California Infrastructure Grants

The Community Grant program focuses on the unique needs of the community and supports non-profit organizations that improve the quality of life for all those who live, work, learn or play in San Carlos. Donor Name: Community Foundation of San Carlos State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/13/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The 2024 grant round will focus on funding organizations that address the physical, mental, social, and other basic needs of community members and uplift the lives of all who live, work, learn or play in San Carlos.   Grant Size The grants range from $2,000-$15,000. Grant Duration This is currently one-year grant. Eligibility Criteria 501©(3) Nonprofits Serve community members who live, work, learn or play in San Carlos Most recent fiscal year operating expenses of less than $1.5m Focused on addressing physical, mental, social and other basic needs of community members Total Funds for this round: $100k. Ineligibility The Foundation will not fund the following in this grant round: Organizations with an annual operating budget over $1.5 million. Organizations whose main activity is fundraising. Foundations Fundraising events Political or religious activities Deficit funding or cash reserves Basic research For more information, visit CFSC.

The LA County Department of Arts and Culture is offering a two-year Organizational Grant Program for Los Angeles County nonprofit arts organizations to fund projects that increase accessibility, sustainability, and capacity in arts programming, with eligibility criteria including tax-exempt status, a primary mission in arts programming, and a minimum of two years of programming history in the county.

The City of San Carlos is offering a Childcare Grant Program, providing funding between $10,000 to $100,000 for local childcare centers, family childcare homes, and non-profit centers to fund capital improvement projects aimed at increasing childcare spaces, particularly for infants and children with special needs, with applications due by October 18, 2024.

This grant provides financial assistance to nonprofits in Mendocino County facing urgent needs or emergencies that hinder their ability to fulfill their mission.

This grant provides funding for public events or educational opportunities that benefit the residents of Mendocino County, promoting community engagement and addressing local needs.

Travel Paso is accepting applications for its 2025 Community Event Marketing Grant, aimed at supporting local events that align with its mission to promote Paso Robles, with a focus on collaboration, diversity, variety, and sustainability, and encourages applicants to outline their marketing strategies, event timing, measurement of overnight stays, and potential for partnership with Travel Paso.

Hunter Industries and KidsGardening are working together to offer the Water Wise Garden Grant to support public and charter schools in San Diego County planning to teach about water conservation, water stewardship, and responsible water management through gardening. Donor Name: KidsGardening State: California County: San Diego County (CA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/13/2024 Size of the Grant: Less than $1000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funding Priorities The selection of winners is based on demonstrated need and program impact. KidsGardening considers a variety of factors when determining needs, including: Socioeconomic & Sociodemographic Factors How does the program exist within or engage a community that has been systematically denied resources, whether physical assets and money or representative leadership and community services? Organizations affected by multiple socioeconomic and sociodemographic factors are given priority. Program Funding and Support Does an organization have access to consistent, substantial monetary support or prior grant funding? Or are pre-existing resources (financial or otherwise) limited? Organizations experiencing the latter are given priority. Impact Will grant funding dramatically expand learning opportunities for program participants? Does the intended impact reflect the needs of the community? Organizations working with greater than 50 youth will be given priority. Funding Information In 2025, five elementary schools in San Diego County will be awarded $1,000 in funding and an irrigation supply kit valued at $500. Eligibility Criteria Any public or charter elementary school located in San Diego County serving at least 15 youth is eligible to apply. Applicants must be planning to use the funds to install new or improve an existing youth garden. Organizations: Support, work with, or serve communities with a majority of individuals that are under-resourced (systematically denied resources and opportunities based on race, gender, ethnicity, income level, abilities, geographic location, etc., or currently experiencing hardship such as a natural disaster, etc.) Have fifteen or more youth participate in the garden program. For more information, visit KidsGardening.

This funding opportunity supports educational and stewardship projects that connect diverse California communities to the coast and ocean, particularly those historically underserved in marine education.

The San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority, a regional government agency, allocates funds for restoring and enhancing wetland and wildlife habitats along the San Francisco Bay shoreline. Grants exceeding $1 million are available for projects lasting up to five years, with a deadline of September 20, 2024. Eligible projects must be located within the nine Bay Area counties—Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma—and align with priorities outlined in Measure AA. These priorities include maximizing positive environmental impacts, ensuring geographic distribution, leveraging additional resources, and benefiting economically disadvantaged communities. The Authority funds various project phases, including planning, construction, and scientific studies, provided they support habitat restoration, flood management, or public access initiatives. Projects must meet specific criteria related to improving water quality, enhancing wildlife habitats, providing flood protection, and improving public access. Eligible applicants include federal, state, and local agencies, tribal governments, nonprofits, and shoreline parcel owners in the San Francisco Bay Area. For more information, visit the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority website.

This funding program assists nonprofit organizations in Bishop to deliver community services, arts activities, and events that benefit local residents.

The Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District is offering a grant of $100,000 to $500,000 for public agencies and nonprofit organizations to acquire land for the creation or expansion of parks, wildlife corridors, trails, and access facilities, with a focus on high-need, rural, and regional areas.

The City of Stockton and Stockton Arts Commission are offering a grant of $10,000 to $100,000 for local artists and art organizations to fund projects that promote public engagement and access to various forms of art within the city, with funds being used for artist compensation, production, exhibit costs, marketing, rental cost, and supplies.

The Silicon Valley Community Foundation is accepting proposals for its 2024 Community Action Grants. Donor Name: Silicon Valley Community Foundation State: California County: San Mateo County (CA), Santa Clara County (CA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/06/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: SVCF’s Community Action Grants Program was established in response to recommendations from the community partners. Using a racial justice and equity lens, the Community Action Grants Program identifies and supports organizations across issue areas that foster creativity and help build the community’s power to promote an equitable, economically secure and vibrant Silicon Valley. Focus Areas This application is open to organizations engaged in the following focus areas: Arts and Culture Capacity-Building and Leadership Investment Environment Faith and Neighborhoods Health Local Journalism Movement– and Power-Building Applicant Criteria SVCF supports organizations led by people of color and allied organizations that prioritize community-based solutions. As such, organizations led by people of color and allied organizations are highly encouraged to apply. Organizations applying should have a clear focus on racial justice and a plan to center the community they are serving in leadership, design and implementation of programs. This RFP will only consider funding organizations with annual budgets under $3 million. Additional preference will be given to organizations with budgets under $1.5 million. Eligibility Requirements Geographic Requirement Organizations must serve San Mateo and/or Santa Clara counties. Organizations headquartered outside the two-county region may apply but should demonstrate significant service to these areas or partner with a local organization that does. Entity Eligibility Organizations with a 501(c)(3) designation, those that have a fiscal sponsor with a 501(c)(3) designation, public agencies, collaborations of nonprofit and public agencies, or other entities that have a designated charitable purpose will be considered. Equal Opportunity Organizations must not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, citizenship status, creed, religion, religious affiliation, age, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status or any other protected status. Religious Affiliations Organizations with religious affiliations will be considered for funding only if the project for which they seek support addresses the needs of the wider community without regard to religious beliefs. Organization Budget Organizations with current fiscal year (FY) budgets under $3 million are eligible for funding. Budgets for FY 2024 or FY 2024-2025 are required in the application. Funding Exemptions Funding will not be provided for: Capital improvements or budget shortfalls Event sponsorship or fundraising events Funding gaps due to organizational emergencies, such as office vandalism, resignation of an executive director or sudden loss of funding. For more information, visit SVCF.

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2024 Beautification Awards. Donor Name: City of Livermore State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Awards and Prizes Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/15/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: These awards recognize the efforts of the community members in enhancing and increasing the aesthetic attraction of Livermore and also promote creativity, community pride and economic vitality. Nominated property category ideas: residential site improvements retail or commercial upgrades water wise or native plant landscapes historical renovations other structural renovations, restorations, and new builds that include noteworthy landscape design. Application Requirements Properties must be located within the corporate limits of the City of Livermore. Projects must be visible from a public street or trail. Submissions must have the consent of the owner. Self-nominations are encouraged. Projects that have won in the previous five (5) years are not eligible. Award Selection Criteria Improvements to outdoor spaces, including landscape and hardscape renovations, are important components for award selection: How the project visually enhances the property. How the home/business incorporates design, maintenance, color, organization and creativity to compliment and/or enrich the visual appeal of the existing community. How the home/business structure, architectural design and landscaping are combined for maximum visual effect. For more information, visit City of Livermore.

The Community Foundation of Mendocino County is seeking applications for its Charles F. Flinn and Walker B. Tilley Fund for Sustainable Forestry. Donor Name: Community Foundation of Mendocino County State: California County: Mendocino County (CA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/16/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Foundation’s primary purpose is to make grants to nonprofit organizations that are assisting public and small private (non-industrial) forest owners to maintain and enhance the economic, social, and environmental values of Mendocino County’s working forests and rangelands.  Criteria Key activities that will be funded include, but are not limited to: Research and demonstration (including re-measurement of plots). Public and youth education and outreach directed towards learning about using the forests for economic production, not conservation. Education (best management practices). Restoration of forests and watersheds, with a preference to projects related to forest restoration over stream restoration. Removal of invasive species. Mitigation of the impact of forest roads. Fire management (including Tan-Oak management). Fish and wildlife habitat protection and enhancement.  For more information, visit CFMC.

The Environmental Education and Conservation Fund seeks to raise awareness about the natural world through education and to address important conservation issues directly. Donor Name: Community Foundation of Mendocino County State: California County: Mendocino County (CA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/16/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Fund was created in 2018 by biologist Roger Foote and agronomist Chuck Vaughn to encourage the appreciation, conservation, and responsible use of the natural environment in Mendocino County. The Foundation’s goal of the fund is to provide support to organizations, including educational institutions, which offer conservation and/or education programs on issues including, but not limited to: Ecological understanding and natural resource management. The importance of the scientific method in addressing conservation issues. The effects of climate change and humans’ role in causing and addressing climate change. Caring for the land through land stewardship best practices. Habitat and watershed restoration. Providing and improving public access to natural lands so people from all walks of life can enjoy them. Criteria Educational projects may include (but are not limited to) day and residential outdoor schools and science camp programs, college-level programs in natural resource management, and natural history displays.  Eligible uses for education grants include: Equipment and teaching materials. Instructor compensation. Staff and volunteer training/conferences. Internships. Student transportation costs. Scholarships that allow more people to participate in programs. Conservation projects may include (but are not limited to) wildlife surveys, training for wildlife surveys, land docent trainings, habitat studies, habitat and watershed restoration projects, improving existing public access to conservation lands, internships for land stewardship and trail building, tree planting, native plant management, and invasive plant removal.  Eligible uses for conservation project grants include: Staff time for project management. Construction equipment and supplies. Engineering and design. Subcontractor services. Permit fees.  For more information, visit CFMC.

The 2024-25 State and Local Cybersecurity Grant from the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services offers $100,000 to $500,000 to local governments and tribes in California to improve their cybersecurity infrastructure, with a focus on governance, assessment, mitigation, and workforce development, and a priority on implementing key cybersecurity best practices.

The County of San Luis Obispo is seeking applications for its Continuum of Care Builds Program to address and reduce persons experiencing homelessness by adding new units of Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH). Donor Name: County of San Luis Obispo State: California County: San Luis Obispo County (CA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/04/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Continuum of Care program, authorized by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, as amended by the Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing (HEARTH) Act of 2009 is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The CoC Builds program will make awards to new Permanent Supportive Housing projects, in order to address both the immediate need for shelter and the underlying factors contributing to homelessness, leading to better outcomes for individuals and communities alike. Goals HUD’s Strategic Plan sets the direction and focus of their programs to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality, affordable homes for all. The CoC Builds program supports HUD’s Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years (FY) 2022-2026 to accomplish HUD’s mission and vision. You are expected to align your application to the applicable strategic goals and objectives below. The following are the goals and objectives from HUD’s Strategic Plan applicable to the CoC Builds program: Support Underserved Communities.  Fortify support for underserved communities and support equitable community development for all people.  Reduce Homelessness. Strengthen Federal, State, Tribal, and community implementation of the Housing First approach to reducing the prevalence of homelessness, with the ultimate goal of ending homelessness.  Ensure Access to and Increase the Production of Affordable Housing.  Ensure housing demand is matched by adequate production of new homes and equitable access to housing opportunities for all people. Increase the Supply of Housing. Enhance HUD’s programs that increase the production and supply of housing across the country. Advance Sustainable Communities. Advance sustainable communities by strengthening climate resilience and energy efficiency, promoting environmental justice, and recognizing housing’s role as essential to health. Strengthen Environmental Justice. Reduce exposure to health risks, environmental hazards, and substandard housing, especially for low-income households and communities of color. Integrate Health and Housing. Advance policies that recognize housing’s role as essential to health. Funding Information Maximum Funding Available for New PSH (Permanent Supportive Housing) Projects: $4,750,000 Maximum Amount That Can Be Used for Supportive Services for the PSH Project: $1,000,000 Eligibility Criteria The following types of project applicants will be eligible under the local CoC Builds program competition:  Nonprofit organizations having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Public housing authorities  City or township governments For more information, visit County of San Luis Obispo.

The 2024-25 State and Local Cybersecurity Grant from the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services offers $100,000 to $500,000 to California state agencies for projects aimed at improving cybersecurity governance, assessment, mitigation, and workforce development over a 3-year period.

Early Care Spaces is an open application grant program that provides grants of up to $100,000 to support organizations promoting early language and literacy development for Oakland children from birth to five years old. Donor Name: Kenneth Rainin Foundation State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/19/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: This new program will provide grants of up to $100,000 to support organizations promoting early language and literacy development for Oakland children from birth to five years old. Research suggests that the opportunity to help children grow and improve literacy is greatest from early care through second grade. The Rainin Foundation supports equitable approaches to literacy during these early years. Early Care Spaces commemorates the 15th anniversary of formal grantmaking and honors the vision of a world where all Oakland children read at or above grade level by third grade. This will be an annual program that aims to advance work that focuses on:  Supporting children to expand their vocabulary and comprehension skills and increase confidence in listening and speaking.  Opportunities that recognize parents and caregivers as leaders in their children’s education and increase their capacity to support early literacy.  Career advancement and upskilling for Black early care providers to lead language-rich, developmentally appropriate and culturally affirming care.  Early Care Spaces Grant Priorities Oakland’s early care funding landscape is shifting due to an influx of public dollars; however, gaps and needs still exist, particularly in informal care. The Rainin Foundation aims to support these needs through this funding opportunity. The Early Care Spaces grant program will prioritize the following: Early care provided outside of traditional education systems, including family resource centers and community spaces. While traditional systems (e.g., public and private preschools or Head Start programs) do not qualify for this opportunity, organizations that partner with them are welcome to apply.  Programs with deep connections to informal care providers or Family, Friend and Neighbor care.  Diverse organizations and providers that reflect the neighborhood and communities they serve.  Work that is happening in the Oakland flatlands, especially neighborhoods experiencing disinvestment and the displacement of BIPOC communities. Funding Information Applicants can request up to $100,000. Grant Period January 1, 2025-December 31, 2026. Eligibility Criteria  Foundation accepts applications from organizations that meet the following criteria. Grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations or 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsors. All fiscal sponsorships require a written agreement. Organizations must provide services for Oakland children, educators or families. While an organization can operate and provide services outside of Oakland, the funding can only go towards its Oakland-based programming. The Foundation does not fund: Initiatives or programs designed for children ages 6+. Capital campaign requests. Sports, athletic events or league sponsorship. Advertising or promotional sponsorship. Fraternal organizations. Organizations that discriminate based on religion, race, sexual orientation or gender. For more information, visit KRF.