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) 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.

Early-stage, independent nonprofit and impact-first, mission-driven for-profit organizations in California tackling urgent social or environmental problems can apply for Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation’s support, with awards up to US $300,000. Funding over three years combines capital with intensive capacity-building to help scalable solutions expand their impact for underserved communities.

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.

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.

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 and humanitarian organizations providing health, education, or disaster relief services can seek support for programs serving marginalized communities in California and worldwide. With a mission to empower vulnerable populations, Semnani Family Foundation provides funding to initiatives such as medical care, child welfare, literacy, and related social services, which may include teacher or professional education components.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) educational, scientific, medical, and other charitable organizations can seek funding to support programs that significantly benefit their target populations. Grants from Sidney Stern Memorial Trust help California and other U.S. nonprofits carry out charitable, educational, scientific, and health-related work, with all funded activities taking place within the country.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Non-sectarian nonprofits helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant can seek US $5,000 - US $250,000 for humanitarian and social service programs from Gupta Family Foundation. U.S.-based 501(c)(3)s and qualifying foreign organizations, including those in California, may be eligible if they are smaller, founder-led groups directing at least 90% of funds to beneficiaries.

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.