How much funding does CARE for Kids Grant Program provide?

CARE for Kids Grant Program provides $100 - $10,000 in funding.

When is the deadline for CARE for Kids Grant Program?

The deadline is October 1, 2026.

CARE for Kids Grant Program

CARE - Childrens Advocates Resource

Foundation Semi-annual Grants for Nonprofits Grants for Youth Programs Playground Grants

Apply Now

Funding Amount

$100 - $10,000

Deadline

October 1, 2026

176 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

CARE for Kids Grant Program

Funder: CARE - Children's Advocates Resource (Kern County, CA)

Mission: CARE is a nonprofit organization that raises money to provide grants to local charities specializing in serving local children. All proceeds go directly to children's needs.

Geographic Scope

Service Area: Kern County, California only
100% of funds stay in Kern County

Funding History

Over $1,722,000 in total grants made since 2005

Funding Cycles

Spring Cycle: Applications due April 1st, grants issued in April
Fall Cycle: Applications due October 1st, grants issued in October
Grants issued twice annually

Eligible Focus Areas

Direct benefit to children's needs including:

Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Type: Local tax-exempt (nonprofit) organizations
Must serve children in Kern County
Must provide proof of non-profit status (IRS Determination Letter)

What They Do NOT Fund

Administrative needs
Salaries
Gas cards
Gift cards
Any non-direct child benefit expenses

Governance

Community board of directors (all non-paid volunteers)
Every application reviewed to ensure funds apply 100% to direct benefit of children

Contact

Website: careforkids.org
Contact: Available through website contact form

How to Apply

Application Process

Submission Method: Electronic Funding Application (online form at careforkids.org/funding/)

Application Deadlines:

Spring Cycle: April 1st (grants issued April)

Fall Cycle: October 1st (grants issued October)

Required Materials

All of the following MUST be submitted or application will be automatically rejected:

1. Completed Electronic Funding Application including:
- Organization name
- Contact person (first and last name)
- Address (street, city, state, ZIP)
- Email address
- Phone number
- Facsimile number

2. IRS Determination Letter (proof of non-profit status)
- File format: jpg, pdf, docx, doc
- Max file size: 64 MB

3. Vendor Quotes or Estimates
- For all goods or services to be purchased
- File format: jpg, pdf, docx, doc
- Max file size: 64 MB

4. Itemized List of Materials/Program Needs
- Be very specific and detailed
- Include pricing for each item
- Include preferred vendor information
- Examples: playground equipment, toys, books, sports equipment, wheelchairs, school supplies, TV/VCR, etc.

5. Statement Including:
- Beneficiaries (who will benefit)
- Program goals
- Participants (number and demographics)
- Clear explanation of how grant benefits children

Funding Amount

Request range: $100.00 to $10,000.00
Enter "Total Amount of Invoices/Quotes Submitted"

Application Instructions - Critical Points

Be very specific with all requests
Provide itemized list for all materials or program needs
Include pricing and preferred vendor for each item
NO administrative funds will be considered (includes gas cards, salaries, gift cards)
Include discussion of beneficiaries, program goals, and participants
Applications WITHOUT proof of nonprofit status, itemized list of goods/services, AND statement of beneficiaries/goals/participants will be automatically rejected without notice