California grants for State governments

This funding opportunity supports projects that improve the competitiveness of California's specialty crops, benefiting a wide range of organizations, including nonprofits, government entities, and educational institutions.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is offering the 2024 Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund (Pollinator Fund) to advance pollinator conservation. The core mission of this fund is to protect, conserve, and increase habitat for the monarch butterfly and other native insect pollinators. This aligns with NFWF’s broader Monarch Butterfly Business Plan, indicating a strategic, long-term commitment to these species. The fund aims to support both technical assistance for private working lands and direct habitat improvement projects. The target beneficiaries of this grant program include monarch butterflies and other at-risk native insect pollinator species, such as the rusty patched bumble bee, Franklin’s bumble bee, Karner blue butterfly, Dakota skipper, Poweshiek skipperling, and Mitchell’s satyr. The program also indirectly benefits private landowners, farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners, especially those in Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories, by providing resources and incentives for conservation practices on their lands. The overall impact goal is to significantly enhance the quality, quantity, and connectivity of pollinator habitat across eligible states. The Pollinator Fund has two main categories of focus. The first is Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands, which prioritizes increasing voluntary engagement of private landowners in conservation practices through staff resources and targeted outreach for Farm Bill programs like CSP and EQIP. The second category, Habitat Improvement, focuses on on-the-ground restoration and enhancement of pollinator habitat, emphasizing regionally appropriate milkweed and diverse native nectar plants, as well as increasing the supply of native seeds and seedlings. These priorities align with NFWF's strategic goal of fostering sustainable ecosystems through direct habitat restoration and incentivizing private land stewardship. Expected outcomes and measurable results are central to this program. All proposals must demonstrate how they will directly and measurably contribute to the Pollinator Fund's goals, specifically by providing the number of acres restored or enhanced. A minimum of 100 acres in California or 500 acres in all other eligible states must be restored or enhanced. Historically, successful projects have averaged 2,120 acres, indicating a substantial scale for expected impact. The program's theory of change posits that by providing financial assistance and technical support, and by focusing on key geographical areas and species, NFWF can effectively reverse declines in monarch and other native pollinator populations, thereby contributing to broader ecosystem health and biodiversity. The total funding of up to $5.1 million in 2024, contributed by a diverse group of partners, underscores the collaborative and impactful nature of this strategic initiative.

The Planning and Development Grants, part of the Local Parks Grant Program managed by Parks California, aim to support the initial stages of community-oriented projects that connect local communities to California’s cultural history and natural areas. These projects include building partnerships, artist selection, and developing project plans. This initiative enhances community well-being and sustainable connections. The grant cycle runs from October 2024 to May 2025.

This funding opportunity supports conservation projects that provide employment and training for young adults and veterans, helping them gain experience in environmental stewardship and resource management on public lands.

This funding opportunity is designed to support innovative projects that develop and demonstrate Direct Air Capture technologies in California, while also engaging and educating local communities about carbon removal efforts.

This funding opportunity is designed to support organizations in Napa County that focus on wildlife conservation, education, and habitat improvement projects, particularly those benefiting school-aged children.

This funding opportunity is designed for research institutions affiliated with the Desert Southwest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit to study vegetation health and water use in the Lower Colorado River's riparian areas using remote sensing technologies.

This funding opportunity supports a variety of organizations in California to develop and implement safer, sustainable pest management practices that protect public health and the environment while promoting economic vitality.

This funding opportunity provides over $800 million to support the construction and rehabilitation of facilities that expand mental health services for vulnerable populations in California, including unhoused individuals, veterans, and children.

The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) offers the Rubberized Pavement Grant Program, previously known as the Rubberized Asphalt Concrete (RAC) Grant Program. Its primary mission is to foster markets for recycled-content surfacing products derived from waste tires generated within California. This program directly aligns with environmental stewardship and resource recovery objectives, seeking to mitigate the adverse environmental impacts caused by the unlawful disposal and stockpiling of waste tires. By promoting the use of recycled tire rubber in pavement, CalRecycle aims to support a circular economy and reduce waste, contributing to a more sustainable infrastructure development. The target beneficiaries of this grant program include local governments (cities, counties, and cities and counties), other local governmental agencies such as regional park districts, special districts, and Joint Powers Authorities, and qualifying Indian Tribes. State agencies are also eligible, but with specific limitations on projects related to Class 1 bikeways, greenways, and disability access at parks. The impact goals are centered on increasing the use of rubberized pavement, thereby diverting waste tires from landfills and illegal dumps. This also contributes to the longevity of road infrastructure, as RAC roads are proven to last 50% longer than those made with conventional materials. The program's priorities and focuses are clear: to expand the application of rubberized asphalt concrete (RAC) technology. RAC is produced by blending ground tire rubber with asphalt binder, which is then mixed with conventional materials. This process not only addresses waste management but also offers a durable and cost-effective solution for road construction and maintenance. The emphasis is on practical, implementable projects that utilize this recycled content, demonstrating its effectiveness and encouraging widespread adoption across California. Expected outcomes and measurable results include a reduction in waste tire stockpiles and illegal dumping, an increase in the number of miles of roads constructed or rehabilitated with RAC, and a corresponding extension of pavement lifespan. The program measures success through the amount of waste tires diverted and the scale of rubberized pavement projects undertaken. By providing financial incentives, CalRecycle strategically promotes a market for recycled tire products, demonstrating a theory of change where economic support drives environmental and infrastructural improvements. The funding structure, with maximum awards ranging from $250,000 for individual applications to $500,000 for qualifying Indian Tribes, is designed to stimulate diverse projects and ensure accessibility for various eligible entities.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is soliciting proposals to reduce whale mortality from fishing gear entanglement in Southern California. This grant directly aligns with NFWF's mission to sustain, restore, and enhance the nation's fish, wildlife, plants, and habitats for current and future generations by addressing a critical threat to cetacean populations. The program aims to provide compensatory restoration for injuries to cetaceans caused by the Refugio Beach Oil Spill (RBOS), thereby mitigating past environmental damage and fostering healthier marine ecosystems. The primary beneficiaries of this program are cetaceans in Southern California, particularly those susceptible to entanglement in fishing gear. The impact goals are to increase the capacity of the entanglement response network, improve documentation and disentanglement efforts, and broadly support activities that reduce serious injuries or mortalities from entanglements. This initiative contributes to the foundation's strategic priority of healthy oceans and coasts by safeguarding marine mammals. The program prioritizes several key areas to achieve its goals. These include directly enhancing entanglement response in Southern California, and potentially beyond if it benefits local cetaceans, coordinating with federal, state, and local resource agencies to improve the overall West Coast Marine Mammal Entanglement Response Program, and training and developing volunteer response capacity. Furthermore, proposals should outline how activities will contribute to the development of the overall capacity and infrastructure of the program. Expected outcomes include a more robust and efficient entanglement response network, a reduction in the number of entangled cetaceans, improved survival rates of entangled animals through effective disentanglement, and enhanced coordination among relevant agencies. Measurable results would likely involve metrics such as the number of successful disentanglements, the increase in trained responders, and the documented reduction in entanglement-related mortalities. An estimated $250,000 will be available for a Phase 1 project award, anticipated to last 1-2 years, with a priority geographic focus on the coastlines off Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, and Orange Counties.

This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations and certain public agencies to improve transportation options for seniors and individuals with disabilities in California.

This funding opportunity supports community programs that teach and engage diverse families in fishing, boating, and aquatic conservation efforts throughout California.

This program provides coaching and community support for fundraisers of color at small nonprofits in Sacramento and Yolo counties, focusing on those addressing health and racial disparities.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response (CDFW-OSPR) is offering a grant program through its Environmental Enhancement Fund (EEF). The EEF acquires funds from spill violations, aligning with California’s Lempert-Keene-Seastrand Oil Spill Prevention and Response Act. This initiative directly supports CDFW-OSPR's mission to protect and restore California's natural resources by funding projects that enhance, restore, or acquire habitat for wildlife. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are various entities including nonprofit organizations, cities, counties, districts, state agencies, and, where permitted, federal agencies. The ultimate impact goal is to benefit fish and wildlife populations by improving their habitats and restoring ecosystem functions. All eligible groups and projects are strongly encouraged to apply, fostering a broad approach to environmental enhancement. The program prioritizes environmental enhancement projects that are located within or immediately adjacent to waters of the state, as defined in California Government Code (of Section 8670.3). These projects must also demonstrate measurable outcomes within a predetermined timeframe and be specifically designed to acquire, restore, or improve habitat or restore ecosystem function, or both, for the benefit of fish and wildlife. The selection committee, composed of representatives from the California Coastal Conservancy, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and CDFW-OSPR, will evaluate proposals based on these criteria. Expected outcomes include tangible improvements in habitat quality, increased biodiversity, and enhanced ecosystem resilience. Projects are required to have measurable outcomes, ensuring accountability and demonstrating the effectiveness of the funded initiatives. The selection committee is specifically seeking projects with a minimum requested grant award of $500,000, indicating a focus on substantial and impactful projects. All projects must be completed by April 1, 2031, providing a clear timeframe for implementation and results. This strategic approach reflects a theory of change where targeted investment in habitat restoration and acquisition directly leads to the recovery and enhancement of California's diverse fish and wildlife populations.

This grant provides funding to California-based researchers, universities, government agencies, and nonprofits to develop innovative pest management strategies for addressing invasive agricultural pests.

This grant provides financial support to public agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations for the preservation and interpretation of historic sites along the Route 66 corridor, with a focus on underrepresented communities.

This program provides funding to eligible public transit agencies in designated urban areas to improve security and resilience against terrorism and other threats through various protective measures and enhancements.

This program provides funding to California cities and counties to create and improve initiatives that support individuals affected by cannabis criminalization, helping them enter the regulated cannabis market.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for California-based industrial facilities and related entities to implement advanced technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance energy efficiency, particularly benefiting low-income and disadvantaged communities.