California Community Development Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofits and public entities in San Diego County to help homeless individuals or those at risk of homelessness through services like rapid re-housing, emergency shelter operations, and homelessness prevention.

Grant Opportunity: California Local Government Housing Assistance Program Funding Organization: California Department of Housing and Community Development Contact Information: For more information, please refer to the 2023 PLHA Program Entitlement and Non-Entitlement Local Government Formula Component Notice of Funding Availability. Award Details: The program aims to provide funding to eligible Local Governments in California for housing-related projects and programs that address the unmet housing needs of their communities. Eligible activities include the predevelopment, development, acquisition, rehabilitation, and preservation of affordable rental housing for extremely low-, very low-, low-, or moderate-income households. It also covers the development of affordable rental and ownership housing, including Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), for the growing workforce earning up to 120 percent of Area Median Income (AMI) or 150 percent of AMI in High-cost areas. The program also supports matching funds for Local or Regional Housing Trust Funds and the Low- and Moderate-Income Housing Asset Fund. Additionally, it provides funding for services connected to the creation of new Permanent supportive housing, assistance for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness, accessibility modifications in lower-income owner-occupied housing, efforts to acquire and rehabilitate foreclosed or vacant homes and apartments, homeownership opportunities, and fiscal incentives for Affordable housing projects. Eligibility: Eligible applicants include Entitlement Local Governments, Non-Entitlement Local Governments, and Local or Regional Housing Trust Funds delegated by the Local Government. Please refer to Appendix A in the 2023 PLHA Program Entitlement and Non-Entitlement Local Government Formula Component Notice of Funding Availability for a list of eligible applicants. Matching Funding Requirement: Not applicable.

This program provides funding to communities for hiring independent experts to help them understand and engage in the cleanup of contaminated sites, ensuring they have the knowledge and support to advocate for their health and environment.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to non-profit organizations and government entities for community development projects that assist low- and moderate-income residents in Beaumont, California.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in San Mateo County and the City of Los Banos to help residents save money on energy bills, improve local air quality, and promote environmental sustainability through outreach and education initiatives.

The California Public Utilities Commission will give preference to programs and projects in communities with demonstrated low broadband access, including low-income communities, senior citizen communities, and communities facing socioeconomic barriers to broadband adoption. Eligible Projects: Digital Literacy Projects- Digital inclusion projects may include digital literacy training programs and public education to communities with limited broadband adoption, including low-income communities, senior citizen communities, and communities facing socioeconomic barriers to broadband adoption. Broadband Access Projects- may include those that provide free broadband access in community training rooms or other public spaces, such as local government centers, senior citizen centers, schools, public libraries, nonprofit organizations, and community-based organizations. It can also include funding community outreach, such as analysis, comparison of Internet plans with the community, and call centers that will increase broadband access and adoption.

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 is designed to support projects that improve forest management and reduce wildfire risks in the Truckee and Donner Summit areas, benefiting local communities and enhancing their preparedness for wildfires.

This funding is available to the City of Diamond Bar for community development projects that benefit low to moderate-income residents through housing, public improvements, and economic opportunities.

The Route 66 Black Experiences Grant Program provides direct grant awards to African-American owned/operated businesses and attractions along Route 66, and funding to support research and programs designed to tell the stories of Black experiences related to Route 66. The program, celebrating the Route 66 Centennial, aims to help Black-owned businesses and attractions stay in operation, reopen, and expand, while also supporting research and storytelling efforts related to Black experiences on Route 66. Eligible applicants include Black-owned/operated businesses located along Route 66 with fewer than 20 employees. The 2024 grant round offers a total of $50,000 in awards, with applications due by July 14, 2024, and awards announced the week of August 5, 2024.

CDP Production grants are available for documentary media productions that focus on California subjects and issues, using the humanities to provide context and perspective. Projects may include film, audio, digital media, web-based and broadcast series, podcasts, interactive, VR, and multiplatform projects. There is no specific length requirement for projects. Projects must approach the subject matter from a humanities perspective and involve at least two Humanities Advisors. Eligible applicants may request funding up to $50,000 with a required 1:1 match of cash or in-kind contributions from non-federal sources. The maximum term for a CDP Production grant is three years after the start of the grant period. Applicants must be non-profit organizations or individuals being fiscally sponsored by a tax-exempt organization or municipal/state agency with federal 501(c)(3) status. Fiscal sponsorship does not need to be confirmed by the application deadline but should be confirmed within 30 days after the application due date if awarded. Grant funds are disbursed in three installments: 50% upon approval of signed award documents; 40% upon approval of an interim report; and the final 10% upon project completion and approval of a final report. Applications for CDP Production Grants are submitted online through the California Humanities’ website by November 1, 2023. Applicants will be notified of receipt of their proposals by email. Notification of grant decisions will be sent by email to both the Authorizing Official at the applicant organization and Project Director by April 1, 2024. For more information about eligibility, grant guidelines and requirements, or the CDP grant program in general contact Director of Media & Journalism Programs John Lightfoot at [email protected]. For questions about the online application process and reporting contact Grants Manager Brett Connor at [email protected].

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Santa Barbara County that are dedicated to improving youth mental health by addressing staffing challenges and enhancing the well-being of mental health providers.

The Volunteer Fire Capacity (VFC) Program is a federally funded grant program that allows California to provide local and rural fire departments with minor firefighting, training, communications and safety equipment for their volunteer firefighters. The VFC Program is not intended for major equipment (fire engines, vehicles, etc.) or Capital repairs. The VFC Program has a 50/50 match requirement which means that the applying department must be able to meet the intended grant award, dollar for dollar. Awards for departments are set at a minimum of $500 with a maximum of $20,000. Amounts may be adjusted based on the grant funding available. For additional information please contact Megan Esfandiary at [email protected] or Bryan Giambrone at [email protected].

The Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is offering grants to Santa Clara County municipalities, jurisdictions, arts, cultural, education, nonprofit, and community organizations to advance its vision of equitable Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC). This program aims to foster innovative and robust partnerships between VTA and local public agencies, nonprofits, community organizations, and diverse stakeholders. The overarching mission alignment is to support the implementation of equitable Transit-Oriented Communities within Santa Clara County, focusing on creating sustainable, inclusive, and transit-friendly environments. The grant program targets communities and organizations located within a half-mile radius of existing and planned VTA light rail stations, VTA transit centers, BART stations, and commuter rail stations served by Caltrain, ACE, and/or Capitol Corridor. The primary beneficiaries are residents and businesses within these transit-rich areas, particularly those with limited incomes, and community organizations striving to make these areas more equitable. Impact goals include empowering and strengthening communities, increasing transit ridership, reducing reliance on car trips, and supporting intensive mixed-use, mixed-income development around transit hubs. The program prioritizes projects that support collaboration and fall under four key areas: Planning and Policy Implementation, Community Resilience, Education & Engagement, and Placemaking, Arts, and Activation. Planning and Policy Implementation focuses on advancing policies and regulations for equitable TOCs, including station area planning and equitable development plans. Community Resilience emphasizes anti-displacement efforts, affordable housing preservation, small business support, and promoting transit use among low-income individuals. Education & Engagement aims to increase community leadership and participation in TOC implementation through advocacy, capacity building, and culturally relevant engagement practices. Placemaking, Arts, and Activation seeks to improve the transit rider and community experience through public arts, cultural projects, and beautification initiatives that enhance safety and accessibility. Expected outcomes include a significant increase in the adoption and implementation of equitable TOC policies and plans, tangible progress in anti-displacement efforts and affordable housing, enhanced community capacity and participation in transit-oriented development, and improved public spaces around transit stations. Measurable results will include the number of selected projects (14-20 projects are anticipated), the amount of funding distributed (up to $15,000 to $175,000 per project), and the commencement of projects between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. The VTA's strategic priorities are clearly centered on fostering equitable development, encouraging transit ridership, and building strong community partnerships as a core theory of change to achieve sustainable and inclusive transit-oriented growth in Santa Clara County.

The City of West Hollywood's Arts Project Grant offers funding to eligible nonprofit arts organizations for projects taking place within the city and serving its community. This program aligns with the city's broader mission to enrich the lives of its residents and visitors through cultural engagement. The grant aims to foster a vibrant arts scene, recognize and champion local cultural resources, and discover new places for artmaking, directly supporting the city's commitment to cultural development and community well-being. The primary target beneficiaries are the residents and visitors of West Hollywood, with a focus on increasing their access to quality arts programming. The program seeks to engage diverse audiences and expand participation in the arts, particularly making experiences financially and geographically accessible. Beyond cultural enrichment, the grant also intends to support local businesses by increasing revenues and fostering arts-business partnerships, contributing to the economic vitality of the West Hollywood community. Key priorities for this grant include presenting one artistic presentation per year, as opposed to a series of projects, ensuring focused and impactful events. The program prioritizes organizations that can demonstrate artistic experience, an understanding of West Hollywood's unique cultural diversity, and a commitment to serving the general public within the city or immediately adjacent areas. Projects that do not include fundraisers, capital campaigns, murals, or religious-based programs are eligible, maintaining a clear focus on public arts presentations. Expected outcomes and measurable results are centered on increasing engagement with the arts, expanding arts audiences, and enhancing the accessibility of arts experiences for West Hollywood residents. The program also aims to strengthen local cultural resources and generate economic benefits for local businesses through arts-related activities. While specific quantitative metrics are not detailed in the provided text, the emphasis on "increasing access," "expanding audiences," and "increasing revenues for local businesses" indicates the desire for demonstrable positive impacts in these areas. The City of West Hollywood's strategic priorities for this grant reflect a theory of change that postulates that by investing in local arts organizations and projects, the city can foster a more engaged, culturally rich, and economically robust community. The grant's focus on accessibility, local relevance, and partnership building suggests a belief that widespread participation in the arts can lead to a stronger sense of community, increased quality of life for residents, and tangible economic benefits for local enterprises. This aligns with a broader strategy of leveraging cultural assets for comprehensive community development.

This funding provides financial support to build free broadband networks for low-income communities, including public housing and mobile home parks, ensuring residents have access to high-quality internet service.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to federally recognized California tribes to address issues related to missing and murdered Indigenous people through various prevention and intervention initiatives.

Program: Community Grant Program (CGP) Funder: City of Encinitas Award Details: The CGP provides funding in two categories - Civic (social, recreation, education, health, and environment) and Arts (visual art, performing arts, arts education, literary arts, etc.). The program is funded through an annual General Fund allocation from the City of Encinitas and outside donations. The CGP operates on a reimbursement basis, where funds are reimbursed upon submission of paid invoices, receipts, and other supporting documentation. Reimbursement requests for awarded grants must be submitted by 4:30 pm on Friday, June 14, 2024. Eligibility: To be eligible for funding through the CGP, organizations must have nonprofit or tax-exempt status and be legally based in Encinitas. Projects must take place between July 1, 2023, and June 14, 2024. Other Information: The City of Encinitas expresses gratitude to the Ecke Family for their generous financial support of the CGP. For more information about the program and application process, applicants are encouraged to review all information provided on the official website as well as the FY23/24 CGP Recipient Workshop Presentation. Questions can be directed to City staff via email at [email protected] or by phone at (760) 633-2740.

The project sites eligible for the grant must be located on 'farm and ranch' property, encompassing both private and public land, where the owner is not held responsible for the illegal disposal. The definition of 'farm and ranch' property can be found in the Eligible Geographies section below. Grantees are given approximately two years to complete the project(s). The sites should be fully remediated (cleaned up) using grant funds, or a combination of grant funds and in-kind contributions in terms of funds or services. The funding covers various costs, including Administrative, Recycling/Disposal (tires), Equipment, Material, and Personnel expenses. If necessary, measures for abatement and prevention, such as site security and public education/outreach efforts, should also be addressed. The program encourages innovative approaches. For further information and requirements, please refer to the Notice of Funds Available FY24-25 webpage, particularly the Application Guidelines and Instructions and Procedures and Requirements resource documents. The application typically includes several items for each project/site, such as Budget, Land Use/Zoning Designation, photos, Property Affidavit, Site Characterization, map, Work Plan, and Resolution. The Resolution is carried out through the governing body of the applicant (additional information is available). It is possible to include multiple projects/sites within a single application.

The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) is offering a Public Green Space Grant Program to cities, counties, special districts, nonprofits, and community-based organizations within its service area. The program aims to provide grant funds for tree-planting projects that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and enhance local communities. This initiative aligns with the IID's mission to support environmental stewardship and community development through tangible, local impact. The primary beneficiaries of this program are critically underserved or disadvantaged communities within Imperial Valley and Coachella Valley. The program specifically targets community groups that seek to green their areas, thereby addressing the critical need for GHG reduction and community beautification. The impact goals include not only environmental benefits through carbon sequestration but also the creation of greener, more aesthetically pleasing public spaces that can offer recreational benefits to residents. Program priorities favor projects that provide park or recreational benefits to underserved communities, are proposed by such communities, or develop partnerships with local organizations and businesses to strengthen outreach to disadvantaged communities. Additional points are given to projects that offer access to quality jobs, workforce education and training for residents, utilize interagency cooperation, or leverage existing public lands and resources, including schools. Projects that include matching or cost-sharing funds are also prioritized. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions through increased tree cover. Beyond environmental benefits, the program aims to foster community engagement and education around green initiatives. The maximum award per project is $35,000, with a total of $350,000 available through IID’s "Tree for All" program. Eligible costs include personnel, contractors, consultants, direct and indirect costs related to tree planting and maintenance during the grant period, and community education and engagement expenses, all contributing to the program's strategic objectives of community greening and climate action.