Best Grants for Christian Nonprofits in California

Christian 501(c)(3) nonprofits in California working in education, scientific research, religious activities, or arts and culture may be eligible for funding that supports their charitable programs. Focused on Christian charitable work, the Virginia H. Glasson Charitable Trust invites applications from organizations in select states, including California, through the JPMorgan foundations portal.

California 501(c)(3) public charities planning capital projects can seek funding for shovel-ready efforts that enhance wildlife habitats, parks, educational spaces, artistic installations, or Christian church mission projects. The Jandy Ammons Foundation provides support for specific, standalone community-improvement projects rather than ongoing programs or operations, which may benefit Christian nonprofits with defined construction or installation needs.

Christian 501(c)(3) nonprofits in California and across the U.S. launching new programs around poverty, violence, and inequality can receive $15,000 over two years for program support and leadership development. With a mission to invest in emerging Christian leaders, We Raise Foundation also funds capital expenses essential to new programming in under-resourced communities.

Local churches seeking support for stewardship, technology, or leadership development projects can apply for CFA Ministry Grants, including congregations in California if they are part of the Kentucky Conference. Grants from the Kentucky Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church provide up to US $500 per application to strengthen church ministries and discipleship efforts.

California Christian nonprofits serving first responders, military, police, firefighters, disaster relief, prisons, healthcare facilities, children, or at-risk populations can access funding through the 1687 Foundation Book Ministry for Christian book resources. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations may use these materials to support homeless shelters, food banks, soup kitchens, foster care, and similar outreach programs.

Christian 501(c)(3) nonprofits in California seeking support for religious, charitable, or educational programs may be eligible for funding that promotes the Christian faith. The Bolick Foundation supports Christianity in California by funding program-related activities and limited capital improvements for U.S.-registered organizations with an EIN that indirectly advance its gospel-centered mission.

Christian 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on community development in California may be eligible for Strategic Impact Grants supporting mission-aligned programs and projects. Bertin Family Foundation funds organizations advancing community development in Northern California, education access, international development, and initiatives of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with strong governance, measurable outcomes, and transparent financial reporting.

501(c)(3) charitable, benevolent, and religious organizations in California can apply for the Robert J. Keown Trust’s US $10,000 - US $20,000 grants to aid needy Christians. Funding primarily benefits Los Angeles County residents, with preference for elderly Christian women and Christians who are infirm, invalid, or without visible means of support; organized churches are not eligible.

Christian churches and Christian nonprofits in California can seek operating and program support for strengthening local church ministry and community-focused leadership development. Grants from Lowell Berry Foundation help organizations in Contra Costa and Alameda counties provide a safety net for those in need while shaping Christian leaders for tomorrow.

Beatrice High School graduating seniors active in a Christian church can receive US $500 for undergraduate tuition, room and board, or books through this scholarship, based in the U.S. Beatrice Educational Foundation considers financial need and requires at least a 3.0 GPA; funds remain available for up to five years if initially unused.

University or college faculty researching Christian spiritual formation with next-generation adults can apply for US $5,000 - US $15,000 from American Bible Society to test Scripture engagement interventions. Focused on Christianity, this opportunity invites scholars, including those in California, to design scalable, evaluative projects that increase Bible engagement among 18–35-year-olds.

Christian students pursuing 2- or 4-year post-secondary education and exhibiting Christian values may be eligible for this scholarship, which supports higher education costs. California Christian nonprofits working with eligible students can connect them to the Ted & Marian Stout Scholarship, managed by Decatur County Community Foundation and awarded through First Baptist Church of Greensburg.

Christian nonprofits conducting gospel-centered humanitarian or disaster relief work in California and beyond can seek support for projects that spread the gospel of Jesus Christ and demonstrate His love. Bellevue Heights Church Foundation funds individuals and organizations globally, and may support California-based ministries whose programs align with its Christian and humanitarian priorities.

Christian 501(c)(3) organizations in North America, including Adventist publications, universities, academies, and independent media, can receive US $5,000 - US $15,000 for journalism projects and related activities. Versacare provides California Christian nonprofits working within Adventism with funding for investigative reporting, storytelling, training, technology, travel, and other communication initiatives.

Christian students pursuing college or technical education can access scholarship support through Stark Community Foundation’s Church of Christ (Christian Disciples) Memorial Scholarship Fund. Eligible applicants are active participants in a Carroll County, Ohio church and have or had permanent residence there. This faith-based funding may benefit Christian organizations supporting higher education pathways.

Aurora-area high school graduates planning to study law, teaching, Christian ministry, or agriculture can receive US $1,000 scholarships through the Richard J. & Irma E. Larson Scholarship Endowment Fund. Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley provides these awards to support students’ higher education, which may benefit future leaders of Christian nonprofits in California and beyond.

California Christian students pursuing post-secondary education can access funding through the Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond for tuition at accredited two- or four-year colleges, community colleges, or trade schools. The R.C. and Betsy Williamson Scholarship supports Central Virginia high school graduates who demonstrate Christian values, financial need, community commitment, and academic achievement, with potential renewal for up to four years.

Adults or graduating seniors pursuing adult education, trade school, or an associate’s degree with a Christian background can receive vocational training support, including HVAC, plumbing, or electrical careers. The Community Foundation of Shelby County provides U.S. Christian learners with two US $2,000 Bruce and Lynn Lindsey Skills Scholarships based on passion, work experience, service, and recommendations.

The Community Foundation of Shelby County

Our Mission

To inspire donor generosity and transform it into meaningful, lasting impact through charitable gifts.

Our Vision

To be the primary partner for donors who want to advance the community’s quality of life and capacity for excellence.

Schmiesing Homeschool Scholarship

Selection based, in order of priority:

• Demonstrated church participation, employment history, recommendations, academic ability, and financial need.

Awards

• One $1,000 scholarship

William C. and Anna Rose Chamberlain Memorial

The fund was established in 1926 "for the propagation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ," to be used to educate those interested in the ministry; or as a missionary; or ordained professional minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ); or for some definite religious work in connection with the church. Priority is given to members or former members of Gender Road Christian Church (formerly known as Southeast Christian Church).

Award Amount:

• Minimum $500

The Pittsburgh Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four–year universities, graduate schools, and career/technical schools.

Kenneth P. Rutter (Rotary) Scholarship Fund

The Kenneth P. Rutter Scholarship Fund was established at The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County to award a scholarship to a traditional or non-traditional applicant residing in Westmoreland County, who has achieved a high school diploma or equivalent including a GED or Home School certificate. Preference will be given to students who seek to enter the Christian Ministry, and/or who have exhibited a strong interest in Community Service and Humanitarian Service.

• Average Award: $2,500
• Award Type: Single Year. Previous recipients are encouraged to re-apply in consecutive years.

The Exploring Christian Practices Initiative by Lilly Endowment aims to enhance access to settings that enable diverse individuals to engage in Christian practices. This initiative seeks to address spiritual interests, foster community connections, and support the growth of faith. By multiplying opportunities for exploration, it encourages meaningful participation in religious life and nurtures a deeper understanding of Christian traditions.

RoseLoe-Dix Endowed Scholarship Fund

Attending four-year university, two-year college or trade school in the upcoming semester, majoring in Business, Sciences, Computers, Christian Religion, Literature, Pre-med, Medical Field, or Engineering.

Awards

• (2) $12,000.00

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Mike and Lillian & Charles and Anne Boonstra Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Lillian Boonstra, who established the Mike and Lillian & Charles and Anne Boonstra Scholarship Fund of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Lillian was born and raised in Muskegon. She married Mike Boonstra, who, along with his brother Charles, owned the Boonstra Brothers Coal Co. on Western Ave for many years. Mike was one of the originators of radio station WMUS, a well-known country music radio station. Mike died a tragic death in 1981. He and Lillian were childless but always had candy for the neighborhood children. They were affectionately known as the candy lady and man. Not only was the Community Foundation a beneficiary of Lillian’s generosity, but also her church and others. The Boonstra Fund will be used to assist students attending any college, university or technical degree program, in addition to those pursuing careers in Christian vocation and service.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

In God We Trust, Mitchelle T. Savage Memorial Scholarship Fund

The In God We Trust, Mitchelle T. Savage Memorial Scholarship was established to provide educational opportunities beyond high school for Battle Creek area graduates or graduating seniors. Eligible recipients will be graduating seniors from Battle Creek area public and private schools who will be attending a college that is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Lionel and Muzzie Wood Family Scholarship Fund

The Muzzie Wood Scholarship was established in loving memory of Muzzie by her family after she passed away on March 16, 2001. In 2010, the name of the fund changed to the Lionel and Muzzie Wood Family Scholarship Fund and its support of Battle Creek area students expanded. Muzzie enjoyed spending time with her husband, Woody, their three daughters, stepson, and eight grandchildren. She loved the outdoors, flower and vegetable gardening, sewing, remodeling, fishing, and turkey and duck hunting. Her husband laughingly recalls a time she wore her sneakers in the river, knee-deep, and caught a salmon bare handed! Muzzie always had a smile on her face and gave more than she received. Woody, enjoys an active and blessed life rarely missing an opportunity for fun and fellowship at the Y Center of Battle Creek and spending time with family and friends, This scholarship is awarded to graduating seniors within Calhoun County who are members of a Missouri Synod Lutheran Church. If there are no eligible members, members of a Christian-based church may also be considered.

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.