California Business and Commerce Grants

This program provides funding to California's local governments to develop and support housing projects and services for low- to moderate-income households, particularly those at risk of homelessness.

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 California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) has launched the Youth Community Access Program, a competitive grant initiative designed to expand outdoor access and foster a healthier California. This program is rooted in supporting youth access to natural or cultural resources, with a specific focus on low-income and disadvantaged communities. While the provided information does not explicitly detail the "foundation's mission alignment" or "strategic priorities and theory of change" in terms of a separate foundation, the CNRA's overarching mission to protect and restore California's natural resources and promote equitable access aligns directly with the program's goals. The program's aim to address and repair the multi-generational community impacts of the War on Drugs further underscores a commitment to social justice and community well-being. The primary beneficiaries of this program are youth, defined as individuals between birth and 26 years old, residing in communities disproportionately affected by past federal and state drug policies, as well as other underserved communities. The impact goals are multifaceted: to promote youth health, safety, well-being, and comfort by facilitating direct access to natural or cultural resources. This includes supporting community education and recreational amenities for youth substance use prevention and early intervention, ultimately empowering youth to make healthy choices and fostering a healthier, more engaged generation. The program prioritizes projects that actively involve youth in all stages, from planning and decision-making to facilitation and evaluation. Additionally, projects that engage youth in outreach and awareness campaigns, and those that empower youth to make healthy choices, are given priority consideration. These focuses emphasize a youth-centric, participatory approach, aiming for sustainable community-led change rather than top-down interventions. The minimum award for an individual project is $25,000, and the maximum is $300,000, indicating a range of project scales supported. While specific measurable results are not explicitly outlined, the expected outcomes can be inferred from the program's requirements and priorities. These include increased youth participation in outdoor and cultural activities, enhanced community capacity for youth development, reduced instances of substance use through prevention and early intervention efforts, and improved overall health and well-being among young people in targeted communities. The emphasis on youth involvement in planning and evaluation suggests an ongoing feedback loop to assess program effectiveness and impact.

The California Clean Air Day Microgrant Program invites applicants to secure funding for local projects that promote clean air initiatives. While the text does not explicitly state the "foundation mission alignment" or "foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change" in terms of a specific foundation, it clearly outlines the goals and priorities of the Clean Air Day initiative. The program's core mission is to raise awareness of Clean Air Day and encourage actions that contribute to cleaning the air. The target beneficiaries of this program are diverse organizations across California, including cities, counties, schools, government agencies, healthcare providers, community organizations (including Indigenous Tribes), business organizations (such as chambers of commerce, economic development agencies, and business improvement districts), small businesses, and labor unions. The program seeks to engage a broad spectrum of these entities to foster collaborative efforts in improving air quality. The program's priorities and focuses are centered on local projects that occur on or within seven days prior to California Clean Air Day. These projects must demonstrably raise awareness of Clean Air Day and actively contribute to cleaning the air or encourage participants to take actions that will lead to cleaner air. Projects are also required to successfully engage at least 100 participants or attendees, emphasizing community involvement and broad impact. The expected outcomes and measurable results include increased awareness of clean air issues, tangible contributions to air quality improvement, and significant community engagement as evidenced by participant numbers. The grant funding, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, supports various uses such as supplies for events, marketing expenses, city permit costs, and materials for activities like shovels/tools, giveaways, and educational materials, all geared towards achieving these measurable outcomes. The program encourages collaborative efforts by requiring at least two organizations from different categories to partner on an application, enhancing the potential for diverse and impactful projects.

This program provides funding to small and mid-sized food businesses in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah to help them expand their market access and improve their operations.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture is offering a grant of over $1 million through its Dairy Plus Program to California dairy farms for implementing advanced manure management practices that reduce methane emissions and manage nitrogen and salt surplus, with a focus on climate-smart practices and product markets.

The Farm and Ranch Solid Waste Cleanup and Abatement Grant Program, offered by the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle), is designed to combat and prevent illegal dumping on agricultural properties across California. This program aligns with the broader mission of environmental stewardship and resource recovery by directly addressing waste management issues in rural areas. By providing financial assistance, the program supports the cleanup of existing waste and establishes preventative measures to protect farmlands and ranches from future illegal dumping, contributing to the overall health and sustainability of California's agricultural sector. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are cities, counties, resource conservation districts, and federally recognized tribes that can apply on behalf of farm or ranch property owners. The impact goals are to reduce environmental blight, prevent pollution, and promote responsible waste disposal practices in agricultural communities. The program targets properties that are appropriately zoned or authorized for agricultural activities, regardless of active sales or production, and includes appurtenant easements like public roads and utilities, ensuring a comprehensive approach to rural waste management. The program's priorities and focuses are clear: to provide funding for both cleanup and abatement efforts. This includes the removal of existing illegal dump sites and the implementation of strategies to deter future dumping. The grant emphasizes practical, on-the-ground solutions for waste management, recognizing the unique challenges faced by farm and ranch properties. This focus contributes to a cleaner environment, reduces public health risks associated with illegal dumping, and supports the economic viability of agricultural lands by preserving their natural integrity. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in the number and size of illegal dump sites on agricultural properties, as well as an increase in awareness and adoption of legal waste disposal methods. The program has substantial funding, with $1,000,000 available each fiscal year, and a maximum of $200,000 per applicant per fiscal year, with $50,000 being the maximum for each cleanup site. These financial incentives are designed to encourage broad participation and achieve significant results in waste abatement. CalRecycle's strategic priorities, reflected in this grant, revolve around fostering a circular economy and protecting California's natural resources. The theory of change posits that by providing targeted financial assistance and promoting community-level engagement, the program can effectively mitigate the problem of illegal dumping. This, in turn, leads to healthier ecosystems, supports agricultural productivity, and enhances the quality of life for residents in rural areas, ultimately contributing to California's environmental and economic resilience.

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.

This program provides financial support to Danville-based brick-and-mortar businesses and local organizations for collaborative events that promote shopping locally, with additional funding available for digital marketing initiatives.

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 program provides financial assistance to commercial businesses and property owners along Western Avenue in Rancho Palos Verdes for visible storefront improvements to enhance the area's appearance and economic vitality.

California: Tourism and Special Event Grants Program provides financial support for activities promoting Livermore's downtown, wine country, and events that boost tourism and generate economic benefits for the region. The program awards five grants of $2,000 each to event organizers who can demonstrate direct benefits to Livermore downtown businesses and local wineries, as well as a minimum of 1,000 combined expected attendees in person and virtually. Preference is given to new and innovative events not previously supported by the grant.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for affordable housing and sustainable transportation projects in California, targeting local governments, nonprofits, and other eligible entities to create healthier, more equitable communities while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The California Museum Grant Program, initiated by the California Natural Resources Agency, aims to support and enhance museums deeply rooted in and reflective of previously underserved communities. This program offers approximately $27.7 million in funding, which may be disbursed over multiple rounds. The core mission alignment of this grant is to bolster museums that serve a critical role in their communities, particularly those most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and those serving historically underserved populations. The program's intent is to solicit proposals for both program and capital projects that contribute to the vitality and accessibility of these cultural institutions. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are museums that serve historically underserved communities or students subject to Title I of the Federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act. This includes pupils and teachers at eligible schools, children in low-income communities, and communities that have historically lacked adequate access to cultural resources. The impact goals are broad, aiming to improve access to cultural resources, preserve at-risk collections and historic buildings, support ethical stewardship of culturally sensitive artifacts, and educate the public on critical issues affecting Californians. The program prioritizes funding for museums severely affected by COVID-19 and those serving historically underserved communities. Projects must also align with at least one of the following priorities: serving students and teachers in Title I eligible schools; serving children in low-income communities; engaging or collaborating with underserved communities; advancing preservation of at-risk cultural and natural collections and historic buildings; improving access; supporting ethical stewardship of culturally sensitive art and artifacts, including consultation with California Indian tribes or repatriation; or educating the public about critical issues. Eligible projects encompass capital improvements, exhibits, educational programs, outreach programs, public programs, curriculum development, publications, marketing, and collections care. Expected outcomes include enhanced museum infrastructure and offerings, increased engagement with underserved communities, improved preservation of cultural and natural heritage, and greater public education on relevant societal issues. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided text, the emphasis on serving specific communities and advancing certain priorities implies a focus on metrics related to audience reach, program participation, preservation efforts, and community engagement. Grant proposal requests range from $50,000 to $500,000 for program projects and $100,000 to $1 million for capital projects, indicating a commitment to significant, impactful interventions.

The City of Stockton and Stockton Arts Commission are offering a grant of $10,000 to $100,000 for local artists and art organizations to fund projects that promote public engagement and access to various forms of art within the city, with funds being used for artist compensation, production, exhibit costs, marketing, rental cost, and supplies.

The City of South Lake Tahoe's Cannabis Revenues Grant Program aims to provide funding opportunities to local public agencies and nonprofit organizations. This program is designed to mitigate potential negative impacts of the cannabis industry within South Lake Tahoe, while also promoting the strategic priorities outlined in the City's 2023-2028 Strategic Plan. The initiative aligns directly with the City's broader mission to foster community well-being and responsible economic development, utilizing cannabis tax revenues for the benefit of its residents and environment. The target beneficiaries for this grant program are local public agencies and nonprofit organizations operating within or serving the South Lake Tahoe community. The overarching impact goal is to address and reduce any adverse effects associated with the cannabis industry. Simultaneously, the program seeks to advance the City’s Strategic Priorities, which include Built Environment, Recreation and Equitable Access, Community for All, Economic Development, and Core Services & High Performing Government. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly defined: proposals must be centered on efforts to mitigate potential impacts of the cannabis industry in South Lake Tahoe and actively promote the aforementioned strategic priorities. This ensures that funded projects are directly relevant to the City's objectives and contribute to a healthier, more equitable, and economically vibrant community. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in cannabis industry-related impacts and tangible progress towards the City's strategic goals. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided text, the requirement for past-year recipients to submit a detailed report on how previous awards were expensed suggests an emphasis on accountability and tracking of funds. The grant duration of one year also implies a focus on projects with clear, achievable objectives within that timeframe. The City of South Lake Tahoe's strategic priorities, which serve as the foundation's "theory of change," are multifaceted. By investing in areas like the Built Environment, Recreation and Equitable Access, Community for All, Economic Development, and Core Services & High Performing Government, the City believes it can create a more resilient and thriving community. This grant program specifically channels cannabis revenues to support this holistic approach, demonstrating a commitment to responsible governance and community development. Grant amounts range from $1,000 to $50,000, with funds required to be expended within one year. Eligibility criteria include having a current City of South Lake Tahoe Business License and meeting all requirements outlined in the City’s Financial Policies Granting Funds for Community Benefit and Enhancement.

This initiative provides financial support to small businesses and community organizations impacted by the January 2025 wildfires in Los Angeles County, focusing on recovery and resilience for underserved enterprises.