California Humanities Grants

SF Shines Design Services Grant Program, offered by the Invest In Neighborhoods division of the Office of Economic and Workforce Department in California, provides grants, design services, and project management for property improvements to help small businesses thrive and create vibrant and safe neighborhood commercial corridors. The program aims to assist businesses in obtaining permit drawings for storefront improvements to ensure compliance, safety, and efficient business operations. Grantees will have access to a licensed architect to ensure that their projects comply with local, state, and federal laws and codes.

Grant Opportunity: California: Nevada County Microbusiness Grants Program (Round 2) The Nevada County Microbusiness Grants Program aims to provide relief to microbusinesses and entrepreneurs severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and associated shutdowns. A total of $107,500 in relief funds will be distributed by Nevada County, with administration and technical assistance provided by Sierra Business Council. Eligible uses of funds include purchasing certified equipment, investing in working capital, obtaining or renewing local permits, paying business debt accrued due to the pandemic, and covering costs resulting from pandemic-related health and safety restrictions or business interruptions. To qualify as a "qualified microbusiness," entities must meet specific criteria related to their physical address within Nevada County, commencement of operations before December 31, 2019, significant impact from the pandemic evidenced by revenue reduction or attestation, annual revenues below $50,000 in 2019, and primary income source for the owner in 2019. For more details and application information, visit the Microbusiness Grants website.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area that focus on improving education, arts, technology, and science for children and their families.

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].

This grant provides funding to community organizations in California that work to improve health and wellness by addressing systemic barriers faced by low-income individuals, people of color, youth, immigrants, and rural residents.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Los Angeles County for projects in the arts, education, health, and human services, with a preference for one-time or short-term requests.

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].