Best Kern County Grants for Nonprofits in California

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 BNSF Railway Foundation provides grants to enhance community quality of life across 28 states, focusing on educational, cultural, and social service initiatives. With over $150 million contributed since 2000, the foundation emphasizes projects with strong local engagement and BNSF employee involvement. Eligible organizations include public charities, local governments, and tribal governments, while ineligible entities encompass religious organizations and those with discriminatory practices. Priority is given to environmental, health, and cultural projects.

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.

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 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.

Local nonprofit organizations in Kern County, California can seek funding for capital projects such as building or land improvements, equipment purchases, or facility upgrades. Grants from Kern Community Foundation’s Waterman Foundation Rotary Club of Bakersfield Capital Grant program support these one-time investments rather than ongoing operating expenses for Kern County nonprofits.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on supporting organizations that empower communities through basic needs, income creation, and stable housing. By investing in health and job opportunities, they aim to enhance economic mobility for low- and moderate-income families. Their partnerships target vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to resources that foster community vitality and resilience. This initiative emphasizes the importance of stable housing as a foundation for personal and communal growth.

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 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.

Kern County, California nonprofits involved in Borel Fire relief efforts can seek recovery and immediate relief funding, including awards over US $20,000. With a mission to grow community and philanthropy, Kern Community Foundation provides support to registered Kern County nonprofits that hold at least a 2023 Silver Transparency Rating on GuideStar.

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

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.

Nestlé Purina is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of pets and the communities they serve. Through their event sponsorship program, they support 501(c)(3) tax-exempt pet welfare organizations in the U.S. that focus on the welfare of cats and dogs. Eligible events must be located within 50 miles of their St. Louis headquarters, ensuring that their contributions directly benefit local communities. Purina's commitment to pets and people strengthens the bond between them.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations addressing basic human needs, income creation, and community development in Kern County, California can apply for local funding; grants support low- and moderate-income communities. Grants from Bank of America Charitable Foundation help programs focused on food, shelter, health, jobs, small business resiliency, and economic mobility for vulnerable populations.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Kern County, California working on youth services, children’s health, hunger, or early childhood programs can receive monetary or in-kind dining certificate support. Brinker International provides Kern County nonprofits with one donation per calendar year for events, with requests due at least six weeks in advance via the online application.

The PositiveNRG Grant Program, led by NRG Energy, focuses on investing in communities through choice and education, community engagement, resilience, sustainability, and well-being. The program is open to non-profit organizations and governmental entities that can demonstrate a meaningful impact. Preference is given to initiatives that foster community involvement and inclusiveness. However, sponsorships for religious or political activities are generally not supported. This program aims to empower communities through innovative energy solutions.

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.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Kern County, California can seek support for health and wellness, education, hunger relief, youth sports, youth development, or disaster relief projects. Focused on nourishing local communities, Smart & Final Charitable Foundation provides donations to eligible local groups such as PTAs, youth leagues, food pantries, and emergency service providers.

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.

The Listos California Regional Grant Program aims to enhance disaster preparedness in California's Inland Region by supporting nonprofits that serve multiple counties. The program prioritizes equity and targets areas at high risk for disasters, enabling organizations to provide essential training and resources to diverse communities disproportionately affected by emergencies. Through collaboration with local nonprofits, it seeks to improve community resilience and response capabilities to future disasters.

Nonprofit and public entities planning public high-powered EV fast-charging stations in Kern County, California can apply for up to US $200,000 per port. Focused on electrification infrastructure, the California Energy Commission invites corridor-based projects that expand reliable, accessible community charging and may support Kern County organizations improving transportation access and sustainability.

The PLTW Gateway grant from Chevron aims to enhance educational opportunities in San Ramon, California, by expanding Project Lead The Way (PLTW) programs in local schools. With over $17 million invested since 2009, Chevron's support has transformed the educational landscape for nearly 250,000 students and 8,100 teachers across multiple states. This funding will facilitate the introduction of new units and training for teachers, ensuring sustainable growth and improved learning outcomes for K-12 students.

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.