Science & Technology Grants in California

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

Total Capital Deployed
$1.56B

Across 3,617 verified foundation awards

Typical Grant Size
$431,242

Median award for science & tech in California

Open to New Applicants
40%

Of active science & tech foundations accept unsolicited proposals

Science & Technology Grant Funding Landscape in California

Nonprofits focused on Science & Technology in California received $1.56B across 3,617 verified foundation grants over recent tax filings. The typical (median) science & tech grant in California is $431,242, 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 science & tech initiatives include The Ford Foundation, The Rockefeller Foundation, The San Francisco Foundation, alongside national foundations funding California organizations, youth initiatives, and community programs. Of the active institutional grantmakers funding science & tech in California, 40% 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 Francisco189 grants awarded
$10.24B
San Francisco35,809 grants awarded
$6.2B
Los Angeles49,933 grants awarded
$5.34B
Oakland13,067 grants awarded
$3.4B
Berkeley7,290 grants awarded
$3.08B
Grant Size Distribution TiersBy Grant Count
Grassroots & Seed (<$25,000)73%
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+)10%
Capital campaigns, statewide initiatives, and major institutional grants
Top Institutional Foundations Funding Science & Technology 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 →
The Rockefeller Foundation
EIN: 131659629
New York, NY$233.2M$171KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
The San Francisco Foundation
EIN: 010679337
San Francisco, CA$218.4M$26KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
Carnegie Corporation of New York
EIN: 131628151
New York, NY$174.4M$225KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
The Peter and Carmen Lucia Buck
EIN: 061547852
New York, NY$106.3M$150KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
Alfred P Sloan Foundation
EIN: 131623877
New York, NY$89M$100KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
The Klarman Family Foundation
EIN: 043105768
Boston, MA$82.2M$100KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
Grantham Foundation for the Protection
EIN: 046856456
Boston, MA$67M$500KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
Fiduciary Charitable Foundation
EIN: 046649138
Boston, MA$49.4M$15KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
One8 Foundation
EIN: 046836735
Boston, MA$48.8M$50KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
Cancer Research Institute
EIN: 131837442
New York, NY$24.2M$300KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
American Cancer Society INC
EIN: 131788491
Atlanta, GA$23.1M$15KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
Forsyth Dental Infirmary for Children
EIN: 042104230
Cambridge, MA$1.6M$131KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
Afeyan Family Foundation
EIN: 043489109
Wilmington, DE$1.4M$15KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
The Population Council INC
EIN: 131687001
New York, NY$920K$63KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
Showing verified grantmakers • Commercial DAFs & university endowments excludedView all in California directory →

Frequently Asked Questions About Science & Technology Grants in California

How much grant funding is available for science & tech in California?

Over $1.56B has been deployed across 3,617 verified foundation grants in California according to recent Form 990-PF and 990 filings.

What is the typical science & tech grant size in California?

The median grant award is approximately $431,242. 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 40% of verified institutional grantmakers funding science & tech 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.