Guide for nonprofits

Grants and free programs for 501(c)(3) nonprofits in California

9 verified programs limited to California, with what each gives, who qualifies and how to apply.

Nationwide programs and other states: Free grants, ad credits and software for 501(c)(3) nonprofits
Open now · closes December 15, 2026Cash grant

Pacific Power Foundation grants

Pacific Power (PacifiCorp, Berkshire Hathaway Energy)For nonprofits, local governments and tribes and collegesOnly in Oregon, Washington, California

The Pacific Power Foundation (part of the PacifiCorp Foundation) funds 501(c)(3) nonprofits and, sometimes, government entities serving Pacific Power's territory in Oregon, central and southeastern Washington, and northern California. Grants are generally under $10,000, most between $2,000 and $5,000, and small capital grants up to $5,000 can be requested in any cycle. Applications go through an online portal with deadlines by organization type: March 15 (education/STEM), June 15 (community enhancement and environment), September 15 (arts and culture) and December 15 (safety and wellness).

What you get
Generally under $10,000, most $2,000 to $5,000 (small capital grants up to $5,000)
Who qualifies
  • 501(c)(3) nonprofit that is not a private foundation (government entities are sometimes funded for charitable purposes); proof of exemption with each request
  • Serves communities in the utility's service territory (Pacific Power's territory in Oregon, central and southeastern Washington, and northern California)
  • Includes schools and universities, cultural organizations, health and human services, and community and environmental groups
  • Not eligible: organizations that discriminate, political organizations, ballot campaigns or candidates
How to apply
  1. Create an account on the PacifiCorp Foundation grant portal (pacificorpfoundation.fluxx.io); credentials arrive within two business days
  2. Choose the cycle that matches your organization type and submit the application by its deadline (March 15, June 15, September 15 or December 15)
  3. Include the amount requested (typically $2,000-$5,000), communities served, how results will be measured and other funders

Checked against Pacific Power (PacifiCorp, Berkshire Hathaway Energy)'s own page on October 16, 2026.

Apply any timeFree credits or services

The Raley's Companies Purposeful Giving Donations (Raley's and Bashas')

The Raley's CompaniesFor nonprofits and local governments and tribesOnly in California, Nevada, Arizona

The Raley's Companies' Purposeful Giving program makes donations for Raley's Family of Stores (Raley's, Bel Air, Nob Hill Foods in Northern California and Northern Nevada) and Bashas' Family of Stores (Bashas', AJ's, Food City in Arizona). Requests must fit areas such as food literacy, youth nutrition, wellness, youth development and community health, and are submitted through the online giving portal, which is accepting applications.

What you get
Donations for community programs and events
Who qualifies
  • Organizations in Raley's Family of Stores communities (Northern California, Northern Nevada) or Bashas' Family of Stores communities (Arizona)
  • Request aligns with an area of focus (e.g., food literacy, youth nutrition education, physical and social wellness, nutrition in healthcare; Bashas' also food banks and food assistance)
  • Not supported: operating or staffing costs, political campaigns, capital campaigns, individual fundraising, traveling teams, family reunions, alcohol
  • No requests by email, mail or phone
How to apply
  1. Review the guidelines for Raley's or Bashas' on The Raley's Companies Giving Portal
  2. Submit a new application online and use the portal's messaging feature for follow-up

Program page checked on October 16, 2026. The amount or dates aren't published, so confirm them on the program page.

Opens in roundsCash grantRural

Land O'Lakes Foundation Region Grants Program

Land O'Lakes FoundationFor nonprofitsLocal programs in 5 states: CA, DE, MD, NY, PA

The Land O'Lakes Foundation gives $1,000 to $20,000 grants to nonprofits serving rural dairy communities in listed counties of its East and West Regions. Funds are awarded in two annual open rounds: Hunger Relief (May) and Community Vitality (September).

What you get
$1,000 to $20,000 (average award $5,000 to $10,000)
Who qualifies
  • Current 501(c)(3) public charity status required
  • Must primarily serve rural communities in eligible counties: Delaware (New Castle, Sussex); Maryland (Cecil, Kent, Washington); New York (Ontario, Steuben, Yates); 26 listed Pennsylvania counties including Lancaster, York and Berks; California (Fresno, Glenn, Kings, Riverside, Tulare)
  • Must align with hunger relief, education or community vitality priorities
  • Referrals from a Land O'Lakes member-owner are prioritized but not required
  • Not eligible: direct funding to individuals, trade/business associations, political, lobbying or fraternal groups, religious activities
How to apply
  1. Read the Region Grants Program overview on the Land O'Lakes Foundation site
  2. Apply on the YourCause portal during the open round: Hunger Relief (May 1-31) or Community Vitality (September 1-30)
  3. Award letters and checks are sent in July/August (Hunger Relief) or November/December (Community Vitality)

Checked against Land O'Lakes Foundation's own page on October 16, 2026.

Opens in roundsCash grantUnderserved communities

PG&E Better Together Nature Positive Innovation Grant

PG&E (The PG&E Corporation Foundation)For nonprofits, local governments and tribes and collegesOnly in California

The PG&E Corporation Foundation's Better Together Nature Positive Innovation program awards five $100,000 regional grants a year for land stewardship, air quality and water stewardship projects in PG&E's Northern and Central California service area, one in each of PG&E's five regions. Government organizations (including tribal governments), educational institutions and 501(c)(3) nonprofits may apply, and projects serving disadvantaged or vulnerable communities get priority. The 2026 application window closed July 3, 2026.

What you get
$100,000 per grant (five regional grants)
Who qualifies
  • Governmental organizations, tribal governments, educational institutions, certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits or public charities
  • Project located in PG&E's Northern and Central California service area (North Coast, North Valley and Sierra, Bay Area, South Bay and Central Coast, or Central Valley region)
  • Must not act as a fiscal sponsor for another organization; one application per organization
  • Organizations awarded a Nature Positive Innovation Grant in 2023, 2024 or 2025 are ineligible
How to apply
  1. Preview the application questions and FAQ on the program page
  2. Submit one application through the program's online link during the annual window (the 2026 deadline was July 3, 2026); emailed applications are not accepted and in-progress applications cannot be saved
  3. Send questions to NaturePositiveInnovationGrant@pge.com

Checked against PG&E (The PG&E Corporation Foundation)'s own page on October 16, 2026.

Opens in roundsCash grant

Raley's Extra Credit Grants

Raley'sFor nonprofits and local governments and tribesOnly in California, Nevada

Raley's Extra Credit grants fund accredited K-12 schools and education nonprofits in Raley's communities for programs in nutrition education, food literacy, food insecurity and physical activity, prioritizing programs that feed kids or support their safety and mental well-being. Applications are taken online in fall and spring cycles; the fall 2026 cycle is closed and spring 2027 dates are pending.

What you get
Not stated
Who qualifies
  • Accredited K-12 academic institutions and education nonprofits
  • In Raley's Family of Stores communities (Northern California and Northern Nevada)
  • Programs promoting nutrition education, food literacy, food security or physical activity
How to apply
  1. Apply online through The Raley's Companies Giving Portal during the fall or spring funding cycle

Program page checked on October 16, 2026. The amount or dates aren't published, so confirm them on the program page.

Check datesFree credits or services

Bulletin Displays Free PSA Billboards for Nonprofits

Bulletin DisplaysFor nonprofitsLocal programs in California

Bulletin Displays, a family-run Southern California billboard company based in Long Beach, offers free public service announcements, media donations and in-kind support to charitable and civic organizations on its bulletins and digital billboards. The company says it donates hundreds of thousands of dollars in space each year. Its page gives no formal application; organizations are directed to contact the company.

What you get
Free PSA space on bulletins and digital billboards (in-kind, not cash); value per organization not stated
Who qualifies
  • Charitable, nonprofit and civic organizations
  • Billboards are in Southern California, where Bulletin Displays operates
How to apply
  1. Apply through the program page: https://www.bulletindisplays.com/community

Program page checked on October 16, 2026. The amount or dates aren't published, so confirm them on the program page.

Check datesCash grantUnderserved communities

SDG&E Economic Prosperity grants

San Diego Gas & Electric (Sempra)For nonprofitsOnly in California

SDG&E's Economic Prosperity grant initiative invests shareholder funds in nonprofit organizations whose programs create opportunities for economic growth for individuals and families, especially in underserved communities in SDG&E's San Diego-area service territory. The 2024 round awarded close to $1 million; SDG&E's page says applications are no longer being accepted and gives no new window.

What you get
Amount not stated (about $1 million awarded in total in 2024)
Who qualifies
  • Nonprofit organizations serving SDG&E's service territory
  • Programs that create economic opportunity for individuals and families, especially in underserved communities
How to apply
  1. Apply through the program page: https://www.sdge.com/more-information/community/economic-prosperity (applications are not currently being accepted)

Program page checked on October 16, 2026. The amount or dates aren't published, so confirm them on the program page.

Check datesCash grantUnderserved communities

SDG&E Inspiring Future Leaders STEM grants

San Diego Gas & Electric (Sempra)For nonprofitsOnly in California

SDG&E's Inspiring Future Leaders initiative gives shareholder-funded grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofits that bridge equity gaps and improve access to K-16 STEM education and leadership development in historically underrepresented communities in SDG&E's territory. The 2024 round awarded close to $1 million to more than 50 organizations; the page says applications are no longer being accepted and gives no new window.

What you get
Amount not stated (close to $1 million to 50+ organizations in 2024)
Who qualifies
  • 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving SDG&E's service territory
  • Programs that advance K-16 STEM education and leadership development in historically underrepresented communities
How to apply
  1. Apply through the program page: https://www.sdge.com/more-information/community/community-inspiring-future-leaders (applications are not currently being accepted)

Program page checked on October 16, 2026. The amount or dates aren't published, so confirm them on the program page.

Check datesFree credits or services

The Home Depot Foundation Path to Pro Education Grants: Southern California

The Home Depot FoundationFor nonprofits, local governments and tribes and collegesLocal programs in California

The Home Depot Foundation gives up to $10,000 in Home Depot gift cards to schools, colleges and nonprofits within 60 miles of Los Angeles that run construction skilled-trades programs. The official page still lists 2025 application windows, so check it for the next window.

What you get
Up to $10,000 in Home Depot gift cards
Who qualifies
  • Based in California, within 60 miles of Los Angeles
  • Accredited K-12 school with an existing construction skilled trade program, accredited post-secondary institution, or 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a similar program
  • Current operating budget of at least $300,000 and audited financial statements from the past three years
How to apply
  1. Log in or register on the Foundation's grant portal at foundation.homedepot.com
  2. Select 'Open Funding Opportunities' and 'Apply Now' on the 'Path to Pro Education Grant' line

Program page checked on October 16, 2026. The amount or dates aren't published, so confirm them on the program page.

Every program here was checked against the provider's own website on the date shown on its card. Offers change, so confirm the details on the program page before you apply. GrantFinder isn't affiliated with these companies.