California Infrastructure Grants

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response (CDFW-OSPR) is offering a grant program through its Environmental Enhancement Fund (EEF). The EEF acquires funds from spill violations, aligning with California’s Lempert-Keene-Seastrand Oil Spill Prevention and Response Act. This initiative directly supports CDFW-OSPR's mission to protect and restore California's natural resources by funding projects that enhance, restore, or acquire habitat for wildlife. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are various entities including nonprofit organizations, cities, counties, districts, state agencies, and, where permitted, federal agencies. The ultimate impact goal is to benefit fish and wildlife populations by improving their habitats and restoring ecosystem functions. All eligible groups and projects are strongly encouraged to apply, fostering a broad approach to environmental enhancement. The program prioritizes environmental enhancement projects that are located within or immediately adjacent to waters of the state, as defined in California Government Code (of Section 8670.3). These projects must also demonstrate measurable outcomes within a predetermined timeframe and be specifically designed to acquire, restore, or improve habitat or restore ecosystem function, or both, for the benefit of fish and wildlife. The selection committee, composed of representatives from the California Coastal Conservancy, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and CDFW-OSPR, will evaluate proposals based on these criteria. Expected outcomes include tangible improvements in habitat quality, increased biodiversity, and enhanced ecosystem resilience. Projects are required to have measurable outcomes, ensuring accountability and demonstrating the effectiveness of the funded initiatives. The selection committee is specifically seeking projects with a minimum requested grant award of $500,000, indicating a focus on substantial and impactful projects. All projects must be completed by April 1, 2031, providing a clear timeframe for implementation and results. This strategic approach reflects a theory of change where targeted investment in habitat restoration and acquisition directly leads to the recovery and enhancement of California's diverse fish and wildlife populations.

The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County is offering grants to individuals seeking self-sufficiency and requiring transitional assistance to overcome short-term or one-time barriers. This program aligns with the foundation's mission, established through a testamentary gift by former Mayor Ron Dunin and his wife Helen, to assist those attempting to help themselves, echoing their own experiences as immigrants who received crucial support. The Dunins' goal was to give back to the community and help San Luis Obispo County residents in need, a sentiment deeply embedded in the foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change, which centers on empowering individuals to achieve independence through timely, targeted support. The target beneficiaries are individuals striving for self-sufficiency in San Luis Obispo County who face a temporary obstacle. The impact goals are to provide "a leg up" through one-time assistance that removes significant barriers to self-sufficiency. The program focuses on individuals who have demonstrated initiative in helping themselves and aims to fill gaps in existing support networks, rather than supplanting other funding or addressing ongoing needs. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in specific barriers to self-sufficiency for as many individuals/families as possible, with sufficient support provided to ensure effective barrier removal. Funding priorities include one-time assistance that creates a substantial difference in removing hurdles to self-sufficiency, targeted at those actively trying to improve their circumstances. The foundation prioritizes aid that provides "a leg up" for long-term impact, rather than short-term or ongoing needs. This assistance should benefit as many individuals/families as possible while still being robust enough to overcome the identified barrier. Crucially, the support must fill a gap in the existing support network and not replace other available funding. The foundation's theory of change emphasizes the power of strategic, one-time interventions to catalyze self-sufficiency. By collaborating with organizations that have established relationships with target populations, possess the capacity to administer hardship assistance, and can maximize direct aid while leveraging existing infrastructure, the program aims to achieve a high return on investment. The foundation's strategic priority is to support charitable organizations whose programs directly benefit San Luis Obispo County residents, ensuring that grant funds are efficiently and effectively deployed to foster community well-being and individual empowerment. The maximum grant award is $5,000, with a one-year grant period.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and government units for programs that enhance community facilities, health, education, and overall well-being in San Bruno, California.

The California Fire Foundation (CFF) grant program is designed to actively address wildfire preparedness and prevention needs across California. This aligns directly with the foundation's mission to protect and enhance public safety, as well as the safety of California's firefighters and other first responders. By supporting projects in these critical areas, CFF aims to mitigate the growing threat of wildfires and safeguard communities throughout the state. The program seeks to fund initiatives that contribute to a more resilient California in the face of climate-caused disasters. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are California-based fire departments, firefighter associations, federally-recognized tribes, and local nonprofit organizations. Indirectly, the grant aims to benefit communities across California, with a specific focus on under-resourced communities at heightened risk and/or socially vulnerable populations. This includes low-income/impoverished individuals, minority status groups, those with limited English proficiency, people with disabilities, and seniors/older adults. The overarching impact goal is to reduce wildfire risk, enhance community safety, and support those most vulnerable to the effects of climate-caused wildfires and other disasters. The grant program prioritizes several key focus areas. These include vegetation mitigation and fuels reduction efforts, which directly address the physical conditions that contribute to wildfire spread. Additionally, the program supports education, planning, and community outreach campaigns to raise awareness and foster preparedness among residents. Finally, funding is available for the purchase of personal protective equipment or specialized firefighting equipment, directly enhancing the capabilities of first responders. In this cycle, a strong emphasis is placed on projects serving under-resourced communities and socially vulnerable populations in areas of heightened fire risk. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in wildfire occurrences and severity in funded project areas, an increase in community preparedness and awareness, and improved safety and operational effectiveness for fire departments and first responders. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the qualitative impact, the focus on tangible actions like fuels reduction and equipment purchases implies a direct and observable improvement in wildfire resilience. The CFF's strategic priority is to support proactive measures that prevent disasters and protect the most vulnerable, reflecting a theory of change that early intervention and targeted support lead to safer, more resilient communities. The grant period for projects is typically 12 months, encouraging timely completion and demonstrable impact.

This grant provides financial support to public agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations for the preservation and interpretation of historic sites along the Route 66 corridor, with a focus on underrepresented communities.

The HALO Award is a capacity-building program designed to strengthen and sustain nonprofit organizations by supporting volunteer programs and recognizing volunteers for their exemplary work in Los Angeles County. The Carl & Roberta Deutsch Foundation is inspired by volunteers who go above and beyond to better their communities and the nonprofits that support them. The foundation’s desire is for the HALO Award to inspire nonprofits and philanthropy to invest in volunteer management, aligning with their mission to uplift community angels through dedicated support. The primary beneficiaries of the HALO Award are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations (or those sponsored by a 501(c)(3)) working with and serving Los Angeles County, as well as active and unpaid volunteers within those organizations who are not currently serving as board members. The program aims to strengthen and sustain nonprofit volunteer programs while honoring individual volunteers. The impact goals include enhancing the capacity of nonprofits to manage and leverage volunteer efforts and celebrating the significant contributions of volunteers to their communities. The program prioritizes investment in volunteer management and aims to foster a culture where volunteerism is recognized and supported. The core focus is on both organizational capacity building related to volunteer programs and individual recognition for outstanding volunteer service. The funding structure directly reflects these priorities: a $20,000 grant is provided to the nonprofit to strengthen, implement, and sustain its volunteer program, and a $5,000 award is given to the volunteer, distributed by the nominating nonprofit organization. Expected outcomes include more robust and effective volunteer programs within participating nonprofits, leading to greater community impact. Measurable results could involve an increase in volunteer retention, enhanced program efficiency due to improved volunteer management, and a demonstrable positive impact of recognized volunteers' efforts. The Carl & Roberta Deutsch Foundation's strategic priority is to empower both the organizations that harness volunteer power and the volunteers themselves, operating on a theory of change that by investing in and celebrating volunteerism, they can foster stronger, more vibrant communities.

This program provides funding to eligible public transit agencies in designated urban areas to improve security and resilience against terrorism and other threats through various protective measures and enhancements.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for California-based industrial facilities and related entities to implement advanced technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance energy efficiency, particularly benefiting low-income and disadvantaged communities.

The California Wildlands Grassroots Fund (Cal Wildlands), administered by the Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment, aims to preserve California's wildlands by supporting the work of activists and organizations dedicated to their protection. This aligns directly with the Rose Foundation's broader mission for communities and the environment by fostering grassroots efforts that lead to permanent conservation, restoration, and stewardship of natural habitats. The program's core objective is to safeguard California's wilderness and native biological diversity through strategic, community-driven initiatives. The primary beneficiaries of Cal Wildlands are small nonprofit organizations with annual expenses and income of $200,000 or less, as well as individual activists with a proven track record in protecting California's natural landscapes, ecosystems, plants, and wildlife. The fund specifically targets geographic areas and advocacy efforts that have not traditionally received significant financial support, including rural communities. The impact goals are centered on achieving permanent protection for wildlands, which are defined as natural habitats capable of supporting significant native plant and animal life, through legislation or deed restrictions. The fund prioritizes discrete, project-specific support with concrete sites and strategies, particularly those in geographic or issue areas historically underserved by financial and political support. It strongly emphasizes community-based advocacy and organizing, where campaigns are steered by affected community members and largely driven by volunteers. Other key priorities include projects that establish or combat critical precedents, innovative strategies, and efforts to build diverse constituencies for wildlands protection, especially by engaging communities of color and non-traditional stakeholders. Cal Wildlands supports a broad range of strategies and activities to achieve its objectives. These include grassroots organizing, public education, legislative advocacy, media campaigns, lawsuits, scientific research (including citizen science), coalition building, and developing partnerships. Supported activities range from communications campaigns and strategic planning to hiring technical and legal experts, training, and restoration. The expected outcomes involve tangible advancements in wildlands and open space protection, increased community engagement in conservation efforts, and the establishment of critical precedents that can influence future protection initiatives, ultimately contributing to the long-term preservation of California's natural heritage and biodiversity.

The Northern Monterey County Foundation (NMCF), an affiliate of the Community Foundation for Monterey County, is seeking applications to support nonprofit organizations. The foundation's mission is to strengthen community resources and services in Northern Monterey County. This grant program is aligned with the foundation's goal of supporting organizations that demonstrate strong leadership and capacity to provide essential services to the communities of Aromas, Bolsa Knolls, Boronda, Castroville, Elkhorn, Las Lomas, Moss Landing, Oak Hills, Pajaro, Prunedale, Royal Oaks, and Santa Rita. The grant targets 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, public programs (including school activities not part of normal curricula, parks, and public health initiatives), and church-sponsored activities that benefit the entire community (e.g., food pantries). Organizations and collaboratives that are not legally incorporated may also apply with a fiscal sponsor. The goal is to make a significant impact by supporting vital community resources and services, ultimately leading to stronger, more resilient communities within Northern Monterey County. The program prioritizes several key areas. Funding will be considered for program support, which includes the expansion or refinement of existing programs and new programs with promise of impact and sustainability. Operating support is also available as unrestricted grants to organizations. Capital support is provided for costs associated with buildings and/or facilities. Additionally, organizational development is a focus, aiming to strengthen the internal capacity and infrastructure of organizations with a proven track record of community benefit in Northern Monterey County. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the expected outcomes are centered on enhancing the capacity of local nonprofits and public programs to serve their communities effectively. The foundation's strategic priority is clearly to invest in organizations that are directly improving the lives of residents in Northern Monterey County through various forms of support. The underlying theory of change is that by strengthening the infrastructure and programs of these community-focused organizations, the overall well-being and resources available to the target communities will be significantly improved and sustained.

This funding opportunity supports developers in California who are creating affordable housing projects, providing guidance and financial assistance to promote sustainable and innovative solutions.

The City of Oakland's 2025 Neighborhood Voices for Festivals Grant Program aims to amplify cultural expressions, stories, and heritage within Oakland's neighborhoods, particularly those that have historically lacked equitable investments and recognition. This grant supports in-person Oakland arts and cultural activities that are free and open to the public, focusing on one- or multi-day festivals rather than ongoing programming. The program seeks to foster community engagement and celebrate the unique identities within the city. The grant prioritizes festivals that uplift the cultural identity of a people or the historical significance of a neighborhood, specifically encouraging applications from racial/ethnic-specific communities or other under-recognized groups in Oakland. It also supports festivals in neighborhoods with limited formal cultural resources and seeks partnerships with organizations deeply embedded in their local communities. The program aims to increase visibility and support for these communities and their cultural practices. Target beneficiaries include Oakland-based nonprofit organizations with 501c3 status and their fiscal sponsors, who are in good standing with state agencies and comply with federal regulations. The festivals themselves benefit the broader Oakland public by offering free arts and cultural experiences. The impact goals are to provide equitable resources, recognize underrepresented cultures, and enhance community vibrancy through cultural celebrations. Expected outcomes include increased cultural expression, enhanced community pride, and greater access to arts and cultural events for all Oakland residents, especially in underserved areas. Measurable results could include the number of festivals supported, the diversity of communities reached, attendance figures for the festivals, and qualitative feedback on the cultural impact. The program's theory of change posits that by investing in neighborhood-led cultural festivals, the city can empower communities, promote cultural understanding, and foster a more inclusive and vibrant Oakland.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to states and U.S. territories with high seismic risk to improve earthquake safety through mitigation, preparedness, and educational initiatives.

The City of Fredericksburg’s Historic Preservation Grant application for the 2023-24 fiscal year is now available to Historic District landowners or owners of Historic Landmarks in the City. This grant program is designed to assist homeowners in covering expenses related to the maintenance of historic properties, which are recognized as an important part of the culture and heritage of Fredericksburg. The program aligns with the city's mission to preserve and protect its historical assets and ensure the longevity of these significant structures. The target beneficiaries for this grant are owners of historic properties within Fredericksburg's Historic District or owners of Historic Landmarks. Specifically, the funds are intended for owner-occupied structures with significant exterior maintenance needs, indicating a focus on direct support for residents who are actively preserving their historic homes. The primary impact goal is to ease the financial burden associated with maintaining these historically significant properties, thereby encouraging their upkeep and preventing deterioration. The program prioritizes exterior maintenance for historic properties. Given the limited amount of funding, the grant is exclusively open to owner-occupied structures demonstrating significant need. This ensures that the available funds are directed to properties most in need of assistance and to residents who are committed to living in and maintaining these historical homes. The grant is offered as a reimbursement, requiring applicants to initially cover expenses, which can then be recouped up to the allocated amount. Expected outcomes include the improved physical condition of historic properties throughout Fredericksburg, contributing to the overall aesthetic and historical integrity of the city. Measurable results could include the number of properties that receive funding, the types of repairs completed, and the visual improvement of the maintained structures. While a specific grant duration is not mentioned, the annual allocation of funds suggests a continuous commitment to historic preservation. The City Council has allocated $30,000 for all grants this year, with individual grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, demonstrating a strategic approach to allocate resources based on the scale of need.

The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County's "Growing Together: An LGBTQ Fund" is an initiative established in 2001 to address the needs of the LGBTQI community within San Luis Obispo County. This fund aligns with the foundation's broader mission to support charitable organizations and promote philanthropy by specifically focusing on providing grants and raising community awareness for this often underserved population. The foundation aims to foster a more inclusive and equitable environment through targeted funding and community engagement efforts, reflecting its strategic priority of addressing critical community needs. The grant program primarily targets 501c3 organizations within San Luis Obispo County that are implementing programs benefiting the LGBTQ+ community. The core beneficiaries include queer and trans people of color (QTPOC), transgender and nonbinary individuals, and LGBTQ+ people in areas lacking affirming community spaces. The overarching impact goals are to reduce discrimination, advance healthcare equity, improve physical and mental health outcomes, and enhance community connectedness and safety for LGBTQ+ individuals throughout the county. The fund prioritizes one-year grants for programs that focus on three key areas. First, it seeks to demonstrate strategies to reach out to, involve, and center QTPOC, recognizing the amplified discrimination they face due to intersecting systems of oppression like racism, sexism, and heterosexism. Second, it focuses on advancing medical and mental health care for transgender and nonbinary people, addressing the significant health disparities, stigma, and lack of culturally competent care they encounter. Third, the fund aims to create queer spaces in currently unserved areas of the county, acknowledging the importance of safe community spaces for promoting safety, connectedness, and mental well-being among LGBTQ+ individuals. Expected outcomes and measurable results include a reduction in health disparities for QTPOC and transgender/nonbinary people, evidenced by changes in organizational policies and practices, and improved physical and mental health statistics. For queer spaces, outcomes would involve the expansion of resources for local organizations to create physical spaces and the development of new, sustainable support or wellness groups. The foundation's theory of change posits that by supporting initiatives that directly address discrimination, improve access to care, and create affirming community environments, it can contribute to a more equitable, healthy, and connected San Luis Obispo County for its LGBTQ+ residents. The fund's commitment to supporting creative initiatives and strategies that move QTPOC from the margins to the center is a testament to this strategic priority.

This funding initiative provides financial support for the development of a floating offshore wind terminal at the Port of Long Beach, aimed at boosting California's renewable energy efforts and creating thousands of jobs in the green sector.

The Farm and Ranch Solid Waste Cleanup and Abatement Grant Program, offered by the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle), is designed to combat and prevent illegal dumping on agricultural properties across California. This program aligns with the broader mission of environmental stewardship and resource recovery by directly addressing waste management issues in rural areas. By providing financial assistance, the program supports the cleanup of existing waste and establishes preventative measures to protect farmlands and ranches from future illegal dumping, contributing to the overall health and sustainability of California's agricultural sector. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are cities, counties, resource conservation districts, and federally recognized tribes that can apply on behalf of farm or ranch property owners. The impact goals are to reduce environmental blight, prevent pollution, and promote responsible waste disposal practices in agricultural communities. The program targets properties that are appropriately zoned or authorized for agricultural activities, regardless of active sales or production, and includes appurtenant easements like public roads and utilities, ensuring a comprehensive approach to rural waste management. The program's priorities and focuses are clear: to provide funding for both cleanup and abatement efforts. This includes the removal of existing illegal dump sites and the implementation of strategies to deter future dumping. The grant emphasizes practical, on-the-ground solutions for waste management, recognizing the unique challenges faced by farm and ranch properties. This focus contributes to a cleaner environment, reduces public health risks associated with illegal dumping, and supports the economic viability of agricultural lands by preserving their natural integrity. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in the number and size of illegal dump sites on agricultural properties, as well as an increase in awareness and adoption of legal waste disposal methods. The program has substantial funding, with $1,000,000 available each fiscal year, and a maximum of $200,000 per applicant per fiscal year, with $50,000 being the maximum for each cleanup site. These financial incentives are designed to encourage broad participation and achieve significant results in waste abatement. CalRecycle's strategic priorities, reflected in this grant, revolve around fostering a circular economy and protecting California's natural resources. The theory of change posits that by providing targeted financial assistance and promoting community-level engagement, the program can effectively mitigate the problem of illegal dumping. This, in turn, leads to healthier ecosystems, supports agricultural productivity, and enhances the quality of life for residents in rural areas, ultimately contributing to California's environmental and economic resilience.

This initiative provides financial and technical support to individuals and organizations in Hayward, California, for community-driven projects that promote education, sustainability, economic development, and health.

The Northgate Boulevard Storefront Improvement (NBSI) Grant Program is designed to empower small business owners along the Northgate Boulevard commercial corridor by providing financial assistance for exterior property enhancements. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to foster local economic vitality and community pride. By focusing on physical improvements such as new paint, signage, lighting, windows, doors, and awnings, the program directly addresses the aesthetic and functional needs of small businesses, thereby contributing to a more vibrant and appealing commercial district. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are small, for-profit retail or service establishments with street frontage on Northgate Boulevard. These businesses must be independently and locally owned and operated, with a principal office and owners domiciled in the greater Sacramento region. Furthermore, eligible businesses must have 100 or fewer employees or earn $18 million or less in average annual gross receipts over the last three tax years. Tenants are also eligible, provided they secure property owner consent and have a current lease with at least three years remaining, or an assurance of a lease extension. The program explicitly excludes non-profit entities and franchises, ensuring its focus remains on supporting truly local and independent enterprises. The program's impact goals are multifaceted, aiming to support the retention and growth of existing businesses, deter vacancies, attract more visitors to the corridor, and spur new investment. The strategic priority is to enhance the physical appearance of storefronts, which is viewed as a catalyst for broader economic and community benefits. The theory of change posits that by improving the visual appeal and functionality of individual businesses, the entire commercial corridor will become more attractive, leading to increased foot traffic, customer spending, and business stability, ultimately contributing to a more resilient local economy. Eligible activities encompass a range of exterior improvements, including painting, installation or repair of façade elements, restoration of original architectural features, and removal of exterior clutter. Exterior security enhancements are also permitted, with the caveat that they cannot exceed 25% of the total grant award, must comply with City design standards, and be proposed in conjunction with other beautification efforts. Additionally, applicable professional service fees related to design, architectural, electrical, engineering, or construction plans (up to 25% of the award) and City/State permitting fees (up to 10% of the award) are covered. The program has a total of $200,000 available, with minimum funding requests of $5,000 and maximum requests of $15,000 per application, over a project period of one year. These measurable results, coupled with the improved physical appearance of storefronts, will indicate the program's success in achieving its stated objectives.

The California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program (CSNSGP), provided by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), offers funding support for target hardening and other physical security enhancements. This program is specifically designed for nonprofit organizations in California that are at high risk for violent attacks and hate crimes due to their ideology, beliefs, or mission. The grant size ranges from $100,000 to $500,000 with a duration of two years, running from December 1, 2024, to December 31, 2026. The total amount available for solicitation is $76,000,000, with a maximum of $250,000 per location, up to a total of $500,000 per applicant. The primary target beneficiaries are California nonprofit organizations described under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) and exempt from tax under Section 501(a). This includes organizations such as churches, mosques, and synagogues, which are automatically exempt if they meet 501(c)(3) requirements. The overarching impact goal is to enhance the physical security of these vulnerable organizations, thereby preventing and protecting them against violent attacks and hate crimes. The program seeks to ensure the safety of both facilities and the people within them, including those with access and functional needs, and those with limited English proficiency. The program prioritizes several categories of cost, including Planning, Equipment, Training, Construction/Renovation, Contracted Security, Management and Administration (M&A), and Support Services. Planning activities may include developing security plans, emergency contingency plans, and evacuation plans. Equipment focuses on physical security enhancements like reinforced doors, high-intensity lighting, alarms, inspection systems, and access control. Training is for employees or members to receive on-site security training, addressing specific threats and vulnerabilities. Construction or Renovation is permitted for target hardening, limited to $100,000, and contracted security personnel are allowed but cannot exceed 50% of the requested amount, with the expectation that applicants can sustain this capability without future CSNSGP funding. M&A and Support Services each have a cap of five percent of the funds. Expected outcomes include a significant improvement in the physical security posture of participating nonprofit organizations, a reduction in their vulnerability to violent attacks and hate crimes, and enhanced preparedness for emergencies. Measurable results would involve the successful implementation of security enhancements, such as new equipment installations, improved security plans, and trained personnel. The program's strategic priorities align with the foundation's goal of safeguarding communities and promoting a secure environment for organizations that may face threats due to their core identities or missions, thereby contributing to the broader theory of change that targeted security investments can mitigate risks and foster resilience within vulnerable populations.