Best Sunnyvale Grants for Nonprofits in California

Nonprofits, public agencies, and fiscally sponsored 501(c)(3) projects focused on environmental justice and climate resilience in Sunnyvale and greater Santa Clara or San Mateo counties can receive general operating support to build community power and influence environmental policy. Silicon Valley Community Foundation prioritizes racial justice, community-led solutions, and organizations with annual budgets under $3 million.

The van Loben Sels/RembeRock Foundation primarily funds 501(c)(3) organizations that provide direct legal services in Northern California. While the Foundation favors established relationships, new applicants are welcome, particularly in remote areas where legal services are scarce. Typical grant amounts range from $7,500 to $30,000, with larger grants reserved for invited requests. Focus areas include legal assistance for vulnerable populations and support for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) programs.

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.

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.

Sunnyvale, California nonprofits focused on mental health, child health, community welfare, animal welfare, or environmental impact can access funding through Richard Reed Foundation for programs or general operating support. Smaller 501(c)(3) organizations in Santa Clara County and Colorado with strong track records, community backing, and diversified funding streams may be competitive applicants.

Community Finance Initiative 

Advancing the financial resilience of low-income households across the U.S.

This model enables us to engage and support a broad range of organizations across the globe to tackle some of the most pressing social issues of our time.

The Citi Foundation’s 2026 Community Finance Initiative commits $35 million to support programming that bolsters the financial stability, strength and safety of low-income households in the U.S.

Focus Areas

The Foundation seeks to support organizations advancing low-income household financial resilience in the United States across three focus areas:

Stabilize: Programs that help low-income households to build financial skills and confidence to manage daily finances and navigate financial stress.

• Financial coaching on budgeting, credit, debt reduction and savings strategies.
• Digital tools offering personalized financial guidance and product navigation.
• Assistance with public benefits and social safety net programs.

Strengthen: Programs that help low-income households build and repair credit, as well as short- and long-term financial assets.

• Financial products or services for credit building and credit repair.
• Initiatives to increase savings, including emergency funds.
• Support for homeownership, including readiness, preservation and long-term stability (e.g., first-time buyer assistance, preventing displacement and support systems for aging in place resources).

Safeguard: Programs that protect low-income household financial security by preventing and addressing financial losses.

• Education and support for the safe and confident use of digital financial tools.
• Fraud and scam awareness, prevention and recovery initiatives, including protection from identity theft.
• Interventions to help households recover from major financial shocks (e.g., healthcare costs, extended family care, job transitions or natural disasters).

Funding Opportunity

The Foundation plans to award 70 $500,000 (USD) grants (to be disbursed over two years) totaling $35 million to community organizations working in select communities where Citi has a presence.

The grants will be restricted and are anticipated to be disbursed in two annual payments in 2026 and 2027. Proposed projects should be for a term of 24 months, starting no sooner than August 1, 2026 and ending no later than December 31, 2028.

The Gadomski Foundation Grant supports charitable organizations primarily in the Lehigh Valley, San Francisco Bay Area, Atlantic City, and Chicago. With a focus on education, under-served children, health, and the arts, this private foundation has a history of impactful giving since 2007. Currently, new grants are limited to organizations not previously funded, emphasizing significant contributions and matching grants. The foundation remains committed to its mission despite prior commitments through multi-year pledges.

Zoo Labs Fund, established in 2013, empowers Bay Area artist teams through unrestricted grants and mentorship. With over $910,000 awarded, the program supports culturally-rooted artists facing access challenges. In 2025, the Fund will provide $230,000 in grants, partnering with the Center for Cultural Innovation to enhance economic opportunities and foster a sustainable creative ecosystem. By prioritizing artist-led businesses, Zoo Labs Fund aims to enrich the local economy and preserve cultural expression through innovative support.

Nonprofits and fiscally sponsored projects focused on racial justice and community-led solutions in Sunnyvale, California and broader Santa Clara or San Mateo counties can seek general operating support for movement- and power-building work. Silicon Valley Community Foundation supports policy advocacy, voter engagement, and base-building to increase civic participation and address systemic disparities, prioritizing organizations with budgets under $3 million.

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.

About the Fund

The Community Catalyst Grant Program is an evolution of the Arts Access Grants. The Community Catalyst Grant Program has the goal of uplifting historically under-resourced populations in Santa Clara County through community-driven, impactful artistic projects. Rather than a change, this is an evolution of the program intended to accomplish three things:

Lower the Barrier to Entry: The Community Catalyst Grant opens up funding to individual artists, informal collectives, and unincorporated groups who were previously ineligible

Narrow the Focus to Community Ownership: The review process places its highest emphasis (40%) on community leadership, co-creation, and lived experience rather than institutional longevity or traditional "artistic excellence".

Simplify the Application and the Reporting: The new program significantly reduces administrative burden by streamlining application materials and offering multi-format final reporting options.

The focus of this program are projects that utilize arts and culture as a catalyst for community dialogue, healing, collective action, and/or capacity building in under-resourced communities. This grant is funded by The County of Santa Clara and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).

Grant Amount:

• $5,000 - $20,000 (One-time only, renewable up to one time)

Nonprofits, fiscally sponsored projects, public agencies, and similar charitable entities focused on racial justice and community-based health solutions in Sunnyvale and greater Santa Clara or San Mateo counties can seek general operating support to address health disparities. Silicon Valley Community Foundation’s Community Action Grants – Health back equity-driven efforts improving access to care, primary care systems, and culturally responsive mental health services.

The Albertsons' Companies Foundation - Northern California Grant Program supports nonprofit organizations enhancing community well-being in key areas such as health, hunger, youth education, veterans, and diversity. To apply, organizations must have a local employee sponsor and serve the community where Albertsons operates. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $2,500 for first-time applicants, with a review process taking around six weeks. The Foundation prioritizes inclusivity and does not fund individuals or for-profit organizations.

The LGBTQ Donor Engagement Grant Program by Horizons Foundation aims to support large LGBTQ-focused organizations in the SF Bay Area with annual budgets over $1 million. Organizations can apply for up to $5,000 to fund fundraising events or alternative donor engagement activities. Criteria include inspiring programming, relationship-building strategies, and inclusivity across the LGBTQ spectrum. Eligible nonprofits must have a home office in the SF Bay Area and meet specific funding criteria.

The Arts Access Grants provided by Silicon Valley Creates aim to enhance access to impactful arts experiences for historically marginalized communities in Santa Clara County. This program supports projects that engage underserved audiences through performances, exhibitions, and educational programs. With a focus on inclusion, diversity, and equity, these grants foster long-term relationships within the community, offering multi-year funding to empower organizations with a proven track record of service. Approximately 10-15 competitive grants will be awarded annually.

ArtsEdConnect is a vital marketplace that connects Silicon Valley teachers with local arts education opportunities. By partnering with the Santa Clara County Office of Education, we provide mini-grants to support creative projects, benefiting K-12 teachers and their students. With funding up to $500 for art experiences and materials, we aim to enhance access to arts education, fostering creativity and essential skills in young learners.

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 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 Senate Bill 1 Sea Level Rise Adaptation Planning Grant Program in California provides vital funding for local governments to develop sea level rise adaptation plans. With $17.18 million available, this program aims to enhance coastal resilience against the impacts of climate change. The program supports jurisdictions in creating consistent and effective strategies to address rising sea levels, ensuring public safety and safeguarding infrastructure and biodiversity along California's coastline.

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program at Stanford University aims to develop visionary leaders by offering full funding for up to three years of graduate study. Open to applicants from all backgrounds, it emphasizes independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and civic engagement. Each year, 100 scholars are selected based on academic achievement and commitment to global challenges, preparing them to tackle complex issues. This unique opportunity fosters a diverse community of innovators committed to positive change.

The Gilroy Elevate the Arts Grant Program, supported by Silicon Valley Creates and local partners, aims to empower artists and the arts community in Gilroy. With funding ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, this program encourages the creation of culturally impactful projects and enhances community engagement through the arts. Applicants must be based in the greater Gilroy area and demonstrate prior experience in arts programming to qualify for this competitive funding opportunity.

The Unique Zan Foundation offers small grants to empower women in education and health, focusing on initiatives that promote peace and community leadership, especially in high-conflict regions of West Asia and the Middle East. Non-profit organizations that align with their mission are encouraged to apply. They support projects that enhance women's human rights, education, and health, while also fostering cultural activities in the Bay Area. This commitment reflects their dedication to women's empowerment and community development.

The BASIC Fund Scholarship provides essential financial assistance to families in California, covering 25-75% of private school tuition costs, up to $2,750 per student annually. Designed for families with children entering PreK-8th grade, the scholarship aims to support underserved communities, ensuring access to quality education. Families are required to contribute a minimum of $500 towards tuition and must maintain eligibility criteria, including income guidelines and active participation in their children's education.

The Festival, Parade and Celebration Grants, administered by the City of San José Office of Cultural Affairs, aim to enhance cultural experiences through community events. Grants support organizations that foster inclusive access to festivals and parades while promoting economic vitality. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a history of successful programming and comply with specific funding conditions. This initiative not only enriches the cultural fabric of San José but also boosts its visibility as a destination for visitors.

The National Estuary Program Watersheds Grant Program, administered by Restore America’s Estuaries and supported by the EPA, funds competitive projects addressing critical threats to estuaries. Key priorities include habitat restoration, enhancing coastal resilience against extreme weather, managing nutrient impacts, and mitigating stormwater runoff. Established in 1987, the program aims to improve ecological integrity and water quality in 28 estuaries nationwide, providing essential funding and guidance to local initiatives.

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.