Best Grants for K-12 Schools in California

US Bancorp Foundation supports arts, culture, and workforce development in California by funding programs that enhance economic advancement, affordable housing, and community engagement. K-12 schools with initiatives in arts education, youth leadership, or financial literacy may be eligible to apply for support through this grant program.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

Creag Foundation provides California organizations focused on innovative human and social services with opportunities to address pressing societal issues. K-12 schools and educational nonprofits in California with creative approaches to student support or community challenges may be eligible to apply. Applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year.

State Farm Companies Foundation supports education programs in California by offering grants that benefit K-12 schools, with a strong emphasis on academic performance, STEM initiatives, and college and career pathways. California K-12 schools focused on these priorities may be eligible for funding to enhance student success and educational opportunities.

About Us

Harbor Freight is America’s #1 Tool Store with more than 1600 locations nationwide. Founded in 1977 by Eric Smidt, the company began as a small mail-order tool business in North Hollywood, California. Over 75 million customers have come to Harbor Freight for our unmatched assortment of quality tools at an unbeatable value, including automotive, air and power tools, storage, outdoor power equipment, generators, welding supplies, shop equipment, hand tools, and much more.

Harbor Freight Tools Gift Card Donation Requests

If you are a Harbor Freight Associate and have been affected by an unexpected, unavoidable crisis and are in financial need, please apply to our Employee Emergency Relief Fund (EERF). To apply, go to www.myHFT.com to review our FAQs, guidelines, eligibility requirements and application form.

For all other donation requests, please note that we have recently updated our criteria. You can find the current eligibility requirements below.

All donations are given in the form of Harbor Freight Store gift cards. We do not provide cash donations, event sponsorships or support for individuals.

Harbor Freight Tools proudly supports the following:

Skilled Trades Education

• Skilled trades classes that emphasize the expert use of tools and materials to build, repair and maintain products and structures. Fields include Agricultural Mechanics, Carpentry, Construction, Electrical, HVAC, Advanced Manufacturing, Plumbing, Transportation Mechanics and Repair, and Welding
• Donation requests must be submitted by a K-12 public-school teacher for their own school/classroom. Harbor Freight store gift cards are given directly to the school/teacher requesting one. We do not provide donations to outside organizations, clubs or third parties.

Labcorp Charitable Foundation supports education and community programs in California by funding initiatives such as STEM programming, food access, and healthcare for underserved populations. K-12 schools in California may be eligible for grants that enhance student learning, promote health and wellness, or address critical needs within their school communities.

Ralph M. Parsons Foundation provides California K-12 schools with funding for educational enrichment, academic success, and youth development in Los Angeles County. Grants support programs ranging from early learning to college preparation, including general operating support, capital projects, and staff positions. Eligible schools and educational nonprofits may benefit from this responsive grantmaking opportunity.

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 Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

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.

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.

Grants from Lawrence Foundation help California organizations working in environmental conservation and community services. K-12 schools in California may be eligible if their programs align with the foundation’s interests, such as environmental education or community-focused initiatives. Funding is typically unrestricted, supporting both program and operating needs.

W. M. Keck Foundation provides California K-12 schools with support for educational access, youth development, and STEM programs. Schools in Los Angeles County serving low-income or special needs students may be especially competitive. Projects focused on arts, health, and family services for children and youth are also considered.

StopWaste

StopWaste is a public agency serving the 1.7 million diverse residents of Alameda County. Formed in 1976, we work on behalf of 17 member agencies—the County, 14 cities, and 2 sanitary districts—committed to advancing environmental sustainability and building healthy, equitable, climate resilient communities in Alameda County. Our vision is focused on an Alameda County in which people thrive and are empowered to utilize resources and energy in ways that are good for the health of our communities, our local economy, and the planet.

StopWaste's work is guided by three long-term goals: building a healthy local food system that eliminates waste, advancing a thriving circular economy, and accelerating innovation in the built environment. We prevent wasted food, recover surplus food to nourish communities, and keep materials in circulation through reuse, repair, recycling, and composting—while helping communities across Alameda County cut pollution, save money, and meet California’s climate and waste goals.

Reusable Foodware Grants

StopWaste offers grants to help replace single-use disposable foodware with reusable systems in closed-environment dining facilities. Controlled settings with high meal volumes are ideal for reusable alternatives — items are used on-site, collected, washed, and returned for reuse.

Up to $50,000 for schools, colleges, institutions, and large venues to replace single-use items with durable, reusable foodware and dishwashing systems.

Grants from Amateur Radio Digital Communications help California K-12 schools expand STEAM education, digital literacy, and amateur radio programming. Schools interested in technology, science, and communication innovation may be eligible for funding, provided their projects align with open access principles and the advancement of digital communications.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

Grants from William McCaskey Chapman & Adaline Dinsmore Chapman Foundation help California K-12 schools and nonprofits motivate students in coastal Monterey County communities to prepare for and succeed in college. Eligible programs include classroom initiatives, academic scholarships, and extracurricular projects that support college readiness and measurable student achievement.

California K-12 schools can access funding through American Water Charitable Foundation for projects that improve, restore, or protect local water resources. Grants support efforts like water conservation, watershed protection, and expanding equitable access to water-based recreation. Schools with environmental or STEM programs may be eligible for these community-focused grants.

Focused on STEM education, Boston Scientific Foundation Inc invites California K-12 schools to apply for funding that expands opportunities for economically disadvantaged students. Programs must serve at least 50% low-income participants and demonstrate measurable improvements in STEM learning. Schools aiming to enhance academic development in science, technology, engineering, and math may be eligible.

Focused on community services, Samueli Foundation invites California K-12 schools and nonprofits to apply for the Breakaway Fund. This opportunity offers unrestricted support for projects in talent development, technology upgrades, and organizational expertise. Schools serving Orange County communities may be eligible for grants of $50,000–$100,000.

California K-12 schools can access funding through Samueli Foundation for capital projects in Orange County. Eligible projects include facility acquisition, new construction, renovation, repairs, and major equipment purchases. K-12 public and nonprofit private schools meeting the criteria may benefit from one-time grants up to $1,000,000 to enhance their educational environments.

O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Inc provides California education organizations with support for programs improving economic stability, workforce development, health, and literacy. K-12 schools that address community needs such as literacy, early childhood development, or job readiness may be eligible for funding to enhance student outcomes and support underserved populations.

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.

California Department of Education

California will provide a world-class education for all students, from early childhood to adulthood. The Department of Education serves our state by innovating and collaborating with educators, schools, parents, and community partners. Together, as a team, we prepare students to live, work, and thrive in a multicultural, multilingual, and highly connected world.

California Educators Together Platform

Funding Description

Authorized under Section 147 of Assembly Bill 126, the legislative intent is to maintain the California Educators Together (CaET) online repository and expand standard-aligned instructional resources to improve pupil outcomes. The program serves K-12 local educational agencies, teachers, and pupils by providing professional collaboration tools and digital literacy guidance, focusing on safety safeguards for emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence.

The selected county office must show experience curating standards-aligned educational resources, capacity to assess needs of diverse local educational agencies, a track record building educator communities of practice across subjects and regions, and demonstrated experience managing digital platforms or tech-based educational initiatives. Chosen via competitive application process open to all county offices.