Best San Mateo County Grants for Nonprofits in California

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

San Mateo County, California 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored projects working on social and economic justice can access funding through the San Francisco Foundation for urgent, short-term movement-building projects. One-time grants of US $3,000 - US $20,000 support rapid responses that build power for low-income residents and people of color facing catalyzing events.

Environmental conservation organizations working on land acquisition, conservation easements, or stewardship projects in San Mateo County, California can apply for Gordon E and Betty I Moore Foundation’s Bay Area conservation support. Funding backs science-based regional conservation planning, habitat protection, and nature-based recreation within the foundation’s 10-county San Francisco Bay Area focus.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving low-income youth with college access, workforce training, cultural arts, or environmental education programs in San Mateo County, California may be eligible for this funding. Focused on youth development and education, Kimball Foundation invites Bay Area charities to support students’ academic persistence, job readiness, arts engagement, and outdoor environmental learning.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in San Mateo County, California working on community vitality, education, or wellness can apply for funding that supports programs and services. Focused on social and economic vitality, Bank of Marin invites local nonprofits addressing basic needs, education and youth development, arts and culture access, environment, animal welfare, and wellness to seek support.

LGBTQ-primary 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored programs in San Mateo County, California can receive US $25,000 - US $30,000 for advocacy, arts and culture, community building, and health and human services. Horizons Foundation provides flexible support, often as general operating funds, for organizations serving LGBTQ communities across the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area.

Nonprofit organizations with a charitable mission planning digital transformation projects in child welfare, crisis response, or environmental protection can apply for up to US $25,000 from Box. Box provides San Mateo County, California and global nonprofits with support to modernize collaboration, improve impact, and scale technology-driven solutions in these focus areas.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations needing durable capital investments in San Mateo County, California can apply for $5,000 - $50,000 to fund building renovations, vehicles, equipment, furnishings, or technology. With a mission to build nonprofit capacity, Bothin Foundation provides capital support to direct-service groups primarily serving disadvantaged children and youth, low-income families, and people with disabilities.

Nonprofit organizations and public schools in San Mateo County, California can seek funding for STEM education, hunger relief, environmental preservation, and veterans programs. Western Digital Foundation supports 501(c)(3) organizations and schools serving local communities where it operates, emphasizing underrepresented youth in STEM, local hunger alleviation, environmental protection, and services for veterans and military families.

LGBTQ-primary 501(c)(3) nonprofits hosting donor engagement events in San Mateo County, California and other Bay Area counties can apply for Horizons Foundation’s LGBTQ Donor Engagement Program, with awards up to US $5,000 for fundraising or donor-focused events. Eligible organizations must be Bay Area–based and generally have annual budgets over $1 million or be marking a special anniversary.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with budgets under $10 million providing direct services in San Mateo County, California can seek up to US $20,000 to support education, youth development, basic needs, health, and community programs. With a mission to expand opportunity, Atkinson Foundation prioritizes community-led efforts serving BIPOC and historically marginalized residents.

Nonprofit organizations and public agencies in San Mateo County, California can seek US $3,000 - US $7,500 for specific projects in areas like community services, education, health, environment, and civic improvement. Grants from Teichert Foundation help local 501(c)(3) charities and public entities enhance quality of life and strengthen regional communities.

Graduating high school seniors with financial need pursuing higher or vocational education in San Mateo County, California and other listed California counties can receive scholarships for college, community college, or trade school. Grants from Community Foundation of the North State help income-based, community-minded students fund tuition through $1,500 Tri Counties Bank Endowed Scholarship awards.

Graduating high school seniors in eligible California counties, including San Mateo County, can apply for the Tri Counties Bank Merit-Based Scholarship, awarding US $1,000 for higher education. Administered by Community Foundation of the North State, this scholarship supports students with a 3.5+ GPA who show strong academics, community service, or entrepreneurship.

Nonprofit organizations in San Mateo County, California can receive US $5,000 - US $15,000 for community peacebuilding programs using the arts or mindful education. Grants from Peaceful World Foundation help Bay Area groups advance global peace, diversity, integration, and inner well-being through creative and contemplative practices.

Small and mid-size nonprofit dance, theater, and multidisciplinary arts organizations in San Mateo County, California can apply for Kenneth Rainin Foundation’s New & Experimental Works grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $30,000 for visionary projects. Funding supports artist fees and unrestricted organizational needs, prioritizing Bay Area-based projects with strong community relevance and innovative collaborations.

San Mateo County, California arts and culture nonprofits focused on racial justice and community-led solutions can access funding through Silicon Valley Community Foundation for primarily general operating support. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations or fiscally sponsored projects must serve San Mateo and/or Santa Clara counties and have annual budgets under $3 million, with preference for those under $1.5 million.

Nonprofits, fiscally sponsored projects, public agencies, and collaborations focused on environmental justice and climate resilience in San Mateo County, California can seek general operating support, especially if they center racial justice and community-led solutions. With a mission to strengthen communities, Silicon Valley Community Foundation provides Community Action Grants for organizations under $3 million serving San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.

Faith-based and community organizations in San Mateo County, California working with underserved neighbors on housing, immigration, and civic participation may be eligible for Silicon Valley Community Foundation’s Community Action Grants. Grants from Silicon Valley Community Foundation help local 501(c)(3)s and similar entities under $3 million budgets strengthen faith and neighborhood-based social justice efforts.

Health-focused nonprofits and public agencies in San Mateo County, California can seek general operating support to address health disparities and social determinants of health. Grants from Silicon Valley Community Foundation help organizations with budgets under $3 million advance community-based, equity-driven solutions that improve access to care, primary care systems, and culturally responsive mental health services.

Nonprofits, public agencies, and fiscally sponsored projects focused on racial justice and community-led solutions can seek general operating support for movement- and power-building work in San Mateo County, California. Grants from Silicon Valley Community Foundation help organizations under $3 million budgets advance civic engagement, voter participation, and racial and ethnic justice through base-building and policy advocacy.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving children and youth impacted by abuse or neglect in San Mateo County, California can seek $10,000 - $50,000 for programs or general operating support. Focused on child welfare services, the In-N-Out Burgers Foundation also offers selective capital grants to long-term partners within its restaurant service counties.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working in San Mateo County, California can seek funding to expand housing, healthcare, education, job skills, and other social supports, plus civic engagement efforts. Focused on social and economic justice, Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Advocacy offers up to US $200,000 and capacity-building support for groups serving low-income, BIPOC, immigrant, and LGBTQIA+ communities.

San Mateo County 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and public entities supporting basic human needs, homelessness, food security, seniors, abuse survivors, or racial justice can access funding through the San Jose Mercury News Wish Book Fund. Selected applicants receive Wish Book grants and prominent holiday-season storytelling to raise donations for their featured programs.