Best Riverside Grants for Nonprofits in California

Spectrum Digital Education Grants support nonprofit organizations in educating communities about broadband benefits and usage. These grants aim to bridge the digital divide, particularly for seniors and those with disabilities or ethnically diverse backgrounds. Applicants must demonstrate community partnership, address specific needs, and provide measurable impact metrics. With a focus on financial feasibility and meaningful outcomes, this initiative ensures that underrepresented urban and rural communities gain access to essential digital resources, fostering long-term improvement in their lives.

The Engaging Young Catholics Grants aim to support ministries that provide faith formation to children, teens, young adults, and families. By focusing on the pastoral needs of young Catholics, the program enhances community vibrancy and fosters new leadership within the church. Catholic Extension prioritizes operational support and seed funding for initiatives that develop youth and young adult ministries, ensuring that dioceses can effectively reach and engage younger generations in their faith.

The Rams Readers Request program aims to ignite a passion for reading among elementary school students in Los Angeles. Centered around the book 'Ride with Rampage,' the initiative features the Rams mascot engaging students in an exciting assembly. Participants receive a copy of the book and related activities, promoting reading comprehension skills during critical developmental years. This engaging experience, lasting approximately one hour, brings together young fans and the Rams community, fostering a love for literature and learning.

The Play 60 Field Day is an initiative by the Los Angeles Rams aimed at encouraging children in grades K-5 to be active for 60 minutes daily, promoting healthy habits to combat childhood obesity. This structured event includes football fundamentals and interactive activities, allowing students to engage in a non-competitive environment. The Rams staff, along with mascots and cheerleaders, facilitate the event, ensuring a fun and impactful experience for young participants.

The Building Capacity Grants by Catholic Extension aim to enhance the financial and operational capabilities of dioceses. This initiative focuses on funding projects that promote efficiency, financial stability, and effective fiscal management, ultimately fostering a self-sustaining community. Eligible programs include fundraising development initiatives and operational assessments, ensuring resources are utilized efficiently while supporting professional development for church leadership. This grant empowers dioceses to strengthen their foundations for future growth.

Catholic Extension's Enhancing Pastoral and Social Ministry Grants aim to empower the church to broaden its outreach and foster societal transformation through targeted pastoral and social initiatives. This program supports specific elements of the church's ministerial efforts, including funding for catechetical resources, marriage and family ministries, and social outreach for vulnerable populations. By investing in these areas, Catholic Extension seeks to enhance the church's role in communities, especially following disasters.

The Catholic School Leadership Development Grant Program aims to cultivate and retain promising leaders within the Catholic school system. In partnership with Loyola Marymount University, this initiative offers a graduate-level online Certificate in Catholic School Administration, covering 80% of tuition costs and providing funding for essential travel. The one-year program focuses on mission effectiveness, operational management, and instructional leadership, requiring participants to serve two years in their diocese post-completion, thereby enhancing local educational leadership.

The Desert Conservation Program, administered by the California Wildlife Conservation Board, aims to protect and restore the Mojave and Colorado Deserts, which are vital for biodiversity and cultural heritage. This initiative, established through the California Desert Conservation Act, focuses on land acquisition, restoration, and enhancing public access while also addressing climate resilience and improving air and water quality. Eligible projects include habitat restoration and scientific studies to support endangered species recovery.

The Balmes Family Trust Grant, established by Robert L. and Margaret K. Balmes, aims to support organizations that assist military personnel who have lost limbs and those enhancing life in Southern California. Founded in 2004, the trust embodies Mr. Balmes's legacy as a pioneer in Homeowner Association Management. It prioritizes funding for 501(c)(3) organizations in California, ensuring a positive impact on the community and honoring the sacrifices of veterans.

Mobile Beacon's Connect for Success program addresses the digital divide by providing schools with essential technology resources. This initiative offers up to 25 laptops and 4G devices with 12 months of complimentary high-speed internet service. By targeting students and communities facing digital inequities, the program ensures that all students can complete homework and access educational content from home. With ongoing support options available post-grant, Mobile Beacon is committed to fostering equitable learning environments and empowering educators to enhance digital inclusion.

The Neighborhood Builders Program, supported by Bank of America, empowers 501(c)(3) nonprofits through a two-year leadership development initiative. Participants receive funding, training, and networking opportunities to enhance their impact in communities. Since its inception, the program has invested over $346 million, training more than 4,000 leaders. The initiative focuses on advancing social mobility and economic opportunities, ensuring affordable housing, and fostering resilient communities. This program is vital for nonprofits aiming to strengthen their leadership and community engagement.

Public and charter schools starting new PLTW Gateway STEM programs in Riverside, California can receive US $20,000 to cover participation fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training costs. Eligible schools must be in Riverside County, serve at least 40% free/reduced-price lunch students, and commit to two different Gateway units over two years. Project Lead The Way partners with Burns & McDonnell to deliver this funding.

Public or charter middle schools in Riverside, California that already offer PLTW Gateway and serve at least 40% free or reduced-price lunch students can seek funding to expand their STEM program. Focused on STEM/STEAM education, Project Lead The Way supports added Gateway units, extra class periods, equipment, technology, and teacher core training with grants of US $10,000.

Public and charter schools expanding PLTW Computer Science programs in Riverside, California can use this grant for participation fees, required computers or tablets, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training. With a mission to expand STEM access, Project Lead The Way provides support for schools in eligible Burns & McDonnell communities starting in 2027–2028.

Parkview Legacy FoundationThe Parkview Legacy Foundation Impact Grants will provide financial support to organizations that are working everyday to attain permanent affordable housing, social mobility, and whole health for the residents within our service area. The Foundation respects and appreciates the work of all organizations that aim to improve the lives of others but is committed to fund systemic change that positively affects the root causes of poverty and health disparity.Focus Areas

• Housing Stability
• Social Mobility
• Whole health accessibility
• Integrated Solutions

About Emergent Needs Impact Grant

• Emergent Needs (formely Special Needs) funding is intended to support one-time needs organizations have to accomplish institutional or programmatic goals that are instrumental to their mission. Examples of emergent needs include purchases of equipment or software, one-time programmatic gap funding, cash flow support, a special staff support project, and one-time staff development needs.
• The Emergent Needs Fund is the smallest of our three funds and intended to help fill smaller funding gaps or cover smaller one-time needs that are not currently funded by other sources. 
• Grants from the Emergent Needs fund are expected to be used as described in the Grant application within one year of distribution.

The PLTW Computer Science program, supported by Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education in various communities by funding schools to implement PLTW courses. This partnership promotes student engagement with real-world challenges, preparing them for future careers in technology. With a total grant of $20,000, schools must offer multiple PLTW courses over two years, ensuring access to quality education for underserved populations.

The PLTW Engineering program, in partnership with Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by providing grants to public and charter schools in specific counties. This initiative empowers students to engage with real-world challenges through hands-on learning experiences. Eligible schools must offer PLTW Engineering courses, ensuring access to quality education for students from diverse backgrounds. With a total grant of $40,000 over two years, this program seeks to inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators.

The PLTW Engineering Program Expansion by Burns and McDonnell aims to enhance STEM education in eligible communities. This initiative supports schools in expanding their existing PLTW Engineering programs, providing students with hands-on experiences and essential skills. The program focuses on empowering students through new courses and teacher training, ensuring access for underrepresented populations. By fostering excitement around STEM, Burns and McDonnell is committed to shaping the future workforce and enhancing educational opportunities in critical areas.

Qualified educational institutions and nonprofits running aviation-focused STEM programs in Riverside, California can seek up to US $50,000 to support training, certification, or education initiatives. With a mission to inspire future aviation pioneers, Jetblue Grants Foundation prioritizes programs serving under-represented groups, including women, veterans, diverse communities, LGBTQ+ people, and individuals with disabilities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations strengthening rural community resources and services in Riverside, California and other eligible Land O’Lakes dairy regions can apply for US $1,000 - US $20,000 for local programs and projects. With a mission to support hunger relief, education, and community vitality, Land O'Lakes Foundation provides funding for efforts like ag education, city improvements, and first responder needs.

The Francis Grants, established by Catholic Extension, offer funding for significant events in poor mission dioceses, such as the ordination of new Bishops, anniversaries, or papal visits. These grants also support educational endeavors for Bishops. Named in honor of Francis Clement Kelly, Francis Cardinal George OMI, and Pope Francis, the program aims to strengthen the Catholic faith across the U.S. Since 1905, Catholic Extension has invested over $500 million to assist communities in need.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program - California

The Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program provides supplies, equipment, and financial support to a variety of qualified groups and programs at the local level; geared towards youth, women, law enforcement, veterans, the disabled, and the general public, including:

• General shooting programs
• Competitive shooting
• Education, training and safety
• Hunting and conservation
• Community outreach
• Historical education

Grant funding must be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials.

The Begole Archaeological Research Grant supports scientific research in Colorado Desert District parks and related areas in California and Baja California. Annually, two grants of up to $5,000 each are available for archaeological projects, with no topic restrictions. Eligibility includes students, faculty, agency staff, and independent scholars. Priority may be given to research focusing on early prehistory. Proof of permitting is required before funds are awarded, and no charges for salaries or overhead are allowed.

The NRA Foundation in California offers grants aimed at promoting charitable purposes related to firearms and hunting safety. Eligible organizations include IRS-recognized entities and government bodies. Grant requests must align with the Foundation's mission to educate the public about firearms and support research on safety. Ineligible organizations include labor unions and private businesses. The funding decisions are made solely by the Foundation based on its criteria.

TE Connectivity's Community Ambassador Program supports meaningful community impact by providing grants to registered nonprofits and educational institutions. This initiative evaluates proposals based on alignment with TE's values, community focus areas like education or health services, and opportunities for employee engagement. The program operates both in the US and internationally, with numerous ambassador locations, aiming to foster community development and engagement around the globe.

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.

Riverside, California 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on hunger relief and food access can receive US $1,000 - US $20,000 for local programs in eligible rural communities. Land O'Lakes Foundation funds food banks, pantries, meal programs, delivery services, school meals, and community gardens serving rural areas within its Riverside County member footprint.