Best Thousand Oaks Grants for Nonprofits in California

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 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.

The Henry Mayo Newhall Foundation, established in 1963, is dedicated to enhancing life quality in communities linked to California pioneer Henry Mayo Newhall. It funds initiatives in academic enrichment, animal welfare, scholarships, historical preservation, and outreach for the disadvantaged. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $20,000 for one year, with potential renewals based on effectiveness. The Foundation prioritizes proposals from nonprofit organizations in specific California regions, emphasizing matching or challenge grants.

The Colburn Foundation Grant supports organizations dedicated to classical music, emphasizing excellence in education, performance, and preservation of the genre. The foundation invites applications primarily from 501(c)(3) organizations that engage in classical music activities. Before applying, prospective applicants must confirm eligibility with the foundation's Administrator to ensure alignment with funding priorities, as support is generally limited to the Los Angeles community.

The IMA Foundation Grant focuses on empowering communities by supporting nonprofit organizations dedicated to workforce development, financial security for families, and enhancing emergency preparedness. With a mission to provide philanthropic assistance, the foundation seeks partners that align with its vision and operational reach. Organizations must be 501c3 nonprofits and serve areas where IMA has offices, ensuring that their initiatives directly impact youth under 26 years of age.

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.

Stater Bros. Charities Grant supports nonprofit organizations dedicated to enhancing community well-being in Southern California. With a focus on hunger relief, education, children's health, veterans, and pet welfare, the grant provides funding between $500 and $2,500. As a 501(c)(3) organization, Stater Bros. Charities has donated over $38 million to local causes, ensuring that funds raised stay within the communities served by Stater Bros. Markets, benefiting those in need.

Read Conmigo Grant Program

Advancing Dual-Language  Education for Bilingual Students

The Read Conmigo Educator Grants support educators in dual-language (Spanish-English) programs at public and charter elementary schools. Grant applications are accepted twice annually in the spring and the fall.

Each year, The Kemper Foundation awards up to 100 Read Conmigo Educator Grants of $3,000 each. Grant funds must be used towards classroom resources and/or professional development that advance dual-language (Spanish-English) education for bilingual students.

Classroom Resources Examples of eligible uses:

• Audiovisual equipment
• Books
• Computers
• Field Trip(s)
• Furniture
• Games
• Lesson plans
• Manipulatives
• Technology

The Smith-Hobson Foundation Grant provides vital support for arts and cultural initiatives in western Ventura County. This includes funding for museums, historical societies, fine and performing arts, and arts education. The foundation is open to considering broader projects and may reach out directly for proposals outside its standard priorities. Nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply, ensuring a diverse range of cultural projects are promoted and accessible to the community.

The Majestic Realty Foundation, established in 2002, champions active philanthropy by addressing critical community needs across eight regions in the U.S. Focused on youth, education, health, family support, and violence prevention, the Foundation fosters sustainable community development. Through initiatives like the Los Angeles Youth Leadership Council, it empowers young leaders while encouraging employee volunteerism. By partnering with local nonprofits, the Foundation strengthens community ties, ensuring lasting impact against challenges such as homelessness and youth violence.

Nonprofit organizations providing canine care or canine education in Thousand Oaks, California and surrounding Ventura County can seek one-year support for general operations, programs, and small program-related capital expenses. The Ethel Frends Foundation focuses on animal-related work benefiting dogs in select Southern California counties, including Ventura County communities like Thousand Oaks.

Edison International's Community Grants Program partners with local nonprofits focused on education, the environment, public safety, and civic engagement. With a commitment to supporting underserved communities, the program has contributed $20 million to initiatives that improve air quality, enhance disaster preparedness, and promote diversity. The grants prioritize educational programs emphasizing STEM and environmental sustainability, aiming to empower diverse populations and foster community resilience in Southern California.

Community West Bank Grant supports local nonprofit, civic, and trade organizations in Central California. Founded in 1980, the bank has a commitment to enhancing community vitality through donations and sponsorships. They prioritize funding for programs outside of capital campaigns, focusing on financial literacy, scholarships, and employee volunteerism. Organizations eligible for support must be qualified 501(c)(3) entities operating within their lending area. This initiative aims to strengthen the communities they serve from Sacramento to Bakersfield.

The LA84 Foundation Grant supports youth development through sports, prioritizing programs that engage underrepresented youth, including girls and young women. Grants over $10,000 are awarded biannually, focusing on removing financial barriers and promoting equitable access to sports. The foundation emphasizes safety and adherence to sport-specific guidelines while fostering mentorship and coaching, particularly for young women. Programs aiming for systemic impact across multiple schools are preferred to ensure broad community benefits.

The Balmes Family Trust Grant, established by Robert L. and Margaret K. Balmes, aims to support organizations that assist military personnel who have lost limbs and those enhancing life in Southern California. Founded in 2004, the trust embodies Mr. Balmes's legacy as a pioneer in Homeowner Association Management. It prioritizes funding for 501(c)(3) organizations in California, ensuring a positive impact on the community and honoring the sacrifices of veterans.

The Variety SoCal Grant aims to provide vital support to organizations dedicated to assisting children with special needs in Southern California. With a focus on health care, education, and mobility, the grant seeks to empower 501(c)(3) organizations that demonstrate a strong commitment to serving children aged birth to 18. By ensuring that at least 65% of total expenses are directed towards program services, the grant fosters impactful initiatives tailored to the unique needs of these children.

Nonprofit community service, fire, and law enforcement organizations in Ventura County, California can seek support for local programs and neighborhood initiatives. Focused on environmental sustainability and community well-being, SA Recycling invites groups near its facilities, including Thousand Oaks, to request community service or monetary donations that strengthen local safety and quality of life.

The Variety Sunshine Coach Grant Program aids children with special needs in Southern California by providing essential resources for mobility, education, and healthcare. Celebrating over 30 years, this initiative offers specially equipped Sunshine Coaches to transport children to necessary services. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) and demonstrate a commitment to serving children aged 0-18. By removing barriers, the program ensures inclusivity and opportunity for every child in the community.

The LA84 Foundation Grant offers small grants of up to $10,000 to organizations that support youth sports programs, particularly for underserved youth. This funding aims to enhance social-emotional and educational outcomes through sports, prioritizing programs that promote equity, access, and safety. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations in Southern California, focusing on youth under 18, and adhere to specific safety guidelines for various sports. LOIs are accepted year-round.

Our Work:

The Citi Foundation commits $20 million to help nonprofit housing developers overcome financial and operational barriers to building and preserving affordable housing in the U.S.

Apply for Funding

Citi Foundation primarily provides funding through open Requests for Proposals (RFP). 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. Each RFP launched is accompanied by detailed information on goals, selection criteria and relevant application deadlines.

Housing Affordability

Citi's Blueprint for Housing Opportunity

Recognized as the number one affordable housing lender in the U.S. by Affordable Housing Finance magazine, Citi knows increasing supply is essential to addressing housing affordability — one of the defining economic challenges of our time. That’s why we are putting our capital, community impact and expertise toward helping more Americans access housing they can truly afford.

The S. Mark Taper Foundation, established in 1989, is a private family foundation committed to improving lives through support for nonprofit organizations in Southern California. It funds projects in arts, education, health, and more, with grant sizes ranging from $50,000 to over $100,000. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified and serve specific counties. Notably, those receiving funding in the past three years are ineligible to apply.

The Neighborhood Builders Program, supported by Bank of America, empowers 501(c)(3) nonprofits through a two-year leadership development initiative. Participants receive funding, training, and networking opportunities to enhance their impact in communities. Since its inception, the program has invested over $346 million, training more than 4,000 leaders. The initiative focuses on advancing social mobility and economic opportunities, ensuring affordable housing, and fostering resilient communities. This program is vital for nonprofits aiming to strengthen their leadership and community engagement.

The Rose Hills Foundation Grant aims to foster a healthier and more equitable Southern California by funding nonprofits that address critical needs in the community. With a focus on education, arts, culture, and human services, the foundation supports organizations that empower at-risk youth and families. By providing essential resources, they strive to enhance the quality of life across Los Angeles County, ensuring that all individuals have access to opportunities that promote growth and well-being.

The Gene Haas Foundation Community Grants aim to support 501(c)(3) organizations in Ventura, Clark, and Cabarrus Counties focused on providing essential services to underserved populations, especially children and the elderly. With over $30 million in funding since 1999, the Foundation prioritizes local charitable initiatives that enhance community welfare. Importantly, grants cannot be used for equipment purchases or individual support, ensuring that funds directly benefit community needs.

The Amgen Foundation, established in 1990, focuses on enhancing science education and strengthening communities. It supports nonprofit organizations that align with its mission, emphasizing teacher development and hands-on science experiences. Grants are awarded annually, with a commitment of $180 million to impactful programs. Eligible organizations include public schools and libraries, while ineligible requests involve individual support, religious organizations, and political activities. This approach aims to inspire the next generation of innovators through quality educational opportunities.

The McCune Foundation's Training Mini-Grants support grassroots organizations in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties that empower marginalized populations to effect systemic change. By funding community organizing and social justice-oriented training, the Foundation aims to build social capital and enhance community capacity. Grants between $4,000 and $5,000 are available, covering up to 75% of training costs, ensuring that those who are most affected by social issues are engaged in the solutions.