California Science and Technology Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in Sacramento County that promote diversity, equity, and community engagement.

This funding opportunity provides up to $30 million for projects that develop publicly accessible hydrogen refueling and charging infrastructure for medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles in disadvantaged and low-income communities along key highway corridors in California.

The Artistic Legacy Grant (ALG), funded by the San Francisco Arts Commission, offers $10,000 to $100,000 for a 3-year period to support and celebrate an artist who has significantly contributed to San Francisco's arts and culture for at least 25 years, with funds to be used for professional development, artistic planning, sabbaticals, and other related costs.

The Kern Community Foundation's Women’s and Girls’ Fund is offering grants between $10,000 to $100,000 for one year to 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Kern County, California, that aim to enhance educational attainment and STEM interest for women and girls, with a focus on improving test scores, literacy, graduation rates, and vocational training opportunities.

This grant provides funding for special district governments in California to implement advanced safety technologies on railways, aimed at preventing accidents and enhancing public safety through a track intrusion detection system integrated with Positive Train Control.

This fellowship provides financial support and professional development for leaders in California who are dedicated to advancing Environmental Justice in their communities.

This funding opportunity provides California libraries and library-focused non-profits with financial support to develop innovative community projects that address local needs and promote equity, diversity, and inclusion.

The Bothin Foundation Grant Program is designed to support direct service organizations in San Francisco, Marin, Sonoma, and San Mateo counties. The foundation's mission, as evidenced by its grant priorities and eligibility criteria, is to enhance the well-being of disadvantaged children and youth, low-income families with children, and people with disabilities. The program focuses on capital projects, aligning with a strategic priority to make durable, long-lasting investments that directly benefit program participants and improve the infrastructure of critical direct service organizations. The grant program targets organizations serving a significant number of residents in the specified counties, with a particular emphasis on those serving at least 50% disadvantaged children and youth, low-income families, and/or people with disabilities. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by funding capital projects—such as building renovations, equipment purchases, technology upgrades, and vehicle acquisitions—it can enhance the capacity of direct service organizations to deliver effective services, thereby achieving a positive and lasting impact on their beneficiaries. Key priorities for funding include building construction and renovation (for contracted labor directly associated with the project), equipment and furnishing (especially items used by or benefiting program participants), technology, and vehicles that transport participants. The foundation explicitly states what it does not fund, such as planning for capital projects, staff time for project management, insurance for vehicles, or general operating expenses, which further refines its strategic focus on tangible capital improvements. Successful applications are those that propose capital projects that can be completed within 12 months, represent durable capital investments, and are submitted by direct service organizations meeting the beneficiary criteria. The grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, with a maximum grant size of $50,000. Expected outcomes include improved facilities, enhanced program delivery through new equipment and technology, and better access to services through reliable transportation, all contributing to the foundation’s overarching goal of supporting vulnerable populations in its target regions. The foundation’s strategic priorities are clearly centered on strengthening the physical and operational assets of organizations directly serving those in need.

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The Projects for Organizations grant opportunity, offered by the Idaho Commission on the Arts, aims to support public projects and events by nonprofit organizations, informal arts groups applying through fiscal agents, and arts-in-education projects within schools and school districts. This grant aligns with the Commission's mission to foster arts and culture within Idaho by directly funding initiatives that engage the public and promote arts education. The program specifically targets organizations operating in Idaho for at least one year with a valid 501(c)(3) status or governmental units including schools. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are the citizens of Idaho, who benefit from increased access to public arts projects and events, and students within the state, who gain from enhanced arts-in-education programming. The impact goals include enriching community life through cultural offerings and fostering artistic development and appreciation. The grant prioritizes projects that compensate professional artists and meet specific eligibility criteria, ensuring a high standard of artistic endeavor and professional practice. Funding information indicates that grants are up to $1,100 and require a 1:1 match (cash or in-kind), funding up to 50% of projected expenses. This demonstrates a strategic priority to leverage additional resources and encourage community investment in arts projects. While specific measurable results beyond successful project completion and financial accountability are not explicitly detailed, the focus on public projects and arts-in-education implies expected outcomes such as increased community engagement in the arts and improved arts literacy among students. The Idaho Commission on the Arts' strategic priority, as reflected in this grant, is to provide accessible funding for a diverse range of artistic and cultural projects across all counties in Idaho. Their theory of change appears to be that by providing financial support and setting clear eligibility and project guidelines, they can empower local organizations and schools to deliver high-quality arts experiences, thereby enriching communities and fostering a vibrant arts ecosystem throughout the state. The requirement for final reports for past grants also indicates a commitment to accountability and continuous improvement within their funding programs.

The US Geological Survey is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner for research in the application of Artificial Intelligence informed by explicit semantics to the practice of scientific assessments carried out by the USGS. The demand for actionable scientific findings from legislatively mandated scientific assessments in energy, mineral, biodiversity, and other National natural resource assets is increasing in intensity and requirements for currency with all available data, information, and knowledge. This demand can be aided through the development of AI scientists, intelligent agents built within a technological framework that iteratively improves through new generations of generative AI and related capabilities and trained through regular learning and adapting interactions with USGS scientists.

This funding opportunity supports projects that promote sustainable fertilizer use and efficient nutrient management practices in California agriculture, particularly benefiting socially disadvantaged farmers and farm workers.

The Community Foundation of Mendocino County is offering the Charles F. Flinn and Walker B. Tilley Fund for Sustainable Forestry, a grant program designed to support the economic, social, and environmental values of Mendocino County's working forests and rangelands. The foundation's primary mission, as aligned with this grant, is to make grants to nonprofit organizations that assist public and small private (non-industrial) forest owners. This initiative reflects the foundation's strategic priority to foster sustainable practices within the region's vital natural resources. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are nonprofit organizations working with public and small private forest owners in Mendocino County. The overarching impact goal is to enhance the long-term sustainability and health of these working forests and rangelands, ensuring they provide ongoing economic benefits, social value, and ecological integrity. The foundation's theory of change posits that by supporting these organizations, it can empower forest owners to adopt best management practices and implement projects that directly contribute to these multifaceted goals. The program prioritizes a range of key activities. These include research and demonstration projects, particularly those involving re-measurement of plots, and public and youth education and outreach focused on the economic production of forests, rather than solely conservation. Education on best management practices is also a core focus. Furthermore, the fund supports restoration efforts for forests and watersheds, with a preference for forest restoration projects over stream restoration, as well as the removal of invasive species and mitigation of forest road impacts. Expected outcomes and measurable results include improved forest health, increased adoption of sustainable forestry practices, enhanced economic viability for small forest owners, and greater public understanding and engagement with sustainable forest management. Specific activities like fire management, including Tan-Oak management, and fish and wildlife habitat protection and enhancement, are also key areas of focus. The foundation anticipates that these investments will lead to a more resilient and productive forest ecosystem within Mendocino County, demonstrating tangible progress in sustainable land management.

The City of Sacramento Office of Innovation and Economic Development is offering Incubator and Accelerator Grants to fund organizations that support start-up businesses and entrepreneurs in the Sacramento region. The program's mission aligns with stimulating economic development and fostering innovation by nurturing early-stage businesses. The grant size ranges from $10,000 to $100,000, with a total allocation of approximately $500,000, and a grant duration of one year. The deadline for applications is September 9, 2024. The target beneficiaries are early-stage businesses and entrepreneurs within the Sacramento region, particularly those with high growth potential and innovative solutions. The primary impact goal is for participants of the funded incubator and accelerator programs to successfully start or grow their businesses, thereby spurring innovation and stimulating economic development locally. Non-profits and companies are invited to apply for funding to run these programs. The grant prioritizes programs that offer a comprehensive suite of services, including mentorship and coaching from experienced professionals, educational workshops on business planning and financial management, product development support, and legal and administrative assistance. Furthermore, programs should focus on marketing and branding support, strategic partnerships, and facilitating access to funding through pitch training and investor introductions. Access to shared office space is also a valuable component. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the number of new businesses started and existing businesses grown within the Sacramento region. The program aims to foster a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, leading to job creation and economic prosperity. The City's strategic priority is to invest in initiatives that directly contribute to innovation and economic growth, with the theory of change being that by supporting early-stage businesses through comprehensive programs, they will be better equipped to succeed and contribute to the local economy. Eligible activities for grant expenditures are broad, covering program development and delivery, staff salaries, stipends for volunteers and participants, training supplies, office space, marketing, and even food for participants (up to 5% of the grant total). Scholarships for program participants, software subscription fees, and professional services are also permissible. Applicants must operate from a fixed place of business within Sacramento city limits, or provide grant-supported programming within the city, and be in compliance with current and past City 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 County of San Luis Obispo in California is offering grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 for projects that support countywide goals and address homelessness, with eligible activities including emergency shelters, street outreach, and tenant-based rental assistance, open to nonprofits, for-profit entities, and governmental agencies.

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.

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.