Doheny Foundation Grant Program

Doheny Foundation Grant Program

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Carrie Estelle Doheny Foundation
Last Updated: February 26, 2026

Summary

The Doheny Foundation Grant Program supports nonprofit organizations in Greater Los Angeles that align with its mission and four focus areas: Social Welfare, Health and Wellness, Education, and Religion. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) organizations and can only apply once per year. The Foundation emphasizes initiatives that enhance the lives of vulnerable populations and promote economic self-reliance, while avoiding funding for specific exclusions such as political activities or work outside the U.S.

Overview

NOTE: The Board of Directors considers grant requests not only by the Foundation’s Four Areas of Funding, but also by monthly Thematic Areas of Funding. Please see the Monthly Thematic Areas of Funding calendar to identify which month most closely matches the theme of your organization’s work and note the corresponding application deadline. Mission & Mandate Within each area of funding, guided by Catholic values, the Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that improve the lives and futures of people and communities in Greater Los Angeles. Focus Areas Social Welfare Social Welfare Funding includes nonprofits that serve those who are vulnerable in our society. Organizations that meet critical needs such as food and shelter, as well as programs that empower, inspire, and provide for the welfare of young people in underserved communities, are encouraged to apply. This funding is also directed towards camperships, mentoring programs, job training for the formerly incarcerated, transitional age youth, trauma victims, volunteer programs reflecting Catholic values, comprehensive community programming, and restorative justice programming. The Foundation strongly supports initiatives to advance economic self-reliance. Health and Wellness Health and Wellness Funding includes illness, pregnancy and life, counseling, individuals with disabilities, senior assistance, free and low-cost care, elder care and research. This funding is directed to organizations that assist individuals to lead independent, satisfying lives. Research funding is primarily directed to the work of the Doheny Eye Institute and other causes which were of interest to Mrs. Doheny. Funding of hospitals and convalescent care facilities is an attempt to bring quality care to those who are otherwise underserved. Education Education Funding includes support of Los Angeles underserved Catholic elementary schools and scholarship funds for Los Angeles Catholic high schools and Catholic universities in Los Angeles. Adult education, literacy programs, and programs supporting Catholic Education are also funded. Religion Religious Funding is directed to support the evangelization and mission-based work of the Los Angeles Roman Catholic community, as well as local faith-based organizations inspired and guided by similar gospel values. Grants in this area have been awarded to religious orders, seminaries, projects of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, and retreat centers, as well as chaplain and outreach programs.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Only organizations that are currently registered as section 501(c)(3) with the Internal Revenue Service will be considered.Funding is generally limited to Los Angeles and adjacent surrounding areas.In some instances Los Angeles programs of organizations headquartered elsewhere may be funded.Organizations may only apply once a year.Organizations that apply for funding must reflect this Mission & Mandate and fall within one or more of these four areas:Social Welfare Health and Wellness Education Religion

Ineligibility

Grant requests are not considered for publishing of books, television or radio programs or production, travel funds, advertisement, individual scholarship, political purposes in any form, or endowments. The Foundation does not fund organizations or work that is done outside of the United States.