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Community foundations in California

7 community foundations serve California nonprofits in this list. Each link goes to the foundation's own page for grant seekers.

A community foundation is a public charity that makes grants in one area, usually a city, a few counties or a state. For a local nonprofit it is often the most realistic private funder: it funds organizations of your size, in your place, and its staff will usually talk to you before you apply.

• California Community Foundation Los Angeles County · Mostly donor-directed giving, with some programs open to applications Does not accept unsolicited requests; opportunities are posted on this page when available
• East Bay Community Foundation Alameda and Contra Costa counties · Mostly donor-directed giving, with some programs open to applications Applications open only periodically; most grants come from donor-advised funds without an application
• Orange County Community Foundation Orange County · Runs grant programs nonprofits can apply to Competitive grant cycles year-round; each program has its own application process; unsolicited proposals not accepted
• Sacramento Region Community Foundation El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties · Mostly donor-directed giving, with some programs open to applications Funding registry with open/close dates via online grants portal; majority of grants are donor-directed, some invitation only
• San Diego Foundation San Diego County · Runs grant programs nonprofits can apply to Opens competitive grant cycles aligned with its strategic priorities; applications via online portal
• Silicon Valley Community Foundation Silicon Valley · Runs grant programs nonprofits can apply to Competitive Community Action RFP process with information session and proposal
• The San Francisco Foundation Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco and San Mateo counties · Runs grant programs nonprofits can apply to Lists open funding opportunities, each with its own page; some funding is invitation only

Last checked on October 7, 2026. Programs change without notice, so confirm with the funder before you apply. Deadlines are not listed here because they change.

A starting list of the larger foundations, not every one in California. If your area is not covered, search for your county's name with "community foundation". SeeGrant is not affiliated with these organizations.