Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in California

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.