California Employment Labor and Training Grants

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.

Rancho Bernardo Community Foundation invites nonprofit organizations to submit grant applications for projects that will enhance the quality of life for those who live, work and play in Rancho Bernardo. Donor Name: Rancho Bernardo Community Foundation State: California Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/22/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The purpose and vision of the Rancho Bernardo Community Foundation (RBCF) is to improve the quality of life and meet emerging needs by increasing responsible and effective philanthropy, building a community endowment for the benefit of Rancho Bernardo, providing funds annually to community organizations and causes, and giving the Rancho Bernardo community a vehicle for legacy planning and gifts that will benefit Rancho Bernardo now and forever. Focus Areas RBCF is in its 36th year of grantmaking to enhance the quality of life for those who live, work and play in Rancho Bernardo. Music: RBCF will award between $1,500 and $5,000 to programs involving music to be awarded from the RB Symphony on the Green Fund. Community Enhancement: RBCF will award between $1,500 to $10,000 to programs that inspire community pride, revitalization and increase the quality of life of the broader community. Grant Period These projects should be practical, achievable within a 12-month time frame and have prospects for long-term sustainability. Uses of funds  Funding may be used to expand existing programs, replicate programs tested in other communities or to launch totally new efforts. Eligibility Criteria  Projects must clearly address Rancho Bernardo-specific issues and needs, including activities that promote creativity and enhance civic engagement and must also clearly address the impact on Rancho Bernardo residents. RBCF will fund programs managed by nonprofit organizations, schools, or government agencies that embrace one or more of the following: Demonstrates and/or fosters collaboration with other successful entities in the community to achieve a common goal or objective; Is a current project that has strategic impact, i.e., provides long-lasting, ongoing benefit to the community or the distinct population it is intended to serve; Is based on a proven track record of success as demonstrated through process, leaders and/or experienced partners; Targets clearly defined, measurable results that are attainable within a reasonable time frame; Demonstrates sustainability, i.e., is replicable, repeatable and/or scalable; Focuses on problem areas, opportunities or populations that otherwise are not funded and serviced by existing nonprofits, educational organization mandates or state or federal programs. For more information, visit SDF.

As part of the Tustin Cares program, the City of Tustin is offering a four-week Main Street Digital Training and Grant Program (Main Street Digital Program) in partnership with the Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center Network (OCIE SBDC). Donor Name: City of Tustin State: California City: Tustin Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/05/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Main Street Digital Program will provide training and funding to retail businesses, home-based businesses, and nonprofits (collectively, “Business or Businesses”) seeking to increase their social media presence and/or revenue. Eligibility Criteria  To be eligible to apply for the Tustin Main Street Digital Program, participating entities must meet certain criteria that has been established by the City of Tustin. General Terms and Conditions The Business applicant must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered for grant funding: The Business must either be a retail business, home-based business or nonprofit physically located in Tustin; Cannabis-related businesses, gambling facilities, adult entertainment businesses, massage parlors, and largely cash-based businesses are not eligible; Residential or real estate projects including short-term rental operators are also not eligible; Businesses must have had an active Tustin business license since the first quarter (January – March) of 2023. As of December 31, 2023, the Business must have a minimum of 2 employees –which may also include owner – and no more than twenty-five (25) full-time equivalent employees (two part-time employees equal one full-time employee); The Business must be in good standing with the City (current on bills, no liens or judgements, etc.), unless directly correlated to COVID-19 impacts; The Business must submit the application and all required supporting documentation. For more information, visit City of Tustin.

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.

As part of the Tustin Cares program, the City of Tustin is offering a four-week Main Street Digital Training & Grant Program (Main Street Digital Program) in partnership with the Orange County-Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Donor Name: City of Tustin State: California City: Tustin Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/05/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Main Street Digital Program will provide training and funding to retail businesses, home-based businesses and nonprofits (collectively, “Business or Businesses”) seeking to increase their social media presence and/or revenue. The SBDC created a virtual training program aimed at assisting Businesses with “Creating a Digital Presence” for their business. All eligible Businesses are invited to apply. While Businesses who have participated in previous Main Street Digital Programs are not eligible, Businesses which have previously received alternative sources of funding such as the City of Tustin Small Business Emergency Grant, the City of Tustin Non-Profit Recovery Grant, the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) or Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan are eligible to apply. Eligibility Criteria To be eligible to apply for the Tustin Main Street Digital Program, participating entities must meet certain criteria that has been established by the City of Tustin. The business applicant must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered for grant funding: The business must be a for-profit commercially-zoned brick and mortar retail business and physically located in Tustin; Cannabis-related businesses, gambling facilities, adult entertainment businesses, massage parlors, largely cash-based businesses and home-based businesses are not eligible; Residential or real estate projects including short-term rental operators are also not eligible; Businesses must have had an active Tustin business license since the first quarter (January – March) of 2023. As of December 31, 2023, the Business must have a minimum of 2 employees –which may also include owner – and no more than twenty-five (25) full-time equivalent employees (two part-time employees equal one full-time employee); The business must be in good standing with the City (current on bills, no liens or judgements, etc.), unless directly correlated to COVID-19 impacts; The business must submit the application and all required supporting documentation; and The business applicant must certify it experienced financial hardship due to COVID- The amount requested ($500) cannot exceed the amount of lost For more information, visit City of Tustin.

This program provides financial support and resources to small businesses in low-to-moderate income areas of Southern California, helping them grow and create jobs in their communities.

This grant provides financial support to citrus growers in select California counties to implement sustainable farming practices that improve soil health, enhance climate resilience, and promote environmental stewardship, with a focus on assisting socially disadvantaged farmers, women, and veterans.

Groundwork Grants, developed in partnership with Myriad Consulting & Training, builds upon this first step by allocating essential financial support to address the identified needs, prioritizing institutions that document the experiences of individuals, groups, and communities whose contributions to California’s history and culture have long been underrepresented in mainstream memory institutions. Donor Name: California State Library State: California County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Groundwork Grants will also ultimately produce long-term economic benefits by reducing response and recovery costs. Most importantly, this collaborative effort will help to safeguard California’s cultural heritage, in its most inclusive form, for generations to come. For the first round of this funding opportunity, over $1 million is available for competitive funding. Awards will take the form of cash grants and/or pre-paid goods and services to address recommended needs and concerns related to emergency readiness. Matching funds are not required. Options for support include: Assistance in the development of disaster plans Disaster recovery & spill kits Preservation supplies Environmental monitoring and alert equipment Staff training opportunities Consultation with local facilities specialists (e.g. engineers, plumbers, electricians, security technicians, or others) Supplies, equipment, or hardware for minor, immediate building maintenance, repairs, storage, or security needs. Funding Priorities  Any organization that meets the eligibility requirements outlined further in this document is welcome to apply. Applications are encouraged especially from organizations that meet the following priority considerations: Highest priority will be given to organizations that represent/document historically underserved, under-represented communities, including but not limited to: African American, Asian American, Hispanic/Latinx, or Native American groups; persons with disabilities; persons experiencing poverty or homelessness; veterans; farmworkers; persons identifying as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, or Queer; senior residents; immigrants and refugees; and rural communities. Priority will also be given to organizations that have received recent preservation assessments, incorporating disaster readiness, through a Ready or Not preservation consultation or from other qualified preservation consultant(s). Funding Information Maximum awards will be $15,000. Eligible Applicants  To be eligible to apply, your organization must be established in California as one of the following: Nonprofit organizations classified as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) Accredited institutions of higher education (public or nonprofit) Local governments in California and their agencies Native American Tribal governments recognized by the state of California. For more information, visit CSL.

The City of Pasadena is accepting applications for its 2024-2025 Festival and Parade Grant Program. Donor Name: City of Pasadena State: California City: Pasadena Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: For the purpose of this grant program, a “festival” or “parade” is a publicly oriented thematic event with a defined cultural or artistic focus, comprised of multiple arts genres/cultural activities – or – multiple offerings focusing on one artistic genre or cultural activity, that include elements of community involvement. For example, music festivals, dance festivals, fairs, parades and cultural celebrations would all be eligible. It is produced by a non-profit or consortium of non-profit organizations. It takes place within the boundaries of Pasadena at one site or in one geographic area for one or more consecutive days, and features but is not limited to music, theatre, visual art, dance or film. Specific art /cultural “elements” of a larger event are also eligible. Simple outdoor or housed “exhibitions” without community involvement would not qualify. A non-profit arts and culture organization or non-profit social service organization (including but not limited to a chamber of commerce, social service agency, homeowners association or business district) in partnership with an arts and culture organization is eligible to apply for the production of an arts/cultural festival, fair or parade. Festival and Parade Program grants will generally support marketing costs and artists fees in order to foster accessibility, cultural diversity, and geographic equity. This grant is available only to events which take place within the Pasadena city limits. Funding Information Maximum grant request is $10,000. Project Period Project or program must take place between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025. Eligible Projects  The Annual Grants Program provides support for the following types of Festivals and Parades: A public event or element of an event with a defined cultural or artistic purpose An arts/culture festival or parade held in publicly accessible space and free, or of reasonable cost. A collaboration between one or more Pasadena non-profit art/culture organizations and any other non-profit organization (including, but not limited to, a chamber of commerce, social service agency, homeowners association or business district). In this case either partner may take the lead on the application as long as a nonprofit partnership exists. A Pasadena social service organization may apply but only in partnership with a Pasadena arts/culture organization. An arts/culture event as stated above produced in Pasadena by a non-profit arts/culture organization not based in Pasadena but providing an event otherwise not produced by a local producer. For more information, visit City of Pasadena.

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

The California Dream Fund Grant Program (CDFG or Dream Fund) offers microgrants of up to $10,000 to support entrepreneurship and small business creation in underserved groups facing capital and opportunity gaps. This one-time $35 million grant program is designed for businesses started in California on or after July 1, 2019. To qualify, businesses must complete a small business training program provided by the OCIE SBDC.

This grant provides funding for individual artists, arts organizations, and small businesses in Chula Vista to create free cultural events and projects that promote community engagement and inclusivity in various artistic disciplines.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Monterey County to improve their internal operations and effectiveness through various development activities.

The Public-Space Activation Fund (PAF) is a grant opportunity offered by the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs. The grant program aims to fund temporary, creative projects in public spaces within LA City neighborhoods where arts and culture are absent or scarce. The funding levels range from $600 to $45,000, depending on the category and complexity of the proposed projects. The grant is open for monthly submissions from October 2023 to July 2024. Eligible applicants include Los Angeles-based community entrepreneurs, independent artists, cultural activists, nonprofit organizations, and collaborative partnerships under the stewardship of one lead-agent. There are four categories under PAF: Neighborhood Expressions (NE), Arts and Social Wellness (ASW), International Festivals & Intercultural Foods (IFIF), and International Participation And Promotion Projects (IPAPP). Each category has specific requirements and funding ranges. The primary aim of PAF is to activate designated public spaces through creative-connectivity for well-defined audiences. The deadline for applications is July 31, 2024, at 12:00 am. For more information on eligibility requirements and application instructions, prospective applicants are encouraged to refer to the PAF program guidelines available at dcaredesign.org/artsactivate or contact Armando Smith at [email protected] or Ben Espinosa at [email protected].

CAL FIRE's Wood Products and Bioenergy team seeks to maintain and enhance the wood products infrastructure of California to promote healthy resilient forests throughout the state by supporting a diverse set of business development and workforce development projects.  ; Eligible business development projects include facilities, operations, and professional services that support the restoration of healthy, resilient forests.   Eligible workforce development projects include universities, colleges, government and community organizations, and businesses that aim to increase workforce capacity in the fields of logging, fuels treatment, transportation, manufacturing, or other support services that bolster the development of a resilient forest sector workforce.   Research and development projects related to both business and workforce development will also be considered. Check out the Wood Products website and subscribe for updates.     

Essential Access Health (Essential Access) has announced the Abortion Practical Support Fund. Donor Name: Essential Access Health State: California County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/17/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The goal of the grant program is to support pregnant people with practical support services that help make accessing abortion care possible, including support services such as transportation, lodging, and child care.  California Health and Safety Code Sections 123451-123453 describe the program. HCAI has designated Essential Access Health (Essential Access) as the Program Administrator and the entity that will manage the distribution of the funds and ensure program compliance with statutory requirements. Direct practical support to individuals seeking to obtain abortion care such as:  Transportation (gas, bus, airfare, ride share, taxi, train, etc.) Lodging (hotel/motel, short-term rental) Meals (per diem meal allowance, restaurant, grocery store expenses) Childcare/elder care expenses Travel expenses for emotional support companion Language access services (patient interpretation services) Abortion doula expenses Wage replacement for missed work Pharmacy expenses (Over-the-counter supplies and prescriptions) Support for organizations providing practical support services to individuals seeking to obtain abortion care:  Care management/navigation Staff training Language access services (translation and interpretation services) Communication platforms or systems Indirect costs (up to 10% of overall budget request) Funding Information The funding range is $100,000 -$500,000 for the period of July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. Eligibility Criteria According to state statute, applicants must be non-profit organizations with active 501(c)3 status based in California that assist pregnant people with practical support services which help make accessing abortion care possible. Applicants must be located in California and serve pregnant individuals who reside in California or who travel to California seeking abortion care. For more information, visit Essential Access Health.