Best Grants for Environmental Projects in California

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on environmental, agricultural, education, health, hunger, poverty, or public safety initiatives in California can seek more than US $1,000 through the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation’s corporate giving program. Preference goes to communities near Perdue facilities and projects that engage Perdue associates and strengthen local quality of life.

California environmental nonprofits can access funding through the John W. Porter Trust to support programs that benefit the Long Beach community and broader state. 501(c)(3) organizations working on environment, animals, health, education, human services, arts, or related community programs may receive US $5,000 - US $10,000 for charitable, benevolent, religious, or educational projects.

Young California-based social innovators developing early-stage solutions in areas like environment, energy, health, and technology can receive US $40,000 from the Westly Prize. Westly Foundation supports impactful, scalable ventures worldwide, and environmental projects in California may be especially competitive if they demonstrate strong innovation, leadership, and capacity for growth.

Nonprofit public charities in California seeking support for environmental projects, alongside work in healthcare, education, social services, animal welfare, and arts and culture, may be eligible for this grant. With a mission to support effective organizations, Harold McAlister Charitable Foundation provides funding based on impact, alignment with its priorities, and an organization’s history of success and growth.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on the care and welfare of domesticated animals can apply for grants of US $10,000 - US $25,000 to support their programs. Grants from the Roy and Marian Holleman Foundation also consider education, library science, and human services projects, which may include environmental-related efforts.

Property owners, authorized lessees, and their representatives in California can receive up to US $12,000 per site to install shared Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations. Focused on clean transportation and greenhouse gas reduction, the California Energy Commission’s Communities in Charge program supports well-lit, secure sites, including public, workplace, and multi-family housing locations.

California 501(c)(3) organizations working on environmental conservation or related environmental projects can seek funding for charitable programs, operations, or services. Charles and Ruth Billingsley Foundation supports a wide range of causes, including environment and animals, with a practice of primarily funding organizations based in San Diego County.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits in California can apply for the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation’s corporate giving program; awards up to US $1,000 for community-focused projects. Funding may support environmental, agriculture, education, hunger relief, health, social services, public safety, and cultural heritage initiatives, with preference for programs near Perdue facilities and endorsed by a Perdue associate.

California public agencies, schools, nonprofits, community groups, and even for-profit organizations can seek sponsorship for events or projects that engage communities on regional water policy or benefit local watersheds and the environment. Focused on water stewardship, Santa Clara Valley Water invites environmental and water-resource initiatives to apply through its Community Partnering Sponsorship Program.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in California working on conservation, environment, early childhood education, family empowerment, or health can seek project or capital funding to expand programs or facilities. Grants from James M Cox Foundation help communities where Cox Enterprises operates; California environmental projects may be eligible with local Cox engagement and, when applicable, regional endorsement.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits and eligible schools serving communities near Honda locations can seek funding for mobility-focused education, awareness, and infrastructure programs that support individuals with disabilities. Grants from Honda USA Foundation help environmental and community organizations integrate therapeutic or adaptive programs, comprehensive care, and mobility modifications or assistive technology, with awards ranging from US $25,000 - US $100,000.

California 501(c)(3) organizations planning projects in environment, community, health, arts, animals, or children’s services can apply for Mcbeth Foundation’s McBeth Foundation Grant to launch impactful programs. Funding supports initiatives that benefit more than a single individual and can grow over time, which may include environmental projects with lasting community impact.

Emerging professionals interested in public policy and environmental issues in California can gain hands-on legislative experience through this fellowship program, working in state Assembly offices on topics including environmental justice. California State University (CSU) offers cohort-based learning, mentorship, and career development to prepare participants for impactful public service careers.

Small, community-based nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups in California working on environmental health, climate resilience, and environmental justice can seek support for grassroots advocacy, organizing, restoration, and education projects. The California Environmental Grassroots Fund from Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment offers up to US $7,500, prioritizing efforts serving BIPOC, frontline, immigrant, and low-income communities.

Graduate students at any University of California campus conducting environmental or ecological field research in California’s Natural Reserve System can receive up to US $3,000 for supplies, minor equipment, reserve fees, and travel. Focused on field-based research, the Natural Reserve System invites projects using at least one NRS reserve, including underrepresented disciplines and early-career researchers.

Environmental nonprofits and accredited charities in California can seek funding for projects in areas like environmental education, conservation, and ecosystem restoration. La Roche supports innovative, high-quality initiatives that promote sustainable development, engage local partners and employees, and may also include community, humanitarian, science education, or arts components within its global corporate philanthropy program.

California environmental and community organizations can access funding for sustainability, conservation, clean water, parks, and disaster preparedness projects via Marathon Petroleum Foundation. The program supports U.S.-incorporated 501(c)(3) nonprofits and eligible government entities, with preference for communities near company operations, and also backs workforce development, youth programs, and economic vitality initiatives.

Nonprofits, charities, municipalities, Indigenous groups, and foundations working on environmental projects in California can seek US $2,500 - US $25,000 for safety, education, environment, or resilient communities initiatives. Focused on community impact, TC Energy Foundation prioritizes projects near its operations that demonstrate measurable benefits and promote equity, well-being, and strong local relationships.

Researchers conducting natural history and environmental studies in California and other western North American regions can receive up to US $2,500 for travel, supplies, student wages, and other justifiable expenses. Western North American Naturalist especially encourages applicants from institutions where research is possible but not the primary focus.

Takeda's Corporate Giving program focuses on enhancing community well-being in the U.S. by supporting initiatives in two key areas: Food is Health and Building STEM Foundations. Through employee engagement and partnerships, Takeda aims to provide access to nutritious food and foster STEM education, addressing social disparities and empowering future innovators. This commitment reflects Takeda's mission of better health and a brighter future for all.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

BASF Corporation, a leading chemical company based in Florham Park, New Jersey, is committed to charitable giving that aligns with its corporate social responsibility goals. The focus areas include science education, environmental sustainability, and health and safety. Donations are only made to eligible non-profit organizations under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, ensuring that contributions support initiatives that enhance the quality of life in BASF communities and promote a sustainable future.

Patagonia supports environmental organisations with bold, direct-action agendas and a commitment to long-term change.

We support innovative work that addresses the root causes of the environmental crisis and seeks to protect both the environment and affected communities. We focus on places where we’ve built connections through outdoor recreation and through our network of retail stores, nationally and internationally.

We believe local battles to protect a specific stand of forest, a stretch of river, an indigenous wild species or a community from a polluting refinery build public support and confront larger, more complex issues like climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental justice.

We encourage work that brings underrepresented communities to the forefront of the environmental movement and defends communities whose health and livelihoods are threatened by environmental exploitation.

We support multipronged campaigns that push for greater environmental protections and force the government to abide by its own laws.

We fund work that:

• builds an equitable, inclusive and diverse environmental movement
• confronts systemic bias, discrimination and injustice in environmental policy or outdoor spaces
• is action-oriented
• focuses on root causes
• has a clear strategy
• identifies specific goals and objectives that can be effectively measured to evaluate success
• builds public involvement and civic engagement

Patagonia believes that the most direct path to real change is through building grassroots momentum.

Our funding focuses on organisations that have or can create a strong base of support. Because we’re a privately held company, we have the freedom to fund risk-taking, off-the-beaten-track groups, and that’s where we believe our small grants are most effective.

The Looking Out Foundation Grant supports social justice and humanitarian initiatives, having donated nearly $6 million to various causes globally. With an average donation of $25 per campaign, it aids organizations focused on disaster relief, racial justice, and support for marginalized communities. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt public charities under Section 501(c)(3). The foundation prioritizes diverse funding sources and encourages organizations to adapt to changing needs, with grant allocations ranging from $5,000 to $25,000.

Municipal, religious, charitable, benevolent, and educational organizations in California can apply for the Elizabeth Raymond Ambler Trust’s project-based community grants to support work in areas such as environmental initiatives, education, health, arts, and human services. These flexible grants may benefit environmental projects alongside other community-focused programs.

The Goodnow Fund is a family foundation that provides approximately $1.5 million in grants annually to nonprofit organizations. Focused on supporting vulnerable children, Alzheimer's research, educational opportunities for low-income students, and environmental improvement, the Fund primarily aids organizations in Fairfield County, Connecticut. It identifies potential grantees directly and does not accept unsolicited proposals. For more information, organizations can contact the Fund's Executive Director.

The CFSCC Community Grants aim to inspire philanthropy by funding nonprofits in Santa Cruz County that address local needs. This year, $1.2 million will support initiatives focused on youth education, seniors, and human services. The grants prioritize unrestricted funding to ensure organizations can address pressing issues while promoting equity and inclusion. With a commitment to empowering diverse leaders, the foundation seeks to create lasting positive impacts across the community.