Best Human and Social Service Grants in California

Nonprofit small or rural health facilities in California can obtain low-interest loans for facility construction, renovation, equipment, and related pre-construction costs through the Healthcare Expansion Loan Program II, with awards from US $25,000 - US $1,500,000. California State Treasurer's Office support may benefit human and social service providers operating licensed health clinics and hospitals.

Nonprofit cultural institutions in California and across the U.S. can seek more than US $100,000 to support arts and science programs that engage youth and create measurable impact. William Randolph Hearst Foundation funds program, capital, and limited general or endowment support for museums, performing arts organizations, arts schools, and related institutions serving broad communities.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

Nonprofit and governmental organizations running humanitarian, social, education, and community programs in California may be eligible for this support, especially if they serve Amgen communities like Ventura County or the San Francisco Bay Area. The Amgen Foundation supports non-healthcare charitable programs, including human and social services, literacy, science education, and volunteerism, with some opportunities for nationwide U.S. initiatives.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Grants support California 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public agencies working on criminal justice reform, immigrant and workers’ rights, and civil rights. Grants from Rosenberg Foundation help California human and social service organizations advance policy advocacy, grassroots organizing, leadership development, and reentry services for low-income communities and communities of color, with awards up to US $100,000.

Nonprofit organizations providing human and social services such as early childhood education, family crisis support, refugee services, or violence prevention in California can apply for Sills Family Foundation grants. Sills Family Foundation provides California human services nonprofits with US $10,000 - US $25,000 one-year awards, often for general operating needs, with possible renewals.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in California working on human and social services can apply for Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s sponsorship support for community-focused programs. Funding may benefit initiatives in basic needs, workforce development, community development, arts and culture, environment, housing, and diversity and inclusion that strengthen low- and moderate-income communities.

Legal services nonprofits, solo practitioners, and small law firms pursuing impact litigation for human, civil, economic, environmental, or social justice in California can seek recoverable grants covering out-of-pocket litigation costs. The Impact Fund awards US $10,000 - US $50,000, prioritizing filed or imminent cases that benefit communities facing systemic oppression and aim for significant law reform.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits in California, especially those serving Orange County with human and social services, education, health, arts, environment, or community development programs, can apply for Pacific Life Foundation’s program and capital grants, awarding US $15,000 - US $100,000. Funding can support multi-year programmatic, operating, collaborative, or major capital projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations promoting seniors’ health, independence, and social interaction in Northern California can seek funding for education, health, and human services programs. Bethlehem Foundation supports human and social service initiatives that enhance quality of life for senior adults in California; applications are accepted year-round with spring and fall review deadlines.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing human and social services in Monterey County, California can apply for Harden Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $100,000 to support programs and operations. Grants may fund general support, special projects, capital needs, and initiatives benefiting children, families, seniors, health, community services, and related human services across California’s Monterey County.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing human and social services in California can apply for Hesed Foundation grants ranging from US $250 - US $10,000. Grants from Hesed Foundation help fund youth and education, health, and community-building programs, particularly for underrepresented populations in eligible Northern California counties.

Local governments and eligible entities creating, renovating, or expanding parks in underserved California communities can seek US $200,000 - US $8,500,000 for acquisition and development projects. Grants from California Department of Parks and Recreation support new or improved parks that add recreation features and enhance community quality of life, benefiting human and social service outcomes.

California 501(c)(3) organizations providing human and social services, basic needs, education, or enrichment programs can access funding through Bank of Marin. Grants support social and economic vitality, financial literacy and youth development, arts and cultural access, wellness, and environmental programs across Alameda, Amador, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, Placer, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Sonoma Counties.

California tax-exempt charitable organizations providing human and social services, youth opportunities, or other humanitarian programs can seek 12-month project funding that improves social conditions and human welfare. Focused on medical services, housing, emergency and community programs, and related efforts, the Henry L Guenther Foundation primarily benefits residents in Southern California.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

California 501(c)(3) organizations providing human and social services can apply for funding to support health, human services, and related educational initiatives, with awards ranging from US $10,000 - US $30,000. Focused on charitable causes in Davis and Yolo County, the Mr. and Mrs. G. Kirk Swingle Foundation prioritizes local community benefit, including support for UC Davis scholarships in sheep raising.

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.

Nonprofit arts organizations using creative programming to address environmental or climate issues in California and across the U.S. can seek funding for operations and community-focused arts work. The Wilhelm Family Foundation supports small 501(c)(3) arts groups, including those serving marginalized or underserved communities, and may consider fiscally sponsored projects.

Nonprofit and governmental agencies in California’s Sacramento region providing HIV prevention, testing, or supportive services can apply for grants supporting programs or general operations. Cares Foundation prioritizes outreach, PrEP/PEP education, testing with linkage to care, and unreimbursed supportive services like housing, transportation, substance use treatment, and case management for people living with HIV and high-risk populations.

California community-based organizations and partners working on urban forestry, climate resilience, and outdoor equity in California can access funding through CAL FIRE, with awards from US $150,000 - US $3,000,000. Supported projects expand urban tree canopy, engage residents in planning and tree care, and prioritize disadvantaged or low‑income communities facing extreme heat, flooding, or limited green job pathways.

Nonprofit organizations and fiscally sponsored groups providing human and social services in California, specifically serving San Luis Obispo County, can seek two-year general operating support from the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation. Grants of US $20,000 - US $40,000 back work in health and human services, seniors and people with disabilities, arts and culture, and environmental initiatives.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in California serving Los Angeles County residents can apply for the Adams-Mastrovich Family Foundation’s grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $20,000 for human and social services, health, education, religion, and the arts. Programs supporting women facing domestic violence, mental illness, poverty, housing instability, or job readiness may be especially competitive.

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.

California 501(c)(3) organizations seeking support for education or broader human and social service programming can apply for grants from the Wheeler Charitable Trust. Focused on education and related charitable causes, the trust primarily supports organizations in California and Washington across areas including health, human services, arts, public benefit, and religion.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations or fiscally sponsored groups delivering mission-focused work in San Luis Obispo County can apply for San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation’s general community grants, with awards up to US $20,000. Funding can support arts and culture, environmental education, health and human services, and programs for seniors and people with disabilities in California communities.