California Community Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The California Community Foundation focuses nearly all of its grantmaking on underserved populations in Los Angeles. It makes grants in education, health, immigration, and housing.
IP TAKE: The program staff is accessible and offers clarification about eligibility or whether an applicant’s program is a good fit.
PROFILE: Established in 1915, the California Community Foundation is based in Los Angeles. A major funder in Southern California, the foundation seeks “to lead positive systemic change that strengthens Los Angeles communities. [It] envision[s] a future where all Angelenos have the opportunity to contribute to the productivity, health and well-being of our region.” California Community prioritizes community-based solutions for problems faced by specific populations in Greater Los Angeles. Through grantmaking, civic engagement, lending, and sustainability efforts, CCF makes grants in the areas of education, immigration, housing, and health.
Education grants address gaps in the education pipeline and education at all levels. One program called BLOOM involves helping young Black men in South L.A. succeed in work and school.
The foundation’s health program addresses prevention and treatment for chronic problems, access to health services, and the health needs of low-income communities.
CCF’s immigration funding involves grantmaking for English language literacy, policy advocacy, leadership development, and workers’ rights. To address California’s housing crisis, CCF awards grants, makes loans, and supports advocacy campaigns related to affordable housing and homelessness.
CCF grants vary widely in size and fund both well-established groups and grassroots organizations. All grants support improving the lives of Los Angeles County residents. It makes grants to organizations based here and also regional, statewide, and national public policy efforts that affect local residents. The foundation has an open grants process and posts available opportunities on its website. Past grantees include the Harbor UCLA Research and Education Institute, Friends in Deed, the Inner City Law Center, the El Camino Community College District, and Homeboy Industries.
Grant seekers can download grantee materials from CCF’s website and log onto the NonprofitConnect portal to get started with the application process. Each open grant opportunity has its own set of guidelines and deadlines. Applications should be submitted online, and questions should be directed to one of the grants specialists at (213) 239-2330 or grantsmanager@calfund.org.
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