Best Grants for Computers for Nonprofits in California

Nonprofit organizations in California seeking support for community programs, services, or equipment can apply for Community Foundation for Monterey County’s Small Grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $20,000. These streamlined grants are ideal for first-time applicants, smaller organizations, or programs serving specific populations or geographic areas, and may help nonprofits enhance their technology or computer capacity.

California 501(c)(3) and similar nonprofits seeking support for education, human services, health, or cultural programs can apply for McGraw Foundation grants, typically ranging from US $2,000 - US $10,000. Although grants generally favor the greater Chicago area, organizations improving access to technology or computer-based learning may be eligible if they meet the foundation’s priorities.

Graduate students pursuing research on drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive funding through the American Water Works Association’s Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship. Focused on actionable outcomes for current water industry challenges, this US $3,000 award may benefit California-based students or those serving California communities.

Grants from James S Bower Foundation help California 501(c)(3) public charities fund educational, environmental, health, and community programs, primarily on the Santa Barbara South Coast. Organizations that need computers or technology as part of broader initiatives in these areas may be eligible, especially for collaborative, population-level change efforts.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, or community arts and culture can seek funding for community development projects. Grants from US Bancorp Foundation help organizations, especially those led by people of color, that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion and may include technology or computer needs within broader programs.

California local governments and non-entitlement jurisdictions can use this program to fund community development, housing, public facilities, and economic development projects that benefit low- and moderate-income residents. The California Department of Housing and Community Development provides Community Development Block Grants that may support facilities, infrastructure, and services where computer equipment is part of broader eligible activities.

With a mission to support environmental sustainability, American Honda Motor provides California nonprofits and schools with US $25,000 - US $100,000 for programs in decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient use of natural resources. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations and school districts may fund projects like energy efficiency upgrades, onsite solar, recycling, and zero-waste initiatives that benefit Honda communities.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing direct services in San Mateo County for education, youth development, basic needs, health, or workforce readiness can access funding through Atkinson Foundation, with awards up to US $20,000. Community-based, community-led organizations serving primarily BIPOC and historically marginalized residents, and with budgets under $10 million, may be especially competitive.

Research institutions and other organizations conducting scientific studies on forestry, wildfire, water, or wildlife issues in California can receive funding to evaluate the effectiveness of forest practice rules and related natural resource protections. The California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection’s Effectiveness Monitoring Committee supports projects on topics like wildfire hazard, watershed health, habitat, and climate and wildfire resilience.

Nonprofit organizations and public agencies serving Monterey County residents can apply for Community Impact Grants supporting capital projects, operating needs, or programs, including technology and computer access initiatives. Grants from Community Foundation for Monterey County help California community development, environment, animal welfare, and arts organizations with US $20,001 - US $50,000 awards for larger-scale, high-impact work.

Postdoctoral physician-scientists and junior researchers in California conducting translational biomedical research can receive up to US $210,000 in salary support through this fellowship. Focused on advancing treatments and cures for human diseases, the A P Giannini Foundation also provides a three-year leadership and communications training program to strengthen fellows’ careers in academia, industry, or public sectors.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government agencies, and tribal nations serving rural Oregon or Siskiyou County children can seek up to US $5,000 for technical assistance and internal capacity-building. Focused on organizational development, The Ford Family Foundation supports consultants, strategic planning, board development, fiscal systems, leadership transitions, fundraising strategies, and mission-relevant staff training.

Nonprofit charities, schools, and government entities serving Weyerhaeuser communities in California can seek grants supporting local community programs, which may include technology or computer needs. Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund focuses on areas like education, youth development, environmental stewardship, human services, housing, workforce development, and diversity, equity, and inclusion, with awards of more than US $1,000.

Nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and tribal nations funding programs, operations, or capital projects for children, youth, and families in rural California communities may be eligible, especially in Siskiyou County. The Ford Family Foundation supports early childhood, youth development, education, child welfare, and rural community facilities; larger requests above $20,000 require prior staff contact and must benefit rural Oregon or Siskiyou County residents.

Nonprofit organizations in California working on housing, youth services, financial education, or economic development can apply for Banner Bank’s Community Support Program. Funding may help nonprofits serving low- and moderate-income residents with homelessness services, affordable housing, academic achievement, workforce development, small business or farm support, and related community vitality efforts.

California recycling manufacturers and organics facilities seeking to finance machinery, equipment, or related expansion costs can access funding through the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery in California. This loan program supports composting, anaerobic digestion, and facilities that turn fiber, plastic, or glass waste into beneficial products, which may help nonprofits upgrading recycling-related infrastructure.

Nonprofit organizations serving women, children, and families with self-sufficiency, humanitarian aid, or education programs in California can apply for funding to expand or create projects. The Father's Table Foundation provides up to US $750,000 for efforts such as homelessness services, job readiness, child welfare, health care, and related support initiatives that may include technology needs.

California grassroots environmental and community groups can seek up to US $7,500 for climate resilience, environmental justice, and related advocacy or organizing projects across California. Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment supports small organizations (under $150,000 budget), including fiscally sponsored projects, whose community-based work may include acquiring or improving technology and computers to advance their campaigns.

California nonprofits and educational institutions working on social equity, education, climate and food security, or mental health can access funding and in-kind support through The Caesars Foundation. Organizations may request monetary donations or items like event tickets or meeting space, as long as programs operate in the U.S. and align with Caesars Entertainment property locations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in California counties where Venable has offices can seek approximately US $10,000 for general operations or projects. Grants from Venable Foundation help California groups provide human and legal services, education, workforce development, health, environment, and arts and culture, which may include technology or computer-related needs within these programs.

The SMUD's Shine Award Program aims to foster inclusive community partnerships by providing equitable support to enhance neighborhoods. It focuses on social well-being, healthy environments, and economic prosperity while prioritizing funding for projects that promote clean energy solutions, energy efficiency, and community education. Eligible applicants are nonprofit organizations within SMUD’s service territory. The program offers various awards to support impactful initiatives that can be quickly implemented or require longer-term investments.

The Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) supports small-scale research grants for institutions with limited NIH funding, emphasizing biomedical research experiences for undergraduates. Eligible institutions must award baccalaureate science degrees and have received no more than $6 million in NIH support over the past seven years. This initiative aims to enhance the research environment at these institutions, fostering student involvement in research activities.

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 Society for Northwestern Vertebrate Biology (SNVB) offers scholarships of up to $1500 for two students conducting vertebrate research in Northwestern North America. Eligible applicants include undergraduate, masters, and PhD students who are enrolled in accredited institutions and members of SNVB. The scholarships cover research-related expenses such as travel and supplies. Preference is given to proposals from local institutions, and only one award is granted per applicant each year.

The Emily M. Hewitt Memorial Scholarship, awarded by the Calaveras Big Trees Association, offers a $3,000 monetary award to a promising California upper division or graduate student committed to environmental studies. Created in honor of Emily M. Hewitt, a passionate advocate for nature, this scholarship seeks candidates who demonstrate a dedication to communicating the beauty of nature and understanding the importance of conservation. Eligible students must be enrolled full-time in an accredited California institution.

The Emerging Global Leader Award (K43) offers essential research support and protected time for early career scientists in low- and middle-income countries. This program, aligned with NIH's clinical trials policy, aims to cultivate independent research careers by providing mentorship and funding over three to five years. Eligible candidates must hold a junior faculty position at an accredited LMIC institution, fostering the growth of research capacity in their regions.

The Nature Based Solutions: Wetland Restoration funding aims to enhance wetland restoration, conservation, and climate resilience in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. This initiative addresses significant peat soil subsidence, which threatens water projects and agriculture in the region. By re-wetting peat soils, the program can mitigate CO2 emissions and support diverse projects, including tidal wetland restoration, crop conversion, and land acquisition, fostering a sustainable environment and economy.