Best Grants for Churches in California

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

Focused on supporting children, education, and health, Costco Foundation invites California organizations to apply for funding. Nonprofits serving youth, education, or human services in the state may be eligible. Churches in California with community programs in these areas could benefit if they meet 501(c)(3) requirements and align with the foundation’s priorities.

With a mission to strengthen resilience, Humboldt Area Foundation provides California churches and faith-based organizations with funding for disaster relief and preparedness. Eligible groups in Humboldt, Del Norte, and Trinity counties may receive support during emergencies such as fires, earthquakes, and floods. Churches serving vulnerable populations may benefit from this opportunity.

Focused on soccer development, Humboldt Area Foundation invites California organizations to apply for grants supporting soccer professionals, field improvements, and participation scholarships in Humboldt County. Churches and faith-based groups serving the community through soccer-related programs may be eligible if they meet the foundation’s charitable project requirements.

Grants from Joan M Wismer Foundation help California organizations advance youth development, education, and humanitarian initiatives. Churches and faith-based groups with 501(c)(3) status may be eligible for support if their programs enrich lives or provide community services. Priority is given to applicants with clear plans for sustainable funding.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

Focused on Indigenous services, Humboldt Area Foundation invites California churches and nonprofit organizations to apply for funding that addresses the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples crisis in Northern California. Eligible groups in Humboldt, Del Norte, and Trinity counties may benefit from support for advocacy, organizing, and capacity building efforts in their communities.

PNC Foundation supports community development, early childhood education, and arts initiatives in California by providing grants to eligible nonprofit organizations. Churches in California with programs focused on affordable housing, youth education, or social services that serve low- and moderate-income populations may be eligible for funding through this opportunity.

Grants from La Roche, Inc. help California organizations advance community, educational, environmental, and cultural projects. Churches and faith-based groups may be eligible if their initiatives align with priorities like humanitarian aid, STEM education, or arts and culture. Funding is available for accredited charities operating locally within California.

Grants from Sally Hughes Church Foundation help California organizations support youth development, family services, and arts engagement in Monterey County. Nonprofit groups with initiatives that benefit youth well-being, foster positive parenting, or enrich cultural experiences may be eligible. Churches offering youth-focused programs in the region could also benefit from this funding.

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.

Sidney Stern Memorial Trust supports education, science, and health initiatives in California by funding 501(c)(3) organizations that serve the public good. Churches and faith-based groups with charitable, educational, or community service programs may be eligible if they meet nonprofit requirements. All funded activities must take place within the U.S.

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.

The Trinity Trust offers Community Response Grants to benefit Trinity County residents in California. Managed by the Humboldt Area Foundation, these grants address urgent community needs where small investments can create a significant impact. Eligible projects include building partnerships, engaging youth, and enhancing organizational capacity. Nonprofit organizations, public schools, and government agencies may apply. However, grants are not available for expenses outside the service area or for religious activities.

California churches and faith-based organizations can access funding through Citi Foundation’s Community Progress Makers Fund, which supports community development, affordable housing, and economic opportunity initiatives. Churches with strong ties to low-income communities and a record of local collaboration may be eligible for unrestricted grants and technical assistance.

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.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

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.

Grants from KEOWN ROBERT J TUW help California Christian organizations that provide charitable, benevolent, and religious support, especially for those in need. While organized churches are not eligible, faith-based nonprofits serving the Christian community may benefit from this funding opportunity. Preference is given to programs assisting needy or vulnerable Christians.

Samueli Foundation supports community services in California by providing unrestricted funding to organizations serving Orange County. Churches and faith-based groups with projects benefiting the broader community—such as food pantries or clothing closets—may be eligible. Grants range from $50,000 to $100,000 and can support leadership, infrastructure, or unique community initiatives.

California churches and faith-based organizations can access funding through the Samueli Foundation’s Build OC Fund for capital projects in Orange County. Eligible projects include facility acquisition, construction, renovation, repairs, or equipment that benefit the community at large. Churches serving local needs may be eligible if their projects align with community well-being and nonprofit development.

Grants from O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Inc help California organizations address economic stability, workforce development, health, and disaster relief. Churches and faith-based groups in California with community-oriented programs—such as hunger relief, mental health, or disaster aid—may be eligible if they operate as 501(c)(3) nonprofits and meet the foundation’s guidelines.

Humboldt Area Foundation provides California churches and nonprofits with funding for summer youth educational programs and camps. Eligible organizations in Humboldt, Del Norte, and Curry counties offering youth activities between June 1 and September 1 may apply. Churches with youth-focused summer programming may benefit from this opportunity to strengthen their community impact.

Harold J. Miossi Charitable Trust provides California churches with funding for programs and capital improvements, especially those connected to historic Catholic missions in San Luis Obispo County. Nonprofit organizations serving residents in this area may be eligible for support, with a focus on religious, educational, and community enrichment initiatives.

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.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.