California Education Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in specific California counties to improve educational outcomes for boys and men of color by enhancing access to post-secondary education and addressing systemic barriers.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local non-profits and school groups for projects that promote environmental sustainability, such as water conservation, waste reduction, energy efficiency, and educational initiatives.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for organizations to enhance cultural and natural resource management at a major Marine Corps training facility in California, focusing on archaeological collections and wildlife protection programs.

The Richmond Fund for Children and Youth is offering a three-year grant ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 to non-profit organizations and public agencies that provide services in areas such as mental and physical health, learning needs, and community safety to children, youth, and young adults in Richmond and unincorporated North Richmond, California, with a focus on those most impacted by harm, inequity, and lack of access to support and services.

California voters passed the Control, Regulate and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act (Proposition 64) on November 8, 2016, which legalized the recreational sale and use of cannabis to people over the age of 21 and levied new excise taxes on the cultivation and retail sale of all state-regulated cannabis. Proposition 64 created the Youth Education, Prevention, Early Intervention and Treatment Account (YEPEITA) into which the State Controller deposits 60 percent (60%) of the tax revenues from marijuana sales for youth programs designed to educate about and prevent substance use disorders and to prevent harm from substance use. Programs shall emphasize accurate education, effective prevention, early intervention, school retention, and timely treatment services for youth, their families, and caregivers. Funds appropriated to the California Natural Resources Agency (the State) are for competitive grants to support youth access to natural or cultural resources with a focus on low-income and disadvantaged communities.  This includes, but is 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 and will award 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 War on Drugs disproportionately impacted communities of color, particularly low-income communities. Harsh federal and state drug policies enacted during the War on Drugs led to mass incarceration of people of color, decreased access to social services, loss of educational attainment due to diminished federal financial aid eligibility, prohibitions on the use of public assistance, and the separation of families. 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.

This funding program provides financial support to local artists and nonprofit arts organizations in Los Angeles County to create engaging cultural arts projects that benefit the Burbank community.

The Alameda Countywide Clean Water Program is offering Community Stewardship Grants to fund projects that prevent stormwater pollution, improve local watersheds, creeks, and the San Francisco Bay, and include a public outreach component. This initiative directly aligns with the program's mission to enhance environmental health through community engagement and education. Projects must be implemented within Alameda County. The grants target a wide range of beneficiaries, including teachers and student groups, service clubs, community groups, environmental groups, youth organizations, homeowner associations, and non-profit organizations. The program aims to foster a collective effort in environmental stewardship, empowering various community sectors to contribute to a healthier local ecosystem. For-profit groups and public agencies are not eligible, emphasizing the program's focus on grassroots and non-commercial community efforts. The program prioritizes creative and innovative projects that prevent or educate about stormwater pollution. Specific focuses include litter reduction, outreach and education on topics such as household hazardous waste disposal and Integrated Pest Management, development of outreach materials, public art projects, creekside restoration and enhancement, stormwater detention projects (e.g., rain gardens, cisterns, bioretention areas), coastal and creek cleanups, and wildlife habitat enhancement. These diverse project types reflect a comprehensive approach to improving water quality and ecological well-being. Expected outcomes include a reduction in stormwater pollution, improved health of local watersheds and the San Francisco Bay, and increased public awareness and engagement in environmental protection. Measurable results could include the number of community members reached by outreach efforts, the volume of litter removed, the area of habitat restored, or the number of stormwater detention systems implemented. The program's strategic priority is to leverage community-led initiatives to achieve tangible environmental improvements and cultivate a culture of environmental responsibility within Alameda County. The underlying theory of change posits that by empowering and educating local communities, sustainable practices for water quality and watershed health will be widely adopted. Individual grant amounts range from $500 to $6,000, with a total of $30,000 available in grant funding. This funding structure is designed to support a variety of projects, from smaller, localized efforts to more extensive community initiatives. Applicants who are not formal 501(c)(3) non-profits are required to secure a fiscal sponsor, ensuring proper financial management and accountability for the grant funds.

This program provides financial assistance to breast cancer patients in Yolo County, California, to help cover essential needs during their treatment journey.

The Early Care Spaces grant program, spearheaded by the Kenneth Rainin Foundation, is an open application initiative offering grants of up to $100,000. Its core mission aligns directly with the foundation's vision of a world where all Oakland children read at or above grade level by third grade. This program specifically targets early language and literacy development for Oakland children from birth to five years old, recognizing the critical window for literacy growth from early care through second grade. The foundation's strategic priority is to support equitable approaches to literacy during these formative years. The program's impact goals are multifaceted, focusing on expanding children's vocabulary and comprehension, increasing confidence in listening and speaking, and empowering parents and caregivers as leaders in their children's education. A key component of the foundation's theory of change is also the career advancement and upskilling for Black early care providers, enabling them to offer language-rich, developmentally appropriate, and culturally affirming care, thereby addressing systemic inequities. Early Care Spaces prioritizes funding for early care provided outside of traditional education systems, such as family resource centers and community spaces, while still welcoming organizations that partner with traditional systems. The program also places a strong emphasis on initiatives with deep connections to informal care providers or Family, Friend and Neighbor care. Furthermore, it seeks to support diverse organizations and providers that truly reflect the neighborhoods and communities they serve, with a particular focus on the Oakland flatlands, areas experiencing disinvestment and displacement of BIPOC communities. The expected outcomes include increased access to high-quality early literacy support for Oakland's youngest children, especially in underserved communities, and the strengthening of the informal care sector. Measurable results would likely include improvements in children's language and literacy skills, increased parental engagement in early education, and enhanced capacity and leadership among Black early care providers. This annual program, commemorating the foundation's 15th anniversary of formal grantmaking, aims to address existing gaps in Oakland's early care funding landscape and contribute to long-term literacy success for all children in the city.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Gilroy and South County for projects that enhance community welfare across various sectors, including education, health, and the arts.

The Conservation, Environment and Public Trails Grant Program, administered by the Santa Barbara Foundation, is dedicated to fostering environmental sustainability, land conservation, habitat restoration, public trails, and overall ecosystem health within Santa Barbara County. This program directly aligns with the foundation's mission by investing in projects that preserve and enhance the region's natural resources, ensuring a healthy and accessible environment for all residents. The grants support both new and existing initiatives that demonstrate a clear need and aim to create lasting positive change in the community. The primary beneficiaries of this program are the communities and natural landscapes of Santa Barbara County. The impact goals include improving equitable access to natural resources and trail systems, restoring degraded habitats, protecting ecologically significant lands, and promoting sustainable environmental practices. The program seeks to empower well-managed, financially viable organizations to implement effective projects that address identified environmental needs, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and environmentally conscious Santa Barbara County. Key priorities for funding include projects focused on preserving and ensuring equitable access to natural resources and trail systems, community-based restoration in various natural areas (wetlands, streams, coastal areas, grasslands, woodlands), early-stage investigations for land conservation efforts, and piloting or expanding projects that exemplify best practices in conservation. The strongest projects are those that foster partnerships and collaborations, incorporate community involvement and education, and align with broader regional plans such as Santa Barbara County’s Conservation Blueprint or the Food Action Plan. Expected outcomes include the establishment of new trails and restoration of existing ones, the permanent protection of ecologically and agriculturally valuable lands, the restoration of critical habitats, and the implementation of innovative solutions for sustainable land, forestry, and water management. Measurable results could include increased acres of conserved land, miles of accessible trails, improved biodiversity in restored areas, and enhanced community awareness and engagement in conservation efforts. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its emphasis on collaborative approaches, community engagement, and alignment with existing regional conservation strategies, reflecting a theory of change that prioritizes collective action and long-term planning for environmental resilience.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and schools in Long Beach to support programs that promote the physical, mental, and spiritual development of youth and individuals.

The Arts Council for Long Beach offers two types of microgrants: Project Microgrants and Professional Development Microgrants. The Project Microgrants are designed for local projects that are free, open to the public, and directly benefit Long Beach residents. These projects are expected to support community representation and cultural respect, encourage cultural diversity, and/or enhance underserved communities. The Professional Development Microgrants assist Long Beach artists with funding for opportunities such as workshops or conferences, aiming to enhance the artist's or organization's ability to serve Long Beach residents, particularly in underserved areas. The overall mission alignment of the Arts Council is to promote and support arts and cultural activities that benefit the Long Beach community. The primary target beneficiaries of these microgrants are Long Beach residents, artists, and organizations within the city. The impact goals are centered around fostering cultural diversity, community representation, and enhancing the lives of residents through accessible arts and cultural experiences. For Professional Development Microgrants, the goal is to strengthen the capabilities of individual artists and arts organizations, which in turn enhances their service to the Long Beach community. Both grant types emphasize supporting underserved communities and populations within Long Beach, ensuring equitable access to arts and cultural benefits. The priorities and focuses of the Arts Council for Long Beach include supporting publicly accessible arts and cultural presentations in any art form, single events or series of events, arts and cultural festivals, arts education programs, traditional folk arts presentations, public art, and initiatives that promote the Long Beach arts and cultural sector. For professional development, funding prioritizes opportunities that enhance the applicant's ability to serve Long Beach residents, with specific provisions for conference fees and equipment/tools for art making. The emphasis is on projects that are free, open to the public, and directly beneficial to the local community. Expected outcomes include an increase in diverse and culturally representative arts projects, enhanced professional skills for Long Beach artists, and a more vibrant and accessible arts and cultural sector for all Long Beach residents. Measurable results could involve the number of projects implemented, audience attendance at free public events, the number of artists participating in professional development, and the demonstrable benefits to underserved communities. The Arts Council's strategic priorities align with a theory of change where targeted financial support for local arts and artists directly contributes to community enrichment, cultural engagement, and the professional growth of the city's creative talent. This investment is seen as a catalyst for a more inclusive and thriving cultural landscape in Long Beach.

The City of Indian Wells’ Grants-in-Aid program is designed to provide funding to tax-exempt, non-profit organizations under Section 501(c)(3) that have been in business for at least five years. The program aims to support community assistance and services within the Coachella Valley. The City recognizes the crucial role community-based organizations play in providing various services or education, and this grant program serves as a financial aid mechanism to support these efforts. This aligns with the City's broader mission to foster a supportive and well-served community by backing organizations that possess expertise in offering valuable services that the City itself does not provide. The primary target beneficiaries of this program are the residents of Indian Wells and the Coachella Valley at large. The program specifically seeks to address identified community needs within this region. The impact goals are centered on enhancing the availability and quality of essential community services, education, and support. The City prioritizes funding for initiatives that expand existing service programs, add new services or special projects, or facilitate the purchase of specific items necessary for service delivery, excluding start-up, administrative, overhead, or fundraising costs. The program focuses on organizations that demonstrate a clear community need, are not duplicating services already funded by the City, and do not rely solely on community assistance funding for viability. The City aims to support services that would be more costly if provided directly by the municipality, emphasizing efficiency and leveraging external expertise. Expected outcomes include the successful implementation of new or expanded community programs, increased access to vital services for residents, and a stronger network of community support within the Coachella Valley. Measurable results are expected through the submission of compiled year-end reports, including project completion by June 30 of the funded year, and accurate accounts of all receipts and expenditures. Funding is awarded on a single-year basis, and proof of adequate insurance coverage may be required. The City's strategic priority is to invest in community-based groups, non-profit social agencies, or area service providers that directly benefit its residents, thereby enhancing the overall well-being and quality of life in Indian Wells and the wider Coachella Valley.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and higher education institutions for initiatives that improve earthquake safety and awareness across multiple states or nationally.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in California, Oregon, and Washington that create career pathways and development programs for young people aged 11 to 24, with a focus on fostering career readiness and personal growth.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to County Offices of Education in California to enhance professional development for K–12 mathematics educators, focusing on effective teaching strategies and resource sharing in line with the 2023 Mathematics Framework.

The CalMoneySmart Grant Program, administered by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI), is an annual initiative dedicating a total of $2 million to nonprofit organizations. This program aligns with the foundation's mission to enhance financial well-being, specifically targeting individuals experiencing financial insecurity within California. The grants, ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, are awarded for a two-year period, with individual grants up to $200,000, to support programs that foster financial education and empowerment. The primary beneficiaries of this program are unbanked and underbanked consumers in California. The impact goals are centered on enabling these individuals to achieve financial stability by identifying and accessing lower-cost financial products and services, establishing or improving their credit, increasing their savings, and lowering their debt. The program prioritizes comprehensive financial literacy and practical tools to empower vulnerable populations. The core focuses of the CalMoneySmart grants include the design, development, or offering of free classroom- or web-based financial education and empowerment content. This content is specifically tailored to assist unbanked and underbanked consumers in navigating financial systems and making informed decisions. Additionally, the program supports the provision of individualized, free financial coaching, offering personalized guidance to help beneficiaries overcome specific financial challenges. Furthermore, the grants can be used to design, develop, or offer free financial products or services that help unbanked and underbanked consumers identify and access responsible financial products and services. The expected outcomes include a measurable improvement in the financial health of participants, evidenced by increased access to responsible financial products, improved credit scores, higher savings rates, and reduced debt burdens. The DFPI's strategic priority is to promote consumer protection and financial well-being, with a theory of change that by providing targeted financial education and access to appropriate resources, financially insecure Californians can achieve greater economic stability and security. Eligibility for the grant requires applicants to be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations, in good standing with the California Secretary of State, and to have submitted a satisfactory final report for any prior DFPI grant funding. This ensures that the grants are awarded to reputable and effective organizations capable of delivering impactful programs.

This funding provides financial support to local nonprofit organizations in San Leandro that offer food services and assistance to low-income residents.

This grant provides financial support to volunteer-driven nonprofit organizations that serve the residents of Monte Sereno through free community services and events.