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Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in California

Find the perfect Foundation grants for nonprofits in California on Instrumentl. 11,000+ Foundation grants for nonprofits in California in the United States.

11,000+

Available grants

$3.61B

Total funding

$5K

Median grant

11,000+ grants
$3.61B total
$5K median

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10,852 Results based on applied filters

Community Programs Funding from Community Foundation

Community Foundation for Monterey County
Private
Monterey County, California
US $10,000 - US $20,000
Nonprofit organizations in California seeking support for community-focused programs can apply for CFMC Small Grants, which offer US $10,000 - US $20,000 for a wide range of services and initiatives. Community Foundation for Monterey County provides streamlined funding for first-time applicants, smaller organizations, or projects serving specific populations or geographic areas in Monterey County.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Education Immigrant Services Trail Creation & Maintenance +39 more

Education and Human Services Funding from McGraw Foundation

McGraw Foundation
Private
United States
US $2,000 - US $10,000
California 501(c)(3) and similar nonprofits working in education, human services, conservation, health, or cultural programs can apply for McGraw Foundation grants supporting general operations, specific projects, or occasional capital needs. Based in Illinois but open to U.S. organizations, awards range from US $2,000 - US $10,000, with occasional larger grants for especially promising efforts.
Environmental Conservation Family Services Hospice / End of Life Care +37 more

American Water Works Association Support for Water Research

American Water Works Association (AWWA)
Association/Society
North America
US $3,000
Graduate students conducting research in drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 to advance actionable solutions for current water industry challenges. Focused on water-related fields, the American Water Works Association scholarship may benefit students connected with California nonprofits or academic programs working on clean drinking water and environmental health.
Sanitation & Clean Drinking Water Epidemiology & Public Health Academic Scholarship Programs +34 more

James S Bower Foundation Community Grants in California

James S Bower Foundation
Private
Santa Barbara County, California
Unspecified amount
Grants from James S Bower Foundation help California 501(c)(3) public charities fund educational, scientific, religious, and charitable programs, primarily on the Santa Barbara South Coast. Eligible nonprofits working in areas such as early childhood, later life care, environment, community priorities, and related services may receive support for collaborative, population-level change efforts.
Early Childhood Development Maternal And Perinatal Health Crisis Intervention +18 more

US Bancorp Foundation Community Development Grants in California

US Bancorp Foundation
Private
Arizona, Arkansas +24 more
Unspecified amount
Nonprofit organizations in California working on economic and workforce advancement, affordable housing, or community arts and culture can apply for grants that support community development programs. Grants from US Bancorp Foundation help 501(c)(3) partners advance racial and economic equity, especially those led by people of color and serving designated U.S. Bank communities.
Museums & Cultural Institutions Art Education Arts / Culture Access & Participation +16 more

California Community Development Funding via Housing Department

California Department of Housing and Community Development
State/Local Government
California
Unspecified amount
California non-entitlement cities and counties can access funding through the California Department of Housing and Community Development to support community development, housing, public facilities, and economic development projects for low- and moderate-income residents. Grants may benefit California nonprofits through projects such as community facilities, health clinics, shelters, childcare centers, and related planning and technical assistance partnerships.
Economic Services & Development Community Development & Revitalization Waste Management +11 more

American Honda Motor Grants for California Environment

American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Corporate
Alabama, California +15 more
US $25,000 - US $100,000
With a mission to support environmental sustainability, American Honda Motor provides California nonprofits and schools with US $25,000 - US $100,000 for decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient resource-use programs. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations and public or private schools serving Honda communities can apply for programmatic support that advances education, awareness, and infrastructure to protect the planet.
Sustainability Renewable/Sustainable Energy Environmental Conservation +9 more

Community Programs Funding for Nonprofits from Community Foundation for Monterey County

Community Foundation for Monterey County
Private
Monterey County, California
US $20,001 - US $50,000
Nonprofit organizations and public agencies serving Monterey County residents can apply for Community Impact Grants to support community development, environment and animal welfare, and arts, culture, and historic preservation programs, including capital, operating, and program needs. Grants from Community Foundation for Monterey County help California nonprofits with a proven track record expand effective, data-informed initiatives with awards of US $20,001 - US $50,000.
Animal Welfare - General Civic Leadership Development Civic Engagement & Education +29 more

Atkinson Foundation Grants for California Nonprofits

Atkinson Foundation
Private
San Mateo County, California
Up to US $20,000
California nonprofits providing direct services in San Mateo County can access funding through Atkinson Foundation for education, youth development, community support, and basic needs programs. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations or fiscally sponsored projects with budgets under $10 million, especially those serving BIPOC and historically marginalized communities, may receive up to US $20,000.
Immigrant Services Basic Human Needs Disability Care & Services +22 more

California Board Forestry Research Grants for California

California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection
State/Local Government
California
Unspecified amount
California nonprofits, research institutions, and other organizations conducting scientific studies on forestry, wildfire, water, wildlife, or climate resilience in California forestlands can apply for Effectiveness Monitoring Committee funding. California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection provides California natural resource and fire ecology programs with support to test the effectiveness of Forest Practice Rules and related protection regulations.
Forestry Natural Resources Fire Ecology +5 more

A P Giannini Foundation Support for Biomedical Research

A P Giannini Foundation
Private
California
Up to US $210,000
Biomedical postdoctoral researchers at accredited California medical schools can receive multi-year salary support for translational research on human diseases. Focused on advancing biomedical science, the A P Giannini Foundation invites eligible physician-scientists and junior researchers to pursue projects on conditions such as cancer, heart disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and other serious illnesses, with integrated leadership and communications training.
Diseases & Conditions Heart Disease Leukemia +8 more

California Rural Capacity Funding via Ford Family Foundation

The Ford Family Foundation
Private
Oregon, Siskiyou County, California
Up to US $5,000
Focused on building internal capacity, this grant invites California 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government agencies, and tribal nations serving rural Siskiyou County children and families to seek up to US $5,000 for technical assistance. Funding can cover consultants for planning, governance, fundraising, or fiscal systems, as well as mission-relevant staff training.
Youth Services Family Services Economic Services & Development +27 more

Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund Support for California Communities

Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund
Corporate
Ada County, Idaho, Adams County, Colorado +392 more
More than US $1,000
Nonprofit organizations, schools, and government entities in California counties where Weyerhaeuser operates can seek funding for community programs, including housing, youth development, environmental stewardship, human services, and workforce development. Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund awards more than US $1,000, with local employee committees setting priorities for grants that serve broad community needs.
Education Environment Environmental Education +25 more

Father's Table Foundation Self-Sufficiency Grants in California

The Father's Table Foundation
Private
United States
Up to US $750,000
Nonprofit organizations serving women and children with programs in adult readiness, child welfare, health care, humanitarian aid, sustainability, or disaster relief can apply for funding in California. The Father's Table Foundation provides up to US $750,000 to expand or replicate proven services that build self-sufficiency and resilience, occasionally supporting urgent needs tied to long-term sustainability.
Catholicism Children’s Health & Pediatrics Children’s Mental Health +17 more

CalRecycle Support for California Recycling Infrastructure

California Department of Resources, Recycling, and Recovery (CalRecycle)
State/Local Government
California
Unspecified amount
California recycling manufacturers and similar facilities can access financing to develop or expand organics and recycling infrastructure that reduces greenhouse gas emissions. CalRecycle provides loans for machinery, equipment, and related costs for composting, anaerobic digestion, and facilities that turn fiber, plastic, or glass waste into beneficial products, supporting landfill diversion and disadvantaged communities.
Carbon / Greenhouse Gas Reduction Green Infrastructure Food Waste / Composting +2 more

Banner Bank Support for California Community Programs

Banner Bank
Private
California, Idaho +2 more
Unspecified amount
Nonprofit organizations in California working on housing, youth development, financial education, or economic and workforce development can apply for Banner Bank’s Community Support Program. Grants prioritize programs serving low- and moderate-income residents and small businesses, and may benefit 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking foundation funding for community-focused initiatives.
Homelessness Services Homeownership Equitable & Affordable Housing +14 more

Ford Family Foundation Youth Grants in California

The Ford Family Foundation
Private
Oregon, Siskiyou County, California
Up to US $20,000
Nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and tribal nations serving rural communities in California can seek larger grants from the Ford Family Foundation to support programs, operations, or capital projects benefiting children, youth, and families. Grants up to US $20,000 may support early learning, youth development, child welfare, rural health, libraries, or community facilities in rural Siskiyou County.
Rural Development Community Development & Revitalization Rural Health Care +24 more

California Environmental Justice Funding via Rose Foundation

Rose Foundation For Communities And The Environment
Private
California
Up to US $7,500
California grassroots environmental nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups can seek funding for climate resilience, environmental justice, and community organizing projects through the California Environmental Grassroots Fund. Administered by Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment, this program offers up to US $7,500 for small organizations (under $150,000 budget) addressing issues like pollution, sustainable agriculture, water resources, and habitat protection.
Sustainability Urban Planning Agriculture +8 more

Caesars Foundation Community Impact Grants in California

The Caesars Foundation
Private
Amador County, California, Atlantic County, New Jersey +31 more
Unspecified amount
California nonprofits and eligible educational or religious organizations offering nondiscriminatory social services can access funding and in-kind support through The Caesars Foundation for programs in education, social equity, climate and food security, and mental health. Organizations in Amador and San Diego Counties may be eligible if their U.S.-based programs align with Caesars Entertainment’s strategic community impact areas.
Climate Change Resilience & Equity Food Security Human Trafficking +17 more

Venable Foundation Support for California Nonprofits

Venable Foundation Inc
Corporate
Arlington County, Virginia, Baltimore City, Maryland +13 more
Approximately US $10,000
Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in California’s Los Angeles and San Francisco Bay Area can seek approximately US $10,000 for general operating support or projects serving economically disadvantaged people. Grants from Venable Foundation help fund human services, legal services, education, workforce development, youth programs, health, environment, and arts and culture initiatives in these communities.
Basic Human Needs Art & Culture Education +24 more

SMUD's Shine Award Program

Sacramento Municipal Utility District
State/Local Government
Sacramento County, California
Up to US $100,000
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.
Community Development & Revitalization STEM / STEAM Education Greening & Beautification +16 more

Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) for Undergraduate-Focused Institutions (R15 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) (357458)

US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Federal Government
American Samoa, Guam +4 more
Up to US $375,000
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.
Cancer / Oncology Epidemiology & Public Health Aging / Gerontology +17 more

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP)

La Roche, Inc.
Corporate
Afghanistan, Albania +169 more
Unspecified amount
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.
Environmental Education Disaster Relief / Humanitarian Aid Human & Social Services +17 more

SNVB Scholarships

The Society for Northwestern Vertebrate Biology
Association/Society
Alaska, California +9 more
Up to US $1,500
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.
Herpetology Ichthyology (Fish) Mammalogy +1 more

Emily M. Hewitt Memorial Scholarship

Calaveras Big Trees Association
Association/Society
California
US $3,000
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.
Science Communications Environmental Conservation Wildlife Management +6 more

Emerging Global Leader Award (K43 Independent Clinical Trial Required) (356724)

US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Federal Government
Afghanistan, Albania +125 more
Approximately US $140,000
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.
Aging / Gerontology Cardiovascular Diseases & Systems Hematological Systems +15 more

Nature Based Solutions: Wet Land Restoration Funding

Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy
State/Local Government
California
Up to US $36,000,000
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.
Habitat & Ecosystem Restoration Carbon / Greenhouse Gas Reduction Sustainable Agriculture & Agroecology +3 more

Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in California Highlights

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Grant Insights : Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in California

Grant Availability

How common are grants in this category?

Common — grants in this category appear regularly across funding sources.

400+ Foundation grants for nonprofits in California grants for nonprofits in the United States, from private foundations to corporations seeking to fund grants for nonprofits.

200+ Foundation grants for nonprofits in California over $25K in average grant size

200+ Foundation grants for nonprofits in California over $50K in average grant size

38 Foundation grants for nonprofits in California supporting general operating expenses

300+ Foundation grants for nonprofits in California supporting programs / projects

2,000+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Health & Medicine

3,000+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Education

Grant Deadline Distribution

Over the past year, when are grant deadlines typically due for Foundation grants for Nonprofits in California?

Most grants are due in the first quarter.

Q1
28.5%
Q2
25.8%
Q3
23.3%
Q4
22.4%

Typical Funding Amounts

What's the typical grant amount funded for Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in California?

Grants are most commonly $100,000.

$0 $0 Min.
$100,000 $100 K Median
$2,149,932 $2.1 M Average
$150,000,000 $150 M Max.

Average Grant Size

What's the typical amount funded for California?

Grants are most commonly $145,539.

$145,539

Total Number of Grants

What's the total number of grants in Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in California year over year?

In 2024, funders in California awarded a total of 256,564 grants.

2022 237,186

2023 236,635

2024 256,564

Top Grant Focus Areas

Among all the Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in California given out in California, the most popular focus areas that receive funding are Education, Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Foundations, and Human Services.

1. Education

2. Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Foundations

3. Human Services

Funding Over Time

How is funding for Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in California changing over time?

Funding has increased by -1.38%.

2022 $34,364,756,699

2023 $37,770,770,141
9.91%

2024 $37,247,795,891
-1.38%

California Counties That Receive the Most Funding

How does grant funding vary by county?

Los Angeles County, San Francisco County, and San Mateo County receive the most funding.

County Total Grant Funding in 2024
Los Angeles County $10,841,756,858
San Francisco County $5,409,542,294
San Mateo County $5,358,878,304
Santa Clara County $3,811,026,208
Alameda County $3,749,322,182

Related Grants in California

Browse Other Nonprofit Operations & Capacity Grants in California

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Browse Grants by Major US Cities within California