California Business and Commerce Grants

The City of Oakland is accepting applications for its 2025 Neighborhood Voices for Festivals Grant Program. Donor Name: City of Oakland State: California County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/22/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: This grant opportunity amplifies the cultural expressions, stories, and heritage found within Oakland’s neighborhoods and their community members who historically have not received equitable investments of resources or recognition. Festivals supported by this grant opportunity must be in-person Oakland arts and cultural activities that are free and open to the public. This grant is festivals that are one- or multi-day events, that generally occur one time per year, and is not intended to fund ongoing programming. If you are conducting a single standing event, such as a performance or concert, this would not qualify as a festival. Applications from the following are encouraged: Festivals that lift-up the cultural identity of a people or the historical significance of a neighborhood; Racial/ethnic-specific communities or other types of communities that are under-recognized or lack visibility in Oakland; Festivals in neighborhoods with few formal cultural resources (such as, cultural centers, performance venues, art galleries, cultural education programs, etc.); and Partners who are deeply grounded and engaged in the neighborhood where the festival is based. Funding Information Applicants may request up to 50% of the projected expenses for the festival, not to exceed $14,000. The following changes are being implemented for 2025: Applicants may request up to 50% of the projected expenses for the festival, not to exceed  $14,000 (max amount may increase depending on City budget outcomes) Festivals must take place within the calendar year of 2025, between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025 Eligibility Criteria  Proof of Residency: Applicant organizations must be based in Oakland at the time of the application and maintain Oakland residency throughout the grant period. Applicants must submit proof of organization’s residency by submitting a recent copy of one of the following: utility bill (landline phone, PG&E, water, or cable bill), rental lease, or mortgage documentation. P.O. Box is not acceptable. Registered Non-Profit & Good Standing with State Agencies: CA Secretary of State Business Search: Applicant or their Fiscal Sponsor must be a registered nonprofit IRS 501c3 status with a street address in Oakland. In addition, the legal name of the organization must match the name provided in the California Secretary of State website and be listed as “Active.” Attorney General Registry of Charitable Trust: Applicant or their Fiscal Sponsor must be in “Current” standing with the Office of the Attorney General’s Registry of Charitable Trusts. Federal Regulation Compliance: Applicants must comply with all federal regulations pertaining to federal grant recipients by meeting the provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1963; Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; Americans with Disabilities Act and Age Discrimination Act of 1975. Evidence of Insurance: Once the grant is awarded, organizations must show evidence of: General Commercial Liability insurance, $2M per occurrence ($1M reduction request available); Workers Compensation insurance, $1M per occurrence (if organization has employees); Auto insurance, $1M per occurrence (if applicable); and Abuse and Sexual Molestation Insurance, $1M per occurrence (if working with vulnerable populations, which include but are not limited to: youth under the age of 18, the unhoused community, people with developmental disabilities, Alzheimer’s, Dementia) Arts & Culture Focus: Organizations that are not primarily arts and/or cultural providers are eligible only if this will be an arts and cultural festival. Sporting events, Conferences, Symposiums and Summits are not eligible for this grant opportunity. For more information, visit City of Oakland.

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) is excited to announce the Youth Community Access Program to expand outdoor access and build a healthier California. Donor Name: California Natural Resources Agency State: California County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/14/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: YEPEITA funds appropriated to the California Natural Resources Agency (the State) are to be used for competitive grants to support youth access to natural or cultural resources with a focus on low-income and disadvantaged communities. The grants may include, but are not limited to,  community education and recreational amenities to support youth substance use prevention and early intervention. The Youth Community Access Grant Program is a competitive program to award grants to communities disproportionately affected by past federal and state drug policies, also known as the War on Drugs, as well as other underserved communities. The Youth Community Access Grant Program aims to be a resource to address and repair the multi-generational community impacts of the War on Drugs. Funding Priorities Projects containing one or more of the following elements will be given priority consideration in funding decisions: Projects in which youth participate in project planning, decision making, facilitation, and evaluation Projects in which youth participate in outreach and awareness campaigns Projects that empower youth to make healthy choices Projects that empower youth to make healthy choices Funding Information The maximum award for an individual project is $300,000. The minimum award is $25,000. Eligibility Criteria Eligible applicants include local, state, and federal agencies; nonprofit organizations; and federally recognized Native American tribes. Nonprofit organizations are defined as any nonprofit public benefit corporation that is formed pursuant to the Nonprofit Corporation Law, incorporated for a minimum of two years, qualified to do business in California, and qualified as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization under the US Internal Revenue Code. Requirements To be eligible for funding, projects must meet ALL the following program requirements: Project must serve youth. For the purposes of this program, youth is defined as a person between the ages of birth and 26 years old. Project must directly support youth access to either natural or cultural resources. Project must include design features and program elements to promote youth health, safety, well-being, and comfort. For more information, visit CNRA.

Applicants are invited to apply for the California Clean Air Day Microgrant Program. Donor Name: California Clean Air Day State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details:   Uses of Funds Uses of the funds include supplies for events (food, tables & chairs, refreshments), marketing expenses, city permit costs, materials for activities (shovels/tools, giveaways, educational materials), etc. Categories  There is no limit to what can be done as long as the project meets the 4 requirements stated above, and that the groups submitting this application must include at least two organizations (the lead organization and partners), and the lead organization and its partners must fall into different categories as follows: Category A: City, County, Schools, or other Government Agency manager, official or representative Category B: A health care provider (public or private) Category C: An established community organization, including Indigenous Tribes Category D: A business organization (chamber of commerce, economic development agency, business improvement district, etc.) or a small business. Category E: Labor Unions Funding Information  Funding of up to $1,000 Eligible Projects To be eligible for funding, the local project must occur on or within the seven days prior to California Clean Air Day. The local project must 1) raise awareness of Clean Air Day, 2) contribute to cleaning the air or encourage participants to take actions that will clean the air, and 3) successfully engage at least 100 participants/attendees. For more information, visit California Clean Air Day.

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 California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) provides the Farm and Ranch Solid Waste Cleanup and Abatement Grant Program to help clean up and prevent illegal dumping on farm or ranch property. Donor Name: California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) State: California County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/09/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Farm or ranch property need not have active sales or production, but shall be appropriately zoned, or otherwise authorized for agricultural activities. Farm or ranch property includes appurtenant easements or right-of-ways such as, but not limited to, public roads and utilities. Funding Information $1,000,000 available for each fiscal year. Up to $200,000 is the maximum available per applicant per fiscal year (FY). $50,000 is the maximum available per cleanup site. Eligibility Criteria  Cities Counties Resource Conservation Districts Federally Recognized Tribes. For more information, visit CalRecycle.

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 provides small business owners to complete exterior improvements such as new paint, signage, lighting, windows, doors, or awnings. Donor Name: City of Sacramento State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/16/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: By improving the physical appearance of storefronts along the Northgate Boulevard commercial corridor, the program aims to: Support retention and growth of existing businesse Deter vacancie Attract more visitor Spur new investment Funding Information There is $200,000 available. The minimum funding request per application is $5,000.  The maximum funding request per application is $15,000 Project Period 1 year Eligible Activities Eligible activities include but are not limited to:  Exterior painting including murals  Installation of new façade elements or repair/replacement of existing façade elements such as signs, awnings, canopies, lighting, windows, doors, stucco, siding, tile, or stone accents  Restoration of original architectural features  Removal of boarded windows, security bars, dilapidated signs, awnings, and other exterior clutter Exterior security enhancements, but must meet the following requirements: Cannot exceed 25% of total grant award;  Must comply with the City’s design standards and overall vision for the corridor; and Must be proposed in conjunction with other exterior beautification. improvements  Applicable professional service fees related to design, architectural, electrical, engineering, or construction plans  Cannot exceed 25% of total grant award  Applicable City and State permitting fees  Cannot exceed 10% of total grant award Eligibility Criteria To be eligible, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:  Operate a retail or service establishment in a building with street frontage located on Northgate Boulevard  Qualify as a for-profit business  Non-profit entities are not eligible  Be independently owned and operated  Businesses cannot be owned by or affiliated with a parent organization that does not meet the remaining eligibility criteria  Franchises are not eligible  Be locally owned and operated  Principal office located in the greater Sacramento region Owners/officers domiciled in the greater Sacramento region  Have 100 or fewer employees or earn $18 million or less in average annual gross receipts over the last three tax years If a tenant, applicants must also:  Obtain the property owner’s written consent for the proposed improvements  Have a current lease with a minimum of three years remaining or obtain the property owner’s written assurance of a lease extension for at least three years To verify eligibility, the City may request additional documentation prior to grant award. Documentation may include:  Tax returns for the business  Utility bill in the name of the business Business license filings  Secretary of State filings For more information, visit City of Sacramento.

The City of West Hollywood is pleased to offer the WeHo Community Arts Grant intended to support nonprofit arts organizations, individual artists, or artist collectives, with a history of supporting LGBQ, BIPOC and/or female artists and audiences. Donor Name: City of West Hollywood State: California County: Los Angeles County (CA) City: West Hollywood Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Proposed programs can include art centered presentations or participatory programs (workshops) which enhance the community. The purpose for the grant is to fund art presentations that support community goals through cultural equity. This category supports art centered presentations and/or workshops that provide access and education to specific communities. The City of West Hollywood and Grantees in the Community Arts Grant category can expect to: Engage residents and visitors with the arts; expand arts audiences. Recognize and champion local cultural resources; discover and explore new places for artmaking. Provide a variety of quality arts programming that is financially and geographically accessible for the residents of West Hollywood; increase access to arts experiences. Increase revenues for local businesses, and support arts-business partnerships. Increase access to and/or participation in the arts through education. Amplify, express, explore, address, and celebrate identity, experience, and culture. Funding Information $30,000: Total amount of available funding in this category. $6,000: Maximum award per organization. Eligibility Requirements  To be eligible for consideration, organizations must satisfy the following requirements: Eligible organizations are LA County-based artists, collectives, or non-profit arts organizations with a history of supporting LGBQ, BIPOC and/or female artists and audiences. Applicants must have at least 1 year of art presentation history and be able to provide 2 work samples. Proposed projects must take place in West Hollywood or the immediate West Hollywood immediately adjacent (within 5 blocks of the border of West Hollywood). Applicants must demonstrate a marketing and outreach strategy targeting West Hollywood residents and constituents. Applicants may only receive funding from one grant category each calendar year. If the applicant is already receiving funding from another City Division or Department, or is cosponsored by a City Council office, they are not eligible for an Arts Grant for that same project or program. City of West Hollywood elected and appointed officials, its employees and their immediate family members are not eligible to apply. Proposed projects may not include fundraisers, capital campaigns, murals, or religious-based programs/events. Applicants must submit an application online by the deadline. For more information, visit City of West Hollywood.

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.

The Santa Barbara Foundation is offering the Towbes Fund for the Performing Arts Grant, ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, to nonprofit organizations in Santa Barbara County, California, that aim to enhance the performing arts sector by addressing demand, promoting cultural competence, and dismantling barriers for marginalized communities, with the grant being used for general operations, program support, and expansion of existing or pilot programs.

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.

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 Natural Resources Agency is accepting proposals for the California Museum Grant Program. Donor Name: California Natural Resources Agency State: California County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/22/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The intent of this program is to solicit proposals for program projects or capital projects that assist and enhance museums that are deeply rooted in, and reflective of, previously underserved communities. The Museum Grant Program has approximately 27.7 million available and may be awarded over multiple rounds depending on the competitive pool. Funding shall be prioritized for museums severely affected by COVID-19 and that serve historically underserved communities or students subject to Title I of the Federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Additionally, projects must meet one of the following priorities: serving pupils and teachers at schools eligible to be served under Part A of Title I of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act; serving children in low-income communities; supporting museums in engaging or collaborating with underserved communities; advancing preservation of at-risk cultural and natural collections and historic buildings; improving access; supporting the ethical stewardship of culturally sensitive art and artifacts, including, but not limited to, engaging in consultations with California Indian tribes or repatriation; or educating the public about critical issues affecting Californians. Funding Information Grant proposal requests must be between $50,000 and $500,000 for program projects; and $100,000 to 1 million for capital projects. Eligible Projects  All projects must support at least one of the following to be eligible: capital projects, exhibits, educational programs, outreach programs, public programs, curriculum, publications, marketing and collections care. Applicants must select one of the following project types: Capital project Program project. Eligible Applicants  Public agencies and nonprofit organizations that operate a museum, own a museum, or partner with a museum located in the State of California, may apply. Public agencies are defined as federal agencies, state agencies, cities, counties, districts, association of governments, joint powers agencies or tribal organizations. Federally recognized Native American Tribes, or non-federally recognized Native American Tribes within the State of California are eligible as public agencies. Nonprofit organizations are defined as any nonprofit public benefit corporation that is formed pursuant to the Nonprofit Corporation Law (commencing with Section 500 of the Corporations Code), qualified to do business in California, and qualified under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, that has, among its principal charitable purposes, the preservation of historical or cultural resources for cultural, scientific, historic, educational, recreational, agricultural, or scenic opportunities; and must be registered with the California Secretary of State and California Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General Registry of Charities and Fundraisers. Museums are defined as public or private nonprofit institutions that are organized on a permanent basis for essentially educational or aesthetic purposes and that own or use tangible objects, care for those objects, and exhibit them to the general public on a regular basis. Projects can be proposed for museums of any size and discipline. In general, museums fall within the following categories: art museums and art centers; children’s/youth museums; cultural museums and cultural centers; general museums; history and historical museums (including historical societies, historic preservation organizations, historic houses/sites, and history museums); living collections (such as arboretums, botanical gardens, nature centers, zoos, aquariums, and wildlife conservation centers); and science and technology museums (including planetariums, discovery centers, natural history/anthropology museums and natural science museums). Applicants must also: have the institutional and financial capacity to complete the project and produce the deliverable described in their proposal; be able to demonstrate adequate charter or enabling authority to carry out the type of project proposed; be free of any legal challenges that could undermine progress on the project; and be in compliance and good standing on all previously awarded State grants. For more information, visit CNRA.

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 is pleased to announce the Cannabis Revenues Grant Program. Donor Name: City of South Lake Tahoe State: California County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: To assist the City Council in the evaluation of the community-wide cannabis revenues grant program, processes and guidelines have been developed to assist the City in an annual review of proposals for funding opportunities to local public agencies and nonprofit organizations with programs or projects designed to mitigate potential impacts of the cannabis industry in South Lake Tahoe and which promote the priorities outlined in the 2023 – 2028 City of South Lake Tahoe Strategic Plan. The City’s Strategic Priorities are: Built Environment, Recreation and Equitable Access, Community for All, Economic Development, and Core Services & High Performing Government.  Funding Information Grant amounts will range from $1,000 to $50,000. Funds must be expended within one year. Eligibility Criteria You must have a current City of South Lake Tahoe Business License at the time of application submittal. This is free and fast for nonprofits. Your entity and proposal must be focused on efforts to mitigate potential impacts of the cannabis industry in South Lake Tahoe and promote the priorities of the 2023 – 2028 City of South Lake Tahoe Strategic Plan. Your entity must be located within the city limits, or serve the community of, South Lake Tahoe, CA. One application per entity. If you are a past-year recipient you must be in compliance with the annual reporting requirement, which includes the successful acceptance of a written report, detailing how your previous award was expensed, to the City no later than March 31 following a previous year’s grant award. Must meet all requirements outlined in the City’s Financial Policies Granting Funds for Community Benefit and Enhancement. For more information, visit City of South Lake Tahoe.

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.