Best Homelessness Grants in California

The Charis Fund Grant supports non-profit organizations in California, Oregon, Washington, and Nevada, focusing on social welfare, health, and education. Grants range from $2,500 to $7,500, aimed at addressing issues such as housing, food insecurity, and support for at-risk youth. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified and can apply every three years, with specific restrictions on funding for arts and political activities.

The Banner Bank Community Support Program offers grants to nonprofit organizations in Washington, Oregon, California, and Idaho focusing on housing, youth development, financial education, and economic growth. Priority is given to programs aiding low- and moderate-income populations. Organizations applying must not discriminate and should support essential community services. Applications are accepted year-round, with a review period of 45-60 days. However, certain areas, such as individual scholarships and political organizations, are ineligible for funding.

The California Department of Housing and Community Development has launched the Permanent Local Housing Allocation Program: Formula Component NOFA, providing ongoing funding to local governments for housing and homelessness initiatives. This program, established under Senate Bill 2, aims to address unmet housing needs in communities by allocating 70% of collected funds. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, ensuring timely support for eligible projects that enhance local housing solutions.

The Dermody Properties Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community well-being through support for the arts, education, and families, particularly children and the elderly. Established in 1988, the foundation has provided over $3.65 million in donations to various nonprofits, including grants and scholarships. Eligible organizations must have IRS 501(c)(3) status and be located within 30 miles of Dermody's projects. Grants typically range from $500 to $3,000, reflecting a commitment to corporate philanthropy.

The T2025 Multifamily Finance Super NOFA for Los Angeles allocates approximately $101 million to support multifamily housing and infrastructure projects in areas affected by wildfires in January 2025. The California Department of Housing and Community Development aims to expedite affordable housing solutions for disaster survivors through two application phases, emphasizing immediate construction and readiness. Eligible programs include Multifamily Housing, Supportive Housing, and Infrastructure Grant initiatives, all focused on enhancing housing stability and community recovery.

California Department of Education

California will provide a world-class education for all students, from early childhood to adulthood. The Department of Education serves our state by innovating and collaborating with educators, schools, parents, and community partners. Together, as a team, we prepare students to live, work, and thrive in a multicultural, multilingual, and highly connected world.

Education for Homeless Children and Youth Technical Assistance Center

The CDE invites county offices of education (COEs) throughout the state to apply to become a HETAC. The HETAC(s) will provide regional support, resources, and expertise to homeless education liaisons throughout the state to ensure that local educational agencies (LEAs) meet all of the requirements specified in Section 11432(g)(3) of the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 United States Code [U.S.C.] Sec. 11301 et seq.) and additional homeless education provisions outlined in California Education Code (EC).

The Transition Age Youth Advocacy Grant aims to empower young individuals aged 16-25, particularly those with serious mental health challenges, to advocate for their needs within California's behavioral health system. By fostering leadership and engagement, this initiative seeks to involve these youth in meaningful advocacy efforts that address issues like homelessness and involvement in justice systems. The goal is to create a supportive environment that reflects their realities and promotes their agency.

The Ralph J. Torraco Food Bank/Shelter Fund Grant, offered by the UNICO Foundation Inc., aims to combat hunger and provide shelter for the homeless and indigent. Eligible applicants include registered non-profit food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters in 13 U.S. states. The grant focuses on direct services, ensuring that all funds are used for food and shelter, not for operating expenses, thereby promoting effective community support for vulnerable populations.

The D3 URJGENT Grants, initiated in 2021 by the County of Santa Clara, support local organizations addressing critical needs like racial justice, equity, and homelessness. Designed for grassroots efforts, the grants prioritize project-based proposals that enhance community well-being. With a rolling review process, applicants are encouraged to submit proposals that align with the grant's objectives and funding tiers, which vary based on annual budget limits. This initiative aims to uplift smaller organizations making a significant impact in the community.

The Callison Foundation Grant supports small organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area focused on educational success for marginalized children, youth at-risk, and vulnerable adults. Grants of up to $25,000 are awarded in three areas: education, children and youth services, and adult and senior services. Organizations can receive funding for five years within an eight-year period, with a preference for those with unique offerings and limited government funding.

The Affirm Cares Employee Foundation Grant, established by Affirm, aims to support non-profit organizations making a significant impact in financial literacy, community enrichment, and technology education. Grants range from $1,000 to $10,000, focusing on sustainable initiatives that empower communities and alleviate housing insecurity. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) designated non-profits operating within the U.S. The foundation prioritizes measurable outcomes in its funding efforts, fostering civic engagement and vibrant communities.

The Community Assistance Grant Program (CAP) in San Leandro provides vital financial support to non-profits serving low-income residents. With a total estimated funding of $440,000 over two years from the City’s general fund and CDBG, this program aims to enhance social services. Eligible projects address mental health, family services, job development, and housing support, contributing to the well-being of the community.

The Third District Discretionary Grant Funding in California offers financial support to community-serving organizations located within the district. Supervisor Horvath reviews grant requests, emphasizing that not all can be funded due to high demand. Eligible organizations include non-profit entities focused on various initiatives, including education and public safety. Each organization may submit one event and one regular grant request per year. Grants are limited to a one-year period and cannot be used for religious promotion or ongoing funding.

The Waterman Foundation Grant, established by the Bakersfield Downtown Rotary Club, offers up to $50,000 in funding for local nonprofits addressing community needs. Eligible projects must be sponsored by a Rotary Club member and meet specific criteria including nonprofit status. Grants are intended for capital projects, not operational expenses, and organizations may only submit one application per funding round. This initiative aims to enhance services in areas such as health, housing, and education.

The Employees Community Fund (ECF) of The Boeing Company empowers employees to support local communities through charitable contributions. This program allows Boeing employees and retirees to pool their donations, ensuring that 100% of funds go directly to community projects. The High Desert Chapter specifically focuses on aiding veterans, the homeless, and at-risk children. Applications for grants are by invitation only, ensuring targeted support where it is needed most.

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 TruStage Foundation focuses on fostering economic mobility through education and housing initiatives. By supporting K-12 literacy, mentoring, and affordable housing projects, the foundation aims to uplift marginalized communities. With a commitment to addressing racial and socioeconomic disparities, TruStage seeks to empower individuals and families to build a brighter future. Their funding is directed towards impactful programs that align with their mission, while avoiding causes that do not meet their criteria for economic mobility.

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) is a federal program administered by the City of San Diego to enhance urban communities through housing, economic opportunities, and public services. This grant primarily targets low- and moderate-income individuals, ensuring their needs are met while also addressing issues like slums and blight. Organizations can apply annually through a structured process to secure funding that supports vital community projects.

Speedway Children's Charities (SCC) is committed to improving the lives of children in Sonoma County by providing essential support through grants to local nonprofit organizations. With a focus on vulnerable children facing challenges such as homelessness and food insecurity, SCC has distributed $180,000 in 2024 alone. By fostering community partnerships, SCC empowers the next generation, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive and succeed, regardless of their circumstances.

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.

The Imagine Learning Foundation's Signature Grant Program aims to enhance the well-being of learners by supporting social and emotional learning (SEL) initiatives. By bridging classroom and community efforts, it fosters healthier environments for youth, families, and educators. The program prioritizes funding for organizations addressing critical issues like chronic absenteeism and housing insecurity. In 2024, the foundation will allocate over $400,000 to impactful projects, furthering its mission to cultivate supportive learning experiences both in and out of the classroom.

The NFL Grants program, in partnership with the Bob Woodruff Foundation, is dedicated to supporting veterans, service members, and their families. This initiative funds programs aimed at improving health and well-being, enhancing opportunities, and reducing barriers to care. Organizations providing direct services to the military community can apply for funding, ensuring financial responsibility and sustainability. Grants are awarded twice a year, with applications reviewed year-round.

The CIF Capacity Builder Awards by Endeavor Health focus on enhancing community health through strategic investments. With over $38.5 million allocated to local partnerships, these awards aim to address critical areas like healthcare access, food insecurity, and workforce development. Designed for nonprofit organizations, the awards range from $100,000 to $500,000 annually for 1-2 years, fostering long-term community impact and advancing health equity in the service areas.

About

Being deeply connected to the community means more than providing access to excellent healthcare. It means understanding, and investing in, the health needs of our community.

Through our Community Investment Fund (CIF), Endeavor Health has awarded more than $38.5 million to 59 local partnerships dedicated to enhancing community health and wellbeing, advancing health equity and supporting local economic growth. Together, we’re committed to helping everyone in our communities be their best.

Award categories

Through the CIF, we will make meaningful and intentional investments through impact awards and capacity builder awards. These awards are intended to meaningfully advance the health of our community over time towards three bold aspirations through investments in five areas of focus.

We aspire to a future where:

• A person’s zip code does not determine how long they will live
• Hunger and homelessness in our communities are history
• The healthcare workforce is thriving and representative of the communities we serve

To help advance these aspirations, the CIF will invest in the following areas:

• Access to healthcare
• Behavioral health
• Food insecurity
• Housing insecurity
• Workforce development for careers in healthcare

Impact awards

• Designed for 5-year initiatives where organizations come together to drive measurable impact and longer-term change in the communities we serve by improving existing systems and innovation
• Emphasize strategic cross-sector and/or intra-sector partnerships between community-based organizations
• Uplift community members of greatest need
• Directly align with CIF areas of focus and meaningfully contribute to CIF goals
• Award amount: $1 million per year, up to 5 years

About Father John Foundation GrantIn 1997 Monsignor John P. Hourihan established this perpetual charitable foundation for the purpose of funding care for the homeless and people with disabilities, especially the deaf and hard of hearing. The purpose of the Foundation is to financially assist churches and other non-profit organizations, that do not take more than insubstantial government funding, in administering their programs. Our giving focus is broad and considers programs that are: religious, educational, rehabilitational, social, and/or vocational. A priority is given to the deaf and homeless. All funding is given regardless of nationality, race or religion. The Foundation will continue its dedication to raising and distributing grants to be used by charities devoted to providing care and services to the homeless and disabled.

Destination: Home

Destination: Home is a public-private partnership ending homelessness in Silicon Valley.

Our goal is to END homelessness in our community and we’re committed to advancing solutions that will deliver true systemic change. 

Through our collective impact model, we convene and collaborate with stakeholders across our community to advance strategies that address the root causes of homelessness and help ensure that all our neighbors have a stable home. We embrace a data-driven and human approach to our work – advocating for policies, incubating new ideas and programs, and investing in strategies that reduce and prevent homelessness in our community.

Sponsorship

As part of our commitment to support other nonprofits, we accept sponsorship requests on an ongoing basis from organizations whose mission and work align with our mission to prevent and end homelessness in Silicon Valley. 

Requests will be reviewed on a rolling basis. You can generally expect to receive a response within 2-3 business days. Payments typically take an additional 10-14 business days to process. 

Destination: Home is proud to help fund impactful strategies for preventing and ending homelessness in our community. To help individuals with lived experience overcome these barriers and build toward long-term housing stability, Destination: Home developed the Supportive Employment Assistance (SEA) Fund. The fund supports community-based organizations that deliver targeted employment services, including job readiness support and workforce connections, for eligible residents across Santa Clara County. We welcome interest from mission-aligned organizations that provide employment support to people experiencing homelessness. Partners must be able to administer financial assistance, accept referrals from Destination: Home and other network partners, and participate in regular reporting and coordination activities with Destination: Home.