Best San Francisco Grants for Nonprofits in California

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.

The van Loben Sels/RembeRock Foundation primarily funds 501(c)(3) organizations that provide direct legal services in Northern California. While the Foundation favors established relationships, new applicants are welcome, particularly in remote areas where legal services are scarce. Typical grant amounts range from $7,500 to $30,000, with larger grants reserved for invited requests. Focus areas include legal assistance for vulnerable populations and support for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) programs.

About Us

Philanthropic Ventures Foundation (PVF), a 501(c)(3) public charity, was founded in 1991 to test new approaches to creative grantmaking and to maximize the impact of the philanthropic dollar. We are proud of our 34 years of advancing philanthropy.

PVF Visiting Artist Grants

Teachers are encouraged to apply to have an artist visit their classroom! Teachers who might not have expertise in the art form presented by the visiting artist, are often able to use what they learn during the visiting artist’s presentation to model future lessons.

This program is working to fill a large need, and makes a difference in the number of students who receive inspirational, quality arts education. Interactive workshops from professional artists in the community are motivating to students, and increase both student and teacher morale.

Grants of up to $1,000 can pay for the artist’s time and classroom materials for the lesson. Teachers can apply to bring an artist or art historian to their classroom. These are visual and material artists who would complement the lesson plan. Examples: painter, sculptor, wood carver, weaver.

The Senate Bill 1 Sea Level Rise Adaptation Planning Grant Program in California provides vital funding for local governments to develop sea level rise adaptation plans. With $17.18 million available, this program aims to enhance coastal resilience against the impacts of climate change. The program supports jurisdictions in creating consistent and effective strategies to address rising sea levels, ensuring public safety and safeguarding infrastructure and biodiversity along California's coastline.

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 Unique Zan Foundation offers small grants to empower women in education and health, focusing on initiatives that promote peace and community leadership, especially in high-conflict regions of West Asia and the Middle East. Non-profit organizations that align with their mission are encouraged to apply. They support projects that enhance women's human rights, education, and health, while also fostering cultural activities in the Bay Area. This commitment reflects their dedication to women's empowerment and community development.

The Mary A. Crocker Trust Grant focuses on enhancing education and environmental stewardship in the Bay Area. It supports innovative educational programs for pre-collegiate students and funds local projects aimed at improving environmental practices, such as waste management and sustainable agriculture. Priority is given to organizations with strong ties to the Bay Area, fostering a passion for lifelong learning and advocacy for the natural environment.

Community Finance Initiative 

Advancing the financial resilience of low-income households across the U.S.

This model enables us to engage and support a broad range of organizations across the globe to tackle some of the most pressing social issues of our time.

The Citi Foundation’s 2026 Community Finance Initiative commits $35 million to support programming that bolsters the financial stability, strength and safety of low-income households in the U.S.

Focus Areas

The Foundation seeks to support organizations advancing low-income household financial resilience in the United States across three focus areas:

Stabilize: Programs that help low-income households to build financial skills and confidence to manage daily finances and navigate financial stress.

• Financial coaching on budgeting, credit, debt reduction and savings strategies.
• Digital tools offering personalized financial guidance and product navigation.
• Assistance with public benefits and social safety net programs.

Strengthen: Programs that help low-income households build and repair credit, as well as short- and long-term financial assets.

• Financial products or services for credit building and credit repair.
• Initiatives to increase savings, including emergency funds.
• Support for homeownership, including readiness, preservation and long-term stability (e.g., first-time buyer assistance, preventing displacement and support systems for aging in place resources).

Safeguard: Programs that protect low-income household financial security by preventing and addressing financial losses.

• Education and support for the safe and confident use of digital financial tools.
• Fraud and scam awareness, prevention and recovery initiatives, including protection from identity theft.
• Interventions to help households recover from major financial shocks (e.g., healthcare costs, extended family care, job transitions or natural disasters).

Funding Opportunity

The Foundation plans to award 70 $500,000 (USD) grants (to be disbursed over two years) totaling $35 million to community organizations working in select communities where Citi has a presence.

The grants will be restricted and are anticipated to be disbursed in two annual payments in 2026 and 2027. Proposed projects should be for a term of 24 months, starting no sooner than August 1, 2026 and ending no later than December 31, 2028.

The Lois Lenski Covey Foundation offers Literacy Program Grants aimed at advancing literacy and fostering a love of reading among underserved children. Grants support innovative programs in regions including Baltimore, New York City, and San Francisco, with amounts ranging from $2,000 to $10,000. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) charities and schools. The foundation encourages new ideas and partnerships, prioritizing programs that engage children through regular interaction with skilled staff.

The LGBTQ Donor Engagement Grant Program by Horizons Foundation aims to support large LGBTQ-focused organizations in the SF Bay Area with annual budgets over $1 million. Organizations can apply for up to $5,000 to fund fundraising events or alternative donor engagement activities. Criteria include inspiring programming, relationship-building strategies, and inclusivity across the LGBTQ spectrum. Eligible nonprofits must have a home office in the SF Bay Area and meet specific funding criteria.

The C. Edward and Edith Strobel Charitable Trust Grant aims to support conservation and health-related initiatives in the San Francisco Bay Area. Established in 1968, this foundation honors the legacy of its founders, Carolus Edward and Edith McCammon Strobel, who tragically lost their lives in an accident. The trust primarily funds medical research for children's diseases and heart and lung health, along with various environmental and animal welfare projects.

Tim Griffith Foundation 

Misson: The Tim Griffith Foundation helps to strengthen our communities by providing support to those often overlooked in our society. Specifically, we strive to help those affected by addiction, loss, or without access to educational opportunities.

Grants

We provide a limited number of grants to nonprofits serving the San Francisco Bay Area in our focus areas of addiction recovery, violence prevention and grief support. 

• Grants are for one year; no multi-year commitments.
• Organizations that receive funding must provide a final report prior to applying for additional funding for a subsequent year.
• We require a follow-up report from the organization within 60 days from the end of the funded program to help us gauge the impact of our grant funding. 

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.

KKR Charitable Donations supports impactful collaborations and programs addressing current needs while paving the way for future progress. Through their Corporate Citizenship program, KKR focuses on philanthropy, employee engagement, and sustainable community initiatives. The KKR Cares initiative enables employees to engage with communities worldwide via matching gifts, board service, and volunteer opportunities, aiming to enhance economic opportunity and security for underserved populations.

The Furthur Foundation Grant supports grassroots organizations focused on community needs, environmental preservation, and social justice. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, the foundation aims to empower groups working directly toward impactful goals, such as food distribution, job assistance, and ecological conservation. There are no application deadlines, making it accessible for various organizations. However, it does not fund individuals or groups without 501(c)(3) status, or those with budgets exceeding $1 million.

The Grass Roots Gay Rights Foundation offers annual Tier A grants to 501(c)(3) organizations dedicated to serving the LGBTQ community in the Greater Bay Area. Eligible organizations can apply during the designated application period, followed by a review process by the Foundation's board. Two Tier A grants are awarded based on consensus voting after presentations by finalists. The funding amount is determined by annual fundraising success after Tier B and C grants are allocated.

The Community Progress Makers Fund, an initiative by the Citi Foundation, aims to empower local organizations by providing $50 million in unrestricted funding. This program, established in 2015, will support 50 selected community organizations over three years with grants of $1 million each, alongside technical assistance and opportunities for collaboration. The fund prioritizes organizations with strong community ties and a proven impact in areas such as affordable housing, economic development, financial health, and workforce readiness.

The Peggy and Jack Baskin Foundation, established in 2008, focuses on achieving gender and racial equity through grants primarily for nonprofit organizations in Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties. They emphasize intersectional feminism and support initiatives that empower women and gender-expansive individuals of color. The foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals and prefers organizations with diverse decision-makers and equitable personnel policies. Funding areas include reproductive rights, legal advocacy, and gender economic justice.

The Miranda Lux Foundation Grant supports innovative pre-vocational and vocational education programs for youth under 18 in the San Francisco Bay Area. Established in 1955, the foundation honors Miranda W. Lux's legacy by funding proposals that enhance educational opportunities in technical and manual skills. Organizations must be tax-exempt under 501(c)(3) to apply. The foundation prioritizes unique initiatives that help prepare young people for the workforce while fostering academic enrichment and artistic development.

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 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 Firedoll Foundation provides grants for community-based services assisting survivors of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in California. Emphasizing post-acute support, the Foundation seeks to enhance the quality of life for TBI survivors, enabling their integration into society. Funding is prioritized for 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally-sponsored projects focused on discrete deliverables. Notably, they do not support individuals or general operating costs for first-time applicants.

The Bank of Marin's Annual Grant Program focuses on enhancing community welfare through support for nonprofits that promote social and economic vitality, education, and wellness. With a commitment to collaborative efforts since 1990, the bank has invested millions into local initiatives. It prioritizes funding for basic needs, educational programs, and arts access, and has been recognized as a leading corporate philanthropist in Northern California.

The Kimball Foundation Grant Program supports college access, workplace training, cultural enrichment, and environmental education for low-income residents in the San Francisco Bay Area. By providing pathways to higher education, vocational training, and arts education, the foundation empowers youth to overcome barriers and achieve their goals. The foundation emphasizes culturally competent leadership and structured support, ensuring effective mentorship and long-term success for participants. Organizations are encouraged to apply for funding that aligns with these impactful missions.

The Fisheries Restoration Grant Program (FRGP) in California, established in 1981, addresses the decline of wild salmon and steelhead trout populations and the deterioration of fish habitats. Through competitive grants, FRGP has invested millions into various coastal projects, fostering collaboration among federal and local governments, tribes, nonprofit organizations, and private landowners. This initiative aims to restore vital ecosystems and promote sustainable fisheries for future generations.

The George Family Foundation focuses on Whole-Person Health and Wellbeing, emphasizing the importance of nurturing mind, body, spirit, and community. The foundation seeks to empower individuals and promote healthcare choice by funding community-based initiatives and select medical systems. Their funding priorities include enhancing access to whole-person care for diverse populations and supporting professional training programs for practitioners, particularly those from underrepresented communities.