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.

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.

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.

William Randolph Hearst Foundation supports arts and cultural programming in California by funding established nonprofits engaged in performing arts, museums, art education, and artist development. Churches and faith-based organizations offering inclusive arts or cultural initiatives may be eligible, provided they meet the foundation’s criteria for significant impact and organizational capacity.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 organizations with funding for education, social services, health care, civic, cultural, and environmental initiatives. Churches and faith-based groups engaged in these areas may be eligible to apply if they meet 501(c)(3) requirements.

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.

With a mission to support community betterment, Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation provides California organizations focused on education, wellness, and conservation with funding opportunities. Churches in California that offer early childhood education, wellness, or outdoor programs may be eligible to apply if their initiatives align with the foundation’s charitable priorities.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

California churches and faith-based organizations can access funding through Robinson Foundation, which supports religious, spiritual, and community-focused initiatives. Programs addressing spiritual endeavors, education, family support, or poverty relief may be eligible. Qualified 501(c)(3) organizations serving local needs are encouraged to apply for projects that create a meaningful impact in their communities.

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 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 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.