If your nonprofit operates in California, securing funding from corporate foundations can provide a significant boost to your programs.
Unlike federal grants, corporate giving is often more localized and relationship-driven, focusing on communities where the company has a major presence.
This guide provides a verified list of corporate foundation grants available to California-based nonprofits in 2026.\n\nUnderstanding what funders are looking for is the first step.
Corporate foundations typically seek to fund organizations that align with their company's mission, values, and local community investment priorities.
This often includes areas like education, community health, environmental sustainability, and economic mobility.\n\n
What Are Corporate Foundation Grants?\n\nA corporate foundation is a separate legal entity created and financially supported by a for-profit company.
Its primary purpose is to manage and distribute charitable funds to nonprofit organizations.
These foundations allow companies to make a consistent, strategic impact on social causes, independent of the company's short-term financial fluctuations.\n\nFor grant seekers, this means you are applying to a philanthropic entity with its own specific guidelines, review processes, and funding cycles, even though it is backed by a well-known corporation.\n\n
Verified Corporate Foundation Grants in California: 2026 Deadlines\n\nBelow is a list of currently available grants from corporate foundations specifically for California-based nonprofits.
All information has been verified from official sources as of January 19, 2026.\n\n
Wells Fargo Foundation Community Grants (California)\n\nThe Wells Fargo Foundation focuses on three key areas: housing affordability, small business growth, and financial health.
Their community grants are directed toward nonprofits that address these critical needs within the local communities Wells Fargo serves across California.\n\n* Focus Area: Housing affordability, small business growth, financial health.\n* Funding Amount: Varies, typically between $10,000 and $50,000.\n* Eligibility Snapshot: Applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations providing services within California.
Organizations must have a clear track record of impact in one of the core focus areas.\n* 2026 Deadline: March 31, 2026\n* Application Link: https://www.wellsfargo.com/about/corporate-responsibility/community-giving/\n\n
Bank of America Charitable Foundation Economic Mobility Grants (Los Angeles County)\n\nThis program targets nonprofits that are advancing economic mobility for individuals and families in low- and moderate-income communities.
The foundation prioritizes initiatives related to workforce development, education, and basic needs that remove barriers to financial stability.\n\n* Focus Area: Workforce development and education.\n* Funding Amount: Awards vary based on program scope; averages are often around $25,000.\n* Eligibility Snapshot: Open to 501(c)(3) organizations serving Los Angeles County.
Must demonstrate how the program helps people on a path toward economic success.\n* 2026 Deadline: April 15, 2026\n* Application Link: https://about.bankofamerica.com/en/making-an-impact/charitable-foundation-funding\n\n
The Clorox Company Foundation Community Grants (Alameda County)\n\nBased in Oakland, The Clorox Company Foundation invests in its headquarter community.
It supports programs that create healthier, safer, and more vibrant living conditions, with a strong emphasis on youth development and community wellness.\n\n* Focus Area: Health and wellness, youth development, community enrichment.\n* Funding Amount: $5,000 to $25,000.\n* Eligibility Snapshot: Limited to 501(c)(3) nonprofits with a primary service area in Alameda County, California.
The foundation favors programs with strong volunteer engagement opportunities.\n* 2026 Deadline: June 1, 2026 (for the upcoming review cycle)\n* Application Link: https://www.thecloroxcompany.com/company/corporate-responsibility/community/\n\n
Sempra Energy Foundation Environmental Champions Grant\n\nSempra Energy Foundation's Environmental Champions initiative supports nonprofits working to build a more sustainable future for California.
Funding is directed toward projects focused on climate resilience, habitat restoration, and improving access to clean energy in underserved communities.\n\n* Focus Area: Climate resilience, biodiversity, clean energy access.\n* Funding Amount: Up to $75,000.\n* Eligibility Snapshot: Must be a California-based 501(c)(3) organization with a primary mission centered on environmental protection or conservation.
Projects must demonstrate measurable outcomes.\n* 2026 Deadline: May 1, 2026\n* Application Link: https://www.sempra.com/sempra-foundation\n\n
How to Prepare Your Application for Corporate Grants\n\nSecuring a corporate foundation grant requires more than just meeting the deadline.
Use this checklist to ensure your proposal is aligned and competitive.\n\n1. Verify Geographic Alignment: Confirm that your service area matches the foundation’s specific geographic focus, which can be as broad as the state or as narrow as a single county.\n\n2. Confirm Mission and Values Alignment: Read the foundation's mission statement and recent press releases.
Your proposal narrative should clearly connect your project to the corporation's stated values and community goals.\n\n3. Prepare Key Financial Documents: Have your organization's annual budget, recent Form 990, and a detailed project budget ready.
Most corporate foundations require these to assess your organization's financial health.\n\n4. Outline Measurable Outcomes: Corporate funders want to see a return on their investment.
Clearly state what you will achieve with the grant funds, using specific, quantifiable metrics (e.g., "provide job training to 150 individuals" instead of "support the unemployed").\n\nBy focusing on these specific, verified opportunities and carefully preparing your materials, your California-based nonprofit can be well-positioned to secure valuable funding from corporate partners.