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California Humanities

Oakland, California  ·  EIN 942952469  ·  Private foundation

California Humanities is a California-based grantmaker. In its latest 990-PF filing it reported $2.9M in annual giving against $2.1M in assets. This page documents the 370 grants Bespoke Grants has indexed for California Humanities — who they fund, what they prioritize, and what to know before reaching out.

$2.9M
Annual giving (FY2020)
$2.1M
Total assets
370
Grants tracked
2024
Most recent grant

What California Humanities funds

California Humanities's giving carries a documented focus on arts & culture, education, higher education, libraries & literacy, youth development.

Arts & CultureEducationHigher EducationLibraries & LiteracyYouth Development

Populations it has supported include youth pop.

youth pop

Grant history

The largest grants Bespoke Grants has on record for California Humanities, by amount:

RecipientLocationGrantYear
International Documentary Association
CORE PROGRAMS
Los Angeles, CA$150K2019
Women Make Movies Inc
CORE PROGRAMS
New York, NY$140K2022
International Documentary Association
CORE PROGRAMS
Los Angeles, CA$60K2020
Kalw Public Media Inc
CORE PROGRAMS
San Francisco, CA$55K2022
San Diego State University Research Foundation
CORE PROGRAMS
San Diego, CA$50K2022
Fort Ross Conservancy
CORE PROGRAMS
Jenner, CA$50K2019
From the Heart Productions Inc
CORE PROGRAMS
Oxnard, CA$50K2024
Fjc
CORE PROGRAMS
New York, NY$50K2024
Ltsc Community Development Corporation
CORE PROGRAMS
Los Angeles, CA$50K2020
Independent Arts & Media
CORE PROGRAMS
San Francisco, CA$46K2020
Kartemquin Educational Films
CORE PROGRAMS
Chicago, IL$45K2024
Visual Communications
CORE PROGRAMS
Los Angeles, CA$40K2024
International Documentary Association
CORE PROGRAMS
Los Angeles, CA$40K2022
Film Independent Inc
CORE PROGRAMS
Los Angeles, CA$40K2020
Los Angeles Poverty Department
CORE PROGRAMS
Los Angeles, CA$40K2020

California Humanities giving by year

Total grants Bespoke Grants has indexed for each filing year:

2019$1.2M
2020$2.5M
2022$1.1M
2024$858K

How to apply for funding from California Humanities

California Humanities's public IRS filing does not spell out a formal application process. Foundations of this size often give primarily to organizations they already know, so a concise letter of inquiry or a warm introduction is usually the best first contact — not a full proposal.

Is California Humanities the right funder for your nonprofit?

This page shows what California Humanities has funded. Bespoke Grants tells you whether it fits your mission — and finds every other foundation that does. Free, no credit card.

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Frequently asked questions about California Humanities

Does California Humanities accept grant applications?
California Humanities's public filing does not specify an application process. A brief letter of inquiry or a warm introduction is usually the best first step with a private foundation of this size.
What does California Humanities fund?
California Humanities's grants focus on arts & culture. Recent recipients include International Documentary Association, Women Make Movies Inc, International Documentary Association. Its full grant history is listed above.
How much does California Humanities give in grants?
California Humanities reported $2.9M in grants in its most recent IRS filing (FY2020). Across all years in our data it has awarded $5.7M over 370 grants.
Where is California Humanities located?
California Humanities is based in Oakland, California. Its IRS employer identification number (EIN) is 942952469.
How can I find foundations similar to California Humanities?
Bespoke Grants matches your nonprofit against 225,000+ foundations like California Humanities, ranking each by how well it fits your mission, location, and budget — with the reasoning shown. It is free to search.

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Foundations similar to California Humanities

Other California grantmakers with overlapping priorities:

About this profile. This page is built from California Humanities's public IRS Form 990-PF and 990 filings, indexed by Bespoke Grants alongside 13M+ grants from 225,000+ U.S. foundations. Grant figures reflect filings available to date; IRS data publishes on a 1–2 year lag. Bespoke Grants is not affiliated with California Humanities. Always confirm current giving priorities and application procedures with the foundation directly before applying.