California Private Grants

The Zoo Labs: FUND, administered in partnership with the Center for Cultural Innovation (CCI), is a funding and investment initiative designed to support Bay Area entrepreneurs who are launching or growing businesses centered around music. With a strong emphasis on culturally-rooted artist teams, the program offers unrestricted funding to music ventures that align with values of cultural preservation, innovation, economic empowerment, and community enrichment. In 2025, the FUND will distribute a total of $230,000 in grants, prioritizing artist teams that face barriers to accessing capital and are committed to contributing to the Bay Area's creative ecosystem. Zoo Labs: FUND provides grants in four tiers: $5,000, $15,000, $25,000, and $50,000, with award size contingent upon the team’s business development stage. Eligibility requires applicant teams of at least two individuals, including one culturally-rooted artist, who all reside full-time in specified Bay Area counties. Teams may include various roles such as content creators, producers, engineers, and advisors, and must be operating a music-centered business, whether as a nonprofit, sole proprietorship, or for-profit organization. Prior grantees may reapply if they meet reporting and mentorship obligations from previous awards. Applicants must complete an online submission through CCI’s Submittable platform between May 19 and July 7, 2025. Required materials include a team pitch video, business matrix, one work sample, and a budget with notes. Applications are assessed based on the strength of the team, artistry and craft, entrepreneurship, and internal and external community impact. An independent panel reflecting diverse backgrounds will review the materials and recommend grantees. The notification of awards is scheduled for September 8, 2025. In addition to receiving financial support, awardees gain access to mentorship opportunities through Zoo Labs: LEARN. These include on-demand courses, virtual networking sessions, and for higher-tier recipients, a strategy session with Zoo Labs Co-Founder Vinitha Watson. All grantees must attend a virtual orientation on October 15, 2025, and participate in at least one one-on-one business mentorship session. Recipients of $25,000 or $50,000 grants are also invited to serve as voluntary mentors to future applicants. The grant supports activities from September 2025 through September 2026. For assistance, applicants can contact CCI via email at [email protected] or phone at 415.288.0530. Additional technical support is available through Submittable. Information sessions and office hours are scheduled throughout June and early July to assist prospective applicants in preparing strong submissions. All applicants are encouraged to review the guidelines, FAQs, and application preview before seeking support. The Zoo Labs: FUND is made possible with support from Vinitha and David Watson and individual donors. Contributions are welcomed to expand the program’s reach. The FUND continues to invest in artistic legacies that reflect the diversity, resilience, and creativity of Bay Area communities.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and schools in San Diego County to enhance community access to music education and appreciation through various programs and performances, with a focus on benefiting North County residents.

This grant provides financial support to small and mid-sized arts organizations in San Francisco that are deeply connected to their communities, helping them cover essential operating costs and foster artistic expression.

The Beacon House Request for Proposals outlines approach and rationale to providing community based funding support to expand substance use disorder services in Monterey County. Donor Name: Gateway Foundation State: California County: Monterey County (CA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The sole purpose of this RFP is to solicit proposals from nonprofit organizations to provide substance use disorder services in the Monterey Peninsula. This funding will infuse financial resources for the operating, supporting and/or renovation of SUD services in Monterey County, directly addressing the need to improve access to treatment and recovery supports. This vital re-investment into the Monterey County community will provide flexible grant funds to help and support local organizations.  They seek to provide multiple grants to local, established substance use service providers. The flexible funds should be utilized to expand access to substance use disorder services and/or recovery support in Monterey County. Specifically, the dollars are for one-time costs that support improving access or capacity to provide services. Funding Information Up to $200,000. Up to  10, not to exceed $200,000. Project Period September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025. Funds can be used for  Staff development  Training  Equipment  Repairs & maintenance  Expansion of services/access  Start-up operational costs may be allowed, provided they are reasonable and justified, and not to exceed 50% of total funding request.   Eligibility Criteria 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Licensed by the state of california to provide services (when applicable). Currently providing behavioral health services in monterey county. Organization can provide audited financials and income/expense budgets for last two fiscal years. Programs utilize evidence-based services. At least 50% of clients from last two fiscal years are residents of monterey county. Organization has been providing behavioral health services. For more information, visit Gateway Foundation.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and community groups in Los Angeles County to provide culturally affirming services and activities that promote healing and resilience for individuals and communities affected by the 2025 wildfires.

The Fleishhacker Foundation is seeking applications for its Small Arts Grants Program. Donor Name: Fleishhacker Foundation State: California County: Alameda County (CA), Contra Costa County (CA), San Francisco County (CA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Fleishhacker Foundation’s Small Arts Grants Program supports: arts and culture nonprofit organizations with annual budgets between $100,000 and $749,999 in San Francisco, Alameda, and Contra Costa counties; fiscally sponsored arts and culture organizations with annual budgets under $750,000 in these counties; and  film projects directed by filmmakers residing in these counties with budgets under $750,000, that meet the eligibility criteria below.  General support grants are flexible and may be used for operations, staffing, facilities, health and safety compliance, artists’ compensation, rehearsals, performances, presentations, exhibitions, and other administrative, program, or production costs at the grantee’s discretion. Funding Information Grants in this program now range from $5,000 to $10,000 and will usually be closer to $5,000.  Eligibility Criteria An arts and culture organization incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (including fiscal sponsors applying on behalf of a sponsored arts group or filmmaker). Located and primarily offering programming in San Francisco, Alameda, or Contra Costa counties. Able to demonstrate an artistic presence in the Bay Area for at least three years. Planning to produce and present new work by Bay Area artists in the disciplines of dance, music, theater, visual arts, interdisciplinary arts, or film between May 15, 2024 and April 15, 2025. Of an annual budget size between $100,000 and $749,999 during the time period above (or applying with a fiscal sponsor with an annual operating budget greater than $100,000 during this time; there is no upper limit for fiscal sponsors’ annual budgets). An organization that financially compensates artists for their work. An organization that evidences strong support from the community and its Board of Directors. Not eligible are: Organizations that applied to the Fleishhacker Foundation for funding consideration during its fall 2023 review cycle, whether or not they received support, except for fiscal sponsors applying on behalf of multiple groups. Organizations that are primarily performance venues, exhibition spaces, presenters, or film festivals that do not produce their own work. Organizations and groups with more than 50% of their annual expense budgets directed toward educational programs, youth training in the arts, youth ensembles and performances, exhibitions of youth artwork, and/or productions designed for youth. Organizations and groups whose primary purpose is to present historical works by artists that are no longer living. Organizations and groups whose fundamental purpose or benefit is primarily social services, health, youth, or community development fields. Individual artists. For more information, visit Fleishhacker Foundation.

The Disaster Response & Resilience Fund supports charitable organizations in Humboldt, Trinity, Del Norte, and Curry counties, as well as adjoining Tribal lands during current and future disasters, including fires, earthquakes, flooding, and other natural and man-made disasters. This fund is unable to support requests for individuals and families. During an active emergency, the fund prioritizes requests that are in response to the applicable disaster and requests that are addressing the immediate needs and safety of the most vulnerable.

This fellowship provides early-career journalists in California with a paid opportunity to strengthen local reporting, particularly in underserved communities, over a two-year period.

The Sharks Foundation is accepting applications for its Community Assist Grant. Donor Name: Sharks Foundation State: California County: Alameda County (CA), San Francisco County (CA), San Mateo County (CA), Santa Clara County (CA), Santa Cruz County (CA) City: Selected Cities Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/07/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Sharks Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the lives of youth and families in the community with an emphasis in the areas of education, health and safety, and character development. Focus Areas  Focal Areas/Giving Campaigns: September: Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Celebrating the history and culture of the Latinx and Hispanic communities, support of the Latinx and Hispanic community October: Healthy Living Fitness, wellness, medical (non-cancer) and mental health November: Hockey Fights Cancer Cancer-related patient care, support services, survivor programs December: Holiday Assist Basic human services, food, clothing, shelter, holiday programs January: Education Equity Supported by SAP Closing the opportunity gap, building the next generation of leaders, driving innovation, providing educational resources to underserved communities, pathways to employment and career readiness February: Celebration of Black History Education, support services, anti-racism work, honoring important people and events in black history, etc. March: Equality In line with the leaguewide principle that Hockey is for Everyone, this campaign focuses on driving positive social change and fostering more inclusive communities by supporting non-profits focused on the advancement of diversity, equity and inclusion for all, such as, but not limited to, female mentorship and women/girl empowerment, LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, disabled and special needs communities. While they recognize and prioritize Equality and the Hockey is For Everyone Initiative all year, they take the month of March to highlight and celebrate the work. April: Environmental Awareness Beautification, sustainability, recycling, science, world health May: Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Celebration of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and recognition of their history in the U.S. and many contributions June: Pride Equal justice and opportunity for the LGBTQIA+ community, supporting awareness, history, and allyship. Funding Priorities The Sharks Foundation provides funding to organizations that support youth and families, with special emphasis on at-risk and underrepresented populations. Funding Information $10,000-$300,000 max. Eligibility Criteria  Fall under one of the above-mentioned focus areas Be a public, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization in good standing with the Internal Revenue Service for a minimum of 5 years including: Having a “Current” status with the Registry of Charitable Trusts Be in good standing with the Franchise Tax Board A program must be in existence for a minimum of 3 years Provide services to children/families in need within the Bay Area Be available for a site visit if selected as a beneficiary Application Eligibility – to qualify for a grant an application must: Fall under one of the focus areas: Latinx and Hispanic Heritage, Healthy Living, Hockey Fights Cancer, Holiday Assist, Education Equity supported by SAP, Celebration of Black History, Equality, Environmental Awareness, Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage or Pride 100% of grant funding received from the Sharks Foundation are used for the exclusive benefit of youth or youth and their families 51% of the funding received must directly benefit youth/families in the Bay Area (San Francisco, San Mateo County, Alameda County, Santa Clara County, Gilroy, Santa Cruz) Funding must be applied to the costs associated with a specific programming element of the applying organization or the project you are applying for Funding must be used by July 1, 2025. For more information, visit Sharks Foundation.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Gilroy that are dedicated to improving the community through various initiatives in sectors such as arts, education, health, and environment.

The Kiwanis Club of Los Altos Foundation annually offers grants to organizations operating within the greater Los Altos area. Focused on supporting initiatives that align with their mission of “Serving the Children of the World,” the foundation grants financial aid to projects and programs benefiting the community, particularly youth and seniors. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, with past recipients including diverse beneficiaries such as Tech Trek, Mentor Tutor Connection, and the Living Classroom. Application acceptance period is from October 1 to January 31 each year.

The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce and the Grubhub Community Fund have come together once again to provide vital assistance for LGBTQ+-owned and allied restaurants, cafes, bars serving food, and other eating establishments. Donor Name: National LGBT Chamber of Commerce State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 06/25/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The NGLCC Community Impact Grant Program, supported by the Grubhub Community Fund, provides a financial lifeline to these businesses with grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. Eligibility Requirements To be eligible for the Community Impact Grant, applicants must: Be an LGBTQ+-owned or LGBTQ+ ally-owned restaurant, bar or café that serves food. Provide proof that you are an LGBTQ+-owned or allied establishment. Establishment has not received 2+ NGLCC Community Impact Grants in previous years. For more information, visit NGLCC.

The City of San Diego's Economic Development Department is offering a grant of $10,000 to $100,000 to nonprofit organizations that can assist small businesses in under-resourced communities, with funds to be used for capacity building expenses such as technical assistance, website creation, and event programming, with priority given to organizations with modest budgets and proposals aligning with the Economic Development Strategy.

AgWest Farm Credit's New Producer Grant Program supports new agricultural producers who have two years or less of operational experience or plan to start their operation within two years of applying. The grant aims to alleviate the challenge of lacking start-up funds, celebrating the ingenuity and passion of new producers. Successful applicants will receive a one-time $15,000 grant to support their operation's growth. The grant focuses on applicants within AgWest Farm Credit’s territory who are not current lending customers and are U.S. citizens or lawful residents.

The Korean American Community Foundation of San Francisco (KACF-SF) is now accepting requests for proposals (RFPs) from community-based organizations serving Northern California. Donor Name: Korean American Community Foundation of San Francisco State: California County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: The Korean American Community Foundation of San Francisco (KACF-SF) is committed to building a vibrant Bay Area Korean American community through philanthropy. The grant program supports community-based organizations that are on the frontline to increase the cultural competency and language access of critical programs for the Korean American community. KACF-SF invests in nonprofit organizations on the frontlines to increase cultural competency and language access to programs for the Korean American community in Northern California. Special attention is given to five issue areas: Physical & Mental Health Senior Care & Empowerment Domestic & Family Safety Civic Engagement Youth Empowerment The Foundation is interested in programs that: Deliver critical services to Korean Americans in need Provide greater access to social services by providing language assistance Support regional projects aligned with the grantmaking goals Funding Information Grants up to $50,000. Grant Period Up to 3 years. Eligibility Criteria Community-based organizations serving Northern California are eligible to apply. For more information, visit KACF-SF.

The Marian and Pink Happ Fund supports underprivileged children in the state of California. Donor Name: Marian and Pink Happ Fund State: California County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Program Areas  Health Human services Funding Information Average grant size: $10,000. Average total giving per year: $50,000. Eligibility Criteria  Applicants must qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applications must be submitted through the online grant application form or alternative accessible application designed for assistive technology users. For more information, visit Wells Fargo.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and government entities focused on improving safety and wellness through various community services, including mental health, disaster relief, and healthcare accessibility.

The Marino Family Charitable Foundation Inc. is seeking applications to enhance the lives of individuals by offering support to non-profit organizations who have demonstrated, through their charitable works and core values, the ability to make a positive difference in and further advance, educate, or enrich their communities. Donor Name: Marino Family Charitable Foundation Inc. State: Florida, California City: Boca Raton, Los Angeles Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Program Areas Health Human services Grantmaking Priorities Preference may be given to requests for organizations that assist with the needs and education of individuals with Down syndrome. Geographic Limitations Grants are concentrated in the areas of Boca Raton, Florida, Los Angeles, California, and San Francisco, California. Requirements To be eligible, organizations must qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applications must be submitted through the online grant application form or the alternative accessible application designed for assistive technology users. Limitations The foundation typically does not fund requests for: Building repairs and improvements Capital projects For more information, visit Wells Fargo.

With generous support from the Wells Fargo Foundation, NALCAB will provide capacity building grants of $30,000 and customized technical assistance (TA) to 10 organizations, prioritizing organizations located in Wells Fargo’s priority geographic markets. Donor Name: National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders (NALCAB) State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/18/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: The primary purpose of this award is to support a nationwide network of Latino- and immigrant-serving organizations to advance culturally relevant approaches to family financial health in low-and moderate-income Latino and immigrant communities. This program of grantmaking, technical assistance and training is intended to strengthen the delivery of financial capability services focused on: Integrating a culturally relevant financial curriculum into asset-building programs like homeownership and small business development services.  Intentionally utilizing financial coaching to prepare participants to access capital for asset-building activities.  Improving organizational capacity to track and report financial health outcomes, with a focus on improving credit, increasing savings, increasing income, and reducing debt.  Prioritizing access to innovative financial products to boost family financial wellness, such as increasing savings, decreasing debt, or building or establishing credit. Wells Fargo Priority Markets: NALCAB will focus on the following priority markets, as communicated by Wells Fargo: Georgia: Atlanta  Illinois: Chicago  North Carolina: Charlotte  Texas: Dallas, Houston  California: Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco  Florida: Miami  Tennessee: Nashville New York  Pennsylvania: Philadelphia  Arizona: Phoenix  Missouri: St. Louis  Washington, DC  Minnesota: Minneapolis Grant Period  October 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025. Eligibility Criteria Eligible applicants are any 501(c)(3) nonprofits who integrate, or plan to integrate, culturally relevant financial capability services into existing asset-building programs. Applicants should demonstrate:  A comprehensive and specific strategy that will result in meaningful and measurable impact and change for Latino and immigrant financial health.  Organizational capacity to implement the proposed strategy. Budget and projected outcomes that align with the proposed strategy. For more information, visit NALCAB.

Ability Central is providing the 2025 Communication Access Grants Program for Developing and training healthcare professionals in strategies and tools that improve access to care for people with communication disabilities. Donor Name: Ability Central State: California County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/13/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Ability Central is looking for projects to develop, train, and implement resources and programmatic models for people with disabilities who communicate and access information via methods such as braille, screen readers, American Sign Language (ASL), tactile interpreters, co-navigators, and/or Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Funding Categories Developing and training healthcare professionals in strategies and tools that improve access to care for people with communication disabilities. Ability Central is looking for projects to develop, train, and implement resources and programmatic models for people with disabilities who communicate and access information via methods such as braille, screen readers, American Sign Language (ASL), tactile interpreters, co-navigators, and/or Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). This project is intended to train and equip healthcare professionals and healthcare systems with the knowledge, accessible resources, and multi-modal communication partner strategies to improve culturally responsive care for patients with communication disabilities and their care teams. These projects should be replicable and include people with disabilities in the planning, training, and implementation. Ability Central encourages projects that incorporate these elements: Person-Centered Approach: Successful culturally responsive healthcare training projects for people with communication disabilities should prioritize a person-centered approach. This means that the training should focus on the individual needs and preferences of the person, and the training should empower the person to be an active participant in their healthcare decisions. Communication Access: Successful projects should prioritize and understand access needs. This includes accommodations such as sign language interpreters, captioning, assistive technology, etc., that allow individuals to communicate effectively with healthcare providers. Collaboration: Healthcare training projects should involve multidisciplinary collaboration to ensure that all aspects of a person’s health needs are addressed. This could include collaborating with healthcare administration, front line staff such as doctors, nurses, medical assistants, behavioral health therapists, social workers, occupational therapists, appointment schedulers, and/or other professionals whose interactions impact the medical care of individuals with communication disabilities. Ongoing Evaluation: Successful projects should include ongoing evaluation to ensure that the training is effective and meets the needs of individuals with communication disabilities. This includes collecting feedback from both healthcare providers and individuals with communication disabilities to identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments to the training. Career and leadership development projects for people with communication disabilities. Ability Central is seeking strong, scalable, and replicable projects that provide supportive and fairly-compensated career training opportunities for people with communication disabilities. Ability Central seeks projects that: Demonstrate understanding of the unique challenges faced by people with communication disabilities in accessing career and leadership development opportunities. Prepare people with communication disabilities for career advancement, going beyond entry-level, customer service-based work. While also considering preparations on the employer’s behalf to ensure an accessible and inclusive work environment. Utilize innovative and effective strategies for providing support to participants with communication disabilities throughout the career training process. Have or will establish partnerships with relevant stakeholders, including self-advocates, disability organizations, employers, colleges, and/or training institutes. Include accommodations (interpreters, screen reader-friendly documents, AAC, etc.) and project staff/mentors who are familiar with them to enhance accessibility and participation. Incorporate a person-centered approach, considering the individual strengths, preferences, and goals of participants with communication disabilities. Measure outcomes and evaluation methods to assess the effectiveness of the career training program and its impact on participants’ employment outcomes. Plan for sustainability beyond the grant period, including strategies for long-term funding, partnerships, and ongoing support for participants. Describe the project’s scalability, indicating the potential for expansion and replication in other settings or regions. Commit to a disability inclusion framework within their organization. Eligibility Criteria Ability Central only funds organizations with a 501(c)3 status that are headquartered in California. Ability Central does not fund individuals, events, religious organizations, or political and religious work. Nor does it support the purchase of vehicles, land, or oversized equipment. Finally, Ability Central does not fund organizations that discriminate based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity and expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, sexual orientation, or veteran status. For more information, visit Ability Central.