Best Kern County Grants for Nonprofits in California

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

The Employees Community Fund (ECF) of The Boeing Company empowers employees to support local communities through charitable contributions. This program allows Boeing employees and retirees to pool their donations, ensuring that 100% of funds go directly to community projects. The High Desert Chapter specifically focuses on aiding veterans, the homeless, and at-risk children. Applications for grants are by invitation only, ensuring targeted support where it is needed most.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

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 RNP Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing the well-being of underserved communities through education, nutrition, housing, and environmental care. The foundation seeks partnerships with like-minded nonprofits to collaboratively address issues such as homelessness and promote spiritual growth. With a commitment to sustainable development, the RNP Foundation aims to create lasting happiness and security for all individuals, ensuring that basic needs are met before fostering personal and communal spirituality.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

The VAH Foundation Grant focuses on funding projects in Animal Welfare, Education, Literacy, the Environment, and Cultural Beautification for 2025. Applicants must be 501(c)3 nonprofits, registered on GuideStar.org, and based in Kern County. The Foundation seeks detailed budgets, projected impact, and complete supporting documents. Funding will not be considered for general fundraising events, direct aid to individuals, or multi-year grants, with preference given to standalone projects and grassroots organizations.

About the Foundation

Kern Community Foundation is a vibrant nonprofit enterprise with a powerfully simple mission of growing community and growing philanthropy.

Scholarships

Kern Community Foundation manages more than two dozen scholarship funds. Community stakeholders have created these scholarships to honor their loved ones, to support higher education, and to foster the improvement of students as they pursue their diverse ambitions. Students have access to all our scholarship resources through one simple application.

Peter Anthony Catholic Education Fund Scholarship for K-12 Catholic Education

Established in 2017, the Peter Anthony Catholic Education Scholarship provides tuition assistance to qualifying students for K - 12 Catholic education in Kern County.  

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.

Stater Bros. Charities Grant supports nonprofit organizations dedicated to enhancing community well-being in Southern California. With a focus on hunger relief, education, children's health, veterans, and pet welfare, the grant provides funding between $500 and $2,500. As a 501(c)(3) organization, Stater Bros. Charities has donated over $38 million to local causes, ensuring that funds raised stay within the communities served by Stater Bros. Markets, benefiting those in need.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

The Wonderful Company is offering the Central Valley Community Grants, providing up to $1 million in funding for projects that enhance the health and well-being of rural communities in the San Joaquin Valley. With a history of over $8.5 million granted to nonprofits and schools, this initiative supports equitable living conditions. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, local governments, and schools committed to making a tangible impact in their communities.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The Borel Fire Relief Fund, established by the Kern Community Foundation, aims to support nonprofits in Kern County responding to the Borel Fire. Eligible organizations must be registered with the foundation and possess a Silver 2023 or higher Transparency Rating on GuideStar.org. With a focus on immediate relief for requests up to $10,000, this fund seeks to foster community resilience and recovery efforts, enhancing the quality of life in Kern County.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Community Foundation of the North State

The Community Foundation builds trust through relationship, integrity, and by providing safe places for donors to give their resources.

We are a nonprofit, public charity serving the people of Shasta, Siskiyou and Tehama counties, with a mission to impact the region through the power of giving.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of the North State manages many scholarship funds that are awarded to graduating high school seniors as well as students already in an undergraduate program. Some scholarships were started by families or individuals; others by businesses or organizations. All scholarships share one important focus: helping young people reach their educational goals.

Tri Counties Bank Endowed Scholarship Fund

Income-Based and Merit Awards are offered from this scholarship fund to high school seniors living in counties around the State of California.

The Tri Counties Bank Endowed Scholarship Fund was established by the Board of North Valley Bank in memory of Don Carter, who served as President and CEO of North Valley Bancorp and North Valley Bank from 1986 to 1997. The fund provides scholarships to graduating high school seniors throughout California who are pursuing higher education. In 2014, the fund became the Tri Counties Bank Endowed Scholarship Fund with the completed merger between North Valley Bancorp and Tri Counties Bank.

The Tri Counties Bank Income-Based Scholarship

The Tri Counties Bank Income-Based Scholarship program seeks to advance higher education for economically-challenged, community-minded students. Tri Counties Bank competitively awards 60 $1,500 scholarships to graduating high school seniors with significant financial need, attending a trade school, a 4-year college/university, or community college. Awards will be made to high school seniors who demonstrate a keen interest in public service, community engagement, and business entrepreneurship – the three pillars of Tri Counties Bank’s mission to help to uplift people of all races, cultures and ethnicities – especially our economically-disadvantaged youth.

Community Foundation of the North State

The Community Foundation builds trust through relationship, integrity, and by providing safe places for donors to give their resources.

We are a nonprofit, public charity serving the people of Shasta, Siskiyou and Tehama counties, with a mission to impact the region through the power of giving.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of the North State manages many scholarship funds that are awarded to graduating high school seniors as well as students already in an undergraduate program. Some scholarships were started by families or individuals; others by businesses or organizations. All scholarships share one important focus: helping young people reach their educational goals.

Tri Counties Bank Endowed Scholarship Fund

Income-Based and Merit Awards are offered from this scholarship fund to high school seniors living in counties around the State of California.

The Tri Counties Bank Endowed Scholarship Fund was established by the Board of North Valley Bank in memory of Don Carter, who served as President and CEO of North Valley Bancorp and North Valley Bank from 1986 to 1997. The fund provides scholarships to graduating high school seniors throughout California who are pursuing higher education. In 2014, the fund became the Tri Counties Bank Endowed Scholarship Fund with the completed merger between North Valley Bancorp and Tri Counties Bank.

The Tri Counties Bank Merit-Based Scholarship

Tri Counties Bank offers a Merit-Based Scholarship opportunity for graduating higher education-bound high school students who display outstanding achievements in academics, community service, or business entrepreneurship. Tri Counties Bank competitively awards 20 $1,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors attending a community college, trade school, or a 4-year college/university.

About the Foundation

Kern Community Foundation is a vibrant nonprofit enterprise with a powerfully simple mission of growing community and growing philanthropy.

Scholarships

Kern Community Foundation manages more than two dozen scholarship funds. Community stakeholders have created these scholarships to honor their loved ones, to support higher education, and to foster the improvement of students as they pursue their diverse ambitions. Students have access to all our scholarship resources through one simple application.

David Moore Agricultural Scholarship Fund

Established in 2005, the David Moore Agricultural Scholarship Fund (“Fund”), in memory of David Moore, is a permanently endowed scholarship fund. The Fund provides academic support to graduates of Kern County high schools who wish to pursue a career in agriculture. 

The Fund provides financial assistance to students who are U.S. citizens, and graduates of a Kern County high school who demonstrate motivation, perseverance, and a sincere desire to pursue a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, and who wish to pursue a career in agriculture. Students are required to have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 at the time of application

About the Foundation

Kern Community Foundation is a vibrant nonprofit enterprise with a powerfully simple mission of growing community and growing philanthropy.

Scholarships

Kern Community Foundation manages more than two dozen scholarship funds. Community stakeholders have created these scholarships to honor their loved ones, to support higher education, and to foster the improvement of students as they pursue their diverse ambitions. Students have access to all our scholarship resources through one simple application.

Nickel Family Scholarship for Agricultural Education

The Nickel Family Scholarship for Agricultural Education (“Fund”) was established in 2015 by Adele Nickel, on behalf of the Nickel Family and the Nickel Family Trust. The permanently endowed scholarship fund provides academic support to Central Valley students interested in Agriculture.

The scholarship is available to students admitted to community colleges, and public and private colleges and universities, including accredited technical schools.

About the Foundation

Kern Community Foundation is a vibrant nonprofit enterprise with a powerfully simple mission of growing community and growing philanthropy.

Scholarships

Kern Community Foundation manages more than two dozen scholarship funds. Community stakeholders have created these scholarships to honor their loved ones, to support higher education, and to foster the improvement of students as they pursue their diverse ambitions. Students have access to all our scholarship resources through one simple application.

The Caratan Family Scholarship Fund

The Caratan Family Scholarship Fund was established in 2018. The permanently endowed scholarship fund provides academic support to graduates of Kern County high schools who wish to study STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics).

The Kern Community Foundation Farmworkers Grant provides essential support to unemployed and employed farmworkers in Kern County. This grant aims to enhance their quality of life through various forms of assistance, including family support, education, healthcare, housing, food assistance, childcare, legal aid, emergency relief, job support, and transportation. By connecting generous donors with community needs, KCF fosters a healthier and more vibrant Kern County for all residents.

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 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.