Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in California

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in California supporting children, education, or health and human services can seek monetary program funding that may help with general operating needs. With a mission to strengthen communities, Costco Foundation provides nonprofits with grants reviewed on community need, measurable outcomes, collaboration, and a broad base of financial support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative approaches to human and social services, health, environment, arts, literacy, or community safety in California can seek funding for new or evolving programs. Creag Foundation supports smaller or growing organizations testing new solutions to social problems; applications are by invitation, starting with a letter of inquiry.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting youth health, education, development, or welfare can access funding through Dan Paul Foundation, including groups in California. Grants up to US $15,000 may support child advocacy, homelessness and poverty services, early childhood development, refugee enrichment, environmental education, clean air and water initiatives, and related youth-focused programs worldwide.

Nonprofit and NGO programs using technology for crisis response, education access, or economic empowerment in California and worldwide can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. With a mission to strengthen communities, Cisco Systems Foundation provides project funding for innovative, early-stage solutions serving predominantly economically underserved populations.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in California can seek State Farm support for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help fund projects like auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization, job training, financial literacy, and K–12 or higher education programs.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in California seeking support for health, education, or community initiatives can apply for grants that fund food pantries, healthcare for underserved populations, STEM programming, and healthy lifestyle efforts. With a mission to expand equitable care and education, Labcorp Charitable Foundation provides flexible support to U.S.-based charities serving local communities.

Nonprofit service providers in California offering youth, education, family, health, or violence prevention programs can seek unrestricted, restricted, or challenge grants that support either specific initiatives or general operations. With a mission to enhance community quality of life, Majestic Realty Foundation provides established organizations in its Greater Los Angeles, San Gabriel Valley, Inland Empire, and surrounding markets with active philanthropic partnership.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in California communities where PNC operates can seek PNC Foundation grants for early childhood education, community development, arts and culture, and services for low- to moderate-income families. PNC Foundation provides funding for direct programs, educator development, housing and small business support, and neighborhood revitalization initiatives.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in California seeking support for charitable, scientific, medical, or educational work may be eligible for this funding, which must be used in the U.S. Grants from Sidney Stern Memorial Trust help tax-exempt organizations, including those in California, strengthen well-managed programs with broad impact that advance the general welfare.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

California nonprofit organizations seeking unrestricted core operating support can apply for the Community Impact Fund, offering up to US $20,000 for general operating costs. Inland Empire Community Foundation provides six-month grants to strengthen organizational capacity and infrastructure for nonprofits serving Riverside and San Bernardino counties during a time of uncertainty.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for community services, programs, or fundraising events can apply for grants or event sponsorships that provide flexible financial help. Focused on community involvement, Insperity invites organizations connected to its employees, client base, or local communities to request once-yearly funding that may function as general or event-related support.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation provides California nonprofits with US $1,000 - US $20,000 in general support for community-based programs. IRS-qualified organizations across museums, arts, education, health facilities, environmental and wildlife protection, youth, seniors, disability services, and job readiness initiatives may be eligible, as long as modest awards can make a significant impact.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven causes can apply for Ameriprise Financial support for program work. Ameriprise Financial provides U.S. nonprofits with funding for hunger relief, shelter and supportive housing, financial literacy, workforce readiness, community development, and arts access, with priority for organizations engaging Ameriprise employees and advisors as volunteers.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking project funding in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural, or environmental programs can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000. Focused on broad community impact, Dr Scholl Foundation offers one-year awards, with most funding going to U.S. organizations and one application accepted per year.

S. Mark Taper Foundation provides California nonprofits with unrestricted general operating, program, and capital support across arts, education, health, environment, social services, and civic affairs. 501(c)(3) organizations serving Imperial, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, or Ventura counties may be eligible, with capital grants limited to Los Angeles County-based projects.

California 501(c)(3) arts and culture nonprofits with Santa Clara County as their home base can receive general operating support for accessible, community-focused programming. Silicon Valley Creates provides unrestricted funding to small organizations that demonstrate equity, inclusion, artistic vibrancy, and sustained local engagement, with a two-year application cycle and potential renewal for current grantees.

Nonprofits, schools, government entities, and faith-based organizations serving Orange County, California can receive unrestricted support for capacity-building, infrastructure, and expert services. Grants from Samueli Foundation help California nonprofits access US $50,000 - US $100,000 for talent and leadership development, systems and equipment upgrades, contracted expertise, or other unique organizational needs that strengthen community well-being.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving community quality of life can access funding through O'Reilly Automotive Foundation for project, general operating, or capital support. U.S.-based organizations in O’Reilly Auto Parts communities working on economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief may be eligible, including those seeking some unrestricted operating support within the program’s limits.

California 501(c)(3) public charities serving communities on the Union Pacific rail network can apply for Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $30,000 for program-specific work. Funding supports safety, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability projects rather than general operating expenses.

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.

Focused on child abuse and neglect services, In-N-Out Burgers Foundation invites California 501(c)(3) nonprofits to seek $10,000 - $50,000 in program or general operating support. Eligible organizations must serve children and youth impacted by abuse or neglect, operate in specified California counties with In-N-Out locations, and have at least a $100,000 annual budget.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.