Best Orange County Grants for Nonprofits in California

The Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation offers Local Community Support Grants to foster innovative STEM/STEAM activities in Orange County, California. These grants aim to empower youth through hands-on science and technology engagement, promoting curiosity and exploration. Eligible U.S. nonprofit organizations can apply for funding to develop projects that align with the Foundation's mission of supporting young scientists for future breakthroughs. Preference is given to initiatives that build capacity and create innovative programs, rather than merely sustaining existing ones.

The Jacquelyn Bogue Foundation is dedicated to combating the stigma surrounding suicide in Orange County. By fostering awareness and understanding of suicide as a public health issue, the foundation aims to reduce suicide rates through education and community programs. It invites partnerships with organizations that share its mission, and it emphasizes the importance of supporting families affected by suicide. This initiative aligns with California's Strategy for Suicide Prevention, focusing on community stewardship and collaborative efforts.

The McMillen Family Foundation Grant aims to support non-profit organizations in Southern California focused on treatment, prevention, and education regarding alcohol and drug dependency. Prioritizing nonprofits with proven track records, the Foundation provides funding for activities beyond government support, with grants up to $50,000 for new applicants. The Foundation also offers technical assistance and collaboration opportunities to enhance the impact of its grantees in the community.

HealthCare Foundation for Orange County

The Foundation makes grants each, in support of our mission, to programs and services at local nonprofit hospitals, clinics and community-based organizations. Funds for our annual grant making come from charitable remainder trusts gifts and bequests of generous individuals and families, who want their charitable giving to improve the health of Orange County residents. In addition, a significant proportion of our grant making draws on the proceeds of the sale of United Western Medical Centers to Tenet, and is intended to continue the charitable legacy of those hospitals in central Orange County, California.

Grant Giving

Our Impact Goal and Funding Priorities

The primary goal of The HealthCare Foundation for Orange County is to improve the health of underserved women and children in Orange County. Specifically, we fund projects, programs, collaborative initiatives that do one or more of the following:

• Remove barriers to healthcare
• Address community health priorities and delivery system gaps

Areas Served

The ZIP codes below identify the Foundation’s primary service area.

Anaheim

• 92801
• 92805
• 92807
• 92808

Buena Park

• 90621
• Fullerton
• 92831
• 92832

Garden Grove

• 92841
• 92843
• 92844

Laguna Hills

• 92637

Midway City

• 92655
• Orange 
• 92866
• 92868

Santa Ana

• 92701
• 92703

Seal Beach

• 90740
• Stanton
• 90680

Trabucco Canyon

• 92678

Westminster

• 92683

If your organization is not serving in one of these areas, please be prepared to explain the data you are using to show you are serving the lowest 25% of Orange County residents. 

The Ceres Foundation Grant focuses on supporting nonprofit organizations that enhance education and career pathways for historically underserved communities. With a commitment to measurable outcomes, the foundation prioritizes initiatives in college access, career pathways, and family strengthening. While currently not accepting new partnerships until Summer 2025, existing grantees can submit proposals for continued support. Grants typically average $70K annually, aimed at fostering long-term collaborations and capacity building.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

The Impact Fund provides recoverable grants to legal services nonprofits and small law firms working on social, environmental, and economic justice issues. With over $10 million awarded since 1992, the fund supports impactful litigation addressing systemic injustices. Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 and prioritize cases directly involving affected communities. Recipients must repay the grant amount with interest if they recover fees or costs, ensuring sustainability for future funding.

The O.L. Halsell Foundation, established in 1948, is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Orange County through targeted grants. It supports community-based organizations focused on youth, senior citizens, battered women, health services, and education. The Foundation seeks to empower individuals to take responsibility for their well-being and foster social change. By investing in local initiatives, it aims to create a brighter future for residents, reflecting its commitment to community engagement and support.

The Kirchgessner Foundation Grant focuses on supporting tax-exempt organizations in Southern California that provide vision care services to economically disadvantaged individuals, particularly the young, elderly, and disabled. Grants may be awarded for specific projects, seed funding for new initiatives, or general operating support. The Foundation prioritizes proposals from nonprofits in the Greater Los Angeles area, emphasizing self-sufficiency for the blind and vision-impaired. Overall, it seeks to enhance access to essential vision care.

The Doyle Foundation, Inc. offers grants to 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S., supporting a variety of causes. Founded by Frank and Gertrude R. Doyle, the foundation initially focused on scholarships for local students but has since expanded its reach to nonprofit grants. With no minimum GPA or income cap for applicants, the foundation aims to empower diverse communities by funding educational pursuits and enhancing quality of life. Its mission reflects the Doyles' legacy of opportunity and community service.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

The US Community Grants Program, led by Western Digital Foundation, focuses on funding nonprofit organizations and public schools involved in education, hunger relief, environmental preservation, and veterans' programs. This initiative emphasizes support for under-represented youth in STEM, local hunger alleviation, and community projects that protect the environment. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and demonstrate responsible management and effective use of funds. The program is currently invite-only due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The Ueberroth Family Foundation, established in 1984, focuses on empowering community organizations in Orange County, CA. With a mission to foster sustainable growth, the foundation supports youth education, health, and human services. It prioritizes grants for local initiatives, emphasizing personal involvement. Organizations that align with its values and demonstrate potential for impactful change are encouraged to apply, particularly those aiming for self-sufficiency and community betterment.

The Rapier Education Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports high school seniors and college students pursuing degrees in the USA. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and be enrolled full-time. The fund covers tuition, fees, and books, and is renewable for up to three years. Since 1964, the foundation has awarded millions in grants to enhance community living through education and other initiatives, making a lasting impact on the San Antonio area.

The TechAmerica Scholarship, offered by The San Diego Foundation, supports high-achieving public high school seniors in San Diego County pursuing non-medical STEM degrees. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.75 and standardized test scores of at least 1200 SAT or 29 ACT. This scholarship aims to empower students to enroll full-time in accredited four-year universities in Southern California, thereby fostering educational advancement in critical STEM fields.

Tustin Community Foundation

The Tustin Community Foundation coordinates community resources to create positive change and support the area’s actual and most pressing needs.

Providing grants for local nonprofit organizations and schools is the primary way the Foundation makes an impact. Since 2008, 88 local nonprofit organizations, schools and community wide programs have received grants to help them deal with the ever-changing critical issues facing the community. The Foundation conducts annual Community Needs Assessments to direct grant funds where they are most needed and will make the largest impact.

Tustin Community Support Grant

The Tustin Community Support Grant is administered by the Tustin Community Foundation (“TCF”) in partnership with the City of Tustin.

The purpose of the Tustin Community Support Grant is to support nonprofit organizations and accredited public or private schools that provide programs and services benefiting residents of the greater Tustin area. The program seeks to enhance the quality of life in the Tustin community by funding initiatives that address specific community needs and foster community enrichment.

Use of Grant Funds

Grant funds may be used to support current or planned projects, including the purchase of equipment, supplies, materials, or clearly defined services that advance the applicant organization’s mission and programs.

Funding may be applied to programmatic needs that are identified but not yet funded at the time of application.

All expenditure must be documented with invoices, receipts, or equivalent vendor documentation to ensure transparency and accountability.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Demonstrated benefit to Tustin residents
• Evidence of past service and impact in the Tustin community
• Responsible financial management and oversight
• Ability to address social issues or provide community enrichment

Grant Categories and Funding

The Tustin Community Support Grant program allocates funding across the following categories: Business Assistance Nonprofits; Historical / Veteran Assistance Nonprofits; and Youth / Family Assistance Services & Recreation Nonprofits

Business Assistance Nonprofits

Total Allocated Amount: $15000

The amount listed represent the total funding available within this category, not individual grant awards.

Funds within this category may be distributed among one or more nonprofit organizations. Individual grant awards will represent a portion of the total category allocation and will be determined at the discretion of the TCF Grants Committee and Board of Directors to maximize overall community impact.

Grant recipients may receive less than the amount requested, and partial funding may be awarded.

Tustin Community Foundation

The Tustin Community Foundation coordinates community resources to create positive change and support the area’s actual and most pressing needs.

Providing grants for local nonprofit organizations and schools is the primary way the Foundation makes an impact. Since 2008, 88 local nonprofit organizations, schools and community wide programs have received grants to help them deal with the ever-changing critical issues facing the community. The Foundation conducts annual Community Needs Assessments to direct grant funds where they are most needed and will make the largest impact.

Tustin Community Support Grant

The Tustin Community Support Grant is administered by the Tustin Community Foundation (“TCF”) in partnership with the City of Tustin.

The purpose of the Tustin Community Support Grant is to support nonprofit organizations and accredited public or private schools that provide programs and services benefiting residents of the greater Tustin area. The program seeks to enhance the quality of life in the Tustin community by funding initiatives that address specific community needs and foster community enrichment.

Use of Grant Funds

Grant funds may be used to support current or planned projects, including the purchase of equipment, supplies, materials, or clearly defined services that advance the applicant organization’s mission and programs.

Funding may be applied to programmatic needs that are identified but not yet funded at the time of application.

All expenditure must be documented with invoices, receipts, or equivalent vendor documentation to ensure transparency and accountability.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Demonstrated benefit to Tustin residents
• Evidence of past service and impact in the Tustin community
• Responsible financial management and oversight
• Ability to address social issues or provide community enrichment

Grant Categories and Funding

The Tustin Community Support Grant program allocates funding across the following categories: Business Assistance Nonprofits; Historical / Veteran Assistance Nonprofits; and Youth / Family Assistance Services & Recreation Nonprofits

Historical / Veteran Assistance Nonprofits

Total Allocated Amount: $15000

The amount listed represent the total funding available within this category, not individual grant awards.

Funds within this category may be distributed among one or more nonprofit organizations. Individual grant awards will represent a portion of the total category allocation and will be determined at the discretion of the TCF Grants Committee and Board of Directors to maximize overall community impact.

Grant recipients may receive less than the amount requested, and partial funding may be awarded.

Tustin Community Foundation

The Tustin Community Foundation coordinates community resources to create positive change and support the area’s actual and most pressing needs.

Providing grants for local nonprofit organizations and schools is the primary way the Foundation makes an impact. Since 2008, 88 local nonprofit organizations, schools and community wide programs have received grants to help them deal with the ever-changing critical issues facing the community. The Foundation conducts annual Community Needs Assessments to direct grant funds where they are most needed and will make the largest impact.

Tustin Community Support Grant

The Tustin Community Support Grant is administered by the Tustin Community Foundation (“TCF”) in partnership with the City of Tustin.

The purpose of the Tustin Community Support Grant is to support nonprofit organizations and accredited public or private schools that provide programs and services benefiting residents of the greater Tustin area. The program seeks to enhance the quality of life in the Tustin community by funding initiatives that address specific community needs and foster community enrichment.

Use of Grant Funds

Grant funds may be used to support current or planned projects, including the purchase of equipment, supplies, materials, or clearly defined services that advance the applicant organization’s mission and programs.

Funding may be applied to programmatic needs that are identified but not yet funded at the time of application.

All expenditure must be documented with invoices, receipts, or equivalent vendor documentation to ensure transparency and accountability.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Demonstrated benefit to Tustin residents
• Evidence of past service and impact in the Tustin community
• Responsible financial management and oversight
• Ability to address social issues or provide community enrichment

Grant Categories and Funding

The Tustin Community Support Grant program allocates funding across the following categories: Business Assistance Nonprofits; Historical / Veteran Assistance Nonprofits; and Youth / Family Assistance Services & Recreation Nonprofits

Youth / Family Assistance Services & Recreation Nonprofits

Total Allocated Amount: $20,000

The amount listed represent the total funding available within this category, not individual grant awards.

Funds within this category may be distributed among one or more nonprofit organizations. Individual grant awards will represent a portion of the total category allocation and will be determined at the discretion of the TCF Grants Committee and Board of Directors to maximize overall community impact.

Grant recipients may receive less than the amount requested, and partial funding may be awarded.

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.

The Build OC Fund, under the Samueli Foundation, aims to enhance community well-being in Orange County, California, by funding capital projects for nonprofit organizations. Grants of up to $1,000,000 support facility acquisition, construction, renovation, or equipment purchases, helping organizations deliver essential services. Eligible applicants must demonstrate site control and a commitment to the community, with a focus on realistic projects that align with the foundation's mission. Prioritization is given to projects nearing completion.

Strong nonprofits are essential to a thriving Orange County—and collaboration is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen them. The OC+ Fund is designed to support partnerships among nonprofits that are working together to improve services, increase efficiency, and amplify impact for the Orange County, California community.

Collaboration among nonprofits can improve service delivery, increase efficiency, and strengthen community impact. According to our Orange County Nonprofit Needs Assessment, while many organizations see collaboration as a powerful tool, significant barriers prevent deeper, more sustained partnerships. The OC+ Fund will provide grant awards that are ready for near-term implementation across three categories: Collaborative Program Delivery, Shared Service Agreements, and Integrated Organizations. All projects must be focused on implementation and the application will assess readiness for implementation (e.g., strength of existing partnership, strategic clarity and feasibility, capacity to implement). We will not fund projects to “plan for” collaboration at this time.

The In-N-Out Burger Foundation supports organizations that aid children and youth affected by abuse and neglect, offering grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. Eligible nonprofits must be 501(c)(3) registered, operational for at least two years, and demonstrate a commitment to the foundation's mission. Applications are considered for traditional, capital, and program support, focusing on sustainable solutions and clear objectives. Organizations must operate in areas with In-N-Out Burger locations to qualify.

The Beim Foundation's Regional Grant Program invites proposals from nonprofit organizations serving under-resourced communities in the U.S. for environmental education projects by 2025. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that address ethnic and racial inequality, heal community trauma, and provide culturally competent services. Grant amounts range from $5,000 to $15,000, supporting direct services to participants rather than staff training or curriculum development. Applications are limited to specific geographical areas.

Impact100 Orange County empowers women to become philanthropists through its transformational grant-making model, providing grants of at least $100,000 to nonprofit organizations. Focused on five key areas—Arts & Culture, Education, Environment, Family, and Health & Wellness—the initiative aims to create a positive impact in local communities. By fostering sustainable projects, it ensures that the funds contribute to long-term benefits for the residents of Orange County.

Stater Bros. Charities Grant supports nonprofit organizations dedicated to enhancing community well-being in Southern California. With a focus on hunger relief, education, children's health, veterans, and pet welfare, the grant provides funding between $500 and $2,500. As a 501(c)(3) organization, Stater Bros. Charities has donated over $38 million to local causes, ensuring that funds raised stay within the communities served by Stater Bros. Markets, benefiting those in need.

The Pacific Life Foundation Grants aim to positively impact communities through strategic funding in areas such as arts, education, and health. Nonprofits with tax-exempt status can apply for grants up to $15,000 for program support or $25,000 to $100,000 for capital projects. This initiative emphasizes collaboration and innovative solutions to meet community needs while honoring the legacy of Pacific Life and its employees.