Best History Grants in California

Nonprofit and fiscally sponsored organizations serving Monterey County residents can apply for Community Foundation for Monterey County’s Organizational Development Grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $10,000 for capacity-building projects. Funding supports strategic management, leadership transitions, planning, or systems improvements that strengthen internal operations; history-focused organizations in California may be eligible if they meet these criteria.

Nonprofit organizations providing direct services in education, arts and culture, human services, or youth and family support, primarily in Los Angeles County, can seek program funding of more than US $10,000. With a mission to strengthen Southern California communities, Rose Hills Foundation provides California nonprofits with responsive support that may benefit history, cultural heritage, and community-based programming.

California nonprofits, public schools, and districts working on community development, education, and youth and family services can access funding through S H Cowell Foundation to strengthen organizations in high-poverty Northern and Central California communities. Projects that advance racial equity, resident voice, and opportunities for children and youth, including history-related or civic leadership initiatives, may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and schools in California serving communities in Albertsons and Vons store areas can apply for Albertsons Companies Foundation support, with typical first-time awards of US $1,000 - US $5,000. Funding may benefit history-related programs that address health and human services, hunger, youth and education, veterans, disability inclusion, or broader social services in eligible Southern California counties.

California community-based nonprofit organizations working on fresh food access, food recovery, or youth and family support programs can apply for funding from Save Mart Cares. Grants range from US $500 - US $10,000 and are awarded quarterly, with one cycle dedicated to retail food recovery infrastructure, which may benefit history-focused groups that also address community food needs.

California public agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits preserving historic Route 66 sites can access funding through National Trust for Historic Preservation to support restoration, interpretation, and related preservation projects. Grants of US $2,500 - US $10,000 may fund construction, consultant fees, education programs, and materials for historically significant places connected to the Route 66 corridor.

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.

Nonprofits and public benefit organizations using nature to strengthen and heal people can seek US $5,000 - US $30,000 for programs serving Santa Barbara and Los Angeles Counties in California. With a mission to share nature’s healing power, Adams Legacy Foundation also supports collaborative efforts expanding access to green spaces, which may benefit history-focused community initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations providing health and human services in California, especially in the Greater Sacramento and Northern California region, can seek approximately US $10,000 to support ongoing projects, one-time initiatives, or operational needs. Grants from Kelly Foundation help eligible groups, including those with history-related programming that intersects with community health, improve access to coordinated healthcare and behavioral health services.

Nonprofit organizations serving Latino communities with programs in leadership, education, health, housing, environment, or related equity issues in California’s Inland Empire can seek support through the CIELO Fund. With a mission to uplift Latino-led and Latino-serving efforts, Inland Empire Community Foundation provides up to US $15,000 for work in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, including history and storytelling initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on behavioral health and substance use disorder programs in California can apply for Elevance Health Foundation’s Behavioral Health Grant. Funding supports treatment access, prevention and early intervention, and reducing loneliness for people with mental health and SUD challenges; California history organizations with relevant health-focused programming may be eligible.

California history organizations and community groups in California can access funding through California Humanities for Connecting California Quick Grants, offering US $1,000 - US $5,000 for public activities and events. Projects should use the humanities to strengthen social connection, foster understanding and empathy, and share diverse local stories and experiences.

California 501(c)(3) organizations, tribes, land trusts, local governments, and fiscally sponsored groups can apply for Arts in California Parks’ Local Parks Implementation Grants to create art and nature projects in local parks. History-focused community events, installations, or programming that highlight local cultural heritage and enhance community connection, health, and well-being may be eligible.

Qualified tax-exempt nonprofit organizations in Fremont, California can apply for Niles Rotary Club grants of US $500 - US $5,000 to support local programs, projects, capital needs, or equipment. History-focused initiatives that enhance community life and demonstrate measurable, long-term significance in the Fremont area may be especially competitive.

 Preservation & Accessibility of California’s LGBTQ+ History

The Preservation & Accessibility of California’s LGBTQ+ History grant opportunity provides funding for California organizations to support the preservation and public accessibility of LGBTQ+ archives. Funds are provided by the State of California.

This opportunity is targeted at archives, and organizations with archival collections, for projects that preserve and make publicly accessible collections relevant to the LGBTQ+ movement, culture, experience, and/or history in California. This opportunity aims to preserve and make accessible materials demonstrating the significant role of LGBTQ+ Californians and the LGBTQ+ movement in this state. By preserving and making these resources available to others, funded projects will help provide a more comprehensive and inclusive view of California’s history. 

Funding

Minimum funding request: $5,000. Maximum funding request: $200,000.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing practical support for people seeking abortion care can apply for the California Department of Health Care Access and Information’s Abortion Practical Support Grant Program; awards US $100,000 - US $750,000 for direct services like travel, lodging, childcare, and related organizational support. Funding serves pregnant individuals in or traveling to California.

Focused on child abuse and neglect, this invite-only opportunity from In-N-Out Burgers Foundation provides US $10,000 - US $50,000 for program, general operating, and selective capital support to 501(c)(3) nonprofits. California organizations serving abused or neglected children and youth, including those experiencing homelessness or domestic violence, may be eligible if they operate in counties with In-N-Out locations.

California arts and cultural organizations seeking general operating support for rent, utilities, staff, and other core expenses can apply for grants up to US $30,000. Grants from California Arts Council help California nonprofits, local and tribal governments, and fiscally sponsored groups with at least two years of arts programming; history-focused cultural organizations may be eligible.

The Impact Projects Grants from the California Arts Council aim to empower local artists to address social issues within historically underserved communities. This program encourages collaborations between artists and community members to creatively tackle challenges such as economic disparity, health access, and social justice. Eligible organizations must have a proven history in arts programming and comply with specific guidelines to ensure community engagement and accessibility, fostering cultural expression unique to California's diverse populations.

The State-Local Partners (SLP) Grant Program offers essential operating support and technical assistance to county-designated local arts agencies in California. Through a collaborative effort between the State and counties, this program aims to promote cultural development at the local level. It encourages partnerships that enrich the arts across diverse communities, fostering creative expression and enhancing the quality of life for Californians. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and local government units.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running Food as Medicine or nutrition-focused programs can apply for Elevance Health Foundation support, including initiatives in California. With a mission to drive innovative community health solutions, the foundation funds efforts that improve clinical outcomes for diet-related conditions and increase access to nutritious foods for people facing food and nutrition insecurity.

California theatre nonprofits producing contemporary, professional plays on current social issues can access funding through the Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation for production costs and community engagement, with awards ranging from US $10,000 - US $25,000. Eligible 501(c)(3) theatres must have $1M+ in annual revenue and at least two years of programming.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits preserving local history and culture can apply for Schwemm Family Foundation grants up to Up to US $8,000. Grants support projects documenting or interpreting pre-1935 community history with enduring, accessible components, and may also fund related environmental conservation or healthy community initiatives in eligible California communities.

The Haynes Foundation offers Archival Grants to support cataloging and archival projects at libraries in Los Angeles. These grants focus on materials relevant to Southern California and public policy, considering factors like rarity and completeness. Notable past recipients include The Huntington Library and the Japanese American National Museum. Partial funding is typically provided, and preference is given to applicants securing matching funds from other sources. Interested applicants should notify the Foundation before submitting a proposal.

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.

Nonprofit arts organizations and fiscally sponsored groups in California’s Los Angeles County can seek up to US $250,000 for multi-year arts programming and projects that serve local communities. Focused on arts access and education, the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture supports both new and ongoing activities, including planning, implementation, and community-focused events.

California Documentary Project Grants

The California Documentary Project (CDP) supports nonfiction film, audio, and digital media projects that explore the histories, cultures, ideas, and experiences that shape California. Through a humanities-based approach, CDP supports storytellers in bringing California’s diverse experiences, forms of knowledge, communities, and histories to audiences across the state and beyond. CDP Research and

Research & Development Grants 

Research & Development grants support documentary media projects in their earliest stages, helping strengthen their humanities content and approach as they move toward production. 

Best for: Projects in the research, development, and early planning stages.