Best Grants for Churches in California

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

Focused on innovative social impact, Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation invites California organizations addressing urgent social or environmental issues to apply. Churches and faith-based groups with scalable programs that benefit underserved communities may be eligible for support, especially if their work aligns with areas like poverty alleviation, education, or health care access.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

Focused on soccer development, Humboldt Area Foundation invites California organizations to apply for grants supporting soccer professionals, field improvements, and participation scholarships in Humboldt County. Churches and faith-based groups serving the community through soccer-related programs may be eligible if they meet the foundation’s charitable project requirements.

Grants from Joan M Wismer Foundation help California organizations advance youth development, education, and humanitarian initiatives. Churches and faith-based groups with 501(c)(3) status may be eligible for support if their programs enrich lives or provide community services. Priority is given to applicants with clear plans for sustainable funding.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

Focused on Indigenous services, Humboldt Area Foundation invites California churches and nonprofit organizations to apply for funding that addresses the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples crisis in Northern California. Eligible groups in Humboldt, Del Norte, and Trinity counties may benefit from support for advocacy, organizing, and capacity building efforts in their communities.

Grants from La Roche, Inc. help California organizations advance community, educational, environmental, and cultural projects. Churches and faith-based groups may be eligible if their initiatives align with priorities like humanitarian aid, STEM education, or arts and culture. Funding is available for accredited charities operating locally within California.

Grants from Sally Hughes Church Foundation help California organizations support youth development, family services, and arts engagement in Monterey County. Nonprofit groups with initiatives that benefit youth well-being, foster positive parenting, or enrich cultural experiences may be eligible. Churches offering youth-focused programs in the region could also benefit from this funding.

With a mission to strengthen resilience, Humboldt Area Foundation provides California churches and faith-based organizations with funding for disaster relief and preparedness. Eligible groups in Humboldt, Del Norte, and Trinity counties may receive support during emergencies such as fires, earthquakes, and floods. Churches serving vulnerable populations may benefit from this opportunity.

The Bertin Family Foundation Grants support 501(c)(3) public charities that align with the foundation's mission of community strengthening and compassion. Grant requests are accepted annually from July 1 to August 31, focusing on program or project support rather than general endowment. The foundation values measurable outcomes and responsible stewardship, and gives preference to organizations with Gold or Platinum status on Candid.

California churches and faith-based organizations can access funding through Robinson Foundation, which supports religious, spiritual, and community-focused initiatives. Programs addressing spiritual endeavors, education, family support, or poverty relief may be eligible. Qualified 501(c)(3) organizations serving local needs are encouraged to apply for projects that create a meaningful impact in their communities.

Insperity's Corporate Contributions program emphasizes community involvement and corporate citizenship, providing philanthropic grants and event sponsorships to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Eligible organizations must engage Insperity employees or contribute to the communities where they operate. The program aims to support nonprofits in achieving their service goals and enhancing community welfare. Applications must be submitted 90 days prior to events, and funding requests can be made once a year.

California churches and faith-based organizations can access funding through Citi Foundation’s Community Progress Makers Fund, which supports community development, affordable housing, and economic opportunity initiatives. Churches with strong ties to low-income communities and a record of local collaboration may be eligible for unrestricted grants and technical assistance.

With a mission to support positive change, Dudley T Dougherty Foundation Inc provides California community organizations with funding for community services, environmental conservation, and peacebuilding. Churches and faith-based groups in California engaged in charitable activities may be eligible to apply for these grants.

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

About the Bertin Family Foundation

Founders: Kim and Jennifer BertinAfter a successful career innovating orthopedic surgical techniques, devices, and implants, Kim and his wife Jennifer feel a deep sense of stewardship to dedicate their resources to helping others. They engage all three generations of the Bertin family in hands-on service and grantmaking decisions, fostering a shared commitment to giving back. Through the foundation’s work, the Bertin family seeks to strengthen communities, support meaningful causes, and inspire future generations to lead with compassion and purpose. 

NOW Grants

A limited number of grants are available for one time projects or programs that emerge outside of the standard review period. These grants are for $5000 or less.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

With a mission to improve communities, Dr Scholl Foundation provides California organizations with funding for education, social services, health care, civic, cultural, and environmental initiatives. Churches and faith-based groups engaged in these areas may be eligible to apply if they meet 501(c)(3) requirements.

Grants from KEOWN ROBERT J TUW help California Christian organizations that provide charitable, benevolent, and religious support, especially for those in need. While organized churches are not eligible, faith-based nonprofits serving the Christian community may benefit from this funding opportunity. Preference is given to programs assisting needy or vulnerable Christians.

Samueli Foundation supports community services in California by providing unrestricted funding to organizations serving Orange County. Churches and faith-based groups with projects benefiting the broader community—such as food pantries or clothing closets—may be eligible. Grants range from $50,000 to $100,000 and can support leadership, infrastructure, or unique community initiatives.

California churches and faith-based organizations can access funding through the Samueli Foundation’s Build OC Fund for capital projects in Orange County. Eligible projects include facility acquisition, construction, renovation, repairs, or equipment that benefit the community at large. Churches serving local needs may be eligible if their projects align with community well-being and nonprofit development.

Grants from O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Inc help California organizations address economic stability, workforce development, health, and disaster relief. Churches and faith-based groups in California with community-oriented programs—such as hunger relief, mental health, or disaster aid—may be eligible if they operate as 501(c)(3) nonprofits and meet the foundation’s guidelines.

Humboldt Area Foundation provides California churches and nonprofits with funding for summer youth educational programs and camps. Eligible organizations in Humboldt, Del Norte, and Curry counties offering youth activities between June 1 and September 1 may apply. Churches with youth-focused summer programming may benefit from this opportunity to strengthen their community impact.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Harold J. Miossi Charitable Trust provides California churches with funding for programs and capital improvements, especially those connected to historic Catholic missions in San Luis Obispo County. Nonprofit organizations serving residents in this area may be eligible for support, with a focus on religious, educational, and community enrichment initiatives.