California grants for Nonprofits

This funding opportunity supports conservation projects that provide employment and training for young adults and veterans, helping them gain experience in environmental stewardship and resource management on public lands.

The Effectiveness Monitoring Committee (EMC), serving as an advisory body to the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, aims to fund scientific research that tests the effectiveness of the California Forest Practice Rules and associated regulations. This includes addressing natural resource issues such as watershed science, wildlife concerns, and wildfire hazard. Proposals are sought that focus on one or more of EMC's Research Themes and Critical Monitoring Questions, particularly those that contribute to understanding and enhancing wildfire resilience and response to climate change across California's forestlands. Projects must directly relate to management activities on private timberlands in the state, although those on public lands may qualify if they demonstrate relevance to non-federal timberland activities.

The Possibility Grant Program, overseen by the Walter and Elise Haas Fund, is a unique initiative with a core mission to foster a more just and equitable society. This program distinguishes itself by empowering Bay Area Youth (BAY) Community Fellows, who serve as youth advisors, to design and decide the grants. This approach aligns directly with the Fund's strategic priority of uplifting youth and incorporating intergenerational perspectives into its grantmaking. The grants are specifically designed as general operating support, ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, with flexible terms of either one or two years, providing essential financial stability to recipient organizations. The target beneficiaries for the Possibility Grants are primarily small organizations located in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo, or Santa Clara County in California. These organizations must be 501(c)3 entities or fiscally sponsored by one. The impact goals are centered on challenging systems of oppression through various avenues, including cultural education, Black liberation values, community-based care, healing, and art. The program seeks to support organizations that respond to the current domestic and global political climate, demonstrating an active commitment to social change and equity. The Fund prioritizes organizations that are actively working to challenge and dismantle systems of oppression. This includes fostering intergenerational connections to uplift youth, centering collaboration in their work, and seeking a strong intersectional impact. The focus is on entities that embody Black liberation values and utilize cultural education, community-based care, healing, or art as tools for social transformation. These priorities reflect the foundation's theory of change, which posits that by supporting grassroots organizations with these specific focuses, they can contribute to systemic change and the creation of a more equitable society. Expected outcomes include the strengthening of small organizations that are vital to their communities and are at the forefront of social justice efforts. The program aims to enable these organizations to sustain and expand their work in challenging oppression and fostering intergenerational connections. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the general operating support, the emphasis on organizations actively working to dismantle systems of oppression and seeking intersectional impact suggests a qualitative assessment of their contributions to social equity and the empowerment of marginalized communities. The long-term impact envisioned is a Bay Area where youth are uplifted, collaboration is fostered, and systemic injustices are actively addressed.

This solicitation presents an opportunity to shift towards on-site clean, dispatchable generation technologies, addressing the evolving generation mix and ensuring an ample supply of resources to meet the demands of critical facilities during the net peak period while maintaining system reliability. These technologies are well-suited to ensure a reliable and resilient energy supply for critical infrastructure on-site, including communications, healthcare, government offices, and many more, to provide on-demand load and peak matching. As such, this solicitation will focus on advancing emerging clean, dispatchable generation technologies, such as fuel cells or linear generators, using 100 percent renewable fuels, especially for critical sectors like industrial and commercial that have operational needs during peak hours. The projects from this solicitation will be deployed in these critical sectors and will reduce their demand on the grid, thereby decreasing the reliance from fossil-gas power plants during times of high electricity demand. Expected outcomes include on-site pilot-scale deployment of cost-effective and highly efficient clean, dispatchable generation technologies that will support energy demand of critical facilities and reduce the strain from the state’s electric grid while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and criteria pollutants by curbing fossil-based generation. Ultimately, these projects will contribute to supporting the state's decarbonization goals, enhancing the reliability and strengthening the resilience of the state’s electric grid by increasing the availability of on-site clean, dispatchable generation technologies.

The Yolo Voter Education Grant, funded by the Walter & Evelyn Haas Fund and Yolo County and administered by the Yolo Community Foundation, aims to increase local understanding of how to vote among voters from low-turnout precincts and demographic groups with a history of lower turnout. This initiative, piloted in advance of the 2024 primary elections, is being re-launched for the 2024 general elections. The program aligns with the foundation's mission by fostering civic engagement and addressing disparities in voter participation, thereby strengthening democratic processes within Yolo County. The grant targets voters in geographic priority areas characterized by lower voter turnout in recent elections, as well as specific demographic priority communities. These demographic groups include Latinx, Asian Pacific Islander, and young voters. The primary impact goal is to empower these communities through enhanced voter education, leading to increased and more informed participation in elections. By focusing on these specific groups, the program seeks to address historical inequities in civic engagement and build a more representative electorate. Key priorities and focuses for this grant include delivering effective voter education messaging and reaching a broad spectrum of the identified priority communities. The total grantmaking pool is $75,000, with individual grant requests ranging up to $10,000, or up to $15,000 for organizations conducting outreach in multiple cities/regions within Yolo County. Eligibility requires applicants to be 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations (or fiscally sponsored by one) with demonstrated expertise in working with the target geographic and/or demographic communities, and extensive experience in Yolo County. It is crucial to note that voter registration activities are explicitly excluded from funding under this grant. Expected outcomes and measurable results revolve around the anticipated effectiveness and reach of the voter education messaging. Proposals will be evaluated on these factors, as well as the applicant’s demonstrated capacity to deliver the messaging effectively. While specific quantitative metrics for increased voter understanding or turnout are not explicitly detailed in the description, the program's success will implicitly be measured by the breadth and depth of outreach to priority communities and the quality of the educational programs implemented between early August and early November 2024. The foundation's strategic priority is to develop a portfolio of grantees that collectively reach all priority communities, reflecting a theory of change that effective, targeted voter education will directly lead to more informed and engaged citizens.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for young residents and organizations in the Tri-City area to undertake educational and aesthetic environmental projects.

The Endow El Dorado 2024 SAPLING Grant, offered by the El Dorado Community Foundation, aims to support the growth of nascent nonprofit organizations serving the residents and communities of El Dorado County. This grant is specifically designed for "sapling" nonprofits, defined as those with less than $175,000 in gross annual revenue. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to strengthen the local community by fostering the development of smaller, yet impactful, organizations. The grant's focus on capacity building or project/program ideas indicates a strategic commitment to empowering these nonprofits to enhance their operational effectiveness and deliver more substantial services. The target beneficiaries of this grant are nonprofit organizations that specifically serve El Dorado County communities and meet the revenue criteria. The grant seeks to impact these organizations by providing them with crucial financial support, ranging from $2,500 to $5,000, to be utilized during the 2024-2025 year. The primary impact goal is to enable these sapling nonprofits to either bolster their internal capabilities (capacity building) or implement specific projects and programs that directly benefit the community. This direct investment in smaller local organizations suggests a theory of change rooted in the belief that empowering grassroots efforts leads to a more resilient and vibrant community ecosystem. The priorities and focuses of the SAPLING grant are clearly defined: serving El Dorado County communities, supporting organizations with less than $175,000 in gross revenue, and ensuring grantees are in good standing with relevant regulatory bodies (IRS, CA SOS, CA DOJ, and FTB). These requirements emphasize accountability and local impact, ensuring that the grants are directed towards credible organizations committed to the well-being of El Dorado County. The flexibility to use funds for either capacity building or program implementation allows nonprofits to address their most pressing needs, whether it's strengthening their infrastructure or launching new initiatives. Expected outcomes and measurable results, while not explicitly detailed in quantifiable metrics, can be inferred from the grant's design. For capacity building, success would involve improved organizational efficiency, enhanced fundraising capabilities, or stronger governance. For project/program ideas, outcomes would relate to the specific objectives of those initiatives, such as increased service delivery, improved community well-being in a particular area, or heightened awareness of a social issue. The foundation's strategic priorities appear to center on fostering the growth of local nonprofits, recognizing their essential role in addressing community needs, and providing targeted support to those at an earlier stage of development. By investing in these sapling organizations, the El Dorado Community Foundation aims to cultivate a robust and diverse nonprofit sector that can effectively serve the evolving needs of El Dorado County residents.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and public agencies in San Diego County for projects that enhance green spaces and promote climate resilience in communities facing environmental challenges.

he Primary Care Residency Training Programs Grant for FY 2024-25, administered by the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI), aims to support the training of primary care physicians. The grant focuses on programs that train primary care residents to work in underserved communities, emphasizing training sites in multicultural, underserved, or rural areas. It seeks to recruit and retain residents likely to serve in areas of unmet need and provides counseling and placement to encourage graduates to practice in these areas. Approximately $31 million is available for various award categories, including existing PCR slots, existing THC slots, expansion slots, and new PCR programs. The grant awards range from $125,000 per filled slot for existing programs to $1,000,000 for new programs, with up to $2,000,000 for new programs with matching funds. Applications are due by September 10, 2024, with awards announced in January 2025.

This funding program supports nonprofit organizations that provide essential services and improve the quality of life for residents of Palm Desert, particularly focusing on underserved populations.

Marin Charitable provides grants to nonprofit organizations focusing on youth-oriented programs or projects. These initiatives are designed to proactively address the needs of middle and high school-aged youth, approximately 11-18 years old, who have limited opportunities and reside in Marin County, California. The foundation's mission is to offer critical support, education, and enrichment to this specific demographic. The target beneficiaries are middle and high school-aged youth in Marin County who face limited opportunities. Marin Charitable aims to make a direct impact by ensuring that grant funds reach children with limited resources. The foundation prioritizes programs that align with its mission of supporting youth development and well-being within the specified age group and geographic area. Marin Charitable primarily focuses on funding small-budgeted, grassroots programs. This strategic priority reflects a theory of change that emphasizes direct, community-level impact. The foundation believes that by supporting smaller, localized initiatives, they can more effectively reach and serve the youth most in need. Applicants are evaluated based on the relevance of their program to Marin Charitable’s mission, their capability to facilitate the program, and their ability to ensure direct impact by reaching children with limited resources. While the grant size is generally between $1,000 to $10,000, Marin Charitable currently provides grants of up to, but not exceeding, $7,500. The expected outcome is to provide vital support, education, and enrichment that improves the lives and opportunities for underserved youth in Marin County.

The 2024 Farm-to-School Competitive Grants Program, offered by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, aims to increase the promotion and use of New York State produced foods in K-12 school cafeterias. This initiative seeks to build relationships between New York farmers, food hubs, producers, processors, and distributors with schools, ultimately benefiting school-age children by enhancing the quality of food served and fostering local agricultural connections. The program aligns with a broader mission of improving nutrition, exposing students to new, local culinary experiences, and increasing agricultural education opportunities. Target beneficiaries for this program include K-12 School Food Authorities, charter schools, not-for-profit organizations, and Indian tribal organizations within New York State. The impact goals are centered on increasing the volume and variety of New York State farm products purchased by schools and served in school meal programs. Secondary goals include fostering agricultural education and improving student nutrition through exposure to local foods. The program prioritizes projects that increase the purchase of New York specialty crops, build relationships between schools and New York farm product suppliers, and encourage agricultural and nutrition education, gardening activities, and relationship building with local agricultural food businesses and farmers. Projects that partner with producers or food processors are strongly encouraged, highlighting a focus on strengthening the entire farm-to-school supply chain. Challenges addressed by the program include seasonality, inconsistent quality/quantity, processing/packaging needs, complex bidding processes, distribution logistics, lack of equipment/skills for fresh produce, connecting diverse populations with culturally appropriate foods, and insufficient training for culinary staff. Expected outcomes and measurable results revolve around the increased procurement and serving of New York State farm products in school meal programs. The program, which has been in place since 2015, anticipates that successful projects will demonstrate a greater integration of local foods into school meals. While specific metrics are not detailed, the objective to "increase the volume and variety" implies a quantitative measure of growth in local food purchasing. The total funding available is $1,500,000, with individual grant awards ranging from $50,000 to $100,000, and $300,000 set aside for first-time recipients, indicating a strategic effort to expand participation and impact over the two-year project duration (September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2026).

The purpose of the Program is to fund CASA Programs in California to provide more children in foster care with a CASA volunteer who will advocate for the services and support needed by children who have experienced abuse and neglect.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in California's Coastal Region to enhance disaster preparedness and resilience among underserved communities facing heightened risks from natural and man-made disasters.

The Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD) is offering grants to support San Francisco’s residents, businesses, visitors, and workers by providing critical economic and workforce development resources. This Request for Proposals (RFP) encompasses four distinct program areas, with an anticipated total funding of $2.38 million for initial grant awards. The grants are designed to support programs delivered through three key OEWD divisions: Business Development, Community Economic Development (formerly Invest In Neighborhoods), and Workforce Development. The target beneficiaries of these programs include various communities within San Francisco. For Community Economic Development, the focus is on Castro cultural activation, specifically uplifting Queer and Transgender Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Workforce Development programs target workers through the Industries of Opportunity-Worker Cooperative Program and youth and young adults through the Industries of Opportunity-Youth and Young Adult Food Sovereignty program. Business Development programs aim to benefit the broader community through Union Square Park Programming. The grant prioritizes specific areas with defined funding allocations. Community Economic Development programs, focusing on Castro cultural activation, have a funding of $30,000. Workforce Development programs include $950,000 for the Worker Cooperative Program ($425,000 per program year) and $400,000 for the Youth and Young Adult Food Sovereignty program ($200,000 per program year). Business Development programs, specifically for Union Square Park Programming, are allocated $1,000,000. Successful proposals are expected to be funded for up to six years, concluding no later than June 2030, which indicates a long-term commitment to the initiatives. The eligibility criteria require applicants to be a nonprofit 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), or 501(c)(6) organization, registered with the IRS and in good standing with relevant California state entities, and eligible to do business with the City and County of San Francisco. Expected outcomes include economic growth, workforce development, and community empowerment within the targeted areas of San Francisco, aligning with OEWD’s mission to support the city's residents and economy.

The City of Palo Alto is currently inviting applications for its Emerging Needs Fund (ENF), designed to support nonprofit organizations aiding Palo Alto residents through unexpected or urgent funding requirements. This initiative focuses on alleviating emergency, critical, or emerging human service needs. Priority is given based on the severity of the need, with a portion of funds reserved specifically for emergency situations. Eligible needs range from unforeseen events disrupting essential services to the development or expansion of programs enhancing the quality of life for vulnerable populations. Funding decisions are made based on the immediate need, and organizations may not receive funds more than once within a two-year timeframe. Application deadlines vary with the type of need addressed.

This funding opportunity is designed to support organizations in Napa County that focus on wildlife conservation, education, and habitat improvement projects, particularly those benefiting school-aged children.

The Community Sports Grant, funded by the City of Thousand Oaks in California, offers $2,000 to $7,500 to non-profit community and school groups for upgrading sports facilities or purchasing equipment, requiring 100% matching funds and excluding uniforms, with applications due by October 3, 2024.

This grant provides funding for public and private entities to develop charging and hydrogen refueling infrastructure specifically for medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles in California.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for California-based organizations to create a marketing campaign that promotes the value of California-made products, particularly focusing on engaging underserved communities and diverse manufacturers.