Best Grants for Environmental Justice in California

The Peggy and Jack Baskin Foundation, established in 2008, focuses on achieving gender and racial equity through grants primarily for nonprofit organizations in Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties. They emphasize intersectional feminism and support initiatives that empower women and gender-expansive individuals of color. The foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals and prefers organizations with diverse decision-makers and equitable personnel policies. Funding areas include reproductive rights, legal advocacy, and gender economic justice.

The Beneficial State Foundation offers sponsorships to 501(c)(3) organizations in California, Oregon, and Washington, focusing on social justice and environmental work. With a unique business model, Beneficial State Bank reinvests profits back into communities, emphasizing support for existing clients. Organizations must submit requests at least 60 days in advance and cannot use funds for political activities. The foundation prioritizes partnerships, making funding competitive due to high demand.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Klamath River Fund: Catalyst Grants aim to foster community-led climate resilience and restorative justice in the Klamath River Basin. This initiative, part of the Humboldt Area Foundation and Wild Rivers Community Foundation, responds to unique community needs with grants under $10,000. Following significant dam removals in 2023-2024, the program will support restoration efforts, enhance well-being, and promote equity across the region, including partnerships with local tribes and organizations.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

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 Sills Family Foundation provides grants to nonprofits focused on early childhood education, environmental justice, arts and culture, and support for families in crisis. They prioritize programs benefiting communities affected by the criminal justice system, as well as refugees and asylees. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $25,000, with an emphasis on systemic change and community-based solutions. The foundation operates primarily in metro New York City and California, accepting applications for one-year grants only.

The Wildlife Conservation Board Grants, previously the Ecosystem Restoration on Agricultural Lands Program, focus on enhancing habitat on privately owned agricultural lands in California. This program aims to collaborate with landowners to implement projects that benefit wildlife habitat while ensuring economic sustainability. Eligible projects include habitat restoration, management activities, and enhancements that provide long-term ecological benefits. Applications are encouraged from projects that promote connectivity and support for justice communities.

The Women’s Foundation of California Grant focuses on fostering a multiracial, feminist democracy by supporting grassroots organizations led by women of color and gender expansive individuals. This grant prioritizes initiatives that address racial, gender, economic, and environmental justice, promoting a healthier and more equitable California. Special consideration is given to organizations employing advocacy and narrative change strategies, particularly those serving rural areas with limited resources.

The Redemption Innovation Grant Program, managed by the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery, aims to support innovative recycling initiatives by funding start-up costs for various recycling projects. Eligible applicants include certified recycling centers and new businesses looking to establish themselves in California. Projects must address unserved zones and comply with existing regulations, contributing to California's commitment to a circular economy by increasing recycling rates and reducing waste.

The Dylan Todd Simonds Foundation Grant is dedicated to fostering environmental resilience and social justice, particularly in the Bay Area and Pittsburgh. It seeks innovative projects that enhance sustainable economies and address climate change through inclusive solutions. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations focused on these geographical areas. The Foundation prioritizes impactful initiatives but does not fund conference support, endowments, or organizations outside the U.S. For more details, please refer to the Foundation's FAQs.

The Better Together Nature Positive Innovation Grant Program, administered by the PG&E Corporation Foundation, offers $100,000 grants for projects in five regions focused on environmental stewardship. Applications open on May 21, 2025, targeting land, air, and water quality initiatives. Priority is given to projects benefiting disadvantaged communities. In 2024, PG&E supported nearly 1,000 grants totaling over $36 million, demonstrating a commitment to community resilience and environmental sustainability.

The Impact Fund provides recoverable grants to legal services nonprofits and small law firms working on social, environmental, and economic justice issues. With over $10 million awarded since 1992, the fund supports impactful litigation addressing systemic injustices. Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 and prioritize cases directly involving affected communities. Recipients must repay the grant amount with interest if they recover fees or costs, ensuring sustainability for future funding.

The Klamath River Fund: Community Impact Grant, initiated by the Humboldt Area Foundation and Wild Rivers Community Foundation, aims to enhance community-led climate resilience and restorative justice in the Klamath River Basin. This grant supports initiatives that prioritize racial equity, youth development, and environmental health. With funding requests starting at $10,000 and an average grant size of $50,000, it encourages partnerships and innovative projects that foster sustainable growth and well-being for local communities.

The GFO-23-312r2 grant program aims to enhance community energy reliability and resilience in California by funding deployment projects. It addresses the increasing electrical outages due to climate-related events and aging infrastructure, promoting equity and job creation. The program prioritizes projects that demonstrate immediate community benefits by reducing outage impacts. By supporting energy modernization and workforce development, this initiative aligns with California's climate goals and ensures that vulnerable populations receive reliable energy services.

The Southern Border Coalition's Catalyst Pre-development Fund aims to drive economic resilience and equitable growth in San Diego and Imperial Counties. Through the California Jobs First Initiative, the Coalition seeks innovative proposals that translate strategic plans into actionable projects. This funding opportunity prioritizes disinvested communities, workforce development, and sustainability, aligning with California's goal of creating high-quality jobs while addressing climate change. With $19 million allocated per region, this initiative fosters collaboration among diverse stakeholders.

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 Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

As You Sow Grants promotes environmental and social corporate responsibility through funding initiatives that focus on toxic exposure and consumer protection in California. With over $2.1 million granted to more than 100 organizations since 1992, the program supports nonprofits dedicated to toxics reduction, environmental education, and community protection. Priority is given to projects that benefit California residents, emphasizing enforcement and education around toxic risks and rights.

The Impact100 Sacramento Grant Program empowers women to become philanthropists by providing transformational grants of at least $100,000 to nonprofits in the greater Sacramento area. Organizations can apply under five focus areas: Arts & Culture, Education, Environment, Family, and Health & Wellness. Eligible nonprofits must be tax-exempt, serve local residents, and have a minimum operating budget of $350,000. Grants must be utilized within 24 months, targeting underserved populations and addressing community needs.

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 J.M.K. Innovation Prize, awarded by The J.M. Kaplan Fund, supports early-stage social innovators tackling critical issues in environment, heritage conservation, and social justice. With up to $175,000 in funding and tailored support over three years, it empowers organizations to pilot transformative solutions. The Prize fosters collaboration among awardees, providing resources and mentorship to enhance their impact. Open to both non-profit and mission-driven for-profit entities, it addresses the funding gap for innovative, high-potential projects.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

The Wilhelm Family Foundation Grants aim to enhance access to artistic resources by funding diverse nonprofit arts organizations. Prioritizing projects that engage with environmental and climate issues, the foundation seeks to support creative expression and collaboration in underserved communities. Emphasizing equality and sustainability, it fosters artistic practices that empower individuals and promote cultural dialogue. Grants are typically awarded to small organizations, focusing on community engagement and longevity in the arts sector.

The Impact Projects Grants from the California Arts Council aim to empower local artists to address social issues within historically underserved communities. This program encourages collaborations between artists and community members to creatively tackle challenges such as economic disparity, health access, and social justice. Eligible organizations must have a proven history in arts programming and comply with specific guidelines to ensure community engagement and accessibility, fostering cultural expression unique to California's diverse populations.