Best San Bernardino County Grants for Nonprofits in California

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

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.

The JetBlue Foundation is dedicated to enhancing aviation-related education and STEM initiatives, aiming to inspire future aviation leaders. Offering grants up to $50,000, it supports educational organizations that focus on aviation technology, engineering, operations, and maintenance. The foundation prioritizes programs benefiting under-represented communities in aviation, including veterans, women, and diverse groups, ensuring a broader range of voices in the industry.

The BNSF Railway Foundation provides grants to enhance community quality of life across 28 states, focusing on educational, cultural, and social service initiatives. With over $150 million contributed since 2000, the foundation emphasizes projects with strong local engagement and BNSF employee involvement. Eligible organizations include public charities, local governments, and tribal governments, while ineligible entities encompass religious organizations and those with discriminatory practices. Priority is given to environmental, health, and cultural projects.

The Ethel Frends Foundation Grant, established in 1997, aims to support canine care and education in California's counties, including Los Angeles and San Diego. It encourages organizations to apply for general operating support and considers small capital expenses. Grants are available for one year, focusing on established organizations rather than start-ups. This funding opportunity is essential for promoting animal welfare and enhancing community programs related to canine care.

The GM Corporate Giving Grants support U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations focused on STEM education and transportation initiatives. Applications are accepted from January to September, with a requirement to submit requests at least three months before the program’s start date. GM emphasizes charitable contributions in the communities where it operates, ensuring that organizations align with its values. The grant amount is not limited and is assessed based on the proposed program's merit and needs.

The Nissan Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations that promote cultural diversity and heritage. Established in 1992, the foundation focuses on enhancing community quality of life where Nissan operates. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status, be active for over three years, and serve specific communities. Ineligible programs include those not aligned with the foundation's mission, such as disease advocacy and political activities. The foundation does not provide multi-year grants, but organizations can reapply for funding in subsequent cycles.

The San Manuel Cares Grant Program, offered by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, focuses on empowering communities in the Inland Empire and Indian Country. The program supports educational initiatives, community development, and cultural preservation, emphasizing positive social change. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and local government agencies. Funding is directed towards programs that enhance education, provide basic needs, and promote resilience among underserved populations, fostering a healthier, culturally rich community.

The Preserve Route 66 Legacy Business Grant Fund offers financial support to enhance historic sites and stimulate economic growth along the iconic Route 66. Targeting projects that reflect the diverse narratives of historically underrepresented communities, this grant emphasizes mural and painting initiatives in preparation for the 2026 centennial celebration. Grants range from $5,000 to $10,000, with no matching funds required, fostering inclusivity and preservation of cultural heritage along the corridor.

The Majestic Realty Foundation, established in 2002, champions active philanthropy by addressing critical community needs across eight regions in the U.S. Focused on youth, education, health, family support, and violence prevention, the Foundation fosters sustainable community development. Through initiatives like the Los Angeles Youth Leadership Council, it empowers young leaders while encouraging employee volunteerism. By partnering with local nonprofits, the Foundation strengthens community ties, ensuring lasting impact against challenges such as homelessness and youth violence.

The Stantec Community Engagement Grant is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in communities where Stantec operates. Focused on arts, education, environment, and health and wellness, the grant supports initiatives that foster sustainable development and responsible practices. Organizations seeking funding must align with Stantec's values, emphasizing ethical practices and community impact. Preference is given to projects located near Stantec offices, ensuring a more significant local impact through their contributions.

The John W. Mack Movement Building Fellows Program, named after a civil rights leader, supports emerging movement leaders in Southern California. Since 2019, it has empowered 26 fellows with essential skills in leadership, community organizing, and wellness practices. The program emphasizes equity, peer learning, and professional coaching, providing each fellow with a grant of $25,000 to enhance their leadership journey and foster social and racial justice across diverse communities.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on improving economic mobility and social progress through partnerships with nonprofits. It prioritizes basic needs, income creation, stable housing, and community empowerment. By supporting vulnerable populations, the foundation aims to enable individuals to achieve their goals and contribute positively to their communities. The foundation emphasizes sustainable progress, ensuring that all community members have access to essential resources and opportunities for growth.

Edison International's Community Grants Program partners with local nonprofits focused on education, the environment, public safety, and civic engagement. With a commitment to supporting underserved communities, the program has contributed $20 million to initiatives that improve air quality, enhance disaster preparedness, and promote diversity. The grants prioritize educational programs emphasizing STEM and environmental sustainability, aiming to empower diverse populations and foster community resilience in Southern 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 California Energy Commission (CEC) has allocated up to $59,484,345 for the GFO-24-603 program aimed at enhancing the reliability of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. This initiative will focus on repairing, replacing, and installing at least 1,302 non-operational charging ports statewide, ensuring they comply with the Federal Highway Administration's guidelines. The program is critical for facilitating broader EV adoption and improving access to charging stations throughout California.

The Community Progress Makers Fund, an initiative by the Citi Foundation, aims to empower local organizations by providing $50 million in unrestricted funding. This program, established in 2015, will support 50 selected community organizations over three years with grants of $1 million each, alongside technical assistance and opportunities for collaboration. The fund prioritizes organizations with strong community ties and a proven impact in areas such as affordable housing, economic development, financial health, and workforce readiness.

The A. O. Smith Foundation, established in 1955, provides grants to support charitable, educational, and human services organizations primarily in communities where A. O. Smith Corporation operates. With a mission focused on enhancing community well-being, the Foundation promotes education, arts, culture, and health initiatives. It encourages employees to engage in volunteerism, fostering a culture of community involvement. Notably, the Foundation does not fund politically active organizations or those primarily aiming to influence legislation.

Honda’s Community Event Sponsorship aims to support local, regional, and national events that enhance community engagement and celebrate diverse cultures. Organizations must be U.S.-based and tax-exempt, focusing on projects that serve communities where Honda associates are active. Eligible events include parades, festivals, and educational initiatives. Honda evaluates requests based on community needs and available funding, reinforcing its commitment to social responsibility and community enhancement.

The TechAmerica Scholarship, offered by The San Diego Foundation, supports high-achieving public high school seniors in San Diego County pursuing non-medical STEM degrees. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.75 and standardized test scores of at least 1200 SAT or 29 ACT. This scholarship aims to empower students to enroll full-time in accredited four-year universities in Southern California, thereby fostering educational advancement in critical STEM fields.

The PLTW Launch program, supported by Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance student engagement in STEM education within eligible communities. This initiative will provide grants to schools that implement at least one PLTW Launch module in the 2025-2026 academic year, followed by another module in subsequent years. The program is designed to empower students with hands-on learning experiences that connect real-world challenges to essential skills, fostering a stronger future in STEM fields.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Taylor Farms Scholarship

This year’s program continues the expanded format, offering three distinct scholarship divisions designed to support both Taylor Farms Employees and their children

Taylor Farms Scholarship : Employee Scholarship

Award: Five (5) applicants will be awarded a $2,500 renewable scholarship. Once awarded, applicants may renew their scholarship for up to three (3) additional years if the below requirements are met.

The Julius Sumner Miller Foundation Grant supports projects that enhance science education, particularly in physics, and improve health care for the elderly in southern California's South Bay region. The Foundation prioritizes programs that address critical needs, provide measurable impacts, and are non-discriminatory. Grants are awarded annually, with multi-year options available based on project goals and outcomes. Eligible organizations must hold IRS 501(c)(3) status and cannot be private foundations.

The PLTW Launch program, in collaboration with Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by expanding access to innovative educational modules in eligible schools. This initiative supports public and charter schools in targeted counties, focusing on increasing student engagement in STEM fields. Through grant funding, participating schools can introduce new PLTW Launch modules and provide essential training for teachers, fostering a richer learning environment to prepare students for future careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

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.

The Brinker International Charitable Giving Program focuses on giving back to communities through support for kids, hunger, and education. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501c(3) non-profits and submit requests at least six weeks prior to events. The program does not support individuals, political or religious organizations, or explicit discrimination policies. Funding is provided through monetary donations or in-kind contributions like dining certificates.