Best San Francisco Grants for Nonprofits in California

The Community Issues Funding Program by Horizons Foundation aims to support LGBTQ nonprofit organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area. With increased funding this year, the program addresses critical funding shortages and the impact of anti-LGBTQ sentiment. It emphasizes multi-year support and investment in under-resourced communities, promoting equity and sustainability. The program welcomes applications from LGBTQ-primary organizations of all budget sizes, fostering a diverse range of initiatives in advocacy, arts, community building, and health.

The Teichert Foundation Grant supports organizations in California that enhance community welfare through civic improvement, culture, education, and environmental sustainability. Established by Teichert Construction, the foundation aims to foster a healthier, educated, and more equitable society. Eligible applicants include nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status and public agencies in specified counties. The foundation prioritizes projects that address community needs and demonstrate fiscal responsibility, ultimately striving to create lasting impact and better health for all.

The Bayer Fund: Food & Nutrition Grant supports high-quality programs that combat malnutrition and improve access to nutritious foods, particularly for underserved communities and families with young children. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government units. The fund prioritizes long-term behavioral change towards healthy eating and nutrition, with grants typically not exceeding 25% of an organization's operating budget. International requests start at $25,000, fostering sustainable food security and education initiatives.

The Olympic Club Foundation provides grants up to $25,000 to 501(c)(3) organizations that support youth sports programs in the Bay Area. The foundation prioritizes funding for programs that serve at-risk youth, focusing on developing leadership and teamwork skills through various sports. With an average grant size of $9,500, it aims to empower youth aged 5-18 to engage in athletic activities, fostering a healthy and active lifestyle.

The Morris Stulsaft Foundation offers the Educational Support for Children Grant aimed at organizations serving Bay Area children aged 5-14 from low-income households. This grant prioritizes programs that enhance educational stability, foster healthy relationships, and support social-emotional development. Eligible organizations must be located in specific Bay Area counties and demonstrate effective leadership. Preference is given to initiatives supporting foster and homeless youth, along with those addressing community risk factors.

The Morris Stulsaft Foundation offers the Participation in the Arts Grant for organizations serving youth ages 5 to 18 in the Bay Area. This grant focuses on providing essential arts education, promoting creativity, and fostering community connections among economically vulnerable children. Programs must include at least 15 hours of immersive art experiences and align with California's educational standards. The foundation prioritizes strong leadership in organizations to ensure impactful programming for under-served populations.

The Morris Stulsaft Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of Bay Area children and youth by funding organizations that provide quality early childhood education for ages 0 to 5. The foundation prioritizes strong leadership and community engagement, supporting programs that incorporate a whole-child approach, engage parents, and promote teacher development. Grants are available for organizations serving low-income households in the San Francisco Bay Area, with a focus on sustainable, impactful initiatives.

The HAF: Native Cultures Fund Grant supports California Indian culture through initiatives led by Native peoples, fostering the transmission of knowledge, art, and traditions across generations. This partnership includes the Humboldt Area Foundation and aims to preserve and revitalize Indigenous cultures, arts, and languages. Grants are available for projects that reflect California Indian values and practices, ensuring cultural continuity and community engagement.

Zoo Labs Fund, established in 2013, empowers Bay Area artist teams through unrestricted grants and mentorship. With over $910,000 awarded, the program supports culturally-rooted artists facing access challenges. In 2025, the Fund will provide $230,000 in grants, partnering with the Center for Cultural Innovation to enhance economic opportunities and foster a sustainable creative ecosystem. By prioritizing artist-led businesses, Zoo Labs Fund aims to enrich the local economy and preserve cultural expression through innovative support.

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 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 Touchpoint Foundation Grant is dedicated to improving health, social, and independent-living services for older adults in Northern California. By empowering these individuals, the foundation aims to enrich their lives and promote their active participation in the community. Additionally, the foundation supports various social services that benefit Bay Area residents and beyond. Eligible applicants include qualified tax-exempt charitable organizations, with a limit of one grant every 18 months.

The Ross McKee Foundation provides grants to support piano performance and education in the San Francisco Bay Area. It funds nonprofit organizations and individuals involved in piano-related projects, covering expenses such as artist fees and piano rentals. The Foundation also supports educational initiatives through scholarships and grants to institutions like San Francisco State University and the San Francisco Conservatory. However, it does not fund the purchase of pianos or speculative projects.

The NRA Foundation: California – North CAN Grants provides funding to organizations that promote charitable purposes related to firearms and shooting sports as defined by the IRS. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) entities, governmental bodies, and recognized nonprofits. The Foundation supports educational programs and activities that enhance firearms safety and marksmanship, while certain projects, such as commercial ventures and fundraising activities, are ineligible for funding. Applications must align with the Foundation's mission and requirements.

Grant funding provided by The NRA Foundation must meet all NRA Foundation requirements and be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials. Eligibility and funding amount are determined solely by the Foundation.

Grant requests must conform to, and foster the purposes in, The NRA Foundation’s mission statement, such as:

• Promote, advance, and encourage firearms, the shooting sports, and hunting safety.
• Educate individuals, including the youth of the United States, with respect to firearms, firearms history, participation in the shooting sports, hunting safety, and marksmanship, as well as with respect to other subjects that are of importance to the well-being of the general public.
• Conduct research in furtherance of improved firearms safety and marksmanship facilities and techniques.
• Support activities of the National Rifle Association of America, to the extent that such activities are in furtherance of charitable, educational, or scientific purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code which includes activities that are charitable, educational, or foster National or International sports competition.

The Matson Foundation, a corporate entity, emphasizes community involvement through charitable donations. They support a diverse range of areas including maritime conservation, education, human services, culture, and civic programs. Eligible organizations must be qualified non-profits, with a primary focus on community support where Matson operates. The foundation prioritizes projects that engage local communities, ensure sustainability, and demonstrate measurable impact, while adhering to specific eligibility and ineligibility criteria for funding.

The Firedoll Foundation, a private family foundation, focuses on five key areas: Community Development and Entrepreneurship, Immigrant Issues and Human Rights, Environmental Conservation, Middle East Peace, and support for Traumatic Brain Injury survivors. Emphasizing support for vulnerable populations in Alameda and Contra Costa counties, the foundation backs projects that promote social justice and environmental sustainability. With a commitment to providing alternatives to detention and legal aid for immigrants, it aims to empower communities while addressing urgent environmental concerns.

The In-N-Out Burger Foundation supports organizations that aid children and youth affected by abuse and neglect, offering grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. Eligible nonprofits must be 501(c)(3) registered, operational for at least two years, and demonstrate a commitment to the foundation's mission. Applications are considered for traditional, capital, and program support, focusing on sustainable solutions and clear objectives. Organizations must operate in areas with In-N-Out Burger locations to qualify.

The Environmental Science Resource Grants, offered by the Philanthropic Ventures Foundation, provide funding up to $1,000 for TK-12 teachers in low-income public schools across several California counties. These grants aim to enhance environmental science curricula through various projects, supplies, and field trips, encouraging innovative learning experiences. Eligible teachers can apply for funding to support activities such as gardening clubs, water testing, and teacher training sessions, fostering a deeper understanding of environmental science among students.

The Rella Lossy Award celebrates Rella Lossy’s legacy by recognizing outstanding new full-length plays from emerging playwrights. This award offers $2,500 to the selected playwright and $1,000 to the producing company, supporting the development of fresh voices in theatre. Eligible companies must be based in specific California counties and maintain membership with Theatre Bay Area. This initiative aims to foster new talent and bring diverse narratives to the stage, enriching the cultural landscape of the Bay Area.

The Multicultural Fellowship Program, hosted by The San Francisco Foundation, aims to empower emerging leaders of color to advance racial and economic equity in the Bay Area. This two-year, full-time fellowship offers experiential learning, personal development, and access to a robust professional network. Designed for early-career professionals from diverse backgrounds, the program provides valuable insights into grantmaking and philanthropy while fostering significant social change. Fellows benefit from mentorship and a supportive community, making this a unique opportunity for impactful leadership.

The June & Julian Foss Foundation, established in 1997, prioritizes support for children and young adults, especially those facing mental illness or physical disabilities. With a mission to foster healthy, responsible adults and promote family philanthropy, the Foundation emphasizes family strength, diversity, and self-worth. Grants typically do not exceed $5,000 and are directed towards programs that enhance self-sufficiency and recognize individual capabilities, while upholding values of integrity and respect.

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.

The Harbor Point Charitable Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for underserved adults and children in the Bay Area. With a focus on innovative organizations addressing health crises and supporting educational, arts, and nutritional programs, the Foundation has distributed over $4.6 million in grants. Their mission emphasizes community engagement and advocacy, ensuring that funds support nonprofit organizations exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, particularly those benefiting Marin County residents.

The PVF Technology, Engineering and Design Thinking Resource Grants offer funding of up to $1,000 for TK-12 teachers in low-income public schools across specific California counties. These grants support innovative projects in Technology, Engineering, and STEAM curriculum through hands-on learning and expert guidance. Applications for the 2026-2027 school year are now open, encouraging collaborative efforts among teachers to maximize the impact of the resources provided.

The Nicholson Family Foundation Grant supports organizations that empower underserved youth in arts, education, and social services across Northern California. Established in 1996, the foundation provides small grants that create meaningful impacts, reinforcing community ties. Eligible organizations may reapply every three years, ensuring ongoing support for impactful initiatives. The foundation prioritizes operational support and encourages collaborations with new organizations, fostering a sustainable philanthropic environment.

The Peaceful World Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations focused on community peace building through arts and mindful education. Established in 2006, the foundation funds programs that promote global peace, diversity, and ecological sustainability, with grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000. Organizations in the Bay Area are preferred, and funding is limited to two grants within a five-year period. The foundation aims to encourage innovative approaches to peace-making and well-being across diverse communities.