The well-being of Contra Costa County depends on the dedicated staff and leaders of our nonprofits. The Dean & Margaret Lesher Foundation created the CARE Fund to support these organizations, ensuring staff have the strength and resilience to continue serving our community.
The $200,000 annual CARE Fund offers one-time grants of up to $10,000 for activities that sustain and strengthen nonprofit teams, including:
- Wellness and renewal activities
- Team retreats and relationship-building
- Professional training and development
- Leadership coaching and wellness stipends
Who Can Apply?
Nonprofits that:
- Serve Contra Costa County residents, especially in underserved or low-income communities
- Focus on children and families, education, or arts and culture
- Have not previously received a CARE Fund grant
Applications will open October 1, 2026 and close November 2, 2026 at 7:00 AM (PT). Applicants will be notified of CARE grant decisions by early December 2026.
Note: To reach as many nonprofits as possible, prior CARE Fund recipients must wait two years before reapplying. For example, if you received a grant in 2024, you may not reapply until 2027. If you received a CARE Fund grant in 2025, you may not reapply until 2028.
**If your organization has previously applied for a grant from the Lesher Foundation, please log in using your existing credentials. Then, go to the “Apply” section and select the CARE Fund application. Do not create a new organization profile.**
“CARE Fund–supported investments fostered stronger collaboration, a deeper sense of recognition, and renewed energy among staff, equipping the team to better serve our community of young artists and their families with resilience and confidence.”
~Lara Hueter, East Bay Center for the Performing Arts
“The CARE grant allowed RYSE to plan staff team-building days for each department as well as safety training for emergency scenarios. These preparedness and connection-building activities were reminders that our relationships are the source of our power. We know that how we take care of one another is how we stay steady toward liberation even as conditions become more challenging in the years ahead.”
~Lana Tilley, RYSE Center
“This project was a most welcome reset for us all; hands down, our staff’s favorite gathering in years. We survived the pandemic and have been busy redefining our work and recommitting to one another.”
~Rhonda James, STAND! For Families Free of Violence