Best Merced County Grants for Nonprofits in California

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

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.

Local students pursuing nursing degrees in Merced County, California and neighboring Stanislaus County can receive up to US $60,000 for tuition, books, and equipment through the Jonnie York Nursing Fellowship. Legacy Health Endowment supports higher education in nursing, with graduates committing to work two years as nurses within its Central Valley service communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) healthcare facilities and clinics providing direct services, wellness programs, research, or health education in Merced County, California may be eligible for this funding. Legacy Health Endowment supports healthcare access, healthy living, and community health education to improve quality of life for residents in specific Merced and Stanislaus County communities.

Nonprofit organizations providing early childhood education and school-readiness programs in Merced County, California may be eligible for funding to strengthen services like vocabulary, social-emotional learning, math, science, and the arts. Grants from PNC Foundation help U.S. nonprofits, including those serving Merced County, enhance outcomes for children from birth to age five and their families.

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 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.

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).  

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.

Merced County, California nonprofits can access funding through Richard R Reed Foundation for community-focused programs in mental health, child health and development, community welfare, animal welfare, and environmental impact. Smaller 501(c)(3) organizations in Colorado and Northern California may receive support for either specific projects or general operating expenses within these priority areas.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and qualified local government entities in Merced County, California can apply for Georgia-Pacific Foundation’s community grants to support education, environment, entrepreneurship, and community enrichment initiatives. Eligible applicants must be located near a Georgia-Pacific manufacturing community and serve residents in areas where the company operates.

Nonprofits and schools running food access, nutrition education, or wellness programs in Merced County, California can receive support in the form of funding, healthy food, snacks, or gift cards. Grants from Raley's help organizations in Raley’s store communities improve food access, food system education, and total wellness, with requests submitted online at least 90 days in advance.

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.

Nonprofits, schools, local governments, and tribal governments in Merced County, California can apply for BNSF Foundation grants of US $1,000 - US $10,000 to support community, cultural, educational, health, human services, and youth programs. BNSF Foundation provides Merced County organizations with support for projects near its rail lines that enhance quality of life.

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

Grants from EMC Health Foundation help Merced County, California nonprofits deliver direct healthcare services, wellness programs, health research, and health education. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in the foundation’s service area, including Merced and Stanislaus counties, can seek funding and technical support for programs that improve local health outcomes and address health disparities.

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 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 housing developers in Merced County, California can seek funding to build or preserve affordable housing through the Citi Foundation Blueprint for Housing Grant, with awards around US $1,000,000. Citi Foundation supports organizations overcoming financial and operational barriers to expand equitable, affordable housing and strengthen nonprofit capacity in eligible U.S. communities.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving children and youth affected by child abuse and neglect in Merced County, California can seek US $10,000 - US $50,000 for programs or general operating support. With a mission to protect vulnerable children, In-N-Out Burgers Foundation prioritizes foster care, prevention, court advocacy, homelessness, domestic violence, and therapeutic services in counties where it operates.

Citi Foundation provides Merced County, California nonprofits with funding to advance low-income household financial resilience through microfinance and related programs. Eligible community organizations can apply for US $500,000 over two years to stabilize, strengthen, or safeguard household finances in areas like coaching, credit-building, savings, fraud prevention, and financial shock recovery.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and public agencies in Merced County, California can apply for Teichert Foundation’s grants of US $3,000 - US $7,500 to support specific community projects. Funding may benefit civic improvement, social services, education and workforce development, environmental sustainability, health and rehabilitation, youth, elders, arts, and related local initiatives.

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.

Individuals, nonprofits, Tribal Nations, and community partnerships in Merced County, California can apply for $1,000 - $10,000 from the Native Cultures Fund to support California Indian culture, arts, and intergenerational knowledge transmission. Administered by Humboldt Area Foundation, this grant backs projects rooted in California tribal cultures, including language, ceremony, sacred sites, stories, and traditional practices.

The Antone E. & Marie F. Raymus Foundation is dedicated to enhancing education, healthcare, and cultural enrichment in the Central Valley. With a focus on serving children and young adults, especially those at risk, the foundation provides essential funding for schools, healthcare programs, and community initiatives. Their commitment to improving access and quality of life through tangible support reflects their deep-rooted belief in empowering local communities. Through strategic partnerships and precise funding allocation, they aim to foster a brighter future for all.