Best Emergency Preparedness Grants for Nonprofits in California

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on economic and workforce advancement, affordable housing, or community arts and culture can apply for the Community Possible Grant Program from U.S. Bank Foundation. Organizations serving designated U.S. Bank communities and advancing equity may be eligible, including those whose emergency preparedness efforts intersect with housing, jobs, or community spaces.

California nonprofits focused on children, education, or health and human services can access funding that supports community programs and services. California organizations can access funding through Costco Foundation for monetary requests that demonstrate measurable outcomes, clear community need, collaboration, and a broad base of financial support, which may include initiatives that strengthen local readiness and resilience.

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.

Early-stage nonprofit and mission-driven for-profit social enterprises in California tackling critical social or environmental challenges can apply for Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation support, with awards up to US $300,000 over three years. Organizations working on scalable disaster preparedness or community resilience for underserved populations may be especially strong candidates.

Edison International provides California nonprofit organizations with funding for programs in public safety and emergency preparedness, including electrical safety, disaster readiness, community resiliency, and wildfire safety for vulnerable residents. Eligible groups in Edison’s Southern California service area may also work in related areas like STEM education, environmental conservation, and civic engagement that support community resilience.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) cultural nonprofits with audited expenses over $2 million can apply for the Hearst Foundation’s Culture Grant to support impactful arts and science programming, capital projects, or limited general/endowment needs. California organizations offering arts education, artist development, or STEAM-related programs that reach large populations may be especially competitive for awards over US $100,000.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in California working in health, education, or community services can seek funding for programs like food pantries, healthcare access, STEM education, and preventative health. Focused on community well-being, Labcorp Charitable Foundation invites proposals that may strengthen local resilience and emergency preparedness for underserved populations.

California nonprofits and social enterprises working on education, children’s health, or family economic stability can access funding through Michael & Susan Dell Foundation for project support or scaling efforts; awards are typically more than US $50,000. Organizations serving urban children and youth in poverty may be eligible if their work advances measurable impact in these areas.

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.

With a mission to support marginalized communities, nonprofits in California working on disaster relief, health, and social services can seek funding from the Semnani Family Foundation. Grants support programs in disaster relief, healthcare access, women and children’s health, and humanitarian services, and may benefit organizations focused on emergency preparedness and community resilience.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on housing, jobs, hunger, or community development can access funding through Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s sponsorship program. Support may include initiatives like preserving neighborhoods, workforce education, emergency shelter, and related community resilience efforts, which may benefit organizations integrating disaster preparedness into broader economic and social programs.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

Nonprofit organizations in California seeking support for community programs, education, arts, health, or environmental initiatives can apply for grants of US $1,000 - US $20,000. Grants from Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation help U.S. nonprofits where modest funding can make a significant impact and may benefit groups incorporating disaster preparedness or resilience activities.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in California seeking project support for education, health care, social services, civic and cultural, or environmental initiatives may be eligible. Focused on broad community improvement, Dr Scholl Foundation invites U.S. applicants to request US $5,000 - US $25,000 for one-year projects, which can include disaster preparedness and resilience efforts.

California nonprofits focused on disaster preparedness in at least two Inland Region counties can receive up to US $300,000 to deliver disaster training and resources to at-risk communities. California Governor's Office of Emergency Services supports projects that strengthen preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation for diverse populations disproportionately impacted by emergencies.

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 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on natural disaster preparedness and long-term recovery can access funding through Ima Foundation, with awards up to US $20,000. Eligible organizations must serve communities where IMA has a meaningful presence and may also work in workforce development or financial literacy with an emphasis on underserved populations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving at least two Southern California counties can apply for the Listos California Regional Grant (LL) Program, with awards up to US $300,000 for disaster preparedness work. Focused on disaster preparedness, the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services supports training and resources that boost community readiness, response, recovery, and mitigation for at-risk, diverse populations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing disaster preparedness work across at least two counties in California’s Coastal Region can apply for the Listos California Regional Grant (LM) Program, with awards up to US $300,000. Focused on disaster preparedness, the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services invites projects that train and equip diverse, high-risk communities for emergencies.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving quality of life through disaster relief, economic stability, workforce development, or health and social services can receive project, operating, or capital support, including in California. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation focuses on communities where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates, supporting underserved and underrepresented individuals and families facing critical needs and emergencies.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running safety, disaster preparedness, or community resilience programs in California communities served by Union Pacific can seek US $5,000 - US $30,000 for local projects. With a mission to strengthen communities, Union Pacific Foundation provides Local Grants for safety, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability initiatives that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion.

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.

Government agencies, tribal governments, educational institutions, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in California can seek funding for land stewardship, air quality, or water stewardship projects through the PG&E Corporation Foundation’s Better Together Nature Positive Innovation Grant program. Awards of US $100,000 per region may support planning, construction, design, education, or coordination, with priority for disadvantaged or vulnerable communities.

The Clorox Company Foundation

Founded in 1980, The Clorox Company Foundation has a mission to foster healthy and inclusive communities so people can be well and thrive. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded cash grants totaling nearly $135 million to nonprofit organizations.

The foundation’s signature theme of health security is tied to its mission and The Clorox Company purpose: We champion people to be well and thrive, every single day.

Health security is based on the belief that health and wellness is a basic human right. The Clorox Company Foundation has organized its philanthropy around efforts to help ensure the equality of opportunity of under-resourced people and our communities. We provide support to improve their overall physical and mental health and help them flourish and are also aligning our foundation giving to programs that advance the relevant U.N. Sustainable Development Goals.

Foundation Focus Areas

Community Wellness

• Racial Justice: Organizations that are working at the community level to address social determinants of health and racial equality issues.
• Youth Development/Education: Programs that increase equity of opportunity, access and outcomes to create lasting social impact.
• Sustainability: Organizations that focus on solving environmental justice issues that disproportionately impact urban areas and communities of color.

Disease Prevention

Organizations that:

• Educate and/or provide supplies to people/healthcare facilities.
• Conduct research regarding infection control/preventing the spread of germs and disease in a post-pandemic life.

Disaster Relief & Preparedness

Organizations that focus on emergency preparedness, response and recovery locally and nationally.

The foundation serves the communities surrounding our Oakland, California, headquarters as well as those surrounding our remote offices and manufacturing facilities. We also support public health on a global level, through American Red Cross and other partners, donating cash and disinfecting products to address pandemics such as COVID-19 and Ebola as well as supporting a program to provide safe drinking water in Peru and Africa.