Best Grants for Nonprofit Healthcare Programs in California

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

About CommonSpirit

A calling that defines and unites

At CommonSpirit Health, we passionately care for the most vulnerable, relentlessly innovate how and where healing can happen and believe in uniting to benefit the common good. Our expansive network spans diverse communities, uniquely positioning us to meet their changing needs, improve population health and help chart the path to health equity.

Our mission, vision and values inform every aspect of our work each day and remind us that we serve our patients, their families, our communities – and each other. Our community health, research and home health programs help us address the primary barriers to healthier communities.

Sponsorship requests

We’re proud to support nonprofits that expand access to care, advance health equity and healthier communities. Learn more about our priorities.

Supporting our communities

CommonSpirit Health and our local facilities support nonprofit organizations that share our mission, vision and values. We give priority to programs that improve access to care and promote health equity and healthier communities.

CommonSpirit is proud to support nonprofit organizations that help improve the health and well-being of our communities. Guided by our mission, vision and values, we prioritize projects that focus on advancing health equity, improving access to care and improving community wellness.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Hemophilia Alliance Foundation

Our Mission

The Hemophilia Alliance Foundation is dedicated to receiving and administering funds to enable eligible organizations in the inherited bleeding and thrombotic disorders community to build capacity in order to achieve their mission and to support direct consumer financial assistance programs.

Project Grant Guidance and Application

The goal of this grant is to enable eligible organizations to build capacity in order to achieve their mission, and to support direct consumer financial assistance programs in eligible organizations. The ceiling for local patient organizations and hemophilia treatment and sickle cell centers is $8,000; the ceiling for national organizations and the eight HHS-designated federally designated and funded regional core coordinating centers is $10,000.

Examples include:

1) projects that strengthen the organization’s ability to better serve its constituents;

2) patient/consumer financial assistance grants; and

3) regional hemophilia treatment centers’ annual meetings.

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.

Young Health Programme

The Young Health Programme (YHP) is a global disease prevention initiative, aiming to provide education for young people to feel empowered to make informed choices about their health and catalyse a global, youth-led advocacy movement.

The programme operates in over 40 countries and partners with more than 60 non-profit organisations, including UNICEF and Plan International. The YHP combines community programmes, research, advocacy, and the development of young leaders, with a focus on underserved communities.

Since its launch in 2010, the YHP has directly reached over 23 million young people, trained over 1 million, and engaged more than 23,000 AstraZeneca employees, who have volunteered their time with more than 140,000 hours.

The YHP aims to prevent the most common non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cancer, diabetes, heart disease and respiratory disease, by addressing five main risk factors: tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, harmful use of alcohol, and air pollution. Additionally, the programme tackles climate-health impacts to build healthier communities, recognising, as projected in the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report, that children born after 2010 will be the first generation to enter adulthood in a world where the average temperature will reach 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, and are expected to experience a +2°C rise within their lifetime.1

AstraZeneca Young Health Programme Impact Fellowship 2026

AstraZeneca is looking for passionate, driven young leaders to join their 2026 Young Health Programme (YHP) Impact Fellowship. The Fellowship supports young advocates to create actionable change to: 

• Advance health equity – with a focus on acting early to prevent non-communicable diseases among young people, or supporting young people living with rare diseases.
• Take action on climate and nature – advocating for the mitigation of the harmful effects of climate change on the health and well-being of young people.
• Build health systems resilience – contributing to stronger health systems that prioritise earlier intervention to meet today’s needs and mitigate tomorrow’s disease burden.

Benefits

The selected Fellows will gain access to networks, funding and development opportunities, enabling them to drive a global health movement led by and for young people:

A fully-funded scholarship to attend the 2026 One Young World Summit in Cape Town, South Africa (3–6 November 2026) as well as access to the One Young World Ambassador Network and the Young Health Programme (YHP) Alumni group of other young changemakers working to improve youth health.

Structured learning and development offerings to enable them to scale their impact, including both self-directed and live learning. This includes access to the One Young World Academy, an award-winning mini-MBA programme, mentorship from AstraZeneca colleagues and professional training.

Each selected Fellow will receive a grant of either USD $10,000 or USD $50,000 (if selected as the Lead2030 winner** for Sustainable Development Goal 3, for which applicants will be automatically considered) from AstraZeneca, through their non-profit organisation. Fellows are expected to use the grant to implement a project focused on either (1) advancing health equity (2) taking action on climate and nature (3) building health systems resilience.

The Centers of Excellence in Healthcare Quality and Safety program aims to establish a collaborative network of healthcare systems and public health partners to enhance patient and healthcare worker safety. This initiative focuses on improving the quality and resilience of U.S. healthcare delivery across various settings, including hospitals and outpatient facilities. By fostering partnerships, the program seeks to effectively detect, respond to, and prevent safety threats, ensuring a higher standard of care and safety for all.

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.

Food as Medicine Initiative

The Food as Medicine Initiative, supported by the McKesson Foundation and administered by the NAFC, aims to address food insecurity as a critical driver of health outcomes for uninsured and medically underserved patients. Research continues to demonstrate the strong connection between food insecurity and poor health, including increased risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and certain cancers. Through this initiative, NAFC will provide $20,000 grants to member free and charitable clinics to implement or expand food insecurity screening and patient-centered interventions that improve access to healthy food and nutrition education as measured by the US Household Food Security Module or Hunger Vital Signs and patient education focused on food as medicine for eligible patients in order to increase the percentage of patients with improved food security scores within one year of project implementation.

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.

Breast Cancer Screening & Prevention Initiative

The Breast Cancer Screening & Prevention Initiative, supported by the McKesson Foundation and administered by the NAFC, aims to expand access to lifesaving breast cancer screening and prevention services for uninsured and medically underserved. Through this initiative, the NAFC will provide $30,000 grants to members to establish or strengthen breast cancer screening programs in alignment with evidence-based guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and the American Cancer Society. Funding will support activities such as improving patient identification and referral systems, increasing access to mammography services through partnerships or mobile units, strengthening staffing and technology capacity, and providing patient education and case management to ensure follow-through with recommended screenings. By enhancing early detection and preventive care, the initiative seeks to reduce barriers to care and improve health outcomes for women who might otherwise go without critical cancer screening services.

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.

Healthcare Access Initiative

The Healthcare Access Initiative, supported by the McKesson Foundation and administered by the NAFC, aims to expand access to essential healthcare services for uninsured and medically underserved individuals. Free and charitable clinics and pharmacies play a critical role in ensuring that patients who fall outside traditional healthcare systems can receive timely, high-quality care. However, many clinics face barriers related to staffing, care coordination, technology, and patient outreach that limit their ability to meet growing community needs. Through this initiative, NAFC will provide $20,000 grants to member clinics and pharmacies to strengthen programs that increase access to primary care, specialty services, and preventive care. Funding will support innovative and practical approaches that reduce barriers to care, improve patient engagement, and expand the capacity of clinics to serve vulnerable populations.