California Arts Grants

The CDC Foundation is offering a grant program to community-based organizations (CBOs) focused on raising awareness about critical health warning signs during and after pregnancy. This initiative is part of the national "Hear Her" communication campaign, which aims to improve communication among pregnant and postpartum individuals, their support networks, and healthcare providers. The program aligns with the CDC Foundation's mission to protect health and safety by supporting public health initiatives, specifically addressing maternal health outcomes, which is a key strategic priority. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are pregnant and postpartum people, along with their support networks (friends and family) and healthcare providers who interact with this population. The impact goal is to educate communities and improve communication, ultimately leading to better maternal health outcomes. Organizations serving communities that experience poorer maternal health outcomes are a particular focus. The program prioritizes CBOs that are headquartered in and serve communities within the US. Eligible organizations must specifically serve pregnant or postpartum people, their support systems, and/or healthcare providers. A key focus is on organizations with the staff capacity to execute planned activities within the one-year grant duration and those that serve their local communities. Special consideration is given to organizations serving specific metropolitan areas, including Atlanta, Dallas/Ft. Worth, New Orleans, New York City, and St. Louis, as well as those whose leadership and staff reflect the communities they serve. The expected outcome of this grant program is increased awareness of important health warning signs during and after pregnancy among the target population. Measurable results will stem from the successful implementation of activities designed to educate communities and enhance communication. By fostering better communication and awareness, the CDC Foundation's theory of change suggests that individuals will be empowered to recognize and act on warning signs, leading to timely interventions and a reduction in adverse maternal health events. The program offers up to six awards of $50,000 each, with activities to be completed within one year.

The City and County of San Francisco offers "Grants for the Arts: Arts Services," a program designed to provide capacity building for San Francisco-based arts and culture organizations and/or artists. This grant aims to strengthen the arts community within San Francisco by offering support in various critical areas. While the specific foundation mission or theory of change is not explicitly stated in the provided text, the grant's focus on "capacity building" and supporting local arts organizations aligns with a broader goal of fostering a vibrant and sustainable cultural sector within the city. The target beneficiaries of this grant are San Francisco-based nonprofit organizations classified as 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), or 501(c)(6), as well as individual artists through fiscally sponsored organizations. The program prioritizes a wide range of areas for support, including audience development, cultural competency and racial equity action plans, fiscal sponsorship, financial management and literacy, fundraising, grant writing, legal compliance, marketing, mentorship, nonprofit governance, professional development, regranting programs, space/capital planning, strategic and business planning, and technical assistance. The impact goals are to enhance the operational and strategic capabilities of these organizations and artists, ultimately contributing to a more robust and equitable arts ecosystem in San Francisco. Expected outcomes include improved organizational sustainability, increased professionalization of artists and arts organizations, enhanced audience engagement, greater financial stability, and more effective program delivery. Measurable results from the FY24 cycle indicate grant amounts ranged from $10,000 to $140,000, although these do not reflect future cycles. The grant duration is two years, from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2026, allowing for sustained capacity-building efforts and the potential for long-term impact on the beneficiaries. The grant's strategic priorities are clearly focused on empowering local arts and culture entities by addressing their diverse needs across operational and developmental aspects. The theory of change implicit in this grant is that by providing comprehensive capacity-building support in areas such as financial management, strategic planning, and racial equity, organizations will become more resilient, effective, and capable of serving their communities. This, in turn, is expected to lead to a more thriving and inclusive arts and culture landscape in San Francisco. Eligibility criteria, such as requiring a San Francisco corporate address and 501(c) status, underscore the commitment to local investment and accountability within the city's artistic community.

This grant supports collaborative partnerships among cultural nonprofits, local businesses, and government entities in California to establish and promote new cultural districts that celebrate and preserve local cultural assets.

The City of Gresham Community Enhancement Grants aim to uplift the quality of life for residents within the Gresham community. This grant program is directly aligned with the city's mission to foster a thriving, vibrant, and safe environment for all its inhabitants. By supporting projects that address various community needs, the City of Gresham demonstrates its commitment to proactive community development and sustained well-being, effectively serving as the foundation for local progress. The grant targets a broad range of beneficiaries, including seniors, youth, the unemployed, the homeless, and the general public who benefit from improved public spaces and safety. Impact goals are centered on creating more inclusive, healthier, and safer neighborhoods. The program explicitly aims to improve neighborhood appearance, preserve natural environments, enhance public safety, provide recreational opportunities, and particularly benefit underserved populations, addressing critical gaps in community resources and services. The program's priorities and focuses are diverse, encompassing park and senior programs, youth initiatives, community runs, job skills and work opportunities, safety and aesthetic improvements, wildlife preservation, and the celebration of Gresham's heritage. Eligible activities are broad, encouraging innovative projects that contribute to these focus areas. The emphasis is on tangible improvements that directly enhance community life and foster a sense of belonging and civic pride. Expected outcomes include a more engaged and healthier community, improved environmental quality, increased public safety, and expanded access to recreational and educational opportunities. While specific measurable results are not detailed, the nature of the eligible activities suggests that outcomes could be measured through participation rates in programs, reported improvements in neighborhood safety and cleanliness, and the number of individuals gaining employment or job skills. The city's strategic priority is to empower community-led initiatives that drive positive change at a local level, reflecting a theory of change that grassroots efforts, supported by local government, are the most effective way to build a resilient and thriving community.

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.

Grantees will be required to accomplish the following within the Grant Activity Period: Convene a standing committee of community members and stakeholders tosupport development of new SLP structure and strategic framework. Model equity practices and principles in the development of new SLP mission,vision, programming, and services. Identify and retain a dedicated staff member to lead new SLP and provide mentorship to that individual. Identify and maintain an accessible public office space for the new SLP. Create and implement a realistic operating budget for new SLP, with appropriate portion of grant funds going directly to support new SLP. Supply anticipated outcomes for a one-year grant and outline any next steps anticipated to occur beyond the grant activity period to fulfill the goals of the grant program. 

The Veterans grant program, funded by El Dorado County and administered by the El Dorado Community Foundation, aims to support the veteran community at large. This aligns with the foundation's mission to facilitate impactful local initiatives, by providing financial assistance for operations, programs, or property improvements/repairs specifically benefiting veterans. The foundation acts as a conduit for county funds, ensuring they reach eligible organizations dedicated to supporting this vital demographic. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are organizations or groups that serve individual veterans within El Dorado County, California. While individuals are not directly eligible for grants, the program is designed to ultimately benefit veterans by supporting the organizations that provide them with essential services and resources. The impact goals include enhancing the quality of life for veterans through various support mechanisms, such as program funding and infrastructure improvements, ensuring their needs are met within the community. Key priorities for the program include funding nonprofits and ensuring accountability in the use of funds. Preference is given to organizations with established programs and a track record of consistently applying for other grants or engaging in separate fundraising efforts, indicating sustainability and commitment. A significant focus is also placed on compliance, requiring organizations to be recognized charitable concerns by the IRS (including 501(c) corporations, churches, government agencies, and schools) and to be in compliance with the IRS, CA SOS, FTB, and CA DOJ. Expected outcomes include the successful implementation of veteran-supportive programs, improved facilities, and enhanced operational capabilities for organizations serving veterans. Measurable results could be tracked through final impact reports, which are a mandatory requirement for previous grants before new funding is released. The grant amounts, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, are intended to provide meaningful support that can lead to tangible improvements for the veteran community. The foundation's strategic priorities, as demonstrated by this program, revolve around community investment and targeted support for specific demographics. The theory of change appears to be that by strategically funding established and compliant organizations, the foundation can effectively leverage resources to address critical community needs, in this case, those of veterans. The emphasis on sustained engagement (organizations must sit out 1.5 years between requests) and financial prudence (funds do not need to be used in the year requested but long-term use must be specified) further underscores a commitment to long-term, impactful change rather than short-term fixes.

The Jean P. Fitton Grant Program, funded by the Community Foundation for Monterey County, is accepting applications from 501(c)3 nonprofits, public schools, and public-school foundations in Monterey County, California, offering $1,000 to $10,000 for programs benefiting K-12 teachers, nonathletic scholastic and arts programs, and necessary equipment and facility improvements, with a deadline of October 4, 2024.

The Public-Space Activation Fund (PAF) is a grant opportunity offered by the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs. The grant program aims to fund temporary, creative projects in public spaces within LA City neighborhoods where arts and culture are absent or scarce. The funding levels range from $600 to $45,000, depending on the category and complexity of the proposed projects. The grant is open for monthly submissions from October 2023 to July 2024. Eligible applicants include Los Angeles-based community entrepreneurs, independent artists, cultural activists, nonprofit organizations, and collaborative partnerships under the stewardship of one lead-agent. There are four categories under PAF: Neighborhood Expressions (NE), Arts and Social Wellness (ASW), International Festivals & Intercultural Foods (IFIF), and International Participation And Promotion Projects (IPAPP). Each category has specific requirements and funding ranges. The primary aim of PAF is to activate designated public spaces through creative-connectivity for well-defined audiences. The deadline for applications is July 31, 2024, at 12:00 am. For more information on eligibility requirements and application instructions, prospective applicants are encouraged to refer to the PAF program guidelines available at dcaredesign.org/artsactivate or contact Armando Smith at [email protected] or Ben Espinosa at [email protected].

The Zellerbach Family Foundation is accepting applications for the Community Arts grant, offering $5,000 to $15,000 to underfunded artists and arts organizations in Alameda, Contra Costa, and San Francisco Counties, California, who engage in diverse, community-focused art projects within specified disciplines and maintain an annual budget under $2 million.

The Tribal Solar Gap Funding Grant, offered by the Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund (TSAF), aims to support solar projects within American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) tribal communities. This grant is designed to address funding gaps, such as tribal cost-share requirements or leveraging other grant opportunities, for various solar initiatives. The TSAF's core mission is to serve, support, and strengthen AI/AN tribal communities through investments in solar energy development and sustainability, aligning directly with the grant's objective of enhancing tribal energy resilience and infrastructure. The grant encourages applications for up to $250,000 to facilitate the deployment of solar energy where existing funding gaps prevent project completion. The target beneficiaries of this grant are primarily federally recognized tribal governments, tribally-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, and tribally-controlled or operated schools in the lower 48 states and Alaska. The definition of "tribal-led" requires a majority (>51%) of the board of directors and leadership team to be American Indian or Alaska Native. Additionally, projects must serve communities designated as low-to-moderate income (LMI), as evidenced by eligibility for federal, state, or tribal low-income programs, or Census data. The impact goals are to strengthen tribal solar energy development, foster infrastructure that includes other renewable energy technologies like battery storage and clean mobility, and initiate new solar demonstration projects that enhance tribal community energy resilience. The grant prioritizes projects that are already positioned to deploy solar energy but face a cost-share gap. The funding areas specifically focus on "Solar Project 'Gap' Funding." The objectives are to enhance and strengthen tribal solar energy development and infrastructure, provide funding for larger-scale solar projects that benefit a significant number of tribal community members, and initiate new solar demonstration project systems. This strategic focus ensures that the grant effectively removes financial barriers, allowing ready-to-deploy projects to move forward and deliver tangible benefits to tribal communities. Expected outcomes and measurable results include the successful deployment of solar projects, increased access to clean energy for tribal communities, strengthened energy resilience, and the integration of other impactful renewable energy technologies. By addressing funding gaps, the TSAF's theory of change is that it will accelerate the implementation of solar energy solutions, leading to enhanced energy independence, economic development, and environmental sustainability within tribal nations. The grant's emphasis on larger-scale projects and new demonstration systems indicates a commitment to both immediate impact and long-term, scalable solutions.

The Tustin Cares program, offered by the City of Tustin in partnership with the Orange County-Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (SBDC), presents the Main Street Digital Training & Grant Program. This initiative aims to provide vital training and funding to retail businesses, home-based businesses, and nonprofits within Tustin, specifically targeting an increase in their social media presence and overall revenue. While not explicitly stating a "foundation mission alignment," the program's focus on local business development and recovery suggests an alignment with broader community economic well-being and resilience, particularly in the wake of financial hardships. The target beneficiaries of the Main Street Digital Program are for-profit commercially-zoned brick-and-mortar retail businesses, home-based businesses, and nonprofits physically located in Tustin. Eligibility criteria specify that businesses must have had an active Tustin business license since the first quarter of 2023, possess a minimum of 2 employees and no more than 25 full-time equivalent employees as of December 31, 2023, and be in good standing with the City. Businesses that have participated in previous Main Street Digital Programs are ineligible, but those that received alternative COVID-19 related funding, such as EIDL or PPP loans, are eligible. The program's priorities and focuses are squarely on digital presence and revenue generation for small businesses and nonprofits. The SBDC has developed a virtual training program specifically designed to assist businesses with "Creating a Digital Presence." This emphasis highlights the City of Tustin's strategic priority to empower local enterprises with the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital marketplace, thereby fostering economic growth and stability within the community. Expected outcomes and measurable results include an enhanced social media presence and increased revenue for participating businesses and nonprofits. The program's theory of change appears to be that by providing targeted digital marketing training and financial assistance, local businesses will be better equipped to reach customers, expand their operations, and ultimately contribute to the economic revitalization of Tustin. The requirement for businesses to certify financial hardship due to COVID-19 and the $500 grant amount, which cannot exceed the amount of lost revenue, also suggest an immediate goal of alleviating pandemic-related economic strain.

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 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 to local organizations in California that advocate for and serve immigrant and refugee communities, focusing on improving access to behavioral health resources and culturally appropriate services.

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.

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The Siembra Latinos Fund (SLF), an affiliate fund of the Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC), is dedicated to fostering positive change within Latino communities in Monterey County, California. This grant program directly aligns with the broader mission of the CFMC to enhance community well-being by addressing critical needs and supporting initiatives that have a tangible impact. The SLF specifically channels resources to organizations and projects that serve the predominantly Latino residents of Monterey County, ensuring that funding reaches those who can most effectively drive positive social and economic outcomes within these communities. The primary target beneficiaries of the Siembra Latinos Fund are Latino residents and communities in Monterey County. The program's impact goals are centered on facilitating the expansion and refinement of existing beneficial programs, supporting the development of new initiatives with strong potential for sustainability and impact, and providing crucial assistance during emergency or special circumstances. By focusing on these areas, the fund aims to empower local organizations and public agencies to better serve their constituents, addressing diverse needs from social services to community development. The fund prioritizes two main types of requests: Program Support and Operating Support. Program Support is allocated for endeavors such as expanding current programs, developing new high-impact and sustainable programs, and offering aid during urgent situations. Operating Support provides unrestricted grants to organizations with a proven history of community benefit, recognizing the importance of flexible funding for operational stability and effectiveness. These priorities underscore the fund's commitment to both innovative project-based work and the long-term health of essential community organizations. Expected outcomes include the strengthening of Latino communities through enhanced program delivery, increased organizational capacity, and responsive support for emerging needs. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the focus on "proven track record of community benefit" for operating support and "promise of impact and sustainability" for program support suggests an emphasis on effective and lasting positive change. The CFMC’s strategic priorities, as evidenced by the establishment of the Siembra Latinos Fund, align with a theory of change that posits direct investment in community-led initiatives and established organizations serving specific demographic groups will lead to improved quality of life and greater equity within the region. Organizations are required to be current on reporting obligations for past CFMC grants, indicating a commitment to accountability and impact assessment.

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.

This funding opportunity supports local parks in California by providing financial assistance for both arts programs and art installations, benefiting communities and enhancing public spaces.