Bells HardingstoneCalifornia is home to some of the largest nonprofit grants in the United States, supporting education, healthcare, environment, arts, and community development. These grants come from powerful foundations, trusts, and community funds that shape the social and cultural fabric of the state. The largest nonprofit grants in California not only provide financial stability to organizations but also drive long-term solutions to pressing issues. By understanding these grants, communities can see how philanthropy plays a vital role in building a better future.
Top 50 Nonprofit Grants in California
1. J. Paul Getty Trust – Los Angeles
The J. Paul Getty Trust stands out for its remarkable commitment to the arts and cultural heritage. Known for issuing some of the largest nonprofit grants in California, it funds conservation, museum programs, and education. Its Los Angeles headquarters oversee international collaborations, preservation projects, and multimillion-dollar awards that safeguard historical treasures. This trust is among the top because of its vast endowment and the long-lasting impact its grants make in sustaining cultural institutions and advancing global arts education.
2. Conrad N. Hilton Foundation – Los Angeles
The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation directs its resources toward homelessness, education, and clean water initiatives. As a leading force in philanthropy, it is responsible for many of the largest nonprofit grants in California, supporting organizations that create systemic change. The foundation partners with nonprofits to expand affordable housing, improve mental health services, and strengthen community programs. It ranks among the top because of its consistency in awarding large, multi-year grants that improve lives both in California and worldwide.
3. William and Flora Hewlett Foundation – Menlo Park
The Hewlett Foundation is a global philanthropic leader with a strong presence in California. Known for distributing some of the largest nonprofit grants in California, it supports education, climate solutions, performing arts, and economic development. Based in Menlo Park, its grants often fund multi-year strategies that influence public policy and expand opportunity. Hewlett is one of the top grantmakers because of its commitment to measurable outcomes and the sheer scale of its annual investments across local and global issues.
4. David and Lucile Packard Foundation – Los Altos
The Packard Foundation focuses on children, families, and the environment, funding initiatives that touch communities across California. With a large endowment, it provides some of the largest nonprofit grants in California, often supporting conservation programs and family health services. Based in Los Altos, it is recognized for backing both grassroots efforts and large-scale projects. The foundation’s leadership in reproductive health, ocean conservation, and early childhood development secures its place among California’s most impactful philanthropic organizations.
5. James Irvine Foundation – San Francisco
The James Irvine Foundation dedicates its resources to expanding opportunity for California’s low-income workers and families. As a leader in statewide philanthropy, it issues some of the largest nonprofit grants in California to improve economic mobility and civic engagement. Its grants prioritize long-term solutions such as workforce training and policy change. With a focus exclusively on California, the foundation is among the top because of its large-scale support for community-driven change that strengthens state institutions and empowers people.
6. Silicon Valley Community Foundation – Mountain View
Silicon Valley Community Foundation is a major philanthropic hub that channels funds from tech donors into large-scale community investments. It is one of the largest sources of nonprofit grants in California, backing education, housing, immigrant rights, and local civic efforts. Based in Mountain View, the foundation is unique for its donor-advised fund structure that mobilizes billions. It ranks among the top because of its influence in connecting high-net-worth donors to critical community needs across the state.
7. Chan Zuckerberg Initiative – Redwood City
The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative is a philanthropy founded by Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan that funds education, science, and local community projects. Known for delivering some of the largest nonprofit grants in California, CZI provides long-term, strategic funding for innovation and equity. Based in Redwood City, its investments include support for affordable housing, medical research, and educational reform. It is one of the top organizations because of its scale, vision, and ability to fund groundbreaking scientific and social work.
8. The California Endowment – Los Angeles
The California Endowment focuses on improving health and wellness across the state, particularly in underserved communities. It is recognized for issuing some of the largest nonprofit grants in California, targeting youth empowerment, community clinics, and advocacy for equitable healthcare. Based in Los Angeles, the foundation operates statewide to ensure all residents have access to quality care. It ranks highly because of its dedication to health justice and its multi-year commitment to systemic improvements in California’s health systems.
9. The Annenberg Foundation – Los Angeles
The Annenberg Foundation funds cultural, educational, and community-building initiatives. Its philanthropic work includes some of the largest nonprofit grants in California, particularly in arts education and civic engagement. Based in Los Angeles, the foundation is known for high-profile capital projects and multi-million-dollar awards that shape the city’s cultural landscape. It is among the top because of its long history of impactful giving that strengthens nonprofit infrastructure and enhances educational opportunities across Southern California.
10. Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation – Palo Alto
The Moore Foundation, based in Palo Alto, supports environmental conservation, patient care, and scientific discovery. It distributes some of the largest nonprofit grants in California to research institutions and community organizations. With a focus on big, systemic challenges, its grants are often long-term and transformative. The foundation is among the top because of its substantial endowment and its commitment to science-driven solutions that have both statewide and international impact on health, conservation, and innovation.
11. The California Wellness Foundation – Los Angeles
The California Wellness Foundation funds health and wellness initiatives across California. It provides some of the largest nonprofit grants in California to address health equity, mental health, and violence prevention. Based in Los Angeles, the foundation supports community-based organizations and advocacy efforts aimed at improving access to care. It ranks among the top because of its focus on statewide policy change and its dedication to helping vulnerable populations through consistent, long-term funding strategies.
12. Tides Foundation – San Francisco
The Tides Foundation serves as a philanthropic partner and fiscal sponsor, channeling donor resources into community-driven organizations. Known for facilitating some of the largest nonprofit grants in California, it supports progressive movements, social justice efforts, and environmental advocacy. Based in San Francisco, Tides helps grassroots organizations scale their impact through pooled resources and rapid deployment of funds. It is considered a top funder because of its ability to mobilize significant financial support quickly and strategically.
13. Hearst Foundations – San Francisco
The Hearst Foundations support cultural, educational, and medical research institutions across California. Through multimillion-dollar commitments, they provide some of the largest nonprofit grants in California, strengthening hospitals, universities, and museums. With a significant presence in San Francisco, the foundations are well known for backing initiatives that improve community health and enhance cultural life. They are among the top because of their long history of generous philanthropy and their consistent role in advancing California’s civic and cultural institutions.
14. The Ahmanson Foundation – Los Angeles
The Ahmanson Foundation has a longstanding tradition of philanthropy in Southern California. It distributes some of the largest nonprofit grants in California, primarily for cultural institutions, education, and health services. Based in Los Angeles, the foundation has supported major museums, hospitals, and community programs with large capital grants. It is ranked highly because of its enduring commitment to strengthening Los Angeles’ nonprofit sector and its substantial role in ensuring cultural and social services thrive for generations.
15. Weingart Foundation – Los Angeles
The Weingart Foundation invests in community-based organizations that advance equity and justice in Southern California. It provides some of the largest nonprofit grants in California, focusing on capacity-building, leadership development, and direct services. Based in Los Angeles, Weingart supports long-term systemic change by empowering grassroots leaders. It belongs on this list because of its bold funding strategies, emphasis on equity, and its consistent ability to deliver large-scale financial support to nonprofits serving vulnerable communities.
16. California Community Foundation – Los Angeles
The California Community Foundation is a central philanthropic resource for Los Angeles County. It provides some of the largest nonprofit grants in California, channeling resources into education, housing, arts, and immigrant rights. Its donor-advised funds and strategic initiatives make it one of the state’s most influential community foundations. Based in Los Angeles, it is among the top because of its ability to mobilize billions in philanthropic resources for local impact, supporting both grassroots and major organizations.
17. San Francisco Foundation – San Francisco
The San Francisco Foundation is a leading Bay Area philanthropic institution committed to equity and opportunity. It provides some of the largest nonprofit grants in California to address housing, civic engagement, and economic inclusion. Based in San Francisco, it plays a critical role in advancing justice and improving the quality of life in the region. It is ranked among the top because of its strong donor network, community partnerships, and its large-scale investment in local solutions.
18. Ralph M. Parsons Foundation – Pasadena
The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation supports nonprofits across Los Angeles and Southern California, funding human services, health, and cultural programs. It provides some of the largest nonprofit grants in California, often through capacity-building and capital awards. Based in Pasadena, the foundation has a strong reputation for helping organizations deliver direct services to those most in need. It belongs among the top because of its long-term regional impact and its dedication to strengthening nonprofit infrastructure in California.
19. Stuart Foundation – San Francisco
The Stuart Foundation is dedicated to transforming education and youth development. It provides some of the largest nonprofit grants in California by funding school reform, child welfare programs, and leadership development. Based in San Francisco, the foundation invests in multi-year strategies to create systemic change in education. It is considered a top funder because of its targeted focus, willingness to back innovative solutions, and its commitment to ensuring California’s students achieve long-term success.
20. Evelyn and Walter Haas Jr. Fund – San Francisco
The Haas Jr. Fund is a key philanthropic institution focused on civic engagement, immigrant rights, and leadership development. It provides some of the largest nonprofit grants in California to empower marginalized communities and strengthen democratic values. Based in San Francisco, the fund is widely respected for its work in supporting equity and inclusion. It ranks among the top because of its consistent focus on advancing social justice and its ability to provide transformational, multi-year funding.
21. Koret Foundation – San Francisco
The Koret Foundation supports Jewish community causes, educational programs, and cultural institutions across California. It provides some of the largest nonprofit grants in California, particularly for Bay Area arts organizations, universities, and civic projects. Based in San Francisco, it has been instrumental in funding community-building initiatives. It is among the top because of its significant contributions to both local and statewide institutions and its lasting influence on cultural, educational, and community life in California.
22. Skoll Foundation – Palo Alto
The Skoll Foundation focuses on social entrepreneurship, funding organizations that drive systemic change. It provides some of the largest nonprofit grants in California by backing innovative leaders who scale solutions to global problems. Based in Palo Alto, the foundation emphasizes long-term investment in organizations with transformative potential. It is considered a top funder because of its commitment to bold ideas, significant multi-year grants, and its global recognition as a leader in impact-driven philanthropy.
23. S. H. Cowell Foundation – San Francisco
The S. H. Cowell Foundation focuses on improving the lives of children and families through education and community support. It provides some of the largest nonprofit grants in California to strengthen schools and enhance community programs. Based in San Francisco, the foundation backs initiatives that improve early learning and child development. It is ranked highly because of its targeted approach, long-term support strategies, and dedication to building stronger futures for California’s children and families.
24. Omidyar Network – Redwood City
The Omidyar Network, founded by eBay creator Pierre Omidyar, combines philanthropy with impact investing. It distributes some of the largest nonprofit grants in California, particularly in civic technology, education, and economic opportunity. Based in Redwood City, the organization funds innovative projects that build more inclusive societies. It is ranked among the top because of its unique approach to funding, its scale of investment in technology-driven change, and its ability to empower organizations that drive social progress.
25. Liberty Hill Foundation – Los Angeles
The Liberty Hill Foundation funds grassroots organizations working for racial, social, and environmental justice. It provides some of the largest nonprofit grants in California targeted at local movements and advocacy groups. Based in Los Angeles, Liberty Hill empowers community leaders through financial support and training. It is among the top because of its commitment to equity, its focus on long-term community organizing, and its unique role as a bridge between donors and grassroots changemakers.
26. Sobrato Family Foundation – Silicon Valley
The Sobrato Family Foundation supports education, housing, and family stability throughout Silicon Valley. It provides some of the largest nonprofit grants in California through multi-year investments and major capital campaigns. Based in Santa Clara County, the foundation is deeply rooted in its local community. It ranks among the top because of its large-scale contributions to affordable housing and its sustained support for education programs that uplift families across Silicon Valley.
27. California Black Freedom Fund – Statewide
The California Black Freedom Fund is a pooled philanthropic initiative supporting Black-led organizations. It distributes some of the largest nonprofit grants in California by providing unrestricted, multi-year funding to advocacy and community-building groups. Operating statewide, the fund strengthens organizations that advance racial justice and systemic change. It is considered a top source of support because of its bold funding model, its focus on equity, and its commitment to strengthening the leadership of Black-led nonprofits across California.
28. Rosenberg Foundation – San Francisco
The Rosenberg Foundation invests in economic justice, immigrant rights, and criminal justice reform. It provides some of the largest nonprofit grants in California to grassroots organizations that advocate for equity and opportunity. Based in San Francisco, the foundation is known for long-term partnerships with advocacy groups that drive policy change. It is ranked among the top because of its strategic focus on systemic transformation and its history of funding organizations that challenge injustice and expand rights.
29. Archstone Foundation – Long Beach
The Archstone Foundation focuses on improving health and quality of life for older adults. It distributes some of the largest nonprofit grants in California dedicated to aging, elder care, and family caregiving. Based in Long Beach, it provides resources to nonprofits addressing health care delivery and aging-related challenges. It is considered a top funder because of its specialized focus on older populations and its consistent role in strengthening California’s healthcare systems for seniors.
30. Blue Shield of California Foundation – Oakland
The Blue Shield of California Foundation works to end domestic violence and strengthen healthcare systems. It provides some of the largest nonprofit grants in California to nonprofits advancing health equity and community wellness. Based in Oakland, the foundation invests in both policy change and direct services. It is ranked among the top because of its strong funding base, its multi-year strategies, and its dedication to creating a healthier, more equitable California for all residents.
31. Ford Foundation California Programs – Statewide
Although headquartered in New York, the Ford Foundation has a strong California presence. It provides some of the largest nonprofit grants in California to nonprofits advancing social justice, arts, and economic equity. Its statewide programs focus on reducing inequality and building stronger democratic systems. Ford is considered among the top because of its history of transformational philanthropy, its willingness to back bold initiatives, and its role in supporting California organizations that create long-term systemic change.
32. Skirball Philanthropic Programs – Los Angeles
The Skirball Philanthropic Programs, associated with the Skirball Cultural Center, support cultural, educational, and community initiatives in Los Angeles. They provide some of the largest nonprofit grants in California focused on arts, Jewish heritage, and public education. Based in Los Angeles, their investments have helped build cultural infrastructure and enhance community connections. They are ranked highly because of their commitment to strengthening cultural identity, investing in education, and their contributions to civic life across Southern California.
33. San Diego Foundation – San Diego
The San Diego Foundation is the largest community foundation in its region, channeling donor resources into housing, education, and the environment. It provides some of the largest nonprofit grants in California, focusing on improving quality of life for San Diego residents. Based in San Diego, it serves as a bridge between local philanthropists and community needs. It is among the top because of its ability to mobilize large-scale funding for regional projects that create lasting community impact.
34. S. D. Bechtel Jr. Foundation – San Francisco
The S. D. Bechtel Jr. Foundation, though in the process of spending down, has distributed some of the largest nonprofit grants in California over the past decades. It focused on education, environment, and leadership development, funding multimillion-dollar initiatives. Based in San Francisco, its legacy includes transformative gifts to schools and conservation programs. It is ranked among the top because of the scale of its grantmaking and its long-term influence on California’s education and environmental sectors.
35. McConnell Foundation – Redding
The McConnell Foundation serves Northern California with grants in education, environment, and community vitality. It provides some of the largest nonprofit grants in California to rural and regional nonprofits, often overlooked by larger funders. Based in Redding, the foundation supports initiatives that improve quality of life in smaller communities. It belongs among the top because of its focus on equity for underserved regions and its substantial financial support for local projects that strengthen Northern California.
36. Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust – California Programs
The Helmsley Charitable Trust is a national funder with a significant California footprint. It provides some of the largest nonprofit grants in California, particularly in health research, medical innovation, and community health. While headquartered outside the state, it funds major universities and hospitals in California. It is considered a top grantmaker because of its multimillion-dollar commitments to advancing scientific research and improving healthcare systems for communities throughout California.
37. Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund – San Francisco
The Goldman Fund has long supported environmental protection, education, and Jewish community initiatives. It has distributed some of the largest nonprofit grants in California, particularly to conservation and sustainability projects. Based in San Francisco, the fund is also known for the Goldman Environmental Prize, which recognizes grassroots leaders. It ranks among the top because of its commitment to long-term environmental solutions and its significant role in strengthening California’s nonprofit landscape.
38. The Broad Foundation – Los Angeles
The Broad Foundation focuses on education reform, scientific research, and the arts. It provides some of the largest nonprofit grants in California, including major funding for Los Angeles schools and museums. Based in Los Angeles, the foundation is widely known for its transformative gifts, such as those supporting the Broad Museum and charter school initiatives. It is considered a top grantmaker because of its influence on education policy and its large-scale cultural investments in Southern California.
39. The Irvine Health Foundation – Orange County
The Irvine Health Foundation focuses on healthcare access, wellness, and innovation. It distributes some of the largest nonprofit grants in California to improve medical services and community health in Orange County and beyond. Based in Irvine, the foundation works closely with health systems and community partners. It is among the top because of its specialized focus on healthcare improvement and its large-scale contributions to building healthier communities across the region.
40. The Wallace Alexander Gerbode Foundation – San Francisco
The Gerbode Foundation supports arts, environment, and social justice organizations across California. It has awarded some of the largest nonprofit grants in California, particularly in the Bay Area arts community. Based in San Francisco, the foundation is well regarded for fostering creative leadership and innovation. It belongs on this list because of its significant role in strengthening nonprofit infrastructure and its long-term commitment to advancing equity and the arts in California.
41. Walter and Elise Haas Fund – San Francisco
The Walter and Elise Haas Fund supports arts, economic security, and Jewish life. It provides some of the largest nonprofit grants in California, funding cultural institutions, community development, and safety-net services. Based in San Francisco, the fund is a trusted partner for many Bay Area nonprofits. It is ranked among the top because of its longstanding philanthropic legacy, its support for local communities, and its role in enhancing equity and opportunity across the state.
42. Annenberg Health Sciences Initiatives – Los Angeles
As part of its broader philanthropic work, the Annenberg network funds major health sciences and education programs. It provides some of the largest nonprofit grants in California to medical centers, research institutions, and public health campaigns. Based in Los Angeles, it has made large contributions to hospitals and schools. It is considered a top funder because of its multi-million-dollar commitments to improving healthcare access and strengthening medical education in Southern California.
43. Sierra Health Foundation – Sacramento
The Sierra Health Foundation focuses on advancing health equity and community well-being. It provides some of the largest nonprofit grants in California, particularly in the Central Valley and Sacramento regions. Based in Sacramento, it supports grassroots organizations and statewide initiatives. The foundation ranks among the top because of its focus on underserved communities, its large-scale investments in health access, and its leadership in shaping policies that promote equity across California.
44. California Fire Foundation – Sacramento
The California Fire Foundation supports firefighters, their families, and communities impacted by disasters. It provides some of the largest nonprofit grants in California through rapid-response funding for wildfire recovery and relief. Based in Sacramento, the foundation is an essential resource during times of crisis. It is considered among the top because of its unique role in disaster philanthropy, its ability to mobilize large grants quickly, and its consistent support for communities during emergencies.
45. The May and Stanley Smith Charitable Trust – San Francisco
This trust supports military veterans, foster youth, and adults with disabilities. It provides some of the largest nonprofit grants in California to improve the lives of vulnerable populations. Based in San Francisco, it funds both direct service organizations and long-term capacity-building initiatives. It is ranked highly because of its targeted focus on marginalized groups and its strong financial commitment to nonprofits that deliver life-changing support and opportunities to people across California.
46. East Bay Community Foundation – Oakland
The East Bay Community Foundation is a leading philanthropic hub serving Alameda and Contra Costa counties. It provides some of the largest nonprofit grants in California, particularly in racial equity, housing, and education. Based in Oakland, the foundation mobilizes donor funds for both grassroots and large organizations. It belongs on this list because of its significant impact on the East Bay region and its ability to channel large-scale funding to critical community priorities.
47. Marin Community Foundation – Novato
The Marin Community Foundation supports nonprofits across Marin County and beyond, funding education, housing, and health services. It provides some of the largest nonprofit grants in California through donor-advised funds and strategic initiatives. Based in Novato, it partners with local organizations to address inequality and community needs. It is considered a top foundation because of its large-scale donor resources, its regional focus, and its consistent ability to support both small and large nonprofit projects.
48. The California Cultural and Historical Endowment – Sacramento
This state-managed philanthropic entity supports preservation of California’s cultural and historical heritage. It provides some of the largest nonprofit grants in California to museums, archives, and cultural centers. Based in Sacramento, it plays a critical role in preserving diverse stories and artifacts. It is among the top because of its large-scale funding for cultural preservation and its impact on safeguarding California’s history for future generations.
49. Major University Foundations – Statewide
University foundations, such as those at the University of California system, Stanford, and USC, distribute some of the largest nonprofit grants in California. These grants fund medical research, scholarships, and community partnerships. Based across the state, these institutions manage billions in donor contributions. They are considered among the top because of their scale, their consistent role in scientific advancement, and their ability to channel large philanthropic gifts into life-changing programs and research.
50. Kaiser Permanente Community Benefit Programs – Oakland
Kaiser Permanente is a healthcare leader that invests heavily in community health initiatives. Through its foundation and community programs, it provides some of the largest nonprofit grants in California to address health disparities, housing insecurity, and preventive care. Based in Oakland, it works with community partners to improve health outcomes across the state. It is ranked among the top because of its immense scale, strong focus on equity, and its long-standing role in improving California communities.
Reasons Why They Are The Nonprofit Grants in California
- They are backed by billion-dollar endowments that ensure consistent and large-scale funding.
- They provide multi-year commitments, giving nonprofits financial security for long-term projects.
- They focus on systemic issues such as healthcare access, climate change, and education reform.
- They attract contributions from high-net-worth individuals, especially from the technology sector.
- They distribute grants across multiple sectors including arts, housing, and scientific research.
- They support both grassroots organizations and major institutions equally.
- They have a statewide reach, impacting urban, rural, and underserved communities.
- They are recognized globally for their leadership in philanthropy and innovation.
Reasons Why You Should Visit These Nonprofit Grants in California
- They showcase how philanthropy transforms communities through visible impact.
- Many foundations host public events, exhibitions, or community programs that can be visited.
- They support cultural institutions such as museums, making them accessible to the public.
- Visiting allows individuals to understand how grant funding shapes local neighborhoods.
- They provide opportunities for learning about social justice, health equity, and environmental work.
- Community foundations often invite participation in local initiatives and volunteering.
- Experiencing their projects firsthand highlights the power of collective giving and innovation.
Conclusion
The largest nonprofit grants in California are more than just financial awards; they are engines of change that redefine philanthropy in the modern era. From supporting education reform to building healthcare access and conserving the environment, these grants ensure lasting progress for communities. By recognizing their role and even visiting institutions they support, individuals gain insight into how philanthropy creates opportunity and equity. California remains a leader in nonprofit grantmaking, setting an example for the nation and the world.