California Employment Labor and Training Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that assist migrant and seasonal farmworkers, focusing on enhancing job training, education, employment services, housing stability, and youth development initiatives.

The Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) is offering the 2023-2024 Public-Space Activation Fund (PAF), a grant program aimed at supporting activities that revitalize public spaces within the City of Los Angeles, California. This initiative aligns with the DCA's mission to enrich the cultural life of the city by fostering community engagement and providing accessible cultural experiences. The grant seeks to fund projects that transform public areas into vibrant hubs of activity, reflecting a commitment to broad public benefit and cultural accessibility. The primary beneficiaries of the PAF are the residents and visitors of Los Angeles, particularly those who participate in or attend the various public events and activities supported by the fund. The impact goals include enhancing community cohesion, celebrating cultural diversity, and providing opportunities for cross-cultural learning. By supporting a range of accessible events, the fund aims to improve the quality of public life and create inclusive environments for artistic and cultural expression. The PAF prioritizes projects falling under four main categories, with specific emphasis on International Festivals & Intercultural Foods (IFIF). IFIF grants, typically ranging from $7,500 to $10,000, are designed for pop-up or festival-style events such as community picnics, outdoor festivals, block parties, and food/food-truck festivals. Additionally, creative enhancements to farmers' markets that incorporate live performing arts and cultural activities are highly encouraged. These projects are expected to embrace multicultural themes and feature entertainment suitable for family-friendly, street-adjacent spaces like public parks, schoolyards, and parking lots. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in public attendance at cultural events, greater community participation in organized activities, and a visible enhancement of public spaces. The success of IFIF projects, for instance, will be measured by their ability to promote opportunities for cross-cultural learning and engage diverse audiences through multicultural entertainment. The DCA's strategic priority is to activate public spaces, and this grant program serves as a direct implementation of that theory of change, believing that by funding accessible cultural events, they can foster a more connected and culturally rich urban environment.

Grants will be awarded for specific eligible activities, such as speaking on a panel, participating in a working group, or participation in other decision-making processes. The PP Grant Account cap per organization of $15,000 will ensure a proportional distribution of funds over time and across various organizations. Submissions for grant awards will be accepted on a rolling basis throughout the grant period and payment for these discrete engagements will be prompt.

The City of Lubbock’s Cultural Arts Grant Program, administered by Civic Lubbock, Inc., offers financial support to local cultural organizations. This program aims to fund projects that actively promote tourism and enhance the arts and humanities within Lubbock. Funding is sourced from the Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT), collected from local hotels, motels, and bed and breakfast inns. The program’s mission is directly aligned with the legal stipulations governing the use of HOT revenues, which mandate that funds be utilized for expenditures that promote tourism and the arts. To be eligible for funding, projects must demonstrate a direct promotion of tourism and the convention and hotel industry, specifically aiming to attract tourists and hotel guests to Lubbock. Additionally, projects must involve the encouragement, promotion, improvement, and application of various art forms, including instrumental and vocal music, dance, drama, folk art, creative writing, and visual arts, among others. The target beneficiaries are 501(c)3 tax-exempt cultural organizations or government equivalents that have been actively pursuing their goals for at least one year. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly outlined: enhancing the arts, boosting tourism, and supporting organizations in good standing with both the City of Lubbock and Civic Lubbock, Inc. The expected outcomes include an increase in tourism, a richer cultural landscape in Lubbock, and the successful execution of diverse art-related projects. Measurable results would likely include increased hotel occupancy rates, visitor numbers, and the number and quality of cultural events offered to the public. The City of Lubbock's strategic priority, as reflected in this grant program, is to leverage its Hotel Occupancy Tax revenue to foster economic growth through tourism and cultural development. The underlying theory of change is that by investing in cultural arts, the city can create a more attractive destination for visitors, thereby stimulating the local economy and improving the quality of life for its residents. The 2024 Grant Cycle will support projects taking place between September 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025. Certain restrictions apply, prohibiting the use of grant funds for accumulated debt, general operational expenses, fundraising, or capital improvements.

The Restaurants Care Resilience Fund, a program of the nonprofit California Restaurant Foundation, aims to support independent restaurants in California. This initiative is a clear alignment with the foundation's mission to strengthen the restaurant community by providing crucial financial aid. The fund, powered by generous gifts from PG&E, SoCalGas, and SDG&E, is set to award 278 independent restaurants with grants of $5,000 in 2024. The primary beneficiaries of this program are independently owned, for-profit restaurants or commercial caterers in California. Specifically, eligible entities must be owned by a CA resident, operate 1-5 units, earn no more than $3 million in annual gross revenue (combined for all units), and be a commercial customer of either PG&E, SoCalGas, or SDG&E, while currently being open and active for business. Franchises, home businesses, food trucks, and meal prep companies are not eligible, ensuring the grants directly support small, independent operators. The impact goal is to bolster the resilience and sustainability of these businesses, particularly in areas of operational improvement, employee welfare, and recovery from unforeseen hardships. The fund prioritizes several key areas for grant utilization. These include investments in energy-efficient kitchen equipment, which also qualify for rebates, thereby maximizing the grant's value. Technology upgrades are another focus, supporting the adoption of essential systems like POS, website, accounting, HR, inventory management, and loyalty programs. Employee training, covering areas like program design, ServSafe certifications, and participation in industry training councils, is also a priority, recognizing the importance of a skilled workforce. Additionally, the grants can be used for retention bonuses to reward employees and for addressing unforeseen hardships such as robbery, vandalism, fire, flood, or natural disasters experienced within the last 12 months. The expected outcomes are a more resilient and modern independent restaurant sector in California. Measurable results will include the number of restaurants receiving grants, the types of investments made (e.g., number of energy-efficient equipment purchases, technology upgrades implemented, employees trained, or retention bonuses distributed), and the number of businesses recovering from hardships. While not explicitly detailed as a strategic priority or theory of change within the provided text, the foundation's approach appears to be a direct intervention model, providing financial resources to address immediate needs and foster long-term stability and growth for small businesses within the restaurant industry. This strategy directly contributes to economic stability and community welfare by supporting a vital sector.

This grant provides funding to tribes and community organizations to enhance their advocacy, education, and outreach efforts related to California Public Utilities Commission processes and decisions.

The Aaron Judge ALL RISE Foundation is accepting applications for its Mini-Grant Program, offering $2,500 grants to organizations in Bronx County, NY, Fresno County, CA, and San Joaquin County, CA, that support youth leadership, citizenship, health, school activities, and community involvement.

This funding opportunity supports the development of affordable multi-family housing in San Diego County for low-income households, prioritizing projects that serve extremely low-income individuals and families, particularly in transit-oriented areas.

This grant provides financial support to local nonprofits in Orange County that promote renewable energy awareness and environmental stewardship.

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.     

This funding opportunity provides financial support for projects that develop fast public electric vehicle charging stations in California, particularly benefiting underserved communities and promoting clean transportation.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to public defender offices and qualified entities in California to expand holistic defense services that address clients' legal and social needs, ultimately improving outcomes in the criminal justice system.

This funding opportunity provides $50,000 to support diverse-led businesses in Southern California, helping them create new premium wage jobs while offering business development resources.

The Latino Restaurant Association's Helping Latino Restaurant Owners Thrive Grant Program aims to support Latino-owned restaurants. This initiative aligns with the association's broader mission to provide resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities for Latino-owned restaurants to succeed and grow. The program specifically targets business growth and sustainability within the Latino restaurant community, reflecting the association's commitment to fostering economic development and cultural preservation through culinary entrepreneurship. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are restaurant owners of Latino heritage who have made significant contributions to the Latino community. The program intends to assist 35 restaurants located in South Fresno, Kings, and Tulare counties in California. The impact goals include providing financial relief and development opportunities, with a specific focus on supporting smaller businesses, as eligibility criteria limit applicants to those owning three or fewer restaurants, each making less than $1 million per year, and having been in business for more than three years. The program prioritizes businesses that are current customers of SoCalGas and located within the specified counties. The grant size ranges from $1,000 to $10,000, with an immediate offer of a $2,500 grant for eligible applicants. This financial support is designed to address immediate operational needs and facilitate long-term stability. The grant documentation requires a W9 form, official photo ID, annual reports or taxes for the last three years, and a current SoCal Gas Commercial Bill, ensuring accountability and verification of eligibility. Expected outcomes include enhanced business operations through the use of funds for kitchen equipment, technology upgrades, and employee training and bonuses. Applicants are required to detail how the funding would impact their business and community, and how they plan to sustain the received funds, encouraging thoughtful and strategic utilization. While the "Grant Duration" is not explicitly mentioned, the focus is on immediate impact and fostering long-term sustainability, demonstrating the association's strategic priority to empower Latino restaurant owners and contribute to the economic vitality of their communities.

The Ohio Animal Foundation is currently accepting applications for its grant program, which aims to support animal welfare initiatives across the state. While the foundation's overarching mission isn't explicitly detailed, the focus of this grant program on rescue and shelter services, as well as wildlife protection, education, and rehabilitation, strongly indicates an alignment with improving the lives of animals and protecting wildlife within Ohio. The target beneficiaries for this grant program are Ohio-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations that are in good standing, specifically those involved in animal rescue, shelter services, or wildlife programs. The program intends to support services for domestic, companion, and farm animals, as well as feral and community cats. It also extends its reach to wildlife protection, education, and rehabilitation efforts. The impact goals are to provide essential funding to these organizations, enabling them to continue their vital work in animal care and protection. The priorities and focuses of the grant program are clearly defined. A significant emphasis is placed on "Rescue and Shelter Services," which includes a broad spectrum of animal care, from domestic animals to feral cat programs. Additionally, "Wildlife Protection, Education and Rehabilitation Programs" are a key area of interest, highlighting the foundation's commitment to both domesticated and wild animal populations. The typical grant range of $250-$500 suggests a strategy of providing smaller, impactful grants to a wider array of organizations. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly stated, it can be inferred that the foundation aims to see improvements in animal welfare metrics such as increased adoptions, successful rescue operations, effective rehabilitation of injured wildlife, and enhanced public education on animal care and protection. The modest grant size suggests a focus on supporting operational costs or specific, smaller-scale projects that can demonstrate tangible benefits within these fields. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change appear to center on empowering local Ohio-based nonprofits to directly address animal welfare needs. By providing financial assistance to established 501(c)3 organizations, the Ohio Animal Foundation likely believes that it can most effectively leverage existing infrastructure and expertise to achieve its goals. The exclusion of funding for individuals further supports this approach, focusing resources on organizations with a proven capacity for impact.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations that provide career development programs for Black youth aged 14-24 in designated NBA markets.

This grant provides financial support to San José-based nonprofit arts and cultural organizations that promote community engagement and contribute to the city's cultural vitality through diverse artistic programming.

This funding opportunity supports partnerships in Los Angeles County that focus on workforce development and training for historically disinvested populations, aiming to promote equity, economic resilience, and job quality in key industries.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that serve the Malibu community, enhancing local services and quality of life for residents.

This grant provides financial support and career development opportunities for contemporary visual artists in Los Angeles, promoting diverse and innovative artistic practices.