California Local Grants

The Northern Monterey County Foundation (NMCF), an affiliate of the Community Foundation for Monterey County, is seeking applications to support nonprofit organizations. The foundation's mission is to strengthen community resources and services in Northern Monterey County. This grant program is aligned with the foundation's goal of supporting organizations that demonstrate strong leadership and capacity to provide essential services to the communities of Aromas, Bolsa Knolls, Boronda, Castroville, Elkhorn, Las Lomas, Moss Landing, Oak Hills, Pajaro, Prunedale, Royal Oaks, and Santa Rita. The grant targets 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, public programs (including school activities not part of normal curricula, parks, and public health initiatives), and church-sponsored activities that benefit the entire community (e.g., food pantries). Organizations and collaboratives that are not legally incorporated may also apply with a fiscal sponsor. The goal is to make a significant impact by supporting vital community resources and services, ultimately leading to stronger, more resilient communities within Northern Monterey County. The program prioritizes several key areas. Funding will be considered for program support, which includes the expansion or refinement of existing programs and new programs with promise of impact and sustainability. Operating support is also available as unrestricted grants to organizations. Capital support is provided for costs associated with buildings and/or facilities. Additionally, organizational development is a focus, aiming to strengthen the internal capacity and infrastructure of organizations with a proven track record of community benefit in Northern Monterey County. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the expected outcomes are centered on enhancing the capacity of local nonprofits and public programs to serve their communities effectively. The foundation's strategic priority is clearly to invest in organizations that are directly improving the lives of residents in Northern Monterey County through various forms of support. The underlying theory of change is that by strengthening the infrastructure and programs of these community-focused organizations, the overall well-being and resources available to the target communities will be significantly improved and sustained.

This funding opportunity supports developers in California who are creating affordable housing projects, providing guidance and financial assistance to promote sustainable and innovative solutions.

The Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District is inviting applications for its Community Spaces Matching Grant Program, which aligns with its core mission of protecting land and fostering open spaces within urban and community settings. This program is rooted in the understanding that access to natural resources and open areas is vital for community well-being, ecological health, and agricultural preservation. Through strategic partnerships with local public agencies, non-profit organizations, and federally recognized tribal organizations, the District aims to implement projects that resonate with its broader conservation and community development goals. The primary beneficiaries of this program are the residents of Sonoma County, who will gain access to enhanced recreational opportunities, places for quiet reflection, venues for public gatherings, and spaces for growing local food. The program specifically targets collaborations with eligible public agencies, federally recognized tribes, and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, leveraging their capacity to execute impactful projects. The overarching impact goal is to transform neighborhoods by creating vibrant and accessible open spaces that connect communities with nature and promote a deeper understanding of natural resources and agriculture. The program's priorities and focus areas are clearly defined by its three categories of eligible project types: acquisition, improvement, and a combination of acquisition and improvement. This structured approach ensures that funding is directed towards projects that directly contribute to the creation or enhancement of open spaces. The District's strategic priority is to facilitate projects that not only preserve land but also create tangible community assets, thereby addressing both environmental and social needs. The theory of change behind this program is that by investing in accessible open spaces, communities will experience improved quality of life, increased environmental stewardship, and a stronger connection to their local agricultural heritage. Expected outcomes include an increase in protected and accessible open spaces within cities and communities, a greater number of opportunities for recreation and community engagement, and a strengthened local food system through community gardens and agricultural education initiatives. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the program's success would likely be evaluated by metrics such as the acreage of land acquired and improved, the number of community members utilizing new or enhanced open spaces, and the development of new programs related to natural resources and agriculture within these spaces. The annual budget of $3,000,000 for the Matching Grant Program underscores the District's significant commitment to achieving these outcomes and realizing its vision for a more connected and sustainable Sonoma County.

The City of Oakland's 2025 Neighborhood Voices for Festivals Grant Program aims to amplify cultural expressions, stories, and heritage within Oakland's neighborhoods, particularly those that have historically lacked equitable investments and recognition. This grant supports in-person Oakland arts and cultural activities that are free and open to the public, focusing on one- or multi-day festivals rather than ongoing programming. The program seeks to foster community engagement and celebrate the unique identities within the city. The grant prioritizes festivals that uplift the cultural identity of a people or the historical significance of a neighborhood, specifically encouraging applications from racial/ethnic-specific communities or other under-recognized groups in Oakland. It also supports festivals in neighborhoods with limited formal cultural resources and seeks partnerships with organizations deeply embedded in their local communities. The program aims to increase visibility and support for these communities and their cultural practices. Target beneficiaries include Oakland-based nonprofit organizations with 501c3 status and their fiscal sponsors, who are in good standing with state agencies and comply with federal regulations. The festivals themselves benefit the broader Oakland public by offering free arts and cultural experiences. The impact goals are to provide equitable resources, recognize underrepresented cultures, and enhance community vibrancy through cultural celebrations. Expected outcomes include increased cultural expression, enhanced community pride, and greater access to arts and cultural events for all Oakland residents, especially in underserved areas. Measurable results could include the number of festivals supported, the diversity of communities reached, attendance figures for the festivals, and qualitative feedback on the cultural impact. The program's theory of change posits that by investing in neighborhood-led cultural festivals, the city can empower communities, promote cultural understanding, and foster a more inclusive and vibrant Oakland.

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.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to community-based organizations in Salinas that implement programs focused on improving health, safety, and well-being while addressing issues like youth violence and mental health.

The Community Service Funding program, provided by the City of Temecula, aims to bolster the efforts of nonprofit organizations that benefit the residents, neighborhoods, and communities within Temecula. This initiative serves as a crucial funding resource for community-based organizations offering vital programs and services. The policy and application criteria are established to ensure a transparent and effective evaluation process for all funding requests, aligning with the city's broader mission to enhance community well-being and support local impact. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are the general community of Temecula residents, particularly those who benefit from the programs and services offered by eligible nonprofit organizations. The impact goals revolve around augmenting existing community service programs, thereby improving the quality of life and fostering stronger neighborhoods within the city. By providing financial support, the City of Temecula seeks to enable nonprofits to expand their reach and deepen their positive influence on the local population. The program prioritizes organizations that are tax-exempt, hold 501(c)(3) status, and specifically provide projects, programs, or services that directly benefit Temecula residents. There are clear restrictions on how the funding can be used, excluding salaries, scholarships for students, and debt repayment. This focus ensures that the allocated funds are directed towards direct program implementation and service delivery, maximizing the tangible benefits to the community. The City of Temecula has allocated a total of $100,000 for this funding cycle, with individual grants not exceeding $5,000 per organization per fiscal year. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the general benefit to residents, the underlying theory of change suggests that by empowering local nonprofits with financial resources, the city can achieve a more vibrant, supportive, and engaged community. The strategic priority is clearly to strengthen the community service infrastructure in Temecula through targeted financial assistance.

The California Dream Fund Grant Program (CDFG or Dream Fund) offers microgrants of up to $10,000 to support entrepreneurship and small business creation in underserved groups facing capital and opportunity gaps. This one-time $35 million grant program is designed for businesses started in California on or after July 1, 2019. To qualify, businesses must complete a small business training program provided by the OCIE SBDC.

The City of Indio in California offers the Community Grant & Sponsorship Program, which has been recently revised and approved by the City Council. This program provides monetary assistance and sponsorships of up to $5,000 annually, with a total annual funding of $150,000. Additionally, there is $25,000 available for in-kind contributions such as city services or event locations. The program also considers funding requests for event/table sponsorships.

The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) has launched the Goat and Sheep Dairy Development Grant program to bolster the Northeast goat and sheep dairy sector. This initiative aligns with the NE-DBIC's broader mission to strengthen regional dairy industries by addressing critical areas such as business viability, market development, and innovative production methods. The program aims to enhance the growth and long-term viability of individual small ruminant businesses, while also tackling gaps in technical assistance, improving supply chain partnerships, and expanding market access. The program targets several beneficiaries, including dairy farmers (producers) currently or transitioning to producing goat or sheep milk, dairy processors transforming raw goat/sheep milk into edible products, dairy producer associations representing and promoting goat/sheep dairy products, and technical assistance providers working with these groups. The impact goals are to foster growth, increase profitability, improve herd/flock health and milk quality, reduce barriers to new markets, and expand distribution opportunities for goat/sheep dairy products within the Northeast region. The grant program focuses on two main project types: Individual Business Projects and Sector Enhancement Projects. Individual Business Projects support farmers and processors in making improvements to increase business viability, market development, or production innovations. Examples include engaging with technical assistance providers for business improvements, diversification and marketing efforts, research and development of innovative solutions, and purchasing specialized dairy equipment. Sector Enhancement Projects are designed to engage multiple dairy businesses in activities that improve or expand small ruminant production practices or dairy markets, strengthening relationships across the goat/sheep dairy supply chain. Examples include developing tools and resources, improving farmer access to resources, and initial investments to strengthen supply chain relationships. Funding priorities emphasize projects that address at least two of the following: developing resources to fill unmet technical assistance needs, increasing pay price for goat/sheep dairy farmers, producing deliverables for new or transitioning dairy farmers, including educational/information sharing components, fostering collaborative efforts, increasing profits for dairy businesses, improving herd/flock health/nutrition/milk quality, reducing barriers to new markets, developing market channels, and implementing innovative strategies to increase awareness and consumption of goat/sheep dairy products. The program's theory of change appears to be that by investing in these specific areas, both individual businesses and the sector as a whole will experience sustainable growth and increased competitiveness. Individual business grants range from $15,000 to $50,000, requiring a 25% cash and/or in-kind match commitment. Supply chain projects are eligible for grants between $25,000 and $75,000, also with a 25% match commitment. A total of $760,000 is available for this program. The expected outcomes include a more robust and resilient goat and sheep dairy sector in the Northeast, with enhanced business viability for producers and processors, expanded market reach for their products, and a stronger, more collaborative supply chain. The grant period for projects is between 8 and 12 months.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Placer County that focus on preventing domestic violence and human trafficking or assisting survivors with essential services.

SF Shines Design Services Grant Program, offered by the Invest In Neighborhoods division of the Office of Economic and Workforce Department in California, provides grants, design services, and project management for property improvements to help small businesses thrive and create vibrant and safe neighborhood commercial corridors. The program aims to assist businesses in obtaining permit drawings for storefront improvements to ensure compliance, safety, and efficient business operations. Grantees will have access to a licensed architect to ensure that their projects comply with local, state, and federal laws and codes.

The Northgate Boulevard Storefront Improvement (NBSI) Grant Program is designed to empower small business owners along the Northgate Boulevard commercial corridor by providing financial assistance for exterior property enhancements. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to foster local economic vitality and community pride. By focusing on physical improvements such as new paint, signage, lighting, windows, doors, and awnings, the program directly addresses the aesthetic and functional needs of small businesses, thereby contributing to a more vibrant and appealing commercial district. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are small, for-profit retail or service establishments with street frontage on Northgate Boulevard. These businesses must be independently and locally owned and operated, with a principal office and owners domiciled in the greater Sacramento region. Furthermore, eligible businesses must have 100 or fewer employees or earn $18 million or less in average annual gross receipts over the last three tax years. Tenants are also eligible, provided they secure property owner consent and have a current lease with at least three years remaining, or an assurance of a lease extension. The program explicitly excludes non-profit entities and franchises, ensuring its focus remains on supporting truly local and independent enterprises. The program's impact goals are multifaceted, aiming to support the retention and growth of existing businesses, deter vacancies, attract more visitors to the corridor, and spur new investment. The strategic priority is to enhance the physical appearance of storefronts, which is viewed as a catalyst for broader economic and community benefits. The theory of change posits that by improving the visual appeal and functionality of individual businesses, the entire commercial corridor will become more attractive, leading to increased foot traffic, customer spending, and business stability, ultimately contributing to a more resilient local economy. Eligible activities encompass a range of exterior improvements, including painting, installation or repair of façade elements, restoration of original architectural features, and removal of exterior clutter. Exterior security enhancements are also permitted, with the caveat that they cannot exceed 25% of the total grant award, must comply with City design standards, and be proposed in conjunction with other beautification efforts. Additionally, applicable professional service fees related to design, architectural, electrical, engineering, or construction plans (up to 25% of the award) and City/State permitting fees (up to 10% of the award) are covered. The program has a total of $200,000 available, with minimum funding requests of $5,000 and maximum requests of $15,000 per application, over a project period of one year. These measurable results, coupled with the improved physical appearance of storefronts, will indicate the program's success in achieving its stated objectives.

The WeHo Community Arts Grant, offered by the City of West Hollywood, aims to support nonprofit arts organizations, individual artists, or artist collectives that have a history of supporting LGBQ, BIPOC, and/or female artists and audiences. This grant aligns with the City's mission to enhance the community through art-centered presentations and participatory programs, fostering cultural equity and providing access to specific communities. The overall strategic priority is to use the arts as a tool for community engagement, cultural recognition, and economic development within West Hollywood. The target beneficiaries of this grant are LA County-based artists, collectives, or non-profit arts organizations that meet specific criteria, including a history of supporting underrepresented groups in the arts. The grant specifically focuses on engaging West Hollywood residents and visitors, expanding arts audiences, and recognizing local cultural resources. The impact goals are to increase access to quality arts programming that is financially and geographically accessible, boost revenues for local businesses through arts-business partnerships, and generally increase participation in the arts through education. The grant prioritizes art-centered presentations and workshops that support community goals through cultural equity. Eligible projects must take place within West Hollywood or immediately adjacent areas and applicants must demonstrate a marketing and outreach strategy targeting West Hollywood residents. The City's theory of change appears to be that by investing in accessible and inclusive arts programming, they can create a more vibrant, engaged, and culturally equitable community, leading to broader social and economic benefits. Expected outcomes include increased engagement of residents and visitors with the arts, expanded arts audiences, and the discovery of new places for artmaking. Measurable results could include an increase in attendance at arts events, a rise in local business revenues attributed to arts programming, and a greater number of individuals participating in arts education. The total available funding for this category is $30,000, with a maximum award of $6,000 per organization, demonstrating a commitment to funding multiple impactful projects within the community.

The City of Kettering Demolition Grant Program provides financial assistance to commercial and residential property owners for the demolition of structures and clearance of sites for redevelopment, economic development, and removal of blight. The program aims to eliminate existing or potential blighting influences, encourage property maintenance, promote sustainable reuse of properties, and ensure compliance with the city's zoning code. Grants cover up to 50% of demolition costs, not exceeding $25,000. Applications are accepted year-round, with funding contingent on the city's budget.

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 City of Santa Clara Community Grant Program in California was established in 2018 to provide grants to qualifying nonprofit community organizations, athletic groups, educational groups, and individuals for events, activities, and competitions that benefit the city and its residents. This program also includes the Santa Clara Championship Team Fund Program, which supports Santa Clara teams and groups participating in state, national, or international competitions or performances.

The Workplace Safety Grants for Health Care Entities program, authorized by 2023 Session Law Chapter 70, Article 4, Section 109, is designed to enhance safety measures in health care settings. This includes establishing or expanding programs that train staff in de-escalation and positive support services. The program's core mission is to prevent workplace violence and foster long-term improvements in safety and stability for both staff and patients within health care environments. This aligns with broader strategic goals of creating secure and supportive health care systems. The program primarily targets various health care entities within Minnesota. Eligible applicants include long-term care facilities, acute care hospitals with 49 or fewer beds located in rural areas, critical access hospitals, medical clinics, dental clinics, and community health clinics. The impact goal is to significantly reduce incidents of workplace violence and improve the overall safety culture within these institutions, leading to better patient care and staff well-being. The program's key priorities are centered on implementing effective safety measures and providing comprehensive training. This includes de-escalation techniques and positive support services to equip staff with the necessary skills to manage challenging situations. The focus is on proactive prevention and creating environments where staff feel secure and empowered to deliver quality care. Expected outcomes include a measurable decrease in workplace violence incidents, improved staff morale, and enhanced patient safety. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) anticipates awarding approximately $1,500,000 through 30 grants in this funding cycle, with a maximum award of $50,000 per grant. Grant agreements are estimated to begin on October 1, 2024, and conclude on September 30, 2025, demonstrating a clear timeline for the expected results and program impact.