Best Merced Grants for Nonprofits in California

Merced, California nonprofits supporting low-income household financial resilience can access funding through Citi Foundation’s Community Finance Initiative. Grants of US $500,000 over two years support programs that stabilize, strengthen, or safeguard household finances, such as financial coaching, credit-building products, savings initiatives, and protections against fraud or major financial shocks in eligible Citi presence communities.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Merced, California serving low-income communities can apply for Citi Foundation’s Community Progress Makers Fund; awards US $1,000,000 in unrestricted support over three years. Eligible organizations work in areas like affordable housing, economic development, financial health, or workforce readiness and are based in Merced County or other listed regions.

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.

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.

About

The University of California Humanities Research Institute facilitates experimental, interdisciplinary humanities scholarship through partnerships, research initiatives, and competitive grants.

Grants

As a grantmaking organization, UCHRI primarily funds UC faculty and graduate students who participate in innovative research and projects that engage a variety of disciplines and stakeholders.

Supplemental Multicampus Faculty Working Group Graduate Student Fund

The UCHRI Supplemental Multicampus Faculty Working Group Graduate Student Funding provides financial resources to create or augment support of research-driven, graduate student engagement in Multicampus Faculty Working Groups. Prospective PIs as well as successful applicants from last year who are applying for a renewal grant are eligible to apply for supplemental funding for a graduate student stipend that will allow the substantive inclusion of one or two graduate students in the project. Please note that for administrative reasons, the graduate student(s) must be from the PI’s campus.

Supplemental funding is intended to allow graduate students to participate significantly in large-scale research projects, to receive sustained mentorship from the professors involved in the project and build on their own research, and to help them gain research and project management skills. Full integration means that PIs and project members share the full scope of the project with graduate students, including how it was conceived, what its future will be, and how its budget operates. Graduate students should be both collaborators and mentees and their participation in the project should be carefully considered and diligently managed.

UCHRI has funded integrated graduate student participation in many research-based projects in the past. Graduate students have helped to set the research agenda, used data from research projects to write scholarly articles, engaged with community members around research issues, and shared pedagogical and methodological resources through studio-built websites and workshops.

Integrated graduate student collaboration can take many forms, but grantees are especially encouraged to consider:

• Co-authorship of published materials based on the project
• Management or leadership of a smaller subset of the larger project (serving a particular community or dealing with a particular issue)
• Creation and maintenance of a website/blog/podcast or other multi-modal, public-facing tool to bring attention to the project and share methods and findings
• Participation in planning large seminars, workshops, and conferences and moderating or presenting on panels
• Assisting in grant and budget preparation if the participants decide to extend the project and seek additional funding from other sources

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Merced, California can seek US $10,000 - US $150,000 for programs in the environment, youth in nature or arts, maternal health, or healthy aging. The Joseph and Vera Long Foundation funds community-strengthening work benefiting Northern California or Hawaii, with one application allowed per organization each year.

Nonprofit organizations and public agencies in Merced, California can seek project-specific funding for community services, education, environment, health, arts, and youth or senior programs. Grants from Teichert Foundation help eligible 501(c)(3) public charities and government entities in listed California and Nevada counties with one-year awards of US $3,000 - US $7,500.

The Hesed Foundation Grant supports charitable initiatives that promote social justice through Tzedakah and gemilut hasadim, which emphasize justice and loving kindness. This private foundation focuses on enhancing the welfare of underrepresented communities, particularly in the Boston area, NYC, and Northern California. Grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, and the foundation prioritizes projects related to youth, education, health, and community building.

The BEAM Circular Accelerator Grant supports innovative startups in biomanufacturing and circular bioeconomy solutions in California's North San Joaquin Valley. With a focus on sustainability, the program offers capital, coaching, and connections to help entrepreneurs scale their businesses and create jobs. It aims to enhance the region's economy by investing in companies that develop valuable products from renewable organic materials, contributing to a thriving bioeconomy ecosystem.

Students from Merced and Stanislaus counties pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or an Accelerated BSN can receive up to US $60,000 for full tuition, books, and equipment. Grants from Legacy Health Endowment help Merced, California nursing students who plan to work as nurses locally for at least two years after graduation.

Merced, California nonprofits focused on mental health, child health, community welfare, animal welfare, or environmental impact can access funding through Richard Reed Foundation for programs or general operating support. Smaller 501(c)(3) organizations in Merced County are eligible if they align with the foundation’s mission and demonstrate strong leadership, community backing, and sustainable funding.

Spectrum Digital Education Grants support nonprofit organizations in educating communities about broadband benefits and usage. These grants aim to bridge the digital divide, particularly for seniors and those with disabilities or ethnically diverse backgrounds. Applicants must demonstrate community partnership, address specific needs, and provide measurable impact metrics. With a focus on financial feasibility and meaningful outcomes, this initiative ensures that underrepresented urban and rural communities gain access to essential digital resources, fostering long-term improvement in their lives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) healthcare facilities and clinics providing health services in Merced, California can apply for Legacy Health Endowment support. Grants from Legacy Health Endowment help Merced, California organizations fund direct healthcare services, wellness programs, health research, health education, and partnerships that improve community health for residents in designated areas of Merced and Stanislaus counties.

GALLO Giving

GALLO is committed to making a difference in the communities where their employees live and work and is proud to support a variety of non-profit organizations. Because of the number of deserving requests received each year, donations are primarily directed toward the community where the corporate headquarters is located – Modesto, CA. Donations are also available for organizations in Fresno, Livingston, Napa, and Sonoma in California, as well as in Chester County, South Carolina, and Canandaigua, New York.

GALLO offers corporate donations to nonprofits that support Family Well-Being, the Arts, and Overall Community Health.  

In order to help as many organizations as possible, GALLO appreciates limiting your requests to one (1) donation per year. In an effort to manage their contributions in an equitable and efficient manner, all requests must be submitted via web form. 

Grant applications undergo a thorough evaluation process, which includes assessing the organization's reputation and its adherence to the eligibility criteria listed here. Applying does not ensure the receipt of funds. 

Generally, it is not GALLO’s practice to provide donations to private or public universities, or national disasters (some exceptions may apply).  

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

Sunlight Giving Grants aim to foster vibrant, diverse communities by ensuring all families have access to essential resources such as stable shelter, food security, and quality healthcare. By prioritizing organizations that support BIPOC, immigrants, and those living in poverty, Sunlight Giving focuses on creating joyful and safe environments for families with children aged 0-5. Their proactive funding approach identifies impactful nonprofits within the greater Silicon Valley area, dedicated to enhancing community well-being and opportunity.

Community West Bank Grant supports local nonprofit, civic, and trade organizations in Central California. Founded in 1980, the bank has a commitment to enhancing community vitality through donations and sponsorships. They prioritize funding for programs outside of capital campaigns, focusing on financial literacy, scholarships, and employee volunteerism. Organizations eligible for support must be qualified 501(c)(3) entities operating within their lending area. This initiative aims to strengthen the communities they serve from Sacramento to Bakersfield.

Nonprofits and schools in Merced, California focused on food access, nutrition education, or community wellness can seek support that may include monetary aid, healthy food and snacks, or gift cards. Focused on food access, food system education, and total wellness, Raley's invites eligible local organizations to apply at least 90 days before their event or program.

501(c)(3) nonprofits serving children and youth affected by child abuse and neglect in Merced, California can apply for In-N-Out Burgers Foundation grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $50,000 for program or operating support. Eligible organizations must align closely with the foundation’s mission and operate within counties where In-N-Out Burger does business.

Nonprofits, schools, local governments, and tribal governments in Merced, California that are near BNSF rail lines can seek US $1,000 - US $10,000 for community-focused projects. Focused on civic services, culture, education, environment, health, and youth, BNSF Foundation invites applications that improve quality of life in communities it serves.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and local government entities supporting education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, or environment in Merced, California can seek community program funding that serves Georgia-Pacific communities. Georgia-Pacific Foundation supports projects within 30 miles of its manufacturing facilities, so Merced-area organizations near an eligible GP facility may be considered.

Focused on early childhood education, nonprofits in Merced, California can seek funding from PNC Foundation to improve school readiness for children from birth to age 5. Programs may include vocabulary development, social-emotional learning, math, science, and arts initiatives, and must operate within PNC’s eligible county service areas.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing direct healthcare, wellness, health research, or health education in Merced, California can seek funding and technical support through the EMC Health Foundation Grant. With a mission to improve community health, Emc Health Foundation supports programs and partnerships serving residents in its Merced and Stanislaus County service area.

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.

The California Air Quality Chipping EQIP Initiative, managed by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service, offers ongoing support to agricultural producers and forest landowners. This program focuses on enhancing air and water quality, conserving water resources, and improving soil health. By developing tailored conservation plans, producers can implement sustainable practices that mitigate drought impacts and promote biodiversity, all while receiving potential financial assistance for their efforts.