Search Through Quality of Life Grants in California in the U.S.

Ben B. Cheney Foundation Grant

The Ben B. Cheney Foundation makes grants in the communities where Mr. Cheney’s lumber company operated.

Within those communities, the Foundation will respond to a wide variety of requests. The Foundation’s main goal is to support efforts that help to improve the quality of life in those communities.

Type of Grant

The Foundation is open to a wide variety of programs serving the communities where we give. We prefer to focus on project grants rather than ongoing operating support.

A project has three distinguishing features:

• A specific time period with a beginning and an end,
• Specific accomplishments for the project, and
• A specific budget that outlines both what resources the organization needs to achieve the stated accomplishments and where the organization plans to obtain those resources.

Project Grants

Project grants are generally given on a one-time basis. The Foundation will evaluate an organization's plans for sustaining the impact of project grants, especially those for program expansion or starting new programs. That evaluation will include these questions:

• Are there identified sources of support capable of sustaining the program?
• Is the organization committed to a strategy to gain those sources of support?
• Does the project plan include activities towards gaining that sustainability?

While the Foundation understands that fund raising is a part of many organizations' budgets, we feel that this approach allows us to respond to needs that go above and beyond the annual operating budget. As a result, projects for one-time capital or equipment needs often gain priority.

Through this approach the Foundation is able to make grants to a number of first time grantees every year. Since 1975 the Foundation has supported 1,200 organizations.

Program Areas

The Foundation organizes its grant making into eight categories. They are displayed here for information purposes only. The Foundation does not budget to categories in advance and grant seekers are not required to apply by category.

• Charity - Programs providing for basic needs such as food, shelter, and clothing.
• Civic - Programs improving the quality of life in a community as a whole such as museums and recreation facilities.
• Culture - Programs encompassing the arts.
• Education - Programs supporting capital projects and scholarships, primarily for six pre-selected colleges and universities with a record of service to Pierce County.
• Elderly - Programs serving the social, health, recreational, and other needs of older people.
• Health - Programs related to providing health care.
• Social Services - Programs serving people with physical or mental disabilities or other special needs.
• Youth - Programs helping young people to gain the skills needed to become responsible and productive adults.

The mission of The Dorrance Family Foundation is to improve the quality of life in the community by supporting education and natural resource conservation. The Foundation does this through scholarships, grants and volunteer service.

Who We Are and How We Work

The Dorrance Family Foundation supports projects that work to resolve societal, educational and environmental problems strategically and make our communities a better place. We accept grant proposals only for charitable, education, or scientific purposes from tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) organizations in Arizona, California and the Island of Hawai’i.

Local Grantmaking:

The Dorrance Family Foundation supports an array of nonprofit organizations in geographic areas that are personally significant to the Dorrance Family; Southern California, and the Island of Hawaiʻi.

Grantees include but are not limited to programs related to the:

• arts,
• children’s health,
• animal welfare,
• animal therapy,
• sustainable agriculture,
• organizational effectiveness and capacity, and
• natural resource conservation projects.

The Foundation also provides institutional support to organizations with a long-term history of Dorrance family commitment, and core to the foundation’s mission and family’s values.

The Legacy Foundations

Our foundations support the work of a wide variety of non-profit organizations that serve our communities. The foundations are guided by the values of the Milgard family and represent the passions of the individual board members.

Ruth Foundation

The Ruth Foundation supports organizations primarily in Pierce County, Washington that focus on and provide direct services for animal welfare and marine life preservation. The foundation also supports some pre-selected homelessness initiatives.

The Ruth Foundation funding priority areas are animal welfare, marine life preservation and some pre-selected homelessness initiatives.

Whisper Foundation

The Whisper Foundation supports Pierce County, Washington organizations that work to improve the quality of life and impact a positive change in the under-served community.

The Whisper Foundation serves the Pierce County, Washington area with grant requests over $50,000.

The funding priority areas include animal welfare, education, health and social services.

Windows of Hope Foundation

The Windows of Hope Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life for the residents of Pierce County, Washington. We passionately support programs and organizations that work toward the betterment of our community by having a direct, meaningful impact on those they serve.

The Windows of Hope Foundation serves the Pierce County, Washington area with grant requests from $1,000 up to $50,000.

The funding priority areas include social service programs, senior services, youth, homelessness, health and wellness, and education

Skylight Foundation

The Skylight Foundation focuses on the improvement and health of the greater Los Angeles, California community by supporting organizations that provide well managed programs and projects.

The Skylight Foundation serves the greater Los Angeles, California area.

The funding priority areas include social service programs, education, health and wellness and youth programs.

Gene Haas Foundation Mission Statement

To introduce to and educate individuals for the field of manufacturing technologies specifically CNC machining.

Additionally, we support local organizations that help the quality of life for individuals within the community.

Community Grants

Gene Haas has always believed in giving back to the community. Accordingly, wherever his companies are located, the Gene Haas Foundation helps those in need. It concentrates its efforts in Ventura County, California, Clark County, Nevada, and Cabarrus County, North Carolina.

Support from the Gene Haas Foundation has been, and will continue to be, instrumental in improving the lives of people in our communities. Since 1999, more than $30 million in community-based funding has been provided to qualified and deserving non-profit organizations. 

Where We Live and Work

The GSF Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life of children and families in need in the areas where GSF associates live and work through personal involvement and contributions. 

Our Mission

The GSF Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life of children and families in need in the areas where GSF associates live and work through personal involvement and contributions.

Our Programs

Empowered associates and an engaged blend of valued business partners have contributed to the development of a number of multifaceted efforts, such as providing shoes, food and other necessities of life for children who would otherwise go without. Several Foundation programs aim to provide kids with the tools, supplies, and motivation to help them make the most of their education. 

Grantmaking

Since its inception in 2002, the GSF Foundation has granted funds to over 600 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations across the nation that align with our mission of improving the lives of children and families in need in the places where GSF Associates live and work. As such, grant applications must include the signature of a current GSF Associate who has nominated an organization and its proposed project. Complete grant applications nominated by GSF Associates can be submitted for consideration at the local level and applications recommended by the local committees will be reviewed again at quarterly national Executive and Board meetings in Irvine, California.

Mission/Vision

Our mission is to lead positive systemic change that strengthens Los Angeles communities. We envision a future where all Angelenos have the opportunity to contribute to the productivity, health and well-being of our region. And we believe that our common fate will be determined by how successfully we improve the quality of life for all of our residents. The impact we help create is of, by and for Los Angeles, because the community is our foundation.

Health - Integration, Collaboration & Advocacy

The California Community Foundation is seeking letters of interest for grants supporting work in improving immigrant health access, behavioral health and health policy and advocacy. All potential applicants are strongly encouraged to speak with a Program Officer before beginning the application process to learn more about the current emphases.

Strategies & Outcomes

To promote and improve the health and quality of life of children and adults living in Los Angeles County, the foundation focuses on grants to organizations that address the following topics:

• Increasing integration of medical, dental, vision, mental health and substance use prevention, care and treatment services
• Facilitating cross-sector and regional systems collaboration among L.A. County public sector partners, nonprofit hospital/health systems, other nonprofits, and community partners to address the root causes of racial/ethnic health disparities including but not limited to immigration status
• Supporting health policy/advocacy efforts that promote universal access to and utilization of health coverage, services and other public benefits

The goals of our foundation are:

• To be a model of charitable giving to children in the San Francisco Bay Area.
• To support tuition assistance, technology, and learning in pre-K-12 schools in the San Francisco Bay Area.
• To assist major museums, cultural and non-profit organizations with their educational programs for children and families in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The Joseph and Mercedes McMicking Foundation (The Foundation) is a California 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation.

The Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life, primarily to benefit San Francisco Bay Area residents through contributions, grants and scholarships for the education and welfare of children and their families.

Areas of Interest

The Foundation has an established interest in providing grants and scholarship for the education of children of all ages and all ethnic backgrounds in the areas of:

• Arts
• Technology
• Education
• Science

The Majestic Realty Foundation

As developers, Majestic Realty Co. builds business parks that serve communities across 13 states. Indeed, this perspective gives our employees unique insight into grassroots community needs. The Majestic Realty Foundation grew out of our realization that community needs were growing rapidly. We saw that great numbers of youth and families were at risk from increasing gang-related violence. We saw that homelessness and hunger impacted more families than ever; plus high school drop-out rates reach epidemic proportions. But we also saw that together, we could make a difference.

In 2002, our company’s longstanding tradition of corporate giving was formalized with the launch of the Majestic Realty Foundation – now the cornerstone of our community investment program. As builders first, we know the value of creating communities of promise, where families and businesses know that their futures are secure and bright. To this end, we have devoted time and resources to build collaborations and provide professional training to help local nonprofits increase their capacities.

Our Mission

Realizing the responsibilities of an industry leader, The Majestic Realty Foundation provides support to our local communities in five key investment areas:

• Youth
• Education
• Family
• Health
• Violence Prevention

Our Vision

To create a legacy and a model for a financially and operationally sustainable foundation that leverages our capabilities to enhance the quality of life in our communities.

Guiding Principles

• Vision
• Leadership
• Passion
• Commitment
• Caring
• Creativity
• Collaboration

Majestic Realty Foundation Fast Facts

• Established in 2002 to move Majestic Realty from passive to active philanthropy
• Our flagship program, the Los Angeles Youth Leadership Council, brings together students from inner city youth centers for leadership training activities
• National organizations are funded across several geographic markets, including Ronald McDonald House, Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCAs and local Children’s Hospitals
• The Foundation links excess inventory from Majestic Realty clients with organizations in need
• “Get on Board” campaign enables Majestic employees to serve on more than 40 charitable boards, strengthening the nonprofit sector in our communities
• Thousands of hours of volunteer service directed to worthy community-based organizations

Active Philanthropy

We embrace the concept of “active philanthropy,” viewing our involvement as much more than just writing checks to grantees. Instead, we look for strategic nonprofit partners in our communities. In addition to our financial contributions, we take leadership roles in local organizations, donate countless hours and recruit the resources of our clients, vendors, brokers and others, to help meet the many needs in our communities.

Building a Brighter Future, One Student at a Time

In Southern California, the Majestic Realty Foundation’s commitment to active philanthropy is clearly demonstrated through its flagship program, the Los Angeles Youth Leadership Council (LAYLC). As a leadership and teambuilding collaborative, LAYLC brings together 80 high school student leaders from 43 separate LA schools. Each attends one of six inner-city youth centers: the Bresee Foundation, El Centro del Pueblo, Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA), Para Los Niños, Salesian Boys & Girls Club and The Salvation Army Red Shield Center. Through monthly meetings and enrichment activities, the LAYLC empowers students from Los Angeles’ most challenged neighborhoods to develop and apply leadership skills through participation in an annual camp, college tours and forums with high-profile guest speakers. Additionally, students receive training in public speaking, economic literacy and civic affairs.

The Majestic Realty Foundation believes that youth centers have the power to curb youth violence, develop strong leaders and create safe communities.

Driven by a Shared Passion

As a vital part of our corporate culture, the employees of Majestic Realty Co., Majestic Management Co. and Commerce Construction Co., L.P., volunteer thousands of hours for community organizations. Whether taking part in charity walkathons, collecting shoes and sponsoring community-wide days of service, Majestic/Commerce employees have ongoing opportunities to serve those in need, and they never fail to turn out in great numbers. We realize that our team members are our greatest asset. Through the Foundation’s innovative “Get on Board” campaign, Majestic employees freely give their time and talents by serving in leadership positions on nonprofit boards. In fact, currently our employees serve on more than 46 nonprofit boards.

Types of Giving – Restricted or Unrestricted Grants

Restricted- Grants Limited to Specific Program

Unrestricted – General Operating Funds

Challenge Grants – Matching Fund Campaign for Specific Programs

Our community commitment

From our corporate headquarters in Indianapolis, we’ve grown into a national provider of insurance and financial services with offices in California, Maine and beyond. We’re committed to making a difference in people’s lives and the communities we serve.

Helping others is at our core. Making commitments that matter. Our vision to improve the quality of life in our communities, which are stronger because of our support and volunteer efforts. Here are some of the ways we are making an impact:

• Education & workforce development
  • Being there for our community means leading education efforts and workforce development for future success. OneAmerica Financial invests in both education and workforce development because we understand how critical it is to have both.
• Safety, wellness & success
  • Being there for you means working to keep our communities healthy and safe. We support our neighbors and those in need through disaster relief, feeding the hungry, the homeless and by providing essential needs and services through United Way agencies.
• Community vibrancy & civic causes
  • Being there for our vibrant communities can be seen through our efforts to support arts & culture, such as our long-standing involvement with the Broadripple Art Fair, 500 Festival Mini Marathon and the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT).

Community grants

The OneAmerica Financial Foundation is a nonprofit, private foundation dedicated to investing in the well-being of communities through strategic philanthropy. Rooted in a long-standing tradition of service, the Foundation’s charitable reach begins in the heart of Indianapolis and extends to communities across the country.

By investing in meaningful change, the Foundation aims to transform lives and create shared success—supporting those who build stronger, more resilient communities for generations to come.

• Education (primarily K-12, early childhood and at-risk populations)
• Workforce development efforts to increase employment and develop talent locally
• Community safety, wellness and success that provide support for basic community needs
• Arts and cultural experiences that add to the vibrancy of the community
• Civic initiatives that strengthen our communities

The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation strives to support and facilitate the work of the region's best nonprofit organizations, recognizing that many of those in need today will go on to shape the future of Southern California, to define it, redefine it, and help it set and achieve new goals.

Los Angeles County is one of the most exciting, dynamic, quickly evolving and challenging environments in the United States. In our diversity — racial, ethnic, cultural and economic — Greater Los Angeles presents extraordinary challenges and opportunities for the nonprofit community.

We are a responsive grantmaker.

Program Areas:

As a responsive grantmaker, we invite organizations serving Los Angeles County to come to us for what they need to do their best work. More than half of our grantmaking is for general support; organizations also come to us for funds to renovate or purchase buildings and equipment, specific programs, and staff positions. Funding is prioritized across four program areas:

Civic & Cultural

Grantmaking in this area values enriching cultural experiences and active civic engagement as essential ingredients for a healthy society. We support organizations and institutions that contribute to Los Angeles’ cultural and civic vibrancy, including performing arts organizations, museums, botanical gardens, arts education programs, and those that promote civic engagement and leadership.

Education

Our Education grantmaking underscores the importance of access to quality learning opportunities for all, with a special focus on underserved populations. Our grantees reflect the full continuum of learning from “cradle to career,” and include organizations that support early care and education, K-12 education, charter schools, academic enrichment, college access and persistence, higher education, and vocational training.

Health

The Foundation’s work in this area is rooted in our belief that all the residents of Los Angeles County need access to essential health services that offer a greater quality of life. We invest in organizations that promote health and well-being among vulnerable populations, placing an emphasis on community clinics, mental health providers, prevention services, emergency and trauma centers, and improvements to health care facilities.

Human Services

Our work in Human Services reflects our commitment to improving the lives of Los Angeles’ most vulnerable community members, including low-income children, families, foster youth, seniors, the working poor, and homeless populations. We fund a broad range of services and programs, including child welfare, youth development, supportive services, and basic needs.

Scrap Metal Recycling

SA Recycling is a full-service ferrous and non-ferrous metal recycler and processor. Recognized as an industry leader in metal recycling, we operate over 70 recycling facilities conveniently located throughout California, Texas, Arizona, Nevada, Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee.

SA Recycling is committed to environmental sustainability. We recognize the importance of protecting our planet’s natural resources. With the support of our customers, recycling reduces the need for mining, lowers production costs for metal manufacturers and helps deliver quality metal products throughout the world. This is all part of our strategic approach to intelligent resource management and re-use.

How can we spread the word of recycling in your neighborhood?

SA Recycling is committed to being a vital part of all the communities in which our facilities are located. From providing local jobs to sponsoring community-based programs that help to ensure the health and well-being of our employees and the surrounding neighborhoods, we know that our work to improve and sustain the environment starts with our own backyard. In addition, we actively support local law enforcement, fire departments and various non-profit humanitarian groups. As our mission statement confirms, SA Recycling strives to improve the quality of life for our employees and their families, and the communities we serve.

 SA Recycling proudly supports organizations through community service and monetary donations. 

For information on how SA Recycling can show support for your organization, please contact us.

Background

The Foundation’s primary grantmaking strategy is place-based. We seek opportunities to make clusters of complementary grants in specific communities, supporting public and nonprofit organizations that serve essentially the same children, youth, and families.

We respond first and foremost to the capacities and vision of the community and to expressed community needs. Then we seek ways to build on the insights, resources, and achievements generated through our grantees’ efforts.

We prioritize places in Northern or Central California that are experiencing acute and widespread poverty, where people of color likely experience disparate outcomes. Our goal is to achieve more capable, responsive, and effective community organizations and institutions.

Through the sustained, concerted efforts of those organizations, we expect community residents to realize benefits including:

• The healthy development and education of children
• The economic and social advancement of their families
• The opportunity to influence the conditions that shape their lives

Funding Priorities

The Foundation’s primary grantmaking strategy is place-based. We seek opportunities to make clusters of complementary grants in specific communities, supporting public and nonprofit organizations that serve essentially the same children, youth, and families.

Families

We support programs that honor lived experiences and incorporate resident voices in the design, implementation, and governance of family-support services.

We fund programs and community-building efforts that help families build on their strengths and increase their self-efficacy, and that implement trauma-responsive practices. We also support comprehensive programs that safeguard equitable access to concrete services such as food, shelter, childcare, and safety.

Examples of grant-funded activities include, but are not limited to:

• Family resource centers that promote physical health and wellness, child development, and parenting;
• Organizations that build pathways for families to attain financial literacy, employment, and economic mobility;
• Community-organizing initiatives focused on emerging issues prioritized and led by residents.

Education

We believe that high-quality public schools, available to all, are essential for society to thrive.

We fund initiatives within schools and school districts to provide equitable learning for all students, particularly students of color and those living in poverty. We support engaging students in relevant, immersive learning that prepares them for college, career, and citizenship, equipping them to help solve complex challenges in their communities and the world. We also invest in organizations outside of school districts that, along with community residents, hold public schools to account and help them improve.

Examples of grant-funded activities include, but are not limited to:

• Efforts within schools to improve teaching and academic support, particularly for underserved students, by fostering teamwork, adaptation, and organizational learning;
• Organizing efforts among students and families to effect positive changes in their schools and expand learning opportunities;
• Programs promoting reconciliation and mental and emotional health among students and educators;
• Outdoor education and stewardship programs that link academics to life and deepen students’ understanding of the environment, climate, and community health.

Youth

We support youth development organizations that provide safe spaces for youth to explore their interests and aspirations, build confidence and resilience, and solidify a commitment to lifelong learning and community engagement.

We prioritize programs focused on the mental health and well-being of young people and supporting their agency and leadership, as well as their readiness for higher education and careers. We support organizations implementing trauma-responsive practices in their programs and services for youth.

Examples of grant-funded activities include, but are not limited to:

• Addressing the mental health and well-being of students through school-based wellness centers;
• Providing afterschool and/or summer programming that engages youth academically and in special interests such as the performing arts;
• Developing youth leadership, training them in community organizing skills, and supporting them to create solutions for their communities around issues such as educational equity, racial justice, and environmental health.

Supporting Programs

Through our active engagement in communities, we often learn about critical needs and opportunities that lie outside our main program areas.

Leadership & Organizational Health: Cowell commonly funds the direct costs of delivering services and operating programs for community residents; but we are keenly aware that the scope and quality of those services, and ultimately their effectiveness, depend on the vitality of our grantee organizations. Accordingly, grantees in the Families, Education, and Youth program areas may inquire about complementary grants through the Leadership & Organizational Health program.

In addition, Cowell supports organizations whose mission and core capability is leadership development.

Community Resources: Through our active engagement in communities, we often learn about critical needs and opportunities that lie outside our main program areas. For that purpose, we maintain a budget for responsive grants in communities where we are active. This complementary program is necessarily broad, but likely areas of focus include:

• Affordable housing construction and preservation;
• Small business and workforce development;
• Access to banking services, credit, and other supports for economic security;
• Neighborhood infrastructure such as parks, gardens, and greenways.

Across our programs, the funding guidelines incorporate four themes:

• Racial Equity
• Economic Advancement
• Community Health
  • Environmental Health and Justice
  • Mental Health
• Resident Voice and Agency

Types of Grants

Place-Based

• Grants awarded to organizations in active Cowell communities across program areas and initiatives.

Resource Capacity-Building

• Resource Capacity-Building grants from a secondary strategy that supports our primary, place-based investments.
• These grants enhance the resources, practices, and cohesiveness of the program fields in which Cowell operates, and to create access to such resources on behalf of place-based grantees

Exploratory

• Types of work that currently lie outside the program area guidelines.
• These grants are awarded while Cowell is prospecting and developing relationships in a community, before determining whether it is appropriate to fully engage there under the place-based guidelines.
• Exploratory grants may also be awarded as Cowell seeks to learn about emerging fields of work beyond the current program guidelines.

Our Program Areas

The Sills Family Foundation’s primary grants program intends to help children from low income families live up to their highest promise by concentrating on the following four areas:

Comprehensive Services to Families in Crisis- With a special focus on families impacted by incarceration

The Sills Family Foundation has a major focus on programs that support families impacted by the criminal justice system. We partner with programs that work to strengthen the parent/child bond during incarceration through facilitating transportation for prison visits, creating child-sensitive visiting areas in correctional facilities, providing parenting education classes to incarcerated parents, as well as supporting families through the re-entry period. This effort extends to addressing the inequities in the bail system, preventing juvenile detentions, and providing high quality legal services to low income populations.

In considering the rehabilitative opportunities so rarely provided to incarcerated individuals, the Foundation supports higher education and arts programming inside correctional facilities. The Foundation has begun to play a role in deepening policy makers and service providers’ capacity in this field. The Sills Family Foundation is proud to be a member of the NY Initiative for Children with Incarcerated Parents, as well as the New York Youth Justice Initiative.

Support to Underserved Communities- Through improved access to early education and reduction of neighborhood violence

Low income neighborhoods and schools experience a disproportionate amount of school suspensions, violence, arrests and damage to the community through involvement in the criminal justice system. We support programs that seek to intervene in this destructive cycle and help young people stay on the path to success.

Early education can make a world of difference in how a child goes on to succeed in school, work and life. This is especially true for children challenged by poverty, homelessness and other forms of trauma. Children who start kindergarten behind their peers may continue to face problems throughout school. Getting kids off to a good start is critical to their future.

We are committed to high-quality education experiences that help children live up to their highest potential. We want to improve chances for all children to succeed in life through access to education, early intervention and family supports such as mental health counseling and job skills classes for their parents.

Programs Supporting Immigrants, Refugees and Asylees

We believe all human beings have the right to pursue their dreams of building a better home for themselves and their families, and that newcomers to the US should have access to necessary legal, educational, and material needs.

Environmental Justice- With a focus on contaminants that harm the developing embryo, fetus and infant

Toxic chemicals are released into our environment every day. Children consume pollutants in their food, air and water, their toys, candy, even baby bottles. These hazards can cause serious health problems, ranging from asthma and cancer to brain impairment and behavioral problems. They take a greater toll on the most vulnerable: pregnant women, fetuses and children.

We want to protect families from lead, mercury and other toxic compounds. The foundation supports organizations that embrace the ideals of environmental justice and that protect against poor communities carrying a greater share of the toxic burden. We invest in programs that work to reduce pollutants in our air, water, food and homes so that the minds and bodies of our infants and children stay healthy and strong.

Arts and Culture- Arts education and other creative opportunities to support underserved populations

Arts and cultural activity can provide people of all ages important tools of self expression, can open paths to new forms of communication and can strengthen self esteem. We believe that high quality arts programming in schools, community centers and senior centers can be a powerful tool of social justice. The Foundation seeks to support culturally sensitive collaborations between teaching artists, educators and community leaders to bring the positive power of the arts to under-resourced schools and communities.

Funding Priorities

The Sills Family Foundation funds nonprofits that support early childhood education, environmental justice, arts and culture, and families in crisis, with a focus on families and communities impacted by the criminal justice justice system as well as refugees, migrants and asylees.

Funding Criteria

The organizations we invest in support families and communities to overcome obstacles created by poverty, racism and other forms of marginalization. The programs we support have passionate leaders, are community based and offer potential for systemic, sustained change, including the possibility of replication. We seek to fund organizations for whom our grantmaking capacity will make an impact.

Grant Making Budget

Most of our grants range from $10,000 to $25,000. The Foundation accepts applications for one-year grants only, with the possibility of renewal grants for extended periods. Many of our grants support general operating needs.

Our Mission

The Smart & Final Charitable Foundation is committed to giving back, improving quality of life, and nourishing the communities we serve. We focus our giving Health & Wellness, Education, Hunger Relief, Team Sports & Youth Development, and Disaster Relief.

In addition to our large in-store campaigns, the Smart & Final Charitable Foundation also nourishes the communities we serve through donations to local organizations - PTAs, youth sports leagues, local food pantries, emergency services providers and more.

Pillars of Focus

The Smart & Final Charitable Foundation strives to give back to and nourish the communities we serve in California, Arizona and Nevada through our Pillars of Focus:

• Health & Wellness
• Education
• Hunger Relief
• Team Sports & Youth Development
• Disaster Relief

Grant Funding Priorities

We aspire to a future where all  rural families provide childcare with a nurturing, safe, and stable foundation for life. A child’s early years are the most critical time for setting a positive trajectory for life. Research shows that trusted relationships with caring adults make all the difference. We want to help families access the supports they need.

What we prioritize:

• Parent and caregiver supports build nurturing and healthy attachments that allow children to thrive. Our communities have identified a need for programs that better match the demographics of families and the emotional needs of children. We prioritize home visiting, parenting education, early childhood mental health and other community supports for parents and caregivers.
• Family financial stability helps parents access programs that exist to assist low-income families, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit. We also offer educational scholarships for parents.
• Child abuse prevention protects children and improves outcomes for future generations. We fund and partner with local organizations and regional and statewide networks to prevent abuse and neglect, build awareness and strengthen systems that bring stability and safety to the most vulnerable among us.Grants aligned with our Education impact area aim to ensure that rural children have the supports and opportunities they need to succeed in their education. Our emphasis is on early childhood education, helping children start strong in their early grades, and preparing students for the transition from high school to postsecondary education or a career.

We envision a future in which all rural young people experience educational success. Education has always been at the top of The Ford Family Foundation’s priorities. We invest in high-quality, affordable early childhood education all the way to our scholarship programs, which have helped thousands of aspiring college students achieve their dreams.

Our emphasis is on ensuring that children and their families benefit from targeted support across two key transitions — from the early years to the schoolroom, and from K-12 to educational and career opportunities after high school.

What we prioritize: 

• Early childhood education allows children to develop the habits, skills and healthy brains that will help them succeed academically as they enter their K-12 school pathway.
• P-3 alignment helps children and families transition from early childhood education settings to more structured classrooms. This ensures children can read independently, problem solve and manage their social-emotional needs.
• Supports and pathways build K-12 students’ knowledge, skills and awareness to plan for life after high school and to improve their long-term economic opportunities.
• Postsecondary completion for students, especially those who are the first in their families to attend and complete college, improves economic and social outcomes for them and their families.

We commit to a future where rural communities are vibrant places that provide opportunities for everyone to thrive.  The Ford Family Foundation is a community building organization. We support rural residents as they work together to develop a shared vision for their community’s future and implement plans that enable them to attract and retain a diverse population, especially working-age families.

What we prioritize:

• Community building catalyzes efforts by rural residents to address needs and improve their communities. Community building fosters leadership, relationships, capacity and collective action to create well-being for all, especially children and families. From scholarship alumni to business leaders, community builders are everywhere. Learn more about the rural Community Building Approach.
• Community economic development builds a vibrant rural economy, improves the economic well-being of families and makes the community a place where people choose to live. Rural business retention and expansion is at the heart of our work in this area.
• Organizational capacity building across the region supports a range of stable and effective organizations that contribute to more resilient rural communities. Nonprofits are the backbone of providing essential services to rural families.

Good Neighbor grants

They’re called Good Neighbor grants for a reason. Good neighbors help each other, learn from each other and lift each other up.

Good Neighbor grants are designed to support the initiatives that matter in your community in a way that works for your organization, including unforeseen emergencies that interrupt programming or services. We fund both program and capital requests.

For Good Neighbor Grants, applicants should note the following:

• 25% committed before applying (in-kind can play a role but strongest requests have other funding at the table)
• Can request up to 1/3 for programs/operations and up to 50% for capital
• Clearly need to see the community at the table where services will be provided
• We also look for a clear plan in place for sustainability
• You will typically hear back from us in six to 10 weeks

Grant amount: Up to $25,000

Grant examples

• Emergency repairs to essential equipment at a food bank, library, fire hall or other community service provider
• Updates to facilities at a beloved community gathering place, including ADA accessibility and technology
• Community events such as celebrations, clean-ups or summer festivals (Events and celebrations must be free to the public and multi-day or annual, such as a music or art series.)
• New or special programs for the children and families in your communities
• Studies or research on a community need
• Playgrounds or recreational facilities
• Translation of materials or outreach to special populations
• Basic needs for vulnerable children and families
• Feasibility studies for economic development projects (e.g., business incubator, makerspace, commercial kitchen)

Valero Energy Foundation 

Valero, its employees and the Valero Energy Foundation are committed to improving the quality of life in communities where we work and live, fulfilling a mission that was set from the beginning. We set the standard for corporate citizenship and promotes prosperity in our communities. 

The Valero Energy Foundation -- a public charity and Valero's philanthropic arm -- funds nonprofit agencies that serve predominantly disadvantaged children and families. In 2019, the Foundation contributed appoximately $40 million in assistance in the communities where Valero has major operations.

Four Pillars of Support

Our funding focuses on our four pillars of giving in communities where we have major operations.

• Basic Needs:  Valero gives assistance to agencies that provide basic needs of life, including shelter, food and clothing necessary for the development of a strong and safe community. 
• Health Care: We invest in the development of strategic community health resources and facilities that will support the needs of all members of our nearby communities, with major gifts going to children’s hospitals, university medical centers and service providers that offer specialized health care services and programs.
• Education: Valero is a strong advocate of education as it creates a necessary foundation for all children to thrive and for adults to lead productive lives. 
• Civic: We support civic and environmental initiatives directly related to the success of the communities where we live and work.

Our Mission

The mission of the Atkinson Foundation is to provide opportunities for individuals in San Mateo County to attain their highest potential in areas of educational, social, and economic life, to assist their efforts to become independent and self-sufficient, and to generally improve the quality of their lives.

Funding Priorities

The Atkinson Foundation provides opportunities for individuals in San Mateo county to attain the highest potential in the areas of educational, social & economic life; to assist their efforts to become independent & self-sufficient and to generally improve the quality of their lives.

We are committed to supporting community-based and community-led organizations that address the needs identified by the communities they serve.

Education and Youth Development

We support nonprofit organizations that provide:

Enhancing K-12 public education curriculum and provide academic and/or enrichment activities to underserved students (programs that take place in schools, but are offered by nonprofit organizations)

Providing youth development opportunities to underserved students in grades K-12 (programs that take place away from school sites)

Assisting low-income families in the caring and early learning journey of their young children

Providing youth and adults who face significant obstacles to employment with training and services that prepare them for job placement

Community Support

We support nonprofit organizations that provide:

Providing such as food, shelter, and/or family support resources to help sustain healthy families and strong communities

Supporting the well-being of youth and adults faced with mental and/or physical health conditions and addictions

Enhancing the quality of life for older adults who have limited resources

Protecting the rights of newcomers and create opportunities for forward mobility

Supporting reproductive and prenatal care, and wrap-around services for survivors of domestic violence, to ensure all women are healthy and safe

Southern California Program

The Southern California Program has a broad mission to support projects in five areas: Arts and Culture, Civic and Community Services, Early Childhood Care and Education, Health Care, and Precollegiate Education. Within these areas of interest, the Foundation seeks to promote the healthy development of children and youth, strengthen families, and enrich the lives of people in the region.

We prioritize organizations that strengthen the resiliency of under-resourced communities in Los Angeles County. We place a special emphasis on projects that focus on children and youth from low-income families and special needs populations, including the developmentally disabled, foster children, and homeless families.

Arts and Culture: 

Promoting civic and cultural life through support of museums, performing arts organizations, and public media. Providing opportunities for students to explore the visual and performing arts through support of in-school and out-of-school programs.

Civic and Community

Meeting basic needs through support of social service organizations that address food insecurity and homelessness. Helping children at risk of entering or already in the foster care or probation systems through funding for organizations focused on youth development, children’s rights, and family strengthening.

Early Childhood

Increasing access to quality early care and education programs for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Providing timely intervention to address developmental delays and other risks through support of multiservice agencies and schools.

Health Care

Expanding access to holistic, integrated health care by supporting federally qualified health centers. Addressing the social determinants of health and adverse childhood experiences.

Precollegiate Education

Increasing access to quality K-12 education through support of effective programs that meet the needs of the whole child. Helping first-generation and low-income students navigate the college admissions process and graduate through support of college access and success programs. Improving STEM instruction through teacher pipeline and training programs. Providing opportunities for students to explore concepts and careers in STEM fields by supporting in-school and out-of-school programs.

Program Overview

The Foundation supports capital projects, expansion of programs that are promising or part of a larger effort, piloting new models, and systems change initiatives. We award grants for projects that strategically address compelling issues and have the potential for significant impact on the target population, region, or field. Please see our grant abstracts for examples of recently funded projects.

The Southern California Program’s process consists of an optional concept review, an application, and an invitation-only site visit.

Nordson Corporation Foundation

The Nordson Corporation Foundation awards grants to non-profits in our communities throughout the United States. Since 1989, the Foundation has awarded more than $60 million in grants to improve the quality of life in our communities, placing a special focus on causes related to education. Employees support the foundation by making donations during our annual A Time to Give Campaign, or by participating in a Community Affairs Committee (CAC). Committees review grant applications and vote to distribute Foundation funds to deserving local causes. During the last financial year, the Foundation gave out 362 grants totaling $6.3 million.

Nordson Foundation Giving Strategies

The geographic areas in which Nordson has major facilities determine the Nordson Foundation's giving priorities. 

Within these geographic areas, granting priorities are driven by community needs. Although needs change quickly, our vision is long term. We pursue and support results-oriented opportunities that prepare individuals for full and equal participation in the economic and social mainstream. We believe these kinds of programs help improve the quality of life over the long term and produce stronger, more enlightened communities in which we live and work. We strive to fulfill these responsibilities in our communities through contributions to charitable activities with a focus on education. Other major giving categories that are supported are human welfare, civic affairs and arts and culture. 

Nordson Foundation Values 

In the spirit of our corporate founders, the Nordson Corporation Foundation continues to operate on the belief that business, as a corporate citizen, has a social responsibility to share its success with the communities where it operates and draws employees.  

The Nordson Foundation is dedicated to improving our communities by supporting the continuum of education from birth to adulthood in the belief that education is the key for individuals to become self-sufficient, productive members of society.  

To prepare individuals for economic independence, a variety of quality educational experiences are necessary. To be successful today, individuals not only need to master the basics, “reading, writing and arithmetic”, they must also know how to think critically and creatively. Strengthening the community’s human capital – through quality education – is crucial.  

The Nordson Foundation offers support to non-profit organizations that cultivate educational curriculum and experiences that foster self-sufficiency, job readiness and goals to aspire to higher education. The Foundation is well aware of the fact that for non-profit organizations to remain viable they must receive operating support. With this in mind, Nordson Corporation Foundation does invest in general operating support.  

As stewards of the Foundation assets, the directors feel strongly that the organizations that are supported by the Foundation be able to measure the effectiveness of their mission and programs. Quantitative and/or qualitative data allows for the Foundation to ensure that the organizations it supports are bringing about the desired outcomes in our communities.

Nordson Foundation Goals

The goals of the Nordson Corporation Foundation are to insure that:

• All children have access to and receive quality educational experiences from early childhood
• All individuals have the opportunity to be self-sufficient members of society 
• There is a continuum of quality educational opportunities 
• Our communities are strengthened by the organizations we fund whether their focus is education, human welfare, civic or arts and culture

Nordson Foundation Funding Strategy

Through its grant-making, the Foundation supports organizations that directly or indirectly seek to maximize success before, during and beyond the traditional classroom years. Grants will be reviewed and considered on the basis of their enrichment to the communities where our employees live and work. Organizations and programs receiving grants will be expected to identify relevant, measurable outcomes to demonstrate the effectiveness of their programs.

Education

• Early Childhood Care and Education
• Maximizing Student Success
• Access to quality educational opportunities
• Innovative programs
• Partnerships/collaborations with school districts
• Funding gaps not covered by public monies
• Augmenting core curriculum
• Exposure to programs that expand on traditional education
• Workforce Preparation
• Initial preparation for the world of work
• Retraining for the new job market
• Strengthening our communities

Human Welfare

• Promote prevention and lifestyle maintenance programs and activities
• Promote crisis intervention
• Promote life transition opportunities
• Promote systemic change

Arts and Culture

• Actively seek to broaden the audience bases in Nordson communities
• Support the visual and performing arts
• Provide educational enrichment for students
• Motivation for at-risk youth
• Provide access to the arts for special needs audience
• Promote greater understanding among people via the arts

Civic

• Work to improve the physical or economic environment
• Provide cultural or historical preservation
• Strive to inform citizens and increase their participation in community improvement

Perdue Farms is the family-owned parent company of Perdue Foods and Perdue AgriBusiness. Perdue Farms are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for everyone we touch through innovative food and agricultural products.

Through Perdue Farms Perdue, Harvestland and Coleman Natural food brands; through Perdue Farms agricultural products and services; and through Perdue Farms stewardship and corporate responsibility programs, Perdue Farms are committed to making Perdue the most trusted name in food and agricultural products. At Perdue, Perdue Farms believe in responsible food and agriculture.What We Support

• We strive to strengthen our communities by focusing our efforts on agriculture and the environment, education, fighting hunger and poverty, health and social services, and public safety
• We also support organizations that celebrate the heritages and cultures of our communities
• We may give additional preference to organizations in which our associates have direct involvement, but the overarching consideration is the betterment of the community

Purpose 

The San Marcos Community Foundation (SMCF) serves to enrich the quality of life for the community of San Marcos by serving as a nonprofit public benefit corporation providing financial and other assistance programs benefiting the City or its residents. The Foundation was established by the San Marcos City Council on October 27, 1987, creating an Endowment Fund originating from a one million dollar contribution by the builders of the North County Energy and Resource Recovery Center. The Foundation provides grants to a wide variety of nonprofit groups serving San Marcos residents. Grants have been awarded to a diverse group of nonprofit organizations serving different purposes:

• Arts & Culture
• Health & Well-being 
• Children & Youth
• Seniors
• Civic Life
• Education
• Wildlife

Regular Grants are for those agencies interested in applying for a grant of $1,500 to $10,000.  Whether or not matching funds are required for a regular grant is at the discretion of the Board depending upon the specifics of the request.

The Henry Mayo Newhall Foundation, established in 1963, is a private foundation incorporated under California law.

The mission of the Foundation is to improve the quality of life within the communities associated with the career and legacy of California pioneer Henry Mayo Newhall. These communities include San Francisco, the Santa Clarita Valley of Los Angeles County and the Santa Maria Valley in central California.

Funding Priorities 

The Foundation accepts proposals for the following program priorities:     

• Academic and cultural enrichment programs for children and youth (e.g., math and science; fine and visual arts; performing arts; computer literacy; tutoring and mentoring).    
• Agriculture, animal welfare and conservation programs.    
• College scholarship programs.    
• Historical preservation programs.    
• Outreach programs for the disadvantaged (e.g., homeless shelters, food banks, health centers, domestic violence shelters, care for the elderly).

Grants are typically awarded for one year in the range of $5,000 to $20,000 and may be renewed based on grantee performance and program effectiveness. The Foundation does not assume any obligation to provide continuing support to grantees beyond the initial grant.

The Foundation will consider requests for multi-year funding to facilitate effective program planning by supported institutions.

The Julius Sumner Miller Foundation is dedicated to benefiting society by supporting programs that foster science, especially physics, and aid health care for the elderly that improves their quality of life.

Toward this mission, the Foundation is primarily interested in awarding strategically significant project grants to public charities in the South Bay region of southern California in the following fields:

• Science Education (especially physics) and/or
• Health Care (specifically in-home & domestic services)

Julius Sumner Miller Foundation Grant

This program for which support is requested should offer a significant response to a demonstrated need in the area of education or health care. Please note that the Foundation seeks programs that, in addition to providing valuable services, have a strategy to measure the positive impact that the proposed service(s) will provide.

The Foundation makes a single, annual grant to a given applicant or program; however, multi-year grants may be considered, depending on the goals of the project and the results attained. Grant amounts vary according to the type of project and the needs of the awardee.  

Our Mission

Stater Bros. Charities is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that supports the critical needs in the communities where Stater Bros. teammates live and work. We help strengthen our local communities by investing in local organizations and causes with a focus on hunger relief, children’s well-being, education, health, veterans and active service members, and pet well-being.

Stater Bros. Charities is committed to ensuring that the funds raised through in-store campaigns and events stay right here in the communities served by Stater Bros. Markets. Funds are raised throughout the year from generous Stater Bros. customers, teammates, and vendor community.

Together, we've donated over $38 million to improve the quality of life in our Southern California communities.

Stater Bros Charities Grant

Stater Bros. Charities funds nonprofit organizations that help strengthen the communities Stater Bros. Markets is privileged to serve.

Causes We Support

• Hunger Relief
• Education
• Children's Well-being
• Veterans & Active Duty
• Pet Well-being
• Health

Funding

Grants typically range from $500 to $2,500.

Mission

Established in 2003, the Harry C. & Deborah L. Elliott Family Foundation is the philanthropic arm of builder and developer Elliott Homes. The Foundation’s mission is to enhance the quality of human life in the communities it serves. To that end, we help patients gain access to life-saving emergency care at hospitals, women and children rebuild their lives with safe shelter, and college students reach their goals through multi-year scholarships, among other projects. The Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors that meets on a monthly basis.

Interests

Funding has traditionally gone to community health care projects, scholarships for higher education, housing the homeless, environmental preservation and conservation, and services for disadvantaged seniors. Areas in which the Board members have special knowledge or interest are also considered.

About

The Robert & Toni Bader Charitable Foundation was created in 2010 to provide philanthropic support to help make the world a better place. Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, our mission is to help further Jewish ideals in the areas of education, science and the arts. 

Since our beginning, we’ve funded projects from New York to California, Michigan to Florida. We have helped teachers educate, helped children learn, helped feed the hungry, helped people earn a living, helped provide work for the unemployed, and helped find new ways to treat illness and improve quality of life. If you are engaged in any of these activities, let us hear from you.

Our logo, the Tree of Life, is a universal symbol of growth and re-growth, providing benefits to the present and future. The circle represents unity and continuity within our communities and our lives.

Guidelines

The Robert & Toni Bader Charitable Foundation (rtbcf) was created to help achieve the Jewish Ideals of improving the world through Science, Education and the Arts.

We do not have minimum or maximum grant amounts. Grants are made based on our evaluation of your project, the number of grants we are considering, and the amount of funds we have to distribute.

Investing in Our Communities

At Bank of Marin:

• We believe that doing our part to build a stronger community for all is essential to our collective success
• We strive to support nonprofits that foster community and economic vitality, equitable access to educational resources and an enriched quality of life.
• We commit to working with local organization in a collaborative manner through focused leadership, volunteerism, giving and financial education.

Since opening our doors in 1990, we—along with our employees—have donated millions of dollars, served on hundreds of nonprofit boards/committees and volunteered thousands of hours to local philanthropic endeavors.

Bank of Marin has consistently been ranked one of the “Top Corporate Philanthropists” by San Francisco Business Times since 2003, was inducted into NorthBay Biz’s “Best of” Hall of Fame in 2024, and ranked top 10 in Sacramento Business Journal’s Corporate Direct Giving List for philanthropic efforts in 2023.

Grant Funding Priorities

Social & Economic Vitality:

Foster a thriving economy and community by supporting efforts to meet basic needs.

Organization and programs related to:

• Basic needs and social safety net programs,
• economic development,
• affordable housing, and
• small business support, especially BIPOC and women-owned business.

Education

Enable youth and adults to gain the skills to thrive personally and professionally.

Organization and programs related to:

• youth financial literacy
• youth and professional development programs,
• access gaps in education (especially S.T.E.A.M. education) and professional development, and
• youth mentorship, college preparedness and academic success.

Enrichment & Wellness

Enhance quality of life and provide access to health and wellness programs.

Organization and programs related to:

• access to arts and cultural experiences,
• animal rescue and animal-human therapy,
• programs and services for people with diverse abilities.
• environment and sustainability.