California grants for Public and State controlled institutions of higher education

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and government entities that serve children and community projects in Long Beach and Avalon, California.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is soliciting proposals to reduce whale mortality from fishing gear entanglement in Southern California. This grant directly aligns with NFWF's mission to sustain, restore, and enhance the nation's fish, wildlife, plants, and habitats for current and future generations by addressing a critical threat to cetacean populations. The program aims to provide compensatory restoration for injuries to cetaceans caused by the Refugio Beach Oil Spill (RBOS), thereby mitigating past environmental damage and fostering healthier marine ecosystems. The primary beneficiaries of this program are cetaceans in Southern California, particularly those susceptible to entanglement in fishing gear. The impact goals are to increase the capacity of the entanglement response network, improve documentation and disentanglement efforts, and broadly support activities that reduce serious injuries or mortalities from entanglements. This initiative contributes to the foundation's strategic priority of healthy oceans and coasts by safeguarding marine mammals. The program prioritizes several key areas to achieve its goals. These include directly enhancing entanglement response in Southern California, and potentially beyond if it benefits local cetaceans, coordinating with federal, state, and local resource agencies to improve the overall West Coast Marine Mammal Entanglement Response Program, and training and developing volunteer response capacity. Furthermore, proposals should outline how activities will contribute to the development of the overall capacity and infrastructure of the program. Expected outcomes include a more robust and efficient entanglement response network, a reduction in the number of entangled cetaceans, improved survival rates of entangled animals through effective disentanglement, and enhanced coordination among relevant agencies. Measurable results would likely involve metrics such as the number of successful disentanglements, the increase in trained responders, and the documented reduction in entanglement-related mortalities. An estimated $250,000 will be available for a Phase 1 project award, anticipated to last 1-2 years, with a priority geographic focus on the coastlines off Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, and Orange Counties.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for California-based research organizations to enhance the resilience of desert ecosystems at a military training site by using advanced modeling techniques to study and manage key species and habitats.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to California public agencies for community-based programs focused on mental health, substance use treatment, and reducing recidivism among individuals involved in the criminal justice system.

This grant provides funding to California-based researchers, universities, government agencies, and nonprofits to develop innovative pest management strategies for addressing invasive agricultural pests.

This funding opportunity supports doctoral students and research teams in California to conduct inclusive precision medicine research that addresses health disparities among historically underrepresented populations.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to tribal governments, nonprofits, and educational institutions for solar energy projects that enhance energy independence and benefit low-to-moderate income communities.

This program provides funding to eligible public transit agencies in designated urban areas to improve security and resilience against terrorism and other threats through various protective measures and enhancements.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and government entities in Long Beach that are focused on addressing learning loss and improving the mental health of youth and young adults affected by the pandemic.

This grant provides funding to community organizations in Livermore Valley for projects that support underserved populations, including youth, veterans, and seniors, while promoting diversity and sustainable improvements in the area.

This grant provides funding for habitat restoration and conservation projects in the Klamath River Basin, targeting local governments, nonprofits, and educational institutions to improve water quality, enhance wildlife habitats, and promote sustainable land management practices.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit and government organizations in California to engage and educate communities about methane emissions using satellite data, promoting climate action and environmental justice.

This grant provides funding for full-time graduate students in the Western U.S. to collaborate with their academic advisors and local producers on projects that promote sustainable agriculture through research and education.

This grant provides funding to California higher education institutions to expand their College Corps programs, enabling college students to engage in community service while earning educational awards.

This funding opportunity is designed for organizations within the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units Program to support natural resource management and conservation efforts at Edwards Air Force Base in California.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for governments, educational institutions, nonprofits, and tribal organizations in California to develop and implement projects focused on native plant conservation and restoration, enhancing ecological resilience and biodiversity.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations training electricians in California to install electric vehicle charging infrastructure, with a focus on increasing access for disadvantaged and rural communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to various government entities, nonprofits, and educational institutions for projects that protect and restore California's aquatic resources and ecosystems, particularly benefiting underserved and indigenous communities.

The Water Wise Garden Grant, a collaborative effort between Hunter Industries and KidsGardening, aims to support public and charter schools in San Diego County. This initiative aligns with the broader mission of promoting water conservation, water stewardship, and responsible water management through the engaging medium of gardening. By fostering an understanding of these critical environmental concepts at an early age, the grant contributes to the development of environmentally conscious citizens and resilient communities. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are public and charter elementary schools within San Diego County that serve at least 15 youth. The program specifically targets organizations that support, work with, or serve communities with a majority of under-resourced individuals, defined as those systematically denied resources and opportunities based on factors like race, gender, ethnicity, income level, abilities, or geographic location, or those currently experiencing hardship. The overarching impact goal is to dramatically expand learning opportunities for program participants and to ensure the intended impact reflects the needs of the community, particularly in areas where resources are limited. Funding priorities for the Water Wise Garden Grant are based on demonstrated need and program impact. KidsGardening prioritizes organizations affected by multiple socioeconomic and sociodemographic factors, as well as those with limited access to consistent and substantial monetary support or prior grant funding. Furthermore, organizations working with greater than 50 youth are given priority, indicating a focus on maximizing reach and educational impact. The grant also emphasizes the importance of using funds to install new or improve existing youth gardens, ensuring tangible and sustainable educational environments. The expected outcomes include enhanced learning opportunities for students regarding water conservation and sustainable gardening practices. Measurable results for 2025 will see five elementary schools in San Diego County each awarded $1,000 in funding, coupled with an irrigation supply kit valued at $500. This combination of financial support and practical resources is designed to facilitate the creation or enhancement of gardens that serve as living classrooms, fostering hands-on learning and practical application of water-wise principles. The theory of change underpinning this grant posits that by investing in youth garden programs within under-resourced communities, children will develop a deeper appreciation for environmental sustainability and become advocates for responsible water management.

This funding opportunity supports local nonprofit organizations in Long Beach, California, to lead a one-day volunteer project that beautifies the exterior of their facilities, enhancing community spaces through visible improvements.