Best Santa Cruz County Grants for Nonprofits in California

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations advancing early childhood education or economic and community development can apply for PNC Foundation’s Foundation Grant; awards support programs in PNC service areas. Santa Cruz County, California nonprofits may be eligible if proposed activities occur where PNC has a significant presence and meet the foundation’s guidelines for education or low- to moderate-income communities.

The Krishnan-Shah Family Scholarship, established by Ajay Shah and Lata Krishnan, aims to support financially needy students with strong academic potential and community involvement. This scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors and current community college students from the Silicon Valley region, particularly first-generation college students. It provides essential financial aid to help students successfully complete their undergraduate degrees, fostering educational opportunities and community growth.

The Opioid Settlement Funds (OSF) Round 2 aims to support the prevention, early intervention, harm reduction, and treatment of opioid-related issues in Santa Cruz County. With a total funding of $810,000 available, nonprofit organizations providing services within the county are invited to apply. This initiative emphasizes collaboration and accountability, as prior awardees can apply for continued support only after fully expending their Round 1 funds. The program focuses on enhancing community health and recovery.

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.

Environmental conservation nonprofits and public agencies in Santa Cruz County, California and nine other Bay Area counties can access funding for land acquisition, conservation easements, and initial stewardship projects. The Gordon E And Betty I Moore Foundation supports science-based regional planning, conservation finance, and collaborative efforts to preserve biodiversity, ecosystem services, and nature-based recreation across the region.

The Bethlehem Foundation Grant, established in 2013, aims to enhance the quality of life for senior adults in Sonoma County, California. It supports nonprofit organizations focused on health, independence, and social interaction for seniors. Applications are accepted year-round, with deadlines on February 28 and August 31 for spring and fall meetings respectively. Grants are limited to qualified public charities under 501(c)(3) and do not extend to individuals.

The Firedoll Foundation, a private family foundation, focuses on five key areas: Community Development and Entrepreneurship, Immigrant Issues and Human Rights, Environmental Conservation, Middle East Peace, and support for Traumatic Brain Injury survivors. Emphasizing support for vulnerable populations in Alameda and Contra Costa counties, the foundation backs projects that promote social justice and environmental sustainability. With a commitment to providing alternatives to detention and legal aid for immigrants, it aims to empower communities while addressing urgent environmental concerns.

Artist-led visual arts collectives and small groups in Santa Cruz County, California can receive up to US $5,000 to present public, multi-artist visual art projects. Focused on artist-centered, public-facing work, Southern Exposure invites Bay Area groups to propose exhibitions, publications, events, performances with visual components, and other community art initiatives.

The PLTW Launch - New Program initiative, sponsored by Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by providing grants to eligible schools within specific U.S. counties. Schools must implement PLTW modules over two academic years, ensuring access to real-world learning experiences for students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. This program emphasizes the importance of empowering educators and fostering student engagement in STEM fields to prepare them for future careers.

Public and public charter schools expanding PLTW STEM programs in Santa Cruz County, California can use this US $5,000 grant for participation fees, required devices, equipment, supplies, and PLTW core training. Grants from Project Lead The Way help K–12 schools add Launch modules, reach more students, and train additional teachers for the 2027–2028 year.

Traditional public and public charter schools in Santa Cruz County, California can seek funding to launch or expand PLTW Gateway STEM programs, with awards of US $20,000 for curriculum, equipment, devices, fees, and teacher training. Grants from Project Lead The Way help eligible U.S. schools meet program requirements and report outcomes over two academic years.

Traditional public and public charter schools expanding PLTW Gateway STEM programs in Santa Cruz County, California can apply for Project Lead The Way’s Lam Foundation funding, with awards of US $10,000 for program expansion costs. Grants cover PLTW participation fees, required technology, program equipment and supplies, and PLTW Core Training with related travel and lodging.

Public and public charter schools implementing PLTW Engineering or Gateway programs in Santa Cruz County, California can access funding through Project Lead The Way to launch or expand PLTW Engineering. Grants of US $30,000 support participation fees, required technology, program equipment and supplies, and PLTW Core Training with related travel and lodging costs.

Traditional public and public charter schools expanding PLTW Engineering programs in Santa Cruz County, California can apply for Project Lead The Way’s Lam Foundation support. Grants of US $10,000 fund PLTW participation fees, required computers or tablets, program-required equipment and supplies, and PLTW Core Training costs, including travel, room, and board for the 2027–2028 academic year.

The HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) offers approximately $35 million in federal funding to support housing projects in non-entitlement jurisdictions in California. This initiative aims to assist low-income households by providing affordable housing options. Applications are due by May 22, 2025, while Native American entities can apply until September 24, 2025, or until funds are exhausted. Eligible activities must directly benefit low-income renters, homebuyers, or homeowners.

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 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.

Nonprofit organizations and public institutions running food access and nutrition education programs can apply for Bayer Fund’s Food & Nutrition Grant, which supports behavior-change and food security efforts. Santa Cruz County, California nonprofits may be eligible if they serve underserved or rural communities or families with young children and are located in an eligible legacy-Monsanto community.

The CFSCC Community Grants aim to inspire philanthropy by funding nonprofits in Santa Cruz County that address local needs. This year, $1.2 million will support initiatives focused on youth education, seniors, and human services. The grants prioritize unrestricted funding to ensure organizations can address pressing issues while promoting equity and inclusion. With a commitment to empowering diverse leaders, the foundation seeks to create lasting positive impacts across the community.

The Division of Boating and Waterways offers the Sewage Management Education and Outreach Grant Program to educate Californians about proper boat sewage disposal. Established under the Clean Vessel Act of 1992, this program funds pumpout stations and promotes public awareness in targeted regions including the San Francisco Bay Delta and Southern California Coastal Counties. Grants will support education, outreach, and monitoring efforts to ensure safe and environmentally friendly boating practices.

With a mission to strengthen community services, Monterey Peninsula Foundation provides Santa Cruz County, California nonprofits, schools, and public agencies with operating, program, and capital funding. 501(c)(3) organizations and K-12 schools serving local residents can request US $1,000 - US $500,000 for arts, education, health, human services, environment, and youth-focused initiatives.

The Brinker International Charitable Giving Program focuses on giving back to communities through support for kids, hunger, and education. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501c(3) non-profits and submit requests at least six weeks prior to events. The program does not support individuals, political or religious organizations, or explicit discrimination policies. Funding is provided through monetary donations or in-kind contributions like dining certificates.

The ACSCC: Create Grants program offers funding for arts and cultural projects in Santa Cruz County, with grants up to $3,000. This initiative supports local artists and organizations, aiming to enhance community engagement in the arts, promote equitable access, and encourage the sustainability of artistic endeavors. Applications are accepted from both individual artists and nonprofit organizations, providing they meet specific eligibility criteria and project requirements.

The Support Grants program by the Arts Council Santa Cruz County provides essential funding to nonprofit arts organizations and artists in Santa Cruz County. With grants up to $7,000, the program aims to enhance artistic excellence, foster audience engagement, and improve equitable access to the arts. This initiative empowers diverse creative expressions while addressing social justice issues, ensuring that all artists can thrive and contribute to a vibrant community. Applications are accepted annually, welcoming first-time applicants.

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 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 John S. Kiewit Memorial Foundation Grant aims to protect California's Central Coast and surrounding natural resources through conservation efforts. It supports projects like the Arroyo Hondo Preserve and collaborates with various land trusts, including the California Rangeland Trust and The Nature Conservancy. Grants are focused on preserving open space and agricultural character, emphasizing the importance of environmental stewardship in grant-making. However, proposals outside their mission or geographic area are not considered.