Best Pomona Grants for Nonprofits in California

The Biophysical Society offers Travel Awards to support members at all career stages to attend its Annual Meeting, fostering excellence in biophysics and global collaboration. Eligible candidates must submit an abstract and demonstrate scientific merit. Awards can reach up to $750 based on travel distance. The program also includes Bridging Funds for members facing funding lapses, enhancing accessibility for underrepresented communities in science. This initiative promotes diversity and inclusion within the biophysics field.

The Biophysical Society offers Travel Awards for members, including students and postdoctoral researchers, to attend its Annual Meeting. These awards recognize outstanding contributions in biophysics and promote global engagement among scientists. Applicants must submit an abstract and meet specific eligibility criteria, with funding up to $750. Additionally, Low-Income Country Travel Awards are available, providing $3,000 in travel funds for members from eligible countries, ensuring diverse participation in scientific discussions.

The Junior Board Grants by the Frieda C. Fox Family Foundation aim to empower nonprofit organizations in Los Angeles County focused on maximizing youth potential. While the grant amounts can reach up to $10,000, priority is given to organizations with a strong operational history and a budget under $10 million. Applications are currently closed, but organizations that meet the criteria are encouraged to reach out for future opportunities.

The Long Beach Navy Memorial Heritage Association Grants support nonprofit and for-profit entities in preserving the historical resources of Long Beach. Founded in 1998, the Association prioritizes projects that honor the contributions of the Long Beach Naval Station and architect Paul Revere Williams. Eligible projects must be publicly beneficial, located within Long Beach, and align with established historic preservation standards. Funding focuses on direct project expenses, excluding endowments or completed projects. The Association encourages collaborative funding efforts.

The Biophysical Society offers Travel Awards for scientists within 10 years of their terminal degree, promoting excellence in biophysics at their Annual Meeting. These awards support students, postdoctoral researchers, and professionals, with amounts up to $750 based on travel distance. Eligible applicants must be members of the Society and presenting authors of accepted abstracts. Additional funding opportunities exist for those from low-income countries and members facing funding lapses, ensuring broader participation and diversity in the scientific community.

The Biophysical Society offers Travel Awards for graduate (PhD and master's) students to support their attendance at the Society's Annual Meeting. Eligible applicants must be members of the Society and submit abstracts for presentation. The awards, which can reach up to $750, aim to recognize excellence in biophysics and enhance networking among biophysicists globally. Special provisions exist for those from underrepresented communities and for applicants seeking bridging funds or low-income country travel awards.

The Getty Scholars Program at the Villa supports distinguished researchers in arts and humanities, allowing them to conduct advanced research on antiquity's cultural heritage. Scholars engage with the Getty's extensive collection and a vibrant community of professionals while enjoying a residence of three to six months. The program includes a stipend, research support, and housing, fostering intellectual exchange in a world-renowned setting. Applications are welcome from qualified individuals globally, enhancing the exploration of ancient Mediterranean art.

The LATLC Scholarships, established by the Los Angeles Trial Lawyers' Charities, aim to support local high school seniors in their pursuit of higher education. Each year, at least ten scholarships of $2,500 will be awarded to deserving students who demonstrate academic achievement and resilience in overcoming hardships. Public high schools in the Los Angeles area can nominate top candidates, fostering future leaders within the community and addressing critical issues related to education and support for youth.

The LATLC Youth Sports Sponsorship Program, initiated by the Los Angeles Trial Lawyers’ Charities in 2014, aims to support youth sports leagues and public school athletic programs in Los Angeles County. With over $186,700 granted to more than 125 groups, the program helps cover expenses such as equipment and team clothing, promoting inclusivity in sports. LATLC only accepts applications from leagues and public schools, ensuring a focused impact on community sports initiatives.

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.

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 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 PLTW Gateway grant from Chevron aims to enhance educational opportunities in San Ramon, California, by expanding Project Lead The Way (PLTW) programs in local schools. With over $17 million invested since 2009, Chevron's support has transformed the educational landscape for nearly 250,000 students and 8,100 teachers across multiple states. This funding will facilitate the introduction of new units and training for teachers, ensuring sustainable growth and improved learning outcomes for K-12 students.

The PLTW Launch - Program Expansion grant, funded by the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance access to STEM education for underserved communities. This initiative supports schools in expanding their PLTW programs and includes training for teachers and resources for students. Priority is given to schools near John Deere facilities that demonstrate need and a commitment to student participation in STEM activities. The project aligns with the foundation's goal to impact one million youth by 2030.

The PLTW Launch program, in partnership with the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance STEM education access for underserved communities. This initiative supports schools in implementing PLTW Launch modules, fostering equitable opportunities for students. With a commitment to enroll at least 50% of students from the Free and Reduced Lunch program, the program focuses on real-world skills development to prepare youth for future challenges. The goal is to empower one million students by 2030.

The PLTW Gateway program, supported by the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance STEM education access for underserved communities. By 2030, they intend to assist 1 million youth through inclusive educational opportunities. Schools within 40 miles of John Deere facilities can apply for grants to implement PLTW Gateway units, promoting real-world skill development. Priority is given to schools that demonstrate need and ensure student enrollment in these programs, fostering a strong foundation for future success.

The PLTW Gateway program expansion, funded by the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance access to STEM education for underserved students in John Deere communities. With a commitment to support 1 million youth by 2030, this initiative provides grants to schools seeking to expand their existing PLTW programs. Eligible schools must be within proximity of John Deere facilities and demonstrate a significant enrollment of students participating in free and reduced lunch programs, ensuring equitable educational opportunities.

The PLTW Computer Science program, in collaboration with the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance access and participation in STEM for underserved students in John Deere home communities. This initiative focuses on expanding existing Computer Science programs in schools, ensuring equitable educational opportunities, and developing critical skills through real-world challenges. The partnership is part of a commitment to support 1 million underrepresented youth by 2030, fostering inclusivity in education.

The PLTW Computer Science program, funded by the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance STEM opportunities for underserved students in John Deere communities. This initiative supports schools initiating or expanding PLTW Computer Science courses starting in the 2025-2026 academic year. With a commitment to inclusive education, the foundation seeks to empower students by providing essential resources and opportunities to develop critical skills that will serve them in future careers.

The PLTW Launch program, supported by Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance student engagement in STEM education within eligible communities. This initiative will provide grants to schools that implement at least one PLTW Launch module in the 2025-2026 academic year, followed by another module in subsequent years. The program is designed to empower students with hands-on learning experiences that connect real-world challenges to essential skills, fostering a stronger future in STEM fields.

Ignite Philanthropy

Through intentional listening and co-creation, Ignite Philanthropy supports the philanthropic and non-profit sectors. Our mission is simple: Maximize the power of giving. Ignite Philanthropy connects people, ideas, and capital to fuel community solutions. 

Our four core values have been developed by our team with intentionality around equity and community and how these connect to each value and the work we do each day. We believe in the merit of diverse teams and perspectives, striving to empower every voice in the creation of solutions.

Nellie Leaman Taft Foundation Grant

The Nellie Leaman Taft Foundation was created in 1997 by Cincinnati native and Boston resident, Nellie Leaman Taft, who died on December 17, 2012. Ms. Taft was an accomplished artist and committed patron of fine arts who is remembered as an independent, progressive-minded woman of great spirit and mirth, an avid gardener, and a worldwide traveler. She also was the descendant of two United States presidents, a loving friend and family member.

The Nellie Leaman Taft Foundation supports Arts Education and Environmental Education programs serving geographic areas important to Ms. Taft and to her family:

• Greater Cincinnati, OH
• Los Angeles County, CA
• Boston, MA (inside the Route 495 beltway)
• Mid-Coast Maine (defined as the towns of Bath, Belfast, Boothbay Harbor, Brunswick, Camden, Cushing, Damariscotta, Lincolnville, Owls Head, Rockland, Rockport, Searsport, Thomaston, Topsham, and Union)

The Ethel Frends Foundation Grant, established in 1997, aims to support canine care and education in California's counties, including Los Angeles and San Diego. It encourages organizations to apply for general operating support and considers small capital expenses. Grants are available for one year, focusing on established organizations rather than start-ups. This funding opportunity is essential for promoting animal welfare and enhancing community programs related to canine care.

The Colburn Foundation Grant supports organizations dedicated to classical music, emphasizing excellence in education, performance, and preservation of the genre. The foundation invites applications primarily from 501(c)(3) organizations that engage in classical music activities. Before applying, prospective applicants must confirm eligibility with the foundation's Administrator to ensure alignment with funding priorities, as support is generally limited to the Los Angeles community.

The Dorrance Family Foundation focuses on enhancing community quality of life through education and conservation initiatives. It funds tax-exempt organizations based in Arizona, California, and the Island of Hawai'i, targeting projects in arts, children's health, animal welfare, and sustainable agriculture. The foundation prioritizes organizations with a history of commitment to their mission. They do not support individuals, ensuring grants are directed towards impactful community projects.

The IMA Foundation Grant focuses on empowering communities by supporting nonprofit organizations dedicated to workforce development, financial security for families, and enhancing emergency preparedness. With a mission to provide philanthropic assistance, the foundation seeks partners that align with its vision and operational reach. Organizations must be 501c3 nonprofits and serve areas where IMA has offices, ensuring that their initiatives directly impact youth under 26 years of age.

Background & Purpose

The California Arts Council (CAC) is a statewide agency committed to serving California artists, arts organizations, and communities of all sizes and needs. Guided by racial equity principles, the CAC continuously evaluates its grantmaking practices to ensure fair and inclusive funding opportunities that sustain a vibrant, safe, and resilient creative ecosystem across the state.

Through regionally based Administering Organizations (AOs), the Individual Artists Fellowship (IAF) program uplifts and celebrates California artists across all disciplines and traditions, highlights their excellence and acknowledges their leadership in shaping traditional and contemporary cultures. The program includes three fellowship tiers with a different award amount:

CAC Emerging Artist Fellows – $5,000

Emerging artists are those in the beginning stages of making their work public and engaging the larger community in their practice.

CAC Established Artist Fellows – $10,000

Artists in the Established tier regularly make their work public and engage the larger community in their practice.

CAC Legacy Artist Fellows – $50,000

Artists in the Legacy tier can point to a significant body of work, produced over a substantial period of time, that has engaged their communities and that has made significant social impact.

The CAC approved eight regional AOs for the fellowship in September 2025. Each of the AOs has information and  details regarding their Individual Artists Fellowship programs, including application deadlines. If you are an individual artist, apply to the statewide fellowship program through the Regional AO listed below that serves your county. Please note: Individual artists must live in the region they are applying to and may submit an application to only one region.

• Bay Area (Kala Art Institute) - Counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Sonoma

• Central Valley & Sierra (Kern Dance Alliance) - Counties: Amador, Calaveras, Fresno, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Mono, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tulare, Tuolumne

• Inland Empire & South Coast (ArtsOC) - Counties: Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange

• Far South (Commission for Arts and Culture / Cultural Affairs) - Counties: Imperial, San Diego

• Central Coast (Arts Council Santa Cruz County) - Counties: Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Ventura

• Capital (Teatro Nagual) - Counties: Yolo, Solano, Sacramento, El Dorado, Alpine

• Upstate (Nevada County Arts Council (NCArts)) - Counties: Del Norte, Siskiyou, Modoc, Humboldt, Trinity, Shasta, Lassen, Mendocino, Tehama, Butte, Plumas, Lake, Glenn, Sierra, Colusa, Sutter, Yuba, Nevada, Placer

• South (Los Angeles Performance Practice) - County: Los Angeles

Region 6: South Administered by Los Angeles Performance Practice (Los Angeles County)

In partnership with California Arts Council (CAC), Los Angeles Performance Practice (LAPP) is thrilled to serve as the Administering Organization for the Individual Artist Fellowships in Los Angeles County.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.