California Education Grants

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and government entities in Long Beach that are focused on addressing learning loss and improving the mental health of youth and young adults affected by the pandemic.

The County of San Diego is piloting a new Equity Impact Grant (EIG) program in partnership with the Nonprofit Institute at the University of San Diego (NPI) to address community feedback about the challenges that small, grassroots organizations led by people of color experience when applying for government contracts and philanthropic funding. Donor Name: County of San Diego State: California County: San Diego County (CA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/23/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The EIG program will focus on supporting community-driven efforts and community-based organizations working in the social and racial justice fields in the following areas: education (early childhood through higher/continuing education) civic engagement and movement building arts, media & culture housing, community development & mobility public safety & restorative justice health and healing financial literacy & economic development food systems and environmental justice Throughout the year-long grant period, NPI will provide tailored coaching and resources such as workshops on leadership, nonprofit governance, organizational resiliency and more. Eligibility Criteria You’re invited and encouraged to apply if: Your organization has 501c(3) status, is fiscally sponsored by a 501c(3) organization, or is a tax-exempt tribal organization. Your 501c(3) organization is based and serves communities in the Greater San Diego County (including all tribal and rural communities). Your operating expenses are under $500,000 and/or personnel of under five full-time employees. Your organization’s mission and/or program(s) align with funding priorities (see above). Your organization is helping to build power and/or advance life outcomes among BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities, immigrants, people with disabilities, women, and youth. Your organization’s staff and board have lived experience with and are representative of communities they seek to impact such as, low income, housing insecure, food insecure, economically depressed, overpoliced, criminal justice system impacted, and environmental justice communities. For more information, visit County of San Diego.

The City of Oakland is accepting applications for its 2025 Neighborhood Voices for Festivals Grant Program. Donor Name: City of Oakland State: California County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/22/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: This grant opportunity amplifies the cultural expressions, stories, and heritage found within Oakland’s neighborhoods and their community members who historically have not received equitable investments of resources or recognition. Festivals supported by this grant opportunity must be in-person Oakland arts and cultural activities that are free and open to the public. This grant is festivals that are one- or multi-day events, that generally occur one time per year, and is not intended to fund ongoing programming. If you are conducting a single standing event, such as a performance or concert, this would not qualify as a festival. Applications from the following are encouraged: Festivals that lift-up the cultural identity of a people or the historical significance of a neighborhood; Racial/ethnic-specific communities or other types of communities that are under-recognized or lack visibility in Oakland; Festivals in neighborhoods with few formal cultural resources (such as, cultural centers, performance venues, art galleries, cultural education programs, etc.); and Partners who are deeply grounded and engaged in the neighborhood where the festival is based. Funding Information Applicants may request up to 50% of the projected expenses for the festival, not to exceed $14,000. The following changes are being implemented for 2025: Applicants may request up to 50% of the projected expenses for the festival, not to exceed  $14,000 (max amount may increase depending on City budget outcomes) Festivals must take place within the calendar year of 2025, between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025 Eligibility Criteria  Proof of Residency: Applicant organizations must be based in Oakland at the time of the application and maintain Oakland residency throughout the grant period. Applicants must submit proof of organization’s residency by submitting a recent copy of one of the following: utility bill (landline phone, PG&E, water, or cable bill), rental lease, or mortgage documentation. P.O. Box is not acceptable. Registered Non-Profit & Good Standing with State Agencies: CA Secretary of State Business Search: Applicant or their Fiscal Sponsor must be a registered nonprofit IRS 501c3 status with a street address in Oakland. In addition, the legal name of the organization must match the name provided in the California Secretary of State website and be listed as “Active.” Attorney General Registry of Charitable Trust: Applicant or their Fiscal Sponsor must be in “Current” standing with the Office of the Attorney General’s Registry of Charitable Trusts. Federal Regulation Compliance: Applicants must comply with all federal regulations pertaining to federal grant recipients by meeting the provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1963; Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; Americans with Disabilities Act and Age Discrimination Act of 1975. Evidence of Insurance: Once the grant is awarded, organizations must show evidence of: General Commercial Liability insurance, $2M per occurrence ($1M reduction request available); Workers Compensation insurance, $1M per occurrence (if organization has employees); Auto insurance, $1M per occurrence (if applicable); and Abuse and Sexual Molestation Insurance, $1M per occurrence (if working with vulnerable populations, which include but are not limited to: youth under the age of 18, the unhoused community, people with developmental disabilities, Alzheimer’s, Dementia) Arts & Culture Focus: Organizations that are not primarily arts and/or cultural providers are eligible only if this will be an arts and cultural festival. Sporting events, Conferences, Symposiums and Summits are not eligible for this grant opportunity. For more information, visit City of Oakland.

This grant provides funding to schools in California to implement restorative practices that foster community, improve relationships, and address conflicts effectively, ultimately enhancing school climate and student well-being.

The City of Santa Barbara is seeking applications for its Cultural Arts Grants . Donor Name: City of Santa Barbara State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/18/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: As part of its ongoing commitment to a vibrant, sustainable local cultural sector and arts access for all, the City is investing nearly $250,000 into the community through its annual Cultural Arts Grants Santa Barbara-based organizations are invited to apply for any one of the three grant programs: Community Arts, Organizational Development, and Community Events and Festivals. The programs are intended to provide arts access for underserved communities, support diverse nonprofits, and catalyze events and festivals that enhance local economic and community vitality.  Community Arts (CA) Grants: Encouraging projects and programs uplifting arts opportunities for underserved communities and youth and helping to ensure arts access for all members of Santa Barbara’s community. Maximum funding request: up to $6,000 Organizational Development (OD) Grants: Supporting nonprofit arts organizations’ capacity and performance, enhance audience reach, and increase earned income. Embracing a variety of arts organizations, including multicultural and neighborhood arts. Maximum funding request: up to $15,000 Community Events & Festivals (EF) Grants: Incubating events and festivals that contribute to the city’s cultural vitality and promotion. Maximum funding request: up to $15,000 Eligibility Criteria To be eligible, applicants must have nonprofit 501c3 status or a nonprofit fiscal sponsor and attend a mandatory informational workshop.  For more information, visit City of Santa Barbara.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that assist California counties in improving educational services and outcomes for foster youth through technical guidance, collaboration, and data-driven strategies.

In partnership with the California Health and Human Services Agency (CHHSA), this program will allow the CDE to allocate $9,647,000 to the Quality Counts California Consortia and Tribal region to increase the support and capacity for family, friend, and neighbor care providers, family child care providers, and home-visiting providers to provide quality care for underserved populations, particularly infants and toddlers and low-income children and families living in rural and isolated communities and/or experiencing trauma stemming from homelessness, disasters, or other sources. Applicants must be a part of a local quality improvement system (QIS)/quality rating and improvement system (QRIS) consortium; Consortia must implement a QIS/QRIS incorporating the Quality Continuum Framework. The application period for this program has passed. PDG-R is authorized under United States Code, Title 42, Section 9858. 

The CZI Community Fund supports nonprofit organizations that are helping create a more socially, economically, and just San Mateo County. Donor Name: Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) State: California County: San Mateo County (CA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The CZI Community Fund supports non-profit organizations across San Mateo County that are increasing access to the building blocks of social and economic well-being — like housing, healthcare, education, job and career skills, and supporting civic engagement — so people have the power to shape their lives and communities. Now in its eighth grantmaking cycle, the Community Fund supports organizations that are increasing access to the building blocks of social and economic well-being, like housing, healthcare, education, job and career skills, and other social supports, and galvanizing community voices so people have the power to shape their lives and communities. Community Fund partners are ensuring access to the building blocks of social and economic well-being for all, including low-income households, people of color, immigrants regardless of documentation status, people who identify as LGBTQIA+, and other communities impacted by systemic inequities. Organizations working in San Mateo County are eligible for the Community Fund. Primary Focus Areas Arts and Culture Basic Needs Criminal/Juvenile Justice Education Environment/ Climate Food Security Homelessness Housing Immigration Mental Health/Health Care Safety/Security Transportation Workforce Development Youth Development Funding Information Selected organizations will join the Community Fund grant partner cohort, and will receive a two-year unrestricted or project grant of up to $200,000, and the opportunity to participate in a capacity building program to support leadership and organizational development. Eligibility Requirements Organizations interested in funding through the CZI Community Fund must meet the following criteria: Tax Status: Organizations must be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; have a valid fiscal agent or sponsor that is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Grantee Status: Organizations and sponsored projects from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative that end on or before December 31, 2024, are eligible to apply for funding from the CZI Community Fund. Organizations with grants from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative that extend beyond December 31, 2024, are not eligible to apply for funding from the CZI Community Fund Local School Districts and School Foundations: CZI supports local school districts and school foundations in various ways, but not through the CZI Community Fund. They do accept applications from organizations working in, or collaborating with local school districts. For more information, visit CZI.

The Donaldson Foundation dedicates its efforts to making a positive impact in communities where Donaldson Company employees reside, focusing on supporting educational initiatives. It extends grant invitations exclusively to applications with an educational aim, scrutinizing each based on criteria such as educational focus, the need of beneficiaries, impact, sustainability, and connection to communities near company locations. Eligible recipients are required to be IRS-recognized tax-exempt entities. Funding is available in the Twin Cities and several U.S. locations where Donaldson has significant operations, with grants reaching up to $20,000. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual Cycle 2 deadline: January 15th

This grant provides funding for full-time graduate students in the Western U.S. to collaborate with their academic advisors and local producers on projects that promote sustainable agriculture through research and education.

The Creative Youth Development program is rooted in the CAC’s belief that arts learning is an essential tool for healthy human development and that it should be available to all young people throughout California, including but not limited to those whose lives have been impacted or interrupted by the justice system. Donor Name: California Arts Council State: California County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: The CAC envisions that all of California’s young people are provided with meaningful, culturally responsive arts-learning experiences so that they can reach their full potential. All projects may occur during or outside of traditional school hours and should take place at arts and culture venues, community centers, court/school sites, juvenile halls and camps, county operated correctional facilities, social services agencies, and other youth-oriented settings. Creative Youth Development is a commitment to supporting young people’s stories, ideas, and dreams through creative expression and honoring their lived experience. In order to create environments that promote Creative Youth Development, these three concepts must be present: Racial Equity and Social Justice Youth Voices Collective Action Goals Projects should address one or more of the following Creative Youth Development program goals: Provide social-emotional creative experiences in safe, healthy, and appropriate learning environments. Foster creative abilities of youth through culturally and linguistically responsive arts learning. Support arts programs that seek to activate youth voices, narratives, and perspectives. Utilize cultural assets of the local community to support positive self-identification and respect for diverse cultures. Empower youth through the preservation, revitalization, and/or reclamation of cultural practices. Cultivate the development of transferable life skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, leadership, and collaboration. Funding Information Grant Request Amount: Up to $25,000. Grant Activity Period: January 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025. Project Requirements  The applicant must develop and complete a project addressing the program’s purpose. All activities to be funded by the CAC must occur within the Grant Activity Period. The project design must provide for safe, healthy, and appropriate learning environments for youth. The project design must include hands-on learning in specific art forms to develop creativity, skills, and knowledge in at least one artistic and/or cultural discipline, including but not limited to: Dance – contemporary, hip-hop, ballet, jazz, tap, house, movement traditions and forms of all cultures Literary Arts – poetry, zine-making, spoken word Media Arts – animation, video, digital photography, film, podcasts, other forms of new media Music – traditional/culturally specific, folk, jazz, hip-hop, punk, classical Theater – devised pieces, original works, playwriting, interdisciplinary productions Traditional and Folk Arts – basketry, embroidery, weaving, woodcarving Visual Arts – murals, exhibitions, 3D, photography, sculpture, clay works, curatorial training If projects are tuition-based, the applicant must include a robust equity and accessibility plan that includes full scholarships and reduced fees. The project must include sustained activities over a period determined by the needs of the artists, youth, and the parameters of the project. This could mean intensive daily interaction over the course of one to two weeks or weekly interaction over a number of months. Artists(s) to be compensated and supported by this grant must show relevant experience of at least two years, be based in California, and may not be engaged in the project as full-time students in a degree program. If proposing therapeutic outcomes, applicants must establish the qualifications of service providers, how strategies are appropriate to the clinical and/or community arts setting, and how support is culturally responsive to participants. Project design and implementation must reflect a commitment to include and represent the communities to be served. Eligibility Criteria Organization must have a principal place of business in CA and a CA address. Organizations must demonstrate proof of nonprofit status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or section 23701d of the California Revenue and Taxation Code. An applicant organization without nonprofit status must use a California-based fiscal sponsor with a federal 501(c)(3) designation to apply for funding. Units of municipal, county, or tribal governments are eligible to apply. Organizations and fiscal sponsors must have “active status” with the California Secretary of State (SOS) showing evidence of “good standing” at the time of application. You can verify your organization’s status by conducting a search using the SOS online Business Search tool. For more information, visit CAC.

The Bridge Association of REALTORS® Community Foundation Grant financially support essential community programs that address housing, opportunities for the youth and champion diversity within the community. Donor Name: Bridge Association of REALTORS® State: California County: Alameda County (CA), Contra Costa County (CA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Bridge Association of REALTORS® Community Foundation awards grants annually to support essential community programs in the categories of Youth Arts and Education, Senior Services Community Activities, and Workforce Housing and Homeless within Albany, Berkeley, Emeryville, Kensington, Oakland, and Piedmont. Youth Arts & Education Foundation seeks to provide support where the contributions can help equalize opportunities for children of all social and economic backgrounds to programs providing services such as arts and cultural classes and events, public and private education including Special Education programs and those involving food & nutrition programs addressing hunger. Workforce Housing & the Homeless Foundation seeks to provide support to organizations directly benefiting the homeless population and advocacy groups seeking long-term solutions to the housing crisis such as programs involved in affordable housing and those addressing hunger and nutrition issues. Senior Services & Community Activities Foundation seeks to provide support to organizations providing services to seniors for socialization, health-care advice, transportation services, nutritional issues, and support services impacting housing. Funding Information The maximum grant size awarded is $3,500.00. Eligibility Criteria  Requests for grants should be specific in their targeted use for the funds and cannot be used for general funds. Your non-profit organization must have tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) or have a fiscal sponsor that is a tax-exempt entity. Basic criteria include the following: Funds must be used for a specific project/event Your organization’s annual budget must be less than $1,000,000 Your organization must provide services in Alameda or Contra Costa County in the cities of Albany, Berkeley, Emeryville, Kensington, Oakland, and Piedmont. Your request can be to start a new program Your request can be to fund special project-specific salaries and stipends  Your request cannot be to fund regular full or part-time salaries. For more information, visit Bridge Association of REALTORS®.

The California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) is excited to announce the Youth Community Access Program to expand outdoor access and build a healthier California. Donor Name: California Natural Resources Agency State: California County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/14/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: YEPEITA funds appropriated to the California Natural Resources Agency (the State) are to be used for competitive grants to support youth access to natural or cultural resources with a focus on low-income and disadvantaged communities. The grants may include, but are 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 to award grants 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 Youth Community Access Grant Program aims to be a resource to address and repair the multi-generational community impacts of the War on Drugs. Funding Priorities Projects containing one or more of the following elements will be given priority consideration in funding decisions: Projects in which youth participate in project planning, decision making, facilitation, and evaluation Projects in which youth participate in outreach and awareness campaigns Projects that empower youth to make healthy choices Projects that empower youth to make healthy choices Funding Information The maximum award for an individual project is $300,000. The minimum award is $25,000. Eligibility Criteria Eligible applicants include local, state, and federal agencies; nonprofit organizations; and federally recognized Native American tribes. Nonprofit organizations are defined as any nonprofit public benefit corporation that is formed pursuant to the Nonprofit Corporation Law, incorporated for a minimum of two years, qualified to do business in California, and qualified as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization under the US Internal Revenue Code. Requirements To be eligible for funding, projects must meet ALL the following program requirements: Project must serve youth. For the purposes of this program, youth is defined as a person between the ages of birth and 26 years old. Project must directly support youth access to either natural or cultural resources. Project must include design features and program elements to promote youth health, safety, well-being, and comfort. For more information, visit CNRA.

Applicants are invited to apply for the California Clean Air Day Microgrant Program. Donor Name: California Clean Air Day State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details:   Uses of Funds Uses of the funds include supplies for events (food, tables & chairs, refreshments), marketing expenses, city permit costs, materials for activities (shovels/tools, giveaways, educational materials), etc. Categories  There is no limit to what can be done as long as the project meets the 4 requirements stated above, and that the groups submitting this application must include at least two organizations (the lead organization and partners), and the lead organization and its partners must fall into different categories as follows: Category A: City, County, Schools, or other Government Agency manager, official or representative Category B: A health care provider (public or private) Category C: An established community organization, including Indigenous Tribes Category D: A business organization (chamber of commerce, economic development agency, business improvement district, etc.) or a small business. Category E: Labor Unions Funding Information  Funding of up to $1,000 Eligible Projects To be eligible for funding, the local project must occur on or within the seven days prior to California Clean Air Day. The local project must 1) raise awareness of Clean Air Day, 2) contribute to cleaning the air or encourage participants to take actions that will clean the air, and 3) successfully engage at least 100 participants/attendees. For more information, visit California Clean Air Day.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Placer County that focus on preventing domestic violence and human trafficking or assisting survivors with essential services.

This grant provides funding to California higher education institutions to expand their College Corps programs, enabling college students to engage in community service while earning educational awards.

The El Dorado Community Foundation is seeking applications for its GIVE Tahoe Grant to support nonprofits who work for and within the South Lake Tahoe Area. Donor Name: El Dorado Community Foundation State: South Lake Tahoe City: South Lake Tahoe Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/16/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The GIVE Tahoe Grant is open to all nonprofits, agencies and schools serving the residents and communities of South Lake Tahoe. Proposals of up to $5,000 will be considered.  This grant does not have a specific focus allowing the opportunity to respond to most important needs. Requirements Any nonprofit organization or school serving the South Lake Tahoe Area in either the capacity of community or education. Travel expenses are not funded. Pass-through Grants will not be funded.  Please do not make a request that ultimately re-grants monies to other organizations. If a non-profit received a 2023 grant, the final report for that grant must be submitted by May 15, 2024 for consideration of a new grant idea during this cycle. All non-profits must be in good standing with federal and state agencies. For more information, visit El Dorado Community Foundation.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and community programs in the West Region to support initiatives in conservation, K-12 STEM education, and military and veterans services, benefiting youth and underserved populations.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit and community-based organizations in California to promote awareness and access to tax credits and free tax preparation services for low-income residents, particularly those filing with an ITIN.

CalRecycle is seeking projects that implement new programs or enhance existing programs to provide convenient beverage container recycling opportunities in various locations statewide. Eligible projects include:• Multi-family residential dwellings (five units or more).• Public colleges/universities, non-profit colleges/universities, and public K-12 school districts.• Curbside Residential Program locations (excluding single stream).• Community events including, but not limited to, those sponsored by local jurisdictions.• Parks/recreational areas.• Purchase of water refill stations, including installation, replacement of current infrastructure, plumbing, maintenance, additional attachments or modifications, or related educational and outreach activities/materials promoting water refill stations.• Litter reduction and cleanup along the United States-Mexico border where the waste stream includes beverage containers that will be recycled. o Out of State beverage containers collected as part of the litter abatement and cleanup projects cannot be funded under this grant program. Ongoing collection programs may include the following activities as a component of the grant project:• Temporary Community events (i.e., recycling or collection events sponsored by local jurisdictions, Earth Day events).• Drop-off, Collection Program, or Community Service Program.• Education and Outreach related to beverage container recycling. Note: Education activities and/or materials (signage, flyers, curriculum, etc.) related to the beverage container recycling project are capped at 25 percent of the total grant award. • Funding must have a direct connection to the California Redemption Value (CRV) of beverage containers and the overall program. If non-CRV items are included in the grant, they are subject to proportional cost. For example: a three-bin system with composting, paper and CRV recycling, can only be funded at one third of the cost. A mixed recycling bin will be funded proportionately based on the CRV content of materials collected. Priority funding will be given to Tribal Entities and applicants with litter abatement projects along the United States-Mexico border. Applicants who meet the criteria will be given priority and will be considered for funding first.