California Youth Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support to California public agencies, including school districts and charter schools, to implement tobacco-use prevention programs and engage youth in grades six through twelve.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and community groups in Monterey County that aim to improve economic mobility for Latino communities through leadership development, work experience, and educational initiatives.

This program provides funding to public school teachers in Orange County, California, for innovative STEM projects and educational experiences that enhance student engagement and achievement.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and local government agencies in Arizona, California, and Nevada to create jobs, provide job training, and assist low-income entrepreneurs and at-risk communities.

This funding opportunity is designed to help California school districts strengthen their partnerships with communities to improve educational outcomes for underserved students.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Shasta and Trinity counties that provide services to Native Americans, youth, and rural communities, focusing on projects that enhance community well-being and infrastructure.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to public service agencies and nonprofits that deliver essential services to low- and moderate-income residents of Hesperia.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Los Angeles to create accessible cultural and artistic projects that engage the community through free or low-cost events.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations developing innovative solutions to improve mental health and well-being services for youth aged birth to 25.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to public agencies and nonprofit organizations that serve communities impacted by landfill operations in Contra Costa County, focusing on initiatives that improve environmental, social, and infrastructure conditions in the Bay Point, Pittsburg, Antioch, and Mt. Diablo Unified School District areas.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and community groups in Southern Monterey County to support essential health and wellness programs and educational initiatives for youth.

This funding opportunity supports early career researchers partnering with community organizations to improve mental health and well-being among boys and young men aged 12 to 35 through evidence-based research on coping, social connection, and early fatherhood.

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 supports nonprofit organizations and select public agencies in Monterey County, California, to implement impactful projects that address critical community needs in areas such as health, youth development, and education.

This grant provides financial support to high school student clubs and organizations in California and Nevada for community service and environmental projects that promote volunteerism and strengthen local communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofits in Mendocino County for projects that enhance community well-being, particularly for underserved populations, through collaboration and innovative initiatives.

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 provides financial support to California Federally Recognized Tribes to develop and implement community-driven strategies for addressing homelessness through various housing and support services.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in the Greater Sacramento area for transformative projects that address critical community needs in health, arts, education, environment, and family.

This grant provides financial support for high school students in Santa Clara to create projects or campaigns that promote energy efficiency and renewable energy awareness in their community.