Best Grants for First Responders in California

The Ben B. Cheney Foundation Grant supports community improvement projects in areas where Mr. Cheney's lumber company operated. Focused on one-time project grants, the foundation emphasizes sustainability and local support. Eligible applicants include public charities and government units primarily in Washington, Oregon, and California. The foundation prioritizes projects that invest in long-lasting community needs and demonstrate innovative solutions. Since 1975, it has supported over 1,200 organizations, making a significant impact in local communities.

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 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 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.

About Us

Harbor Freight is America’s #1 Tool Store with more than 1600 locations nationwide. Founded in 1977 by Eric Smidt, the company began as a small mail-order tool business in North Hollywood, California. Over 75 million customers have come to Harbor Freight for our unmatched assortment of quality tools at an unbeatable value, including automotive, air and power tools, storage, outdoor power equipment, generators, welding supplies, shop equipment, hand tools, and much more.

Harbor Freight Tools Gift Card Donation Requests

If you are a Harbor Freight Associate and have been affected by an unexpected, unavoidable crisis and are in financial need, please apply to our Employee Emergency Relief Fund (EERF). To apply, go to www.myHFT.com to review our FAQs, guidelines, eligibility requirements and application form.

For all other donation requests, please note that we have recently updated our criteria. You can find the current eligibility requirements below.

All donations are given in the form of Harbor Freight Store gift cards. We do not provide cash donations, event sponsorships or support for individuals.

Harbor Freight Tools proudly supports the following:

Skilled Trades Education

• Skilled trades classes that emphasize the expert use of tools and materials to build, repair and maintain products and structures. Fields include Agricultural Mechanics, Carpentry, Construction, Electrical, HVAC, Advanced Manufacturing, Plumbing, Transportation Mechanics and Repair, and Welding
• Donation requests must be submitted by a K-12 public-school teacher for their own school/classroom. Harbor Freight store gift cards are given directly to the school/teacher requesting one. We do not provide donations to outside organizations, clubs or third parties.

The Oil Spill Response Equipment Grant, managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, provides funding to local government agencies for purchasing essential oil spill response equipment. This program aims to enhance the readiness of first responders in mitigating oil spills, ensuring economic stability in affected communities. Grants also cover training and equipment delivery, focusing on agencies located near state waters. Applications are accepted continuously, emphasizing ongoing support for local environmental protection efforts.

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 S. H. Cowell Foundation Grant focuses on supporting public and nonprofit organizations in Northern and Central California that address acute poverty and promote racial equity. The foundation prioritizes place-based strategies to fund initiatives that foster child development, family empowerment, and youth leadership. By building on community strengths, it aims to create equitable access to essential services and enhance the overall well-being of families and children, ensuring their voices are integral to program design and implementation.

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.

California Fire Foundation

The California Fire Foundation, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization, provides emotional and financial assistance to families of fallen firefighters, firefighters and the communities they protect. Formed in 1987 by California Professional Firefighters, the California Fire Foundation’s mandate includes an array of survivor assistance projects and community initiatives.

California Fire Foundation Proposition 4 Grant

The California Fire Foundation (CFF) is pleased to announce the Proposition 4 Wildfire Prevention & Firefighter Safety Grant Program, funded through the voter-approved $10 billion Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act.

Of the historic statewide investment, approximately $1.5 billion is dedicated to wildfire and forest resilience. CFF has been entrusted with $13.8 million of these funds to deploy directly to local fire departments, firefighter associations, nonprofit organizations, and partners across California. These grants are designed to strengthen firefighter safety, enhance community preparedness, and support proactive wildfire prevention at the local level.

As wildfire risk continues to grow across the state, local agencies and community-based organizations remain on the front lines. Proposition 4 funding provides critical resources to ensure those closest to the work have the tools, equipment, and support they need to protect lives, property, and natural landscapes.

Funding Categories

The California Fire Foundation supports projects that actively address disaster preparedness and/or prevention needs, which protect and enhance the public’s safety or the safety of California’s firefighters and other first responders, including: Firefighter Health & Safety; Specialized Firefighting Equipment; Vegetation and Fuels Management; and Public Education & Outreach.

Only one grant application per organization, per funding cycle may be submitted. Fire departments and firefighter associations serving the same community may apply separately.

Firefighter Health & Safety

Grants in this category focus on protecting firefighters' physical, mental, and behavioral health. Examples include:

• Cancer prevention, research, and treatment initiatives
• Mental and behavioral health programs
• Peer support and resilience programs for firefighters and their families
• Physical therapy recovery equipment (saunas, cold plunge)

The California Fire Foundation's Proposition 4 Wildfire Prevention & Firefighter Safety Grant Program aims to enhance community preparedness and safety against wildfires. With a focus on under-resourced areas, it allocates $13.8 million to local fire departments and nonprofit organizations, supporting initiatives like public education and outreach. This program responds to the growing wildfire risks in California by providing essential resources for effective firefighting and community engagement, ultimately protecting lives and natural landscapes.

California Fire Foundation

The California Fire Foundation, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization, provides emotional and financial assistance to families of fallen firefighters, firefighters and the communities they protect. Formed in 1987 by California Professional Firefighters, the California Fire Foundation’s mandate includes an array of survivor assistance projects and community initiatives.

California Fire Foundation Proposition 4 Grant

The California Fire Foundation (CFF) is pleased to announce the Proposition 4 Wildfire Prevention & Firefighter Safety Grant Program, funded through the voter-approved $10 billion Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act.

Of the historic statewide investment, approximately $1.5 billion is dedicated to wildfire and forest resilience. CFF has been entrusted with $13.8 million of these funds to deploy directly to local fire departments, firefighter associations, nonprofit organizations, and partners across California. These grants are designed to strengthen firefighter safety, enhance community preparedness, and support proactive wildfire prevention at the local level.

As wildfire risk continues to grow across the state, local agencies and community-based organizations remain on the front lines. Proposition 4 funding provides critical resources to ensure those closest to the work have the tools, equipment, and support they need to protect lives, property, and natural landscapes.

Funding Categories

The California Fire Foundation supports projects that actively address disaster preparedness and/or prevention needs, which protect and enhance the public’s safety or the safety of California’s firefighters and other first responders, including: Firefighter Health & Safety; Specialized Firefighting Equipment; Vegetation and Fuels Management; and Public Education & Outreach.

Only one grant application per organization, per funding cycle may be submitted. Fire departments and firefighter associations serving the same community may apply separately. CFF does not require matching funds.

Specialized Firefighting Equipment

Grants in this category will support equipment that directly protects firefighter health and strengthens emergency response capacity. Examples include:

• Turnout gear, radios, extractors, decontamination equipment, and emergency fire shelters
• Water Cisterns
• Drones and UTVs

California Fire Foundation

The California Fire Foundation, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization, provides emotional and financial assistance to families of fallen firefighters, firefighters and the communities they protect. Formed in 1987 by California Professional Firefighters, the California Fire Foundation’s mandate includes an array of survivor assistance projects and community initiatives.

California Fire Foundation Proposition 4 Grant

The California Fire Foundation (CFF) is pleased to announce the Proposition 4 Wildfire Prevention & Firefighter Safety Grant Program, funded through the voter-approved $10 billion Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act.

Of the historic statewide investment, approximately $1.5 billion is dedicated to wildfire and forest resilience. CFF has been entrusted with $13.8 million of these funds to deploy directly to local fire departments, firefighter associations, nonprofit organizations, and partners across California. These grants are designed to strengthen firefighter safety, enhance community preparedness, and support proactive wildfire prevention at the local level.

As wildfire risk continues to grow across the state, local agencies and community-based organizations remain on the front lines. Proposition 4 funding provides critical resources to ensure those closest to the work have the tools, equipment, and support they need to protect lives, property, and natural landscapes.

Funding Categories

The California Fire Foundation supports projects that actively address disaster preparedness and/or prevention needs, which protect and enhance the public’s safety or the safety of California’s firefighters and other first responders, including: Firefighter Health & Safety; Specialized Firefighting Equipment; Vegetation and Fuels Management; and Public Education & Outreach.

Only one grant application per organization, per funding cycle may be submitted. Fire departments and firefighter associations serving the same community may apply separately. CFF does not require matching funds.

Vegetation and Fuels Management

Grants in this category will support disaster mitigation and fuel reduction projects. Examples include:

• Regional Fuel Breaks
• Hazardous Vegetation Removal
• Chipping and Clearing Operations
• Creating Defensible Space at Community Scale

The Del E. Webb Foundation Grant offers financial support ranging from $5,000 to $3,000,000 for nonprofit organizations operating in Arizona, California, or Nevada. The foundation prioritizes projects that enhance self-sufficiency and have long-term benefits, particularly in child and health initiatives. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities and demonstrate a commitment to community service. The application process involves submitting a Letter of Intent, followed by a formal application if invited.

The Pacific Power Foundation offers grants to support health, safety, and wellness organizations within its service areas across Oregon, Washington, California, Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho. Eligible candidates include nonprofit groups with 501(c)(3) status and government entities. The foundation focuses on initiatives addressing food insecurity, mental health, and public safety, aiming to enhance community well-being. Grants are awarded in four cycles, ensuring thorough review for maximum impact. Applications must demonstrate relevance to the served communities.

The California Fire Foundation is offering the California Rises 2025 Grant to support California-based fire departments, firefighter associations, tribes, and nonprofits engaged in wildfire relief efforts in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. This grant aims to assist in long-term recovery by funding essential resources for first responders and communities affected by wildfires. Eligible projects include community relief, training, and equipment replacement, with awards ranging from $25,000 to $100,000.

About

The University of California Humanities Research Institute facilitates experimental, interdisciplinary humanities scholarship through partnerships, research initiatives, and competitive grants.

UC Underrepresented Faculty Mentorship Fellowship, 2026-27

The UC Underrepresented Faculty Mentorship Fellowship is an intercampus faculty mentoring program serving the ten campuses of the University of California. Our fellowship program pairs junior and mid-career applicants from the humanities and qualitative social sciences with their desired senior mentors from other UC campuses. The aim is to build spaces of support, to share best practices and challenges, and to respond to unspoken expectations in the academy. In addition to providing mentorship training, the program facilitates monthly one-on-one meetings, provides quarterly professionalization workshops based on the needs and preferences of the group, and brings mentors and mentees together for at least one in-person event at UCHRI. Mentors and mentees each receive $1,500 in research funds as well as travel costs for meetings at UCHRI on the UC Irvine campus.

Open to all faculty at the University of California, this program aims to enhance campus climate, retention, and faculty success by connecting scholars across the system who are attuned to the needs, interests, and experiences of underrepresented and underserved communities and their contributions to the university. Applicants will be selected based on their ability to demonstrate one or more of the following:

• Navigation of one or more barriers, on behalf of themselves or others, such as being a first-generation college student, growing up in an underserved geographic area or community, and overcoming linguistic, cultural, or ableist challenges
• Demonstrated research regarding or service in underserved and systems-impacted communities

The Motorola Solutions Foundation Grant supports organizations that enhance safety and community well-being, focusing on underrepresented populations. With over $100 million in donations, the foundation prioritizes technology and engineering education, first responder programming, and blended initiatives. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) organizations or school districts in the U.S. The foundation seeks partnerships that demonstrate strong financial health and data-driven evaluation methods, aiming to create safer cities and thriving communities.

The California Sea Grant College Program invites proposals for applied research projects aligned with its 2024-2027 Strategic Plan, focusing on Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture (SFA) and Resilient Communities and Economies (RCE). With a funding pool of $2.8 million, the program aims to enhance California's coastal resilience and sustainability. Projects should exhibit significant benefits to coastal communities while addressing challenges like climate change and economic disruptions. Eligible applicants include public agencies, universities, and nonprofit organizations.

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 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 TMCity Foundation Grant supports innovative research in neurocognitive healthcare, with funding ranging from $25,000 to $250,000. This grant aims to address critical challenges in mental health by fostering cutting-edge research and transformative technologies. Applicants, preferably 501(c)(3) organizations, can submit letters of inquiry on a rolling basis, with a focus on projects based in Southern California and the Greater Boston area. The Foundation is committed to catalyzing advancements in understanding the brain and delivering effective treatments.

The TMCity Foundation Grant supports innovative neurocognitive research and mental health initiatives, offering funding between $25,000 and $250,000. Organizations should be 501(c)(3) and focus on healthcare solutions for brain-related ailments. Applications are accepted via a rolling letter of inquiry, followed by a detailed application if interested. The Foundation prioritizes projects based in Southern California and Greater Boston, aiming to advance understanding of mental health through cutting-edge research and technologies.

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 Impact Litigation Fellowship, established by the Social Justice Legal Foundation, provides recent law graduates with essential litigation experience over two years. Fellows engage in comprehensive civil litigation tasks, gaining hands-on skills in investigations, drafting motions, and managing client communications. This fellowship emphasizes social change through legal advocacy while offering a supportive hybrid work environment in Los Angeles. Benefits include bar exam reimbursement, relocation assistance, and extensive professional development opportunities, fostering a commitment to advancing civil rights.

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.