Best Merced Grants for Nonprofits in California

The Listos California Regional Grant Program aims to enhance disaster preparedness in California's Inland Region by supporting nonprofits that serve multiple counties. The program prioritizes equity and targets areas at high risk for disasters, enabling organizations to provide essential training and resources to diverse communities disproportionately affected by emergencies. Through collaboration with local nonprofits, it seeks to improve community resilience and response capabilities to future disasters.

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.

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.

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.

Carlos Vieira Foundation

The Carlos Vieira Foundation is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of families living with autism, mental illness, and addiction. Through our Race For Autism Grant Program, we provide financial assistance for therapy, treatment, and essential services that many families might not otherwise afford. Race 2B Drug Free campaign giving youth the opportunity to stay off the streets and learn the sport of boxing through our 51FIFTY Boxing Clubs. Our Race to End the Stigma campaign brings awareness to the realities of mental health and addiction, encouraging open conversations and providing scholarships to students who advocate for change. By offering direct support, education, and community-driven programs, we strive to uplift and empower families facing these challenges with compassion and hope.

The Carlos Vieira Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that focuses on the following three campaigns: Race for Autism, Race 2B Drug-Free, and Race to End the Stigma. CVF was built on one man’s dream of helping youth within our local communities. Through local support, CVF is able to assist youth across twenty-one counties within California’s central valley.

Direct Help Grant

Our mission is to provide services, medical necessities, and educational tools to families who live in Central California that are affected by Autism. 

Requested Items to be Purchased by Foundation if Grant is Awarded

If you are interested in additional items to total the allowed grant amount of $500, please email additional items, cost, service provider, vendor, or website/link to buy items to the Carlos Vieira Foundation. A recommendation letter is not required for any items that can be found on or are similar to those found on our approved websites: arktherapeutic.com, autism-products.com, funandfunction.com, pecsusa.com, and nationalautismresources.com

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.

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 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.

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 4: Central Valley & Eastern Sierra Administered by Kern Dance Alliance (KDA)

California Arts Council (CAC) Individual Artists Fellowship is a statewide initiative; however, the KDA guidelines are specifically designed for artists living and working in the Central Valley and Eastern Sierra Region

KDA is the only Administering Organization awarding fellowship grants to Region 4: Central Valley & Eastern Sierra

KDA IAF Region: Amador, Calaveras, Fresno, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Mono, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tulare and Tuolumne counties

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.

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 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.

Mission Catholic dioceses in Merced County and other pre-approved areas can apply for Catholic Extension’s Francis Grants to fund major diocesan events and bishops’ continuing education. These grants support occasions like episcopal ordinations, special anniversaries, or papal visits for dioceses serving poor Catholic communities.

The Catholic School Leadership Development Grant Program aims to cultivate and retain promising leaders within the Catholic school system. In partnership with Loyola Marymount University, this initiative offers a graduate-level online Certificate in Catholic School Administration, covering 80% of tuition costs and providing funding for essential travel. The one-year program focuses on mission effectiveness, operational management, and instructional leadership, requiring participants to serve two years in their diocese post-completion, thereby enhancing local educational leadership.

Catholic Extension's Enhancing Pastoral and Social Ministry Grants aim to empower the church to broaden its outreach and foster societal transformation through targeted pastoral and social initiatives. This program supports specific elements of the church's ministerial efforts, including funding for catechetical resources, marriage and family ministries, and social outreach for vulnerable populations. By investing in these areas, Catholic Extension seeks to enhance the church's role in communities, especially following disasters.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Sacramento District California In-Lieu Fee Program, established by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, offers a mitigation option for permittees to compensate for authorized impacts to aquatic resources in California. Approved by multiple agencies, this program facilitates the purchase of mitigation credits to meet compensatory mitigation requirements. It employs a watershed approach to evaluate wetland threats, prioritize restoration, and implement mitigation projects, ensuring effective management of aquatic resources across designated service areas.

Nonprofit housing developers building or preserving affordable housing in Merced, California and other eligible U.S. communities can apply for Citi Foundation’s Blueprint for Housing funding, with awards around US $1,000,000. With a mission to expand equitable and affordable housing, Citi Foundation provides support to overcome financial and operational barriers for 501(c)(3) organizations.

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.

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

About Community Foundation of South Alabama

Since its inception, the Community Foundation has grown to over 500 funds and awarded over $98 million in grants and scholarships throughout the eight counties of southwest Alabama, improving the lives of many residents in our corner of the world.

We amplify the gifts from generous donors through wise investment, support others in efforts to enhance our community, and lead and collaborate on initiatives which have a broad impact.

Scholarships

The more than 40 scholarship funds at the Foundation were created by generous donors who wanted to help the students in our community achieve a brighter future. We are committed to assisting the most promising students with scholarships for professional certificate programs, two and four-year undergraduate degrees and graduate school. The scholarship funds at the Foundation award grants to high school, community college and university students to be used for tuition, books, and fees.

Partners for Environmental Progress (PEP) Scholarship

To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria: be an owner, employee or dependent of an owner or employee of the local branch/site of a company whose membership in PEP is in good standing at the time of the application, selection & awarding of the scholarship to the applicant. Applicants must currently be enrolled at the time of the application as a full or part-time student in a two year or four year accredited technical college, or university for secondary or post-secondary work and have a minimum 3.0 GPA with a declared course of study and major in one of the following: environmental science, environmental planning, environmental engineering, or other related science fields of study, including, but not limited to, all engineering fields, marine science, geoscience, fisheries science, forestry, and estuarine science and management.

About Community Foundation of South Alabama

Since its inception, the Community Foundation has grown to over 500 funds and awarded over $98 million in grants and scholarships throughout the eight counties of southwest Alabama, improving the lives of many residents in our corner of the world.

We amplify the gifts from generous donors through wise investment, support others in efforts to enhance our community, and lead and collaborate on initiatives which have a broad impact.

Scholarships

The more than 40 scholarship funds at the Foundation were created by generous donors who wanted to help the students in our community achieve a brighter future. We are committed to assisting the most promising students with scholarships for professional certificate programs, two and four-year undergraduate degrees and graduate school. The scholarship funds at the Foundation award grants to high school, community college and university students to be used for tuition, books, and fees.

Poarch Creek Indian Community Scholarship Fund

Annually, the Poarch Creek Indian Community Scholarship Fund will award a minimum of one scholarship to a male student and one to a female student. Applicants must be a resident of the State of Alabama or one of the following counties in Florida: Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, Washington or Gadsden. Academic merit, community involvement, and other factors such as financial need and/or workforce demand, will be taken into consideration when reviewing applications

About Community Foundation of South Alabama

Since its inception, the Community Foundation has grown to over 500 funds and awarded over $98 million in grants and scholarships throughout the eight counties of southwest Alabama, improving the lives of many residents in our corner of the world.

We amplify the gifts from generous donors through wise investment, support others in efforts to enhance our community, and lead and collaborate on initiatives which have a broad impact.

Scholarships

The more than 40 scholarship funds at the Foundation were created by generous donors who wanted to help the students in our community achieve a brighter future. We are committed to assisting the most promising students with scholarships for professional certificate programs, two and four-year undergraduate degrees and graduate school. The scholarship funds at the Foundation award grants to high school, community college and university students to be used for tuition, books, and fees.

Roland and Jean Fry Scholarship

For Mobile County Public High School senior who demonstrates financial need, has a good GPA and can attend any college.