Foundations that fund legal aid and crime prevention in California
These 25 foundations made grants to legal aid and crime prevention in California in the most recent IRS filing I have for each. None of them ticked the box for giving only to preselected organizations, and each filing gives application instructions or a website. That doesn't prove a foundation takes applications, and some on this list may not. The text below is copied from the filings, most of them for tax year 2024, so check a foundation's website or call before you apply.
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Stern Sidney Memorial Tuw
- $7,500 to Community Legal Aid Socal, Santa Ana: General operating
- $6,000 to Public Counsel, Los Angeles: General operating
- $5,000 to Keep Youth Doing Something Inc, Van Nuys: General operating
How to apply: No required format for request
Deadlines: Requests are accepted at any time
Restrictions: All distributions are made for charitable, scientific, medical or educational purposes within the u.s.
Weingart Foundation
- $200,000 to Watts Gang Task Force Council, Moreno Valley: Unrestricted operating support
- $200,000 to Api Rise, Monterrey Park: Unrestricted operating support
- $200,000 to Public Law Center, Santa Ana: Unrestricted operating support
How to apply: Grants and other program support are designed to improve the capacity and sustainability of organizations to achieve their missions in the areas of health, human services, & education. We give the highest priority to activities that provide greater access to people who are...
Deadlines: Regular grant program and small grants program do not have deadlines.
Restrictions: Grants are not made to organizations that discriminate against certain groups or individuals in the delivery of programs and services on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation or disability; for...
The Ahmanson Foundation
- $750,000 to Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, Los Angeles: Toward construction of the new east los angeles office
- $277,000 to Public Counsel, Los Angeles: For upgraded technology
- $150,000 to Western Justice Center Foundation, Pasadena: Toward plumbing and hvac upgrades
How to apply: Https://theahmansonfoundation.org/letter-of-inquiry
Deadlines: Https://theahmansonfoundation.org/letter-of-inquiry/
Restrictions: Https://theahmansonfoundation.org/letter-of-inquiry/
The Sobrato Family Foundation
- $194,000 to Law Foundation of Silicon Valley, San Jose: To provide general operating support
- $175,000 to Community Legal Services in East Palo Alto Inc, East Palo Alto: To provide general operating support
- $68,000 to Pangea Legal Services, San Francisco: To provide general operating support
How to apply: 2b. To apply for foundation funding a nonprofit should visit www.sobrato.org. A form is available online to fill out to then receive information from the foundation regarding funding opportunities.
Deadlines: 2c. See 2b above
Restrictions: 2d. The sobrato family foundation's investments are targeted toward strong community based organizations that promote self reliance and economic independence, and positively contribute to the quality of life for economically, physically...
The Skadden Foundation
- $61,486 to Public Counsel, Los Angeles: Payment for fellows
- $38,440 to Tribal Law and Policy Institute, West Hollywood: Payment for fellows
- $30,713 to Legal Aid at Work, San Francisco: Payment for fellows
How to apply: See attached application
Deadlines: SEE FAQ ENTRIES UNDER "THE APPLICATION PROCESS" AT https://www.skaddenfellowships.org/applicant
Restrictions: SEE FAQ ENTRIES UNDER "ELIGIBILITY" AT https://www.skaddenfellowships.org/applicant and "Information for Prospective Host Organizations" at https://www.skaddenfellowships.org/host
Union Pacific Foundation
- $13,000 to El Monte Police Officers Foundation, El Monte: Public awareness and education
- $10,000 to Monterey County Sheriffs Advisory Council, Salinas: Disaster and emergency services
- $10,000 to Legacy La Youth Development Corporation, Los Angeles: Develop environmental stewards
How to apply: Grant application available online during specific periods.
Deadlines: May 31, 2025 for 2025 applications.
Restrictions: The foundation administers the philanthropic program of union pacific corporation and union pacific railroad company. Grants are awarded to nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations located in union pacific communities that best align with the...
Hutton Foundation Dba Hutton Parker Foundation
- $17,500 to Santa Barbara Police Foundation, Santa Barbara: Discretionary
- $8,288 to Calm, Santa Barbara: General discretionary
- $5,000 to Calm, Santa Barbara: Discretionary
How to apply: Organizations seeking grants should submit the information (see schedule o) as required on the copy of the application forms (grant application cover sheet) or (program related investment preliminary application) all applications are avilable on the website at...
Deadlines: Visit www.huttonfoundation.org for various deadlines.
Restrictions: Grants are limited to 501(c)(3)/509(a) public charities in california (see schedule o for continuation) (special consideration to orange, riverside and santa barbara counties) in the areas of education; health & human services; civic &...
The Gibson Dunn & Crutcher Foundation
- $37,000 to Public Counsel, Los Angeles: Charitable
- $32,000 to Law Foundation of Silicon Valley, San Jose: Charitable
- $15,000 to Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, Los Angeles: Charitable
How to apply: No particular format required at this time
Restrictions: These matters will be determined from time to time
The William G Gilmore Foundation
- $25,000 to Project Avary Inc, San Rafael: Outdoor leadership program
- $25,000 to Legal Aid at Work, San Francisco: Championing the rights of formerly incarcerated job seekers through california fair...
- $20,000 to Centers for Equity and Success Inc, San Francisco: For general support
How to apply: For guidelines and more information about this foundation, see www.williamggilmorefoundation.org
Deadlines: For guidelines and more information about this foundation, see www.williamggilmorefoundation.org
Restrictions: For guidelines and more information about this foundation, see www.williamggilmorefoundation.org
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
- $500,000 to National Housing Law Project, San Francisco: 82309 supporting the tenant union federation in countering the outsized political...
- $202,500 to Legal Aid at Work, San Francisco: 80568 advancing policy and systems change that centers the wellbeing of families with low...
- $155,874 to Essie Justice Group, Oakland: 82043 supporting the healing to advocacy program in increasing the wellbeing and...
How to apply: Most of rwjf's grants are made through targeted grant programs and funding partnerships. Rwjf's funding priorities and calls for proposals are described on www.rwjf.org.
Deadlines: No deadlines, except when foundation issues a call for proposal (cfp) or request for proposal (rfp).
Restrictions: Rwjf is dedicated to taking bold leaps to transform health in our lifetime and pave the way, together, to a future where health is no longer a privilege, but a right. We are a national philanthropy that advances transformative systems...
The Schmidt Family Foundation
- $300,000 to Center on Race Poverty & Environment, Delano: Working towards a resilient and equitable food system, encouraging a just transition away...
- $145,000 to Uncommon Law, Oakland: Strengthening civic engagement
- $100,000 to Root & Rebound, Oakland: Strengthening civic engagement
How to apply: Online process, please see details at the websites: https://tsffoundation.org/ https://www.schmidtmarine.org/
Deadlines: Online process, please see details at: https://tsffoundation.org/. Https://www.schmidtmarine.org/
Restrictions: Online process, please see details at the websites: https://tsffoundation.org/ https://www.schmidtmarine.org/
The Rudolph J & Daphne A Munzer Foundation
- $70,000 to Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, Los Angeles: Greater long beach community medical-legal partnership
- $50,000 to For the Child Inc, Long Beach: Child abuse & neglect safety net program (cap)
- $3,000 to For the Child, Long Beach: Honorarium
How to apply: Applications should be completed electronically through the following website: https://munzerfdn.org/how-to-apply/apply/
Deadlines: The application period is october 31 - november 4.
Restrictions: Organizations submitting requests must meet the following eligibility criteria: tax exempt under irs section 501(c)(3) provide services that address pressing needs at a community-based level programs and/or services must be provided within...
Air Products Foundation
- $20,000 to Southern California Crossroads, Downey: General program support
- $10,000 to Southern California Crossroads, Downey: Sponsorship toward youth leadership program educational field trip
- $10,000 to Long Beach Police Officers Memorial Widows Emergency and Scholarship F, Long Beach: Corporate level sponsorship 51st annual widows & orphans golf tournament
How to apply: Www.benevity.com
Restrictions: Support given to tax exempt organizations in the areas of education, welfare, community investment, culture and art; benefiting communities where air products & chemicals employees work and live.
Umpqua Bank Charitable Foundation
- $20,000 to Empower Tehama, Red Bluff: Critical supportive services for survivors of domestic violence and other victims of crime
- $6,000 to Cope Family Center, Napa: Cope Family Center Safety Net Support Request FY 2024.25
- $6,000 to Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California, San Rafael: Fair Housing Education, Pre-Purchase and Homebuyer Education, and Foreclosure Prevention...
How to apply: Web application at www.umpquabank.com/community. Please provide a project description, financial information, tax status verification and contact information.
Deadlines: March 6th, june 12th, september 4th
Restrictions: LIMITED TO OR, WA, NV, ID, CA, AZ, CO, UT; Priority Focus Areas: Economically Vibrant Communities; Healthy Communities; Inclusive Communities; and Sustainable Communities.
Walter and Elise Haas Fund
- $500,000 to East Bay Community Law Center, Berkeley: Seven years of general operating support to close the racial and gender wealth gap and...
- $100,000 to Freedom Fwd, San Francisco: One year of general operating support for an organization that is essential to building a...
- $100,000 to Legal Services for Children Inc, San Francisco: One year of general operating support for an organization that is essential to building a...
How to apply: Sample form available upon request
The Ceres Foundation Inc
- $115,000 to Orangewood Foundation, Santa Ana: General operating support for its education and workforce development services for foster...
- $25,000 to Center on Race Poverty & the Environment, Delano: General operating support for strengthening community power to protect land, air, and...
- $10,000 to Orangewood Foundation, Santa Ana: General operating support for its education and workforce development services for foster...
How to apply: Online application, which can be found at https://www.ceresgiving.org/page/application-process
Restrictions: We invest in strong leaders and support organizations that range from small grassroots efforts to more established programs. Our grantees are united in their passion to create long-term positive change for individuals and families. We fund...
Universal Music All Together Now Foundation Inc
- $50,000 to National Institute of Criminal Justice Reform, Oakland: General operating support
- $25,000 to For the People, Oakland: General operating support
- $20,000 to Project Avary, San Rafael: General operating support
How to apply: No form specified
The Crail-Johnson Foundation
- $10,000 to For the Child Inc, Long Beach: Funds will support cap, including trauma-specialized mental health and support services...
- $10,000 to Levitt & Quinn Family Law Center Inc, Los Angeles: For operating expenses related to the mission to protect children and stand with family...
- $7,500 to Long Beach Bar Foundation, Long Beach: For operating expenses related to the mission to strengthen the youth of the greater long...
How to apply: See mission statement/grant making policies (see statement 17)
Deadlines: See mission statement/grant making policies (see statement 17)
Restrictions: See mission statement/grant making policies (see statement 17)
Sarah Scaife Foundation Incorporated
- $375,000 to Pacific Legal Foundation, Sacramento: General operating support
- $100,000 to Criminal Justice Legal Foundation, Sacramento: General operating support
Bader Family Foundation
- $158,000 to Criminal Justice Legal Foundation, Sacramento: General charitable contribution
- $123,000 to Pacific Legal Foundation, Sacramento: General charitable contribution
How to apply: Applicants will be required to submit biographical information and supporting material, including information on their academic and professional plans and lists of publications, if any.
Deadlines: Rolling
The Audrey Irmas Foundation for Social Justice
- $250,000 to Public Counsel, Los Angeles: General support
- $25,000 to Western Center on Law & Poverty Inc, Los Angeles: Support low income californians
How to apply: Letter
Sand Hill Foundation
- $75,000 to Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center, San Mateo: General support for north san mateo county
- $50,000 to Community Legal Services in East Palo Alto, East Palo Alto: Coastside legal services
How to apply: Include verification of irc 501(c)(3) status, activities, references
Deadlines: Revolving
Restrictions: Public charities
The Hugh and Hazel Darling Foundation
- $60,000 to Pacific Legal Foundation, Sacramento: Program support
- $49,000 to Christian Legal Aid of Los Angeles, Los Angeles: Internship program
The Cushman Foundation
- $100,000 to Bilateral Safety Corridor Coalition, National City: General/unrestricted
- $5,000 to Bilateral Safety Corridor Coalition, National City: General/unrestricted
How to apply: See online grant application available at www.cushmanfoundation.net
Deadlines: See submission deadlines at www.cushmanfoundation.net other than making a difference 3/20/21
Restrictions: See overview of the cushman foundation funding guidelines and applications, as published at www.cushmanfoundation.net. All grants to benefit qualifying charitable organizations in the greater san diego area.
Earl B & Loraine H Miller Foundation
- $25,000 to Long Beach Bar Foundation, Long Beach: Shortstop youth program
- $25,000 to For the Child, Long Beach: Providing equitable access to quality mental health programs for children most in need
How to apply: New applicants must complete a letter of intent (loi) for eligibility screening prior to proceeding to the application step of the grants process. Organizations who submitted applications for the 2025/2026 grant cycle need only access their online account and fill out a new...
Deadlines: Application: february 28, 2025
Restrictions: Organizations must meet one of the following basic eligibility criteria: - nonprofit organizations that are tax exempt under irs section 501(c)3 - community groups that have a 501(c)3 organization serving as their fiscal sponsor -...
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