Best Ventura County Grants for Nonprofits in California

Grants from The Amgen Foundation Inc help Ventura County, California nonprofits and educational organizations strengthen STEM education and community services. Programs supporting teacher development or hands-on science experiences are prioritized. Nonprofits and public institutions in Ventura County may be eligible if their work aligns with Amgen’s focus on science education and community impact.

Creag Foundation provides Ventura County, California nonprofits with support for innovative human and social services. Organizations addressing local social challenges with creative approaches may be eligible if they have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year. This opportunity is ideal for groups seeking to launch or expand impactful programs.

State Farm Companies Foundation provides Ventura County, California nonprofits with support for community development, safety, and education initiatives. Eligible organizations can apply for funding to address needs such as disaster preparedness, affordable housing, job training, and academic enrichment. Nonprofits working to strengthen local communities may benefit from these grants.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Joey R. Ventura Tradesman Award, established by The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, honors the memory of Connor Arthur Lynskey and Joey R. Ventura. It supports graduating seniors from Oneida and Herkimer counties pursuing education in welding and related trades, with an emphasis on character traits like leadership, teamwork, and kindness. Eligible candidates must maintain a 75% average or higher and demonstrate a commitment to their communities.

Focused on community enrichment, Logix Federal Credit Union invites Ventura County, California nonprofits to apply for event sponsorships and charitable support. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations and public schools within 15 miles of a Logix branch may benefit. Funding is available for programs in arts, education, health, social services, and community development.

Focused on addiction and substance use disorders, McMillen Family Foundation invites Ventura County nonprofit organizations to apply for funding. Eligible groups must primarily serve those impacted by alcohol or drug problems through prevention, treatment, or education. Grants support program activities, facility improvements, staff development, and other related services.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

The Amgen Foundation Inc supports community, education, and humanitarian initiatives in Ventura County, California by providing charitable donations and sponsorships to eligible nonprofits. Local 501(c)(3) organizations working on social services, literacy, or volunteerism may be eligible for funding. Applications should be submitted at least three months before the needed funding date.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

California Fire Foundation supports firefighting and disaster relief in Ventura County, California by providing grants to local fire departments, firefighter associations, tribes, and nonprofits. Funding focuses on wildfire recovery, public education, responder training, equipment replacement, and vegetation mitigation. Nonprofit organizations aiding wildfire-impacted communities in Ventura County may be eligible.

Stater Bros Charities supports hunger relief, health, education, and children’s well-being in Ventura County, California by funding local nonprofit organizations. Grants typically range from $500 to $2,500 and are available to 501(c)(3) groups serving the county. Nonprofits working in these areas may be eligible for support.

Ventura County, California nonprofits focused on arts, culture, and wellness can access funding through Ventura County Community Foundation to deliver programs that increase mental health awareness. Grants support creative projects that foster community conversations, reduce stigma, and promote wellbeing, particularly among youth and underserved communities, without requiring clinical expertise.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

Weingart Foundation supports civic leadership and social justice in Ventura County by offering the John W. Mack Movement Building Fellows Program. This fellowship strengthens leaders in nonprofit organizations working toward racial equity and civil rights. Eligible Ventura County nonprofits focused on movement building and justice may benefit from this unique leadership development opportunity.

Grants from Ventura County Community Foundation help Ventura County, California arts and culture organizations deliver projects tied to museums, historical societies, and arts education. Nonprofits in the region focused on expanding cultural access or supporting the fine and performing arts may be eligible for this funding opportunity.

Ventura County nonprofits focused on vision impairment care can access funding through the Karl Kirchgessner Foundation. Grants support organizations providing services for the blind and vision-impaired, with priority given to those assisting economically disadvantaged youth, elderly, or disabled individuals. Eligible 501(c)(3) groups may apply for project, equipment, or general support grants.

Grants from Robinson Foundation help Ventura County, California nonprofits working in areas such as education, animal welfare, disaster relief, and poverty alleviation. Local 501(c)(3) organizations addressing these community needs may be eligible for funding to create meaningful impact and improve the lives of residents in Ventura County.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

S Mark Taper Foundation supports nonprofits in Ventura County, California by providing grants for programs in arts, education, health, environment, civic affairs, and social services. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in the county may apply for general operating, program, or capital support, with grant sizes ranging from small to large.

Grants from Ventura County Community Foundation help Ventura County, California nonprofits enhance community development, education, and cultural vibrancy. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations serving the region may apply for project or program support up to $10,000. This opportunity may benefit nonprofits working to improve local economic, social, and cultural life.

The TechAmerica Scholarship, offered by The San Diego Foundation, supports high-achieving public high school seniors in San Diego County pursuing non-medical STEM degrees. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.75 and standardized test scores of at least 1200 SAT or 29 ACT. This scholarship aims to empower students to enroll full-time in accredited four-year universities in Southern California, thereby fostering educational advancement in critical STEM fields.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

Ventura County nonprofits supporting child welfare can access funding through In-N-Out Burgers Foundation. Grants are available for organizations assisting children and youth affected by abuse, neglect, foster care, adoption, homelessness, or domestic violence. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations may apply for program, operating, or capital support to enhance their impact.

ArtLife Foundation Fund

The Art Life Foundation Fund supports programs and initiatives that advance artistic excellence and nurture creativity within Ventura County.

Through this competitive grant opportunity, the fund will support arts organizations and educational institutions whose work:

• Advances artistic excellence
• Supports arts educators or programs that foster the “Creative Mind”
• Promotes the scholarly study of Joe Cardella’s life, artwork, creative philosophy, or Art Life Limited Editions

This grant round focuses on organizational programs, projects, and initiatives. Student scholarship awards supported through the fund are administered separately and are not part of this application.

Funding Overview

For this funding cycle, approximately $55,000 in total grant funding will be awarded.

Organizations may request funding in an amount that reflects the needs of their proposed project or program. To assist the review process, applicants are asked to indicate:

• The minimum amount needed to successfully implement the project
• The preferred funding amount

Organizations may request up to the full $55,000 available. Final award sizes may vary and may range from smaller grants to larger awards depending on the strength, scope, and impact of the proposals received.