California Community Development Grants

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.

This funding opportunity provides California counties with financial support to purchase essential equipment and training aimed at improving local criminal justice initiatives and addressing community safety needs.

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 Community Fund for Carmel Valley is dedicated to supporting nonprofit organizations that demonstrate strong leadership and capacity to deliver essential community resources and services within the Carmel Valley and Cachagua regions. This grant program is aligned with the foundation's mission to foster community well-being and development by addressing local needs and enhancing the quality of life for residents. The fund prioritizes initiatives that build community, improve local infrastructure, expand youth and senior programming, and support educational, cultural, and historical programs for residents. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are the residents of Carmel Valley and Cachagua, with a particular focus on those requiring basic needs assistance such as food and housing security, and youth programs. The program also seeks to support organizations providing services directly located within these communities, ensuring ease of access for residents. The overall impact goal is to strengthen the social fabric of these communities, provide critical support for vulnerable populations, and enhance community resilience, particularly in areas of emergency prevention and response. Priorities for funding include community development initiatives that aim to build local capacity and address specific community needs. Youth and senior programs are a key focus, with the goal of expanding existing services and creating new opportunities for these demographic groups. Resident programs, encompassing education, culture, and history, are also given significant consideration to enrich the lives of community members. Special attention is given to organizations addressing basic needs and those involved in emergency preparedness and response, such as education for disaster preparedness and neighborhood organizing. Expected outcomes include improved community infrastructure, increased access to vital services for youth and seniors, enhanced educational and cultural opportunities, and a more prepared and resilient community in the face of emergencies like fires and other disasters. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the focus on tangible outcomes like expanded programming and improved infrastructure suggests that the foundation seeks to support initiatives with clear, positive impacts on the community. The foundation's strategic priorities are clearly centered on community empowerment and direct local impact. The eligibility criteria emphasize support for 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, public programs (e.g., schools, parks, public health), and church-sponsored activities that benefit beyond their membership. Organizations and collaboratives that are not legally incorporated may also apply with a fiscal sponsor. This demonstrates a strategic commitment to ensuring broad access to funding for a diverse range of community-serving entities. The foundation's theory of change appears to be rooted in the belief that by investing in local organizations with strong leadership and capacity, it can directly contribute to building stronger, more resilient, and self-sufficient communities in Carmel Valley and Cachagua.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and government units for programs that enhance community facilities, health, education, and overall well-being in San Bruno, California.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to tribal governments, nonprofits, and educational institutions for solar energy projects that enhance energy independence and benefit low-to-moderate income communities.

Strategy Grants support projects that align with the foundation's goals of fostering thriving youth and families, promoting racial equity, building a just economy, and ensuring healthy ecosystems. Prioritized are proposals that address multiple goals, increase equity, and support vulnerable communities, particularly those led by or supporting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Eligible projects can receive general operating, capital support, capacity building, or programmatic support. Average grants range from $15,000 to $25,000, with a focus on organizations serving Curry, Del Norte, Humboldt, and Trinity Counties.

The program prioritizes Projects that benefit vulnerable and LMI populations as well as those located inside the Most Impacted and Distressed area (MID) or documented to impact the MID. Per the grant requirements program funds must benefit the MID and 50 percent of the program funds are required to benefit LMI persons. Additionally, for CDBG-MIT funds to be used as the non-federal cost share local match, the Project must be a HUD eligible activity and must meet a HUD national objective, per CDBG-MIT rules and regulations. Similarly, the Project must fully comply with all applicable federal rules and regulations, to include Davis Bacon and related acts, Section 3, Section 504, procurement, environmental review, and all other CDBG-MIT, cross-cutting, state and local applicable statutes, rules, and regulations.  

Program Funds awarded under this NOFA shall be used to provide construction loans and/or permanent financing loans at simple interest rates of no higher than three percent per annum, for payment of predevelopment costs, acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation as well as to construct, convert, reconstruct, rehabilitate, and/or repair Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) or Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs). Eligible activitiesPursuant to Guidelines, Section 105, the LHTF funds shall be allocated in compliance with all of the following: 1. To provide construction loans and/or permanent financing loans at simple interest rates of no higher than three percent per annum, for payment of predevelopment costs, acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation associated with Affordable rental housing projects, Emergency Shelters, Transitional Housing, Permanent Supportive Housing, homebuyer/homeowner projects to purchase for-sale housing units or to rehabilitate an owner-occupied dwelling. Funds may also be used for the construction, conversion, repair, and rehabilitation of Accessory Dwelling Units or Junior Accessory Dwelling Units. 2. Administrative expenses may not exceed five percent of program Program Funds and Matching Funds.3. A minimum of 30 percent of program Program Funds and Matching Funds, after deducting administrative expense, shall be expended on assistance to Extremely Low-Income Households. To comply with this requirement, dwelling units or shelter beds must be Affordable to and restricted for Extremely Low-Income Households with household income of no more than 30 percent of Area Median Income (AMI). 4. No more than 20 percent of the program Program Funds and Matching Funds, after deducting administrative expense, shall be expended on assistance to Moderate-Income Households. To comply with this requirement, dwelling units must be Affordable to and restricted for Moderate-Income Households with household income of no more than 120 percent of AMI. 5. The remaining program Program Funds and Matching Funds shall be expended on assistance to Lower-Income Households. To comply with this requirement, dwelling units must be Affordable to and restricted for Lower-Income Households with household income of no more than 80 percent AMI. Funding Activity requirements LimitsPursuant to Guidelines, Section 103, the funding minimums, and maximums apply as detailed below:-The minimum application request by an Applicant that is an existing Existing Local Housing Trust Fund shall be $1 million. -The minimum application request by an Applicant that is a new New Local Housing Trust Fund, but which is not a Regional Housing Trust Fund, shall be $500,000.-The minimum application request by an Applicant that is a new New Local Housing Trust Fund, which is also a Regional Housing Trust Fund, and which is utilizing Permanent Local Housing Allocation Funds as Matching Funds, shall be $750,000. -The maximum application request for all Applicants shall be $5 million.

The CASF Broadband Public Housing Account provides grants and loans to build broadband networks offering free broadband service for residents of low-income communities including, but not limited to, publicly supported housing developments, farmworker housing, and other housing developments or mobile home parks with low-income residents that do not have access to any broadband service provider that offers free broadband service that meets or exceeds state standards for the residents of the low-income community. The allocated funding for the Broadband Public Housing Account is $15 million for fiscal year 2022-2023.  The Broadband Public Housing Account will finance up to 100 percent of the costs to install inside wiring and broadband network equipment.

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 HOME-ARP Housing Plus Support Program provides funding for service providers to provide short term financial assistance and critical services to qualifying populations who are exiting homelessness as well as to prevent vulnerable qualifying populations from losing housing.; The HOME-ARP Program is a one time allocation awarded to states, units of local government, insular areas, and consortia of units of general local government that qualified for an allocation of HOME funds in Fiscal Year 2021. Funding is intented to address the need for homelessness assistance and supportive services specifically for qualifying populations defined as homeless, at risk of homelessness, fleeing, or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking and other vulnerable populations at risk of housing instability. HOME-ARP funding for this NOFA will provide grants to nonprofit and Native American Entities. The Department will award HOME-ARP funds to provide critical services to those experiencing homelessness, exiting homelessness and to prevent vulnerable populations from losing housing.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit and government organizations in California to develop or improve community resilience hubs that help prepare for and respond to climate-related emergencies, particularly in disadvantaged and vulnerable communities.

The Proposition 47 Grant Program Proposal Package submission is available through an online portal submission process. Applicants must submit proposals through the BSCC Submittable portal by 5:00 P.M. (PDT) on June 10, 2024 Any technical questions concerning the RFP, the proposal process or programmatic issues must be submitted by email to: [email protected] A virtual grant information session will be held on Tuesday, April 30th, 2024 at 10:00 A.M. to provide clarity on RFP instructions and answer technical questions from prospective applicants. See the BSCC website for more information. GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR BSCC’s PROPOSITION 47 GRANT•Incorporate community partnerships and collaborations.•Encourage culturally competent services and approaches that foster the principles of restorative justice.•Define target populations, especially those populations that are:-traditionally underserved or inappropriately served through mental health and substance use disorder service providers, or-overrepresented within the criminal justice system, or-experiencing or at risk for homelessness•Expand access to culturally congruent quality mental health and substance use disorder services, including services for co-occurring mental health and substance use disorder needs and the use of evidence-based or community defined practices.•Identify and address known barriers to serving target populations, such as:-lack of jobs, housing, or employment•Prioritize client-focused/client-centered holistic programs and approaches, including healing strategies and trauma-informed care.•Expand and improve on efforts to divert individuals away from criminal justice involvement through increased diversion programs and improved behavioral health services or community supports.•Include community-based organizations with diverse staffing, including those who are system-impacted individuals, or who have varying educational levels and life experiences.•Demonstrate capacity building for service providers at every level.•Be mindful of regional equity and geographic diversity, including smaller and rural counties.•Collect program data and measure/evaluate outcomes and publish and share information.•Encourage community engagement, where members of the community participate in the identifying, informing, and shaping of policies, goals, services, and solutions. Services and programs proposed in response to this RFP must be designed to serve people who have been arrested, charged with, or convicted of a criminal offense and have a history of mental health or substance use disorders. Eligible applicants are public agencies located in the State of California.  To be eligible, a Lead Agency must subcontract with one or more non-governmental, community-based organization(s) for a minimum of 50 percent of the total grant award to demonstrate a shared partnership rooted in community engagement and economic equity. Small scope applicants can apply for up to $2M and large scope candidates can apply for $2-8M. The grant period is 10/1/24-6/30/28, the last 3 months to be used to finalize and submit the required Local Evaluation Report and program-specific compliance audit.

This funding opportunity supports developers in California who are creating affordable housing projects, providing guidance and financial assistance to promote sustainable and innovative solutions.

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The program prioritizes Projects that benefit vulnerable and LMI populations as well as those located inside the Most Impacted and Distressed area (MID) or documented to impact the MID. Per the grant requirements program funds must benefit the MID and 50 percent of the program funds are required to benefit LMI persons. Additionally, for CDBG-MIT funds to be used as the non-federal cost share local match, the Project must be a HUD eligible activity and must meet a HUD national objective, per CDBG-MIT rules and regulations. Similarly, the Project must fully comply with all applicable federal rules and regulations, to include Davis Bacon and related acts, Section 3, Section 504, procurement, environmental review, and all other CDBG-MIT, cross-cutting, state and local applicable statutes, rules, and regulations. The Eligible Applicants for 2018 MIT-RIP funds are Jurisdictions within the MID. This includes eligible Jurisdictions that have seen 1 percent or more of total structures destroyed by fire and have more that 0.4 percent of total land designated as moderate, high, or very high fire hazard risk that will receive a proportional allocation of program funds. Eligible Applicants with allocations include Butte County, Lake County, Los Angeles County, Malibu, Paradise, Redding, and Shasta County.  

This grant provides funding to community organizations in Livermore Valley for projects that support underserved populations, including youth, veterans, and seniors, while promoting diversity and sustainable improvements in the area.

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.

The City of Santa Barbara's Cultural Arts Grants program is an annual initiative demonstrating the city's commitment to fostering a vibrant and sustainable local cultural sector and ensuring arts access for all residents. With an investment of nearly $250,000, the program aims to strengthen the community through various artistic endeavors. This aligns with a broader mission to enhance local economic and community vitality by supporting diverse nonprofits and catalyzing engaging events and festivals. The grant program targets Santa Barbara-based organizations, specifically focusing on underserved communities and youth to provide equitable arts access. The overall impact goal is to uplift these communities, support the capacity and performance of nonprofit arts organizations, and promote the city's cultural vitality. By embracing multicultural and neighborhood arts, the program seeks to create a more inclusive and culturally rich environment for everyone. The program is structured around three distinct grant programs, each with specific priorities and focuses. Community Arts (CA) Grants prioritize projects that create arts opportunities for underserved communities and youth, with a maximum funding request of up to $6,000. Organizational Development (OD) Grants are designed to support nonprofit arts organizations in enhancing their capacity, audience reach, and earned income, with a maximum funding request of up to $15,000. Finally, Community Events & Festivals (EF) Grants focus on incubating events that contribute to the city's cultural promotion and vitality, also with a maximum funding request of up to $15,000. The expected outcomes of these grants include increased arts access for all community members, strengthened capacity and performance of local arts organizations, and the successful execution of events and festivals that boost local economic and community vitality. Measurable results would likely involve the number of participants reached through Community Arts projects, the growth in audience numbers or earned income for organizations receiving Organizational Development grants, and the attendance and economic impact generated by Community Events & Festivals. The city's strategic priority is clearly to invest in and sustain a thriving arts ecosystem that serves all its residents and contributes to the overall well-being and economic health of Santa Barbara. The theory of change suggests that by providing targeted financial support, the city can foster a dynamic cultural landscape that enriches lives, strengthens community bonds, and stimulates local economic activity.