Best Mendocino County Grants for Nonprofits in California

The Field-of-Interest Grant Program, established by the Community Foundation of Mendocino County, supports local nonprofits in creating healthy and inclusive communities. Grants ranging from $1,000 to $7,000 target projects that address basic needs, health navigation, and opportunities for women and girls. This initiative fosters equitable access to resources, ensuring all residents can thrive. Organizations are encouraged to apply at least five days ahead of deadlines, with specific eligibility criteria in place.

Nonprofit organizations in Mendocino County, California can apply for the Community Foundation of Mendocino County’s Field-of-Interest Economic Development grants, awarding US $1,000 - US $5,500 for local economic development initiatives. Funding can support social entrepreneurship, small business support, financial literacy, micro-loans, and collaborative efforts to build a sustainable, equitable local economy.

The Field-of-Interest Grant Program supports Mendocino County nonprofits with projects focused on disaster relief, recovery, and resilience. Established in 2016, it aims to provide immediate assistance for natural and human-caused disasters, emphasizing community preparedness and service continuity. Funding priorities include disaster preparedness workshops, community resiliency initiatives, and service continuity projects. Grants range from $1,000 to $5,500, with proposals over $5,000 undergoing a two-stage review process.

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 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.

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 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.

The Community Enrichment Grant Program, established by the Community Foundation of Mendocino County, aims to support impactful projects within local communities. Since the early 2000s, it has provided annual grants targeting key issues across Mendocino County, prioritizing initiatives that benefit diverse populations and strengthen community partnerships. Eligible applicants include community groups with a shared mission and an advisory board, ensuring a collaborative approach to community development and enhancement.

The NRA Foundation: California – North CAN Grants provides funding to organizations that promote charitable purposes related to firearms and shooting sports as defined by the IRS. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) entities, governmental bodies, and recognized nonprofits. The Foundation supports educational programs and activities that enhance firearms safety and marksmanship, while certain projects, such as commercial ventures and fundraising activities, are ineligible for funding. Applications must align with the Foundation's mission and requirements.

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.

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.

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.

The Joseph & Vera Long Foundation offers grants targeted at non-profit organizations in Northern California and Hawaii. With larger grants ranging from $60,000 to $150,000 in the Spring and smaller grants from $10,000 to $40,000 in the Fall, the foundation focuses on supporting community-driven initiatives. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) compliant and align with the foundation's priorities, which include environmental conservation, youth development, maternal health, and healthy aging.

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 California Watershed Protection Fund Grant supports projects aimed at enhancing water quality and protecting watersheds throughout California. With grants ranging from $10,000 to $40,000, eligible applicants include 501(c)3 organizations and governmental entities. Priority is given to initiatives that engage impacted communities and uphold principles of equity and environmental justice. The fund emphasizes hands-on activities that yield tangible benefits for surface water quality, fostering community-based stewardship in response to fluctuating watershed needs.

The HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) offers approximately $35 million in federal funding to support housing projects in non-entitlement jurisdictions in California. This initiative aims to assist low-income households by providing affordable housing options. Applications are due by May 22, 2025, while Native American entities can apply until September 24, 2025, or until funds are exhausted. Eligible activities must directly benefit low-income renters, homebuyers, or homeowners.

The Community Support Grant Program by the Community Foundation of Mendocino County offers funding ranging from $500 to $1,000 for local educational opportunities and public events that benefit the community. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, tribes, and schools that serve Mendocino County residents. Grants are awarded based on alignment with the foundation's mission, community impact, planning quality, and outreach scope. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, emphasizing the need for early submission.

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.

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 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.

Background & Purpose

The California Arts Council (CAC) is a statewide agency committed to serving California artists, arts organizations, and communities of all sizes and needs. Guided by racial equity principles, the CAC continuously evaluates its grantmaking practices to ensure fair and inclusive funding opportunities that sustain a vibrant, safe, and resilient creative ecosystem across the state.

Through regionally based Administering Organizations (AOs), the Individual Artists Fellowship (IAF) program uplifts and celebrates California artists across all disciplines and traditions, highlights their excellence and acknowledges their leadership in shaping traditional and contemporary cultures. The program includes three fellowship tiers with a different award amount:

CAC Emerging Artist Fellows – $5,000

Emerging artists are those in the beginning stages of making their work public and engaging the larger community in their practice.

CAC Established Artist Fellows – $10,000

Artists in the Established tier regularly make their work public and engage the larger community in their practice.

CAC Legacy Artist Fellows – $50,000

Artists in the Legacy tier can point to a significant body of work, produced over a substantial period of time, that has engaged their communities and that has made significant social impact.

The CAC approved eight regional AOs for the fellowship in September 2025. Each of the AOs has information and  details regarding their Individual Artists Fellowship programs, including application deadlines. If you are an individual artist, apply to the statewide fellowship program through the Regional AO listed below that serves your county. Please note: Individual artists must live in the region they are applying to and may submit an application to only one region.

• Bay Area (Kala Art Institute) - Counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Sonoma

• Central Valley & Sierra (Kern Dance Alliance) - Counties: Amador, Calaveras, Fresno, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Mono, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tulare, Tuolumne

• Inland Empire & South Coast (ArtsOC) - Counties: Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange

• Far South (Commission for Arts and Culture / Cultural Affairs) - Counties: Imperial, San Diego

• Central Coast (Arts Council Santa Cruz County) - Counties: Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Ventura

• Capital (Teatro Nagual) - Counties: Yolo, Solano, Sacramento, El Dorado, Alpine

• Upstate (Nevada County Arts Council (NCArts)) - Counties: Del Norte, Siskiyou, Modoc, Humboldt, Trinity, Shasta, Lassen, Mendocino, Tehama, Butte, Plumas, Lake, Glenn, Sierra, Colusa, Sutter, Yuba, Nevada, Placer

• South (Los Angeles Performance Practice) - County: Los Angeles

Region 1: Upstate Administered by the Nevada County Arts Council (NCArts)

In partnership with California Arts Council, Nevada County Arts & Culture is honored to serve as the Administering Organization for the Upstate Individual Artists Fellowship. The California Arts Council (CAC) has selected Nevada County Arts & Culture to design and implement a fellowship program that supports individual artists and culture bearers across all disciplines. The Upstate Individual Artists Fellowship will provide unrestricted funding in support of the fellows’ artistic practice. 

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 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 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 CFMC Save-the-Day Grant Program provides essential funding to nonprofits facing urgent needs that hinder their mission. Grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 assist organizations in overcoming unanticipated emergencies, such as equipment failures or staffing transitions. Priority is given to projects that demonstrate a clear plan for impactful use of the funds, ensuring that nonprofits can continue their vital services effectively. Applications are accepted annually starting in August until funds are exhausted.

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.

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.