Best Emergency Preparedness Grants for Nonprofits in California

California nonprofits with innovative human and social services or related programs can access funding through Creag Foundation to address current social problems in new ways. 501(c)(3) organizations held for at least one year may be eligible, and disaster preparedness or community safety initiatives may fit if they present a novel approach.

Edison International provides California nonprofit organizations with funding for programs in public safety and emergency preparedness, including electrical safety, disaster readiness, community resiliency, and wildfire safety for vulnerable residents. Eligible groups in Edison’s Southern California service area may also work in related areas like STEM education, environmental conservation, and civic engagement that support community resilience.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) cultural nonprofits with audited expenses over $2 million can apply for the Hearst Foundation’s Culture Grant to support impactful arts and science programming, capital projects, or limited general/endowment needs. California organizations offering arts education, artist development, or STEAM-related programs that reach large populations may be especially competitive for awards over US $100,000.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in California working in health, education, or community services can seek funding for programs like food pantries, healthcare access, STEM education, and preventative health. Focused on community well-being, Labcorp Charitable Foundation invites proposals that may strengthen local resilience and emergency preparedness for underserved populations.

California nonprofits and social enterprises working on education, children’s health, or family economic stability can access funding through Michael & Susan Dell Foundation for project support or scaling efforts; awards are typically more than US $50,000. Organizations serving urban children and youth in poverty may be eligible if their work advances measurable impact in these areas.

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.

With a mission to support marginalized communities, nonprofits in California working on disaster relief, health, and social services can seek funding from the Semnani Family Foundation. Grants support programs in disaster relief, healthcare access, women and children’s health, and humanitarian services, and may benefit organizations focused on emergency preparedness and community resilience.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in California seeking support for charitable, educational, scientific, or medical programs that benefit U.S. communities may be eligible for this funding. Grants from Sidney Stern Memorial Trust help tax-exempt organizations with broadly impactful, well-managed services, which can include disaster preparedness or emergency readiness efforts within the U.S.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on housing, jobs, hunger, or community development can access funding through Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s sponsorship program. Support may include initiatives like preserving neighborhoods, workforce education, emergency shelter, and related community resilience efforts, which may benefit organizations integrating disaster preparedness into broader economic and social programs.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

With a mission to strengthen disaster preparedness, WD-40 Company provides California nonprofits with support for water-related emergency preparation and recovery projects. Eligible 501(c)(3) public charities must serve Southern California communities, focus on community preparedness for hurricanes, heavy rainfall, or flooding, and may receive up to US $200,000 to protect equipment, tools, and other valuables.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on natural disaster preparedness and long-term recovery can access funding through Ima Foundation, with awards up to US $20,000. Eligible organizations must serve communities where IMA has a meaningful presence and may also work in workforce development or financial literacy with an emphasis on underserved populations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding in California can use this funding for programs that strengthen resilience and readiness. With a mission to support positive change, Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides flexible support that may benefit nonprofits incorporating disaster preparedness into their broader work.

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.

Nonprofit organizations in California seeking support for community programs, education, arts, health, or environmental initiatives can apply for grants of US $1,000 - US $20,000. Grants from Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation help U.S. nonprofits where modest funding can make a significant impact and may benefit groups incorporating disaster preparedness or resilience activities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in California working on basic needs, community development, cultural enrichment, or volunteer-driven programs can apply for Ameriprise Community Grants, part of a nationwide program. Grants from Ameriprise Financial help organizations addressing hunger, shelter, adult self-sufficiency, and community vitality, which may benefit nonprofits integrating disaster preparedness into their services.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in California seeking project support for education, health care, social services, civic and cultural, or environmental initiatives may be eligible. Focused on broad community improvement, Dr Scholl Foundation invites U.S. applicants to request US $5,000 - US $25,000 for one-year projects, which can include disaster preparedness and resilience efforts.

California nonprofits focused on disaster preparedness in at least two Inland Region counties can receive up to US $300,000 to deliver disaster training and resources to at-risk communities. California Governor's Office of Emergency Services supports projects that strengthen preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation for diverse populations disproportionately impacted by emergencies.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving at least two Southern California counties can apply for the Listos California Regional Grant (LL) Program, with awards up to US $300,000 for disaster preparedness work. Focused on disaster preparedness, the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services supports training and resources that boost community readiness, response, recovery, and mitigation for at-risk, diverse populations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing disaster preparedness work across at least two counties in California’s Coastal Region can apply for the Listos California Regional Grant (LM) Program, with awards up to US $300,000. Focused on disaster preparedness, the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services invites projects that train and equip diverse, high-risk communities for emergencies.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving quality of life through disaster relief, economic stability, workforce development, or health and social services can receive project, operating, or capital support, including in California. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation focuses on communities where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates, supporting underserved and underrepresented individuals and families facing critical needs and emergencies.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

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.

Government agencies, tribal governments, educational institutions, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in California can seek funding for land stewardship, air quality, or water stewardship projects through the PG&E Corporation Foundation’s Better Together Nature Positive Innovation Grant program. Awards of US $100,000 per region may support planning, construction, design, education, or coordination, with priority for disadvantaged or vulnerable communities.