Best Emergency Preparedness Grants for Nonprofits in California

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on economic and workforce advancement, affordable housing, or community arts and culture can apply for the Community Possible Grant Program from U.S. Bank Foundation. Organizations serving designated U.S. Bank communities and advancing equity may be eligible, including those whose emergency preparedness efforts intersect with housing, jobs, or community spaces.

California nonprofits with innovative human and social services or related programs can access funding through Creag Foundation to address current social problems in new ways. 501(c)(3) organizations held for at least one year may be eligible, and disaster preparedness or community safety initiatives may fit if they present a novel approach.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

Early-stage nonprofit and mission-driven for-profit social enterprises in California tackling critical social or environmental challenges can apply for Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation support, with awards up to US $300,000 over three years. Organizations working on scalable disaster preparedness or community resilience for underserved populations may be especially strong candidates.

Edison International provides California nonprofit organizations with funding for programs in public safety and emergency preparedness, including electrical safety, disaster readiness, community resiliency, and wildfire safety for vulnerable residents. Eligible groups in Edison’s Southern California service area may also work in related areas like STEM education, environmental conservation, and civic engagement that support community resilience.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in California working in health, education, or community services can seek funding for programs like food pantries, healthcare access, STEM education, and preventative health. Focused on community well-being, Labcorp Charitable Foundation invites proposals that may strengthen local resilience and emergency preparedness for underserved populations.

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.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on housing, jobs, hunger, or community development can access funding through Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s sponsorship program. Support may include initiatives like preserving neighborhoods, workforce education, emergency shelter, and related community resilience efforts, which may benefit organizations integrating disaster preparedness into broader economic and social programs.

California Fire Foundation

The California Fire Foundation, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization, provides emotional and financial assistance to families of fallen firefighters, firefighters and the communities they protect. Formed in 1987 by California Professional Firefighters, the California Fire Foundation’s mandate includes an array of survivor assistance projects and community initiatives.

California Fire Foundation Proposition 4 Grant

The California Fire Foundation (CFF) is pleased to announce the Proposition 4 Wildfire Prevention & Firefighter Safety Grant Program, funded through the voter-approved $10 billion Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act.

Of the historic statewide investment, approximately $1.5 billion is dedicated to wildfire and forest resilience. CFF has been entrusted with $13.8 million of these funds to deploy directly to local fire departments, firefighter associations, nonprofit organizations, and partners across California. These grants are designed to strengthen firefighter safety, enhance community preparedness, and support proactive wildfire prevention at the local level.

As wildfire risk continues to grow across the state, local agencies and community-based organizations remain on the front lines. Proposition 4 funding provides critical resources to ensure those closest to the work have the tools, equipment, and support they need to protect lives, property, and natural landscapes.

Funding Categories

The California Fire Foundation supports projects that actively address disaster preparedness and/or prevention needs, which protect and enhance the public’s safety or the safety of California’s firefighters and other first responders, including: Firefighter Health & Safety; Specialized Firefighting Equipment; Vegetation and Fuels Management; and Public Education & Outreach.

Only one grant application per organization, per funding cycle may be submitted. Fire departments and firefighter associations serving the same community may apply separately. CFF does not require matching funds.

Specialized Firefighting Equipment

Grants in this category will support equipment that directly protects firefighter health and strengthens emergency response capacity. Examples include:

• Turnout gear, radios, extractors, decontamination equipment, and emergency fire shelters
• Water Cisterns
• Drones and UTVs

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in California seeking project support for education, health care, social services, civic and cultural, or environmental initiatives may be eligible. Focused on broad community improvement, Dr Scholl Foundation invites U.S. applicants to request US $5,000 - US $25,000 for one-year projects, which can include disaster preparedness and resilience efforts.

California nonprofits focused on disaster preparedness in at least two Inland Region counties can receive up to US $300,000 to deliver disaster training and resources to at-risk communities. California Governor's Office of Emergency Services supports projects that strengthen preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation for diverse populations disproportionately impacted by emergencies.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on natural disaster preparedness and long-term recovery can access funding through Ima Foundation, with awards up to US $20,000. Eligible organizations must serve communities where IMA has a meaningful presence and may also work in workforce development or financial literacy with an emphasis on underserved populations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving at least two Southern California counties can apply for the Listos California Regional Grant (LL) Program, with awards up to US $300,000 for disaster preparedness work. Focused on disaster preparedness, the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services supports training and resources that boost community readiness, response, recovery, and mitigation for at-risk, diverse populations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing disaster preparedness work across at least two counties in California’s Coastal Region can apply for the Listos California Regional Grant (LM) Program, with awards up to US $300,000. Focused on disaster preparedness, the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services invites projects that train and equip diverse, high-risk communities for emergencies.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving quality of life through disaster relief, economic stability, workforce development, or health and social services can receive project, operating, or capital support, including in California. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation focuses on communities where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates, supporting underserved and underrepresented individuals and families facing critical needs and emergencies.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running safety, disaster preparedness, or community resilience programs in California communities served by Union Pacific can seek US $5,000 - US $30,000 for local projects. With a mission to strengthen communities, Union Pacific Foundation provides Local Grants for safety, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability initiatives that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion.

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.

Government agencies, tribal governments, educational institutions, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in California can seek funding for land stewardship, air quality, or water stewardship projects through the PG&E Corporation Foundation’s Better Together Nature Positive Innovation Grant program. Awards of US $100,000 per region may support planning, construction, design, education, or coordination, with priority for disadvantaged or vulnerable communities.

Nonprofit organizations helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant, including those providing disaster relief and humanitarian aid, may be eligible for US $5,000 - US $250,000 in funding, including work reaching California. Gupta Family Foundation supports smaller, non-sectarian organizations with revenues between $300,000 and $3,000,000 operating in select countries worldwide.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The Clorox Company Foundation

Founded in 1980, The Clorox Company Foundation has a mission to foster healthy and inclusive communities so people can be well and thrive. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded cash grants totaling nearly $145 million to nonprofit organizations. 

The foundation’s signature theme of health security is tied to its mission and The Clorox Company’s purpose: We champion people to be well and thrive, every single day.

Signature theme: Health Security

Health security is based on the belief that health and wellness is a basic human right. The Clorox Company Foundation focuses its philanthropy on efforts to help ensure equal opportunities for under-resourced people within our communities. We provide support to improve their overall physical and mental health and help them flourish.

Foundation Focus Areas

Based on the promise of health security, the foundation focuses on programs that support three areas:

• Transformative Change for Communities
  • Organizations that are working at the community level to address social determinants of health and equality issues.
• Youth Development/Education
  • Programs that increase equity of opportunity, access and outcomes to create lasting social impact.
• Sustainability
  • Organizations that focus on solving environmental issues that impact the communities where we live and work.

Organizations that:

• Educate and/or provide supplies to people/healthcare facilities.
• Conduct research regarding infection control/preventing the spread of germs and disease in a post-pandemic life.

Organizations that focus on emergency preparedness, response and recovery locally and nationally.

The foundation serves the communities surrounding our Oakland, California, headquarters as well as those surrounding our remote offices and manufacturing facilities. We also support public health on a global level through the American Red Cross and other partners, donating cash and disinfecting products to address pandemics such as COVID-19 and Ebola.