Best Private Grants for Nonprofits in California

Nonprofit organizations serving low-income residents in Los Angeles County with integrated medical, dental, vision, mental health, or substance use services can apply for California Community Foundation’s Centinela Valley Medical & Community Funds, awarding US $50,000 - US $500,000. Funding supports core operations, programs, projects, capacity building, systems collaboration, and health policy or advocacy benefiting Centinela Valley communities.

Nonprofit organizations, public agencies, resource conservation districts, and private landowners in California can apply for the Wildlife Conservation Board’s Habitat Enhancement and Restoration Grant Program to fund habitat and ecosystem restoration projects. Eligible projects include habitat restoration, wildlife corridors, and fisheries enhancements, with a required recommendation from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and long-term maintenance plans.

With a mission to support impactful community projects, Hind Foundation provides California nonprofits with funding for ecosystem and land conservation, plant and wildlife protection, historic landmark restoration, and music and visual arts facilities. Eligible applicants are locally supported California 501(c)(3) organizations with established fundraising and California-based projects that deliver lasting community benefits.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits with community-backed funding can seek up to US $2,500 for ecosystem and land conservation, historic landmark restoration, or music and visual arts projects. Focused on tangible, lasting community benefits, Hind Foundation invites California-based programs that fit its funding areas, including scholarships, performances, educational materials, and similar initiatives.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving children and families through arts, technology, science, or education programs can access funding via the Joseph and Mercedes McMicking Foundation. Grants typically support pre-K–12 schools, museums, and cultural organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area with tuition assistance, technology, and educational programming.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations offering pre-vocational, vocational, or related youth education programs in the San Francisco Bay Area can seek support for initiatives serving ages 18 and under. Grants from Miranda Lux Foundation help California nonprofits provide technical training, academic enrichment, technology training, and performing or visual arts that build core job skills.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public agencies can seek funding up to Up to US $100,000 for leadership development, policy advocacy, and grassroots organizing. Grants from Rosenberg Foundation help California organizations advance criminal justice reform, immigrant and workers’ rights, and civil rights and civic engagement for low-income communities and communities of color.

Nonprofits, school districts, and eligible public entities in California counties near Bayer sites can seek Bayer Fund support for health and wellness programs. Focused on cancer and cardiovascular disease, this evidence-based funding can cover education, disease awareness, supportive services, and limited overhead for patients, caregivers, and at-risk communities, including African American populations.

California nonprofits working on youth enrichment, basic human needs, conservation, or related community programs can access funding through Henry Mayo Newhall Foundation. 501(c)(3) organizations in the Santa Clarita Valley, San Francisco, and Santa Maria Valley may receive US $5,000 - US $20,000 for one-year or multi-year projects, including scholarships, outreach, and historical preservation initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) arts and cultural organizations in California communities served by Pacific Power can access funding through the Pacific Power Foundation for festivals, museums, theater, music, visual arts, and cultural heritage projects, with awards up to US $10,000. Eligible government entities and educational, youth, and cultural enrichment institutions may also apply.

California 501(c)(3) arts and culture nonprofits can apply for $2,000 - $5,000 grants from Rocky Mountain Power Foundation to support performing and visual arts, historic preservation, and cross-cultural education. Funding is limited to organizations serving communities within the Pacific Power service area across eligible California counties.

The Dunspaugh-Dalton Foundation Grant supports nonprofits focused on charitable, educational, and cultural initiatives primarily in Miami-Dade County, Florida, and Monterey County, California. New applicants must submit a Letter of Intent, while returning applicants can directly submit proposals. The foundation prioritizes projects with clearly defined outcomes in areas like arts, education, health care, and community services. Grants are typically awarded for one year, promoting impactful community improvements.

Legal services nonprofits, solo practitioners, and small law firms pursuing impact litigation for economic, environmental, racial, or social justice in California can access recoverable grants for out-of-pocket litigation costs. The Impact Fund supports class actions, multi-plaintiff, and environmental justice cases, offering US $10,000 - US $50,000, with repayment only if fees or costs are recovered.

The California Wildlands Grassroots Fund Grant supports grassroots activists working to preserve California's wildlands and natural habitats. With a maximum award of $10,000, the fund prioritizes projects focused on conservation, environmental advocacy, and community engagement. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and fiscally sponsored individuals with annual incomes of $200,000 or less. The grant aims to empower communities, particularly in rural areas, to advocate for wildlands protection and biodiversity conservation.

U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations seeking broad-support grants for the betterment of life may be eligible for funding, including those based in California. Grants from Doyle Foundation help nonprofits across all fields of work pursue programs that strengthen productive, prosperous, and resourceful communities nationwide.

California 501(c)(3) health, safety, and wellness nonprofits serving communities in Pacific Power’s service area can apply for Pacific Power Foundation grants up to US $10,000 to support programs like addiction services, domestic violence prevention, first responders, food insecurity, and mental health. Eligible government entities with charitable projects in these communities may also be considered.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Southern California working in arts, civic affairs, education, environment, health, or social services can seek general operating, program, or capital support. S Mark Taper Foundation provides grants, including capital funding restricted to Los Angeles County-based nonprofits for projects located in and serving Los Angeles County.

Grants support California nonprofits providing literacy, STEM, STEAM, and educational enrichment programs, with awards of US $500 - US $5,000. Grants from Bessie Minor Swift Foundation help small, local organizations such as schools, libraries, museums, arts groups, and other 501(c)(3) charities expand or implement reading, writing, and interdisciplinary programs for preschool through secondary students and beyond.

Public, private, and nonprofit organizations in California can seek funding to provide postsecondary training and placement for mental and behavioral health peer personnel. With a mission to expand the mental health workforce, California Department of Health Care Access and Information supports programs that deliver at least 80 hours of training meeting Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist certification requirements.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and educational institutions offering STEM, literacy, K–12, higher education, or workforce development programs in California service-area communities can seek funding for education initiatives. With a mission to support community vitality, Pacific Power Foundation provides up to US $10,000 for projects in Del Norte, Lassen, Modoc, Siskiyou, and other eligible counties.

The Breakaway Fund, initiated by the Samueli Foundation, aims to empower nonprofits in Orange County by providing unrestricted funding between $50,000 and $100,000. This innovative financial support is designed to overcome barriers in staffing, leadership development, and infrastructure enhancement. By focusing on key areas such as talent, systems, and expertise, the fund facilitates growth and collaboration among organizations, ensuring a thriving community that prioritizes well-being and opportunity for all residents.

Nonprofits, schools, government entities, and community-serving faith-based organizations in California seeking capital project support can apply for Samueli Foundation’s Build OC Fund, with awards up to US $1,000,000. Focused on Orange County, it backs facility acquisition, construction, renovation, repairs, preservation, and major equipment that advance community well-being and can reach key milestones within a year.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering financial education and empowerment for unbanked or underbanked residents can apply for up to US $200,000 to fund free classes, counseling, or financial products. Grants from California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation support two-year projects that boost economic security and financial literacy for Californians.

Nonprofit arts organizations and fiscally sponsored groups using art for community engagement and environmental or climate issues in California can apply for operating or program support. The Wilhelm Family Foundation supports small U.S. arts nonprofits prioritizing diversity, inclusiveness, and social and environmental justice, with most funding currently directed to California organizations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and eligible public institutions working on community enhancement or environmental stewardship projects in California can apply for up to US $10,000 in funding. PacifiCorp Foundation supports efforts such as affordable housing, community centers, parks, trails, gardens, and natural resource conservation in Del Norte, Lassen, Modoc, and Siskiyou counties.

California public agencies, school districts, tribal governments, and certain nonprofits can seek funding to expand biking, walking, and other active transportation projects statewide. Focused on safer pedestrian and bike-friendly infrastructure, the California Transportation System program supports efforts that boost physical activity, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve health outcomes, especially in disadvantaged communities.