Best Ontario Grants for Nonprofits in California

Burns and McDonnell, a 100% employee-owned firm, partners with Project Lead The Way (PLTW) to enhance access to STEM education. By expanding PLTW Computer Science programs in local schools, they aim to engage students in real-world challenges and equip them with essential skills. Eligible schools must be located in specific counties and serve a majority of students from low-income backgrounds. This initiative supports the growth of STEM education, fostering a brighter future for communities through enhanced learning opportunities.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on supporting organizations that empower communities through basic needs, income creation, and stable housing. By investing in health and job opportunities, they aim to enhance economic mobility for low- and moderate-income families. Their partnerships target vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to resources that foster community vitality and resilience. This initiative emphasizes the importance of stable housing as a foundation for personal and communal growth.

The Read Conmigo School Impact Grants, offered by The Kemper Foundation, provide $10,000 grants annually to Title I elementary schools in select locations. Aimed at supporting dual-language initiatives, eligible schools must have an established Spanish-English program and be located in California, Florida, or Texas. Funds can be used for resources, technology, professional development, and community engagement. Applications must be submitted by the school principal by the deadline.

The PLTW Computer Science program, supported by Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education in various communities by funding schools to implement PLTW courses. This partnership promotes student engagement with real-world challenges, preparing them for future careers in technology. With a total grant of $20,000, schools must offer multiple PLTW courses over two years, ensuring access to quality education for underserved populations.

The PLTW Engineering program, in partnership with Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by providing grants to public and charter schools in specific counties. This initiative empowers students to engage with real-world challenges through hands-on learning experiences. Eligible schools must offer PLTW Engineering courses, ensuring access to quality education for students from diverse backgrounds. With a total grant of $40,000 over two years, this program seeks to inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators.

Working together with IE Nonprofits to Advance Vibrant Health

We support organizations that serve families with children across the Inland Empire. We invest in strengthening nonprofit infrastructure, increasing access to basic needs, and building healthier community environments. Our goal is simple: help trusted local leaders do their work better, reach more people and create lasting change where it’s needed most.

Responsive Grants

As part of our responsive grantmaking strategy, IEHPF offers two types of responsive grants – and. Both grant opportunities allow organizations to submit funding requests for projects and activities that advance Vibrant Health for Inland Empire community members and align with IEHPF’s mission, vision, and priorities.

Healthy Organizations Grant Summary

The Healthy Organizations grants provides funding and support to nonprofit organizations addressing the social drivers of health (SDOH) for Inland Empire community residents who are experiencing the poorest health outcomes in low-income communities, rural or remote areas and/or communities with a Healthy Places Index (HPI) score lower than 25. These investments focus on supporting projects and activities that improve the nonprofit’s internal capacity to work effectively and develop strong programs, finances, leadership and infrastructure that will be sustained beyond the one-year lifecycle of the grant.

Healthy Organizations grants are awarded twice a year and have a one-year grant lifecycle. Awards will range from $5,000 - $20,000, although exceptions may apply. Organizations may only apply once per calendar year and must address at least one of the IEHPF’s priority Vital Conditions.

To apply, organizations will complete a brief Eligibility Quiz to determine eligibility and submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) with a brief description of the project or activity they hope to fund with the Healthy Organizations grant. IEHPF staff members will then will review the LOI and determine if the organization will be invited to the full application on a rolling basis, but by the invitation deadline below.

Please note that organizations are encouraged to submit their LOIs early to allow for greater time to complete an application, if invited. However, as long as an organization submits an LOI by the deadline, their project will be considered for funding.

Working together with IE Nonprofits to Advance Vibrant Health

We support organizations that serve families with children across the Inland Empire. We invest in strengthening nonprofit infrastructure, increasing access to basic needs, and building healthier community environments. Our goal is simple: help trusted local leaders do their work better, reach more people and create lasting change where it’s needed most.

Responsive Grants

As part of our responsive grantmaking strategy, IEHPF offers two types of responsive grants – and . Both grant opportunities allow organizations to submit funding requests for projects and activities that advance Vibrant Health for Inland Empire community members and align with IEHPF’s mission, vision, and priorities.

Healthy Communities Grant Summary

Healthy Communities grants provide funding and support to nonprofit organizations, collaboratives or networks addressing regional health needs, social drivers of health (SDPH) and systems change efforts for Inland Empire community residents who are experiencing the poorest health outcomes in low income communities, rural or remote areas and/or communities with a Healthy Places Index (HPI) score lower than 25. The grant focuses on supporting projects and activities that improve the organization or network’s capacity to effectively advocate for better health policies, strengthen regional workforce development efforts (especially in health, social services and for the purposes of Medi-Cal retention) and focus on improving population health outcomes that can be sustained beyond the one-year lifecycle of the grant.

Healthy Communities grants are awarded twice a year and have a one-year grant lifecycle. Awards will range from $20,000 - $75,000, although exceptions may apply. Organizations may only apply once per calendar year and must address at least one of the IEHPF’s priority Vital Conditions.

Vibrant Health Fundraising Training Program

The Vibrant Health Fundraising Training Program (2026 Spring) is designed to equip nonprofit fundraising leaders and staff who have experience in donor development with the tools and knowledge to improve their donor cultivation and stewardship skills and processes necessary for increasing financial resources available for advancing Vibrant Health.

The goals and objectives of the program include the following:

Training Participants

Organizations will be able to select (1) staff member to participate in a 7-session enhanced fund development training program and one 2-hour individual coaching session.

In total, 20 organizations will be selected for this training opportunity. This is not a grant with direct funds but is a no-cost training program valued at $2,500 per person.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

Nonprofit organizations providing early childhood education and school-readiness programs in Ontario, California can apply for funding that supports vocabulary, social-emotional learning, math, science, and arts for children birth to age five. Focused on early learning, PNC Foundation invites eligible Ontario-area nonprofits to form community partnerships that strengthen children, families, and local communities.

The Emeril Lagasse Foundation offers Community Grants aimed at supporting 501c3 non-profit organizations that focus on culinary, nutrition, and arts education, with an emphasis on life skills development. Grants are available to organizations in communities where the foundation operates, including Greater New Orleans, Austin, and Southern California. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity and align with the foundation's vision of empowering youth to reach their full potential.

The Rams Readers Request program aims to ignite a passion for reading among elementary school students in Los Angeles. Centered around the book 'Ride with Rampage,' the initiative features the Rams mascot engaging students in an exciting assembly. Participants receive a copy of the book and related activities, promoting reading comprehension skills during critical developmental years. This engaging experience, lasting approximately one hour, brings together young fans and the Rams community, fostering a love for literature and learning.

The Play 60 Field Day is an initiative by the Los Angeles Rams aimed at encouraging children in grades K-5 to be active for 60 minutes daily, promoting healthy habits to combat childhood obesity. This structured event includes football fundamentals and interactive activities, allowing students to engage in a non-competitive environment. The Rams staff, along with mascots and cheerleaders, facilitate the event, ensuring a fun and impactful experience for young participants.

International Paper Grants focus on community engagement, emphasizing education, hunger relief, health & wellness, and disaster relief. They support nonprofit organizations that demonstrate good financial standing and effective management. Eligible organizations must operate in areas where International Paper has facilities. The foundation prioritizes local needs, particularly critical and environmental issues, while encouraging employee involvement. Ineligible entities include private foundations and those without a local presence. Applications are accepted through mid-September in the U.S. and Canada.

The W. R. Grace Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations with 501(c)(3) status in the U.S. that focus on STEM education and basic needs like food and healthcare. Since its inception in 1961, the Foundation has contributed financial and volunteer resources to enhance community wellbeing, particularly in areas where Grace employees reside. They also match employee donations to accredited educational institutions, promoting civic engagement and support for local charities.

The Bloom-Hays Ecological Research Grant and Zembal Wetland Research Grant support ecological research in Southern California, focusing on avian species and coastal wetland habitats. Grants ranging from $250 to $2,500 are awarded to graduate and outstanding undergraduate students, promoting innovative research that benefits native species and habitats. Preference is given to projects directly related to local ecology, ensuring that funding addresses critical habitat issues in the region.

The PositiveNRG Grant Program, led by NRG Energy, focuses on investing in communities through choice and education, community engagement, resilience, sustainability, and well-being. The program is open to non-profit organizations and governmental entities that can demonstrate a meaningful impact. Preference is given to initiatives that foster community involvement and inclusiveness. However, sponsorships for religious or political activities are generally not supported. This program aims to empower communities through innovative energy solutions.

The Fisheries Restoration Grant Program (FRGP) in California, established in 1981, addresses the decline of wild salmon and steelhead trout populations and the deterioration of fish habitats. Through competitive grants, FRGP has invested millions into various coastal projects, fostering collaboration among federal and local governments, tribes, nonprofit organizations, and private landowners. This initiative aims to restore vital ecosystems and promote sustainable fisheries for future generations.

The Pasadena Audubon Society offers research grants aimed at supporting students and community organizations engaged in bird-related research and conservation. This funding is focused on projects relevant to Southern California and the Pacific Flyway, encouraging scientific studies and community initiatives that enhance our understanding and protection of avian species.

The Listos California Regional Grant (LL) Program aims to enhance disaster preparedness in California's Southern Region by supporting nonprofits that serve multiple counties with equity priority factors. This program enables organizations to collaborate and provide essential disaster training and resources to underserved communities disproportionately affected by emergencies, ultimately improving their response, recovery, and mitigation capabilities.

Honda’s Community Event Sponsorship aims to support local, regional, and national events that enhance community engagement and celebrate diverse cultures. Organizations must be U.S.-based and tax-exempt, focusing on projects that serve communities where Honda associates are active. Eligible events include parades, festivals, and educational initiatives. Honda evaluates requests based on community needs and available funding, reinforcing its commitment to social responsibility and community enhancement.

Community Finance Initiative 

Advancing the financial resilience of low-income households across the U.S.

This model enables us to engage and support a broad range of organizations across the globe to tackle some of the most pressing social issues of our time.

The Citi Foundation’s 2026 Community Finance Initiative commits $35 million to support programming that bolsters the financial stability, strength and safety of low-income households in the U.S.

Focus Areas

The Foundation seeks to support organizations advancing low-income household financial resilience in the United States across three focus areas:

Stabilize: Programs that help low-income households to build financial skills and confidence to manage daily finances and navigate financial stress.

• Financial coaching on budgeting, credit, debt reduction and savings strategies.
• Digital tools offering personalized financial guidance and product navigation.
• Assistance with public benefits and social safety net programs.

Strengthen: Programs that help low-income households build and repair credit, as well as short- and long-term financial assets.

• Financial products or services for credit building and credit repair.
• Initiatives to increase savings, including emergency funds.
• Support for homeownership, including readiness, preservation and long-term stability (e.g., first-time buyer assistance, preventing displacement and support systems for aging in place resources).

Safeguard: Programs that protect low-income household financial security by preventing and addressing financial losses.

• Education and support for the safe and confident use of digital financial tools.
• Fraud and scam awareness, prevention and recovery initiatives, including protection from identity theft.
• Interventions to help households recover from major financial shocks (e.g., healthcare costs, extended family care, job transitions or natural disasters).

Funding Opportunity

The Foundation plans to award 70 $500,000 (USD) grants (to be disbursed over two years) totaling $35 million to community organizations working in select communities where Citi has a presence.

The grants will be restricted and are anticipated to be disbursed in two annual payments in 2026 and 2027. Proposed projects should be for a term of 24 months, starting no sooner than August 1, 2026 and ending no later than December 31, 2028.

The TMCity Foundation Grant supports innovative neurocognitive research and mental health initiatives, offering funding between $25,000 and $250,000. Organizations should be 501(c)(3) and focus on healthcare solutions for brain-related ailments. Applications are accepted via a rolling letter of inquiry, followed by a detailed application if interested. The Foundation prioritizes projects based in Southern California and Greater Boston, aiming to advance understanding of mental health through cutting-edge research and technologies.

The Preserve Route 66 Grant Fund offers financial support to public agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations aiming to preserve historic places along Route 66. This initiative prioritizes projects that enhance underrepresented narratives, including those related to diverse communities. Grants typically range from $2,500 to $10,000, with a focus on activities that restore, rehabilitate, or educate about significant historical sites, ensuring that this iconic American highway's legacy is maintained for future generations.

The Union Home Foundation Grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that promote economic self-sufficiency through financial literacy and housing initiatives. Established in 2015, this grant has awarded over $2 million to various nonprofits across the U.S. Grants typically start at $1,000 and are available for a one-year period. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and can only apply once per year, following specific eligibility criteria.