Best Marin County Grants for Nonprofits in California

With a mission to support artists, California Arts Council provides Marin County individual artists and culture bearers with US $5,000 - US $50,000 fellowships across all disciplines. Bay Area residents in Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, or Sonoma counties apply through Kala Art Institute for one eligible career tier.

The George Family Foundation's Environment Program focuses on enhancing access to natural spaces and engaging underrepresented youth in outdoor activities. The foundation seeks proposals that align with its mission of fostering connections to nature, promoting environmental stewardship, and ensuring community well-being. Funding is limited to 501(c)(3) organizations primarily operating in specific regions, including Minnesota and the Vail Valley. The foundation does not support capital improvements, endowments, or scientific research.

Community Finance Initiative 

Advancing the financial resilience of low-income households across the U.S.

This model enables us to engage and support a broad range of organizations across the globe to tackle some of the most pressing social issues of our time.

The Citi Foundation’s 2026 Community Finance Initiative commits $35 million to support programming that bolsters the financial stability, strength and safety of low-income households in the U.S.

Focus Areas

The Foundation seeks to support organizations advancing low-income household financial resilience in the United States across three focus areas:

Stabilize: Programs that help low-income households to build financial skills and confidence to manage daily finances and navigate financial stress.

• Financial coaching on budgeting, credit, debt reduction and savings strategies.
• Digital tools offering personalized financial guidance and product navigation.
• Assistance with public benefits and social safety net programs.

Strengthen: Programs that help low-income households build and repair credit, as well as short- and long-term financial assets.

• Financial products or services for credit building and credit repair.
• Initiatives to increase savings, including emergency funds.
• Support for homeownership, including readiness, preservation and long-term stability (e.g., first-time buyer assistance, preventing displacement and support systems for aging in place resources).

Safeguard: Programs that protect low-income household financial security by preventing and addressing financial losses.

• Education and support for the safe and confident use of digital financial tools.
• Fraud and scam awareness, prevention and recovery initiatives, including protection from identity theft.
• Interventions to help households recover from major financial shocks (e.g., healthcare costs, extended family care, job transitions or natural disasters).

Funding Opportunity

The Foundation plans to award 70 $500,000 (USD) grants (to be disbursed over two years) totaling $35 million to community organizations working in select communities where Citi has a presence.

The grants will be restricted and are anticipated to be disbursed in two annual payments in 2026 and 2027. Proposed projects should be for a term of 24 months, starting no sooner than August 1, 2026 and ending no later than December 31, 2028.

Marin County, California governmental agencies, tribal governments, educational institutions, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits can access funding through PG&E Corporation Foundation for land stewardship, air quality, or water stewardship projects. One $100,000 grant is awarded in each PG&E region, with priority for projects serving disadvantaged or vulnerable communities at any project stage.

The Morris Stulsaft Foundation's Pathways to Work Grant focuses on empowering Bay Area youth aged 15 to 24 from low-income households. The grant emphasizes the importance of early work experience as a predictor of future employment, providing hands-on job training and support. Organizations must connect youth to paid work opportunities and offer programs that develop essential soft skills, ensuring they are prepared for various career paths in high-demand sectors.

Zoo Labs Fund, established in 2013, empowers Bay Area artist teams through unrestricted grants and mentorship. With over $910,000 awarded, the program supports culturally-rooted artists facing access challenges. In 2025, the Fund will provide $230,000 in grants, partnering with the Center for Cultural Innovation to enhance economic opportunities and foster a sustainable creative ecosystem. By prioritizing artist-led businesses, Zoo Labs Fund aims to enrich the local economy and preserve cultural expression through innovative support.

The Morris Stulsaft Foundation offers the Educational Support for Children Grant aimed at organizations serving Bay Area children aged 5-14 from low-income households. This grant prioritizes programs that enhance educational stability, foster healthy relationships, and support social-emotional development. Eligible organizations must be located in specific Bay Area counties and demonstrate effective leadership. Preference is given to initiatives supporting foster and homeless youth, along with those addressing community risk factors.

The C. Edward and Edith Strobel Charitable Trust Grant aims to support conservation and health-related initiatives in the San Francisco Bay Area. Established in 1968, this foundation honors the legacy of its founders, Carolus Edward and Edith McCammon Strobel, who tragically lost their lives in an accident. The trust primarily funds medical research for children's diseases and heart and lung health, along with various environmental and animal welfare projects.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program - California

The Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program provides supplies, equipment, and financial support to a variety of qualified groups and programs at the local level; geared towards youth, women, law enforcement, veterans, the disabled, and the general public, including:

• General shooting programs
• Competitive shooting
• Education, training and safety
• Hunting and conservation
• Community outreach
• Historical education

Grant funding must be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials.

Latino or Hispanic undergraduate STEM students from or studying in Marin County, California and other listed Northern California counties can apply for Silicon Valley Community Foundation’s Latinos in Technology Scholarship, awarding up to US $18,000 for college costs. Eligible applicants must be rising juniors or seniors, meet GPA and financial-need criteria, and gain access to mentoring, networking, and internships.

The Society for Ecological Restoration Northwest Chapter offers Student Research Grants up to $3,000 to support research that enhances ecosystem restoration in the Cascadia bioregion. Eligible applicants include social or natural science graduate students and upper-level undergraduates. The grant can cover various project expenses, fostering innovative approaches to restore natural systems while promoting the diversity of life in the region.

The Conference Access Scholarship, offered by the North Bay Watershed Association, provides financial support of up to $500 for individuals residing or working in the NBWA boundary. This scholarship is designed to promote educational opportunities in environmental sciences, engineering, and related fields for students of all ages. It encourages community engagement and stewardship of the North Bay watersheds, facilitating attendance at important educational events, including the biennial conference.

Undergraduate and master’s STEM students attending California public four-year universities, especially those studying in or near Marin County, can receive up to US $10,000 for tuition and related educational costs. Silicon Valley Community Foundation’s Samsung Semiconductor Scholarship supports future scientists, technologists, engineers, and mathematicians in the greater Bay Area.

The Morris Stulsaft Foundation offers the Participation in the Arts Grant for organizations serving youth ages 5 to 18 in the Bay Area. This grant focuses on providing essential arts education, promoting creativity, and fostering community connections among economically vulnerable children. Programs must include at least 15 hours of immersive art experiences and align with California's educational standards. The foundation prioritizes strong leadership in organizations to ensure impactful programming for under-served populations.

Graduating seniors, undergraduates, and police academy cadets in Marin County, California pursuing careers in police work, corrections, or other criminal justice fields can access funding through the Harold Johnson Law Enforcement Scholarship, awarding up to US $5,000. Silicon Valley Community Foundation supports students with academic potential, leadership, financial need, and a clear public service commitment.

501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Marin County, California can apply for Insperity’s corporate contributions to support community service programs or fundraising events. Eligible groups may request either a philanthropic grant or an event sponsorship once per year, particularly if they are Insperity clients, engage Insperity employees, or serve local communities.

The Amgen Foundation, established in 1990, focuses on enhancing science education and strengthening communities. It supports nonprofit organizations that align with its mission, emphasizing teacher development and hands-on science experiences. Grants are awarded annually, with a commitment of $180 million to impactful programs. Eligible organizations include public schools and libraries, while ineligible requests involve individual support, religious organizations, and political activities. This approach aims to inspire the next generation of innovators through quality educational opportunities.

The In-N-Out Burger Foundation supports organizations that aid children and youth affected by abuse and neglect, offering grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. Eligible nonprofits must be 501(c)(3) registered, operational for at least two years, and demonstrate a commitment to the foundation's mission. Applications are considered for traditional, capital, and program support, focusing on sustainable solutions and clear objectives. Organizations must operate in areas with In-N-Out Burger locations to qualify.

About Allensby

Allensby Charity Trust was established in the 1990's from a generous donation by Floyd Allensby. He was a long-time San Rafael Elk member and local philanthropist in Marin County. 

For over 30 years, our mission is to streamline the grant application process, support community initiatives, and promote positive change through local charities.

Our goal is to empower organizations, amplify impact, and foster a culture of giving back.

Allensby Charity Trust Grant

Help us continue the charitable philanthropy Floyd Allensby started in Marin County. Your organization is the grass roots of what makes our support and cash donations succeed.

The Morris Stulsaft Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of Bay Area children and youth by funding organizations that provide quality early childhood education for ages 0 to 5. The foundation prioritizes strong leadership and community engagement, supporting programs that incorporate a whole-child approach, engage parents, and promote teacher development. Grants are available for organizations serving low-income households in the San Francisco Bay Area, with a focus on sustainable, impactful initiatives.

The Junior League of San Francisco (JLSF) offers Enabling Funds Grants to support nonprofit organizations in the Bay Area that address essential needs such as housing, food, and personal necessities. With grants up to $5,000, priority is given to those facing urgent financial challenges. Eligible organizations must align their programs with JLSF's mission and provide verification of their 501(c)(3) status. This initiative helps sustain vital community services and empower women’s leadership.

The Richard Reed Foundation Grant supports small, innovative non-profit organizations in Colorado and Northern California that aim to improve community welfare through initiatives in mental health, child development, environmental impact, and animal welfare. The foundation focuses on organizations with a proven track record, clear goals, and sustainable funding. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $10,000, and the foundation encourages creativity and collaboration to foster significant community change.

The Allianz Foundation for North America aims to empower young people by providing opportunities for personal and professional growth. Established in 2002, the Foundation focuses on enhancing the potential of youth aged 16-25 in select North American cities. Grants ranging from $50,000 to $25,000 are available for non-profit organizations that support initiatives fostering leadership, self-reliance, and social consciousness. The Foundation seeks impactful projects that address the future of communities and individuals, ensuring a secure environment for the next generation.

The Peaceful World Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations focused on community peace building through arts and mindful education. Established in 2006, the foundation funds programs that promote global peace, diversity, and ecological sustainability, with grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000. Organizations in the Bay Area are preferred, and funding is limited to two grants within a five-year period. The foundation aims to encourage innovative approaches to peace-making and well-being across diverse communities.

The Ross McKee Foundation provides grants to support piano performance and education in the San Francisco Bay Area. It funds nonprofit organizations and individuals involved in piano-related projects, covering expenses such as artist fees and piano rentals. The Foundation also supports educational initiatives through scholarships and grants to institutions like San Francisco State University and the San Francisco Conservatory. However, it does not fund the purchase of pianos or speculative projects.

The Community Progress Makers Fund, an initiative by the Citi Foundation, aims to empower local organizations by providing $50 million in unrestricted funding. This program, established in 2015, will support 50 selected community organizations over three years with grants of $1 million each, alongside technical assistance and opportunities for collaboration. The fund prioritizes organizations with strong community ties and a proven impact in areas such as affordable housing, economic development, financial health, and workforce readiness.