California Education Grants

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 National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is offering the 2024 Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund (Pollinator Fund) to advance pollinator conservation. The core mission of this fund is to protect, conserve, and increase habitat for the monarch butterfly and other native insect pollinators. This aligns with NFWF’s broader Monarch Butterfly Business Plan, indicating a strategic, long-term commitment to these species. The fund aims to support both technical assistance for private working lands and direct habitat improvement projects. The target beneficiaries of this grant program include monarch butterflies and other at-risk native insect pollinator species, such as the rusty patched bumble bee, Franklin’s bumble bee, Karner blue butterfly, Dakota skipper, Poweshiek skipperling, and Mitchell’s satyr. The program also indirectly benefits private landowners, farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners, especially those in Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories, by providing resources and incentives for conservation practices on their lands. The overall impact goal is to significantly enhance the quality, quantity, and connectivity of pollinator habitat across eligible states. The Pollinator Fund has two main categories of focus. The first is Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands, which prioritizes increasing voluntary engagement of private landowners in conservation practices through staff resources and targeted outreach for Farm Bill programs like CSP and EQIP. The second category, Habitat Improvement, focuses on on-the-ground restoration and enhancement of pollinator habitat, emphasizing regionally appropriate milkweed and diverse native nectar plants, as well as increasing the supply of native seeds and seedlings. These priorities align with NFWF's strategic goal of fostering sustainable ecosystems through direct habitat restoration and incentivizing private land stewardship. Expected outcomes and measurable results are central to this program. All proposals must demonstrate how they will directly and measurably contribute to the Pollinator Fund's goals, specifically by providing the number of acres restored or enhanced. A minimum of 100 acres in California or 500 acres in all other eligible states must be restored or enhanced. Historically, successful projects have averaged 2,120 acres, indicating a substantial scale for expected impact. The program's theory of change posits that by providing financial assistance and technical support, and by focusing on key geographical areas and species, NFWF can effectively reverse declines in monarch and other native pollinator populations, thereby contributing to broader ecosystem health and biodiversity. The total funding of up to $5.1 million in 2024, contributed by a diverse group of partners, underscores the collaborative and impactful nature of this strategic initiative.

The CALI Catalyst program, launched in 2021 by the Center for Cultural Innovation (CCI), provides unrestricted grants of up to $7,500 to California changemakers in the arts and culture sector. This program is designed to offer financial support and validation to individuals and teams who are actively working to disrupt the status quo and advance greater equity and inclusion within the field. The foundation's mission, through this program, aligns with supporting those on the frontlines who are creating tangible change and shifting power to historically underrepresented voices, recognizing the fear of financial risk can silence crucial voices. The target beneficiaries for the CALI Catalyst grant are artists and arts workers, including administrators, cultural producers, and creatives, who reside full-time in California. The program specifically seeks to impact historically marginalized communities such as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities. The overarching impact goal is to foster a more equitable and inclusive arts and culture sector by supporting individuals whose change-making actions have created tangible and measurable results at a local, regional, state, or national level. The program prioritizes and focuses on supporting actions that started on or after January 1, 2020, demonstrating ongoing or recently impactful efforts. Examples of these efforts include challenging capitalist notions of productivity to prioritize self-care for Black leaders, modeling non-hierarchical nonprofit structures led by artists of color, and creating equitable contracting practices between artists and cultural institutions. The program aims to support those who are speaking out against discriminatory practices and disrupting harmful philanthropic norms, ultimately making the arts and culture field better for everyone. Expected outcomes include continued momentum for field-wide change, with changemakers ensuring that historically marginalized communities are not overlooked. Measurable results can be observed through the ripple effects of grantees' work, such as the creation of nourishing spaces for Black leaders, the establishment of precedents for cooperative nonprofit models, and the development of equitable contracting practices. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are centered on the belief that by financially supporting these change agents, they can empower voices, mitigate financial risk, and ultimately drive greater inclusion, access, diversity, and equity across the arts and culture sector.

The San Francisco Arts Commission (SFAC) is offering Special Project Grants of $100,000 to $500,000 for a 3-year period to arts nonprofit organizations for youth arts programs, arts service organizations, and Asian and Pacific Islander arts and culture programming, with the application deadline set for October 9, 2024.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to California non-profits and Native American tribes for projects aimed at improving community air quality through education, technical training, and targeted emission reduction strategies.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and local education agencies in California for the development and initial operations of new or expanding charter schools serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade.

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].

The San Diego County Bar Foundation (SDCBF) provides grants with the mission of improving public awareness of the legal system, enhancing the administration of justice, and facilitating the delivery of legal services. This is achieved through the strategic distribution of its funds to legal aid and public interest non-profits operating within San Diego County. The Foundation's core belief is that justice serves as a critical equalizer in society, and it acts as an effective conduit for the legal community to engage in law-related philanthropy, thereby strengthening the profession and benefiting San Diego County. The SDCBF's primary beneficiaries are underserved and vulnerable individuals and communities within San Diego County who require access to legal aid and public interest services. The Foundation aims to achieve equal access to justice, increase public awareness of legal needs, and advocate for those who are marginalized. By investing in these organizations, the SDCBF seeks to create a healthier and stronger community environment by ensuring that legal services are available to those who might otherwise be unable to access them. The Foundation's priorities and focus areas revolve around its core values: Access to Justice, Service, Accountability, Integrity, and Permanence. It diligently supports legal and non-legal communities through its grant-making process and ongoing fundraising efforts. The SDCBF emphasizes service by focusing on equal access to justice, public awareness, and advocacy for the underserved, coupled with ongoing education. Accountability is demonstrated through conscientious stewardship of funds, ensuring that donor contributions benefit designated community partners, with sustainability guaranteed through a growing endowment. Integrity is upheld through honesty, civility, and fairness, maintaining a strict no-conflict-of-interest policy. Permanence is secured by preserving the Foundation's longevity and ensuring its legacy through continuous endowment growth. Expected outcomes include a more equitable justice system, increased public understanding of legal rights and resources, and a strengthened network of legal aid and public interest organizations within San Diego County. Measurable results would involve tracking the number of individuals served by grant recipients, the types of legal services provided, and the impact of these services on the community. The SDCBF's strategic priorities are deeply rooted in its theory of change, which posits that by investing in legal aid and public interest organizations, and by fostering law-related philanthropy, it can ensure access to justice, enhance the legal profession, and contribute to the overall well-being of San Diego County, ultimately serving as a model bar foundation nationwide.

This grant provides over $25 million in funding to support California-based clean energy startups that are developing innovative technologies in areas like energy efficiency, electrification, and renewable energy generation.

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 Parks & Public Space Initiative, supported by the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, focuses on enhancing public lands within the Greater Oklahoma City area. This initiative stems from the Margaret Annis Boys Trust, established in 1991, with a mission to encourage landscaping and beautification projects in public spaces such as parks, medians, and other public lands. The foundation's strategic priority is to foster community engagement and improve the quality of public spaces for residents, aligning with a theory of change that posits improved public spaces lead to increased community well-being and utilization. The target beneficiaries of this grant program include neighborhood/community groups, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, and local government agencies within Oklahoma County that are connected to parks, school parks, trails, and other public spaces. The program aims to achieve several impact goals: increasing the utilization of public spaces for recreation, cultural, and health improvement; engaging various community entities in improving these spaces and their programs; and enhancing community stewardship of parks, school parks, trails, and other public lands. The initiative prioritizes funding landscaping and beautification projects in public community spaces, including neighborhood/community parks, school parks, trails, public medians, and other public lands in central Oklahoma. Eligible items for funding include plant materials, soil amendments, mulch, irrigation, and landscape amenities like shade structures and benches. Master plans and tree canopy studies are also considered. While the majority of grants support infrastructure and related activities, neighborhood streetscapes are a lower priority. Projects must be completed within one year and be open and accessible to the public. Expected outcomes and measurable results include a demonstrable increase in the use of public spaces, improved aesthetic quality of parks and public lands, and stronger community involvement in the planning, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of these projects. A significant volunteer component is required for each proposal, underscoring the program's commitment to fostering community stewardship. Additionally, a realistic location, installation, and maintenance plan with identified responsibilities and budget must be submitted to ensure the project’s sustainability, with tree plantings specifically requiring a three-year maintenance plan for establishment.

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.

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 Santa Barbara Foundation's Tri-Counties Blood Bank Fund Grant aims to distribute income to qualified nonprofit organizations supporting blood and blood-related products and services, aligning with the Foundation's broader mission to enhance community well-being. This grant operates through an annual Request for Proposal (RFP) process, focusing on three main types of support: Indigent Care Grants, Education Grants, and Scholarships. The program's strategic intent is to address critical needs within Santa Barbara County related to blood banking, from ensuring access for vulnerable populations to advancing medical knowledge and public awareness. Indigent Care Grants are specifically designed to reimburse "qualified hospitals" for "un-reimbursed costs" incurred when providing blood or blood products to "qualified patients" in Santa Barbara County. Qualified patients are defined as those with incomes 200% or less of the federal poverty line and without private or government insurance. The impact goal here is to alleviate the financial burden on hospitals and ensure that low-income, uninsured patients receive necessary blood products, directly contributing to health equity within the community. This component directly targets the most vulnerable populations, ensuring their access to essential medical care. Education Grants and Scholarships form another crucial pillar of this program. Education grants are intended for advanced medical technology or nursing education related to blood banking, physician education on transfusion medicine, and community education on blood and blood diseases. These grants prioritize improving the quality of blood banking, enhancing hospital staff's capabilities, and raising public awareness. Expected outcomes include a more skilled medical workforce, improved transfusion practices, and a more informed community regarding blood-related health issues and the importance of blood donation. Measurable results could include an increase in trained professionals, improved blood banking practices, and enhanced public knowledge about blood-borne diseases and critical shortages. Scholarships are aimed at post-doctoral education in non-medical disciplines related to blood and blood banking at UCSB, covering departments like Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology, Chemistry, and Chemical Engineering, as well as medical education in hematology/oncology specialties. This focus underscores the Foundation's commitment to fostering cutting-edge research and specialized medical expertise. The expected outcome is the development of new knowledge and highly trained specialists who can contribute to advancements in blood science and patient care. The overall theory of change for the Tri-Counties Blood Bank Fund is that by investing in direct patient support, professional education, community awareness, and specialized research, the Santa Barbara Foundation can significantly improve the availability, quality, and accessibility of blood and blood-related services for the entire Santa Barbara County community.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to community-based organizations in California to promote workplace safety and educate workers about their rights under state labor laws.

The Possibility Grant Program, overseen by the Walter and Elise Haas Fund, is a unique initiative with a core mission to foster a more just and equitable society. This program distinguishes itself by empowering Bay Area Youth (BAY) Community Fellows, who serve as youth advisors, to design and decide the grants. This approach aligns directly with the Fund's strategic priority of uplifting youth and incorporating intergenerational perspectives into its grantmaking. The grants are specifically designed as general operating support, ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, with flexible terms of either one or two years, providing essential financial stability to recipient organizations. The target beneficiaries for the Possibility Grants are primarily small organizations located in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo, or Santa Clara County in California. These organizations must be 501(c)3 entities or fiscally sponsored by one. The impact goals are centered on challenging systems of oppression through various avenues, including cultural education, Black liberation values, community-based care, healing, and art. The program seeks to support organizations that respond to the current domestic and global political climate, demonstrating an active commitment to social change and equity. The Fund prioritizes organizations that are actively working to challenge and dismantle systems of oppression. This includes fostering intergenerational connections to uplift youth, centering collaboration in their work, and seeking a strong intersectional impact. The focus is on entities that embody Black liberation values and utilize cultural education, community-based care, healing, or art as tools for social transformation. These priorities reflect the foundation's theory of change, which posits that by supporting grassroots organizations with these specific focuses, they can contribute to systemic change and the creation of a more equitable society. Expected outcomes include the strengthening of small organizations that are vital to their communities and are at the forefront of social justice efforts. The program aims to enable these organizations to sustain and expand their work in challenging oppression and fostering intergenerational connections. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the general operating support, the emphasis on organizations actively working to dismantle systems of oppression and seeking intersectional impact suggests a qualitative assessment of their contributions to social equity and the empowerment of marginalized communities. The long-term impact envisioned is a Bay Area where youth are uplifted, collaboration is fostered, and systemic injustices are actively addressed.

The Yolo Voter Education Grant, funded by the Walter & Evelyn Haas Fund and Yolo County and administered by the Yolo Community Foundation, aims to increase local understanding of how to vote among voters from low-turnout precincts and demographic groups with a history of lower turnout. This initiative, piloted in advance of the 2024 primary elections, is being re-launched for the 2024 general elections. The program aligns with the foundation's mission by fostering civic engagement and addressing disparities in voter participation, thereby strengthening democratic processes within Yolo County. The grant targets voters in geographic priority areas characterized by lower voter turnout in recent elections, as well as specific demographic priority communities. These demographic groups include Latinx, Asian Pacific Islander, and young voters. The primary impact goal is to empower these communities through enhanced voter education, leading to increased and more informed participation in elections. By focusing on these specific groups, the program seeks to address historical inequities in civic engagement and build a more representative electorate. Key priorities and focuses for this grant include delivering effective voter education messaging and reaching a broad spectrum of the identified priority communities. The total grantmaking pool is $75,000, with individual grant requests ranging up to $10,000, or up to $15,000 for organizations conducting outreach in multiple cities/regions within Yolo County. Eligibility requires applicants to be 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations (or fiscally sponsored by one) with demonstrated expertise in working with the target geographic and/or demographic communities, and extensive experience in Yolo County. It is crucial to note that voter registration activities are explicitly excluded from funding under this grant. Expected outcomes and measurable results revolve around the anticipated effectiveness and reach of the voter education messaging. Proposals will be evaluated on these factors, as well as the applicant’s demonstrated capacity to deliver the messaging effectively. While specific quantitative metrics for increased voter understanding or turnout are not explicitly detailed in the description, the program's success will implicitly be measured by the breadth and depth of outreach to priority communities and the quality of the educational programs implemented between early August and early November 2024. The foundation's strategic priority is to develop a portfolio of grantees that collectively reach all priority communities, reflecting a theory of change that effective, targeted voter education will directly lead to more informed and engaged citizens.

he Primary Care Residency Training Programs Grant for FY 2024-25, administered by the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI), aims to support the training of primary care physicians. The grant focuses on programs that train primary care residents to work in underserved communities, emphasizing training sites in multicultural, underserved, or rural areas. It seeks to recruit and retain residents likely to serve in areas of unmet need and provides counseling and placement to encourage graduates to practice in these areas. Approximately $31 million is available for various award categories, including existing PCR slots, existing THC slots, expansion slots, and new PCR programs. The grant awards range from $125,000 per filled slot for existing programs to $1,000,000 for new programs, with up to $2,000,000 for new programs with matching funds. Applications are due by September 10, 2024, with awards announced in January 2025.

This funding opportunity is designed to support innovative projects that develop and demonstrate Direct Air Capture technologies in California, while also engaging and educating local communities about carbon removal efforts.

Marin Charitable provides grants to nonprofit organizations focusing on youth-oriented programs or projects. These initiatives are designed to proactively address the needs of middle and high school-aged youth, approximately 11-18 years old, who have limited opportunities and reside in Marin County, California. The foundation's mission is to offer critical support, education, and enrichment to this specific demographic. The target beneficiaries are middle and high school-aged youth in Marin County who face limited opportunities. Marin Charitable aims to make a direct impact by ensuring that grant funds reach children with limited resources. The foundation prioritizes programs that align with its mission of supporting youth development and well-being within the specified age group and geographic area. Marin Charitable primarily focuses on funding small-budgeted, grassroots programs. This strategic priority reflects a theory of change that emphasizes direct, community-level impact. The foundation believes that by supporting smaller, localized initiatives, they can more effectively reach and serve the youth most in need. Applicants are evaluated based on the relevance of their program to Marin Charitable’s mission, their capability to facilitate the program, and their ability to ensure direct impact by reaching children with limited resources. While the grant size is generally between $1,000 to $10,000, Marin Charitable currently provides grants of up to, but not exceeding, $7,500. The expected outcome is to provide vital support, education, and enrichment that improves the lives and opportunities for underserved youth in Marin County.