Best Riverside Grants for Nonprofits in California

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The McMillen Family Foundation Grant aims to support non-profit organizations in Southern California focused on treatment, prevention, and education regarding alcohol and drug dependency. Prioritizing nonprofits with proven track records, the Foundation provides funding for activities beyond government support, with grants up to $50,000 for new applicants. The Foundation also offers technical assistance and collaboration opportunities to enhance the impact of its grantees in the community.

The RAP Foundation Small Grant, offered by the Regional Access Project Foundation Inc., provides up to $10,000 per year to nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and governmental agencies. This grant aims to enhance health, mental health, and juvenile intervention services for residents in the Coachella and Palo Verde Valleys. Eligible projects must address specific community needs, while funding cannot be used for fundraising events. This initiative supports nonprofits in improving local quality of life.

Stater Bros. Charities Grant supports nonprofit organizations dedicated to enhancing community well-being in Southern California. With a focus on hunger relief, education, children's health, veterans, and pet welfare, the grant provides funding between $500 and $2,500. As a 501(c)(3) organization, Stater Bros. Charities has donated over $38 million to local causes, ensuring that funds raised stay within the communities served by Stater Bros. Markets, benefiting those in need.

The Pew Biomedical Scholars Program offers significant funding of $300,000 over four years to support early-career researchers in biomedical sciences. The program encourages innovative and impactful research that contributes to human health, requiring nomination from one of the 212 participating institutions. Candidates must hold a doctorate, run an independent lab as an assistant professor, and demonstrate exceptional promise. This program fosters collaboration and annual meetings for scholars to present their findings.

The Community Impact Fund Grant, offered by the Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF), aims to support nonprofits in Riverside and San Bernardino counties during challenging times. With a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, this unrestricted grant program provides essential operating support to organizations tackling pressing community issues. In 2025, IECF will distribute $500,000 to empower local nonprofits, ensuring they can effectively fulfill their missions and enhance their impact across various sectors.

The Region Grants Open Grant Round: Community Vitality, supported by Land O'Lakes Foundation, aims to enhance the vibrancy of dairy communities in the East and West Regions. With a total investment of $500,000 annually, grants ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 are available for organizations focused on rural development, education, and community resources. Eligible applicants must have a 501c3 status and serve specific geographic areas, ensuring support reaches those in need.

The John W. Mack Movement Building Fellows Program, named after a civil rights leader, supports emerging movement leaders in Southern California. Since 2019, it has empowered 26 fellows with essential skills in leadership, community organizing, and wellness practices. The program emphasizes equity, peer learning, and professional coaching, providing each fellow with a grant of $25,000 to enhance their leadership journey and foster social and racial justice across diverse communities.

The Kirchgessner Foundation Grant focuses on supporting tax-exempt organizations in Southern California that provide vision care services to economically disadvantaged individuals, particularly the young, elderly, and disabled. Grants may be awarded for specific projects, seed funding for new initiatives, or general operating support. The Foundation prioritizes proposals from nonprofits in the Greater Los Angeles area, emphasizing self-sufficiency for the blind and vision-impaired. Overall, it seeks to enhance access to essential vision care.

The PLTW Engineering - New Program, supported by Burns & McDonnell, aims to empower U.S. students through STEM education. By offering at least one PLTW Engineering course in the 2026-2027 academic year, schools can enhance their curriculum and foster critical skills. This initiative not only increases access to valuable programs but also prepares students for future challenges in college and careers, ensuring they thrive in an evolving world.

The PLTW Engineering - Program Expansion initiative aims to enhance STEM education by increasing access to Project Lead The Way (PLTW) programs in communities served by Burns & McDonnell. This partnership focuses on empowering students through real-world learning experiences, helping them develop essential skills for future careers. Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, grants will support schools in expanding their existing PLTW Engineering programs to foster greater participation and engagement in STEM fields.

The PLTW Gateway - New Program, in partnership with Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance student engagement in STEM by providing teachers with essential resources and support. Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, eligible schools can apply for grants to introduce and expand PLTW programs, fostering real-world skills through applied learning. This initiative targets schools with significant free and reduced-price lunch populations, promoting equity in education across various U.S. counties.

The PLTW Gateway - Program Expansion initiative, led by Burns & McDonnell in partnership with Project Lead The Way (PLTW), aims to enhance STEM education by increasing access to PLTW programs for students in eligible communities. This program empowers students through real-world applied learning experiences, promoting essential skills for college and careers. Grants will support schools in expanding their existing PLTW Gateway programs starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, fostering a brighter future through education.

The PLTW Launch - New Program initiative, sponsored by Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by providing grants to eligible schools within specific U.S. counties. Schools must implement PLTW modules over two academic years, ensuring access to real-world learning experiences for students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. This program emphasizes the importance of empowering educators and fostering student engagement in STEM fields to prepare them for future careers.

The PLTW Launch - Program Expansion initiative by Burns & McDonnell aims to enhance access to STEM education in U.S. schools. This program focuses on empowering students by providing real-world learning experiences and essential skills. Grants will support schools in expanding PLTW programs during the 2026-2027 academic year, benefiting students from underserved communities. By fostering a deeper understanding of STEM, the initiative seeks to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem solvers.

The CIELO Fund at the Inland Empire Community Foundation aims to uplift and invest in Latino-led initiatives in the Inland Empire. Launched in 2022, it reflects the region's growing Latino majority and addresses disparities in areas such as education, health, and economic mobility. The fund emphasizes equitable growth and community collaboration to foster a vibrant future for all residents. With a focus on leadership development and environmental equity, it champions the aspirations of the Latino community while tackling pressing local challenges.

The S. Mark Taper Foundation, established in 1989, is a private family foundation committed to improving lives through support for nonprofit organizations in Southern California. It funds projects in arts, education, health, and more, with grant sizes ranging from $50,000 to over $100,000. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified and serve specific counties. Notably, those receiving funding in the past three years are ineligible to apply.

The TechAmerica Scholarship, offered by The San Diego Foundation, supports high-achieving public high school seniors in San Diego County pursuing non-medical STEM degrees. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.75 and standardized test scores of at least 1200 SAT or 29 ACT. This scholarship aims to empower students to enroll full-time in accredited four-year universities in Southern California, thereby fostering educational advancement in critical STEM fields.

The San Manuel Cares Grant Program, offered by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, focuses on empowering communities in the Inland Empire and Indian Country. The program supports educational initiatives, community development, and cultural preservation, emphasizing positive social change. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and local government agencies. Funding is directed towards programs that enhance education, provide basic needs, and promote resilience among underserved populations, fostering a healthier, culturally rich community.

The Mary Eleanor Morris Scholarship, established by the estate of Mary Eleanor Leonard Morris, supports educational opportunities for graduating seniors from Logan County, Ohio. This scholarship reflects Morris's enduring commitment to community service, benefiting students from various local high schools. Eligible candidates must not hold significant national scholarships and must plan to attend an accredited educational institution in the U.S. This initiative aims to empower local youth and foster their educational aspirations.

The RAP Foundation's Sponsorship Grant provides up to $5,000 for community events that are free and open to the public. This funding supports initiatives focused on health, mental health, and juvenile intervention in eastern Riverside County, Coachella Valley, and Palo Verde Valley. Nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and governmental agencies can apply. It is essential to submit requests at least 90 days before the event to ensure timely review.

The Inland Empire Youth Grantmakers program empowers high school students to address critical issues in their communities, focusing on mental health and education equity. With a hands-on, six-month experience, participants engage in grantmaking, community service, and advocacy. In 2025, the program shifted to prioritize mental health and educational resources, ensuring all youth have access to opportunities for success. By supporting nonprofits that provide essential services, the initiative aims to create lasting social change in Riverside, San Bernardino, and Coachella Valley.

The Anderson Children's Foundation, established in 1970 by Irene W. Anderson, aims to address the unmet needs of children of diverse backgrounds in the Coachella Valley, California. The foundation encourages nonprofit organizations to apply for funding to support initiatives in health, education, recreation, and the arts. With a commitment to nurturing young people, ACF welcomes proposals that align with its mission to inspire and uplift the youth in the community.

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.

The In-N-Out Burger Foundation supports organizations that aid children and youth affected by abuse and neglect, offering grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. Eligible nonprofits must be 501(c)(3) registered, operational for at least two years, and demonstrate a commitment to the foundation's mission. Applications are considered for traditional, capital, and program support, focusing on sustainable solutions and clear objectives. Organizations must operate in areas with In-N-Out Burger locations to qualify.

The Irene S. Rockwell Fund, managed by the Inland Empire Community Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life for the residents of Perris, California. Grants averaging $3,000 are available to nonprofit organizations and public agencies that address critical community needs, focusing on equity and collaboration. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a strong presence in Riverside or San Bernardino Counties and have at least three years of nonprofit status. This fund prioritizes projects that fill service gaps and support underserved populations.

The Region Grants Open Grant Round: Hunger Relief, sponsored by the Land O'Lakes Foundation, aims to combat food insecurity in rural communities. Grants between $1,000 and $20,000 are available for organizations supporting food banks, meal programs, and community gardens. With a total investment of $500,000 annually, this initiative prioritizes nonprofits with 501c3 status serving specific regions in the East and West. The program seeks to enhance the vibrancy of member-owner communities while fostering educational and community vitality.