Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in California

501(c)(3) nonprofits in California working on economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, or community arts and culture can apply for US Bancorp Foundation’s Community Possible funding. Organizations that address multiple pillars (work, home, play), advance diversity, equity and inclusion, and are based in U.S. Bank communities may be especially competitive, including those supporting educator development.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting children, education, or health and human services can access funding via Costco Foundation for monetary program needs. Eligible organizations must demonstrate clear community need, measurable outcomes, collaboration, and a broad base of financial support. Programs involving teachers’ continuing education that fit these priorities may be considered.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits with innovative human services or social problem–solving programs can access funding through Creag Foundation. Organizations must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and be developing new approaches to existing or previously unaddressed social issues, which may include education-related initiatives for teachers’ professional growth.

California 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth through education, child welfare, or enrichment programs can access funding through Dan Paul Foundation for projects that advance children’s health, development, and well-being. Grants up to US $15,000 may support teacher and parent training, early childhood development, scholarships, environmental education, homelessness, poverty, or refugee enrichment initiatives worldwide.

Nonprofit and NGO programs using technology for crisis response, education, economic empowerment, or climate resilience in California may be eligible for Global Impact Cash Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation. Organizations must primarily serve economically underserved communities, keep overhead below 25 percent, and propose innovative, tech-enabled solutions rather than general operating support or traditional school-based activities.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in California can seek Good Neighbor Citizenship company grants to support safety, education, and community development initiatives. State Farm Companies Foundation funds projects such as K–12 and higher education, STEM, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, financial literacy, and neighborhood revitalization with long-term, sustainable impact.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) cultural institutions with audited expenses over $2 million, including those in California, can apply for William Randolph Hearst Foundation’s culture grants, typically more than US $100,000, to support arts and science programming. Funding may cover programs, capital projects, or limited general and endowment support, with priority for youth engagement, arts education, STEM/STEAM, and artist development.

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.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits and equivalent charities working in health, education, or community services can seek funding for programs such as STEM education, food pantries, and healthcare for underserved populations. Focused on community well-being, Labcorp Charitable Foundation invites proposals that advance equitable care, education, and healthy lifestyles; requests are reviewed in March and September.

California education organizations and social enterprises serving urban low-income children and youth can access funding through the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation for projects or scaling work in education. Eligible applicants must request more than US $50,000 and operate in the U.S., India, or South Africa, with funding typically covering only part of project or operating costs.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering early childhood education, teacher development, or community economic development programs can seek grants to serve low- and moderate-income children and families. Grants from PNC Foundation help support classroom services, educator professional development, family engagement, affordable housing, job training, and revitalization efforts in communities where PNC has a significant presence.

Accredited charities in California and worldwide can seek funding for humanitarian, education, community, environmental, and contemporary arts projects that engage Roche expertise and employees. Grants from Roche help organizations develop high-quality, sustainable programs, including science and STEM education for youth, social services, disaster relief, and cultural initiatives, through local Roche affiliate offices.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and aligned for-profits in California seeking to share their impact stories can use this storytelling grant to highlight preservation, education, or wellness work. Grants from Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation support organizations across the U.S., so California programs for teachers, students, or community wellness may be eligible to enhance outreach and visibility.

U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations running education, science, arts, or Jewish life projects, including those benefiting California teachers’ professional growth, may be eligible for project-based support. Robert & Toni Bader Charitable Foundation funds initiatives that advance Jewish ideals through education, science, and the arts, but does not cover general operating expenses or support individuals.

California education nonprofits focused on children, families, poverty relief, or related services can access funding through Robinson Foundation for single-year projects that create tangible, meaningful impact. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) public charities active for more than three years and serving communities in the Southern region below the Mason-Dixon line; capital projects are not supported.

Insperity's Corporate Contributions program emphasizes community involvement and corporate citizenship, providing philanthropic grants and event sponsorships to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Eligible organizations must engage Insperity employees or contribute to the communities where they operate. The program aims to support nonprofits in achieving their service goals and enhancing community welfare. Applications must be submitted 90 days prior to events, and funding requests can be made once a year.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in California seeking support for community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding projects may be eligible for this funding. With a mission to respect all life, the environment, and all people, Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides grants that could help educators and schools expand related programs and initiatives.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities in California communities near Georgia-Pacific facilities can apply for Georgia-Pacific Foundation grants to support education, entrepreneurship, environmental initiatives, and community enrichment. Programs that improve long-term well-being and sustainability in these communities, including those benefiting teachers’ professional growth, may be competitive.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting basic needs, at-risk youth education, workforce readiness, or safety from domestic violence can seek program funding that helps vulnerable children and families. Focused on youth enrichment and support, TJX Foundation invites organizations within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office to begin with an eligibility questionnaire and Letter of Inquiry.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits and eligible public entities serving low-income children, youth, and families can seek US $100,000 - US $1,000,000 for program expansion, capital projects, pilots, or systems-change work. Grants from W. M. Keck Foundation help California education, youth development, arts, health, and human services organizations, especially those benefiting under-resourced communities in Los Angeles County.

Nonprofit organizations across the U.S., including California, can apply for $1,000 - $20,000 to support education, cultural, health, environmental, and community-based programs. Grants from Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation help schools, museums, clinics, and youth-serving groups, which may include teacher development or continuing education initiatives within broader organizational programs.

Charter school developers in California can apply for CA Department of Education’s 2025-26 Start-Up Subgrants, awarding US $300,000 - US $1,900,000 for planning, implementation, replication, and expansion of public charter schools. Educators and school teams pursuing new, conversion, or expanding high-quality charter schools may benefit, including those focused on educational access and equity.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on basic needs, community development, cultural enrichment, or volunteer-driven causes can apply for Ameriprise Financial’s Community Grants program. Grants from Ameriprise Financial help organizations across the U.S. that provide hunger relief, shelter, adult self-sufficiency, neighborhood revitalization, arts access, or other community vitality initiatives, with priority for sites engaging Ameriprise employee and advisor volunteers.

Education nonprofits in California can seek US $5,000 - US $25,000 from the Dr Scholl Foundation for program-focused projects, rather than general operating support. 501(c)(3) organizations working in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural, or environmental initiatives may benefit, with applications accepted annually between October 1 and March 1.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

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.