Best San Francisco Grants for Nonprofits in California

The Nick Traina Foundation is dedicated to supporting organizations focused on mental health issues, particularly manic-depression and suicide prevention. While currently only accepting proposals from the San Francisco Bay Area, the foundation prioritizes smaller nonprofits with annual revenues between $750,000 and $8 million. It also offers assistance to musicians facing mental health challenges, emphasizing a community-centered approach to mental illness treatment and family support.

The Neighborhood Builders Program, supported by Bank of America, empowers 501(c)(3) nonprofits through a two-year leadership development initiative. Participants receive funding, training, and networking opportunities to enhance their impact in communities. Since its inception, the program has invested over $346 million, training more than 4,000 leaders. The initiative focuses on advancing social mobility and economic opportunities, ensuring affordable housing, and fostering resilient communities. This program is vital for nonprofits aiming to strengthen their leadership and community engagement.

The Rocky Mountain Power Foundation supports arts and culture organizations through grants typically ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, with a focus on enhancing community vitality. Eligible organizations include nonprofits dedicated to performing arts, visual arts, and historic preservation. The foundation operates on a quarterly grant cycle, ensuring careful review of applications. Grants are limited to tax-exempt organizations, and the foundation does not fund projects outside its service areas in Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon, and California.

The Sadie Meyer and Louis Cohn Foundation, established through the will of Sadie Meyer Cohn, supports education and health initiatives in the San Francisco Bay Area. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and located in this region to qualify for funding. The foundation prioritizes aid for needy individuals and charitable causes, reflecting its commitment to community welfare and educational support.

The Junior League of San Francisco (JLSF) offers Enabling Funds Grants to support nonprofit organizations in the Bay Area that address essential needs such as housing, food, and personal necessities. With grants up to $5,000, priority is given to those facing urgent financial challenges. Eligible organizations must align their programs with JLSF's mission and provide verification of their 501(c)(3) status. This initiative helps sustain vital community services and empower women’s leadership.

The Bethlehem Foundation Grant, established in 2013, aims to enhance the quality of life for senior adults in Sonoma County, California. It supports nonprofit organizations focused on health, independence, and social interaction for seniors. Applications are accepted year-round, with deadlines on February 28 and August 31 for spring and fall meetings respectively. Grants are limited to qualified public charities under 501(c)(3) and do not extend to individuals.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program - California

The Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program provides supplies, equipment, and financial support to a variety of qualified groups and programs at the local level; geared towards youth, women, law enforcement, veterans, the disabled, and the general public, including:

• General shooting programs
• Competitive shooting
• Education, training and safety
• Hunting and conservation
• Community outreach
• Historical education

Grant funding must 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.

The Harold Johnson Law Enforcement Scholarship honors the legacy of Police Chief Harold "Hal" Johnson by providing financial support to aspiring law enforcement professionals. Established for students in the greater San Francisco Bay Area, it encourages those with a passion for public service and a commitment to criminal justice. Eligible applicants include high school seniors and college students with a minimum GPA of 2.5, showcasing leadership qualities and financial need, ensuring a new generation of dedicated law enforcement personnel.

The Samsung Semiconductor Scholarship is dedicated to supporting future innovators in STEM fields. This program targets exceptional undergraduate and master's students who are committed to full-time education at California public universities, with a preference for those in the greater Bay Area. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and have declared a major in a STEM-related discipline. This initiative emphasizes collaboration and innovation, ensuring diverse voices contribute to the future of technology.

The Ralph Hale and Martha L. Ruppert Educational Scholarship supports 'late bloomers'—students who show academic improvement but may have low GPAs. Established by Ralph Hale and Lenore Martha Ruppert, it aims to assist those facing financial hardships while demonstrating community involvement. Eligible candidates must be high school graduates from specific counties in California and plan to enroll in college or vocational school. This scholarship empowers deserving youth to pursue their academic goals.

The Latinos in Technology Scholarship, funded by the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley, aims to empower Latino students pursuing STEM careers. Awardees receive up to $6,000 annually for their undergraduate education, with professional development opportunities, mentorship, and internship access. This initiative not only addresses the underrepresentation of Latinos in STEM but also fosters a supportive community to help students transition successfully into the workforce.

The Kuo Family Scholarship, established by the Kuo Family Fund, honors their legacy and supports community impact through grants. It is open to high school seniors and college students in the Bay Area with a GPA of 3.25 or higher and financial need, as determined by FAFSA. This scholarship aims to assist students pursuing full-time education at accredited four-year institutions, fostering educational and cultural growth within the community.

The Krishnan-Shah Family Scholarship, established by Ajay Shah and Lata Krishnan, aims to support financially needy students with strong academic potential and community involvement. This scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors and current community college students from the Silicon Valley region, particularly first-generation college students. It provides essential financial aid to help students successfully complete their undergraduate degrees, fostering educational opportunities and community growth.

The Society for Ecological Restoration Northwest Chapter offers Student Research Grants up to $3,000 to support research that enhances ecosystem restoration in the Cascadia bioregion. Eligible applicants include social or natural science graduate students and upper-level undergraduates. The grant can cover various project expenses, fostering innovative approaches to restore natural systems while promoting the diversity of life in the region.

The Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation offers Local Impact Grants to nonprofit organizations in 11 markets, providing $225,000 to support local programs addressing community issues. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits with a revenue exceeding $100,000 and must operate in one of the specified television markets. The grants aim to empower youth through education, promote diverse storytelling, and enhance community engagement. This initiative underscores Comcast's commitment to fostering inclusion and equitable opportunities for underserved communities.

The PVF Science Resource Grants, offered by the Philanthropic Ventures Foundation, provide funding up to $500 for TK-12 teachers at low-income public schools in select California counties. These grants aim to enhance science instruction through hands-on materials, focusing on life sciences and chemistry. Eligible applicants can request grants for items such as safety goggles, lab coats, and microscopes, with a limit of three grants per school and one per teacher, encouraging collaborative applications.

The PVF Social Worker/CASA Grants program supports vulnerable youth in foster care by providing grants of up to $500 to Social Workers and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs). These funds can address critical needs such as medical care, educational supplies, and extracurricular activities. Applications are open for the 2026-2027 school year, and eligible applicants include Social Workers and CASAs in various California counties. The Foundation is dedicated to innovative grantmaking that maximizes philanthropic impact.

The PVF Special Education Grants, offered by the Philanthropic Ventures Foundation, provide funding up to $500 for public school teachers and therapists serving special education students from TK to 12th grade. These grants support classroom supplies, educational field trips, and professional development aimed at enhancing teaching resources and student independence. Eligible applicants include teachers from low-income schools in select California counties, with a limit of three grants per school and one per teacher.

The PLTW Gateway - New Program, in partnership with Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance student engagement in STEM by providing teachers with essential resources and support. Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, eligible schools can apply for grants to introduce and expand PLTW programs, fostering real-world skills through applied learning. This initiative targets schools with significant free and reduced-price lunch populations, promoting equity in education across various U.S. counties.

The PLTW Launch - Program Expansion initiative by Burns & McDonnell aims to enhance access to STEM education in U.S. schools. This program focuses on empowering students by providing real-world learning experiences and essential skills. Grants will support schools in expanding PLTW programs during the 2026-2027 academic year, benefiting students from underserved communities. By fostering a deeper understanding of STEM, the initiative seeks to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem solvers.

The PLTW Engineering - Program Expansion initiative aims to enhance STEM education by increasing access to Project Lead The Way (PLTW) programs in communities served by Burns & McDonnell. This partnership focuses on empowering students through real-world learning experiences, helping them develop essential skills for future careers. Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, grants will support schools in expanding their existing PLTW Engineering programs to foster greater participation and engagement in STEM fields.

The PLTW Launch - New Program initiative, sponsored by Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by providing grants to eligible schools within specific U.S. counties. Schools must implement PLTW modules over two academic years, ensuring access to real-world learning experiences for students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. This program emphasizes the importance of empowering educators and fostering student engagement in STEM fields to prepare them for future careers.

The Youth Access to Nature Fund, established by Justice Outside, aims to enhance access to nature for youth of color in the San Francisco Bay Area. With a focus on racial justice and environmental education, the fund supports projects that empower young leaders and promote mental well-being. Grants up to $25,000 are available for initiatives that engage communities and foster relationships with the outdoors, ensuring that marginalized voices are prioritized in environmental movements.

The PLTW Gateway - Program Expansion initiative, led by Burns & McDonnell in partnership with Project Lead The Way (PLTW), aims to enhance STEM education by increasing access to PLTW programs for students in eligible communities. This program empowers students through real-world applied learning experiences, promoting essential skills for college and careers. Grants will support schools in expanding their existing PLTW Gateway programs starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, fostering a brighter future through education.

Cytokinetics is dedicated to supporting local communities in the San Francisco Bay Area and Greater Philadelphia Region by providing access to essential services that address food and housing insecurity. Their funding initiatives aim to foster stability and resilience among at-risk populations, emphasizing charitable donations to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations that align with their corporate giving priorities. This support helps build strong connections between Cytokinetics and the communities they serve.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

Our Philosophy for Education: We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

PLTW Computer Science - New Program In Partnership With Lam Research

The Lam Foundation supports schools implementing or expanding a PLTW program in or near several of their U.S. communities. Schools seeking support for PLTW Gateway or PLTW Engineering will receive priority. The Lam Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Lam Research, a leading provider of equipment and services to the semiconductor industry.

Program Requirements

The purpose of this grant is to assist the grantee's implementation of the PLTW Computer Science program. Grantee must offer at least one PLTW Computer Science course in the 2027-2028 academic year and must offer one additional course in the 2028-2029 academic year (two different courses in two years). Grantee may implement any PLTW Computer Science courses of their choosing. Grantee must complete two years of grant reporting.

Cytokinetics is dedicated to enhancing diversity in STEM education for underrepresented students in the San Francisco Bay Area and Greater Philadelphia Region. Their funding supports innovative educational programs, scholarships, and initiatives that promote equity and inclusion in science, technology, engineering, and math. By empowering the next generation of science leaders, Cytokinetics aims to create pathways to college and future success in the STEM fields.