Best San Francisco Grants for Nonprofits in California

The National Estuary Program Watersheds Grant Program, administered by Restore America’s Estuaries and supported by the EPA, funds competitive projects addressing critical threats to estuaries. Key priorities include habitat restoration, enhancing coastal resilience against extreme weather, managing nutrient impacts, and mitigating stormwater runoff. Established in 1987, the program aims to improve ecological integrity and water quality in 28 estuaries nationwide, providing essential funding and guidance to local initiatives.

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 - Program Expansion 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 expansion of student access to the PLTW Computer Science program. Grantee must use their grant funds to expand their existing PLTW Computer Science program. Example expansion activities include but are not limited to adding an additional PLTW Computer Science course not previously offered, and/or adding additional class periods of an existing PLTW Computer Science courses previously offered, and/or training additional teachers in PLTW Computer Science courses for the 2027-2028 academic year. Grantee must complete one year of grant reporting.

The California Watershed Protection Fund Grant supports projects aimed at enhancing water quality and protecting watersheds throughout California. With grants ranging from $10,000 to $40,000, eligible applicants include 501(c)3 organizations and governmental entities. Priority is given to initiatives that engage impacted communities and uphold principles of equity and environmental justice. The fund emphasizes hands-on activities that yield tangible benefits for surface water quality, fostering community-based stewardship in response to fluctuating watershed needs.

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.

About

Our History & Vision

The Margoes Foundation was established in 1984 by the will of John A. Margoes. John Margoes envisioned the Foundation to be a resource and catalyst to support imaginative and creative program opportunities that enabled low-income and other disadvantaged youth to obtain a college education and people with mental disabilities to live in non-institutional environments and lead productive lives.

Venture Philanthropy Award

The VP Award supports new or early-stage organizations that are developing innovative programs or services to empower low-income, under-represented students to successfully earn a college degree and enter the workforce. This is a three-year $150,000 grant, payable in $50,000 annual installments.

The Joseph & Vera Long Foundation offers grants targeted at non-profit organizations in Northern California and Hawaii. With larger grants ranging from $60,000 to $150,000 in the Spring and smaller grants from $10,000 to $40,000 in the Fall, the foundation focuses on supporting community-driven initiatives. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) compliant and align with the foundation's priorities, which include environmental conservation, youth development, maternal health, and healthy aging.

The PLTW Engineering - New Program, supported by Burns & McDonnell, aims to empower U.S. students through STEM education. By offering at least one PLTW Engineering course in the 2026-2027 academic year, schools can enhance their curriculum and foster critical skills. This initiative not only increases access to valuable programs but also prepares students for future challenges in college and careers, ensuring they thrive in an evolving world.

The NFL Foundation Grassroots Program, in partnership with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), aims to enhance the quality, safety, and accessibility of community football fields. With grants up to $250,000, this initiative addresses the critical lack of safe recreation spaces in low-income neighborhoods, ensuring children and adults have access to well-maintained facilities for gathering and exercise, ultimately fostering community health and well-being.

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.

Our Work:

The Citi Foundation commits $20 million to help nonprofit housing developers overcome financial and operational barriers to building and preserving affordable housing in the U.S.

Apply for Funding

Citi Foundation primarily provides funding through open Requests for Proposals (RFP). 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. Each RFP launched is accompanied by detailed information on goals, selection criteria and relevant application deadlines.

Housing Affordability

Citi's Blueprint for Housing Opportunity

Recognized as the number one affordable housing lender in the U.S. by Affordable Housing Finance magazine, Citi knows increasing supply is essential to addressing housing affordability — one of the defining economic challenges of our time. That’s why we are putting our capital, community impact and expertise toward helping more Americans access housing they can truly afford.

The Richard Reed Foundation Grant supports small, innovative non-profit organizations in Colorado and Northern California that aim to improve community welfare through initiatives in mental health, child development, environmental impact, and animal welfare. The foundation focuses on organizations with a proven track record, clear goals, and sustainable funding. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $10,000, and the foundation encourages creativity and collaboration to foster significant community change.

The California Arts Council offers the Individual Artists Fellowship to support California artists across diverse disciplines. This program emphasizes racial equity and is administered through regionally-based organizations that assist artists in their applications and promote their work. Funding tiers range from $5,000 to $50,000, aimed at emerging to legacy artists, ensuring that a broad spectrum of artistic expression is recognized and celebrated. The initiative underscores the importance of artists' contributions to their communities.

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.

The Citi Foundation's Global Innovation Challenge invites proposals from community organizations worldwide developing innovative employment solutions for low-income youth aged 15 to 24. This initiative aims to enhance youth employability, addressing global unemployment challenges faced by millions. Eligible organizations can apply for funding to support programs such as vocational training, entrepreneurship, and financial education to empower young people. The deadline for application registration is March 4, 2025, at 12 p.m. Eastern Time.

The Annunziata Sanguinetti Foundation Grant provides year-round support for organizations focused on the care, treatment, rehabilitation, or education of children with physical or mental handicaps in San Francisco, California. Eligible entities must be 501(c)(3) organizations dedicated to serving children ages 21 and under. The program emphasizes educational, health, and human services, ensuring a better quality of life for affected youth, while excluding specific entities like Shriners Hospitals.

The Community Foundation of San Carlos, established in 2019, aims to enhance the quality of life in San Carlos through community-driven initiatives. With a $2M endowment, it supports nonprofits focused on sustainable solutions for local needs. The 2025 Grant Round prioritizes organizations that directly improve community well-being. Eligible applicants should have operating budgets under $1.5 million and demonstrate their impact. The foundation emphasizes general operating support to empower nonprofits in fulfilling their missions.

The Grants for the Arts program provides significant financial support to arts and culture organizations in San Francisco, with grants ranging from $10,000 to $450,000 over two years. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6) nonprofits, focusing on capacity building and public arts programming. This initiative aims to foster community engagement and promote vibrant cultural experiences through performances, exhibits, and festivals, ensuring access to the arts for all residents.

The Community Challenge Grant Program, funded by the City & County of San Francisco, supports neighborhood beautification projects aimed at fostering community resilience and safety. With a budget range of $50,000 to $150,000, eligible nonprofit organizations can apply for funding to enhance public spaces and activate community engagement. The program emphasizes the importance of collective strength and interdependence among communities, facilitating initiatives that bring residents together.

The San Francisco Green Infrastructure Grant Program, managed by the SFPUC, aims to support property owners in creating green stormwater infrastructure. This initiative includes projects like permeable pavement and rain gardens, designed to reduce stormwater runoff from at least 0.5 acres of impervious surfaces. Grants can provide up to $2.5 million per project, enhancing public benefits while improving sewer system performance for SFPUC rate payers.

The Community Action Grants - Arts and Culture program by the Silicon Valley Community Foundation aims to empower organizations focused on racial justice and community-based solutions. It supports arts organizations that nurture creativity and civic engagement in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. This initiative recognizes the crucial role of artists and cultural workers in driving social change, thereby fostering a vibrant, equitable Silicon Valley. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity and community leadership.

The Arts Impact Endowment (AIE) by the San Francisco Arts Commission aims to support local artists and organizations over the next five years, focusing on preventing displacement through grants and resources. The initiative emphasizes racial equity and social justice, aligning with the 2024-2029 Cultural Services Allocation Plan. By funding artists' work, their environments, and community connections, AIE seeks to enhance the vibrancy of San Francisco's cultural landscape, fostering creativity and positive social change.

The Special Project Grants (SPX) program by the San Francisco Arts Commission provides funding between $50,000 and $350,000 to support local artists and cultural initiatives. These grants aim to enhance community engagement and promote equity in the arts sector. Annually, the Board of Supervisors allocates funding through a transparent proposal process, ensuring that resources are directed towards impactful projects that reflect the diverse cultural fabric of San Francisco.

The Dolores Zohrab Liebmann Fund Fellowships provide financial support for U.S. citizens pursuing graduate studies in various fields at accredited institutions. The fellowships cover tuition and offer an annual stipend of $18,000 for living expenses. Candidates must demonstrate financial need and have an outstanding undergraduate record. Applications are submitted through the dean of the university, with deadlines in January and notifications by mid-June. This program honors Dolores Zohrab Liebmann's legacy of supporting education.

The Stocker Foundation Grants support innovative educational programs aimed at bridging the literacy gap in underserved communities. With a focus on STEAM initiatives, the Foundation seeks to partner with 501(c)(3) organizations in specific counties across Ohio, California, and Arizona. The goal is to enhance reading and writing skills through cross-disciplinary learning, while also providing essential support services that promote student engagement and academic success. Grants are not awarded for capital campaigns or individual projects.

The Northern Wisconsin Outdoor Experiential Education Scholarship Fund supports residents of Chequamegon Bay communities in accessing quality outdoor education programs. Created by anonymous donors passionate about outdoor experiences, the fund targets applicants demonstrating financial need and belonging to underrepresented groups in outdoor education. Awards of $1,000 are available for one year, enabling youth to engage in environmentally sustainable outdoor activities and develop social responsibility.

The Morris Stulsaft Foundation's Pathways to Work Grant focuses on empowering Bay Area youth aged 15 to 24 from low-income households. The grant emphasizes the importance of early work experience as a predictor of future employment, providing hands-on job training and support. Organizations must connect youth to paid work opportunities and offer programs that develop essential soft skills, ensuring they are prepared for various career paths in high-demand sectors.

The Community College Scholarship Program, established by the Santa Clara Valley Chapter of the California Native Plant Society, offers a $1,500 scholarship to support students pursuing careers in horticulture focused on California native plants. Eligible applicants must be community college students or high school seniors residing in San Mateo or Santa Clara County, with a GPA of 2.5 or higher, and a commitment to native plant ecosystems. This initiative promotes educational growth and community engagement.