Best Grants for Youth Programs in California

California youth and education nonprofits can seek US $1,000 - US $2,500 to support programs in health and human services, hunger relief, K–12 education, veterans, and inclusion. Focused on community well-being, the Albertsons Companies Foundation requires applicants to operate in its store service areas and, in California, to secure a Safeway or Vons employee sponsor.

California 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored groups running youth development, education, arts, housing, or other social justice and environmental programs can seek sponsorship funding for capital campaigns, operations, and events. Beneficial State Foundation supports this work in California with awards up to US $1,000; requests must be submitted 60 days before funds are needed.

Youth-serving nonprofits in California offering STEM education, environmental programs, civic engagement, or public safety and emergency preparedness services can apply for invitation-only support from Edison International. Focus is on organizations in its Southern California service area, especially those reaching underserved youth and families through education, disaster readiness, workforce pathways, and community leadership programs.

Youth-serving 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, state entities, and churches in California can seek funding for education, youth development, safety, humanitarian services, health, and arts programs, with awards of US $2,500 - US $25,000. The Joan M Wismer Foundation supports projects that improve lives in the U.S. and abroad, favoring proposals with clear long-term funding plans.

The Majestic Realty Foundation, established in 2002, champions active philanthropy by addressing critical community needs across eight regions in the U.S. Focused on youth, education, health, family support, and violence prevention, the Foundation fosters sustainable community development. Through initiatives like the Los Angeles Youth Leadership Council, it empowers young leaders while encouraging employee volunteerism. By partnering with local nonprofits, the Foundation strengthens community ties, ensuring lasting impact against challenges such as homelessness and youth violence.

Nonprofits and community organizations in California and other priority geographies can apply for Pentair Foundation’s support, which funds water access, quality, safety, and STEM education initiatives for youth and young adults. Programs that reduce water stress, improve drinking water, promote swim safety, or build engineering and manufacturing career pathways may be eligible.

With a mission to strengthen community services, Ralph M. Parsons Foundation provides California youth programs and other nonprofits in Los Angeles County with flexible funding for general operations, capital projects, programs, and staff. Organizations offering youth development, education, health, or human services to vulnerable populations in Los Angeles County may be strong candidates.

Nonprofit organizations serving youth and families in Southern California, especially Los Angeles County, can apply for grants of more than US $10,000 to support education, arts and culture, human services, and basic needs programs. With a mission to strengthen communities, Rose Hills Foundation provides responsive funding to impactful, direct-service organizations with strong management and measurable outcomes.

The Rosenberg Foundation is dedicated to dismantling systemic barriers to equity and opportunity for Californians. Through its grantmaking, it focuses on areas such as leadership development, criminal justice reform, and immigrant rights. The foundation supports innovative initiatives, including the 2022-2024 Leading Edge Fellows, who tackle pressing social issues. By fostering civic engagement, the foundation aims to empower underrepresented communities and ensure their voices are heard in policy discussions, ultimately striving for a more just society.

California youth-serving nonprofits, public schools, and school districts can access funding through S H Cowell Foundation for place-based programs supporting children, youth, and families in communities facing acute poverty. Grants prioritize youth development, mental health, education, family services, and community-building efforts in Northern and Central California that advance racial equity and resident voice.

California nonprofits providing youth and family services, including early childhood education, violence prevention, arts education, and support for families in crisis, can seek funding for programs or general operations. Sills Family Foundation provides California organizations with US $10,000 - US $25,000 one-year grants, with possible renewals, prioritizing low-income communities, justice-impacted families, and immigrants or refugees.

California youth-serving 501(c)(3) nonprofits running well-managed programs or projects can apply for grants supporting youth services, education, social services, and health and wellness. Grants from Gary E Milgard Family Foundation Sunshine help organizations in the greater Los Angeles area strengthen community health and opportunities for children and young people.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) youth and community organizations in California, specifically in Monterey County, can seek programmatic funding for youth activities, education, arts, culture, and health and human services. With a mission to strengthen communities, Dunspaugh-Dalton Foundation provides established organizations (5+ years) with one-year grants, requiring new applicants to submit a Letter of Intent first.

Nonprofit organizations in California running youth programs in areas like academic achievement, civic involvement, and physical or emotional development can apply for Banner Bank’s Community Support Program. Funding also supports financial education, affordable housing, and economic development initiatives, especially those serving low- and moderate-income populations in the bank’s regional footprint.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running youth, education, health, or community-building programs in California can seek US $250 - US $10,000 to improve the human condition. Grants from Hesed Foundation help California youth services and related initiatives, particularly those serving underrepresented populations in eligible counties, strengthen communities and enhance quality of life.

California 501(c)(3) organizations running youth, education, or community programs can access funding through Bank of Marin to support social and economic vitality, education, and enrichment and wellness initiatives. Youth-serving nonprofits in ten Northern California counties may be eligible, including those focused on financial literacy, STEAM education, mentorship, basic needs, housing, and youth development.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and eligible public entities in Southern California can seek US $100,000 - US $1,000,000 to expand or launch youth-focused programs in Los Angeles County. With a mission to strengthen under-resourced communities, W. M. Keck Foundation supports projects in education, health, arts, and social services that benefit low-income children, youth, and families.

California youth-serving organizations offering outdoor, environmental, or cultural programs in low-income and disadvantaged communities can seek funding to expand youth access and support substance use prevention and early intervention. Grants from California Natural Resources Agency help California youth programs provide community education, recreational amenities, and connections to natural and cultural resources.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits running youth, housing, food, health, or related social service programs can apply for Charis Fund grants of US $2,500 - US $7,500 to start or expand specific projects. Focused on social welfare and at-risk youth, Charis Fund supports small to medium agencies with budgets under $10M in several Western states.

California youth-serving 501(c)(3) organizations and school districts can access funding through the Motorola Solutions Foundation to support technology and engineering education or first responder programming. Programs engaging students in STEM, robotics, public safety careers, or safety and disaster preparedness training for youth, especially those from underrepresented communities, may be eligible for awards up to US $50,000.

California 501(c)(3) public charities and government or public agencies running youth programs can seek US $3,000 - US $7,500 for specific projects. With a mission to build a healthy, prosperous region, Teichert Foundation supports youth and elderly services, education and workforce development, health, environmental sustainability, and community and social service initiatives in eligible counties.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored projects serving youth, families, or older adults can seek US $10,000 - US $150,000 for programs in Northern California communities. Focus areas include youth in nature, youth arts, maternal health, healthy aging, and related services, through responsive and occasional multi-year strategic grants from the Joseph & Vera Long Foundation.

California youth-serving 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering academic or cultural enrichment for children and teens can access funding through Henry Mayo Newhall Foundation for one-year or multi-year programs. Grants of US $5,000 - US $20,000 support efforts in communities tied to Henry Mayo Newhall’s legacy, including the Santa Clarita, San Francisco, and Santa Maria Valleys.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charities, government agencies, schools, and faith-based organizations serving youth in the Truckee–North Tahoe region of California can seek funding for education and youth development programs. Tahoe Community Foundation also supports arts and culture, environment and recreation, animal welfare, and health and human services initiatives benefiting local communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) youth programs in California focused on education, empowerment, storytelling, or community engagement can apply for Local Impact Grants supporting local community change. With a mission to strengthen communities, Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation provides funding in select NBC and Telemundo markets for youth education, STEM/STEAM, youth entrepreneurship, and volunteer-focused initiatives.

Youth-serving environmental organizations in California working on wildlife conservation can seek two-year support to protect, connect, or restore wildlife corridors and migratory pathways through the Disney Conservation Fund, with awards up to US $150,000. Focus areas include terrestrial and aquatic habitat, marine and freshwater conservation, pollinators, and other land or habitat projects that engage communities.

The June & Julian Foss Foundation, established in 1997, prioritizes support for children and young adults, especially those facing mental illness or physical disabilities. With a mission to foster healthy, responsible adults and promote family philanthropy, the Foundation emphasizes family strength, diversity, and self-worth. Grants typically do not exceed $5,000 and are directed towards programs that enhance self-sufficiency and recognize individual capabilities, while upholding values of integrity and respect.