Foundations that fund organizations in California, Pennsylvania
Worked out from where the grants went, not where the foundations sit.
Funding landscape for California nonprofits
33 private foundations gave $7.5M to California organizations in their latest filings; 16 of the 33 that say either way accept applications.
41 grants in total, with a typical foundation's median grant to California around $3,922. 20 of these funders are based in Pennsylvania; the rest give here from elsewhere.
- Foundations giving here
- 33
- Accept applications
- 16
- of 33 that state a policy
- Dollars to California
- $7.5M
- latest filings
- Grants
- 41
- Typical median grant
- $3,922
- Based in PA
- 61%
- of funders listed
Funders, by dollars given to California organizations
| Foundation | Based in | Grants here | Dollars here | Median | Accepts applications | Typical purposes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Rutledge Family Foundation | Greenwich, CT | 7 | $6.4M | $549K | Preselected only | To promote the work of the organization |
| Richard King Mellon Foundation | Ligonier, PA | 1 | $750K | $750K | Yes | To protect habitats, restore populations of species of conc… |
| Allegheny Foundation | Pittsburgh, PA | 1 | $176K | $176K | Yes | Program support |
| Ralph W Young Family Foundation | Belleair Beach, FL | 1 | $58K | $58K | Preselected only | Student scholarships |
| Buhl Regional Health Foundation | Hermitage, PA | 1 | $10K | $10K | Yes | Scholarship |
| Robert Miner Family Foundation | Greensburg, PA | 1 | $10K | $10K | Preselected only | General operating fund |
| Eqt Foundation | Canonsburg, PA | 1 | $7,500 | $7,500 | Yes | Community enrichment |
| St Johns Reformed Church-Tr | Pittsburgh, PA | 1 | $7,500 | $7,500 | Preselected only | Scholarships |
| Brooks Family Foundation | Murrysville, PA | 1 | $6,000 | $6,000 | Preselected only | Support and supplement the charitable, educational and scie… |
| Rose Margaret Truax Scholarship Fund | Columbus, OH | 1 | $6,000 | $6,000 | Yes | Scholarships |
| Ellwood City Community Health Foundation | Ellwood City, PA | 1 | $5,000 | $5,000 | Yes | Scholarhips |
| Allen E & Patricia M Murray Foundation Trust | Syosset, NY | 1 | $5,000 | $5,000 | Yes | Charitable |
| George E Stifel Scholarship Fund | Wheeling, WV | 1 | $5,000 | $5,000 | Yes | Gavin goodrich scholarship |
| Marguerite Carl Smith Foundation 230004 | Williamsport, PA | 1 | $5,000 | $5,000 | Preselected only | Scholarships |
| Confer-Creel Foundation | Dallas, TX | 1 | $5,000 | $5,000 | Yes | General grant contributions |
| J P Brennaman & M H Brenneman Fd | Pittsburgh, PA | 1 | $4,000 | $4,000 | Preselected only | Scholarships |
| Hoover Samuel L Tua | Buffalo, NY | 1 | $3,922 | $3,922 | Preselected only | Scholarship |
| Irvin R Eugene Tw Educ | Buffalo, NY | 1 | $3,550 | $3,550 | Yes | Scholarship |
| Harper Carrie M Trust Xxxxx0002 | Chicago, IL | 1 | $3,240 | $3,240 | Yes | Scholarship |
| Betts Foundation | Warren, PA | 2 | $3,000 | $1,500 | Yes | Secondary education assistance |
| Brice Helen Scholarship Fund | Pittsburgh, PA | 1 | $3,000 | $3,000 | Preselected only | Scholarships |
| Van Horne E for Educational Fd | Pittsburgh, PA | 1 | $2,900 | $2,900 | Yes | Scholarships |
| Gavin Scholarship Tuw Bernard Gavin 003054 | Olean, NY | 1 | $2,620 | $2,620 | Preselected only | Scholarships |
| Mary Ann Irvin Schsp | Greensburg, PA | 2 | $2,600 | $1,300 | Preselected only | Scholarship |
| Sbb Research Group Foundation | Northbrook, IL | 1 | $2,500 | $2,500 | Preselected only | To further the mission of the donee |
| Trax Virginia S for Charities - Tr | Pittsburgh, PA | 1 | $2,000 | $2,000 | Preselected only | Scholarships |
| Premier Bank Foundation | Canfield, OH | 1 | $2,000 | $2,000 | Yes | Scholarship |
| James and Esther Hawkins Scholarship | Indiana, PA | 1 | $1,500 | $1,500 | Preselected only | Provide educational |
| The Society for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh, PA | 1 | $1,250 | $1,250 | Yes | Chemistry program grant |
| Wabtec Foundation | Pittsburgh, PA | 1 | $1,000 | $1,000 | Yes | General support |
| The Sand Foundation | Wilmington, DE | 1 | $1,000 | $1,000 | Preselected only | General & Unrestricted |
| Core Cares Foundation | Canonsburg, PA | 1 | $500 | $500 | Preselected only | Public safety - support of vfd |
| Catharine Guyer Scholarship Fund | Hermitage, PA | 1 | $450 | $450 | Preselected only | Scholarship |
Source: IRS Form 990-PF Part XV, latest electronic return per foundation (2026-10-28). "Accepts applications" reflects the foundation's own checkbox on Part XV line 2. Grants to individuals excluded.
Common questions
Which foundations give to nonprofits in California, Pennsylvania?
The Rutledge Family Foundation, Richard King Mellon Foundation, Allegheny Foundation, Ralph W Young Family Foundation, Buhl Regional Health Foundation and 28 others reported grants to California organizations on their latest Form 990-PF.
How do I approach a foundation that doesn't accept applications?
A foundation that checks "contributes only to preselected organizations" on its 990-PF won't review a cold proposal. Look at who it funds, find a shared board member, grantee or advisor, and ask for an introduction. Foundations that accept applications usually list a contact and deadlines in Part XV; we show that text on each foundation's page.
Is this list complete?
No. It covers private foundations (Form 990-PF filers) whose latest electronic return lists at least one grant to an organization in California. Community foundations and corporate giving programs file different forms and are not included yet.