Best Sunnyvale Grants for Nonprofits in California

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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 PLTW Gateway - New Program, in partnership with Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance student engagement in STEM by providing teachers with essential resources and support. Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, eligible schools can apply for grants to introduce and expand PLTW programs, fostering real-world skills through applied learning. This initiative targets schools with significant free and reduced-price lunch populations, promoting equity in education across various U.S. counties.

The PLTW Launch - Program Expansion initiative by Burns & McDonnell aims to enhance access to STEM education in U.S. schools. This program focuses on empowering students by providing real-world learning experiences and essential skills. Grants will support schools in expanding PLTW programs during the 2026-2027 academic year, benefiting students from underserved communities. By fostering a deeper understanding of STEM, the initiative seeks to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem solvers.

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.

The PVF Social Worker/CASA Grants program supports vulnerable youth in foster care by providing grants of up to $500 to Social Workers and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs). These funds can address critical needs such as medical care, educational supplies, and extracurricular activities. Applications are open for the 2026-2027 school year, and eligible applicants include Social Workers and CASAs in various California counties. The Foundation is dedicated to innovative grantmaking that maximizes philanthropic impact.

The GM on Main Street Grant Program, led by Main Street America, focuses on enhancing the safety and vibrancy of downtowns through innovative road safety and traffic calming projects. Funded by General Motors, this program seeks transformative ideas that promote pedestrian safety and accessibility, making downtown areas more inviting for residents and visitors. Eligible applicants include non-profits and local governments in designated counties, with a strong emphasis on projects that are inclusive, feasible, and easily replicable.

The PVF Science Resource Grants, offered by the Philanthropic Ventures Foundation, provide funding up to $500 for TK-12 teachers at low-income public schools in select California counties. These grants aim to enhance science instruction through hands-on materials, focusing on life sciences and chemistry. Eligible applicants can request grants for items such as safety goggles, lab coats, and microscopes, with a limit of three grants per school and one per teacher, encouraging collaborative applications.

The PVF Mathematics Resource Grants provide funding of up to $500 for educational materials aimed at enhancing mathematics instruction. Targeting teachers of low-income families and public school educators in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties, these grants support resources that bridge curriculum across grade levels. Applications are open for the 2026-2027 school year, encouraging innovative approaches to teaching mathematics and improving student learning experiences.

The Peggy and Jack Baskin Foundation, established in 2008, focuses on achieving gender and racial equity through grants primarily for nonprofit organizations in Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties. They emphasize intersectional feminism and support initiatives that empower women and gender-expansive individuals of color. The foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals and prefers organizations with diverse decision-makers and equitable personnel policies. Funding areas include reproductive rights, legal advocacy, and gender economic justice.

The Farrington Historical Foundation Grants support 501(c)(3) organizations in Santa Clara County, California, focusing on arts, animal protection, environmental conservation, and historic preservation. Annually, the foundation allocates a portion of its investable assets to community grants. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt organizations, while ineligible supports include political campaigns, religious activities, and grants to individuals. Organizations with delinquent reports or consecutive cycle awards will not be considered.

The PVF Excursion Grants provide funding of up to $1,000 for one-day classroom excursions, aimed at enriching educational experiences for students in low-income communities. Eligible applicants include preschool and TK-3 teachers in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties. This initiative helps cover costs for transportation, admission, and meals, allowing students to explore places like museums, beaches, and parks. Note that overnight trips are not funded.

The Miranda Lux Foundation Grant supports innovative pre-vocational and vocational education programs for youth under 18 in the San Francisco Bay Area. Established in 1955, the foundation honors Miranda W. Lux's legacy by funding proposals that enhance educational opportunities in technical and manual skills. Organizations must be tax-exempt under 501(c)(3) to apply. The foundation prioritizes unique initiatives that help prepare young people for the workforce while fostering academic enrichment and artistic development.

The Micron Foundation focuses on enhancing quality of life by supporting communities and promoting STEM education. With a commitment to equitable opportunities, it aims to uplift underrepresented groups and foster lasting social impact. Their initiatives empower team members to engage in community service and philanthropy, ensuring that all individuals have access to quality education regardless of background. This dedication to community enrichment positions Micron as a catalyst for positive change.

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.

Public agencies and transportation partners improving freight and highway infrastructure in Sunnyvale, California and statewide can access funding through the California Transportation Commission’s Trade Corridor Enhancement Program. Competitive project nominations must be in an adopted regional transportation plan and demonstrate freight, safety, community, and economic benefits, project readiness, and required matching funds along key trade and freight corridors.

The Murphy Award and Cadogan Scholarships, established in 1986, support Bay Area MFA students by providing significant tuition assistance and opportunities to showcase their work. The Murphy Award grants $40,000 to one exceptional MFA student, while the Cadogan Scholarships offer $6,500 to multiple recipients. Winners are invited to exhibit their art at the SOMArts Cultural Center, fostering artistic growth and exploration in various mediums such as painting, sculpture, and photography.

The Society for Ecological Restoration Northwest Chapter offers Student Research Grants up to $3,000 to support research that enhances ecosystem restoration in the Cascadia bioregion. Eligible applicants include social or natural science graduate students and upper-level undergraduates. The grant can cover various project expenses, fostering innovative approaches to restore natural systems while promoting the diversity of life in the region.

The Veterans Artist Residency Program at Kala Art Institute offers unique opportunities for veterans in the arts. This program supports innovative work across various mediums such as printmaking, digital media, and sculpture. Selected artists receive 1-4 months of studio access, a cash award of $1,000, housing for out-of-area artists, and participation in community events. The residency fosters a collaborative environment, encouraging artistic growth and community engagement.

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 Wish Book Grant, initiated by the San Jose Mercury News, supports local nonprofits in the Bay Area by providing funding through a holiday fundraising campaign. Each year, approximately 20 grantees are selected based on their impactful initiatives that address community needs, including homelessness, food insecurity, and systemic racism. Since its inception, the program has raised over $12 million, connecting readers with opportunities to support meaningful causes during the holiday season.

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.

Mission

The Bill Graham Memorial Foundation, was formed in January of 2008 in memory of the legendary rock impresario, Bill Graham. The foundation is a public charity that is funded through individual and corporate contributions and grants.

The Foundation is guided by a broad-based group which includes Bill’s sons, several former long-time employees of Bill Graham Presents and other community leaders.

The Mission of the Bill Graham Memorial Foundation is the administration of grants primarily in the areas of music, the arts and education while also supporting social work, environmental protection and spiritual and compassionate projects in the community. The Foundation also organizes and implements education and outreach programs, exhibitions and other events and projects in like areas which carry Bill Graham’s life story forward and keep his spirit of philanthropy alive.

The Community Issues Funding Program by Horizons Foundation aims to support LGBTQ nonprofit organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area. With increased funding this year, the program addresses critical funding shortages and the impact of anti-LGBTQ sentiment. It emphasizes multi-year support and investment in under-resourced communities, promoting equity and sustainability. The program welcomes applications from LGBTQ-primary organizations of all budget sizes, fostering a diverse range of initiatives in advocacy, arts, community building, and health.

The Teichert Foundation Grant supports organizations in California that enhance community welfare through civic improvement, culture, education, and environmental sustainability. Established by Teichert Construction, the foundation aims to foster a healthier, educated, and more equitable society. Eligible applicants include nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status and public agencies in specified counties. The foundation prioritizes projects that address community needs and demonstrate fiscal responsibility, ultimately striving to create lasting impact and better health for all.

The Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Mini-Grants program by Valley Water supports community-led projects in Santa Clara County focused on safe drinking water, conservation, and flood protection. With grants up to $10,000 and no matching funds required, the program aims to empower diverse organizations to implement impactful projects. Recent updates streamline the application process and expand eligible costs, making it easier for community members to contribute to environmental stewardship and public benefit.

The Bayer Fund: Food & Nutrition Grant supports high-quality programs that combat malnutrition and improve access to nutritious foods, particularly for underserved communities and families with young children. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government units. The fund prioritizes long-term behavioral change towards healthy eating and nutrition, with grants typically not exceeding 25% of an organization's operating budget. International requests start at $25,000, fostering sustainable food security and education initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running organized youth sports programs in Sunnyvale and other Bay Area communities can apply for Olympic Club Foundation support. Focused on sports and athletics, the foundation offers up to US $25,000 for program costs like uniforms, equipment, coaching, facility rentals, travel, and fees, prioritizing at-risk youth ages 5–18.