Best Grants for K-12 Schools in California

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

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.

PNC Foundation provides California education nonprofits with support for early childhood education, arts, and community development initiatives. K-12 schools and organizations focusing on educational access, teacher development, or STEAM programs may be eligible, especially if serving low- to moderate-income families in communities where PNC has a significant presence.

Ralph M. Parsons Foundation provides California K-12 schools with funding for educational enrichment, academic success, and youth development in Los Angeles County. Grants support programs ranging from early learning to college preparation, including general operating support, capital projects, and staff positions. Eligible schools and educational nonprofits may benefit from this responsive grantmaking opportunity.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

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.

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.

Grants from Wells Fargo Foundation help California education organizations and K-12 schools address financial health, affordable housing, small business growth, and sustainability. Schools with programs supporting underserved communities or advancing workforce readiness may be eligible. Funding may also support local needs such as disaster relief, arts, and human services.

W. M. Keck Foundation provides California K-12 schools with support for educational access, youth development, and STEM programs. Schools in Los Angeles County serving low-income or special needs students may be especially competitive. Projects focused on arts, health, and family services for children and youth are also considered.

Grants from Amateur Radio Digital Communications help California K-12 schools expand STEAM education, digital literacy, and amateur radio programming. Schools interested in technology, science, and communication innovation may be eligible for funding, provided their projects align with open access principles and the advancement of digital communications.

Atkinson Foundation supports K-12 education in California by funding nonprofit programs that enhance academic success, enrichment, and youth development for underserved students in San Mateo County. K-12 schools partnering with nonprofits for in-school or out-of-school educational initiatives may be eligible to benefit from these grants.

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.

Insperity provides California community organizations with philanthropic grants and event sponsorships to support local service initiatives. K-12 schools in California that contribute to community well-being or have strong employee involvement may be eligible for funding. Only 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving areas where Insperity employees live or work are considered.

Georgia-Pacific Foundation provides California K-12 schools with funding opportunities that support education, community enrichment, and related initiatives. Eligible applicants include public schools and nonprofits located within 30 miles of a Georgia-Pacific facility. K-12 educational programs that align with the foundation’s investment priorities may benefit from this grant opportunity.

California K-12 schools can access funding through Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation, which supports educational programs and community initiatives. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000 and may benefit schools offering youth services, skills training, or cultural programming. IRS-qualified nonprofits serving students are encouraged to apply.

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.

With a mission to improve communities, Dr Scholl Foundation provides California K-12 education organizations with grant opportunities in areas such as education, social services, and health care. K-12 schools seeking funding for innovative or practical programs may be eligible to apply during the annual grant cycle.

Grants from William McCaskey Chapman & Adaline Dinsmore Chapman Foundation help California K-12 schools and nonprofits motivate students in coastal Monterey County communities to prepare for and succeed in college. Eligible programs include classroom initiatives, academic scholarships, and extracurricular projects that support college readiness and measurable student achievement.

California K-12 schools can access funding through American Water Charitable Foundation for projects that improve, restore, or protect local water resources. Grants support efforts like water conservation, watershed protection, and expanding equitable access to water-based recreation. Schools with environmental or STEM programs may be eligible for these community-focused grants.

Focused on STEM education, Boston Scientific Foundation Inc invites California K-12 schools to apply for funding that expands opportunities for economically disadvantaged students. Programs must serve at least 50% low-income participants and demonstrate measurable improvements in STEM learning. Schools aiming to enhance academic development in science, technology, engineering, and math may be eligible.

Focused on community services, Samueli Foundation invites California K-12 schools and nonprofits to apply for the Breakaway Fund. This opportunity offers unrestricted support for projects in talent development, technology upgrades, and organizational expertise. Schools serving Orange County communities may be eligible for grants of $50,000–$100,000.

California K-12 schools can access funding through Samueli Foundation for capital projects in Orange County. Eligible projects include facility acquisition, new construction, renovation, repairs, and major equipment purchases. K-12 public and nonprofit private schools meeting the criteria may benefit from one-time grants up to $1,000,000 to enhance their educational environments.

O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Inc provides California education organizations with support for programs improving economic stability, workforce development, health, and literacy. K-12 schools that address community needs such as literacy, early childhood development, or job readiness may be eligible for funding to enhance student outcomes and support underserved populations.

California K-12 schools and related organizations can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation for projects supporting community services, youth development, safety, and STEM education. School-based programs operated by eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits may benefit, particularly those providing enrichment, workforce readiness, or educational opportunities to students.

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.