Best Mendocino County Grants for Nonprofits in California

The S. H. Cowell Foundation Grant focuses on supporting public and nonprofit organizations in Northern and Central California that address acute poverty and promote racial equity. The foundation prioritizes place-based strategies to fund initiatives that foster child development, family empowerment, and youth leadership. By building on community strengths, it aims to create equitable access to essential services and enhance the overall well-being of families and children, ensuring their voices are integral to program design and implementation.

The Elmer Alberston Scholarship Fund, established by the Elmer Albertson Trust, aims to support the future workforce of Mendocino County. This fund provides scholarships for students attending community colleges outside of Mendocino County or vocational programs. Eligible candidates must demonstrate community commitment and maintain a GPA. The Community Foundation of Mendocino County administers this fund, ensuring local students can achieve their educational aspirations and contribute to their communities.

The Fionna and Richard Perkins Scholarship Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Mendocino County, supports women on the Mendocino Coast who are returning to higher education after being in the workforce. This scholarship aims to empower local women pursuing their educational goals, particularly those involved in music. With no GPA requirement and a focus on arts and technical education, it encourages all eligible applicants to apply and further their academic dreams.

501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Mendocino County, California can apply for Hesed Foundation grants of US $250 - US $10,000 to support programs in youth and education, health, and community building. Local nonprofits serving underrepresented populations may use funding for projects that improve human welfare and strengthen communities.

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 Hammond Trust Emergency Services Scholarship Fund, established by the Ukiah Fire Fighters Association, supports Mendocino County high school students pursuing careers in emergency services. This includes funding for programs such as EMT training and Fire Academy, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Fire Science. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and community service commitment, making this a valuable opportunity for future emergency responders in the region.

The Jesse Pittman Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by friends and family of Jesse Pittman, supports determined students across Mendocino County in achieving their educational aspirations. It provides financial assistance for those who demonstrate grit, hard work, and a passion for making a difference. Eligible applicants must have a GPA between 2.5 and 4.0 and complete the GRIT scale to qualify. This scholarship embodies the spirit of adventure and service that Jesse championed.

The Katherine and Elizabeth Lanam Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by Philip Lanam, supports students from Mendocino County who have participated in 4-H or Future Farmers of America (FFA) during high school. Eligible students must pursue a career in agriculture or be scholar athletes with interests in the Humanities, life skills, or education. This fund aims to empower local youth to achieve their educational aspirations while honoring the legacy of Katherine and Elizabeth.

The Marvin Lehrman Music Scholarship Fund, established by Mildred Lehrman, supports high school seniors in Mendocino County who are passionate about music. This fund encourages students to pursue their education at accredited colleges or universities in the U.S. The Community Foundation of Mendocino County oversees this scholarship, which emphasizes financial need and a commitment to music through performance or composition. It aims to foster the next generation of musicians and support their academic goals.

The McCarthy and Whitcomb Inland Performing Arts Scholarship Fund, established by John Whitcomb and Dennis McCarthy, supports high school and college students pursuing studies in performing arts or design. Administered by the Community Foundation of Mendocino County, the scholarship is open to students from various local regions, emphasizing financial need and artistic talent. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and submit a letter of recommendation along with a performance sample.

The Mendocino Agricultural Families’ Scholarship Fund, established by the Mendocino Winegrowers Alliance and the Savings Bank of Mendocino County, aims to support local students from agricultural families pursuing higher education. This scholarship recognizes the vital contributions of the agricultural workforce in Mendocino County. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher, and be children of agricultural workers in specific industries. The fund fosters educational advancement for deserving students.

Students in Mendocino County, California pursuing vocational and trade education careers can receive scholarship support for industrial arts fields such as carpentry, automotive technology, welding, and more. Community Foundation of Mendocino County provides this need-based scholarship for countywide students with at least a 2.5 GPA who demonstrate passion, creativity, determination, and community involvement.

Mendocino County, California students of Native American descent pursuing higher education or vocational training can access scholarship support through the Native American Scholarship Fund. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a weighted 2.5 GPA or higher, and show a desire to improve their circumstances to benefit Native American communities.

Mendocino County, California students pursuing dental or physical therapy careers can receive scholarship support for higher education through the Pasternak Family Healthcare Scholarship Fund. Administered by the Community Foundation of Mendocino County, this fund assists high school and college students intending to return to work in Mendocino County in dentistry, physical therapy, or related fields.

High school seniors in Mendocino County, California with financial need who plan to pursue higher education can apply for the Penserra/Madrigal Family Scholarship supporting entrepreneurial, hard-working immigrant families. Administered by the Community Foundation of Mendocino County, this scholarship aids students with a weighted 3.0+ GPA and strong school, work, or community involvement.

High school and reentry students pursuing vocational and trade education, especially cosmetology, in Mendocino and Lake counties can receive scholarship support to further their training. With a mission to strengthen local education, Community Foundation of Mendocino County provides Mendocino County, California students with help achieving their academic and professional goals.

The van Loben Sels/RembeRock Foundation primarily funds 501(c)(3) organizations that provide direct legal services in Northern California. While the Foundation favors established relationships, new applicants are welcome, particularly in remote areas where legal services are scarce. Typical grant amounts range from $7,500 to $30,000, with larger grants reserved for invited requests. Focus areas include legal assistance for vulnerable populations and support for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) programs.

Focused on higher education scholarships, Community Foundation of Mendocino County invites Mendocino County, California students to apply for the Skye Scholarship Fund. Graduating high school seniors with financial need, a weighted GPA between 2.0 and 3.5, demonstrated grit, and a desire to better themselves and their communities may be eligible.

Mendocino County, California visual arts students can access funding through the Visual Arts Scholarship Fund to pursue higher education in fields like fine art, photography, design, or ceramics. Administered by the Community Foundation of Mendocino County, this scholarship is countywide and requires financial need and examples of artwork toward a professional arts career.

Mendocino County high school seniors (excluding Ukiah High School) pursuing STEM degrees at accredited U.S. colleges can receive scholarship support for higher education costs. Community Foundation of Mendocino County offers the Walter Camp STEM Scholarship for students with strong GPAs and demonstrated aptitude, passion, and commitment to science, technology, engineering, or math fields.

The Albertsons' Companies Foundation - Northern California Grant Program supports nonprofit organizations enhancing community well-being in key areas such as health, hunger, youth education, veterans, and diversity. To apply, organizations must have a local employee sponsor and serve the community where Albertsons operates. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $2,500 for first-time applicants, with a review process taking around six weeks. The Foundation prioritizes inclusivity and does not fund individuals or for-profit organizations.

Community Care Centers of Excellence (INFR8) 

The Community Care Centers of Excellence (CCCE) is a funding program by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) that aims to expand access to innovative clinical trials and regenerative medicine treatments throughout designated counties in Northern California.

CCCEs will enhance patient access to regenerative medicine treatments by:

• Expanding the geographic reach of centers capable of conducting clinical trials and delivering approved therapies, and
• Developing a skilled workforce to support the delivery of regenerative medicine treatments and ensure broad accessibility to California patients.

This initiative addresses a key mandate of the California Stem Cell Research, Treatments, and Cures Initiative of 2020 (Proposition 14), emphasizing the importance of providing access to clinical trials and approved therapies resulting from CIRM-funded research.

Award Details

• Maximum Award Amount $9,000,000
• Maximum Award Duration Five years

The Bethlehem Foundation Grant, established in 2013, aims to enhance the quality of life for senior adults in Sonoma County, California. It supports nonprofit organizations focused on health, independence, and social interaction for seniors. Applications are accepted year-round, with deadlines on February 28 and August 31 for spring and fall meetings respectively. Grants are limited to qualified public charities under 501(c)(3) and do not extend to individuals.

About Us

The Community Foundation of Mendocino County is a county-wide nonprofit organization that administers permanent charitable funds established through gifts and bequests from individuals, families, businesses, and other organizations.

American Youth Services Grant Program

The American Youth Services Fund was established in 2022 to continue the legacy of the American Youth Services nonprofit organization. The primary purpose is to make grants to Mendocino County nonprofits that encourage personal enrichment exploration among disadvantaged youth and adults within group experiences in the natural environment.

This Fund awards grants two times per year, during the spring and the fall. 

Priority will be given to projects that: 

• Encourage personal enrichment exploration among disadvantaged youth and young adults within group experiences in the natural outdoor environment.
• Expose youth to the beautiful and unique environment and ecosystems of Mendocino County to deepen their connection to the larger Earth/ Creation.
• Encourage personal faith/ spiritual exploration.
• Inspire stewardship of our lands and oceans.
• Foster a sense of individual well-being, a sense of shared welfare, and communal participation.

Projects will also be considered that:

• Enable Mendocino County youth to travel to experience the natural world and culture outside of Mendocino County for similar purposes.
• Support programs and organizations on the Mendocino Coast that improve the quality of life for youth to help all to develop a healthy mindset and to make positive contributions to the world. 

The Wabtec Direct Grant Program focuses on creating sustainable impacts in local communities by funding 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. Emphasizing education and environmental stewardship, the program supports initiatives that improve literacy, academic outcomes, and workforce readiness. Grants range from $1,000 to $10,000, prioritizing organizations that engage local Wabtec employees in volunteerism. The program promotes equitable access and non-discrimination while ensuring measurable results in funded projects.

The HAF: Native Cultures Fund Grant supports California Indian culture through initiatives led by Native peoples, fostering the transmission of knowledge, art, and traditions across generations. This partnership includes the Humboldt Area Foundation and aims to preserve and revitalize Indigenous cultures, arts, and languages. Grants are available for projects that reflect California Indian values and practices, ensuring cultural continuity and community engagement.

The SWE Golden Gate Section (SWE-GGS) Scholarships provide financial support ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 for Bay Area students planning to pursue engineering or related degrees. Open to high school seniors and community college students entering college in Fall 2026, applicants must identify as women or other underrepresented genders and reside within the Golden Gate Section boundaries. The application period starts on December 1, 2025, encouraging diverse candidates to apply.