California Recreation Grants

This program provides funding to improve facilities for transient recreational boaters, helping to enhance public access to waterways and stimulate economic development along the waterfront.

This program provides funding to local schools and non-profits in North County to support projects that improve community welfare in areas such as health, wellness, and youth enrichment.

This program provides funding to public agencies, nonprofits, and tribal entities for projects that promote sustainable recreation, tourism, and equitable access to outdoor spaces in the Sierra-Cascade Region.

This funding opportunity supports projects that enhance the native Kern River rainbow trout population and improve their habitat and water quality in the Upper Kern River Basin.

The After School Education and Safety (ASES) Universal Grant is administered by the California Department of Education (CDE) through its Expanded Learning Division (EXLD) and supports after school programs across the state. The program was established via Proposition 49 in 2002 and is legislated through California Education Code sections 8482 through 8484.65. ASES aims to promote academic enrichment and safe, structured activities for students in kindergarten through ninth grade during non-school hours. The funding supports programs that incorporate literacy and educational enrichment while providing a safe environment conducive to learning and development. Applicants include both new organizations and existing grantees seeking to add sites or increase funding for current programs. The program seeks to foster partnerships between schools and community-based organizations, public agencies, and other stakeholders. It encourages collaboration among parents, youth, educators, law enforcement, and local nonprofits. Programs funded by ASES must offer a minimum of 15 hours of services per week, begin immediately after the school day ends, and remain open until at least 6 p.m. each school day. Required program components include a literacy and academic element and an enrichment element, both aligned with state standards and tailored to after school settings. Services may include tutoring, computer training, arts education, physical fitness, career readiness, and substance abuse prevention, among others. Eligibility is open to local educational agencies (LEAs), city or county governments, and nonprofit organizations in partnership with an LEA. High schools, umbrella organizations, and programs solely requesting before-school or summer funding are ineligible. Currently funded grantees may only apply for increased funding or to add new sites, provided they meet all reporting and compliance requirements. Maximum awards are capped at $152,612.13 for elementary schools and $203,482.84 for middle schools, with potential adjustments for large schools using a formula defined by state statute. Programs must also contribute a local match equal to one-third of the total grant, either in cash or in-kind, excluding facilities as more than 25% of the match. Applications must be submitted electronically via the ASSIST system by February 24, 2026, at 4:00 PM. Required forms include a cover page, narrative for new applicants, co-applicant information (if applicable), authorized signatures, assurances, and site approvals. Applications that fail to meet the formatting or deadline requirements will be disqualified. Notifications of disqualification will be issued in March 2026, followed by the Intent to Award list in April and final awards shortly thereafter. Each school site is evaluated independently based on its percentage of students eligible for Free and Reduced-Priced Meals (FRPM), using data from the CALPADS system. Selected programs will enter a three-year renewable funding period, contingent on continued compliance and available funding. Grantees must submit quarterly expenditure and biannual attendance reports via ASSIST, maintain auditable records for five years, and participate in CDE-led evaluations and audits. Programs are also expected to implement a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) process aligned with CDE guidance. ASES ensures that no less than 85% of funds are allocated to direct services for students, with no more than 15% permitted for administrative costs, including indirect expenses. Technical assistance is available through a network of regional support providers coordinated by EXLD. Additional resources, including detailed application instructions and the Program Plan Guide, can be found on the CDE website. Program contacts include the EXLD team via expandedlearning@cde.ca.gov or phone at 916-319-0923. Appeals of disqualifications must be submitted electronically within 10 calendar days of notification and must include an original signature and justification based on the application review standards.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that create accessible outdoor experiences in California State Parks for historically underserved communities facing transportation and access challenges.

This grant provides funding to individuals and organizations for community-driven projects and events that enhance the cultural and social life of Emeryville.

This funding opportunity supports public agencies and nonprofit organizations in improving and maintaining multipurpose trails around Humboldt Bay, enhancing community engagement and safety for trail users.

This grant provides funding to government entities managing public lakes and reservoirs in California to install and maintain accessible floating restrooms for boaters.

This program provides financial assistance to public agencies, nonprofits, and tribal governments in California to support the sustainable management and enjoyment of off-highway vehicle recreation while preserving natural resources.

This program provides financial support to local nonprofit organizations in Cupertino for projects and events that enhance community well-being, focusing on social services and the arts.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Monterey County that focus on youth education and development initiatives, including early childhood education, literacy, arts, and sports programs.

This funding opportunity supports community-based organizations in Oakland to provide equitable and high-quality youth sports programs in public middle schools, focusing on underserved communities.

This program provides funding to support events that boost tourism and overnight visits in Twentynine Palms, California, particularly during the off-peak season, and is open to nonprofits, independent event producers, and for-profit businesses with event planning experience.

This funding opportunity supports local nonprofit organizations in San Luis Obispo and nearby areas that provide youth enrichment and sports programs focused on active participation, ensuring accessibility for all community members.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit arts and cultural organizations, individual artists, and educational programs in Chico to enhance community arts programming and accessibility.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for nonprofit organizations and community groups in Northern California to undertake capital projects and purchase equipment that enhance community development and well-being.

This funding opportunity supports a variety of arts-related projects and programs in Placer County, California, aimed at enhancing community engagement, cultural development, and social equity through the arts.

This grant provides funding for nonprofit organizations, for-profit entities, and local governments to promote education and outreach initiatives that reduce vessel sewage pollution in California's boating communities.

This funding opportunity supports California Native American tribes in implementing nature-based climate solutions, including land acquisition and habitat restoration, to enhance ecological stewardship and resilience.