California Private Grants

Strategy Grants support projects that align with the foundation's goals of fostering thriving youth and families, promoting racial equity, building a just economy, and ensuring healthy ecosystems. Prioritized are proposals that address multiple goals, increase equity, and support vulnerable communities, particularly those led by or supporting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Eligible projects can receive general operating, capital support, capacity building, or programmatic support. Average grants range from $15,000 to $25,000, with a focus on organizations serving Curry, Del Norte, Humboldt, and Trinity Counties.

This grant provides financial support to public agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations for the preservation and interpretation of historic sites along the Route 66 corridor, with a focus on underrepresented communities.

This grant provides financial support to citrus growers in select California counties to implement sustainable farming practices that improve soil health, enhance climate resilience, and promote environmental stewardship, with a focus on assisting socially disadvantaged farmers, women, and veterans.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit and government organizations in California to develop or improve community resilience hubs that help prepare for and respond to climate-related emergencies, particularly in disadvantaged and vulnerable communities.

The California Wildlands Grassroots Fund (Cal Wildlands), administered by the Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment, aims to preserve California's wildlands by supporting the work of activists and organizations dedicated to their protection. This aligns directly with the Rose Foundation's broader mission for communities and the environment by fostering grassroots efforts that lead to permanent conservation, restoration, and stewardship of natural habitats. The program's core objective is to safeguard California's wilderness and native biological diversity through strategic, community-driven initiatives. The primary beneficiaries of Cal Wildlands are small nonprofit organizations with annual expenses and income of $200,000 or less, as well as individual activists with a proven track record in protecting California's natural landscapes, ecosystems, plants, and wildlife. The fund specifically targets geographic areas and advocacy efforts that have not traditionally received significant financial support, including rural communities. The impact goals are centered on achieving permanent protection for wildlands, which are defined as natural habitats capable of supporting significant native plant and animal life, through legislation or deed restrictions. The fund prioritizes discrete, project-specific support with concrete sites and strategies, particularly those in geographic or issue areas historically underserved by financial and political support. It strongly emphasizes community-based advocacy and organizing, where campaigns are steered by affected community members and largely driven by volunteers. Other key priorities include projects that establish or combat critical precedents, innovative strategies, and efforts to build diverse constituencies for wildlands protection, especially by engaging communities of color and non-traditional stakeholders. Cal Wildlands supports a broad range of strategies and activities to achieve its objectives. These include grassroots organizing, public education, legislative advocacy, media campaigns, lawsuits, scientific research (including citizen science), coalition building, and developing partnerships. Supported activities range from communications campaigns and strategic planning to hiring technical and legal experts, training, and restoration. The expected outcomes involve tangible advancements in wildlands and open space protection, increased community engagement in conservation efforts, and the establishment of critical precedents that can influence future protection initiatives, ultimately contributing to the long-term preservation of California's natural heritage and biodiversity.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and government entities in Long Beach that are focused on addressing learning loss and improving the mental health of youth and young adults affected by the pandemic.

The Siembra Latinos Fund (SLF), an affiliate fund of the Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC), is dedicated to fostering positive change within Latino communities in Monterey County, California. This grant program directly aligns with the broader mission of the CFMC to enhance community well-being by addressing critical needs and supporting initiatives that have a tangible impact. The SLF specifically channels resources to organizations and projects that serve the predominantly Latino residents of Monterey County, ensuring that funding reaches those who can most effectively drive positive social and economic outcomes within these communities. The primary target beneficiaries of the Siembra Latinos Fund are Latino residents and communities in Monterey County. The program's impact goals are centered on facilitating the expansion and refinement of existing beneficial programs, supporting the development of new initiatives with strong potential for sustainability and impact, and providing crucial assistance during emergency or special circumstances. By focusing on these areas, the fund aims to empower local organizations and public agencies to better serve their constituents, addressing diverse needs from social services to community development. The fund prioritizes two main types of requests: Program Support and Operating Support. Program Support is allocated for endeavors such as expanding current programs, developing new high-impact and sustainable programs, and offering aid during urgent situations. Operating Support provides unrestricted grants to organizations with a proven history of community benefit, recognizing the importance of flexible funding for operational stability and effectiveness. These priorities underscore the fund's commitment to both innovative project-based work and the long-term health of essential community organizations. Expected outcomes include the strengthening of Latino communities through enhanced program delivery, increased organizational capacity, and responsive support for emerging needs. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the focus on "proven track record of community benefit" for operating support and "promise of impact and sustainability" for program support suggests an emphasis on effective and lasting positive change. The CFMC’s strategic priorities, as evidenced by the establishment of the Siembra Latinos Fund, align with a theory of change that posits direct investment in community-led initiatives and established organizations serving specific demographic groups will lead to improved quality of life and greater equity within the region. Organizations are required to be current on reporting obligations for past CFMC grants, indicating a commitment to accountability and impact assessment.

The Joseph H. Stahlberg Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations engaged in medical, psychiatric, or psychological research and is not associated with any particular religion. The foundation supports scientific inquiry that advances knowledge and improves public health outcomes. Funding focuses on research with potential to address significant health challenges. Preference may be given to studies related to dementia, autism, or Alzheimers disease. Awards typically range from 15,000 to 30,000 dollars, with average total annual giving of about 115,000 dollars. Allowable uses include programmatic and research costs aligned with the foundation mission. Eligible applicants are organizations that qualify as tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applications must be submitted through the online grant application form or an accessible alternative designed for assistive technology users. Religious organizations are not funded for religious purposes. Applications are due May 1, 2024. Grant duration is not stated. Official details and instructions are provided through the trustee information referenced by Wells Fargo.

This grant provides funding to community organizations in Livermore Valley for projects that support underserved populations, including youth, veterans, and seniors, while promoting diversity and sustainable improvements in the area.

The Donaldson Foundation dedicates its efforts to making a positive impact in communities where Donaldson Company employees reside, focusing on supporting educational initiatives. It extends grant invitations exclusively to applications with an educational aim, scrutinizing each based on criteria such as educational focus, the need of beneficiaries, impact, sustainability, and connection to communities near company locations. Eligible recipients are required to be IRS-recognized tax-exempt entities. Funding is available in the Twin Cities and several U.S. locations where Donaldson has significant operations, with grants reaching up to $20,000. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual Cycle 2 deadline: January 15th

This grant provides $5,000 to nonprofit organizations in Southern California that support underserved Asian and Pacific Islander communities by enhancing their workforce capacity and operational stability.

This grant provides funding for full-time graduate students in the Western U.S. to collaborate with their academic advisors and local producers on projects that promote sustainable agriculture through research and education.

- Qualified fiscal sponsors, such as social service agencies or medical providers, must apply on behalf of clients who are Humboldt County residents in need of health and wellness support. - Grants support women, trans men, and children facing crisis situations and are limited to a one-time basis per household per 365-day period. - The maximum request amount is $150, with additional funding considered based on available funds. - Applications must be complete and submitted by Thursday at 12:00 pm for consideration at the committee meeting the following Tuesday. - Eligible expenses include appliances, baby/child necessities, birth certificates, clothing, home repairs, immigration fees, laptops for school/work/telehealth, overdue bills, propane, and vehicle-related costs. Note: The fund cannot pay for expenses already incurred (with the exception of overdue bills), and decisions are contingent upon funding criteria and availability.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Monterey County, California, that aim to improve the well-being of individuals and families, promote cultural activities, and enhance community services.

The Towbes Fund for the Performing Arts, administered by the Santa Barbara Foundation, aims to support qualifying performing arts nonprofit organizations in furthering their missions by providing quality performing arts opportunities. Grants of up to $15,000 will be awarded to organizations that seek to produce, present, and preserve exceptional works from various artistic traditions, ensuring participation reflects the demographic diversity of Santa Barbara County. Priority is given to organizations that demonstrate a sustained or increased demand for the performing arts, are working to expand organizational capacity, show cultural competence, and work to dismantle barriers preventing access to arts for low-income and marginalized populations. Funding can be used for general operating, program-specific support, expansion of existing programs, pilot programs, and collaborative efforts.

The Bridge Association of REALTORS® Community Foundation Grant is designed to financially support essential community programs that address housing, opportunities for youth, and champion diversity within the community. The foundation's mission is aligned with supporting programs in Youth Arts and Education, Senior Services Community Activities, and Workforce Housing and Homelessness within specific cities in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. The grant prioritizes specific project-based funding over general operational funds, ensuring that contributions directly impact targeted initiatives. The grant targets several key beneficiary groups. For Youth Arts & Education, the foundation seeks to equalize opportunities for children from all social and economic backgrounds through programs offering arts and cultural classes, public and private education (including Special Education), and food & nutrition programs addressing hunger. For Workforce Housing & the Homeless, the focus is on organizations directly benefiting the homeless population and advocacy groups working towards long-term solutions for the housing crisis, including affordable housing and hunger/nutrition issues. Finally, Senior Services & Community Activities aims to support organizations providing services to seniors for socialization, healthcare advice, transportation, nutritional issues, and housing support. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change center on providing targeted support to create tangible improvements in the community. They believe that by funding specific projects that address critical needs in youth development, senior well-being, and housing stability, they can achieve measurable positive outcomes. This approach ensures that grants contribute to concrete solutions rather than diffuse efforts. Expected outcomes include enhanced opportunities for disadvantaged youth, improved living conditions and support for the homeless population, and increased access to vital services for seniors. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the grant's categories, the emphasis on project-specific funding implies a focus on demonstrable impact within those project parameters. The maximum grant size awarded is $3,500.00, and eligible organizations must have an annual budget under $1,000,000 and provide services in Albany, Berkeley, Emeryville, Kensington, Oakland, and Piedmont.

The California Clean Air Day Microgrant Program invites applicants to secure funding for local projects that promote clean air initiatives. While the text does not explicitly state the "foundation mission alignment" or "foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change" in terms of a specific foundation, it clearly outlines the goals and priorities of the Clean Air Day initiative. The program's core mission is to raise awareness of Clean Air Day and encourage actions that contribute to cleaning the air. The target beneficiaries of this program are diverse organizations across California, including cities, counties, schools, government agencies, healthcare providers, community organizations (including Indigenous Tribes), business organizations (such as chambers of commerce, economic development agencies, and business improvement districts), small businesses, and labor unions. The program seeks to engage a broad spectrum of these entities to foster collaborative efforts in improving air quality. The program's priorities and focuses are centered on local projects that occur on or within seven days prior to California Clean Air Day. These projects must demonstrably raise awareness of Clean Air Day and actively contribute to cleaning the air or encourage participants to take actions that will lead to cleaner air. Projects are also required to successfully engage at least 100 participants or attendees, emphasizing community involvement and broad impact. The expected outcomes and measurable results include increased awareness of clean air issues, tangible contributions to air quality improvement, and significant community engagement as evidenced by participant numbers. The grant funding, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, supports various uses such as supplies for events, marketing expenses, city permit costs, and materials for activities like shovels/tools, giveaways, and educational materials, all geared towards achieving these measurable outcomes. The program encourages collaborative efforts by requiring at least two organizations from different categories to partner on an application, enhancing the potential for diverse and impactful projects.

This program provides funding to small and mid-sized food businesses in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah to help them expand their market access and improve their operations.

The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County's "Growing Together: An LGBTQ Fund" is an initiative established in 2001 to address the needs of the LGBTQI community within San Luis Obispo County. This fund aligns with the foundation's broader mission to support charitable organizations and promote philanthropy by specifically focusing on providing grants and raising community awareness for this often underserved population. The foundation aims to foster a more inclusive and equitable environment through targeted funding and community engagement efforts, reflecting its strategic priority of addressing critical community needs. The grant program primarily targets 501c3 organizations within San Luis Obispo County that are implementing programs benefiting the LGBTQ+ community. The core beneficiaries include queer and trans people of color (QTPOC), transgender and nonbinary individuals, and LGBTQ+ people in areas lacking affirming community spaces. The overarching impact goals are to reduce discrimination, advance healthcare equity, improve physical and mental health outcomes, and enhance community connectedness and safety for LGBTQ+ individuals throughout the county. The fund prioritizes one-year grants for programs that focus on three key areas. First, it seeks to demonstrate strategies to reach out to, involve, and center QTPOC, recognizing the amplified discrimination they face due to intersecting systems of oppression like racism, sexism, and heterosexism. Second, it focuses on advancing medical and mental health care for transgender and nonbinary people, addressing the significant health disparities, stigma, and lack of culturally competent care they encounter. Third, the fund aims to create queer spaces in currently unserved areas of the county, acknowledging the importance of safe community spaces for promoting safety, connectedness, and mental well-being among LGBTQ+ individuals. Expected outcomes and measurable results include a reduction in health disparities for QTPOC and transgender/nonbinary people, evidenced by changes in organizational policies and practices, and improved physical and mental health statistics. For queer spaces, outcomes would involve the expansion of resources for local organizations to create physical spaces and the development of new, sustainable support or wellness groups. The foundation's theory of change posits that by supporting initiatives that directly address discrimination, improve access to care, and create affirming community environments, it can contribute to a more equitable, healthy, and connected San Luis Obispo County for its LGBTQ+ residents. The fund's commitment to supporting creative initiatives and strategies that move QTPOC from the margins to the center is a testament to this strategic priority.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and government agencies that provide services to enhance the quality of life and independence of seniors aged 60 and older living on the western slope of El Dorado County, California.