Cushman Foundation

The Cushman Family Foundation supports nonprofit organizations in the greater San Diego, CA, area that work to bring about constructive change and promote human welfare.

The Foundation’s major areas of focus include:

• aid to seniors;
• arts and culture;
• children;
• education;
• food insecurity;
• health and well-being;
• human services; and,
• military and veterans.

Deadlines: April 1, July 1, October 20, and December 30, 2022 (The 2023 deadlines will be available in the winter.)

Contact: 

Britny Camacho

10620 Treena Street, Suite 110

San Diego, CA 92131

britny@cushmanfoundation.net

858-549-2874, ext. 707

Link: https://www.cushmanfoundation.net

Acton Family Grants

Acton Family Giving, a donor advised fund held at Fidelity Charitable, supports nonprofit organizations throughout the United States that have national or broad reach.

Acton Family Giving is currently expanding its grant cohort through the Empathy Building Initiative, which offers support in the following grantmaking areas:

Good Fight Grants
The focus is on organizations that address social injustices and systemic problems, such as housing insecurity, economic instability, and immigration reform. 

Priority is given to organizations that:

• target actionable injustices and spotlight a well-defined/specific issue or cause;
• propose immediate solutions for the problem at hand;
• use authentic stories to engage communities and deepen awareness and concern; and,
• seize a moment to inspire further conversation and dialogue.

Areas of Exploration
The focus is on organizations from any discipline that advance the empathy landscape in ways that align with the Empathy Building Initiative’s priorities.

Priority is given to organizations that:

• elevate voices and distribute stories in new and innovative ways;
• uplift voices of populations and communities less heard;
• conduct research and facilitate implementation of findings through real-world application;
• develop resources that meaningfully inform our understanding of and approach toward building empathy;
• encourage listening, opportunities for reflection, dialogue, and community engagement;
• offer a broad reach (national or significant regional footprint); and,
• respond in real time to shifts and needs of communities.

Stories
The focus is on organizations that provide a vehicle or space which elevates the voices of authentic storytellers and shares their stories. 

Animal Connections
The focus is on organizations that foster animal-human relationships in order to teach people, especially children, to respect and care for animals.

Deadline:

Acton’s team meets three times a year to make grant decisions, usually in May, August and October, but inquiries to the fund are welcome any time. The form can be accessed through the following link:

https://actonfamilygiving.org/grantmaking/grantseekers

Additional Information:

https://actonfamilygiving.org

Comerica Charitable Giving Scholarship Program

Comerica Charitable Giving Scholarship Program

The Comerica Charitable Giving Sponsorship Program supports nonprofit organizations located in communities that Comerica serves in California (as well as Florida, Michigan, and Texas).

Sponsorships are provided for events and activities that that align with one or more of Comerica’s giving priorities:

Education
The focus is on programs for low- and moderate-income (LMI) individuals and families, including programs that support:

• financial education (pre-K-12 and adult);
• business-focused and STEM-related education; and,
• college scholarships for business, finance, and STEM-related fields.

Economic and Community Development
The focus is on programs that promote and enhance opportunities for LMI families and communities through:

• economic self-sufficiency;
• job creation, training, readiness, and retention;
• neighborhood and community revitalization and business development;
• small business training and development; and, 
• affordable housing advocacy and development.

Human Services
The focus is on programs that enhance and protect the health and well-being of LMI individuals and families, including:

• transitional and supportive services and housing; and, 
• feeding the hungry and food access.

Deadline:

Comerica Bank accepts online Charitable sponsorship requests year-round.

The Comerica Charitable Foundation, which accepts grant proposals online by invitation only, has four grant seasons during which charitable organizations may request support.

Contact:

Monica L. Martinez

Senior Vice President of External Affairs

comericacorpcontributionscmail@comerica.com

Link:

https://www.comerica.com/about-us/corporate-responsibility/corporate-responsibility-information/charitable-giving.html

Carrie Estelle Doheny Foundation

The Foundation supports nonprofit organizations in the Los Angeles, CA, area. Organizations that apply for funding must reflect Mrs. Doheny’s Mission & Mandate and fall within one or more of these four areas:

• Social Welfare
  The Foundation supports organizations that serve those who are vulnerable in our society. Interests include food and shelter, as well as programs that empower and inspire young people in underserved communities and initiatives to advance literacy and economic self-reliance.

• Education
  Funding includes support of inner-city Catholic schools and scholarship funds for Catholic high schools and universities. Adult education programs and religious education are also supported.
• Health and Wellness
  Funding is focused on two areas: research and care of the disadvantaged. Research funding is primarily directed to the work of the Doheny Eye Institute and other causes that were of interest to Mrs. Doheny. Funding is also focused on organizations that assist individuals to lead independent, satisfying lives. Specific areas of interest include programs serving the disabled, foster children, seniors, and pregnant women.
• Religion
  Funding supports the gospel values as expressed in the Roman Catholic faith. 

Types of support include:

• project support;
• general support;
• building funds (very limited); and,
• equipment.

Deadline:

Applications are reviewed by the Board the last Friday of the month, with exceptions due to holiday conflicts. The Board does not meet in July, September, or November. The grant review process can take up to three months, and applicants are notified by email after the Board’s decision. 

Contact:

Nina S. Shepherd

Chief Administrative Officer

707 Wilshire Boulevard
Suite 4960

Los Angeles, CA 90017

doheny@dohenyfoundation.org

213-488-1122

Link:

https://www.dohenyfoundation.org/grants/grant-eligibility-application/

Georgia-Pacific Foundation

Grants to US nonprofit organizations and public municipalities in California and other states for programs in four areas. Funding is intended for organizations that contribute to and positively impact the long term well-being and sustainability of communities within 30 miles of the following California cities where GP has a manufacturing facility: Antioch, La Mirada, Madera, Modesto, San Leandro, and Santa Fe Springs.

Funding areas:

• Education: Education is the key that unlocks everyone’s potential.
• Enrichment: Improving Communities where we live and work is critical.
• Entrepreneurship: An entrepreneurial spirit often sparks community growth.
• Environment: Protecting the environment starts with everyday choices

Deadline:

Charitable contribution requests are reviewed on a rolling cycle throughout the calendar year. Due to limited funding at year-end, submission by October 31 is encouraged. A written notification will be sent to the primary contact listed on the application within 45 days of receiving your application.

Link: https://www.gp.com/community

Norman Foundation

Grants for community programs and initiatives that promote environmental, economic, and social justice. Funds may be used for projects, general support, and collaborative efforts, as well as to build capacity for organizations working in the Foundation’s areas of interest. Priority is given to organizations with annual budgets of under $1 million. The Foundation supports efforts that strengthen the ability of communities to determine their own environmental, social, and economic well-being, and to help people control forces that affect their lives.

Funding will be provided for efforts that:

• Promote economic justice and development through community organizing, coalition building and policy reform efforts;
• Work to prevent the disposal of toxics in communities, and to link environmental issues with economic and social justice;
• Link community-based economic and environmental justice organizing to national and international reform efforts.

The Foundation will consider the following in evaluating grant proposals:

• Does the project arise from the hopes and efforts of those whose survival, well-being and liberation are directly at stake?
• Does it further ethnic, gender and other forms of equity?
• Is it rooted in organized, practical undertakings?
• Is it likely to achieve systemic change?

In pursuing systemic change, the Foundation would hope that:

• The proposed action may serve as a model;
• The spread of the model may create institutions that can survive on their own;
• Their establishment and success may generate beneficial adaptations by other political, social and economic institutions and structures.

Deadline: Prospective grantees should initiate the application process by sending a short two or three page letter of inquiry to the Program Director. There are no set deadlines, and letters of inquiry are reviewed throughout the year. 

Contact:

Lorraine Marasigan, Program Director
Tel: (212) 230-9830
Email: norman@normanfdn.org

Submit Letters of Inquiry by email to loi@normanfdn.org, by fax to 212-230-9849, or by regular mail to:
Norman Foundation, Inc.
147 East 48th Street
New York, NY 10017

Discover Donations and Sponsorships Program

The Discover Donations and Sponsorships Program primarily supports nonprofit organizations in the communities where company employees live and work, including Los Angeles, CA. The main emphasis is on educational initiatives, with priority given to financial education programs. 

All criteria must be met prior to submitting requests.

• Organization must be 501(c)3 status
• Organization must not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, national origin, disability, handicap, age, sexual orientation and/or gender identity, marital status, veteran status or any other basis prohibited by law
• Organization must allow Discover Financial Services to use its name and/or logo in communication materials; Discover Financial Services name/logo usage must first be approved by Community Affairs.

Contact:

https://discover.versaic.com/faq

Deadline:

Ongoing

Link:

https://www.discover.com/company/corporate-responsibility/donations-sponsorships/

Y&H Soda Foundation

The Y&H Soda Foundation makes grants in the East Bay (Alameda and Contra Costa Counties) that advance equity so that everyone can participate, prosper, and reach their full potential, regardless of their race or economic and social status.

We believe that advocacy at the public systems level is key to achieving this vision. We seek to partner with organizations that address inequity by advocating for public policy changes that directly benefit low-income East Bay residents and redirect public and private funding into their communities.

Our two areas of grantmaking focus are:

(1) Economic Justice:  building an inclusive local economy where everyone thrives

(2) Immigrant Rights and Inclusion: building a region that values immigrants and protects immigrant rights

We understand that these two areas are interconnected, and we will place a high priority on grant requests that work at the intersection of economic justice and immigrant rights.

We approach all our grantmaking with an equity focus. This requires a critical examination of the East Bay’s history, policy decisions, governance structures and philanthropic practices that perpetuate racial injustices in the economy and limit the full potential and civic participation of immigrant communities. 

Contact:

https://www.yhsodafoundation.org/contact-us

Deadline:

Please send us an email with the name of your organization, your contact information and identify which of our strategic priorities and funding strategies that you feel is aligned with your project.   

We try to respond to inquiries within 10 business days.  If you do not have a response from us after 2 weeks, please contact us by phone at (925) 631-1133.  

Link:

https://www.yhsodafoundation.org

Bank of the West

Grants to USA nonprofit organizations to address the needs of residents in eligible counties, with priority given to low- to moderate-income populations. Areas of support include:

Education and Job Training:

• Financial education and management training programs
• Job training and vocational programs, including literacy and basic-skills education, for low- to moderate-income adults

Community and Economic Development:

•  Creation, preservation or rehabilitation of affordable housing
•  Homeownership and credit counseling programs for low- to moderate-income individuals
•  Financing services and technical assistance programs for small businesses and farms
•  Asset creation and preservation programs for low- to moderate-income individuals 

Recipient nonprofit organizations must:
– Serve the Funding Source’s geographic areas
– Fit within the Funding Source’s charitable giving categories
– Operate as an equal opportunity employer
– Be governed by a board of directors
– Demonstrate fiscal and administrative stability

Counties in California include: Alameda, Butte, Contra Costa, El Dorado, Fresno, Kern, Kings, Lake, Los Angeles, Marin, Monterey, Napa, Nevada, Orange, Placer, Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, San Benito, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Tulare, Ventura and Yolo.

Contact:

For more information, contact your local Community Affairs Officer.
csr@bankofthewest.com

Bank of the West Corporate Headquarters
180 Montgomery Street
San Francisco, CA 94104

Deadline: Rolling

Bank of the West Charitable Investments program accepts letters of inquiry from nonprofit organizations. If your program is selected for future consideration, you will be contacted to complete a full online grant application.

Link:

https://www.bankofthewest.com/about-us/community-support/charitable-investments.html#eligibility

Cruise Industry Charitable Foundations (CICF)

Grants of up to $15,000 to nonprofits that improve the quality of life for local residents, especially for economically disadvantaged populations. CICF considers grants from organizations that operate in communities where the cruise industry does business whether in port or non-port states. CICF areas of emphasis include:

• Civic and Community Development: The Foundation encourages the creation and expansion of learning experiences and opportunities at the primary, secondary and higher education levels, particularly for minority and disadvantaged students. 
• Educational Assistance and Training Programs: CICF is interested in programs designed to enhance community economic development through job creation and training, and provide assistance to local community improvement projects. In addition, the Foundation supports programs that improve access to basic community services, including disaster relief or emergency service assistance. 
• Public Health Programs: The Foundation assists public health facilities that provide patient treatment or support services for patients and their families. It also supports medical research projects aimed at disease prevention.
• Environmental Programs: The Foundation encourages and supports programs designed to promote environmental awareness and public education, as well as the development of enhanced environmental technologies for the maritime sector.

Proposals that incorporate partnerships with community groups and local organizations are encouraged.

Contact:

Cruise Industry Charitable Foundation
1201 F Street NW Suite 250
Washington, DC 20004

Tel: (202) 759-6769
Email: cicfrequest@cruising.org

Deadline:

CICF grant applications are accepted throughout the calendar year. Grant submissions will be reviewed on a quarterly basis for final selection. The full review process may take up to six months.

Link:

https://www.cruisefoundation.org/guidelines/

 https://cruisefoundation.wufoo.com/forms/z1awp9ye1x2abw4/

Venable Foundation

Grants to nonprofit organizations for projects that benefit underrepresented communities and low-income areas in eligible regions. Funding priorities include the environment, health, arts and culture, workforce development, education, youth impact, human services, and legal services. Eligible projects are those that benefit residents of the metropolitan areas in and around Los Angeles and San Francisco (among other cities nationwide). Grant support is provided to assist with general operations and projects.

The Foundation supports a wide range of civic, cultural, and charitable endeavors, as well as public interest law and legal education. The Venable Foundation is particularly interested in how its grants impact low-income and underrepresented communities, working to eliminate barriers to success. Grantees provide a variety of programs for the community, including out-of-school time activities, arts education, academic enrichment, homeless services, transitional and supportive housing, access to food, LGBTQ+ services, college access, workforce development, environmental preservation, health-based initiatives, legal services, immigration support, and a variety of other issues affecting low-income individuals and domestic violence survivors.

Contact:
Michael W. Bigley
Director, Venable Foundation 
MWBigley@Venable.com

Deadline:

The Venable Foundation accepts applications three times per year. The application deadlines for the 2022 calendar year are as follows:
– February 1, 2022
– June 1, 2022
– September 1, 2022
Decisions are announced approximately three months after each deadline.

Link:

https://www.venable.com/community/foundation?accordion=2

Women’s Empowerment International

The mission of Women’s Empowerment International (WE) is to empower women with tools to work their way out of poverty, care for their families and strengthen their communities. Support is currently provided in California and Puerto Rico in the U.S. WE funds microloans, training, and services that enable women to start businesses, support their families, and strengthen their communities. 

Support is provided to grassroots nonprofit organizations for poverty alleviation projects that benefit underserved women in poor, largely rural areas, that offer services beyond microcredit loans, e.g., business services and training, access to health care; and have programs that are appropriate to the economic, political, and social context of the local area.

Contact:

Further information about funding priorities and opportunities, including a detailed list of criteria, is available by contacting WE’s Vice President for Empowerment Programs via email at info@womenempowerment.org  indicating “Partnership Inquiry” as the email’s subject.

Deadline: Rolling

Link:

https://womenempowerment.org/what-we-fund-2/

Grousback Family International

The Grousbeck Family Foundation II supports nonprofit organizations in California.

The Foundation’s areas of interest include:

• education, including higher education;
• social services;
• poverty; and,
• homelessness and housing.

Types of support include general operating support and project support. Grant range is between $5,000 and $200,000; occasionally, larger grants are made.

Interested applicants should submit a written request that includes a description of the organization, the purpose for which funds are being requested, and the amount of the request. Applicants should also include a copy of the IRS letter confirming tax-exempt status.

Contact:

1. Irving Grousbeck
   3000 Sand Hill Road, Building One
   Suite 210

Menlo Park, CA 94025

Deadline: Rolling

SG Foundation

The SG Foundation aims to encourage underserved or disadvantaged individuals and communities to partner together to help themselves. The Foundation supports nonprofit organizations in Fresno, Kern, Kings, and northern Santa Barbara counties in California. The Foundation prefers that proposed projects or services improve quality of life, in areas such as:

• community development;
• education;
• healthcare;
• jobs;
• agriculture;
• housing; and,
• water.

Programs must target individuals or communities at or below poverty level.

Long-term development programs are strongly preferred over one-time relief projects.

Agencies with a Judeo-Christian influence on those they serve are preferred, but no grants are given to religious programs solely for the purpose of proselytizing.

Types of support include:

• project support;
• equipment;
• building funds;
• project planning;
• conferences, seminars, and workshops;
• capacity building; and,
• challenge/matching grants.

Grants range from $250 to $80,000, with the average grant $15,000.

Contact:

Pamela Grattan

Executive Director

P.O. Box 444

Buellton, CA 93427

pamela@sgfoundation.org

805-688-0088

Deadline: Rolling

Link: https://www.sgfoundation.org

Marisla Foundation: Human Services Program

Marisla offers grants to California nonprofit organizations and governmental entities for human services programming in eligible regions (Los Angeles and Orange Counties). Funding is intended for activities and projects that help women in the area, with a focus on their physical health and their mental and emotional well-being. The Human Services Program addresses the needs of women, primarily focusing on physical, emotional and mental health, and financial well-being. Grants support activities and integrated approaches to homelessness, substance abuse, domestic violence, and vocational training. Contact: Peggy Lauer, Human Services Program Director, Administrator.
peggy@marisla.org

Deadlines:
– November 15 through January 15 – Board meeting in March (Q1)
– February 15 through April 15 – Board meeting in June (Q2)
– May 15 through July 15 – Board meeting in September (Q3
– August 15 through October 15 – Board meeting in December (Q4)
Deadlines are midnight EST/9:00 PST on the day listed.

Link:

Click here to begin the eligibility quiz and access the online application: https://online.foundationsource.com/myfs/eligibility-quiz?appType=eq&equiz.name=Start&siteId=11237

LIFT Grant: Alaska Airlines Foundation

LIFT Grants of up to $20,000 are offered to California (as well as Alaska, Washington, Hawaii, and Oregon) nonprofit organizations for programs in the areas of workforce development and education. Priority is given to programs targeting underserved populations. Funding is intended to support new and current program efforts for young people (primarily between the ages of 10 and 20). The Alaska Airlines Foundation will focus on programs, partnerships and initiatives that inspire, empower, mentor, engage and equip young people to connect to career opportunities and to imagine what’s possible and involve at least one or more of the following:

• Career exploration and career connected learning experiences
• Mentorships
• Soft skills, critical thinking, empowerment, job training, and leadership development
• Advanced degree or Career and Technical Certification or preparation and support

Deadline: The deadlines for submission for the two yearly grant cycles are March 31 and July 31.

Link:

 https://www.alaskaair.com/content/about-us/social-responsibility/lift-community-involvement-program

The Peggy and Jack Baskin Foundation:

Women Re-Entering the Workforce Grants

The foundation supplies grants to California nonprofit organizations in eligible locations for promising, model, or start-up programs to assist older women ages 40 or older to re-enter the workforce. Emphasis will be placed on programs for women of color. The Foundation supports organizations that move beyond computer training and offer a robust re-entry program, which may include training, resources, or tools to improve the quality of such programs. Eligible applicants are located within and primarily serve the Monterey Bay Peninsula, Santa Cruz, tribal lands of the Amah Mutsun, Ohlone, Chalon, Awaswas, and Esselen nations, and the Greater San Francisco Bay Area.

The Peggy and Jack Baskin Foundation does not accept unsolicited Letters of Inquiry (LOIs)/proposals. If you believe that your organization meets the Foundations’ guidelines, submit an Organization Information Form. The Foundation uses this form to gather information about organizations interested in applying for a grant. If the Peggy and Jack Baskin Foundation is interested in receiving an LOI, a staff member will contact you.

Deadline: Rolling

Link:
https://baskinfoundation.org/grant-program/apply-for-a-grant/loi-instructions/

Walter and Elise Haas Fund: Grant Program

Grants are provided to California nonprofit organizations for projects that benefit communities in San Francisco, Alameda County, and the Bay Area. Applicants must submit an LOI prior to applying. Funding is intended to support programs and projects in the following four program areas:

• The Arts: Helps Bay Area residents to appreciate and benefit from art’s full potential to build cross-cultural understanding, explore ideas, and enrich their lives.
• Economic Security: Helps low-income adults and families achieve economic security and upward mobility.
• Education: Supports preparing all Oakland and San Francisco public school students — especially those furthest from opportunity — for college, career and civic life.
• Jewish Life: Supports a vibrant, inclusive, Jewish community that is meaningful, compelling, and responsive to contemporary concerns.

In addition, grants are awarded for projects concerning San Francisco parks.

Grant amounts can vary greatly, from as little as $5,000 to as much as $150,000.

Deadline: Letters of inquiry are reviewed on an ongoing basis. In most cases you’ll hear from the Fund within six weeks about whether you should submit a full grant proposal.

Link:

Program Areas: https://haassr.org/our-impact/program-areas/

Apply online: https://haassr.fluxx.io/user_sessions/new

The California Wellness Foundation

When they began grantmaking in 1992, they were California’s largest health conversion foundation. Why? In part, because activists fought for a fairly valued endowment when Health Net converted from a nonprofit to a for-profit insurance plan. Over the years, they have taken on some of the most contentious issues of our time, all focused on advancing health and wellness for underserved people. Their earliest efforts connected public health and gun violence prevention, and supported teen pregnancy prevention, healthy working conditions and place-based grantmaking that took a broader view of health.

Today, they support organizations working to increase access to health care, quality education, good jobs, and clean and safe neighborhoods across our state.

Learn More

The Donald & Ruby Branson Foundation

The Branson Family has always valued education and community service. Their goal is to: “To promote environmental, educational and social progress in America.”

Please note that the Foundation does not support political activities or attempts to influence action on specific legislation. They do not provide scholarships or tuition assistance for undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate studies; nor do they support annual fundraising drives, institutional benefits, honorary functions, or similar projects.

Learn More

Community Heart and Soul Seed Grant Program

Community Heart & Soul is a resident-driven process that engages the entire population of a town in identifying what they love most about their community, what future they want for it, and how to achieve it. Developed and field-tested over a decade in partnership with over 90 small cities and towns across America, Community Heart & Soul is a proven process for engaging a community in shaping its future. Based on three powerful principles–involve everyone, focus on what matters most, and play the long game– Community Heart & Soul helps towns move toward a brighter, more prosperous future by bringing the residents of a community closer together.

Grants of $10,000 will be given to USA cities and towns to encourage collaboration among community residents. Funding may be used for project coordination, coaching, and project-related expenses. The goal of the program is to provide start-up funding for resident-led groups in small cities and towns looking to implement the Community Heart & Soul model. Grantees will be invited to join the Heart & Soul Community of Practice to network with other Heart & Soul communities across the country.

Grants determinations are made on a rolling basis until all grants have been awarded. Applications may be submitted any time. Applications submitted by 11:59 p.m. EST on the last business day of each month will be considered in the following month.

Learn More: https://www.communityheartandsoul.org/seed-grants/

Cultural Grants-in-Aid (GIA) Program

The City of San Luis Obispo’s Promotional Coordinating Committee (PCC), under direction of the City Council, recognizes that cultural, social and recreational organizations make significant contributions to the overall quality of life in the City of San Luis Obispo.  Accordingly, the City sponsors a Grants-In-Aid (GIA) program to promote such activities within the community.

Use of Grant Funding: Grant funding must exclusively be used on the event to fund production expenses, marketing expenses and advertising expenses directly related to the event or activity. No less than 25% (or $1000) must be spent on advertising expenses.

• Acceptable Production Expenses Include: service fees for virtual platforms, safety modifications, event permits, fees for performers, speakers or presenters, event marketing production related expenses like graphic design or printing, event contractor fees, and décor and venue rental.
• Acceptable advertising expenses are limited to the actual cost of the paid media placement or ad.

Applications for funding through the modified GIA program will be accepted at any point throughout the year until funds are exhausted.

Learn More: https://forms.slocity.org/Forms/GIAApplication

Funding Available to Tribal Governments

Tribal Governments can receive funds to reduce climate pollution through clean transportation, agricultural equipment, clean air initiatives, land conservation projects, and more.

We also encourage those who would like more information on programs available to Tribal Governments to visit the California Climate Investments website and download and share the Funding for Tribal Governments factsheet. 

FHFA Authorizes More than $1 Billion for Affordable Housing Funds

Largest amount ever disbursed to Housing Trust Fund and Capital Magnet Fund, more than double 2019 amounts

FHFA Director Mark Calabria announced today that he has authorized the disbursement of $1.09 billion for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s (the Enterprises) affordable housing allocations for 2020. This is the largest amount ever disbursed and more than double what was provided last year. Of the Enterprises’ provided funds, $711 million will go to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the Housing Trust Fund, an increase from the $326.4 million disbursed for 2019. The sum of $383 million will go to the Department of the Treasury (Treasury) for the Capital Magnet Fund, an increase from the $175.8 million disbursed for 2019.

“The more than $1 billion disbursed today will help produce and preserve affordable housing throughout the country. The record increase in house prices last year exacerbated the affordable housing shortage. To help increase the supply of affordable housing in our communities, FHFA remains steadfast in support of the Housing Trust Fund and Capital Magnet Fund,” said Director Mark Calabria.  

The Housing Trust Fund, overseen by HUD, allocates money annually to states and state-designated entities for the production or preservation of affordable housing through the acquisition, new construction, reconstruction, and/or rehabilitation of non-luxury housing. 

The Capital Magnet Fund, overseen by Treasury, competitively awards money to finance affordable housing activities, as well as related economic development activities and community service facilities.

Learn More

Contacts: 

Media: Raffi Williams Raffi.Williams@FHFA.gov / Adam Russell Adam.Russell@FHFA.gov

2016 Measure A – Affordable Housing Bond

Supportive Housing – County of Santa Clara

The County of Santa Clara’s Office of Supportive Housing announced “the availability of funding for the development of new, permanent affordable housing for the community’s most vulnerable populations.”

In November 2016, Santa Clara County voters approved Measure A – the $950 million affordable housing bond. The housing bond provides the County with an unprecedented opportunity to partner with cities, residents, and the affordable and supportive housing community to significantly address the housing needs of the community’s poorest and most vulnerable residents.  It will provide affordable housing for vulnerable populations including veterans, seniors, the disabled, low and moderate-income individuals or families, foster youth, victims of abuse, the homeless and individuals suffering from mental health or substance abuse illnesses. The bond proceeds would contribute to the creation and/or preservation of approximately 4,800 affordable housing units.

The county is accepting applications on a rolling basis.

Learn More

Community and Economic Enhancement Grant Program

The Community and Economic Enhancement Grant Program is designed to fund projects that address recreation and tourism, historic and cultural preservation, and environmental education in order to sustain the Delta’s heritage and enhance the unique values of the Delta today. The solicitation is an ongoing noncompetitive process. Projects serving a Disadvantaged/Severely Disadvantaged Community will receive priority for funding consideration.

This non-competitive grant program focuses on increasing public access to the Delta through recreation and tourism opportunities, historic and cultural preservation, and environmental education in order to promote a robust Delta economy.

Applicants must submit a concept proposal, as found on the Conservancy’s website, to the Conservancy for assessment of project viability before submitting a full proposal. Partnerships are encouraged but not required. The Conservancy may provide technical assistance to facilitate the development of project proposals. There are no limitations on number of submissions by organizations. Applications are received via email for concept proposals and by uploading files to a designated site for full proposals. Awards are announced at a Board meeting and applicants are informed with a letter.

Apply Here

Sonora Area Foundation: Tuolumne County

Each year the Sonora Area Foundation and its supporting organizations establish a competitive grant budget. The grant listings on this website offer details about the size and range of grants made. The Foundation takes seriously its role as a resource for all of Tuolumne County in considering funding proposals, and intends that this funding is used as widely as possible in our community.

Grants to California nonprofit organizations and government agencies are intended to enhance the quality of life for local residents. Applicants must submit a letter of intent prior to submitting a full proposal. Funding is intended for programs and projects that benefit communities in Tuolumne County and fall into the primary focus areas of human services; education; arts, culture, and humanities; health; public and society benefit; environment; and animals. Competitive Grants are available for pilot or demonstration projects; new or expanded programs; and capacity building.

In each category the Foundation favors:

• Projects that respond to challenges facing county residents and propose realistic and significant impact;
• Applicants who work in collaboration with other community organizations;
• Projects that include funds from other sources to be used in conjunction with those proposed from the Foundation;
• Projects that feature active involvement of participants in designing and implementing approaches to overcome challenges, whereby participants develop a sense of ownership for what is proposed;
• Organizations that give strong evidence of community support for what they propose (this might be reflected by involvement of program participants, volunteers willing to support the effort, endorsement by community leaders, participation by other organizations, or favorable media coverage of the applicant organization, etc.);
• Applicants who propose ways to sustain future program efforts, and reflect this in their funding proposals.

Eligible requests for Competitive Grants: 

• Pilot or Demonstration Project: Intended to promote creativity, such a project is based on the concept of setting up, testing and evaluating a model approach to dealing with challenges found in the community. A proposal must include a carefully developed evaluation plan, as well as the means by which to disseminate the results and lessons learned.
• New or Expanded Program: Proposed programs should be based on challenges or needs within Tuolumne County. Proposals should describe solutions and such means to accomplish them. Foundation representatives will look for evidence of participation by those for whom the proposed program is intended to benefit.
• Capacity Building: Proposals of this type must concentrate on strengthening an applicant organization’s ability to achieve its mission or purposes. This might involve upgrading board or staff skills, including those used to develop strategic planning, human and financial resource development, and increasing organizational movement toward financial independence. Such a proposal should include evidence of the applicant’s work to build capacity prior to approaching the Foundation for funding.

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The Ford Family Foundation

Eligibility 

Grant requests should meet the following requirements before consideration will be given:

• Applicant organizations must have current 501(c)(3) Public Charity status from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), or be a governmental entity, or be an IRS-recognized tribe. It may not be a private foundation as defined in Section 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code.
• Geographical focus of project must be predominately (60% or more) for the benefit of residents of rural Oregon and Siskiyou County, Calif. We define rural as communities with populations of 35,000 or less and not adjacent to or part of an urban or metropolitan area.
• Must include significant collaboration and community buy-in (as evidenced by in-kind and cash contributions from local and regional sources).
• Must have at least 50% of funding (may include in-kind) for the total project budget committed before applying, with the exception of Good Neighbor Grants and Technical Assistance Grants.
• Requests are for no more than one third of the total project cost, with the exception of Good Neighbor Grants and Technical Assistance Grants.
• Organization must not be delinquent in filing final reports for previous grants from the Foundation.
• Organization may not be currently receiving other grant funds from the Foundation, with the exception of Technical Assistance Grants.
• If the organization has received prior funding from the Foundation, it must wait 12 months after the completion of the prior grant before applying again for support, with the exception of Technical Assistance Grants.

What makes a strong proposal?

A strong proposal is ready for review. To be ready, a proposal should be well beyond the conceptual stage, have a clear plan, timeline and budget. There should be defined benefits or outcomes and a description of who and why your community is behind the proposal. Involvement of your board with cash, in-kind contributions and a community campaign are some indicators of a proposal being ready. Community participation is a primary factor in a proposal being ready. We like to see that fundraising is significantly underway with your traditional supporters, local businesses, key donors and other foundations.

Size of Grants

Our average grant size is about $50,000, and we consider grants of $100,000 or above to be a “large grant.” We highly recommend that you develop a complete fundraising plan and your request to the Foundation be a component of that plan. We generally will consider funding requests up to one third of the total project cost.

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Humboldt Area Foundation

The COVID-19 Regional Response Fund will support urgent community needs identified by our regional partners. The fund will make grants on a rolling basis to nonprofits, charitable organizations and public agencies meeting the immediate needs of residents in Trinity, Humboldt, Del Norte and Curry counties. The Fund’s priority is vulnerable communities and the organizations that support them.

Grants totaling $20,000 to Humboldt County, California nonprofit organizations, government agencies, public schools, and Indian Tribes for projects that address human trafficking. Eligible projects may focus on outreach, education, and developing an awareness of human trafficking.

Grants are awarded to support new or current programs in Humboldt County that are focused on one or more of the following:

• Awareness of human trafficking
• Education on the definition, identification, and reporting of human trafficking
• Outreach on the definition, identification, and reporting of human trafficking
• Facilitation for communication between all agencies, organizations, and advocates impacted by human trafficking
• Rehabilitation and the safety of victims and survivors

Please send grant inquiries to grants@hafoundation.org.

You will also find other multiple grants that are field specific, click here.

Cisco Foundation

We identify, incubate, and develop innovative solutions with the most impact. Global Impact Cash Grants go to nonprofits and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that address a significant social problem. We’re looking for programs that fit within our investment areas, serve the underserved, and leverage technology to improve the reach and efficiency of services. We accept applications year-round from eligible organizations. An initial information form is used to determine whether your organization will be invited to complete a full application.

Organizational requirements:

• Organizations within the United States must be recognized by the IRS as tax exempt under Internal Revenue Code Section 501 (c)(3), and classified by the IRS as a public charity
• Organizations from outside the U.S. must provide information and documents to determine whether the organization is the equivalent of a U.S. public charity
• Organizations to be funded must serve an audience greater than 65 percent economically underserved relative to the average standards of the target geography
• Organizations and programs must focus on at least one of our social investment areas: access to education, economic empowerment, or critical human needs
• An organization’s overhead is not to exceed 25 percent (Organizations are occasionally exempt from this requirement; however, they must be exceptionally aligned with Cisco’s values and criteria, and they must clearly explain and justify their overhead costs. Exemptions to the requirement on overhead expenses are determined on a case-by-case basis.)
• The maximum request amount for first-time grant recipients is US$75,000

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Community Foundation for Monterey County

The Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC) and Monterey Peninsula Foundation established the COVID-19 Relief Fund to help those affected by the impact of the Coronavirus in Monterey County. The COVID-19 Relief Fund will address the immediate and longer-term needs of Monterey County’s most vulnerable residents who will be impacted by the Coronavirus.

The CFMC will consider grant requests to:

• Assist nonprofits serving vulnerable populations with basic needs (food, housing, living expenses, transportation costs, direct support) related to job layoffs and/or financial need
• Assist nonprofit organizations with program support and related impacts due to quarantines and physical distancing
• Fund programming to address the related-mental health impact

Grants are expected to range between $5,000 to $30,000 and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations and public agencies are eligible to apply for additional funds as needs arise. Requests will be reviewed by CFMC staff and grants awarded as quickly as possible.

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Rural LISC Community Facilities Fund

LISC was recently approved as a USDA Community Facilities (CF) Re- Lender. Technical assistance and predevelopment grants are available to Rural LISC partner organizations. Loans must meet USDA requirements, but LISC will offer streamlined application processing.

Nonprofits interested in health care facilities, transitional housing (including substance abuse recovery housing), educational and child care facilities, community centers, museums, libraries or public buildings, or other essential community facilities are eligible for a loan amount of $250,000-$8,000,000.

The Community Facilities Fund has a rolling deadline.

Questions? Contact Kristin Blum at Rural LISC at kblum@LISC.org or (617) 899-7301 or your Rural LISC Field Program Officer.

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Angell Foundation

Angell Foundation funds efforts that support underserved and under-resourced populations and communities in Southern California and New England. We place the highest priority on nonprofit organizations headquartered in these regions.

Invited organizations will:

• Have a 501(c)(3) designation from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
• Strive to make long-term impact
• Employ culturally competent approaches
• Track progress, assess impact, and share results
• Maintain sound financial practices and management
• Collaborate with other organizations
• Be led by effective leaders and have a commitment to cultivating leadership
• Commit to a candid and consistent dialogue with the Foundation

The Foundation only reviews grant proposals from organizations invited to submit a full funding request. Following an invitation from staff, applicants will receive instructions on how to access our online application portal and submit proposals and supporting documents digitally.

Applicants are generally asked to submit the following information:

• A description of the organization and project
• A discussion of how the project’s goals align with our mission
• A discussion of the organization’s history, as well as experiences implementing similar work
• A discussion regarding how the organization will assess success and learn from its efforts
• A discussion of the organization’s leadership, along with its administrative and fiscal capacity
• Detailed project and organization budgets
• A discussion of the organization’s finances
• Copies of the organization’s most recently completed audited financial statement and 990

The Foundation requires at least three months to complete its due diligence for submitted grant proposals.

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