicated to classical music, emphasizing excellence in education, performance, and preservation of the genre. The foundation invites applications primarily from 501(c)(3) organizations that engage in classical music activities. Before applying, prospective applicants must confirm eligibility with the foundation's Administrator to ensure alignment with funding priorities, as support is generally limited to the Los Angeles community.

The Women’s and Girls’ Fund Grant, supported by Kern Community Foundation, aims to empower women and girls in Kern County through educational initiatives. With at least $80,000 allocated for 2024, the fund prioritizes requests that enhance educational attainment and address critical needs. The focus for 2021-2025 is Education, promoting awareness and advocacy among women to foster positive social change. This grant encourages long-term solutions to societal challenges faced by women and girls in the community.

The Upper Kern Fisheries Enhancement Fund Grant, established by Southern California Edison, aims to improve the Kern River rainbow trout population and restore habitats in the Upper Kern Basin. With nearly $3.5 million in total funding, this grant supports projects aligned with the Fishery Management Plan, ensuring the sustainability of native fish species and water quality standards. Eligible projects must contribute to the restoration and enhancement of fisheries resources in the region.

The Sierra Grant Program, initiated by Bank of the Sierra, aims to enhance community welfare since 2004 by providing grants to nonprofits and governmental organizations. Focus areas include community services, affordable housing, economic development, and revitalization of low-to-moderate income areas. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, ensuring that impactful projects can receive timely support to improve the quality of life for families and individuals in the communities served.

The Desert Tortoise Recovery Partnership aims to restore and protect the Mojave desert tortoise populations in California's western Mojave Desert. Formed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and various military and environmental agencies, this initiative seeks to address urgent conservation needs and enhance habitat through a funding opportunity of up to $1 million. The partnership exemplifies a collaborative effort to balance species recovery with military operations, ensuring both ecological and operational sustainability.

Carlos Vieira Foundation

The Carlos Vieira Foundation is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of families living with autism, mental illness, and addiction. Through our Race For Autism Grant Program, we provide financial assistance for therapy, treatment, and essential services that many families might not otherwise afford. Race 2B Drug Free campaign giving youth the opportunity to stay off the streets and learn the sport of boxing through our 51FIFTY Boxing Clubs. Our Race to End the Stigma campaign brings awareness to the realities of mental health and addiction, encouraging open conversations and providing scholarships to students who advocate for change. By offering direct support, education, and community-driven programs, we strive to uplift and empower families facing these challenges with compassion and hope.

The Carlos Vieira Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that focuses on the following three campaigns: Race for Autism, Race 2B Drug-Free, and Race to End the Stigma. CVF was built on one man’s dream of helping youth within our local communities. Through local support, CVF is able to assist youth across twenty-one counties within California’s central valley.

Direct Help Grant

Our mission is to provide services, medical necessities, and educational tools to families who live in Central California that are affected by Autism. 

Requested Items to be Purchased by Foundation if Grant is Awarded

If you are interested in additional items to total the allowed grant amount of $500, please email additional items, cost, service provider, vendor, or website/link to buy items to the Carlos Vieira Foundation. A recommendation letter is not required for any items that can be found on or are similar to those found on our approved websites: arktherapeutic.com, autism-products.com, funandfunction.com, pecsusa.com, and nationalautismresources.com

Kern County, California 501(c)(3) nonprofits and outside nonprofits running projects solely benefiting Kern County can apply for the Virginia and Alfred Harrell Foundation’s project support; awards fund animal welfare, education, literacy, environmental, and cultural or beautification initiatives. Single-year, standalone projects with clear budgets and strong community backing are preferred.

Eligible 501(c) organizations and government or state-recognized nonprofits in Kern County, California can apply for NRA Foundation grants of US $3,000 - US $5,000 to support firearms safety, shooting sports, hunting safety, and marksmanship education. Programs serving youth or conducting firearms safety research in Southern California counties, including Kern, may be competitive.

The McMillen Family Foundation Grant aims to support non-profit organizations in Southern California focused on treatment, prevention, and education regarding alcohol and drug dependency. Prioritizing nonprofits with proven track records, the Foundation provides funding for activities beyond government support, with grants up to $50,000 for new applicants. The Foundation also offers technical assistance and collaboration opportunities to enhance the impact of its grantees in the community.

The Pasadena Art Alliance Grant supports contemporary visual arts in Southern California by funding innovative projects and educational programs. Established in 1955, this independent organization prioritizes grants for unconventional institutions and champions diverse artistic expressions. With over $8 million awarded since 1976, the PAA fosters community engagement and understanding of contemporary art. Preference is given to organizations located in the San Gabriel Valley, ensuring a focused impact on local art initiatives.

The Desert Tortoise Council invites proposals for conservation projects aimed at enhancing desert tortoise populations and habitats. With a funding opportunity of $9,000, the RFP emphasizes the importance of in situ conservation efforts such as habitat restoration and predator control. Projects must be completed within the current year in the Mojave Desert region. Applicants are required to submit detailed proposals, including budgets and project descriptions, and must report outcomes post-completion.

The Stantec Community Engagement Grant is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in communities where Stantec operates. Focused on arts, education, environment, and health and wellness, the grant supports initiatives that foster sustainable development and responsible practices. Organizations seeking funding must align with Stantec's values, emphasizing ethical practices and community impact. Preference is given to projects located near Stantec offices, ensuring a more significant local impact through their contributions.

Nonprofit and not-for-profit organizations expanding successful, insight-oriented correctional programs in Kern County, California that emphasize incarcerated persons’ responsibility and restorative justice may be eligible for this grant, with awards up to US $750,000. The CA Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s Innovative Programming Grant supports work in criminal justice system reform and correctional systems and prisons across select California counties.

The DEW Foundation Grant supports tax-exempt charitable organizations globally, aiming to promote the common good through financial contributions and personal involvement. The foundation prioritizes charities where family members are actively involved and focuses on ministries, health, education, and community service. While it may fund its own projects, it typically does not exceed 10% of an organization's operating budget and avoids supporting politically affiliated causes or normal church operations. Innovative and effective organizations are especially welcome.

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.

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.

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.

Grants from Nestlé Purina help Kern County, California pet welfare nonprofits fund capacity building, capital improvements, and program or spay/neuter work. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) pet welfare organizations in the U.S., with priority for those within 50 miles of Purina’s St. Louis headquarters or its manufacturing locations.

Individual artists in disciplines like visual, performing, media, folk, or social change arts living in Kern County, California can receive US $5,000 - US $50,000 fellowships through this program. With a mission to support California’s creative ecosystem, California Arts Council funds Emerging, Established, and Legacy Artist Fellowships administered regionally by Kern Dance Alliance for Central Valley and Eastern Sierra counties.

The Emeril Lagasse Foundation offers Community Grants aimed at supporting 501c3 non-profit organizations that focus on culinary, nutrition, and arts education, with an emphasis on life skills development. Grants are available to organizations in communities where the foundation operates, including Greater New Orleans, Austin, and Southern California. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity and align with the foundation's vision of empowering youth to reach their full potential.

The PNC Foundation's Grow Up Great Grant is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for children from birth to age 5. With a commitment of $500 million, this program focuses on improving school readiness through support in vocabulary development, social-emotional learning, and the arts. By partnering with community-based nonprofits, PNC aims to foster stronger, smarter, and healthier communities, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.

501(c)(3) nonprofits serving children and youth affected by child abuse and neglect in Kern County, California can apply for In-N-Out Burgers Foundation grants of US $10,000 - US $50,000 to support aligned programs or general operations. Invite-only core grants prioritize organizations with at least two years of service and a $100,000+ annual budget.

Community Finance Initiative 

Advancing the financial resilience of low-income households across the U.S.

This model enables us to engage and support a broad range of organizations across the globe to tackle some of the most pressing social issues of our time.

The Citi Foundation’s 2026 Community Finance Initiative commits $35 million to support programming that bolsters the financial stability, strength and safety of low-income households in the U.S.

Focus Areas

The Foundation seeks to support organizations advancing low-income household financial resilience in the United States across three focus areas:

Stabilize: Programs that help low-income households to build financial skills and confidence to manage daily finances and navigate financial stress.

• Financial coaching on budgeting, credit, debt reduction and savings strategies.
• Digital tools offering personalized financial guidance and product navigation.
• Assistance with public benefits and social safety net programs.

Strengthen: Programs that help low-income households build and repair credit, as well as short- and long-term financial assets.

• Financial products or services for credit building and credit repair.
• Initiatives to increase savings, including emergency funds.
• Support for homeownership, including readiness, preservation and long-term stability (e.g., first-time buyer assistance, preventing displacement and support systems for aging in place resources).

Safeguard: Programs that protect low-income household financial security by preventing and addressing financial losses.

• Education and support for the safe and confident use of digital financial tools.
• Fraud and scam awareness, prevention and recovery initiatives, including protection from identity theft.
• Interventions to help households recover from major financial shocks (e.g., healthcare costs, extended family care, job transitions or natural disasters).

Funding Opportunity

The Foundation plans to award 70 $500,000 (USD) grants (to be disbursed over two years) totaling $35 million to community organizations working in select communities where Citi has a presence.

The grants will be restricted and are anticipated to be disbursed in two annual payments in 2026 and 2027. Proposed projects should be for a term of 24 months, starting no sooner than August 1, 2026 and ending no later than December 31, 2028.

The Roy and Ida Eagle Foundation, established in 2009, supports 501(c)(3) organizations focused on strengthening families and protecting wildlife in Northern Santa Barbara and Kern County. With a mission centered on family values and community improvement, the Foundation funds educational opportunities, health care services, and violence prevention programs. Grant applications are by invitation only, with a deadline for Letters of Inquiry set for April 30, 2025. This initiative aims to enhance community well-being through targeted charitable contributions.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

The California Air Quality Chipping EQIP Initiative, managed by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service, offers ongoing support to agricultural producers and forest landowners. This program focuses on enhancing air and water quality, conserving water resources, and improving soil health. By developing tailored conservation plans, producers can implement sustainable practices that mitigate drought impacts and promote biodiversity, all while receiving potential financial assistance for their efforts.

The Desert Tortoise Council offers a Regular Grants Program to support projects aimed at the conservation and management of desert tortoise populations and their habitats. Grant requests are accepted year-round, with priority given to emergency responses, impactful projects, and those that leverage additional funding. Grants are awarded based on availability and a majority vote by the Board, ensuring that significant conservation issues are addressed effectively.