Social Justice Grants in California

264 foundations fund social justice programs in California. See who they are, what they give, and how to reach them.

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These foundations have a track record of funding social justice work in California, based on IRS 990 grant data. Use the list below to find funders aligned with your mission, then sign up free to see how well your nonprofit fits each one.

Open Grant Opportunities

Live programs funding social justice in California that your nonprofit can apply to now.

Open nowRolling / open intakeAward: $5K – $50K

Community Grants

From Leonard Litz Foundation

LGBTQ+ health and wellnessCrisis interventionRacial justice+2 more

Who can apply: Applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) public charities or fiscally sponsored by one. The organization's primary purpose must be serving the LGBTQ+ community. Grantmaking is limited to U.S.-based organizations, with priority for the Northeast. Applicants may submit one application per calendar year and must choose one of the Foundation's three grant programs. Strong, diverse leadership, replicable or scalable activities, solid financial health, and commitment to communities of color are considered.

Open nowCloses in 12 days (Oct 9, 2026)Award: Up to $3K

Youth Making Change (YMC)

From Fund for Santa Barbara

Youth-led social changeCommunity developmentEconomic justice+4 more

Who can apply: Applicants must be youth ages 12-24 and propose a youth-led project with participants aged 12-24 taking leadership roles in development and submission of the application. The project must operate democratically, benefit youth in the community, address a problem affecting youth, have a sponsoring organization such as a school or community group, have an EIN or federal tax identification number and organizational bank account or use an eligible fiscal sponsor, align with the FUND's guidelines, and be located in Santa Barbara County.

Open nowCloses in 18 days (Oct 15, 2026)Award: $0 – $2K

Aspiring Educators CREATE Grants

From National Education Association of the United States

Educator qualityCommunity engagementPolitical action+2 more

Who can apply: State Aspiring Educators organizations and campus chapters are eligible to apply. Projects must primarily focus on an Aspiring Educators core value area.

Open nowRolling / open intakeAward: Up to $5K

The Ron Matsko-Ensel Grant

From Biosophical Institute

Peace educationCharacter educationEthics+8 more

Who can apply: Open to educators serving pre-K through 12th grade. Projects may develop curriculum or create programs that strengthen peace and character education, explore ethics, advance cooperation and forgiveness, or foster spiritual development and mindfulness.

Open nowCloses Oct 29, 2026Award: $1 – $20K

Youth of Promise Fund (micro-grants)

From Antioch Community Foundation

Academic success, mentoring, and tutoringLeadership developmentPrevention activities+4 more

Who can apply: Eligible applicants are nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving justice-system-involved youth or youth at risk of justice-system involvement in East and/or Central Contra Costa County. Programs should support strategies and best practices that prevent or reduce juvenile crime and help youth and families achieve, grow, and thrive.

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Deadlines and program details come from public sources and can change. Always confirm on the funder's official site before applying.

Largest Social Justice in California Foundations

LEAGUE OF CONSERVATION VOTERS INC

WASHINGTON, DC

Annual Giving

$81.4M

Total Assets

$37.1M

Median Grant

$252K

R01National
VOTER REGISTRATION PROJECT

WASHINGTON, DC

Annual Giving

$43.6M

Total Assets

$9.2M

Median Grant

$264K

R40National
AARP

Washington, DC

Annual Giving

$35.8M

Total Assets

$13.1B

Median Grant

$15K

R25National
DEMOCRACY MATTERS FOUNDATION

WASHINGTON, DC

Annual Giving

$33.6M

Total Assets

$2.2M

Median Grant

$80K

R60National
AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION FOUNDATION INC

NEW YORK, NY

Annual Giving

$28.4M

Total Assets

$961.9M

Median Grant

$260K

R600National
BUILDING AMERICA'S FUTURE

WASHINGTON, DC

Annual Giving

$23.4M

Total Assets

$9.2M

Median Grant

$275K

R01National
NEXTGEN EDUCATION FUND

SAN FRANCISCO, CA

Annual Giving

$22.3M

Total Assets

$6.7M

Median Grant

$3.7M

R40Regional
USAGING

WASHINGTON, DC

Annual Giving

$21.6M

Total Assets

$11.4M

Median Grant

$86K

R99National
ACTION NOW INC

HOUSTON, TX

Annual Giving

$17.9M

Total Assets

$4.4M

Median Grant

$188K

R01National
WAY TO WIN ACTION FUND INC

WASHINGTON, DC

Annual Giving

$17.6M

Total Assets

$1.5M

Median Grant

$100K

R01National
UNITE AMERICA INC

DENVER, CO

Annual Giving

$17.3M

Total Assets

$7M

Median Grant

$50K

R01National
PRIORITIES USA FOUNDATION

WASHINGTON, DC

Annual Giving

$16.3M

Total Assets

$8M

Median Grant

$38K

R20National
THE HEISING-SIMONS ACTION FUND

LOS ALTOS, CA

Annual Giving

$16.2M

Total Assets

$2.7M

Median Grant

$200K

R11National
ALLIANCE FOR YOUTH ORGANIZING

WASHINGTON, DC

Annual Giving

$16.1M

Total Assets

$8.7M

Median Grant

$93K

R40National
BEMC 4 ASSOCIATION

NEW YORK, NY

Annual Giving

$15.1M

Total Assets

$2.7M

Median Grant

$3.8M

R01Regional
CALIFORNIA COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATE ASSOCIATION

SAN DIEGO, CA

Annual Giving

$14.7M

Total Assets

$13M

Median Grant

$206K

R200Local
MICHIGAN CIVIC ACTION FUND

MADISON HEIGHTS, MI

Annual Giving

$14.4M

Total Assets

$1.4M

Median Grant

$100K

R40Regional
CATHOLIC LEGAL IMMIGRATION NETWORK INC

SILVER SPRING, MD

Annual Giving

$14.3M

Total Assets

$18.2M

Median Grant

$46K

R20National
CHILDREN'S DEFENSE FUND

WASHINGTON, DC

Annual Giving

$13.3M

Total Assets

$40.1M

Median Grant

$39K

R200National
MICHIGAN CIVIC EDUCATION FUND

MADISON HEIGHTS, MI

Annual Giving

$12.1M

Total Assets

$2.8M

Median Grant

$49K

R40Local
GILL FOUNDATION

DENVER, CO

Annual Giving

$11.8M

Total Assets

$194.3M

Median Grant

$5K

R30National
CLEAN SLATE INITIATIVE INC

ORLANDO, FL

Annual Giving

$11.1M

Total Assets

$64.3M

Median Grant

—

R20National
Alliance Defending Freedom

Scottsdale, AZ

Annual Giving

$10.5M

Total Assets

$112.2M

Median Grant

$25K

R600National
AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION INC

NEW YORK, NY

Annual Giving

$10.4M

Total Assets

$242.8M

Median Grant

$95K

R20National
All Americans Vote

Washington, DC

Annual Giving

$10.2M

Total Assets

$4.5M

Median Grant

—

R40National

Social Justice grants by state

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