Grant for non-profit in California
California’s complex demographic makeup and wide-ranging social issues create a distinctive environment for nonprofits pursuing grant funding. The state offers numerous grant programs targeting sectors such as healthcare, education, the arts, and community development. In 2025, a thorough understanding of the specific criteria, priorities, and application processes associated with these grants is essential for nonprofits striving to maximize their effectiveness and secure sustainable financial support.
The competitive landscape of grant applications demands that nonprofits adopt a strategic approach—one that involves carefully identifying grants that align closely with their mission and the priorities of funding organizations. In recent years, California’s philanthropic environment has undergone notable changes, with a stronger focus on equity and inclusion. Consequently, many grantmakers now prioritize funding initiatives that tackle systemic challenges impacting marginalized communities, requiring nonprofits to demonstrate how their programs contribute to social justice and long-term community empowerment.
Nonprofits need to remain aware of evolving funding priorities to align their proposals with current trends. By utilizing available local resources and fostering partnerships with grantmakers, organizations can improve their competitiveness. These strategies increase the likelihood of obtaining grants, thereby supporting nonprofits in achieving their goals and better serving their communities. Let’s dive right into the first one!
YippityDoo Grant
YippityDoo offers a monthly $1,000 grant for women-led non-profits in the United States, and it’s one of the most accessible grants for those looking to make a positive impact. This grant is specifically designed to support women entrepreneurs who are running non-profits and provides both financial aid and additional resources to ensure long-term success.
What’s Included:
- $1,000 Monthly Grant: Each month, YippityDoo awards one $1,000 grant to a woman-led non-profit organization. This financial support is intended to help non-profits further their mission and scale their impact.
- Eligibility: The grant is open to women aged 18 and over who own and operate a non-profit organization in the United States. Applicants must demonstrate how the funding will help them achieve their goals.
- Application Process: The application requires a brief submission where applicants can showcase their vision, passion, and how the grant will be utilized. The process is straightforward and focuses on the applicant’s commitment to their cause.
- Additional Perks: All applicants receive a complimentary one-month membership to the Wealth Mindset Coaching Group, access to the Healing Vibes App, and a free two-month listing in the SheBiz Directory. This is a unique opportunity to not only secure funding but also gain access to a network of like-minded women entrepreneurs.
- Application Fee: There is a $15 application fee, which helps maintain the sustainability of the program.
California Community Foundation Grants
Grant Focus Areas
The California Community Foundation targets key sectors such as education, health, housing, and economic development to enhance the well-being of residents in Los Angeles County. Through funding projects in these fields, the foundation aims to foster meaningful and sustainable improvements within the community.
Community Engagement
A key feature of CCF grants is their strong focus on involving the community. The foundation gathers feedback from local residents and stakeholders to make sure that funding priorities reflect the actual needs and goals of the community. This strategy increases the effectiveness of supported projects and builds trust and transparency between the foundation and its grant recipients.
Application Guidelines
Nonprofits seeking CCF grants are encouraged to emphasize their community engagement plans within their proposals. Showing a clear strategy for incorporating local input strengthens an applicant’s position for funding. This aligns with the foundation’s dedication to community involvement and fosters more meaningful and effective collaborations between nonprofits and the communities they aim to support.
The California Wellness Foundation Grants
The California Wellness Foundation (Cal Wellness) is committed to improving the health of Californians by providing grants that support health promotion, disease prevention, and access to healthcare services. Focusing on underserved populations, Cal Wellness funds programs that address health inequities and promote wellness across various groups. Their grant opportunities are especially relevant for nonprofits working in mental health, substance abuse prevention, and community health education.
Cal Wellness prioritizes capacity building in the organizations it funds. This approach provides nonprofits with not only financial assistance but also resources and training to improve their operational capabilities. Applicants are encouraged to explain how they intend to use the grant money to enhance their organizational strength while furthering their mission.
By demonstrating a focus on sustainability and growth, nonprofits can strengthen their appeal as strong candidates for funding from Cal Wellness.
The California Office of Emergency Services Grants
The California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) provides funding opportunities for nonprofits involved in disaster response and recovery. These grants focus on improving community resilience, preparedness training, and emergency response coordination. Cal OES prioritizes projects that address challenges faced by vulnerable populations during emergencies. Nonprofits applying for these grants should understand Cal OES’s priorities and demonstrate collaboration with local agencies to effectively support community safety and resilience.
Nonprofits seeking Cal OES grants should demonstrate their ability to respond effectively to emergencies and engage communities in preparedness efforts. This includes collaborating with local governments or organizations to create emergency plans and conducting disaster preparedness training for residents. By highlighting their dedication to building resilient communities and supporting at-risk populations, nonprofits can improve their likelihood of receiving funding from Cal OES.
The California Arts Council
The California Arts Council (CAC) supports the arts and culture sector across California. Its mission is to promote artistic excellence and increase access to the arts for all Californians. CAC offers various grant programs for individual artists, nonprofit arts organizations, and cultural institutions. For 2025, the council is prioritizing equity, inclusion, and community engagement within the arts.
Nonprofits applying for California Arts Council grants need to show how their projects enhance cultural enrichment and community well-being. This includes highlighting partnerships with local artists and efforts to engage diverse audiences in the arts. CAC also encourages applicants to adopt innovative methods in arts education and outreach to promote inclusivity and accessibility.
Aligning proposals with the California Arts Council’s mission and values can improve nonprofits’ chances of obtaining essential funding for their artistic projects.
The California Department of Housing and Community Development Grants
The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) addresses the state’s housing crisis through grant programs supporting affordable housing development and homelessness prevention. In 2025, HCD focuses on equitable housing solutions, making its grants especially relevant for nonprofits creating sustainable housing for low-income individuals and families. Applicants should demonstrate knowledge of local housing issues and propose innovative solutions that align with HCD’s priorities.
This often includes collaborating with developers or local governments to build affordable housing or implementing supportive services to prevent homelessness. By showcasing a holistic strategy that emphasizes community engagement and partnerships, nonprofits can strengthen their position as leaders in promoting housing equity in California. In conclusion, California provides numerous grant opportunities for nonprofits across multiple sectors.
By recognizing the priorities of various funding organizations and aligning their missions accordingly, nonprofits can improve their likelihood of obtaining crucial resources to create lasting community impact. Looking toward 2025, staying updated on evolving philanthropic trends will be key for nonprofits aiming to effectively navigate this changing environment.
The California Department of Education Grants
The California Department of Education (CDE) provides multiple grant opportunities aimed at improving educational outcomes for students statewide. These grants mainly target nonprofits involved in K-12 education, after-school programs, and youth development. With educational equity as a key focus, CDE grants support innovative efforts to reduce disparities in access to quality education.
Nonprofits seeking CDE funding should understand the department’s strategic priorities, which typically focus on promoting STEM education, enhancing literacy, and supporting school-based mental health programs. The CDE also encourages partnerships between nonprofits and school districts to develop comprehensive initiatives addressing student and family needs. By clearly addressing educational challenges and offering evidence-based solutions, nonprofits can strengthen their chances of becoming trusted partners in promoting educational equity.
The California Endowment Grants
The California Endowment is a key funding source for nonprofits across California, especially those focused on health equity and improving access to healthcare. Established to promote health and well-being for all residents, the Endowment offers grants aimed at addressing social determinants such as housing stability, education, and economic opportunity. As of 2025, it continues to prioritize projects that confront systemic barriers faced by underserved populations.
Alongside its traditional grantmaking efforts, the California Endowment utilizes a collaborative funding approach that promotes cooperation among nonprofits, community groups, and public agencies. This strategy enhances the effectiveness of funded initiatives and encourages joint accountability for improving community health. Organizations applying for grants from the Endowment are advised to build partnerships with other entities to bolster their applications and showcase a unified dedication to reducing health inequities.
Here’s how we can help
Each month, two (2) $1000 small business grants are awarded: One grant for a For-Profit Women-Owned Businesses and one grant for a Non-Profit Woman-Owned Business. This $1,000 grant is awarded to invest in your business and you will also receive exclusive access to our success mindset coaching group to further support your growth. This is a no strings attached private business grant. You may use the money for any aspect of your business.
NON-PROFIT GRANT LINK: https://www.yippitydoo.com/small-business-grant-optin-non-profit/
Criteria:
Ages 18 Or Over, Within The United States. Non-Profit Women Entrepreneurs/Small Business Owners That Are At Least 50% Owned and Run By A Woman. Your Business Can Already Be Started Or In Idea/Start-Up Stage But Must Be Already Registered As A 501c3.
FOR-PROFIT GRANT LINK: https://www.yippitydoo.com/small-business-grant-optin/
Criteria:
Ages 18 Or Over, Within The United States. For-Profit Women Entrepreneurs/Small Business Owners that are at least 50% owned and run by a woman. Your Business Can Already Be Started Or In Idea/Start-Up Stage
