Philanthropy & Grants Grants in California

Explore verified institutional foundations, typical award distributions, and active grantmakers supporting philanthropy programs across California.

Total Capital Deployed
$9.62B

Across 31,559 verified foundation awards

Typical Grant Size
$304,953

Median award for philanthropy in California

Open to New Applicants
67%

Of active philanthropy foundations accept unsolicited proposals

Philanthropy & Grants Grant Funding Landscape in California

Nonprofits focused on Philanthropy & Grants in California received $9.62B across 31,559 verified foundation grants over recent tax filings. The typical (median) philanthropy grant in California is $304,953, though awards range from smaller $5,000–$25,000 community programming grants up to multi-million-dollar institutional and endowment commitments.

Major California funders actively supporting philanthropy initiatives include The Ford Foundation, Dechomai Foundation INC, The Leona M and Harry B Helmsley, alongside national foundations funding California organizations, youth initiatives, and community programs. Of the active institutional grantmakers funding philanthropy in California, 67% accept unsolicited grant proposals from new applicants, offering immediate funding opportunities for growing 501(c)(3) organizations.

Top Funded Cities in CaliforniaBy Total Capital
South San Francisco197 grants awarded
$10.24B
San Francisco38,703 grants awarded
$7.55B
Los Angeles54,427 grants awarded
$6.72B
Oakland15,053 grants awarded
$4.17B
Berkeley7,248 grants awarded
$3B
Grant Size Distribution TiersBy Grant Count
Grassroots & Seed (<$25,000)72%
Ideal for emerging nonprofits, project pilots, and local programming
Mid-Tier & Capacity ($25K – $100K)17%
Core operational funding, staff expansion, and multi-year programs
Major Endowments ($100,000+)11%
Capital campaigns, statewide initiatives, and major institutional grants
Top Institutional Foundations Funding Philanthropy & Grants in CaliforniaRanked by annual charitable capital distribution • Form 990-PF & Community Foundations
FoundationHeadquartersAnnual GivingTypical GrantApplication StatusAction
The Ford Foundation
EIN: 131684331
New York, NY$844.7M$100KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
Dechomai Foundation INC
EIN: 061676688
Jacksonville, FL$498M$309KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
The Leona M and Harry B Helmsley
EIN: 137184401
New York, NY$440.9M$399KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors INC
EIN: 133615533
New York, NY$275M$100KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston INC
EIN: 042103559
Boston, MA$273.6M$27KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
The San Francisco Foundation
EIN: 010679337
San Francisco, CA$218.4M$26KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
Surdna Foundation INC
EIN: 136108163
New York, NY$56.5M$90KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
Fiduciary Charitable Foundation
EIN: 046649138
Boston, MA$49.4M$15KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
Rsf Social Finance INC
EIN: 136082763
San Francisco, CA$48.2M$25KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
The Karsh Family Foundation
EIN: 137147287
Beverly Hills, CA$48M$25KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
The Real Estate Trust of Silicon Valley Community Foundation
EIN: 043701887
Mountain View, CA$16.2M$8.2MAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
Ebay Foundation
EIN: 020605596
San Jose, CA$11M$11MInvitation OnlyView Profile →
Peter E Haas Jr Family Fund
EIN: 141962681
Novato, CA$10.9M$100KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
Remington Court Foundation
EIN: 200993106
Los Angeles, CA$4.6M$4.6MAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
Lyles Foundation
EIN: 137334864
Fresno, CA$675K$91KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
Showing verified grantmakers • Commercial DAFs & university endowments excludedView all in California directory →

Frequently Asked Questions About Philanthropy & Grants Grants in California

How much grant funding is available for philanthropy in California?

Over $9.62B has been deployed across 31,559 verified foundation grants in California according to recent Form 990-PF and 990 filings.

What is the typical philanthropy grant size in California?

The median grant award is approximately $304,953. However, local grassroots initiatives often receive $5,000–$25,000, while regional endowments can exceed $250,000+.

Which foundations in California accept unsolicited proposals?

Approximately 67% of verified institutional grantmakers funding philanthropy in California accept unsolicited applications without a pre-existing relationship.

How can my nonprofit find foundations that match our mission?

Use NPO Grant to analyze peer award ledgers in California, identify foundations with active giving history in your city, and contact verified program officers directly.