Funding search · early childhood education · California
Who funds early childhood education work in California
15 funders have a record of paying for early childhood education work by California recipients: 289 grants totaling $26.8M, most recently in 2025 — mostly private foundations, plus grantmaking charities. The largest by matched giving are Community Partners ($7.5M), Mimi and Peter Haas Fund ($1.4M) and The Michael and Lori Milken Family ($2.4M).
From IRS Form 990-PF and 990 Schedule I filings, 2019–2025. Grants already paid to California recipients — evidence of what these funders back, not open calls.
Community PartnersLos Angeles, CACharity · may take applications
70 matching grants · $7.5M · through 2024Largest: $26,446 to 10TH STREET PRESCHOOL — preschool scholarships for low-income kids and children with disabilities
Mimi and Peter Haas FundSan Francisco, CA
38 matching grants · $1.4M · through 2024Largest: $450,000 to EDVANCE — san francisco early childhood education workforce development
Largest: $925,000 to MILKEN COMMUNITY SCHOOL — preschool - 12th grade programs
Largest: $50,000 to JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF SAN FRANCISCO — for early childhood education tuition assistance
Largest: $60,000 to UN MUNDO DE AMIGOS PRESCHOOL — un mundo de amigos preschool - general operating support
Largest: $40,000 to BAY AREA HISPANO INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCEMENT — general preschool support
Audacious FoundationSanta Barbara, CA
14 matching grants · $977,655 · through 2025Largest: $340,000 to Explore Ecology — garden explorers early childhood education project in 24-25
Largest: $150,000 to WESTSIDE JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER INC — for capital support of early childhood education center expansion
Pasadena Tournament of RosesPasadena, CACharity · may take applications
15 matching grants · $179,805 · through 2024Largest: $35,000 to ASSISTANCE LEAGUE OF PASADENA — education(early childhood learning,steam/stem,literacy)
Largest: $325,000 to WINDWARD SCHOOL — preschool - 12th grade programs
Largest: $345,000 to EARLY EDGE CALIFORNIA — this project will grow and mobilize a network of policymakers, advocates, educators, parents, and other stakeholders to improve early childhood education policy for english learner…
Largest: $6,000 to CCF COMMUNITY INITIATIVES FUND — research and education on early childhood education
This is one topic and one state. PaperOrbit reads your actual paper and searches on everything in it — then explains why each funder fits.
Start with one paperBroader: early childhood education funders nationally · all California-based grantmakers