Best Grants for Nonprofit Healthcare Programs in California

First- and second-year medical students conducting health-related research in California can access funding through Alpha Omega Alpha’s Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship, which awards US $7,000 for 2–12 month projects. Eligible projects include clinical investigation, basic laboratory research, epidemiology, health services, social science, leadership, or professionalism studies at schools with active AΩA chapters.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in California working on health care access and delivery, early childhood education, conservation, or family services can seek capital or special project funding that supports community programs. Grants from James M Cox Foundation help U.S. nonprofits in Cox service areas, with preference for groups engaged with local Cox businesses.

Nonprofit public charities in California seeking support for healthcare, health care access and delivery, social services, and related programs can apply for the Harold McAlister Charitable Foundation’s grants. With a mission to support effective organizations in bettering the lives of others, the foundation also considers education, animal welfare, arts and culture, and environmental initiatives.

Grants from Astrazeneca Foundation help California nonprofit healthcare and community organizations address health equity through nutrition and food security, healthcare access, STEM education, and climate and nature initiatives. U.S.-based 501(c) groups serving historically excluded or disenfranchised communities in California can apply for up to US $30,000 for community-based programs, excluding capital projects, salaries, and hospitals.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) agencies with budgets under $10M in California can seek funding to initiate or expand health, mental health, and related social service programs. Charis Fund supports healthcare access, housing, food insecurity, at-risk youth, domestic violence, and substance abuse initiatives with grants of US $2,500 - US $7,500, prioritizing program and project support.

California nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing practical support that helps pregnant people access abortion care can receive funding for transportation, lodging, childcare, meals, wage replacement, and related services. California healthcare access groups can access funding through the California Department of Health Care Access and Information, administered by Essential Access Health, with awards ranging from US $100,000 - US $750,000.

California community development financial institutions (CDFIs) supporting affordable housing, health care, small business lending, and other services in low- and moderate-income communities can use these grants for working capital and to increase net assets. With a mission to strengthen community development, California State Treasurer's Office provides California CDFIs with up to US $200,000 based on recent lending activity.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running healthcare and health equity projects in California can seek funding for defined community health improvement initiatives. With a mission to improve health and advance social justice, Commonspirit Health provides grants up to US $150,000 through participating hospitals to address needs identified in community health needs assessments.

Nonprofit and other organizations improving health care access and delivery in California can apply for project-based funding that advances coverage, people-centered care, workforce, technology, or policy. With a mission to strengthen California’s health system, California Health Care Foundation provides support for initiatives benefiting low-income residents and Medi-Cal populations, including research, innovation, and statewide or multi-institution efforts.

Nonprofit organizations in California working on health care access, mental health, or education for underserved populations can apply for US $10,000 - US $75,000 in program funding from L B Research and Education Foundation. The foundation supports established 501(c)(3)s expanding proven, research-informed programs for adolescents, post-secondary students, and adult vocational learners through a rolling, concept-paper-first process.

Early- through growth-stage U.S.-incorporated companies improving health care access and delivery for low-income Californians can apply for up to US $400,000 to scale technology and innovation solutions. Grants from California Health Care Foundation help California-focused healthcare innovators build partnerships with providers, health systems, payers, and patients, which may benefit nonprofit healthcare programs statewide.

Nonprofit organizations in California offering health care access, wellness, mental health, or related services can apply for John Jordan Foundation’s John Jordan Foundation Grant to support programs improving quality of life for vulnerable communities. Funding may also benefit initiatives serving youth, seniors, families, and under-resourced populations alongside healthcare-focused work.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) small or rural health facilities in California can apply for low-interest loans from the California State Treasurer's Office; awards US $25,000 - US $1,500,000 for facility expansion and equipment. Funds may support construction, renovation, furnishings, feasibility studies, pre-construction costs, or refinancing a single existing debt, with a 5% borrower contribution required.

Nonprofit organizations improving community access to quality healthcare in California can apply for the Astrazeneca Foundation’s CHANGE grants, awarding US $200,000 - US $220,000 in general operating support. Programs using innovative, collaborative approaches to address health care access, delivery, and related equity issues may be considered, with potential for multi-year renewal based on performance.

Nonprofit organizations in California focused on health care and human services may be eligible for funding that supports community-focused healthcare access and related programs. Focused on arts, education, youth, community, and global food and agriculture, J R Simplot Company Foundation invites U.S. nonprofits to apply; requests are reviewed quarterly.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering healthcare, education, or arts programs for children and women can apply for project or capital funding that excludes most operating costs. Grants from Douglas Foundation help organizations in California, with preference for Los Angeles County, expand equitable access to health care and related community services.

Nonprofit and other organizations supporting community health workers in California can apply for California Health Care Foundation’s Amplifying Impact Initiative, which funds scaling of CHW/P/R Medi-Cal providers. Over 18 months, 28 providers receive grants, technical assistance, and tools to expand culturally responsive health and social services and strengthen CHW/P/R jobs.

The DGLF Youth Literacy Grants, established by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, aim to enhance literacy among underperforming students in K-12. Organizations such as schools and libraries can apply for funding to implement or expand literacy programs, purchase necessary materials, and acquire technology. With over $159 million awarded to date, the foundation supports efforts that provide equitable education opportunities, ensuring every child has the chance to learn and succeed, regardless of their background.

The Henry L. Guenther Foundation Grants support charitable organizations in California, focusing on improving social conditions and human welfare. Funding is aimed at diverse projects including medical services, youth opportunities, and community programs. Grants are awarded for 12 months, and any unspent funds must be returned. Eligible applicants include qualified tax-exempt organizations, while individuals and changes to grant scopes are not accepted. This foundation enhances the quality of life for Southern California residents by backing impactful initiatives.

The Sunstate Equipment Foundation Grants support local charities focused on disadvantaged individuals, medical aid, housing assistance, domestic violence awareness, military and veterans' assistance, and care for abused animals. Founded in 2015, the foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that matches employee contributions dollar for dollar, reinforcing its commitment to community support and engagement. Charities in good standing can apply once every 12 months, fostering impactful initiatives where Sunstate operates.

Wegmans Family Foundation Inc focuses on cultivating healthy communities through support for hunger relief, health initiatives, education, and youth programs. They prioritize collaborations with local nonprofits to enhance community well-being, offering assistance in key areas like economic mobility and youth engagement. Despite their wide-ranging support, they have specific ineligibility criteria, such as not accommodating personal requests or solicitation on their property, aiming to direct resources effectively where they are needed most.

The NIHCM Foundation's Trade Journalism Award honors outstanding reporting aimed at specialty audiences, focusing on enhancing the affordability, accessibility, and quality of healthcare in the U.S. A $15,000 prize will be awarded to the winner. Entries, which can be individual stories or series published in 2025, must provide valuable insights relevant to health plans, policymakers, and stakeholders, addressing the critical issues of rising healthcare costs and access.

NAFC Open Grant/Product Donation Applications

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is the only nonprofit 501c(3) organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of the medically underserved throughout the nation and the more than 1,400 Free and Charitable Clinics that serve them. The NAFC has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator. Founded in 2001 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., the NAFC is working to ensure that the medically underserved have access to affordable quality healthcare and strives to be a national voice promoting quality healthcare for all. For more information about the NAFC, including how to become a member, please visit https://www.nafcclinics.org.

Medication Therapy Management (MTM) Initiative

The Medication Therapy Management (MTM) Initiative, supported by the McKesson Foundation and administered by the NAFC, aims to improve medication access, adherence, and patient understanding among uninsured and medically underserved populations. Individuals without health insurance often face significant barriers to obtaining prescription medications and receiving the counseling necessary to manage chronic conditions effectively. Through this initiative, NAFC will provide $30,000 grants to member free and charitable clinics and pharmacies to establish or expand Medication Therapy Management programs aligned with recommendations from the American Pharmacists Association. Funding will support activities such as staff certification in MTM, development of standardized protocols, and patient education to help individuals better understand their medications, manage side effects, and support overall treatment plans. By strengthening pharmacist-led care and improving communication between providers and patients, this initiative seeks to enhance medication adherence, improve chronic disease management, and advance better health outcomes for vulnerable patient populations.

The Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Assistance Fund offers crucial financial support and counseling for individuals in the theatrical exhibition and distribution sectors facing health-related challenges. This fund assists with medical expenses, housing emergencies, and essential services like vocational rehabilitation and equipment aid. Eligible applicants must have a minimum of three years in exhibition or five years in distribution. The fund aims to provide a safety net for those impacted by illness, injury, or significant life changes.

Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation Inc supports independent medical education to enhance healthcare professional competence and improve patient health outcomes. Their mission is to be a global leader in innovative medical education, focusing on evidence-based activities that address critical gaps in knowledge. By fostering excellence in healthcare, they aim to ensure measurable improvements in performance and patient outcomes across various disease areas.

The BMS Community Giving program supports IRS-qualified 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations addressing unmet medical needs, promoting STEM education, and providing essential services. Eligible organizations must serve communities in the U.S. where BMS employees reside. Applications are accepted year-round, with a recommendation to submit at least eight weeks in advance. The program prioritizes health-related public missions and requests that fit within BMS's therapeutic interests, while excluding political, discriminatory, and sectarian organizations.

The Dawn Foods Foundation Corporate Grants program is dedicated to enhancing community well-being through strategic investments in key areas like hunger prevention, education, community vibrancy, and volunteerism. With a strong commitment to improving lives, the foundation supports initiatives that promote health, literacy, and creative arts, while also encouraging team members to engage in volunteer efforts. Though applications for 2025 are closed, opportunities will reopen in 2026.