Best Orange County Grants for Nonprofits in California

The Community Wetland Restoration Grant Program (CWRGP) offers vital funding for community-driven restoration projects in coastal wetlands and stream corridors across Southern California. This initiative aims to enhance local capacity for planning and executing wetland restoration, while actively involving communities in educational efforts. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and government agencies. By fostering collaboration and engagement, CWRGP strives to support sustainable ecological practices and promote awareness of wetland ecosystems.

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.

The California Watershed Protection Fund Grant supports projects aimed at enhancing water quality and protecting watersheds throughout California. With grants ranging from $10,000 to $40,000, eligible applicants include 501(c)3 organizations and governmental entities. Priority is given to initiatives that engage impacted communities and uphold principles of equity and environmental justice. The fund emphasizes hands-on activities that yield tangible benefits for surface water quality, fostering community-based stewardship in response to fluctuating watershed needs.

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.

The NFL Foundation Grassroots Program, in partnership with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), aims to enhance the quality, safety, and accessibility of community football fields. With grants up to $250,000, this initiative addresses the critical lack of safe recreation spaces in low-income neighborhoods, ensuring children and adults have access to well-maintained facilities for gathering and exercise, ultimately fostering community health and well-being.

The Community Progress Makers Fund, an initiative by the Citi Foundation, aims to empower local organizations by providing $50 million in unrestricted funding. This program, established in 2015, will support 50 selected community organizations over three years with grants of $1 million each, alongside technical assistance and opportunities for collaboration. The fund prioritizes organizations with strong community ties and a proven impact in areas such as affordable housing, economic development, financial health, and workforce readiness.

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.

Spectrum Digital Education Grants support nonprofit organizations in educating communities about broadband benefits and usage. These grants aim to bridge the digital divide, particularly for seniors and those with disabilities or ethnically diverse backgrounds. Applicants must demonstrate community partnership, address specific needs, and provide measurable impact metrics. With a focus on financial feasibility and meaningful outcomes, this initiative ensures that underrepresented urban and rural communities gain access to essential digital resources, fostering long-term improvement in their lives.

The Division of Boating and Waterways offers the Sewage Management Education and Outreach Grant Program to educate Californians about proper boat sewage disposal. Established under the Clean Vessel Act of 1992, this program funds pumpout stations and promotes public awareness in targeted regions including the San Francisco Bay Delta and Southern California Coastal Counties. Grants will support education, outreach, and monitoring efforts to ensure safe and environmentally friendly boating practices.

The California Energy Commission (CEC) has allocated up to $59,484,345 for the GFO-24-603 program aimed at enhancing the reliability of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. This initiative will focus on repairing, replacing, and installing at least 1,302 non-operational charging ports statewide, ensuring they comply with the Federal Highway Administration's guidelines. The program is critical for facilitating broader EV adoption and improving access to charging stations throughout California.

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.

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.

About Rose

Our Mission, Vision, and Roots

Rose believes that environmental stewardship, community justice, and consumer rights are all inextricably linked.

We amplify community voices by making grants, building capacity, and fostering the next generation of environmental leaders.

Environmental Justice for California’s Environment and Communities Fund

This funding opportunity is borne out of a partnership with the California Department of Toxic Substances Control to receive Supplemental Environmental Project money associated with the agency’s enforcement actions. The Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment is administering these funds to support organizations working on hazardous waste related issues throughout the area affected by the facility’s violations. The funding opportunity is expected to be offered on an annual basis once established, though availability is dependent on DTSC enforcement actions. 

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 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 PLTW Gateway program, in partnership with Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by supporting schools in eligible counties to implement PLTW Gateway units. With a total grant of $20,000, schools are encouraged to offer at least one unit per academic year, fostering real-world skills and engagement in STEM fields. This initiative seeks to increase access and participation in high-quality STEM learning experiences, ultimately preparing students for future careers.

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.

The Senate Bill 1 Sea Level Rise Adaptation Planning Grant Program in California provides vital funding for local governments to develop sea level rise adaptation plans. With $17.18 million available, this program aims to enhance coastal resilience against the impacts of climate change. The program supports jurisdictions in creating consistent and effective strategies to address rising sea levels, ensuring public safety and safeguarding infrastructure and biodiversity along California's coastline.

The Wildfire Prevention Grant Program by the California San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy aims to mitigate the impact of wildfires exacerbated by climate change. This program supports projects that enhance forest health, promote sustainable land use, and develop community resilience. Funding ranges from $300,000 to $2,000,000, focusing on strategic fire prevention planning and management in vulnerable areas, particularly the San Gabriel Mountains and urban wildlife corridors.

The Proposition 1 and 68 Small Grants Program in California offers funding between $50,000 and $300,000 for projects that prioritize jump-start initiatives, project planning, and technical assistance for disadvantaged communities. Applications are evaluated quarterly or biannually, with competitive criteria requiring an average score of 70 percent or better. This program aims to support small design-build projects and secure matching funds, contributing to the enhancement of regional water quality and community resilience.

The Proposition 1 and 68 Very Small Grants Program in California offers funding of less than $50,000 to support disadvantaged communities. This program prioritizes technical assistance, project planning, and high-need project implementation through a simplified application process. Grants are evaluated quarterly or biannually, with projects scoring 75% or higher being competitive. The initiative aims to enhance community resilience and secure matching funds for impactful projects.

The Proposition 68 Technical Assistance Program (TAP) provides crucial support to local communities in California, helping under-resourced applicants access funding for parks and open space projects. TAP offers annual assistance through outreach, mentoring, and resources to facilitate project development, grant writing, and community engagement. By allocating up to 10% of funds for technical assistance to disadvantaged communities, TAP promotes equity in funding access, ensuring that all applicants have the necessary tools to succeed.

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.

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 Wildfire Prevention Grant Program, managed by the California San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy, focuses on enhancing wildfire resilience and environmental protection. Key priorities include safeguarding native forests, supporting community fire safety, and promoting sustainable land use. Funding categories cover fire prevention planning in urban and wildland areas, alongside forest health initiatives. Applicants must submit a Concept Proposal for review before a Full Application, ensuring alignment with program goals.