Best San Francisco County Grants for Nonprofits in California

The Henry Mayo Newhall Foundation, established in 1963, is dedicated to enhancing life quality in communities linked to California pioneer Henry Mayo Newhall. It funds initiatives in academic enrichment, animal welfare, scholarships, historical preservation, and outreach for the disadvantaged. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $20,000 for one year, with potential renewals based on effectiveness. The Foundation prioritizes proposals from nonprofit organizations in specific California regions, emphasizing matching or challenge grants.

The Light Awards provide funding up to $30,000 over two years for professional learning projects designed by teachers. Targeting teams of educators, the program aims to enhance teaching effectiveness and student inspiration. Eligible projects must demonstrate potential for widespread impact and foster a community of practice. Applicants must be full-time teachers in California, and the program supports innovative training, tool development, and collaboration while ensuring adherence to specific guidelines regarding team composition and project funding restrictions.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

501(c)(3) public charities in San Francisco County, California working on environmental resiliency and justice can apply for grants supporting climate change mitigation, sustainable food systems, inclusive economies, and recycling solutions. The Dylan Todd Simonds Foundation, part of Hillman Family Foundations, prioritizes innovative projects in the Bay Area and Pittsburgh advancing social and environmental justice.

The Environmental Science Resource Grants, offered by the Philanthropic Ventures Foundation, provide funding up to $1,000 for TK-12 teachers in low-income public schools across several California counties. These grants aim to enhance environmental science curricula through various projects, supplies, and field trips, encouraging innovative learning experiences. Eligible teachers can apply for funding to support activities such as gardening clubs, water testing, and teacher training sessions, fostering a deeper understanding of environmental science among students.

The Callison Foundation Grant supports small organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area focused on educational success for marginalized children, youth at-risk, and vulnerable adults. Grants of up to $25,000 are awarded in three areas: education, children and youth services, and adult and senior services. Organizations can receive funding for five years within an eight-year period, with a preference for those with unique offerings and limited government funding.

The John & Marcia Goldman Foundation supports youth development initiatives aimed at improving the life trajectories of underserved children and families. Through grants, the foundation provides access to essential services and activities in the Mid-Peninsula region of the San Francisco Bay Area, addressing critical service gaps and fostering community engagement. No deadlines exist for proposals, and support is focused on established organizations with a strong capacity for impact.

The Smart & Final Charitable Foundation focuses on enhancing community well-being through strategic donations. Committed to Health & Wellness, Education, Hunger Relief, Team Sports & Youth Development, and Disaster Relief, the foundation supports local non-profits in California, Arizona, and Nevada. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)3 registered and aligned with the foundation's focus areas. While the foundation aims to assist various groups, it has specific exclusions, such as for-profit entities and political activities.

The T. Rowe Price Foundation, established in 1981, primarily supports nonprofit organizations in Baltimore, Colorado Springs, San Francisco, and New York. While most grants are by invitation, unsolicited proposals are also considered. The foundation emphasizes community engagement, collaboration, and unrestricted funding to enhance the operational capacity of nonprofits, enabling them to address critical social issues effectively. With over $194 million in grants awarded, it focuses on fostering strong leaders and equitable solutions in the communities it serves.

The JetBlue Foundation is dedicated to enhancing aviation-related education and STEM initiatives, aiming to inspire future aviation leaders. Offering grants up to $50,000, it supports educational organizations that focus on aviation technology, engineering, operations, and maintenance. The foundation prioritizes programs benefiting under-represented communities in aviation, including veterans, women, and diverse groups, ensuring a broader range of voices in the industry.

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.

The Listos California Regional Grant (LM) Program aims to enhance disaster preparedness in California's Coastal Region. This initiative supports nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status that serve diverse populations across multiple counties, particularly those at higher risk of disasters. By offering resources and training, the program seeks to empower communities disproportionately affected by emergencies, fostering resilience and recovery efforts. Eligible applicants can independently implement projects or collaborate with local nonprofits to maximize impact.

The Maisin Scholarship aims to promote educational equity by supporting low-income students in the San Francisco Unified School District. Each year, the program awards up to $3,000 annually to 75 high school seniors, enabling them to pursue higher education. Established in honor of Alexander Maisin, a successful immigrant, the scholarship not only provides financial assistance but also offers workshops and resources to help students navigate their educational journey and achieve their goals.

The Hesed Foundation Grant supports charitable initiatives that promote social justice through Tzedakah and gemilut hasadim, which emphasize justice and loving kindness. This private foundation focuses on enhancing the welfare of underrepresented communities, particularly in the Boston area, NYC, and Northern California. Grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, and the foundation prioritizes projects related to youth, education, health, and community building.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on economic opportunity or economic security in San Francisco County, California can seek event sponsorship support through KKR’s corporate citizenship program. KKR supports programs that expand economic opportunity, strengthen economic security, and build resilient communities in regions where it operates, which include San Francisco County nonprofits.

The PNC Foundation's Grow Up Great Grant is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for children from birth to age 5. With a commitment of $500 million, this program focuses on improving school readiness through support in vocabulary development, social-emotional learning, and the arts. By partnering with community-based nonprofits, PNC aims to foster stronger, smarter, and healthier communities, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on supporting organizations that empower communities through basic needs, income creation, and stable housing. By investing in health and job opportunities, they aim to enhance economic mobility for low- and moderate-income families. Their partnerships target vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to resources that foster community vitality and resilience. This initiative emphasizes the importance of stable housing as a foundation for personal and communal growth.

The Amgen Foundation, established in 1990, focuses on enhancing science education and strengthening communities. It supports nonprofit organizations that align with its mission, emphasizing teacher development and hands-on science experiences. Grants are awarded annually, with a commitment of $180 million to impactful programs. Eligible organizations include public schools and libraries, while ineligible requests involve individual support, religious organizations, and political activities. This approach aims to inspire the next generation of innovators through quality educational opportunities.

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 Gordon E And Betty I Moore Foundation offers conservation grants to support projects in the San Francisco Bay Area, focusing on maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services. Their initiatives prioritize land acquisition and conservation easements, while fostering partnerships among stakeholders. With a commitment to preserving the region's unique landscapes, the foundation has facilitated over 80 conservation projects across ten counties, enhancing habitats for native species and ensuring sustainable environmental stewardship.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on improving economic mobility and social progress through partnerships with nonprofits. It prioritizes basic needs, income creation, stable housing, and community empowerment. By supporting vulnerable populations, the foundation aims to enable individuals to achieve their goals and contribute positively to their communities. The foundation emphasizes sustainable progress, ensuring that all community members have access to essential resources and opportunities for growth.

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 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 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 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.

San Francisco County, California veterans creating visual or media art can access funding and residency support through Kala Art Institute’s Veterans Artist Residency Program, which offers US $1,000 and 1–4 month studio residencies. Eligible artists receive 24/7 facility access, housing for those from outside the Bay Area, workshops, and community engagement opportunities.