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 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 Senate Bill 1 Sea Level Rise Adaptation Planning Grant Program in California provides vital funding for local governments to develop sea level rise adaptation plans. With $17.18 million available, this program aims to enhance coastal resilience against the impacts of climate change. The program supports jurisdictions in creating consistent and effective strategies to address rising sea levels, ensuring public safety and safeguarding infrastructure and biodiversity along California's coastline.

Native or Indigenous young adults leading environmental and climate justice efforts in Mendocino County, California can apply to this Brave Heart Fellowship to advance food sovereignty and protect traditional lands and waterways. The Aspen Institute’s Center for Native American Youth offers a 9‑month regional program with culturally grounded training and advocacy support.

The 0-5 Maternal Behavioral Health Grant, funded by the California Behavioral Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission, aims to enhance behavioral health services for children aged 0-5 and birthing individuals. With a budget of $1,601,000 over three years, the initiative focuses on providing technical assistance to six grantees, promoting integrated care systems, and ensuring access to essential resources. This collaborative approach seeks to improve outcomes, reduce school failures, and support families in navigating developmental and behavioral health challenges.

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 Firedoll Foundation, a private family foundation, focuses on five key areas: Community Development and Entrepreneurship, Immigrant Issues and Human Rights, Environmental Conservation, Middle East Peace, and support for Traumatic Brain Injury survivors. Emphasizing support for vulnerable populations in Alameda and Contra Costa counties, the foundation backs projects that promote social justice and environmental sustainability. With a commitment to providing alternatives to detention and legal aid for immigrants, it aims to empower communities while addressing urgent environmental concerns.

The PNC Foundation's Grow Up Great Grant is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for children from birth to age 5. With a commitment of $500 million, this program focuses on improving school readiness through support in vocabulary development, social-emotional learning, and the arts. By partnering with community-based nonprofits, PNC aims to foster stronger, smarter, and healthier communities, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.

The Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation offers Local Impact Grants to nonprofit organizations in 11 markets, providing $225,000 to support local programs addressing community issues. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits with a revenue exceeding $100,000 and must operate in one of the specified television markets. The grants aim to empower youth through education, promote diverse storytelling, and enhance community engagement. This initiative underscores Comcast's commitment to fostering inclusion and equitable opportunities for underserved communities.

Mendocino County, California arts and culture nonprofits can apply for project grants supporting visual and performing arts, arts education, public art, textile and fiber arts, and local history initiatives. The Community Foundation of Mendocino County offers US $1,000 - US $5,500 through its Field-of-Interest Arts and Culture Fund to nurture local organizations and audiences.

Community-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Mendocino County, California can receive US $1,000 - US $5,500 to support environmental education, conservation, and climate resilience projects. The Community Foundation of Mendocino County funds efforts such as habitat and watershed restoration, parks and trails preservation, invasive species control, and tree planting for public benefit.

Nonprofit organizations and schools in Mendocino County, California can apply for the Community Foundation of Mendocino County’s Field-of-Interest Grant Program; awards US $1,000 - US $5,500 for children and youth projects. Funding supports workforce and service learning, vocational education, youth leadership, mentorship, and health and well-being initiatives, including programs for LGBTQIAA+ youth.

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.

The Sustainable Recreation, Tourism, and Equitable Outdoor Access Directed Grant Program (2025-2027) supports innovative projects aimed at enhancing sustainable recreation and tourism in the Sierra-Cascade region. Key goals include improving public access to nature, mitigating overuse impacts on resources, and fostering sustainable recreation economies. Projects eligible for funding must focus on climate resilience, equitable access, or landscape-scale assessments, all ensuring multiple benefits for community education and environmental protection.

The Rocky Mountain Power Foundation supports arts and culture organizations through grants typically ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, with a focus on enhancing community vitality. Eligible organizations include nonprofits dedicated to performing arts, visual arts, and historic preservation. The foundation operates on a quarterly grant cycle, ensuring careful review of applications. Grants are limited to tax-exempt organizations, and the foundation does not fund projects outside its service areas in Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon, and California.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Catholic dioceses and parishes in Extension dioceses, including Mendocino County, California, can seek funding to construct, expand, or renovate Catholic churches and related facilities. Grants from Catholic Extension help under-resourced communities with projects from minor repairs and furnishings to major building, expansion, or new church construction, with awards up to US $100,000.

Mendocino County, California Catholic ministries and diocesan offices in approved Extension Dioceses can seek funding to sustain core pastoral and administrative services. Catholic Extension supports salary subsidies for priests, religious and lay leaders, basic parish or diocesan administration, and essential operating costs in the most under-resourced communities.

Mendocino County, California Catholic dioceses and parishes can access funding through Catholic Extension to recruit, educate, and develop ordained and lay church leaders. Support may cover seminarians, deacons, lay and religious leaders, and ongoing formation in designated Extension Dioceses, helping sustain well-trained ministers for long-term parish and diocesan vitality.

The Listos California Regional Grant (LM) Program aims to enhance disaster preparedness in California's Coastal Region. This initiative supports nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status that serve diverse populations across multiple counties, particularly those at higher risk of disasters. By offering resources and training, the program seeks to empower communities disproportionately affected by emergencies, fostering resilience and recovery efforts. Eligible applicants can independently implement projects or collaborate with local nonprofits to maximize impact.

Nonprofits and schools running food access, nutrition education, or wellness programs in Mendocino County, California can receive support through Raley's Purposeful Giving. Grants from Raley's help organizations in Raley’s store communities with monetary support, healthy food and snack items, or gift cards for programs advancing food access, food system education, and total wellness.

The Engaging Young Catholics Grants aim to support ministries that provide faith formation to children, teens, young adults, and families. By focusing on the pastoral needs of young Catholics, the program enhances community vibrancy and fosters new leadership within the church. Catholic Extension prioritizes operational support and seed funding for initiatives that develop youth and young adult ministries, ensuring that dioceses can effectively reach and engage younger generations in their faith.

The Building Capacity Grants by Catholic Extension aim to enhance the financial and operational capabilities of dioceses. This initiative focuses on funding projects that promote efficiency, financial stability, and effective fiscal management, ultimately fostering a self-sustaining community. Eligible programs include fundraising development initiatives and operational assessments, ensuring resources are utilized efficiently while supporting professional development for church leadership. This grant empowers dioceses to strengthen their foundations for future growth.

The Permanente Medical Group (TPMG) Informatics Fellowship offers a 1- to 2-year program focused on clinical informatics, leveraging data science and health technology to enhance care delivery. Nestled within the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research, this fellowship encourages innovative approaches to address healthcare challenges. Mentored by expert clinician-scientists, fellows will gain hands-on experience and collaborate with healthcare leaders, fostering skills in electronic health records, clinical decision support, and telemedicine.

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 Donna Baxter Memorial STEM Scholarship Fund, established by Dan Baxter in honor of his wife, supports women pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM). Offered through the Community Foundation of Mendocino County, this scholarship aims to empower local female students by providing financial assistance for their educational aspirations. Applicants must demonstrate a strong academic record with a minimum weighted GPA of 3.5 and show a genuine interest in STEM both in and out of the classroom.

The Chris P. Lo Pinto Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of Mendocino County, offers financial support to high school and college students aspiring to careers in law enforcement or probation. Applicants must be county residents with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and demonstrate a commitment to community service in relevant fields. This scholarship aims to nurture the next generation of public safety professionals in Mendocino County.