California Recreation Grants

The City of Santa Barbara's Cultural Arts Grants program is an annual initiative demonstrating the city's commitment to fostering a vibrant and sustainable local cultural sector and ensuring arts access for all residents. With an investment of nearly $250,000, the program aims to strengthen the community through various artistic endeavors. This aligns with a broader mission to enhance local economic and community vitality by supporting diverse nonprofits and catalyzing engaging events and festivals. The grant program targets Santa Barbara-based organizations, specifically focusing on underserved communities and youth to provide equitable arts access. The overall impact goal is to uplift these communities, support the capacity and performance of nonprofit arts organizations, and promote the city's cultural vitality. By embracing multicultural and neighborhood arts, the program seeks to create a more inclusive and culturally rich environment for everyone. The program is structured around three distinct grant programs, each with specific priorities and focuses. Community Arts (CA) Grants prioritize projects that create arts opportunities for underserved communities and youth, with a maximum funding request of up to $6,000. Organizational Development (OD) Grants are designed to support nonprofit arts organizations in enhancing their capacity, audience reach, and earned income, with a maximum funding request of up to $15,000. Finally, Community Events & Festivals (EF) Grants focus on incubating events that contribute to the city's cultural promotion and vitality, also with a maximum funding request of up to $15,000. The expected outcomes of these grants include increased arts access for all community members, strengthened capacity and performance of local arts organizations, and the successful execution of events and festivals that boost local economic and community vitality. Measurable results would likely involve the number of participants reached through Community Arts projects, the growth in audience numbers or earned income for organizations receiving Organizational Development grants, and the attendance and economic impact generated by Community Events & Festivals. The city's strategic priority is clearly to invest in and sustain a thriving arts ecosystem that serves all its residents and contributes to the overall well-being and economic health of Santa Barbara. The theory of change suggests that by providing targeted financial support, the city can foster a dynamic cultural landscape that enriches lives, strengthens community bonds, and stimulates local economic activity.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response (CDFW‐OSPR) is seeking grant applications to help fund projects that enhance, restore, or acquire habitat for wildlife, with available funding totaling $5,000,000. These grant funds come from CDFW-OSPR’s Environmental Enhancement Fund (EEF), which acquires funds from spill violations in accordance with California’s Lempert-Keene-Seastrand Oil Spill Prevention and Response Act. The EEF selection committee includes representatives from the California Coastal Conservancy, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and CDFW‐OSPR. The selection committee is seeking projects with a minimum requested grant award of $500,000. Projects must be completed by April 1, 2031. Multiple projects may be submitted for funding. Disbursement of money from the grant is contingent on the availability of funds in the EEF. To qualify, an environmental enhancement project must 1. Be located within or immediately adjacent to waters of the state, 2. Have measurable outcomes within a pre-determined timeframe 3. Be designed to acquire, restore, or improve habitat or restore ecosystem function, or both, to benefit fish and wildlife. Eligible Applicants include nonprofit organizations, cities, counties, cities and counties, districts, state agencies, and departments; and, to the extent permitted by federal law, to federal agencies. All eligible groups and projects are encouraged to apply. For more information, please go to www.wildlife.ca.gov/OSPR/Science/Environmental-Enhancement-Fund/About

The Bridge Association of REALTORS® Community Foundation Grant is designed to financially support essential community programs that address housing, opportunities for youth, and champion diversity within the community. The foundation's mission is aligned with supporting programs in Youth Arts and Education, Senior Services Community Activities, and Workforce Housing and Homelessness within specific cities in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. The grant prioritizes specific project-based funding over general operational funds, ensuring that contributions directly impact targeted initiatives. The grant targets several key beneficiary groups. For Youth Arts & Education, the foundation seeks to equalize opportunities for children from all social and economic backgrounds through programs offering arts and cultural classes, public and private education (including Special Education), and food & nutrition programs addressing hunger. For Workforce Housing & the Homeless, the focus is on organizations directly benefiting the homeless population and advocacy groups working towards long-term solutions for the housing crisis, including affordable housing and hunger/nutrition issues. Finally, Senior Services & Community Activities aims to support organizations providing services to seniors for socialization, healthcare advice, transportation, nutritional issues, and housing support. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change center on providing targeted support to create tangible improvements in the community. They believe that by funding specific projects that address critical needs in youth development, senior well-being, and housing stability, they can achieve measurable positive outcomes. This approach ensures that grants contribute to concrete solutions rather than diffuse efforts. Expected outcomes include enhanced opportunities for disadvantaged youth, improved living conditions and support for the homeless population, and increased access to vital services for seniors. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the grant's categories, the emphasis on project-specific funding implies a focus on demonstrable impact within those project parameters. The maximum grant size awarded is $3,500.00, and eligible organizations must have an annual budget under $1,000,000 and provide services in Albany, Berkeley, Emeryville, Kensington, Oakland, and Piedmont.

The California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) has launched the Youth Community Access Program, a competitive grant initiative designed to expand outdoor access and foster a healthier California. This program is rooted in supporting youth access to natural or cultural resources, with a specific focus on low-income and disadvantaged communities. While the provided information does not explicitly detail the "foundation's mission alignment" or "strategic priorities and theory of change" in terms of a separate foundation, the CNRA's overarching mission to protect and restore California's natural resources and promote equitable access aligns directly with the program's goals. The program's aim to address and repair the multi-generational community impacts of the War on Drugs further underscores a commitment to social justice and community well-being. The primary beneficiaries of this program are youth, defined as individuals between birth and 26 years old, residing in communities disproportionately affected by past federal and state drug policies, as well as other underserved communities. The impact goals are multifaceted: to promote youth health, safety, well-being, and comfort by facilitating direct access to natural or cultural resources. This includes supporting community education and recreational amenities for youth substance use prevention and early intervention, ultimately empowering youth to make healthy choices and fostering a healthier, more engaged generation. The program prioritizes projects that actively involve youth in all stages, from planning and decision-making to facilitation and evaluation. Additionally, projects that engage youth in outreach and awareness campaigns, and those that empower youth to make healthy choices, are given priority consideration. These focuses emphasize a youth-centric, participatory approach, aiming for sustainable community-led change rather than top-down interventions. The minimum award for an individual project is $25,000, and the maximum is $300,000, indicating a range of project scales supported. While specific measurable results are not explicitly outlined, the expected outcomes can be inferred from the program's requirements and priorities. These include increased youth participation in outdoor and cultural activities, enhanced community capacity for youth development, reduced instances of substance use through prevention and early intervention efforts, and improved overall health and well-being among young people in targeted communities. The emphasis on youth involvement in planning and evaluation suggests an ongoing feedback loop to assess program effectiveness and impact.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to U.S. states, territories, and eligible Indian tribes for implementing approved plans to prevent and manage invasive aquatic species.

Program Goals Projects should address the following Exposure program goals: Develop long-term, mutually beneficial relationships between arts and educational organizations, teaching artists, and the youth and families in the communities they serve. Cultivate students’ appreciation for the arts and understanding of themselves as the next generation of arts patrons and participants. Promote culturally and linguistically responsive learning through the arts, using cultural knowledge to support the cultural assets of the local community and students’ positive self-identification within and respect for diverse cultures.

This grant provides funding for nonprofit organizations in Gilroy and surrounding South County areas to support impactful projects in various fields, including education, health, and the environment.

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.

The San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority, a regional government agency, allocates funds for restoring and enhancing wetland and wildlife habitats along the San Francisco Bay shoreline. Grants exceeding $1 million are available for projects lasting up to five years, with a deadline of September 20, 2024. Eligible projects must be located within the nine Bay Area counties—Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma—and align with priorities outlined in Measure AA. These priorities include maximizing positive environmental impacts, ensuring geographic distribution, leveraging additional resources, and benefiting economically disadvantaged communities. The Authority funds various project phases, including planning, construction, and scientific studies, provided they support habitat restoration, flood management, or public access initiatives. Projects must meet specific criteria related to improving water quality, enhancing wildlife habitats, providing flood protection, and improving public access. Eligible applicants include federal, state, and local agencies, tribal governments, nonprofits, and shoreline parcel owners in the San Francisco Bay Area. For more information, visit the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority website.

This funding opportunity provides up to $2 million to a single organization to enhance statewide tobacco prevention efforts in California through communication, technical assistance, and support for local initiatives targeting high-risk populations.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to non-profit organizations and public agencies in San Diego County for projects that enhance community well-being, safety, and economic opportunities.

The California Museum Grant Program, initiated by the California Natural Resources Agency, aims to support and enhance museums deeply rooted in and reflective of previously underserved communities. This program offers approximately $27.7 million in funding, which may be disbursed over multiple rounds. The core mission alignment of this grant is to bolster museums that serve a critical role in their communities, particularly those most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and those serving historically underserved populations. The program's intent is to solicit proposals for both program and capital projects that contribute to the vitality and accessibility of these cultural institutions. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are museums that serve historically underserved communities or students subject to Title I of the Federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act. This includes pupils and teachers at eligible schools, children in low-income communities, and communities that have historically lacked adequate access to cultural resources. The impact goals are broad, aiming to improve access to cultural resources, preserve at-risk collections and historic buildings, support ethical stewardship of culturally sensitive artifacts, and educate the public on critical issues affecting Californians. The program prioritizes funding for museums severely affected by COVID-19 and those serving historically underserved communities. Projects must also align with at least one of the following priorities: serving students and teachers in Title I eligible schools; serving children in low-income communities; engaging or collaborating with underserved communities; advancing preservation of at-risk cultural and natural collections and historic buildings; improving access; supporting ethical stewardship of culturally sensitive art and artifacts, including consultation with California Indian tribes or repatriation; or educating the public about critical issues. Eligible projects encompass capital improvements, exhibits, educational programs, outreach programs, public programs, curriculum development, publications, marketing, and collections care. Expected outcomes include enhanced museum infrastructure and offerings, increased engagement with underserved communities, improved preservation of cultural and natural heritage, and greater public education on relevant societal issues. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided text, the emphasis on serving specific communities and advancing certain priorities implies a focus on metrics related to audience reach, program participation, preservation efforts, and community engagement. Grant proposal requests range from $50,000 to $500,000 for program projects and $100,000 to $1 million for capital projects, indicating a commitment to significant, impactful interventions.

The Boating Infrastructure Grant program is designed to provide infrastructure and services for recreational boats 26 feet or more in length. Goals of the program include: 1. enhance access to recreational, historic, cultural and scenic resources; 2. strengthen community ties to the water’s edge and economic benefits; 3. promote public/private partnerships and entrepreneurial opportunities; 4. provide continuity of public access to the shore; and 5. promote awareness of transient boating opportunities.

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 grant provides financial and volunteer support to nonprofit organizations in the Sacramento area that focus on youth development and promote diversity, equity, and community empowerment.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in specific California counties to improve educational outcomes for boys and men of color by enhancing access to post-secondary education and addressing systemic barriers.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for organizations to enhance cultural and natural resource management at a major Marine Corps training facility in California, focusing on archaeological collections and wildlife protection programs.

The Richmond Fund for Children and Youth is offering a three-year grant ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 to non-profit organizations and public agencies that provide services in areas such as mental and physical health, learning needs, and community safety to children, youth, and young adults in Richmond and unincorporated North Richmond, California, with a focus on those most impacted by harm, inequity, and lack of access to support and services.

California voters passed the Control, Regulate and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act (Proposition 64) on November 8, 2016, which legalized the recreational sale and use of cannabis to people over the age of 21 and levied new excise taxes on the cultivation and retail sale of all state-regulated cannabis. Proposition 64 created the Youth Education, Prevention, Early Intervention and Treatment Account (YEPEITA) into which the State Controller deposits 60 percent (60%) of the tax revenues from marijuana sales for youth programs designed to educate about and prevent substance use disorders and to prevent harm from substance use. Programs shall emphasize accurate education, effective prevention, early intervention, school retention, and timely treatment services for youth, their families, and caregivers. Funds appropriated to the California Natural Resources Agency (the State) are for competitive grants to support youth access to natural or cultural resources with a focus on low-income and disadvantaged communities.  This includes, but is not limited to, community education and recreational amenities to support youth substance use prevention and early intervention. The Youth Community Access Grant Program is a competitive program and will award to communities disproportionately affected by past federal and state drug policies, also known as the War on Drugs, as well as other underserved communities. The War on Drugs disproportionately impacted communities of color, particularly low-income communities. Harsh federal and state drug policies enacted during the War on Drugs led to mass incarceration of people of color, decreased access to social services, loss of educational attainment due to diminished federal financial aid eligibility, prohibitions on the use of public assistance, and the separation of families. The Youth Community Access Grant Program aims to be a resource to address and repair the multi-generational community impacts of the War on Drugs.

This funding program provides financial support to local artists and nonprofit arts organizations in Los Angeles County to create engaging cultural arts projects that benefit the Burbank community.