California Disaster Prevention and Relief Grants

The County of San Luis Obispo's Continuum of Care Builds Program aims to address and reduce homelessness by creating new Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) units. This initiative is authorized by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, as amended by the HEARTH Act of 2009, and administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The program aligns directly with HUD's overarching mission and strategic plan for FY 2022-2026, which focuses on creating strong, sustainable, and inclusive communities with quality, affordable homes for all. The target beneficiaries of the CoC Builds program are individuals experiencing homelessness, who will be served through new Permanent Supportive Housing projects. The primary impact goal is to reduce the prevalence of homelessness by addressing both immediate shelter needs and the underlying factors contributing to homelessness. This approach is expected to lead to improved outcomes for individuals and communities by providing stable housing and supportive services. The program prioritizes several key areas, reflecting HUD's strategic goals. These include supporting underserved communities and promoting equitable community development, strengthening the "Housing First" approach to reduce and ultimately end homelessness, and ensuring access to and increasing the production of affordable housing. Furthermore, the program emphasizes advancing sustainable communities by strengthening climate resilience, energy efficiency, and environmental justice, particularly for low-income households and communities of color. It also aims to integrate health and housing policies, recognizing housing's essential role in overall well-being. The expected outcomes of the CoC Builds program include an increase in the supply of Permanent Supportive Housing, leading to a measurable reduction in the number of individuals experiencing homelessness in San Luis Obispo County. By aligning with HUD's Strategic Plan, the program seeks to achieve better health outcomes for residents, foster more equitable access to housing opportunities, and build more resilient and sustainable communities. The maximum funding available for new PSH projects is $4,750,000, with up to $1,000,000 designated for supportive services, indicating a comprehensive approach to both housing and the necessary support systems for long-term stability. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are rooted in the belief that providing permanent supportive housing, coupled with comprehensive services, is the most effective way to address chronic homelessness. By fortifying support for underserved communities and implementing the Housing First approach, the program anticipates that individuals will achieve greater stability, improve their health, and integrate more fully into their communities. The program's success will be measured by the creation of new PSH units, the number of individuals successfully housed, and the long-term reduction in homelessness, all contributing to HUD's vision of quality, affordable homes for all and stronger, more inclusive communities.

Projects should address one or more of the following Creative Youth Development program goals: Provide social-emotional creative experiences in safe, healthy and appropriate learning environments. Foster creative abilities of youth through culturally and linguistically responsive arts learning. Support arts programs that seek to activate youth voices, narratives, and perspectives. Utilize cultural assets of the local community to support positive self-identification and respect for diverse cultures. Empower youth through the preservation, revitalization, and/or reclamation of cultural practices. Cultivate the development of transferable life skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, leadership, and collaboration.

This grant provides funding to non-profit organizations in Southern California for innovative projects that support long-term recovery from the Palisades and Eaton Wildfires, focusing on housing stability, mental health, and assistance for underserved communities.

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.

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 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.

The purpose of the SG Program is to assist agencies of the State of California address cybersecurity risks and threats to information systems, and improve security of critical infrastructure and resilience of the services these entities provide to their communities.

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].

Grant funds for this program are for small agricultural businesses that have been financially impacted by severe drought and/or flooding in the State of California and will be disbursed in the following groups for awards of up to $100,000. Drought Groups: • Drought Group 3 funds will be allocated to qualified small agricultural businesses that do not file their 2022 tax returns until 2024 (application opens in 2024).     Previous funding groups (Drought Groups 1 and 2, and Flood Group 1) are closed and funds are no longer available. The current allocation of funds is only applicable for agricultural businesses that meet the definition above for Drought Group 3.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to federally recognized Indian Tribes in the western U.S. to address immediate drought challenges and improve water resource management.

Restricted to California nonprofit organizations that are described under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (IRC) and exempt from tax under Section 501(a) of such code. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) does not require certain organizations such as churches, mosques, and synagogues to apply for and receive recognition of exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRC. Such organizations are automatically exempt if they meet the requirements of Section 501(c)(3).

The California Fire Foundation (CFF) grant program is designed to actively address wildfire preparedness and prevention needs across California. This aligns directly with the foundation's mission to protect and enhance public safety, as well as the safety of California's firefighters and other first responders. By supporting projects in these critical areas, CFF aims to mitigate the growing threat of wildfires and safeguard communities throughout the state. The program seeks to fund initiatives that contribute to a more resilient California in the face of climate-caused disasters. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are California-based fire departments, firefighter associations, federally-recognized tribes, and local nonprofit organizations. Indirectly, the grant aims to benefit communities across California, with a specific focus on under-resourced communities at heightened risk and/or socially vulnerable populations. This includes low-income/impoverished individuals, minority status groups, those with limited English proficiency, people with disabilities, and seniors/older adults. The overarching impact goal is to reduce wildfire risk, enhance community safety, and support those most vulnerable to the effects of climate-caused wildfires and other disasters. The grant program prioritizes several key focus areas. These include vegetation mitigation and fuels reduction efforts, which directly address the physical conditions that contribute to wildfire spread. Additionally, the program supports education, planning, and community outreach campaigns to raise awareness and foster preparedness among residents. Finally, funding is available for the purchase of personal protective equipment or specialized firefighting equipment, directly enhancing the capabilities of first responders. In this cycle, a strong emphasis is placed on projects serving under-resourced communities and socially vulnerable populations in areas of heightened fire risk. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in wildfire occurrences and severity in funded project areas, an increase in community preparedness and awareness, and improved safety and operational effectiveness for fire departments and first responders. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the qualitative impact, the focus on tangible actions like fuels reduction and equipment purchases implies a direct and observable improvement in wildfire resilience. The CFF's strategic priority is to support proactive measures that prevent disasters and protect the most vulnerable, reflecting a theory of change that early intervention and targeted support lead to safer, more resilient communities. The grant period for projects is typically 12 months, encouraging timely completion and demonstrable impact.

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

This grant provides financial support to public agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations for the preservation and interpretation of historic sites along the Route 66 corridor, with a focus on underrepresented communities.

This program provides funding to eligible public transit agencies in designated urban areas to improve security and resilience against terrorism and other threats through various protective measures and enhancements.

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.

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

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

This funding opportunity provides financial support to states and U.S. territories with high seismic risk to improve earthquake safety through mitigation, preparedness, and educational initiatives.

General Program Support (GPS) funding, provided by the Florida Department of State, aims to support Florida's arts and cultural organizations, both public and private, by funding their general program activities rather than specific projects. This aligns with the state's cultural objectives to promote, create, and present cultural exhibits, performances, educational programs, and events, or to provide professional services as a State Service Organization or Local Arts Agency. The program's mission is to further the state's cultural landscape and ensure access to arts and culture across Florida. The target beneficiaries of the GPS funding include a wide range of arts and cultural organizations. This encompasses organizations promoting excellence in arts education, those focusing on specific disciplines like dance, literature, media arts, museum, music, presenter, theatre, traditional arts, and visual arts, as well as designated Local Arts Agencies (LAAs) and State Service Organizations (SSOs). LAAs are public entities supporting arts and culture through advocacy and information dissemination, while SSOs are non-profit organizations providing services in at least 40 Florida counties. The impact goals are to enhance cultural programming, foster arts education, support local and statewide arts infrastructure, and ensure a vibrant arts and cultural sector throughout Florida. The program prioritizes various types of support, offering four main categories: Arts in Education program support, Discipline-based program support, Local Arts Agency program support, and State Service Organization program support. Specific eligibility criteria are in place, with higher funding requests ($25,000+ and $50,000+) requiring a history of completed grants with the Division of Arts and Culture, and for requests over $50,000, at least three years of completed programming and one paid, full-time staff member in a management position. Additional specific requirements exist for Arts in Education organizations (arts education mission), Museum disciplines (open 180 days/year, own/utilize objects, exhibit regularly), Professional Theatre (compensate artistic staff/actors), Local Arts Agencies (official designation in one or more counties), and State Service Organizations (reach at least 40 counties). The expected outcomes of the GPS funding include a stronger, more active arts and cultural community across Florida, increased access to diverse cultural experiences for residents and visitors, and sustained support for organizations vital to the state's cultural identity. Measurable results would include the number of cultural exhibits, performances, educational programs, or events conducted, the reach and impact of State Service Organizations and Local Arts Agencies, and the overall health and stability of funded arts and cultural organizations as evidenced by their programming and operational capacity. The grant period is July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, with grant sizes ranging from $1,000 to $150,000 based on proposal type and funding level. The Florida Department of State's strategic priority is to advance the cultural objectives of the state. The theory of change behind GPS funding posits that by providing general program support to qualified arts and cultural organizations, these organizations will be better equipped to conduct, create, produce, present, and sponsor cultural activities and educational programs. This, in turn, will lead to a more culturally enriched populace and stronger local and statewide arts ecosystems. The emphasis on general program support over specific projects reflects a belief that empowering organizations to pursue their core missions will yield more sustainable and far-reaching cultural benefits for Florida.