California Education Grants

The Zoo Labs: FUND, administered in partnership with the Center for Cultural Innovation (CCI), is a funding and investment initiative designed to support Bay Area entrepreneurs who are launching or growing businesses centered around music. With a strong emphasis on culturally-rooted artist teams, the program offers unrestricted funding to music ventures that align with values of cultural preservation, innovation, economic empowerment, and community enrichment. In 2025, the FUND will distribute a total of $230,000 in grants, prioritizing artist teams that face barriers to accessing capital and are committed to contributing to the Bay Area's creative ecosystem. Zoo Labs: FUND provides grants in four tiers: $5,000, $15,000, $25,000, and $50,000, with award size contingent upon the team’s business development stage. Eligibility requires applicant teams of at least two individuals, including one culturally-rooted artist, who all reside full-time in specified Bay Area counties. Teams may include various roles such as content creators, producers, engineers, and advisors, and must be operating a music-centered business, whether as a nonprofit, sole proprietorship, or for-profit organization. Prior grantees may reapply if they meet reporting and mentorship obligations from previous awards. Applicants must complete an online submission through CCI’s Submittable platform between May 19 and July 7, 2025. Required materials include a team pitch video, business matrix, one work sample, and a budget with notes. Applications are assessed based on the strength of the team, artistry and craft, entrepreneurship, and internal and external community impact. An independent panel reflecting diverse backgrounds will review the materials and recommend grantees. The notification of awards is scheduled for September 8, 2025. In addition to receiving financial support, awardees gain access to mentorship opportunities through Zoo Labs: LEARN. These include on-demand courses, virtual networking sessions, and for higher-tier recipients, a strategy session with Zoo Labs Co-Founder Vinitha Watson. All grantees must attend a virtual orientation on October 15, 2025, and participate in at least one one-on-one business mentorship session. Recipients of $25,000 or $50,000 grants are also invited to serve as voluntary mentors to future applicants. The grant supports activities from September 2025 through September 2026. For assistance, applicants can contact CCI via email at grants@cciarts.org or phone at 415.288.0530. Additional technical support is available through Submittable. Information sessions and office hours are scheduled throughout June and early July to assist prospective applicants in preparing strong submissions. All applicants are encouraged to review the guidelines, FAQs, and application preview before seeking support. The Zoo Labs: FUND is made possible with support from Vinitha and David Watson and individual donors. Contributions are welcomed to expand the program’s reach. The FUND continues to invest in artistic legacies that reflect the diversity, resilience, and creativity of Bay Area communities.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and schools in San Diego County to enhance community access to music education and appreciation through various programs and performances, with a focus on benefiting North County residents.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to California-based non-profit organizations to deliver essential reentry services and housing assistance for individuals transitioning back into the community after incarceration.

This grant provides financial support to small and mid-sized arts organizations in San Francisco that are deeply connected to their communities, helping them cover essential operating costs and foster artistic expression.

The Environmental Education and Conservation Fund, established in 2018 by biologist Roger Foote and agronomist Chuck Vaughn, aims to foster appreciation, conservation, and responsible use of the natural environment within Mendocino County. This initiative aligns directly with the Community Foundation of Mendocino County's mission to support organizations, including educational institutions, that offer conservation and/or education programs. The overarching goal is to raise awareness about the natural world through educational endeavors and to directly address significant conservation challenges. The fund targets a broad range of beneficiaries, including educational institutions and other organizations that provide conservation and education programs. The impact goals are centered around increasing ecological understanding, promoting natural resource management, highlighting the scientific method in conservation, addressing climate change and human roles in it, and encouraging land stewardship. Ultimately, the fund seeks to improve public access to natural lands, ensuring people from all backgrounds can experience and enjoy them. The fund's priorities and focuses are clearly delineated, encompassing both educational and conservation projects. Educational initiatives may include outdoor schools, science camps, college-level natural resource management programs, and natural history displays. Conservation projects, on the other hand, can involve wildlife surveys, habitat studies, restoration efforts, improving public access to conservation lands, land stewardship internships, tree planting, and invasive plant removal. The fund emphasizes a holistic approach to environmental well-being. Expected outcomes include a more informed public regarding ecological understanding and climate change, improved natural resource management practices, and tangible progress in habitat and watershed restoration. Measurable results could manifest in increased participation in environmental education programs, the successful completion of conservation projects such as a certain acreage of restored habitat, and an expansion of public access points to natural areas. The Foundation's strategic priorities are rooted in the belief that investing in both education and direct conservation efforts will lead to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious community, embodying a theory of change where knowledge and action drive positive ecological impact.

Funding and Duration: The CA Dept. of Food and Agriculture anticipates that up to $180,000 will be awarded to projects to support agricultural education and training. Grant amounts range from $2,500-153,000. The maximum grant duration is one (1) year, six (6) months and grant funds cannot be expended before January 1, 2025, or after June 30, 2026. CDFA reserves the right to offer an award amount less than the amount requested. * NOTE: Non-profit programs administered or managed by a university, such as the 4-H Youth Development Program are exempt from this limitation. Two funding opportunities available: Tier 1 – California Adopted Agricultural Education Programs Up to 85 percent ($153,000) of total available grant award funding is reserved for the California FFA Association; the non-profit organization that represents state-adopted Agricultural Education Programs (Education Code Sections 52450-52454). These programs have proven to be effective on a statewide basis in meeting the priorities and intent of the CalAgPlate program. Tier 1 grant awards range from $10,000 to $153,000 per project. Tier 2 – Local/Community/State Agricultural Education Programs Up to 15 percent ($27,000) of available funding will be awarded to eligible Local/Community/State Agricultural Education Programs. This Tier is open to non-profit organizations, as well as state, local, and Indian tribal government agencies within California which promote and administer agricultural education and leadership programs targeting K-12, post-secondary, and adult education. Individual schools and school districts are encouraged to partner with eligible non-profit organizations. Institutes of higher learning are ineligible to directly apply*, however, they can partner with eligible organizations on a proposed CalAgPlate project. Tier 2 grant awards range from $2,500 to $10,000 per project. Funding Category I: Agricultural Education In this funding category, CDFA will consider projects that enhance and benefit agricultural education opportunities for students and educators. Examples:• Agricultural curriculum development and implementation• School/community garden enrichment programs• Interactive agriculture learning experiences, outdoor agricultural education programs (e.g., farms/ranches)• Agriculture demonstrations/activities (e.g., exhibits). Funding Category II: Agricultural Career Awareness, Development and Training In this funding category, CDFA will consider projects that advance, promote and support agricultural career development and training for high school and college students. Examples:• Interactive training experiences and mentorship programs• Practical career preparation and career advancement opportunities• Outreach programs and career expos• Informational workshops for next-generation/beginning farmers. Funding Category III: Agricultural Leadership Development In this funding category, CDFA will consider projects that provide leadership experiences and skills for participants that encourage agricultural leadership development. Examples:• Agricultural leadership conferences• Agricultural leadership training programs• Education tours focusing on agricultural policy issues/areas.

This fellowship provides early-career journalists in California with a paid opportunity to strengthen local reporting, particularly in underserved communities, over a two-year period.

The 2024-2025 Ag Conservation Research Grants program, offered by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, aims to fund agricultural conservation research. This initiative aligns with the broader mission of promoting sustainable agricultural practices and protecting natural resources within the state. The funding, made available through the Clean Streams Fund Nutrient Management federal ARPA funds, underscores a strategic priority to improve water quality and address nutrient management challenges. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are researchers and institutions capable of conducting agricultural conservation research within Pennsylvania. The program's impact goals are to generate actionable data and recommendations that can inform and improve agricultural conservation efforts. This includes identifying sources of pollution, quantifying the effectiveness of various practices, and developing new methods for environmental protection. The program prioritizes several research topic areas, including identifying nuisance emissions in the mushroom industry and their mitigation, quantifying emissions from the mushroom industry, and measuring the impact of best practices. It also focuses on quantifying the impact of Manure Treatment Technologies (MTT) on water quality and providing recommendations for their improved utilization. Furthermore, the program seeks to quantify the impact of precision feeding on nutrient reductions and the climate benefits of best management practices installed through the Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program and Conservation Excellence Grant programs (ACAP & CEG). Expected outcomes include the development of new and improved conservation practices, a better understanding of the environmental impacts of agricultural operations, and evidence-based recommendations for policy and practice. Measurable results will stem from the quantification of emissions, nutrient reductions, and climate impacts, as well as the evaluation of technologies and practices. The department intends to make up to $1,500,000 available for grants under the program, with research to be conducted from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2026, with the possibility of extension.

This grant provides funding for projects that improve air quality and public health in East Oakland, particularly benefiting disadvantaged communities affected by pollution from a former foundry.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Gilroy that are dedicated to improving the community through various initiatives in sectors such as arts, education, health, and environment.

The Kiwanis Club of Los Altos Foundation annually offers grants to organizations operating within the greater Los Altos area. Focused on supporting initiatives that align with their mission of “Serving the Children of the World,” the foundation grants financial aid to projects and programs benefiting the community, particularly youth and seniors. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, with past recipients including diverse beneficiaries such as Tech Trek, Mentor Tutor Connection, and the Living Classroom. Application acceptance period is from October 1 to January 31 each year.

The CalMoneySmart program aims to enhance financial empowerment among unbanked and underbanked Californians by funding nonprofit organizations. Through financial education and empowerment services, it seeks to reduce disparities, improve financial literacy, and foster wealth-building opportunities. The program awards grantees up to $200K per year for two consecutive fiscal years to promote financial stability and security statewide. ; Grant funds may only be used for the following financial education and empowerment services for the targeted at-risk unbanked and underbanked populations: 1) Designing, developing, or offering, free of charge to consumers, classroom or web-based financial education and empowerment content intended to help unbanked and underbanked consumers achieve, identify, and access lower cost financial products and services, establish or improve their credit, increase their savings, or lower their debt. 2) Providing individualized, free financial coaching to unbanked and underbanked consumers. 3) Designing, developing, or offering, free of charge to consumers, a financial product or service intended to help unbanked and underbanked consumers identify and access responsible financial products and financial services, establish or improve their credit, increase their savings, or lower their debt. Every project funded with a grant from the Financial Empowerment Fund shall meet the following criteria: 1) Promote and enhance the economic security of consumers. 2) Adhere to the five principles of effective financial education described in the June 2017 report issued by the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau titled “Effective financial education: Five principles and how to use them.” Grant awards will be announced for a two-year period covering two consecutive fiscal years. Funds for each fiscal year are disbursed separately and any unexpended funds must be returned to the DFPI. Disbursement of funding for the second fiscal year is contingent on submission of a satisfactory annual report. A mandatory in-person training for grantees will be held during the grant cycle. Final details will be included in the grant agreement.   Grantees may use no more than 15 percent of the grant to cover administrative (indirect) costs. Failure to comply shall render the Applicant ineligible for a grant during the subsequent fiscal year and until the noncompliance is corrected.  A grantee may subcontract services that it has agreed to provide under the grant agreement, so long as those services are conducted on behalf of the grantee. Subcontract arrangements must be clearly described in the scope of work and budget. Accepting grant funds with the intent of distributing those funds to other nonprofit organizations (for example, sub-grants or fiscal sponsorship) is not allowed. Grant funding may not be used for financial incentives for individuals. Prohibited incentives include, but are not limited to, match funding for savings accounts, participant stipends, or gift cards with a cash value. Grantees are required to submit preliminary and final annual reports, in a form and by a date specified by the Commissioner of Financial Protection and Innovation, documenting: 1) The specific uses to which grant funds were allocated, 2) The number of individuals aided through use of the funds, 3) Quantitative results regarding the impact of grant funding, and 4) Any other information requested by the Commissioner. Failure to submit satisfactory reports shall render the Applicant ineligible for any DFPI grant during the subsequent fiscal year and until the required report is submitted. 

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local planning councils and resource agencies in California to collaborate with educational organizations in expanding access to preKindergarten programs for young children.

The Korean American Community Foundation of San Francisco (KACF-SF) is accepting requests for proposals from community-based organizations serving Northern California. KACF-SF is dedicated to fostering a thriving Bay Area Korean American community through philanthropic efforts. The grant program directly aligns with this mission by supporting organizations that increase the cultural competency and language accessibility of vital programs for the Korean American community, thus strengthening the community's overall well-being. The grant program targets community-based organizations that are on the frontlines of service delivery to Korean Americans in Northern California. The primary impact goal is to enhance access to critical social services and support regional projects that align with KACF-SF's grantmaking objectives. This is achieved by ensuring that language barriers and cultural nuances do not prevent Korean Americans from receiving the support they need. KACF-SF focuses its investments on five key issue areas: Physical & Mental Health, Senior Care & Empowerment, Domestic & Family Safety, Civic Engagement, and Youth Empowerment. Within these areas, the Foundation is particularly interested in programs that deliver critical services to Korean Americans in need, provide greater access to social services through language assistance, and support regional projects that are consistent with the Foundation's grantmaking goals. This strategic focus ensures that funding addresses the most pressing needs within the community. The expected outcomes include increased access to culturally competent and language-accessible programs for the Korean American community in Northern California. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the "Grants up to $50,000" and "Grant Period Up to 3 years," the theory of change is implicit: by funding organizations that address cultural and linguistic barriers, KACF-SF believes it will empower the Korean American community, improve their quality of life, and strengthen the community's infrastructure.

The Community Foundation for Monterey County is offering a grant of $100,000 to $500,000 to support programs and services that increase access to shelter and safety for homeless women on the Monterey Peninsula, with a focus on innovative strategies, emergency assistance, and expansion of emergency/temporary shelter, permanent housing options, and case management services.

The Marino Family Charitable Foundation Inc. aims to enhance lives by supporting non-profit organizations that demonstrate the ability to make a positive difference, and further advance, educate, or enrich their communities through charitable works and core values. This mission aligns directly with the grant program's objective to offer support to such organizations, thereby fostering community well-being and individual empowerment. The foundation's strategic priority is to identify and fund initiatives that resonate with its core values, focusing on impactful community-driven change. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are individuals served by non-profit organizations focused on Health and Human services. A specific impact goal is to assist with the needs and education of individuals with Down syndrome, which is a key grantmaking priority. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the expected outcome is a positive difference in and advancement, education, or enrichment of the communities served. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by strategically supporting non-profits with demonstrated charitable works and core values, they can achieve broad positive community impact, with a particular focus on vulnerable populations. The grantmaking priorities clearly indicate a preference for organizations assisting individuals with Down syndrome. Geographically, grants are concentrated in Boca Raton, Florida; Los Angeles, California; and San Francisco, California. This geographic focus allows the foundation to concentrate its resources and potentially deepen its impact in specific communities. The foundation's strategic priorities are evidenced by these geographic and programmatic limitations, ensuring that its resources are deployed where they can have the most significant and targeted effect. To be eligible, organizations must qualify as exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applications must be submitted through an online grant application form or an alternative accessible application for assistive technology users, ensuring broad access for potential grantees. The foundation typically does not fund requests for building repairs and improvements or capital projects, which further refines its strategic focus towards programmatic support rather than infrastructure development. This allows the foundation to maximize its impact on direct services and educational initiatives, aligning with its overall mission to enhance individual lives and advance communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to four selected universities and colleges to enhance cybersecurity education and workforce development initiatives, aiming to strengthen the nation's cybersecurity workforce.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to public and nonprofit organizations in Glendale for projects that improve community facilities serving low- and moderate-income individuals, special needs populations, and seniors.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to county governments in Kern and Los Angeles Counties for training programs that prepare workers to safely cap abandoned oil wells, ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations.

The purpose of this Request for Applications (RFA) is to solicit applications from eligible Tribal Groups or Incorporated American Indian Associations for grants to operate American Indian Education Centers (AIEC) authorized by sections 33370 and 33380–33385 of the California Education Code (EC). It is anticipated that the Budget Act will allocate approximately $5.1 million for the fiscal year (FY) 2024-25. The California Department of Education (CDE) anticipates that similar amounts will be allocated for each year during this five-year cycle. This award is made contingent upon the availability of funds. If the Legislature takes action to reduce or defer the funding upon which this award is based, then this award will be amended accordingly. The AIEC grant funds may be used for any of the purposes specified in the authorizing legislation and the program regulations (California Code of Regulations, Title 5 [5 CCR], Section 11996) to promote the academic and cultural achievement of the students. The AIEC grant funds may be used, on the basis of established priority needs, to accomplish the following: • Improve the academic achievement of American Indian pupils in kindergarten and grades one to twelve, inclusive.• Improve the self-concept and sense of identity of American Indian pupils and adults.• Serve as a center for related community activities.• Provide individual and group counseling to pupils and adults related to personal adjustment, academic progress, and vocational planning.• Create and offer coordinated programs with the public schools.• Provide a focus for summer cultural, recreational, and academic experiences.• Create and offer adult classes and activities that benefit parents or guardians of pupils in its programs.• Provide training programs to develop pathways to college and the workplace for American Indian pupils.• Provide American Indian educational resource materials to pupils, their parents, and the schools they attend in order to ensure appropriate tribal histories and cultures is made available.