Grants for Farming, Animal Welfare, Conservation, and Civic Causes in California (USA)
GrantID: 74124
Grant Funding Amount Low: $20,000
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: $50,000
Summary
Offers two levels of capital grants each year—with applications open roughly mid‑May through mid‑August and awards announced in mid‑December. Grants support physical asset acquisition or renovation that serves specific mission-driven purposes.
The smaller level, often referred to as the “regular” grant, provides up to $20,000. These are aimed at capital equipment, facility upgrades, or improvements that support activities like animal protection, wildlife conservation, agricultural programming, land preservation, and civic arts institutions. Applicants must be tax‑exempt nonprofits in operation for at least two years and must devote most of their services to these specified areas. The funds are not meant for operating budgets, salaries, scholarships, or debt relief.
The second tier, known as the “major” grant, offers up to $50,000 for larger, multi-year capital projects—such as new facilities, expansion of existing services, or significant renovations with a useful life of five years or more. To qualify, applicants must show that at least half their programming aligns with the foundation’s priority areas and shouldn’t have recently received a major award within the past few years. Similar eligibility restrictions apply regarding nonprofit status, organizational maturity, and purpose alignment.
These opportunities are available nationwide, though historically organizations based in California have received priority. Both grant types are accessible only to 501(c)(3) or equivalent nonprofit organizations—regranting, municipal entities, individuals, or for-profit businesses are not eligible. The focus is on enabling organizations to acquire tangible assets that further conservation, animal welfare, sustainable agriculture, environmental protection, or cultural enrichment goals.
The overarching intent is to help mission-driven organizations strengthen capacity through long-lasting capital improvements, from equipment to infrastructure, rather than covering routine expenses. With reasonably generous awards—$20,000 for routine capital needs or up to $50,000 for larger-scale investment—this program supports nonprofits in deepening their impact across conservation, agriculture, animal protection, land stewardship, and civic arts.
Organizations and individuals based in California who are engaged in Preservation may be eligible to apply for this funding opportunity. To discover more grants that align with your mission and objectives, visit The Grant Portal and explore listings using the Search Grant tool.
Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements
