California Environment Grants

The Community Impact Arts Grant (CIAG) program, funded by the LA County Department of Arts and Culture, offers financial support ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 to nonprofit organizations and municipal departments in Los Angeles County, whose primary mission is outside of the arts, to enhance community wellbeing and solve civic problems through high-quality arts and culture programs.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for projects that advance the conservation of California's coastal waters, particularly benefiting local agencies, universities, nonprofits, and Native American tribes.

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.

The Effectiveness Monitoring Committee (EMC) is seeking project proposals that: (1)   Address one or more of the EMC’s Research Themes and Critical Monitoring Questions and; (2)   Address natural resource protection issues that are important for California forestlands. The critical monitoring questions are organized under 12 Research Themes. Four prioritized critical questions were determined by vote amongst the current EMC members at the beginning of each calendar year:  Are the FPRs and associated regulations effective in...  Question 1h: managing WLPZs to reduce or minimize potential fire behavior and rate of spread? Question 6c:  managing fuel loads, vegetation patterns and fuel breaks for fire hazard reduction? Question 6d: managing forest structure and stocking standards to promote wildfire resilience? Question 12a: improving overall forest wildfire resilience and the ability of forests to respond to climate change (e.g., in response to drought or bark beetle; reducing plant water stress) and variability, and extreme weather events (evaluate ecosystem functional response to fuel reduction and forest health treatments)? I.       FUNDING AVAILABILITY. Funding available for newly proposed projects is anticipated as follows: $973,392 over three FYs beginning in 2024/25, comprising: $173,232 in FY 2024/25; $375,160 in FY 2025/26; and $425,000 in FY 2025/26. II.     AWARD LIMITATIONS. Applicants requesting more than the stated annual amount available for funding will not be considered. In the case that EMC funding for the full three years is awarded to one new project, project solicitation may not occur in the subsequent two FYs. While the EMC may choose to fund projects that span multiple FYs up to the annual funding cap, the EMC generally prefers to fund multiple research projects annually. Proposers should keep this in mind when developing their project and annual budget requests. Longer-term projects (greater than three years) may re-apply for funding for additional years through the competitive grants process advertised in the EMC’s Request for Proposals. Annual allocations are dependent upon demonstrated progress towards project completion pursuant to the project schedule and workplan.  a.      ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES. Eligible projects will test one or more specific FPRs or other rule or regulation under the Board’s jurisdiction and which addresses one or more of the EMC’s Research Themes and Critical Monitoring Questions. Proposed projects must clearly apply to management activities on private timberlands in California. Projects on public land may be eligible for EMC funding provided they clearly apply to the activities and systems that also exist on non-federal timberland. b.      ELIGIBLE ORGANIZATIONS. Eligible applicants are local, state, and federal agencies including federal land management agencies; institutions of higher education; special purpose districts (e.g., public utilities districts, fire districts, conservation districts, and ports); Native American tribes; private landowners; for-profit entities; and non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations.

This program provides funding to support the restoration and enhancement of wetland habitats in California, benefiting wildlife areas and nesting bird habitats on both public and private lands.

This grant provides funding for projects in California that utilize tire-derived aggregate for various applications, such as retaining walls, stormwater management, and landfill enhancements, aimed at promoting sustainable waste tire recycling.

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 funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations for repairing, replacing, and installing electric vehicle charging ports in California to improve the reliability and accessibility of the state's EV charging infrastructure.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and tribal governments managing boating facilities in California to enhance their efforts in preventing the spread of invasive mussels and protecting water resources.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in California for projects that assist very low to moderate-income residents of Palm Desert, including seniors, the disabled, domestic violence victims, and the homeless.

The 2025 State Fire Capacity (SFC) Grant Program is a federal funding opportunity administered by the California Fire Safe Council (CFSC) with financial support from the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Department of Agriculture, Pacific Southwest Region. Funding is issued through the Cooperative Fire Program under Federal Assistance Listing number 10.698. A total of $702,474 is available to eligible entities across California for the 2025 cycle. The program is designed to support wildfire risk reduction initiatives at the community level through strategic planning, hazardous fuels reduction, and education efforts. This grant program supports efforts that help California communities become more fire-adapted and resilient in the face of increasing wildfire threats. Funded activities may include hazardous fuels reduction and maintenance projects on non-federal lands, development or updating of Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs), and wildfire prevention education and outreach. Projects that develop community capacity for wildfire resilience, prioritize mitigation planning, and engage the public are also strongly encouraged. Prescribed burning activities that involve environmental impacts or ground disturbance are not eligible, though planning or training components related to prescribed fire may be supported. Eligible applicants include a wide range of organizational types: nonprofit organizations, Homeowner or Property Owner Associations, Native American tribes, Resource Conservation Districts, municipalities (cities, counties, towns), institutions of higher education, school districts, Joint Powers Authorities, special districts, and state agencies. Individuals are not eligible. Entities without legal standing must partner with a fiscal sponsor that meets legal and incorporation standards in California or Nevada and has a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN). All applicants must also register for a Unique Entity ID (UEI) to receive federal assistance. Applications open on July 11, 2025, and must be submitted through ZoomGrants by 11:59 p.m. PDT on August 31, 2025. A complete application includes several key components: an Application Summary, Organization Information, Project Information, Work Plan and Budget Tables, and all Required Document Uploads. Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult the Application Guide and Application Planning Tool, which are available in advance of the open date to assist with project development and submission. ZoomGrants support is available for technical issues, but CFSC staff cannot recover login credentials. Award notifications are expected in late fall 2025. The grant period is fixed at 24 months, beginning December 1, 2025, and ending November 30, 2027, with no extensions allowed. The maximum federal award per applicant is $225,000. A matching requirement of 1.5 times the awarded amount must be met using non-federal funds. For example, an applicant seeking the full award must contribute $337,500 in matching funds, totaling $562,500 in overall project cost. This cost-share is a strict requirement of the program. For questions related to the application process, applicants may contact Christopher Lozano, Senior Grant Specialist at CFSC, via email at clozano@cafiresafecouncil.org. For ZoomGrants technical assistance, the support team is available Monday through Friday at 866-323-5404 or via email at questions@zoomgrants.com. Additional program contacts include Jared Peri, Program Manager at jperi@cafiresafecouncil.org. The CFSC encourages all eligible California organizations to apply and join the effort to reduce wildfire risk and improve community preparedness statewide.

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 Ability Central 2025 Communication Access Grants Program focuses on developing and training healthcare professionals in strategies and tools that improve access to care for people with communication disabilities. This initiative aligns with Ability Central's broader mission to enhance communication and information access for individuals who use methods such as braille, screen readers, American Sign Language (ASL), tactile interpreters, co-navigators, and/or Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). The foundation's strategic priorities are clearly centered on creating inclusive environments and empowering individuals with communication disabilities, reflecting a theory of change that posits improved access to care and career opportunities will lead to greater independence and quality of life. The program targets healthcare professionals and systems, as well as individuals with communication disabilities seeking career and leadership development. For healthcare, the goal is to equip professionals with knowledge, accessible resources, and multi-modal communication partner strategies to improve culturally responsive care. For career development, the beneficiaries are people with communication disabilities seeking supportive and fairly-compensated training opportunities beyond entry-level roles. The ultimate impact goal is to reduce communication barriers in healthcare and the workplace, fostering environments where people with disabilities can thrive. The grants program has two main priorities. The first is developing and training healthcare professionals in strategies and tools for improved communication access. This includes a person-centered approach, prioritizing communication access through accommodations, fostering multidisciplinary collaboration, and incorporating ongoing evaluation to ensure effectiveness. The second priority is career and leadership development projects for people with communication disabilities, emphasizing understanding unique challenges, preparing for career advancement, utilizing innovative support strategies, establishing partnerships, and ensuring accessibility. Expected outcomes for the healthcare focus include healthcare professionals and systems being better equipped to provide culturally responsive care, leading to improved patient experiences and health outcomes for individuals with communication disabilities. Measurable results could involve increased use of communication accommodations, improved patient satisfaction scores, and a reduction in healthcare disparities. For career development, expected outcomes include increased employment rates, career advancement, and leadership roles for people with communication disabilities. Measurable results could include tracking participant employment status, salary increases, and promotion rates after completing training programs. Both categories emphasize replicable projects and the inclusion of people with disabilities in planning and implementation.

This new multi-year grant program intends to create local community connections to California’s rich and diverse cultural history and natural areas outside of California’s state park boundaries. Eligible projects will enhance connections to local cultural history, local parks, open space or natural areas through community events, programming or installations that help to build sustainable community connections, health and well-being. The Local Parks Grants Program will be managed and administered by Parks California. This program supports the “Outdoor Access for All” initiative led by Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, along with the Natural Resources Agency’s “Outdoors for All” initiative, and California State Parks’ Reexamining Our Past Initiative.

The Budget Act of 2022 (Senate Bill 178, Skinner) and Government Code section 12100.140 et seq. established an Export Training program within GO-Biz. The program is one-time funding for competitive grants to service providers to develop or scale export training programs and curricula. Respondents to this Request for Proposal (“RFP”) must demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and ability to provide such training. The key purpose of this program is to fund export training programming that supports California small business owners, provides access to export services for underserved businesses, advances immigrant integration and supports immigrant entrepreneurs, and includes training programs in languages other than English wherever possible. Additionally, this program may consider funding export training programs that are aimed at developing an export-capable workforce should there be sufficient program funding. Organizations are strongly encouraged to collaborate on applications and to utilize each other's resources effectively. Program Objectives:• Equip new-to-export businesses with comprehensive knowledge of global markets and essential international trade knowledge.• Provide ongoing assistance to current exporters, aiding them in sustaining and broadening their presence in foreign markets.• Cultivate a fresh cohort of businesses eligible for the California State Trade Expansion Program, preparing for participation in export promotion activities, including trade shows.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in the greater Three Valleys region that are addressing critical community health needs, focusing on mental health, health equity, and environmental sustainability.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations for community events and projects that benefit the Port of Los Angeles and its surrounding neighborhoods, focusing on maritime activities, environmental preservation, and public engagement.

The George W. Wells Foundation offers grants to bolster quality educational, human services, and healthcare programming for underserved populations. This aligns with the foundation's mission to support initiatives that address critical community needs and improve the well-being of vulnerable groups. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its focus on these key areas, aiming to create a positive and lasting impact on the lives of those it serves. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are underserved populations in Massachusetts, particularly within Southbridge and its surrounding communities. The foundation gives special consideration to local charitable organizations, demonstrating a commitment to regional development and community-centric impact. The overarching impact goal is to enhance access to vital services and opportunities, fostering equitable outcomes in education, health, and human services. The Wells Foundation prioritizes grant requests for general operating support or program support, recognizing the importance of flexible funding to sustain and expand effective initiatives. Small, program-related capital expenses can also be included, allowing for essential infrastructure or resource improvements that strengthen program delivery. This approach reflects a theory of change that effective, well-supported organizations are best positioned to achieve significant and measurable results within their communities. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the foundation's focus on "quality programming" suggests an expectation of positive and tangible improvements in the lives of beneficiaries. Given the 1-year grant duration for the majority of awards, programs are likely expected to demonstrate progress and impact within this timeframe, contributing to the foundation's broader strategic goals of fostering stronger, healthier, and more educated communities.

This program provides funding to landowners and organizations in California to protect and conserve rangeland, grazing land, and grassland through conservation easements, promoting sustainable land use practices.

The County of San Luis Obispo's Continuum of Care Builds Program aims to address and reduce homelessness by creating new Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) units. This initiative is authorized by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, as amended by the HEARTH Act of 2009, and administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The program aligns directly with HUD's overarching mission and strategic plan for FY 2022-2026, which focuses on creating strong, sustainable, and inclusive communities with quality, affordable homes for all. The target beneficiaries of the CoC Builds program are individuals experiencing homelessness, who will be served through new Permanent Supportive Housing projects. The primary impact goal is to reduce the prevalence of homelessness by addressing both immediate shelter needs and the underlying factors contributing to homelessness. This approach is expected to lead to improved outcomes for individuals and communities by providing stable housing and supportive services. The program prioritizes several key areas, reflecting HUD's strategic goals. These include supporting underserved communities and promoting equitable community development, strengthening the "Housing First" approach to reduce and ultimately end homelessness, and ensuring access to and increasing the production of affordable housing. Furthermore, the program emphasizes advancing sustainable communities by strengthening climate resilience, energy efficiency, and environmental justice, particularly for low-income households and communities of color. It also aims to integrate health and housing policies, recognizing housing's essential role in overall well-being. The expected outcomes of the CoC Builds program include an increase in the supply of Permanent Supportive Housing, leading to a measurable reduction in the number of individuals experiencing homelessness in San Luis Obispo County. By aligning with HUD's Strategic Plan, the program seeks to achieve better health outcomes for residents, foster more equitable access to housing opportunities, and build more resilient and sustainable communities. The maximum funding available for new PSH projects is $4,750,000, with up to $1,000,000 designated for supportive services, indicating a comprehensive approach to both housing and the necessary support systems for long-term stability. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are rooted in the belief that providing permanent supportive housing, coupled with comprehensive services, is the most effective way to address chronic homelessness. By fortifying support for underserved communities and implementing the Housing First approach, the program anticipates that individuals will achieve greater stability, improve their health, and integrate more fully into their communities. The program's success will be measured by the creation of new PSH units, the number of individuals successfully housed, and the long-term reduction in homelessness, all contributing to HUD's vision of quality, affordable homes for all and stronger, more inclusive communities.