California Education Grants

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in the greater Three Valleys region that are addressing critical community health needs, focusing on mental health, health equity, and environmental sustainability.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations for community events and projects that benefit the Port of Los Angeles and its surrounding neighborhoods, focusing on maritime activities, environmental preservation, and public engagement.

Monterey Peninsula Foundation awards grants to nonprofit organizations that benefit the community in the focus areas of arts & culture, community & environment, education, health & human services, and youth. Donor Name: Monterey Peninsula Foundation State: California County: Monterey County (CA), San Benito County (CA), Santa Cruz County (CA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/01/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: Monterey Peninsula Foundation places a higher priority on applications that offer creative responses to the community’s most pressing, unmet needs and show promise of building ongoing local support for needed services. Organizations seeking funding should have a broad base of funding support, management capacity to effectively execute the project, a clear plan for project evaluation, outcome measurement, and collaboration among other service providers. Types of Support Operating Support Across focus areas, they offer trusted partners the opportunity to receive operating support, providing the greatest degree of flexibility for delivering quality services and programs.  Program Support Across focus areas, they offer trusted partners the opportunity to receive operating support, providing the greatest degree of flexibility for delivering quality services and programs. Capital Support Capital Support wide range of capital efforts each year. They look for opportunities to contribute toward important community resources in each of focus areas, supporting infrastructure for whole communities. Project Period Grant period for a single year grant is October 1-May 31 (8 months). Eligibility Criteria Grants are open to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations (including universities, colleges, and charter and private schools), public K-12 schools, and public agencies serving residents of Monterey, Santa Cruz, or San Benito Counties. All requested funds must directly benefit residents of Monterey, Santa Cruz, or San Benito Counties. All applicants should be current on reporting obligations for any past grants. Only one grant per applicant will be considered annually, while exceptions are considered in response to an emergency or for a one-time significant, community-wide benefit. Grant funds will not be considered for the following:  Activities that solely promote a religious doctrine  Academic research  Creation of, or addition to, an endowment fund  Expenses incurred before the grant award date  Fundraising campaigns or events  Organizations classified as private foundations  Organizations that discriminate in its employment practices, volunteer opportunities or delivery of programs and services on the basis of race, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected by law  Organizations that do not have 100% board financial giving (except for public K-12 schools and public agencies)  Organizations that have been in operation less than three years  Payment of debt or legal settlements  Political or partisan purposes  Staff salaries for school or public agency employees  For more information, visit Monterey Peninsula Foundation.

The LA2050 Grants Challenge is an open call for ideas to make Los Angeles the best place to learn, create, play, connect, and live. Donor Name: LA2050 State: California County: Los Angeles County (CA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/21/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: A total of $1 million will be awarded to 15 organizations to implement their ideas to address the issues that Angelenos care most about. LA2050 will also commit to a one-year partnership with the winners – leveraging its resources, assets, and networks to help the projects succeed. Together, the winning organizations, LA2050, and Angelenos will make progress for the region that will change the course of future. Issue Areas Access to creative industry employment Affordable housing and homelessness Community safety Green space, park access, and trees Health care access Immigrant and refugee support Income inequality K-12 STEAM education Opportunities for people who have been incarcerated Play equity to advance mental health Public transit Support for foster and systems-impacted youth Youth economic advancement Benefits Beyond the potential to receive a grant for your work, they believe that applying to the challenge will provide additional benefits including: The opportunity to participate in a first-of-its-kind regional effort Increased awareness and exposure via public platform Increased understanding of LA’s social impact landscape The opportunity to cultivate and build new relationships with peers The chance to build a coalition of committed Angelenos and organizations to support important work in LA The opportunity to learn how to tell a compelling story about your organization’s impact Inspiring the creation of videos, photos, tweets, and pithy messaging to promote your proposal Visibility in front of other foundations and potential alternative funding sources—past challenges have resulted in more than $6.5 million in grants from outside funders using the LA2050 platform for their grantmaking ‘Volunteer’ and ‘Donate’ buttons on each submission page to drive resources to your organization A page on our Ideas Hub, a database of all organizations that have applied to the LA2050 Grants Challenge and their proposals Kinds of ideas LA2050 looking to support Bold ideas that will produce measurable wins for the LA region A spirit of collaboration and desire to unify and amplify collective efforts A clear focus on inclusion, diversity of voices, and equity Efforts that not only produce positive results, but are also focused on increasing local engagement and civic participation A desire to test new strategies Funding Information Funding Information The Goldhirsh Foundation will award a total of $1,000,000 to eligible organizations applying for grant amounts ranging from $50,000 (five (5) total Awards) to $75,000 (ten (10) total Awards) over a one-year period.  Eligibility Criteria Grants accept applications from registered non-profit, for-profit, fiscally-sponsored, or governmental organizations serving Los Angeles County and its residents. Both new or existing projects, programs, or initiatives are eligible for funding, as long as your work impacts one or more of this year’s issue areas (to be announced). For more information, visit LA2050.

This funding opportunity supports educational and stewardship projects that connect diverse California communities to the coast and ocean, particularly those historically underserved in marine education.

The Inspiration Grants opportunity provides Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funding for California libraries that are inspired to implement projects outside of the State Library’s other funding opportunities. Inspiration Grants provide funding for projects that may not fit within the bounds of the other grants offered by the State Library and/or for ideas that are generated outside of other funding opportunity application timeframes.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to community-based organizations in California to improve behavioral health services for children aged 0-5 and mothers, focusing on collaboration and early intervention to enhance overall health outcomes.

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 provides financial support to organizations delivering essential services that promote educational readiness, career preparedness, youth empowerment, and family support for children, youth, and families in San Francisco.

This funding opportunity supports projects that improve the competitiveness of California's specialty crops, benefiting a wide range of organizations, including nonprofits, government entities, and educational institutions.

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 seeking proposals for the 2024 Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund to advance pollinator conservation. Donor Name: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/24/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: The goal of the Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund (Pollinator Fund) is to protect, conserve, and increase habitat for the monarch butterfly and other native insect pollinators.  The most competitive projects will demonstrate clear benefits to both monarch butterfly and additional at-risk native insect pollinator species (i.e., federally listed, candidate, or proposed native insect pollinator species). Special consideration will be given to projects benefiting rusty patched bumble bee, Franklin’s bumble bee, Karner blue butterfly, Dakota skipper, Poweshiek skipperling, and Mitchell’s satyr. Categories Grants will be awarded in two categories:  Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands Funding in this category will support implementation of technical assistance to increase the number of private landowners voluntarily engaged in monarch butterfly and pollinator conservation practices on private working lands. Up to $2 million is expected to be available for grants ranging from $150,000 to $500,000. Funding will be awarded for projects up to three years in length following finalization of the grant agreement. This category aims to support conservation planning and practice design with private landowners to advance voluntary conservation efforts on working lands that align with NRCS Working Lands for Wildlife frameworks or initiatives, and especially increase Working Lands for Wildlife participation among farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners in the Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories. The 2024 Pollinator Fund RFP will support projects that: Direct staff resources to help agricultural producers design and implement conservation practices. Increase Farm Bill program participation and conservation practice implementation among agricultural producers, especially farmers and ranchers in the Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories. Funding in this category will support the following two strategies: Hiring additional staff or contractors, based on demonstrated need, including staff to assist private landowners and NRCS with developing pollinator habitat management plans and implementation of new and existing NRCS financial assistance contracts. Targeting outreach to landowners and other partners to prioritize, plan, and deliver financial assistance available through the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), and other Farm Bill programs to improve pollinator habitat and support at-risk pollinator species. Habitat Improvement Funding in this category will support on-the-ground work to increase the quality, quantity, and connectivity of habitat for the monarch butterfly and other native insect pollinators. Up to $3.1 million is expected to be available for grants ranging from $200,000 to $300,000. Funding will be awarded for projects up to two years in length following finalization of the grant agreement. Applicants in this category should define a step-by-step restoration plan including site preparation, equipment used, planting techniques, size of the project area, description of target native plant community, and maintenance plan (e.g., prescribed burning, mowing, grazing schedules). Projects proposed to benefit other at-risk native insect pollinators should specify habitat needs for those species and how the proposed work will support their breeding, nectaring, nesting, or other habitat needs. Funding in this category will support the following two strategies: Restore and enhance pollinator habitat, with an emphasis on regionally appropriate milkweed and a diversity of native nectar plants. Increase native seed and seedling supply, with an emphasis on improving the sustainability and affordability of regionally appropriate, local ecotypes. Program Priorities  All proposals must specifically address how the proposed project will directly and measurably contribute to the accomplishment of the Pollinator Fund’s goals as outlined in NFWF’s Monarch Butterfly Business Plan. As such, all proposals must provide the number of acres restored or enhanced as a result of the project. Proposals must include plans to restore or enhance a minimum of 100 acres in California or 500 acres in all other eligible states. Acres may be counted from multiple sites; the sites do not need to be contiguous. Since 2015, successful proposals have included a median of 960 acres and an average of 2,120 acres restored or enhanced.  Funding Information The Pollinator Fund will award up to $5.1 million in grants in 2024: up to $2 million for Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands and up to $3.1 million for Habitat Improvement. Funding is provided by Bayer Crop Science, Danone North America, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and U.S. Forest Service (USFS).  Geographical Areas  Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands  Grant funding will be awarded in the following eligible states: Arkansas, Arizona, California, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. Within eligible states, priority will be given to projects located in the North Core, South Core, West Core, and Overwintering Monarch Conservation Units. Projects are restricted to private working lands. Habitat Improvement Grant funding will be awarded in the following eligible states: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Within eligible states, priority will be given to projects located in the North Core, South Core, West Core, and Overwintering Monarch Conservation Units. West of the Rocky Mountains, priority will be given to projects on or adjacent to the following: monarch butterfly overwintering sites, BLM lands, and USFS lands. Eligibility Criteria  Eligible and Ineligible Entities: Eligible applicants include nonprofit 501(c) organizations, U.S. federal government agencies, state government agencies, local governments, municipal governments, tribal governments and organizations, and educational institutions. Ineligible applicants include businesses, unincorporated individuals, and international organizations. For more information, visit NFWF.

CALI Catalyst provides unrestricted grants of up to $7,500 to California changemakers who are creating tangible impact within the arts and culture sector, shifting power and influence to historically underrepresented voices. Donor Name: Center for Cultural Innovation (CCI) State: California County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The California Art Leadership Investments (CALI) Catalyst program launched in 2021 to provide financial support and validation to individuals whose frontline work to upend the status quo in the arts and culture sector is creating tangible change and moving the needle towards greater equity and inclusion. They can look to recent CALI Catalyst grantees and their work to see these ripple effects within the sector. In Sacramento, Genevieve Leighton-Armah is challenging capitalist notions of productivity by creating nourishing spaces for Black leaders to prioritize self-care, healing, and rest. Los Angeles-based Level Ground Collective is modeling what a non-hierarchical, cooperative 501(c)3 nonprofit structure led by artists of color can look like, creating a precedent for the sector, and actively sharing their learnings and model. Nationally, Rika Iino is collaborating with the Association of Performing Arts Professionals to create equitable contracting practices between artists and cultural institutions that prioritize partnerships and collaboration rather than deliverables. CALI Catalyst recognizes that this is precisely the time when the arts and culture sector needs to support these changemakers who are ensuring historically marginalized communities—such as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities–don’t fall through the cracks. By speaking out and taking action, such as exposing discriminatory hiring practices or disrupting harmful philanthropic norms, these individuals make the arts and culture field better for everyone. The CALI Catalyst grant program aims to support such leaders financially, recognizing that the fear of financial risk can silence voices and discourage meaningful change. To help ensure that the momentum for field-wide change continues undeterred, CALI Catalyst will support artists and arts workers who are on the frontlines of effecting greater inclusion, access, diversity, and equity in the arts and culture sector. Who can apply? CALI Catalyst applicants can be individuals or teams of individuals. To be eligible for funding consideration: Applicants must be artists or arts workers (e.g., arts administrators, cultural producers, culture bearers, creatives, cultural practitioners, teaching artists, or specialized technicians). Applicants (including all team members) must reside full-time in California. Applicants’ change-making action(s) must have taken place or started (i.e., the action is still in progress) on or after January 1, 2020. Applicant’s change-making action must have impacted the arts and culture sector at a local, regional, state, or national level in tangible and measurable ways. The following are ineligible for funding consideration: Organizations (e.g., nonprofits, for-profits, fiscally sponsored organizations) requesting funding to support their operations; Individuals or teams of individuals who describe a change-making action that started or took place before January 1, 2020; Individuals or teams of individuals who are requesting funding to support an organization; Individuals or teams of individuals who have a conflict of interest (family or financial relationship) with the board, staff, or directors of the Center for Cultural Innovation; Requests for funding to support a project that is in the beginning or developing stages; and Incomplete applications or applications with inaccessible (e.g., password-protected, broken links) attachments. For more information, visit CCI.

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 provides grants to improve public awareness of the legal system, the administration of justice and the delivery of legal services through distribution of its funds. Donor Name: San Diego County Bar Foundation State: California County: San Diego County (CA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/01/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: By offering an effective means for the legal community to engage in law-related philanthropy, the San Diego County Bar Foundation strengthens the profession by providing lawyers the opportunity to contribute to the quality and benefit of San Diego County. Based on the belief that justice serves as the great equalizer in the society, they ensure access to justice by investing in legal aid and public interest organizations along with expertise, leadership and advocacy. They serve as a leader in the community and a model bar foundation nationwide. They maintain the highest level of commitment to the permanence of the Bar Foundation and its work by building law- related philanthropy. Core Values Access to Justice  Equal access to justice is central to the democratic society, integral to the efficient functioning of the justice system and a critical part of the safety net for the vulnerable in the society. They support the legal and non-legal community through the diligent grant making process and the on-going fundraising efforts in order to create a healthier and stronger community environment. Service – The focus always centers on providing equal access to justice, public awareness and advocacy to the underserved and vulnerable as well as increasing public awareness of these needs through on-going education.  Accountability – They are the conscientious stewards of the Foundation’s funds to ensure that they are put to the best use. The donors and the legal community have confidence in the due diligence process and know that their funds will benefit the designated community partners. The sustainability is guaranteed through the growing endowment.  Integrity – They maintain honesty in word and deed, civility in the interactions and communications, and demonstrate fairness to all. No conflict of interest.  Permanence – They preserve the longevity of the Foundation and ensure the legacy through the continual growth in the endowments. Grant Period Generally, grant awards will be for a period not to exceed one year. Eligibility Criteria  Legal aid and public interest non-profits providing services within the county of San Diego are eligible to apply. Limitations Grants will NOT be made in support of the following: Organizations which are not tax exempt as described in section 509 (a) (1) and 170B (1) (a) of the Internal Revenue Code Religious, Political or lobbying purposes Organizations whose primary function is to allocate funds to other charitable organizations or projects Projects outside of San Diego County Loans. For more information, visit SDCBF.

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 is seeking proposals from Santa Clara County municipalities, jurisdictions, arts, cultural, education, nonprofit and community organizations to support VTA’s vision of equitable Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC). Donor Name: Valley Transportation Authority State: California County: Santa Clara County (CA), Santa Clara County (CA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/22/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Grant Goals  The goal for the grant is to grow innovative and robust partnerships between VTA and local public agencies, nonprofits, community organizations, and other diverse stakeholders to advance implementation of equitable Transit-Oriented Communities in Santa Clara County. Selected projects will empower and strengthen communities, increase transit ridership, reduce the need for car trips, and support intensive mixed-use, mixed-income development around light rail stations and transit hubs. Eligible projects support collaboration and will be located within ½-mile 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. Funding Information Through a competitive process, 14-20 projects are expected to be selected to receive up to approximately $15,000 to $175,000. Selected projects are planned to commence between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. Eligible Activities  Grant funding is available for applications that advance the following Transit-Oriented Communities Grant Program Areas: Planning and Policy Implementation Advancing adoption and implementation of policies, plans, and regulations to enable equitable Transit-Oriented Communities. Examples of Eligible Activities: Station area planning Transit access planning and evaluation of mobility needs Equitable development and implementation plans Technical assistance and support for local agency staff to advance alignment with Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s Transit-Oriented Communities Policy Community Resilience Supporting community organizations in playing greater roles in implementing equitable transit-oriented communities Examples of Eligible Activities: Implementation of anti-displacement efforts, including activities that advance acquiring, rehabilitating or preserving affordable housing, and housing preservation pilot projects Small business and commercial preservation and support Technical assistance and support for planning and development Programs that encourage and facilitate use of transit and other active transportation modes for individuals with limited incomes Education & Engagement Increasing community leadership and participation to implement Transit-Oriented Communities policies, plans and regulations, and increasing support for equitable, culturally relevant engagement practices, Examples of Eligible Activities: Advocacy campaigns for Transit-Oriented Communities-supportive policies and investments Community-based capacity building through the use of Promotores(as) Translation and interpretation services Food and childcare at community meetings Housing and homeowner application readiness workshops Placemaking, Arts, and Activation Improving the transit rider and community experience through publicly accessible arts and culture projects right next to transit that reinforce local culture, history, or value, and/or community beautification that enhances the safety and accessibility of transit, Examples of Eligible Activities: Place-based arts and culture projects within the public realm that enhance station areas and community culture and identity, such as murals and public art adjacent to transit Universal/inclusive signage design Projects that improve access in transit station area with a focus on pedestrian experience, such as crossing guards, park/trail clean-ups, graffiti-removal Festival-style events, such as outdoor street festivals or performance. For more information, visit VTA.