Best Grants for K-12 Schools in California

US Bancorp Foundation supports arts, culture, and workforce development in California by funding programs that enhance economic advancement, affordable housing, and community engagement. K-12 schools with initiatives in arts education, youth leadership, or financial literacy may be eligible to apply for support through this grant program.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

Creag Foundation provides California organizations focused on innovative human and social services with opportunities to address pressing societal issues. K-12 schools and educational nonprofits in California with creative approaches to student support or community challenges may be eligible to apply. Applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year.

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.

State Farm Companies Foundation supports education programs in California by offering grants that benefit K-12 schools, with a strong emphasis on academic performance, STEM initiatives, and college and career pathways. California K-12 schools focused on these priorities may be eligible for funding to enhance student success and educational opportunities.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

Ralph M. Parsons Foundation provides California K-12 schools with funding for educational enrichment, academic success, and youth development in Los Angeles County. Grants support programs ranging from early learning to college preparation, including general operating support, capital projects, and staff positions. Eligible schools and educational nonprofits may benefit from this responsive grantmaking opportunity.

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.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

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.

W. M. Keck Foundation provides California K-12 schools with support for educational access, youth development, and STEM programs. Schools in Los Angeles County serving low-income or special needs students may be especially competitive. Projects focused on arts, health, and family services for children and youth are also considered.

Grants from Amateur Radio Digital Communications help California K-12 schools expand STEAM education, digital literacy, and amateur radio programming. Schools interested in technology, science, and communication innovation may be eligible for funding, provided their projects align with open access principles and the advancement of digital communications.

Atkinson Foundation supports K-12 education in California by funding nonprofit programs that enhance academic success, enrichment, and youth development for underserved students in San Mateo County. K-12 schools partnering with nonprofits for in-school or out-of-school educational initiatives may be eligible to benefit from these grants.

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.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Insperity provides California community organizations with philanthropic grants and event sponsorships to support local service initiatives. K-12 schools in California that contribute to community well-being or have strong employee involvement may be eligible for funding. Only 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving areas where Insperity employees live or work are considered.

Georgia-Pacific Foundation provides California K-12 schools with funding opportunities that support education, community enrichment, and related initiatives. Eligible applicants include public schools and nonprofits located within 30 miles of a Georgia-Pacific facility. K-12 educational programs that align with the foundation’s investment priorities may benefit from this grant opportunity.

Grants from Lawrence Foundation help California organizations working in environmental conservation and community services. K-12 schools in California may be eligible if their programs align with the foundation’s interests, such as environmental education or community-focused initiatives. Funding is typically unrestricted, supporting both program and operating needs.

Grants from William McCaskey Chapman & Adaline Dinsmore Chapman Foundation help California K-12 schools and nonprofits motivate students in coastal Monterey County communities to prepare for and succeed in college. Eligible programs include classroom initiatives, academic scholarships, and extracurricular projects that support college readiness and measurable student achievement.

California K-12 schools can access funding through American Water Charitable Foundation for projects that improve, restore, or protect local water resources. Grants support efforts like water conservation, watershed protection, and expanding equitable access to water-based recreation. Schools with environmental or STEM programs may be eligible for these community-focused grants.

Focused on STEM education, Boston Scientific Foundation Inc invites California K-12 schools to apply for funding that expands opportunities for economically disadvantaged students. Programs must serve at least 50% low-income participants and demonstrate measurable improvements in STEM learning. Schools aiming to enhance academic development in science, technology, engineering, and math may be eligible.

Focused on community services, Samueli Foundation invites California K-12 schools and nonprofits to apply for the Breakaway Fund. This opportunity offers unrestricted support for projects in talent development, technology upgrades, and organizational expertise. Schools serving Orange County communities may be eligible for grants of $50,000–$100,000.

California K-12 schools can access funding through Samueli Foundation for capital projects in Orange County. Eligible projects include facility acquisition, new construction, renovation, repairs, and major equipment purchases. K-12 public and nonprofit private schools meeting the criteria may benefit from one-time grants up to $1,000,000 to enhance their educational environments.

O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Inc provides California education organizations with support for programs improving economic stability, workforce development, health, and literacy. K-12 schools that address community needs such as literacy, early childhood development, or job readiness may be eligible for funding to enhance student outcomes and support underserved populations.