Best Santa Cruz County Grants for Nonprofits in California

The Ferguson Cares Grant is an essential aspect of Ferguson's Sustainability strategy, focusing on social challenges and community wellbeing. This grant supports nonprofit organizations in the U.S. dedicated to affordable housing, skilled trades workforce development, clean water access, and enhancing local economic quality of life. Ferguson aims to create lasting partnerships that drive positive impact within their operational regions, reflecting their commitment to social responsibility and community support.

The Sustainable Recreation, Tourism, and Equitable Outdoor Access Directed Grant Program (2025-2027) supports innovative projects aimed at enhancing sustainable recreation and tourism in the Sierra-Cascade region. Key goals include improving public access to nature, mitigating overuse impacts on resources, and fostering sustainable recreation economies. Projects eligible for funding must focus on climate resilience, equitable access, or landscape-scale assessments, all ensuring multiple benefits for community education and environmental protection.

The S. H. Cowell Foundation Grant focuses on supporting public and nonprofit organizations in Northern and Central California that address acute poverty and promote racial equity. The foundation prioritizes place-based strategies to fund initiatives that foster child development, family empowerment, and youth leadership. By building on community strengths, it aims to create equitable access to essential services and enhance the overall well-being of families and children, ensuring their voices are integral to program design and implementation.

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.

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.

The HAF: Native Cultures Fund Grant supports California Indian culture through initiatives led by Native peoples, fostering the transmission of knowledge, art, and traditions across generations. This partnership includes the Humboldt Area Foundation and aims to preserve and revitalize Indigenous cultures, arts, and languages. Grants are available for projects that reflect California Indian values and practices, ensuring cultural continuity and community engagement.

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.

The US Community Grants Program, led by Western Digital Foundation, focuses on funding nonprofit organizations and public schools involved in education, hunger relief, environmental preservation, and veterans' programs. This initiative emphasizes support for under-represented youth in STEM, local hunger alleviation, and community projects that protect the environment. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and demonstrate responsible management and effective use of funds. The program is currently invite-only due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The Louis J. & Mary Ellen Schultz Scholarship aims to foster education by providing multiple awards of $2,000 or more to eligible high school graduates in Santa Cruz County. This scholarship supports students demonstrating financial need who are enrolled full-time in higher education. Through this initiative, the Community Foundation Santa Cruz County strives to inspire philanthropy and enhance opportunities for local youth, contributing to the overall growth and well-being of the community.

The Richard and Theresa Crocker Scholarship, facilitated by the Community Foundation Santa Cruz County, aims to support graduating seniors and Cabrillo College students with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Offering renewable awards of $5,000, this scholarship prioritizes applicants demonstrating financial need and a commitment to their chosen trade or career path. This initiative fosters educational opportunities for youth in Santa Cruz County, promoting a thriving community for the future.

The Santa Cruz County Scholarship Endowment is dedicated to fostering educational opportunities for graduating high school seniors and Cabrillo College students with a minimum GPA of 3.0. By connecting community donors with deserving students, the endowment aims to alleviate financial barriers and promote academic achievement. Recipients can pursue their education at various accredited institutions, supporting the mission to enhance the future of Santa Cruz County and its residents.

The Simunovich Family Agricultural Scholarship supports graduating seniors from Santa Cruz County and Pajaro Valley high schools, as well as Cabrillo and Hartnell Community College students. With awards of $1,000 or more, the scholarship aims to assist students who are pursuing a four-year degree in Agriculture. The scholarship is renewable annually based on continued study in the field, promoting educational growth and community development.

The Boston Scientific Foundation focuses on improving health and educational opportunities for economically disadvantaged individuals, particularly in communities where its employees reside. Its health programs target diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions, emphasizing disease prevention, awareness, access, and quality of care. Organizations eligible for funding must be tax-exempt and serve specific geographic areas while adhering to non-discrimination policies. However, the foundation does not support certain areas, including dental health and political campaigns.

Sunlight Giving Grants aim to foster vibrant, diverse communities by ensuring all families have access to essential resources such as stable shelter, food security, and quality healthcare. By prioritizing organizations that support BIPOC, immigrants, and those living in poverty, Sunlight Giving focuses on creating joyful and safe environments for families with children aged 0-5. Their proactive funding approach identifies impactful nonprofits within the greater Silicon Valley area, dedicated to enhancing community well-being and opportunity.

Nonprofit organizations providing high-quality early childhood education and school-readiness programs can access funding through PNC Foundation’s Grow Up Great initiative. Grants support work in areas like vocabulary, social-emotional learning, math, science, and the arts for children from birth to age five, and may benefit eligible 501(c)(3)s serving Santa Cruz County, California.

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 ACSCC: Develop Grants program offers funding up to $1,500 for professional development activities that enhance artistic skills or expand business capacities for artists and arts organizations in Santa Cruz County. The grants are designed to support the creation of artistically excellent work, increase accessibility to the arts, and engage new audiences without requiring a public exhibition. Eligibility is limited to local residents and organizations, with specific restrictions on previous grant recipients.

The Will Glickman Award, presented by Theatre Bay Area, honors the best new play premiering in the San Francisco Bay Area each year. Established in 1984, this award celebrates excellence in playwriting, recognizing outstanding original works that enrich the local theatre community. It not only highlights the playwright's achievements but also encourages the development and production of new plays. Submissions are accepted year-round, emphasizing the commitment to fostering diverse and inclusive artistic voices.

The CA$H Theatre Grant, provided by Theatre Bay Area, supports individual artists and small theatre companies in the San Francisco Bay Area. This grant program fosters the development of artistic and capacity-building projects, focusing on those not tied to fully-produced performances. With an emphasis on equity and inclusion, it aids in script development, workshops, and organizational improvement, ensuring a vibrant arts community where diverse voices can thrive.

The CA$H Theatre Grant, provided by Theatre Bay Area, supports fully-produced performances of artistic projects that are publicly accessible. This grant aims to empower individual artists and small theatre companies in the San Francisco Bay Area, promoting a diverse cultural landscape. Since its inception in 1999, CA$H has facilitated a range of projects, from traditional productions to innovative hybrid experiences, emphasizing the importance of equity and inclusion in the arts.

The CA$H Theatre Grant - CA$H Sustains, offered by Theatre Bay Area, provides crucial financial support to individual artists and small theatre companies in the San Francisco Bay Area. This grant aims to cover general operating costs and is open once a year during the fall granting cycle. Founded in 1999, the program emphasizes equity and inclusion, supporting innovative projects and performances that enhance the cultural landscape and accessibility of the arts in the community.

The Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery Multifamily Housing Program (DR-MHP) in California offers approximately $120.8 million for new multifamily housing construction in communities affected by 2020 disasters. This funding aims to support developers, including Tribal Entities, by streamlining the application process. Eligible project costs include property acquisition, construction, and related fees, ensuring effective recovery efforts in the most impacted areas.

Female students in engineering or computer science with ties to Santa Cruz County, California can access scholarship funding through the Society of Women Engineers Santa Clara Valley Section. Grants from Society of Women Engineers help eligible California students pursuing ABET- or CSAB-accredited BS or MS degrees, with approximately US $15,000 awarded annually across recipients.

Nonprofit organizations, schools, and public agencies in Santa Cruz County, California can receive transportation funding to support recreational, environmental, and cultural education field trips to Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District sites. Community Foundation for Monterey County’s MPRPD Transportation Grants offer US $500 - US $5,000 for transportation-related expenses for group visits that align with MPRPD’s mission.

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 Frank Prevedelli Memorial Scholarship offers a $2,000 award for students pursuing a college education in agriculture. Eligible candidates must reside in Santa Cruz County or the Pajaro Valley Unified School District, or be members of the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau. This scholarship is awarded upon proof of enrollment, supporting students in their academic journeys and fostering future leaders in agricultural fields.

The California Energy Commission (CEC) has allocated up to $59,484,345 for the GFO-24-603 program aimed at enhancing the reliability of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. This initiative will focus on repairing, replacing, and installing at least 1,302 non-operational charging ports statewide, ensuring they comply with the Federal Highway Administration's guidelines. The program is critical for facilitating broader EV adoption and improving access to charging stations throughout California.