Best Grants for Jewish Nonprofits in California

Jewish 501(c)(3) nonprofits in California, especially in the greater San Francisco Bay Area, can apply for the Milton & Sophie Meyer Fund’s US $5,000 - US $10,000 grants to support a wide range of programs. Funding may support arts and culture, education, health, human services, environment, public benefit, and religious activities rooted in Judaism and Jewish culture.

Jewish-focused 501(c)(3) public charities, including those in California, can apply for Zera Foundation grants to support programs that improve quality and equality of life. Funding priorities include Jewish-based organizations, poverty alleviation, youth services, and animal welfare, with an emphasis on direct services, volunteer engagement, and strengthening existing programs.

Jewish communal professionals ages 26–36 working full-time for 501(c)(3) or registered charity Jewish organizations in California and across North America can apply for the Wexner Davidson Fellowship, a three-year leadership and Jewish learning program. Fellows receive biannual institutes, coaching, personalized Jewish study, professional development funds, and access to a global alumni network.

California individuals, businesses, and community organizations with innovative, charitable projects can seek flexible funding that turns concrete plans into reality. Jewish nonprofits and cultural or educational initiatives may be especially competitive, as the I Could Do Great Things Foundation prioritizes education, community, and Jewish causes with a streamlined, low–red-tape application process.

Nonprofit organizations working within the Jewish community to advance women’s and girls’ leadership and gender equity, including those in California, can receive up to US $80,000 in program-based or unrestricted support. With a mission to strengthen women and girls, Hadassah Foundation prioritizes initiatives addressing leadership, financial security, mental health, safety, and women’s rights in the U.S. and Israel.

Jewish and secular organizations working on Judaism or Jewish culture projects that directly serve Israel’s Akko & Matte Asher region or the Mahoning and Shenango Valleys may be eligible for this funding, including California-based groups with a direct tie. With a mission to promote tzedakah, Youngstown Area Jewish Federation provides US $1,500 - US $22,000 for eligible programs.

Nonprofits and educational institutions in California working on Judaism, Jewish culture, or Holocaust education can receive support for projects that reject hatred, promote understanding, and inspire change. The Jewish Federation of St. Louis funds educational or artistic programs that explore Holocaust history, foster ethical dialogue, and combat antisemitism, racism, and related discrimination; individual educators apply through their institutions.

Jewish educational nonprofits and institutions in California can seek funding for innovative Jewish education programs and initiatives. Grants from Covenant Foundation help North American organizations develop, test, or expand creative, adaptable approaches to Jewish learning in schools, community centers, camps, museums, and other settings, with awards up to US $35,000 for Ignition Grants.

US-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving children through youth development, mentorship, or educational programs, including those in California, can apply for Kars4Kids’ small grants of US $5,000. Eligible organizations must have a secular, non-religious programmatic focus and provide original, mission-driven services that benefit America’s children and their families.

Nonprofit organizations addressing Jewish life, culture, and related social or spiritual needs can seek funding to support work in multi-faith, multi-ethnic, and public settings in California and beyond. Grants from Charles H. Revson Foundation help Jewish-focused nonprofits, especially those in under-resourced fields or civic-sector initiatives, submit letters of inquiry year-round; full applications are by invitation.

Jewish-focused 501(c)(3) public charities in California or those running national projects can apply for the Lisa & Douglas Goldman Fund’s Jewish Community support, which funds education, advocacy, and innovative Jewish experiences. Programs combatting antisemitism, engaging Jews in social justice issues, or enhancing Judaism’s contemporary relevance may be eligible; invitations follow an initial Letter of Inquiry.

Jewish nonprofits and organizations serving young people with disabilities in California and beyond can apply for Oklahoma City Community Foundation’s Kirschner Trusts grants, offering up to US $40,000 for programs and services. Nationally focused on Judaism, Jewish culture, and related social, health, and youth services, this funding may benefit California-based Jewish organizations.

Jewish-focused 501(c)(3) organizations working in California or elsewhere in the U.S. can seek support for programs that strengthen Jewish life, protect and nurture children, and address community needs. Focused on Judaism and Jewish culture, the Lillian and Larry Goodman Foundation invites aligned nonprofits to submit an online form as an initial inquiry.

Jewish teens seeking financial help for multi-day Jewish youth programs can apply for Springboard Access Grants, including those from California participating with approved nonprofits. Focused on Jewish teen engagement, Jewish United Fund offers up to US $500 toward first-time retreats, conventions, Shabbatonim, or qualifying summer programs that connect participants to the Chicago Jewish community.

California Jewish and other nonprofits working in education, children’s welfare, medical care, medical research, or Jewish philanthropic endeavors can access funding through the Slomo and Cindy Silvian Foundation. U.S.-registered organizations may submit a brief online Preliminary Inquiry, and selected applicants are invited to apply, with specific rules for new and returning grantees.

U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations supporting the general welfare of people in Israel, caring for the sick or aged, or providing education in South Florida can apply for grants of US $10,000 - US $25,000. Harry Kramer Memorial Fund also considers organizations significantly supported by religious institutions, which may include Jewish nonprofits in California working through eligible U.S. charities.

Graduate, post-doctoral, and independent scholars researching twentieth-century Jewish history, general history, or humanitarian assistance using the JDC Archives can apply for American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee fellowships, awarding US $2,500. California-based researchers studying Jewish life or Jewish culture may be especially interested in this annual opportunity, which includes a public presentation of findings.

With a mission to support Jewish education, Jewish Community Foundation provides California Jewish organizations and families with the Colonel David Marcus Memorial Scholarship Award to help high school seniors pursue post-secondary studies. Eligible students must reside in Burlington, Camden, or Gloucester Counties in Southern New Jersey, with priority for those attending U.S. military academies or programs.

The Furer-Barag-Wolf Post 126 Jewish War Veterans Scholarship Award supports children or grandchildren of JWV Post 126 members, providing merit-based assistance for college or vocational education. Eligible applicants must reside in specific counties in New Jersey or be related to a JWV member. The scholarship covers tuition, books, and living expenses and is open for reapplication annually. This initiative by the Jewish Community Foundation fosters educational opportunities for deserving students.

The Seymour Siegel Youth Achievement Award, offered by the Jewish Community Foundation, provides financial support for high school students pursuing post-secondary education or vocational training. Open to applicants of the Jewish faith, this award prioritizes those from single-parent households, orphans, or foster children. Interested candidates must submit a personal narrative detailing their qualifications. The foundation, established in 1979, is a leading community resource in South Jersey, managing over $35 million in assets.

The Patrice Faye Cohen Memorial Scholarship Award supports high school women from Southern New Jersey who are pursuing college education with a focus on entrepreneurship. Established in memory of Patrice Faye Cohen, a successful business owner, this scholarship aims to empower women to achieve their entrepreneurial dreams. Eligible candidates must demonstrate a commitment to their studies and entrepreneurial aspirations, with financial support available for tuition and related expenses.

The Mildred Soefer Scholarship Fund Award offers financial support to Jewish students from Burlington, Camden, or Gloucester Counties who are pursuing higher education or vocational training. Applicants are required to have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and demonstrate financial need. The scholarship may cover tuition, books, and living expenses. This fund aims to foster educational growth within the community and encourages applicants to apply for multiple awards they may qualify for.

JFS–David Rubenstein Memorial Scholarship

The JFS–David Rubenstein Memorial Scholarship, established by Dr. Robert Rubenstein and Marie Raftery, honors the memory of Dr. Robert’s son, David. The program provides financial support to students from San Diego’s Jewish community pursuing college or vocational education, and encourages them to cultivate intellectual curiosity, reflect on Jewish values, and give back to their community.

Scholarships of up to $10,000 will be awarded based on academic achievement, community involvement, and financial need.

Students are eligible to receive up to a total of four (4) years of JFS-David Rubenstein Memorial Scholarship funding, and the funding years do not have to be consecutive. Scholarships are made on a year-to-year basis and are not automatically renewed. Scholarship recipients must submit a new application and the required documentation in compliance with the application deadlines, stated herein, for each year that they seek funding.

Scholarship funds will be sent directly to the academic institution the student is attending solely for use toward qualifying academic expenses, including tuition, school-provided housing, books, school fees, or required academic supplies/equipment. Should the recipient not matriculate college by the date listed in the award, he or she agrees to forfeit the scholarship award.

JFO Music & Cultural Arts Programs

This scholarship opportunity is available year-round.

The current program requirements include the following:

• Scholarships are awarded on a financial-need basis.
• Scholarships are available only to Jewish residents of the Omaha metropolitan area.

Chortek Weisman Family FundThe Chortek Weisman Family Fund seeks to make an impact on Jewish life, identity, and engagement in San Diego County. Believing that the future lies with our youth, the mission is to strengthen Jewish life, identity, and engagement by supporting innovative programs and initiatives that inspire youth to lead meaningful Jewish lives and contribute to the continuity of the Jewish people. The goal of this grant is to cultivate knowledgeable, compassionate, and engaged community members who embody Jewish values, serve as ambassadors for the Jewish community, and are prepared to confront antisemitism with confidence and pride. Applications should clearly articulate program goals, anticipated outcomes, methods for measuring success, and the impact the funding will have on participants and the broader Jewish community.

The Amy Adina Schulman Memorial Fund

The Amy Adina Schulman Memorial Fund is a Princeton, New Jersey-based endowment fund providing grants to individuals, young adults who volunteer or intern for progressive social action projects or programs in an area of their interest and commitment. The Amy Adina Fund also sponsors a lecture each year on a relevant and timely topic related to its educational mission.

The Amy Adina Schulman Memorial Fund was started in 1987 one year after Amy Adina, 20, died suddenly while a student and activist at Rutgers University. It is a realization of her family and her communities’ desire to celebrate her life, to fulfill her dreams and her potential. Since its inception, almost 1,500 grants have been awarded for work in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and the United States—nearly $1,000,000 in total. The Amy Adina Schulman Memorial Fund is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

About Our Grants

Small grants (depending on length of service), are awarded to as many applicants as possible rather than giving larger amounts to fewer individuals. The number of awards has grown each year thanks to annual contributions as well as to gifts sent to the Fund to honor special occasions and life cycle events.

About NIF

Advancing Equality for All Israelis

The New Israel Fund (NIF) helps Israel live up to its founders’ vision of a society that ensures complete equality to all its inhabitants. Our aim is to advance liberal democracy, including freedom of speech and minority rights, and to fight the inequality, injustice and extremism that diminish Israel.

From Israel’s first rape crisis centers, to fighting discrimination, NIF-funded organizations have driven positive social change and furthered justice and equality. NIF has provided over $350 million to more than 950 organizations since our inception in 1979.

Naomi Chazan Global Activism Fellowship

Want to travel to Israel/Palestine while advancing equality, democracy, and peace for all?

The New Israel Fund’s Naomi Chazan Global Activism Fellowship offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to visit Israel/Palestine, meet frontline Israeli and Palestinian activists, and learn about issues of war, peace, and inequality by seeing the reality on the ground. 

Fellows will visit Israel/Palestine on November 3-10, 2026.

This trip is a great opportunity to learn alongside peers and friends (ages 21 – 35). NIF is based on the simple idea that those of us who share a commitment to Israel/Palestine and to progressive values can join together to work for equality, freedom, and human rights. You will join a cohort of participants from the U.S. and Canada building relationships across borders to be sustained for years to come.

Following the trip, participants are expected to organize at least two NIF events in their home communities, with support from NIF staff. These events could look like a report-back highlighting the participants’ learnings from the trip, educational programs featuring NIF grantees/partners, or something else entirely that is tailored to the intellectual, emotional, and spiritual needs of the fellow’s communities.

The program is subsidized by generous donors in the NIF community. All “on-the-ground” costs—your hotel accommodation and almost all meals—will be covered by NIF. Participants are responsible for purchasing their own airfare and travel/health insurance. If the cost of airfare is a barrier for you, please apply anyway. Limited airfare subsidies may be available.