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.

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 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.

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-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 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-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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

California Jewish communal professionals seeking intensive leadership development can access funding and training through the Wexner Field Fellowship, which offers approximately US $5,000 annually for customized professional growth plus cohort-based institutes. Eligible applicants work full-time for a North American Jewish organization and plan to continue serving the Jewish community as long-term leaders.

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.

Jewish cultural and educational nonprofits in California preserving Jewish heritage may be eligible for funding to support museums, cultural programs, and related initiatives. Mike & Sofia Segal Foundation also considers 501(c)(3) projects in intellectual freedom, rare disease research, elder care, and climate change, for organizations with clear objectives and capacity to implement innovative, well-budgeted programs.