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Search Through Grants for Mentoring Programs in California

Edison International's Community Grants Program partners with local nonprofits focused on education, the environment, public safety, and civic engagement. With a commitment to supporting underserved communities, the program has contributed $20 million to initiatives that improve air quality, enhance disaster preparedness, and promote diversity. The grants prioritize educational programs emphasizing STEM and environmental sustainability, aiming to empower diverse populations and foster community resilience in Southern California.

The Junior Board Grants by the Frieda C. Fox Family Foundation aim to empower nonprofit organizations in Los Angeles County focused on maximizing youth potential. While the grant amounts can reach up to $10,000, priority is given to organizations with a strong operational history and a budget under $10 million. Applications are currently closed, but organizations that meet the criteria are encouraged to reach out for future opportunities.

The LA84 Foundation Grant offers small grants of up to $10,000 to organizations that support youth sports programs, particularly for underserved youth. This funding aims to enhance social-emotional and educational outcomes through sports, prioritizing programs that promote equity, access, and safety. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations in Southern California, focusing on youth under 18, and adhere to specific safety guidelines for various sports. LOIs are accepted year-round.

The Nobbs Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged youth and young adults in Southern California through education, scholarships, training, and mentoring. The Foundation prioritizes organizations that align with its mission and seeks to provide opportunities for individuals to achieve independence and self-sufficiency. Although unsolicited applications are not accepted, invited organizations may submit a Letter of Inquiry for potential funding. Grants are typically awarded for a single year to support program, operating, or capital expenses.

The Community Foundation for Monterey County offers Organizational Development (OD) Grants to enhance the capacity of nonprofits in the region. These grants support strategic projects that address unique management challenges and improve internal operations. Eligible organizations include 501(c)3 nonprofits and fiscally-sponsored groups. Recent projects have demonstrated significant impacts, such as improved volunteer engagement and successful leadership transitions, highlighting the foundation's commitment to fostering healthy, vibrant communities in Monterey County.

The Inland Empire Youth Grantmakers program empowers high school students to address critical issues in their communities, focusing on mental health and education equity. With a hands-on, six-month experience, participants engage in grantmaking, community service, and advocacy. In 2025, the program shifted to prioritize mental health and educational resources, ensuring all youth have access to opportunities for success. By supporting nonprofits that provide essential services, the initiative aims to create lasting social change in Riverside, San Bernardino, and Coachella Valley.

The CCI Quick Grant program offers financial support to artists and nonprofit arts organizations in San Francisco and San José. Eligible applicants can receive up to $600 annually for professional development activities, such as workshops and conferences. The program aims to enhance the administrative capacity and business skills of participants, ultimately strengthening the financial resilience of their artistic practices and organizations. Applications are accepted monthly, with deadlines on the 15th.

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 Native Youth and Culture Fund, initiated by First Nations Development Institute, aims to empower Native youth through two-year grants ranging from $20,000 to $60,000. These funds support programs that foster leadership, cultural preservation, and intergenerational knowledge transfer. Grants will be awarded to initiatives that engage youth in structured activities, mentorship, and the revitalization of traditional practices. This investment reflects a commitment to nurturing future leaders in Native communities, ensuring their cultural heritage is honored and sustained.

The Amateur Radio Digital Communications Grants support projects that enhance digital communication and promote amateur radio. The California-based ARDC foundation funds initiatives focusing on education, research, and the growth of amateur radio, including scholarships and community engagement programs. Eligible applicants include U.S. nonprofits, educational institutions, and international charities. Emphasizing open access, funded projects must make their outcomes available to the public, fostering innovation in communication technology.

The Charis Fund Grant supports non-profit organizations in California, Oregon, Washington, and Nevada, focusing on social welfare, health, and education. Grants range from $2,500 to $7,500, aimed at addressing issues such as housing, food insecurity, and support for at-risk youth. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified and can apply every three years, with specific restrictions on funding for arts and political activities.

The Parks California Career Pathways Grants Program focuses on enhancing access to California State Parks jobs for underrepresented communities. It aims to build workforce development partnerships that address barriers and prepare participants for careers in park operations and stewardship. The program also emphasizes mentorship and professional networking to support participants' career journeys. With a commitment to inclusivity and innovation, this initiative seeks to foster a vibrant future for California’s parks and public lands.

The Parks California Career Pathways Grants Program supports workforce development for underrepresented communities, aiming to foster career pathways to California State Parks jobs. This initiative encourages partnerships between state parks and local organizations to address access barriers and prepare participants for park careers. The program includes Planning and Development Grants, which help cultivate community partnerships and design impactful projects, ultimately enriching California's diverse workforce and enhancing outdoor access experiences.

The Tobacco-Related Disease Research Program (TRDRP) supports California State Universities and Community Colleges to foster mentorship and training for students in tobacco-related research. This initiative, funded by tobacco tax revenues, aims to engage undergraduates and master's students, particularly from priority populations, in meaningful research and local tobacco control activities. With a maximum award of $1,150,000 over four years, this program seeks to eliminate commercial tobacco use and improve public health across California.

The Arts Leadership Residency, offered by Theatre Bay Area, provides a transformative opportunity for aspiring artistic and managing directors to gain hands-on experience in Bay Area theatres. Over a 12-16 week period, residents will work closely with established leaders, engage in significant projects, and enhance their skills in a supportive environment. This initiative emphasizes mentorship, professional growth, and fostering diversity within the arts community, ensuring that underrepresented voices have access to vital resources and opportunities.

The Child Care Grant Program by the Santa Barbara Foundation aims to enhance the quality of early child care and education in the community. It offers grants of up to $15,000 to nonprofit providers, focusing on workforce development, family engagement, and equitable access for children aged 0-5. With rising demand for quality child care exceeding supply, this initiative seeks to strengthen the sector and ensure that every child has access to safe, nurturing environments for their development.

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 Community Impact Fund Grant, offered by the Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF), aims to support nonprofits in Riverside and San Bernardino counties during challenging times. With a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, this unrestricted grant program provides essential operating support to organizations tackling pressing community issues. In 2025, IECF will distribute $500,000 to empower local nonprofits, ensuring they can effectively fulfill their missions and enhance their impact across various sectors.

The John Deere FIRST LEGO League Challenge aims to enhance equity, diversity, and inclusion in STEM by supporting teams from underserved communities. Eligible teams must have a John Deere mentor and meet specific criteria related to student demographics. Grants will be awarded to teams that demonstrate commitment to community engagement and volunteerism. This initiative aligns with John Deere’s goal to reach one million underserved youth by 2030, fostering innovation and creativity in future generations.

The John Deere FIRST Robotics Competition grant aims to enhance diversity and inclusion in STEM by supporting teams in underserved communities. Teams must apply for funding before registration and meet specific eligibility criteria. This grant promotes equity in engineering and technology through mentorship and community support, aligning with John Deere's commitment to reach one million underserved youth by 2030. Priority is given to teams with confirmed John Deere mentors and those meeting diverse participation requirements.

The A.P. Giannini Foundation offers a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship and Leadership Award to support innovative biomedical research. Since 1945, the Foundation has funded nearly $50 million in research aimed at translating scientific discoveries into effective treatments for various diseases. This fellowship program not only provides financial support but also includes leadership training and a collaborative learning community, preparing fellows for impactful careers in academia and industry.

The ASH Clinical Research Training Institute (CRTI) is an enriching year-long program for hematology fellows and junior faculty focused on clinical research training. It includes workshops, meetings, and mentorship aimed at fostering innovative research ideas in hematology. Participants gain essential skills in research methodologies and collaboration, supported by travel expense coverage for workshops. Eligibility requires commitment to hematology research and specific academic qualifications, ensuring a diverse pool of emerging leaders in the field.

The LA84 Foundation Grant supports youth development through sports, prioritizing programs that engage underrepresented youth, including girls and young women. Grants over $10,000 are awarded biannually, focusing on removing financial barriers and promoting equitable access to sports. The foundation emphasizes safety and adherence to sport-specific guidelines while fostering mentorship and coaching, particularly for young women. Programs aiming for systemic impact across multiple schools are preferred to ensure broad community benefits.

The John Deere FIRST LEGO League Discover program aims to support equity, diversity, and inclusion in STEM fields by providing grants to teams that meet specific eligibility criteria. Teams must be associated with an educational institution or nonprofit and demonstrate a commitment to recruiting underserved and underrepresented students. The initiative is part of John Deere’s goal to empower one million youth by 2030, fostering innovation and better decision-making in local communities.

The JDF: FIRST LEGO League Explore Grant Program, supported by the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance participation in STEM for underserved youth. Teams must apply for the grant before registration and ensure compliance with eligibility criteria, including training requirements. This initiative is part of John Deere's commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in technology and engineering fields, ultimately seeking to impact one million youth by 2030.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

The J.M.K. Innovation Prize, awarded by The J.M. Kaplan Fund, supports early-stage social innovators tackling critical issues in environment, heritage conservation, and social justice. With up to $175,000 in funding and tailored support over three years, it empowers organizations to pilot transformative solutions. The Prize fosters collaboration among awardees, providing resources and mentorship to enhance their impact. Open to both non-profit and mission-driven for-profit entities, it addresses the funding gap for innovative, high-potential projects.