California Education Grants

This initiative provides financial and technical support to individuals and organizations in Hayward, California, for community-driven projects that promote education, sustainability, economic development, and health.

This grant provides funding for nonprofit organizations in Gilroy and surrounding South County areas to support impactful projects in various fields, including education, health, and the environment.

The California Department of Education (CDE), Early Education Division (EED) announces the availability of approximately $32.7 million to expand California State Preschool Program (CSPP) services statewide, as appropriated in the 2021 Budget Act. The CSPP funds are available for local educational agency (LEA) applicants to provide full-day/full year, part-day/part-year, or any combination thereof, of CSPP services.; The California Department of Education (CDE), Early Education Division (EED) announces the availability of approximately $32.7 million to expand California State Preschool Program (CSPP) services statewide to eligible children and families, as appropriated in the 2021 Budget Act. The CSPP funds are available for local educational agency (LEA) applicants to provide full-day/full year, part-day/part-year, or any combination thereof, of CSPP services. Funding will be allocated by county, and within each county by the Local Planning Council (LPC) priority area. Funding awards will be made based on the LPC priority in the order of highest passing score first. In the event that a county does not fully utilize its allocation, the funding will be redistributed to other applicants, based on the LPC priority followed by highest score. In the event of any tie in scoring, the applicant with headquarters in the service delivery area(s) specified in the Request for Application (RFA) will be given preference over applications with the same score that are not headquartered in the specified area(s), per California Code of Regulations, Title 5 (5 CCR) Section 17723. The CDE encourages all eligible applicants to apply. The CSPP funds will be used to provide services for eligible children beginning in fiscal year (FY) 2024–25.

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.

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 financial support to non-profit organizations and public agencies in San Diego County for projects that enhance community well-being, safety, and economic opportunities.

This grant provides financial support to organizations that participate in California Public Utilities Commission activities, helping to remove barriers to their involvement in policy decision-making processes.

Grant Opportunity: City of Long Beach Neighborhood Micro Grant Program Donor: City of Long Beach, California Type: Grant Deadline: Ongoing Grant Size: Up to $1,500 Duration: 12 months The Development Services Department Housing and Neighborhood Services Bureau is seeking proposals from established Long Beach neighborhood associations to host neighborhood events and improvement projects. The Neighborhood Micro Grant Program (NMGP) aims to support events and projects that enhance neighborhood spirit, collaboration, and revitalization efforts. NMGP will provide up to $1,500 for goods and services to support approved events and projects focused on blight reduction, financial or employment training, crime awareness, fair housing, health services, and mental health services citywide. Eligible public service events/projects must have the support of the neighborhood organization’s governing body and the affected neighborhood. The grants will be disbursed directly to neighborhood associations with a tax ID number or fiscal agent. All events/projects must be completed within twelve months of the Notice of Funding Availability. For more information, visit City of Long Beach website.

This funding opportunity provides public libraries in California with resources to expand their digital collections of eBooks and eAudiobooks, particularly benefiting underserved communities and promoting equitable access to information.

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 2024-25 State and Local Cybersecurity Grant from the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services offers $100,000 to $500,000 to local governments and tribes in California to improve their cybersecurity infrastructure, with a focus on governance, assessment, mitigation, and workforce development, and a priority on implementing key cybersecurity best practices.

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.

This program provides funding to local nonprofit organizations and educational institutions in San Diego to address community needs related to health, safety, and sustainability through tangible items like equipment and furnishings.

Local education agencies (e.g., School Districts, Charter Schools, and County Offices of Education) must submit a successful request for application (RFA) describing how the LEA will both increase the number of early educators available to serve in the California State Preschool Program (CSPP) and Transitional Kindergarten (TK), and increase specific competencies for early educators within CSPP, TK, or Kindergarten (K) programs. Applicants must submit a letter of intent (LOI) to be eligible to apply for funding.

The Venable Foundation provides grants to promote the health and well-being of the communities where Venable’s clients and employees work and live. Donor Name: Venable Foundation State: California, Virginia County: Arlington County (VA), City of Alexandria (VA), City of Falls Church (VA), Fairfax County (VA), Los Angeles County (CA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Venable Foundation envisions that its philanthropic investments provide essential resources to nonprofit organizations in communities across the country. Guided by the belief that everyone has the right to equitable employment opportunities, healthcare, housing, food, and a vibrant cultural community, Venable grantees ensure that economically disadvantaged people are given the tools they need to thrive. Grant support is provided to assist with general operations and projects. Currently, the Venable Foundation’s funding priorities include: Human Services The Foundation has a strong track record of supporting a breadth of essential human services, including programs that impact people experiencing homelessness and food insecurity, incarcerated and returning citizens, LGBTQ+ and immigrant communities, and those affected by domestic violence and housing insecurity. Legal Services Foundation supported the delivery of free or affordable legal services in their communities. Pro bono consulting and representation focus on a variety of issues, including domestic violence, housing, immigration, public benefits, and discrimination, among other areas. Legal service nonprofits providing “know your rights” training and other activities are also supported. The Foundation also supports training for youth and adults to ensure diversity and access to careers in the legal profession. Education The Foundation supports a wide array of early childhood, in-school, and out-of-school time initiatives that provide in-depth opportunities for learning and engagement to position children for success and level the playing field for economically disadvantaged youth. Workforce Development Foundation believes that every individual deserves the opportunity to pursue gainful employment. Thus, they support organizations with the goal of developing the workforce of today and tomorrow. Successful programs recruit and train individuals and place them in relevant jobs so that they can earn a sustainable living wage for themselves and their families. Skill development is focused on low-income, underemployed, and unemployed community members, and on preparing youth for careers after their schooling is complete. Youth Impact The Foundation invests in services that impact children in each of their communities. These initiatives ensure economically disadvantaged youth are healthy and safe and have opportunities to thrive. Health The Foundation is committed to improving wellness and increasing access to care for economically disadvantaged individuals in the region. Successful organizations and programs work to eliminate barriers to healthcare for all ages and provide accessible and no-stigma testing for a variety of diseases. They support pediatric to geriatric services that address a variety of health concerns. Environment Foundation supports organizations involved in the preservation of our natural resources and those that are addressing natural or man-made disasters in their target regions. Programs educate communities and work for change on a variety of environmental issues, from wildfires to pollution. Arts and Culture The Foundation supports initiatives in the arts that promote deeper public engagement and build up the creative economy, with an emphasis on low-income and underserved communities. Funding Information The average size of a Venable Foundation grant is approximately $10,000.  Eligibility Criteria  The Foundation provides funding for place-based organizations and initiatives, meaning that organizations must be based in or impacting regions where Venable has major offices. Funding is prioritized to the following locations: Washington, DC and Northern Virginia, including Fairfax County, Arlington County, Alexandria, and Falls Church Baltimore City and County New York City, specifically within the five boroughs Los Angeles City and County San Francisco Bay Area, with an emphasis on San Francisco Chicago, specifically within the city but extending into Cook County Miami The Foundation makes grants to charitable organizations that are exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply once per calendar year. The Foundation does not fund projects that promote or proselytize on behalf of any religion. The Foundation does not fund organizations that discriminate on the basis of ethnicity, race, color, creed, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, political affiliation, or any veteran’s status. Furthermore, the Foundation does not support research or funding to individual schools or parent/teacher associations, and will not provide sponsorship support for special events, galas, or other fundraisers. For more information, visit Venable Foundation.

This funding opportunity supports projects that engage youth and adults in California through education and stewardship related to the coast and its watersheds, particularly targeting underserved communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local educational agencies in California to implement innovative educational initiatives that align with state priorities and improve student outcomes.

Assembly Bill (AB) 716 established the California Cultural and Historical Endowment (CCHE) in 2002. Funds for the CCHE came from Proposition 40, the California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks, and Coastal Protection Act of 2002. $122 million in grants were distributed competitively for the acquisition, restoration, preservation, and interpretation of historical and cultural resources. In 2013, AB 482 (Atkins) authorized the creation of a specified competitive grant program administered by CCHE to support small capital projects in museums. On September 23, 2018, Senate Bill (SB) 1493 was approved and expanded the museum grant program’s project focus to include exhibits, educational programs, outreach programs, public programs, curriculum, marketing, and collections care in museums. The Budget Act of 2020 (SB 74) states that the California Natural Resources Agency shall prioritize the funds for museums severely affected by COVID-19 and that serve historically underserved communities and/or students subject to Title 1 of the Federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The Budget Act of 2021(AB 128) appropriated $50 million for museum grants and directed the California Natural Resources Agency to continue prioritizing the funding for museums severely affected by COVID-19 and that serve historically underserved communities or students subject to Title 1 of the Federal Elementary and SecondaryEducation Act. On September 13, 2022, SB 963 amended the Museum Grant Program’s 20-year-old statutes to reflect the state’s evolving priorities.

This funding opportunity is designed to support a nonprofit organization in California that will create and manage a network of community-based organizations to enhance their capacity and engagement with state initiatives, particularly in underserved communities.

Hunter Industries and KidsGardening are working together to offer the Water Wise Garden Grant to support public and charter schools in San Diego County planning to teach about water conservation, water stewardship, and responsible water management through gardening. Donor Name: KidsGardening State: California County: San Diego County (CA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/13/2024 Size of the Grant: Less than $1000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funding Priorities The selection of winners is based on demonstrated need and program impact. KidsGardening considers a variety of factors when determining needs, including: Socioeconomic & Sociodemographic Factors How does the program exist within or engage a community that has been systematically denied resources, whether physical assets and money or representative leadership and community services? Organizations affected by multiple socioeconomic and sociodemographic factors are given priority. Program Funding and Support Does an organization have access to consistent, substantial monetary support or prior grant funding? Or are pre-existing resources (financial or otherwise) limited? Organizations experiencing the latter are given priority. Impact Will grant funding dramatically expand learning opportunities for program participants? Does the intended impact reflect the needs of the community? Organizations working with greater than 50 youth will be given priority. Funding Information In 2025, five elementary schools in San Diego County will be awarded $1,000 in funding and an irrigation supply kit valued at $500. Eligibility Criteria Any public or charter elementary school located in San Diego County serving at least 15 youth is eligible to apply. Applicants must be planning to use the funds to install new or improve an existing youth garden. Organizations: Support, work with, or serve communities with a majority of individuals that are under-resourced (systematically denied resources and opportunities based on race, gender, ethnicity, income level, abilities, geographic location, etc., or currently experiencing hardship such as a natural disaster, etc.) Have fifteen or more youth participate in the garden program. For more information, visit KidsGardening.