Best Sacramento Grants for Nonprofits in California

501(c)(3) nonprofits, civic, and trade organizations in Sacramento, California can apply for Community West Bank’s donations and sponsorship support to strengthen local communities. Funding may support financial literacy training, grants and scholarships, events, and other community services, with a preference for efforts outside of capital campaigns and applications at least 60 days before event dates.

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.

Nonprofit organizations, local agencies, and state departments in Sacramento, California can apply for California Wildlife Conservation Board funding to acquire, restore, or enhance inland wetlands and associated habitats. Grants from California Wildlife Conservation Board help Sacramento conservation groups protect wetlands, secure conservation easements, and support bird populations and wildlife-friendly agriculture in the Central Valley.

Nonprofit organizations and local agencies working on habitat conservation and public access projects along the American River Parkway in Sacramento, California can seek funding through the Lower American River Conservancy Program. California Wildlife Conservation Board supports land acquisition, habitat restoration, and development of wildlife-oriented public access facilities within Sacramento County’s Parkway corridor.

Sacramento, California legal services nonprofits, solo practitioners, and small law firms pursuing impact litigation can access funding through the Impact Fund to cover out-of-pocket litigation costs, such as experts and discovery, in economic, environmental, racial, and social justice cases. Recoverable grants of US $10,000 - US $50,000 support filed or soon-to-be-filed cases benefiting communities facing systemic oppression.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting basic needs, education, or enrichment programs in Sacramento, California and other Northern California counties can apply for Bank of Marin’s annual grants. Focused on social and economic vitality, education, and wellness, this funding may benefit nonprofits working on housing, workforce development, STEAM education, arts access, or related services.

Nonprofits and public agencies in Sacramento, California hosting a single event that promotes health, racial equity, or community well-being can apply for Sierra Health Foundation’s sponsorships. Eligible organizations in its Northern California funding region must email event sponsorship requests by the quarterly deadlines; funded events must align with the foundation’s mission and occur after approval.

Nonprofit performing arts organizations in Sacramento, Placer, Yolo, and El Dorado counties can apply for Sacramento Region Community Foundation’s Dennis Mangers Fund, with awards up to US $5,000 for in-house youth training programs. Funding supports tuition assistance, professional teaching staff, instruments, materials, transportation, and apprenticeship or internship stipends for underserved young performers ages 8–17.

Emerging professionals interested in law and public policy can access fellowship funding for court administration experience through California State University in Sacramento, California. Sacramento organizations supporting qualified candidates may benefit from this Judicial Fellowship Program, which places fellows in superior courts and Judicial Council offices to work on access to justice, research, legislative analysis, and community outreach projects.

Individuals with a bachelor’s degree, age 20 or older, interested in state government and public policy can apply for California State University’s California Senate Fellows Program, a full-time service-learning fellowship in California’s legislative process. Sacramento-area nonprofits may benefit when staff or emerging leaders participate to build civic leadership and governance expertise.

Individuals interested in civic leadership and public policy in Sacramento, California can access funding and professional development through the Executive Fellowship Program, a leadership initiative of California State University. Sacramento civic leadership organizations may benefit by encouraging qualified candidates to apply for this hands-on state government fellowship experience.

Emerging professionals interested in public policy and state government can gain hands-on legislative experience in Sacramento, California through the Jesse M. Unruh Assembly Fellowship Program. Focused on public policy and education, California State University invites qualified applicants to work in the state capitol, develop professional skills, and build careers in public service.

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.

Sacramento, California animal welfare nonprofits can access funding through Sacramento Region Community Foundation to improve the welfare of domestic and wild animals. 501(c)(3) organizations in eligible nearby counties may request US $500 - US $1,500 for materials, equipment, and education or outreach projects scheduled for the 2026–2027 year.

Sacramento, California 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public agencies can access funding through Teichert Foundation for specific community projects, with awards ranging from US $3,000 - US $7,500. Eligible programs include civic improvement, social services, education and workforce development, environmental sustainability, health and rehabilitation, and services for youth and older adults in Teichert’s operating counties.

High school seniors in Sacramento, California and select surrounding counties planning full-time study at a community college or four-year college can receive scholarships to support higher education goals through the Columbia Bank Kenneth R. Gifford, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Program. Grants from Community Foundation of the North State provide US $1,000 awards to eligible students with at least a 3.0 GPA.

Economically challenged, community-minded graduating high school seniors pursuing higher or vocational education, including those in Sacramento, California, can receive scholarships of US $1,500 for college, community college, or trade school costs. With a mission to impact the region through giving, Community Foundation of the North State administers the Tri Counties Bank Endowed Scholarship Fund’s income-based awards across eligible California counties.

Sacramento, California college-bound high school seniors with strong academics, community service, or business entrepreneurship can access funding through the Community Foundation of the North State’s Tri Counties Bank Endowed Scholarship Fund. This merit-based award offers US $1,000 scholarships to eligible seniors from designated California counties entering community college, trade school, or four-year institutions.

Established 501(c)(3) nonprofits with youth development projects and at least two years of operations serving Sacramento, California and nearby counties can seek project support and in-kind assistance. With a mission to cultivate civic leadership and philanthropy, Sacramento Region Community Foundation offers up to US $10,000 through the Inspire Giving Fund for efforts advancing community, economic, and housing development with a strong equity focus.

Sacramento-area 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking large project funding in arts, education, environment, family services, or health and wellness can apply for more than US $100,000, spent within 24 months. With a mission to empower women philanthropists, Impact 100 Greater Sacramento supports organizations serving Sacramento, Yolo, Placer, and El Dorado counties with high-impact, community-focused initiatives.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

California college students in horticulture, environmental studies, forestry, landscape design, and related majors can receive $500 - $5,000 for tuition, books, or school expenses. Focused on environmental fields, Folsom Garden Club invites eligible students from Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado, or Yolo Counties to apply for renewable scholarships supporting their sophomore through senior years.

Sacramento, California nonprofits serving seniors or low-income families can receive support for direct services like transportation, food delivery, housing assistance, and health-related home improvements. Sacramento Region Community Foundation provides funding to 501(c)(3) organizations or those with a fiscal sponsor located in Sacramento County with clear, measurable project activities aligned to their mission.

Sacramento, California 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving children and youth impacted by child abuse and neglect can access funding through the In-N-Out Burgers Foundation; awards US $10,000 - US $50,000 for aligned programs and general operating support. Eligible organizations must serve counties where In-N-Out operates and meet budget, mission, and experience criteria.

Nonprofit and governmental agencies serving the greater Sacramento, California area can seek support for HIV prevention, testing, and services that improve care for people living with HIV. Grants from CARES Foundation help fund outreach, education, testing with linkage to care, supportive services, and innovative projects that reduce HIV impact and stigma.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored groups serving Del Paso Heights in Sacramento, California can receive US $2,500 - US $7,500 for community services projects. With a mission to support impactful local efforts, Sacramento Region Community Foundation funds programs that meet critical neighborhood needs and have clear, measurable objectives from organizations based in El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, or Yolo counties.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing STEM and agriculture education or nutrition and food assistance in Sacramento, California can apply for grants of US $500 - US $15,000. With a mission to strengthen local communities, Blue Diamond Growers Foundation supports programs serving areas within 25 miles of its Sacramento, Salida, and Turlock facilities.