Nonprofit Grants & Financing in California
Find the grants that fit your mission, and plan for the gap before the money arrives. Free grant guidance for California nonprofits, plus financing through lenders when timing or a facility calls for it.
Fresno-based. California-wide. Financing subject to lender approval.
Start with the free guides
Most grant questions are answered here. Read these first, then reach out once you know what you need.
Where financing fits
Grant guidance first. Financing when timing calls for it.
Free grant research & guidance
We point you to state, federal, foundation, and corporate programs that match your mission and help you get registrations and documents ready. We do not write or submit applications, and no grant is ever guaranteed.
Bridging reimbursement grants
Cover payroll and program costs while reimbursement-based grants and government contracts are processed, subject to lender review of the agreement and funder.
Facilities & real estate
Review purchase or refinance financing for program space, offices, and community buildings against revenue, reserves, and pledges.
Vehicles & equipment
Explore loans or leases for vans, kitchen, medical, and technology equipment that supports your programs.
Compare financing options.
Choose the structure around the use of funds, repayment capacity, and timing. Availability and terms vary by program.
Line of credit
For recurring timing gaps between spending and reimbursement or giving seasons, subject to lender review of financial statements and revenue history.
Facility & real estate loans
Purchase or refinance program and office space. Lenders review the property, diversified revenue, reserves, and board approval.
Equipment & vehicle financing
Loans and leases up to $1M, with terms up to 84 months. A down payment is required; equipment, credit, and business history affect approval.
A practical first review
Start with your business, not a generic offer.
Tell us what you need to fund, when you need it, and how your business collects revenue. We review your situation, identify potential options, and work through the lender's requirements with you.
Operating history, revenue, credit, existing debt, and use of funds all affect eligibility. Startup, acquisition, equipment, and SBA requests have different requirements.
What to have ready
- IRS determination letter and recent Form 990s
- California Attorney General Registry of Charities status
- Board-approved budget and recent financial statements or audit
- Signed grant agreements or contracts, for bridge financing
- Board resolution authorizing borrowing, when applicable
The documents needed depend on the financing program. Do not submit sensitive records through an unsecured message.
Frequently asked questions
Do you charge for grant help?
No. Our grant research and guidance is free. We don't write or submit grant applications, and we never promise a grant award; funders make every decision.
Can a nonprofit get a loan?
Yes, many lenders, including mission-focused CDFIs, lend to nonprofits. Lenders look at diversified revenue, financial statements, cash reserves, board approval, and a clear source of repayment.
Can a loan cover the wait for a reimbursement grant?
Potentially. Some lenders offer bridge loans or credit lines sized against signed grant agreements or contracts. The funder, agreement terms, and your reimbursement history all matter.
Do you work with investors or donors?
Our focus is grant guidance and lender financing. We can talk through how pledges or a capital campaign fit into a facility financing plan.
Let's review your next move.
An equipment purchase, a cash-flow gap, or a larger business investment—start with a conversation.