California Private Grants

The U.S. Embassy Kyiv's Public Diplomacy Small Grants (PDSG) Program focused on EDUCATION is an open competition seeking applications from Ukrainian non-government, non-profit organizations. The program's core objective, aligned with U.S. Public Diplomacy goals, is to support projects that strengthen Ukraine’s educational system as a vital contributor to the nation's post-war restoration and development. Projects are expected to be administered by Ukrainian NGOs in collaboration with local education counterparts like colleges, universities, and government entities, with collaboration or partnerships with U.S. organizations and the use of U.S. concepts/experts highly encouraged. Preference is explicitly given to proposals that demonstrate clear, sustainable results and strengthen US-Ukraine people-to-people ties or have the potential for lasting engagement between institutions. The primary beneficiaries and key participants are Ukrainian stakeholders in education—those with the ability to shape the sector to address the pragmatic challenges of the post-war recovery period. The specific target audience includes social groups most affected by the war, such as veterans, individuals with disabilities, and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), as well as key decision-makers in crisis circumstances. The overarching impact goal is to modernize and expand Ukraine's education system to integrate vulnerable populations and effectively connect the education system to the specific, immediate demands of the labor market for economic recovery and growth. The grant outlines four specific thematic priorities. The first is promoting collaboration between educational institutions, employers, and government to produce a qualified workforce for economic recovery, including the design of dual education programs and new study plans adjusted to employer needs. Second is the development of training and programs for individuals with disabilities, veterans, and IDPs, which may include piloting centers for veterans services and disabilities services at universities, focusing on entrepreneurship and vocational re-training. The third priority is supporting the optimization of the educational system in response to war and reconstruction challenges, ensuring access to high-quality education, and aligning with Euro-Atlantic aspirations. Finally, the fourth priority focuses on developing civic education programs for Ukrainian students and adults to facilitate social cohesion and the reintegration of citizens from occupied territories and those sheltered abroad. The program's theory of change is that by leveraging U.S. expertise and fostering deep, lasting US-Ukraine institutional engagement, the modernization of Ukraine's education system will directly address post-war challenges, drive economic recovery, and facilitate societal stability. The strategic priority is to support the continuity and modernization of Ukrainian education to ensure a qualified workforce and reintegrate its most vulnerable populations. The expected outcomes are measurable and sustainable improvements; consequently, all proposals must include a rigorous monitoring and evaluation plan with clearly defined indicators to ensure the realization of project goals is quantifiable and verifiable.

The Rapid Response Fund for Movement Building in California is seeking proposals from frontline social justice organizations that are empowering low-income residents and people of color. With a focus on addressing the impact of COVID-19 and supporting the Movement for Black Lives, priority will be given to small organizations, new grassroots efforts, projects partnering with local organizations, and those aimed at supporting movement building strategies in the Bay Area.

The Organizational Arts Grant program, a collaborative effort between the Arts Council of Greater Morgantown (ACGM) and Your Community Foundation of North Central West Virginia, Inc. (YCF), aims to bolster the arts community in Monongalia County, West Virginia. This program, formerly known as the "Community Arts Grant program," is funded by the City of Morgantown, the Monongalia County Commission, and the Douglas H. Tanner Memorial Fund for the Arts, with additional funding from other sources also being a possibility. The overarching mission of this grant program is to broaden support for the arts, promote excellence within artistic endeavors, and ensure that a diverse array of arts programs are accessible to the community through various arts and cultural organizations. The grant program targets local non-profit organizations operating under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code that are in good standing and either located within or serving Monongalia County, WV. It explicitly excludes applications from schools, universities, libraries, churches, and hospitals at this time. The ultimate impact goal is to foster a vibrant arts landscape within the county, making art and cultural experiences more widely available and appreciated. Organizations with an arts-based mission, or those executing projects that promote or serve the arts, are the primary beneficiaries. Key priorities for this grant include strengthening the capacity of arts and cultural organizations, fostering artistic excellence, and expanding community engagement with the arts. This aligns with YCF's broader strategic priorities of enhancing community well-being and supporting vital sectors like arts and culture. The theory of change suggests that by providing financial support to eligible non-profit arts organizations, the program will empower them to deliver high-quality and diverse arts programming, which in turn will lead to increased community participation and appreciation for the arts, ultimately enriching the cultural fabric of Monongalia County. Expected outcomes include a broader base of support for the arts, demonstrated through increased participation in arts programs and stronger organizational capacity among grant recipients. Measurable results could include the number of unique individuals served by grant-funded programs, the number of new artistic programs developed, and evidence of organizational growth and stability among recipient organizations. For instance, new organizations (established within the last three years) are limited to a $5,000 maximum award, and organizations without an arts-based mission may apply for project funding up to $5,000, indicating a focus on both supporting new initiatives and specific project-based work within the broader arts community.

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 funding to public libraries and nonprofit friends groups to create innovative cultural programs that engage and support immigrant communities across the United States.

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 supports local nonprofit organizations in Long Beach, California, to lead a one-day volunteer project that beautifies the exterior of their facilities, enhancing community spaces through visible improvements.

Greenspace Enhancement Grant Program Our Greenspace Enhancement Grant Program extends our mission by providing financial support to nonprofit organizations that actively work towards improving and preserving outdoor environments. The grants focus on: Community Gardens: Creating, rehabilitating, and enhancing community gardens that provide educational opportunities and serve community needs. Neighborhood and School Beautification: Beautifying and enriching outdoor environments in economically disadvantaged areas, particularly around neighborhoods and schools. Parks and Greenspaces: Revitalizing parks and public greenspaces through planting and the addition or upgrading of efficient irrigation systems. Sustainable Impact: Projects that align with Toro's purpose of enriching the beauty, productivity, and sustainability of the land, impacting beautification, and increasing the utilization of public greenspaces. Community Engagement: Encouraging broad community involvement in project design and implementation, ensuring tangible and sustainable results. Eligibility Location: The benefiting organization must be located within 40 miles of a Toro Company location in the following cities: Arkansas: Batesville California: El Cajon, Riverside Florida: Sanford Michigan: Iron Mountain Nebraska: Beatrice Texas: El Paso, Abilene Wisconsin: Lake Mills The grant program seeks to empower communities to create and maintain beautiful, sustainable, and functional outdoor spaces, emphasizing those in need. Through these grants, The Toro Company continues to build on its long-standing tradition of giving back to the communities where our employees live and work.

This grant provides funding to agricultural professionals and organizations in the Western U.S. to implement educational and demonstration projects that promote the adoption of sustainable farming practices based on previous research findings.

The T.S. & K.D. Glide Foundation's Major Grant Program is designed to address significant agency capital needs that exceed the scope of their Regular Grants. This program aims to make substantial contributions towards tangible and enduring capital needs, which include supporting new services, sustainably expanding existing services, or replacing/renovating deteriorated capital assets. The foundation's underlying mission is to support purposes outlined in section A.4 of their Regular Grants Guidelines, ensuring that at least 50% of the applicant organization's services align with these foundational objectives. The target beneficiaries of this program are organizations that provide services consistent with the Foundation's purposes, with a clear focus on those requiring capital improvements to enhance or expand their offerings. The impact goals are centered around enabling these organizations to make a significant, lasting difference through improved infrastructure or expanded capabilities. This could involve creating new service capacities, bolstering existing ones, or modernizing essential assets to ensure long-term viability and effectiveness. The program prioritizes proposals that demonstrate a clear service need relevant to the Foundation's overall mission. A key focus is on the significance of the requested grant in effectively meeting this identified need, emphasizing that the funding should contribute meaningfully to the proposed capital project. Furthermore, the maturity and thoroughness of the planning underlying both the planned service and the grant request are critical judging criteria, indicating a preference for well-thought-out and sustainable initiatives. While the initial "Size of the Grant" mentioned is $10,000 to $100,000, "Funding Information" specifies that Major Grants are limited to a maximum of $50,000.00. The expected outcomes include the successful implementation of capital projects that have a useful life of at least five years, leading to enhanced or new services for beneficiaries. Measurable results would stem from the tangible improvements in an organization's capacity, such as increased client reach, improved service delivery, or the establishment of a vital new community resource. The Foundation's strategic priorities are to facilitate significant, enduring capital improvements that align with their established guidelines and demonstrate strong planning and impact potential.

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 program provides financial assistance to breast cancer patients in Yolo County, California, to help cover essential needs during their treatment journey.

The Early Care Spaces grant program, spearheaded by the Kenneth Rainin Foundation, is an open application initiative offering grants of up to $100,000. Its core mission aligns directly with the foundation's vision of a world where all Oakland children read at or above grade level by third grade. This program specifically targets early language and literacy development for Oakland children from birth to five years old, recognizing the critical window for literacy growth from early care through second grade. The foundation's strategic priority is to support equitable approaches to literacy during these formative years. The program's impact goals are multifaceted, focusing on expanding children's vocabulary and comprehension, increasing confidence in listening and speaking, and empowering parents and caregivers as leaders in their children's education. A key component of the foundation's theory of change is also the career advancement and upskilling for Black early care providers, enabling them to offer language-rich, developmentally appropriate, and culturally affirming care, thereby addressing systemic inequities. Early Care Spaces prioritizes funding for early care provided outside of traditional education systems, such as family resource centers and community spaces, while still welcoming organizations that partner with traditional systems. The program also places a strong emphasis on initiatives with deep connections to informal care providers or Family, Friend and Neighbor care. Furthermore, it seeks to support diverse organizations and providers that truly reflect the neighborhoods and communities they serve, with a particular focus on the Oakland flatlands, areas experiencing disinvestment and displacement of BIPOC communities. The expected outcomes include increased access to high-quality early literacy support for Oakland's youngest children, especially in underserved communities, and the strengthening of the informal care sector. Measurable results would likely include improvements in children's language and literacy skills, increased parental engagement in early education, and enhanced capacity and leadership among Black early care providers. This annual program, commemorating the foundation's 15th anniversary of formal grantmaking, aims to address existing gaps in Oakland's early care funding landscape and contribute to long-term literacy success for all children in the city.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to California-based nonprofit animal welfare organizations and municipal agencies to improve their disaster preparedness and response capabilities for future wildfires and emergencies affecting animals.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Gilroy and South County for projects that enhance community welfare across various sectors, including education, health, and the arts.

The Conservation, Environment and Public Trails Grant Program, administered by the Santa Barbara Foundation, is dedicated to fostering environmental sustainability, land conservation, habitat restoration, public trails, and overall ecosystem health within Santa Barbara County. This program directly aligns with the foundation's mission by investing in projects that preserve and enhance the region's natural resources, ensuring a healthy and accessible environment for all residents. The grants support both new and existing initiatives that demonstrate a clear need and aim to create lasting positive change in the community. The primary beneficiaries of this program are the communities and natural landscapes of Santa Barbara County. The impact goals include improving equitable access to natural resources and trail systems, restoring degraded habitats, protecting ecologically significant lands, and promoting sustainable environmental practices. The program seeks to empower well-managed, financially viable organizations to implement effective projects that address identified environmental needs, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and environmentally conscious Santa Barbara County. Key priorities for funding include projects focused on preserving and ensuring equitable access to natural resources and trail systems, community-based restoration in various natural areas (wetlands, streams, coastal areas, grasslands, woodlands), early-stage investigations for land conservation efforts, and piloting or expanding projects that exemplify best practices in conservation. The strongest projects are those that foster partnerships and collaborations, incorporate community involvement and education, and align with broader regional plans such as Santa Barbara County’s Conservation Blueprint or the Food Action Plan. Expected outcomes include the establishment of new trails and restoration of existing ones, the permanent protection of ecologically and agriculturally valuable lands, the restoration of critical habitats, and the implementation of innovative solutions for sustainable land, forestry, and water management. Measurable results could include increased acres of conserved land, miles of accessible trails, improved biodiversity in restored areas, and enhanced community awareness and engagement in conservation efforts. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its emphasis on collaborative approaches, community engagement, and alignment with existing regional conservation strategies, reflecting a theory of change that prioritizes collective action and long-term planning for environmental resilience.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and schools in Long Beach to support programs that promote the physical, mental, and spiritual development of youth and individuals.

The Arts Council for Long Beach offers two types of microgrants: Project Microgrants and Professional Development Microgrants. The Project Microgrants are designed for local projects that are free, open to the public, and directly benefit Long Beach residents. These projects are expected to support community representation and cultural respect, encourage cultural diversity, and/or enhance underserved communities. The Professional Development Microgrants assist Long Beach artists with funding for opportunities such as workshops or conferences, aiming to enhance the artist's or organization's ability to serve Long Beach residents, particularly in underserved areas. The overall mission alignment of the Arts Council is to promote and support arts and cultural activities that benefit the Long Beach community. The primary target beneficiaries of these microgrants are Long Beach residents, artists, and organizations within the city. The impact goals are centered around fostering cultural diversity, community representation, and enhancing the lives of residents through accessible arts and cultural experiences. For Professional Development Microgrants, the goal is to strengthen the capabilities of individual artists and arts organizations, which in turn enhances their service to the Long Beach community. Both grant types emphasize supporting underserved communities and populations within Long Beach, ensuring equitable access to arts and cultural benefits. The priorities and focuses of the Arts Council for Long Beach include supporting publicly accessible arts and cultural presentations in any art form, single events or series of events, arts and cultural festivals, arts education programs, traditional folk arts presentations, public art, and initiatives that promote the Long Beach arts and cultural sector. For professional development, funding prioritizes opportunities that enhance the applicant's ability to serve Long Beach residents, with specific provisions for conference fees and equipment/tools for art making. The emphasis is on projects that are free, open to the public, and directly beneficial to the local community. Expected outcomes include an increase in diverse and culturally representative arts projects, enhanced professional skills for Long Beach artists, and a more vibrant and accessible arts and cultural sector for all Long Beach residents. Measurable results could involve the number of projects implemented, audience attendance at free public events, the number of artists participating in professional development, and the demonstrable benefits to underserved communities. The Arts Council's strategic priorities align with a theory of change where targeted financial support for local arts and artists directly contributes to community enrichment, cultural engagement, and the professional growth of the city's creative talent. This investment is seen as a catalyst for a more inclusive and thriving cultural landscape in Long Beach.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in California, Oregon, and Washington that create career pathways and development programs for young people aged 11 to 24, with a focus on fostering career readiness and personal growth.

This funding opportunity is designed for community organizations in Sacramento County to provide essential employment services to justice-involved youth with disabilities, helping them gain skills and secure meaningful jobs.