California Recreation Grants

Marin Charitable provides grants to nonprofit organizations focusing on youth-oriented programs or projects. These initiatives are designed to proactively address the needs of middle and high school-aged youth, approximately 11-18 years old, who have limited opportunities and reside in Marin County, California. The foundation's mission is to offer critical support, education, and enrichment to this specific demographic. The target beneficiaries are middle and high school-aged youth in Marin County who face limited opportunities. Marin Charitable aims to make a direct impact by ensuring that grant funds reach children with limited resources. The foundation prioritizes programs that align with its mission of supporting youth development and well-being within the specified age group and geographic area. Marin Charitable primarily focuses on funding small-budgeted, grassroots programs. This strategic priority reflects a theory of change that emphasizes direct, community-level impact. The foundation believes that by supporting smaller, localized initiatives, they can more effectively reach and serve the youth most in need. Applicants are evaluated based on the relevance of their program to Marin Charitable’s mission, their capability to facilitate the program, and their ability to ensure direct impact by reaching children with limited resources. While the grant size is generally between $1,000 to $10,000, Marin Charitable currently provides grants of up to, but not exceeding, $7,500. The expected outcome is to provide vital support, education, and enrichment that improves the lives and opportunities for underserved youth in Marin County.

The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) is offering a Public Green Space Grant Program to cities, counties, special districts, nonprofits, and community-based organizations within its service area. The program aims to provide grant funds for tree-planting projects that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and enhance local communities. This initiative aligns with the IID's mission to support environmental stewardship and community development through tangible, local impact. The primary beneficiaries of this program are critically underserved or disadvantaged communities within Imperial Valley and Coachella Valley. The program specifically targets community groups that seek to green their areas, thereby addressing the critical need for GHG reduction and community beautification. The impact goals include not only environmental benefits through carbon sequestration but also the creation of greener, more aesthetically pleasing public spaces that can offer recreational benefits to residents. Program priorities favor projects that provide park or recreational benefits to underserved communities, are proposed by such communities, or develop partnerships with local organizations and businesses to strengthen outreach to disadvantaged communities. Additional points are given to projects that offer access to quality jobs, workforce education and training for residents, utilize interagency cooperation, or leverage existing public lands and resources, including schools. Projects that include matching or cost-sharing funds are also prioritized. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions through increased tree cover. Beyond environmental benefits, the program aims to foster community engagement and education around green initiatives. The maximum award per project is $35,000, with a total of $350,000 available through IID’s "Tree for All" program. Eligible costs include personnel, contractors, consultants, direct and indirect costs related to tree planting and maintenance during the grant period, and community education and engagement expenses, all contributing to the program's strategic objectives of community greening and climate action.

This program provides up to $5,000 to small, independently owned businesses in Arcadia, California, to help cover costs associated with permits for opening, expanding, or improving their commercial spaces.

The Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD) is offering grants to support San Francisco’s residents, businesses, visitors, and workers by providing critical economic and workforce development resources. This Request for Proposals (RFP) encompasses four distinct program areas, with an anticipated total funding of $2.38 million for initial grant awards. The grants are designed to support programs delivered through three key OEWD divisions: Business Development, Community Economic Development (formerly Invest In Neighborhoods), and Workforce Development. The target beneficiaries of these programs include various communities within San Francisco. For Community Economic Development, the focus is on Castro cultural activation, specifically uplifting Queer and Transgender Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Workforce Development programs target workers through the Industries of Opportunity-Worker Cooperative Program and youth and young adults through the Industries of Opportunity-Youth and Young Adult Food Sovereignty program. Business Development programs aim to benefit the broader community through Union Square Park Programming. The grant prioritizes specific areas with defined funding allocations. Community Economic Development programs, focusing on Castro cultural activation, have a funding of $30,000. Workforce Development programs include $950,000 for the Worker Cooperative Program ($425,000 per program year) and $400,000 for the Youth and Young Adult Food Sovereignty program ($200,000 per program year). Business Development programs, specifically for Union Square Park Programming, are allocated $1,000,000. Successful proposals are expected to be funded for up to six years, concluding no later than June 2030, which indicates a long-term commitment to the initiatives. The eligibility criteria require applicants to be a nonprofit 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), or 501(c)(6) organization, registered with the IRS and in good standing with relevant California state entities, and eligible to do business with the City and County of San Francisco. Expected outcomes include economic growth, workforce development, and community empowerment within the targeted areas of San Francisco, aligning with OEWD’s mission to support the city's residents and economy.

The Community Sports Grant, funded by the City of Thousand Oaks in California, offers $2,000 to $7,500 to non-profit community and school groups for upgrading sports facilities or purchasing equipment, requiring 100% matching funds and excluding uniforms, with applications due by October 3, 2024.

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.

This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Turlock to support services that assist low- to moderate-income individuals, such as food assistance, homeless services, and youth programs.

This grant provides funding to various organizations to expand career education and training in allied health occupations for adults from disadvantaged backgrounds and healthcare workers facing advancement barriers.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in South Santa Clara County for projects that positively impact areas such as education, technology, and the arts.

This grant provides funding to local government agencies in California for the construction and improvement of facilities that enhance public access to waterways for recreational boating.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to non-profit organizations and public agencies in California to deliver essential services aimed at improving the health, safety, and educational outcomes of children, youth, and young adults in Richmond and unincorporated North Richmond.

The California Tahoe Conservancy (Conservancy) leads California's efforts to restore and enhance the extraordinary natural and recreational resources of the Lake Tahoe Basin. The principal goal of the Conservancy's Science and Lake Improvement Account program (SB 630, 2013) is to support near-shore environmental improvement program activities and projects, particularly projects that manage aquatic invasive species or improve public access to sovereign land in Lake Tahoe.More specifically, such projects manage aquatic invasive species, or improve public access to sovereign land in Lake Tahoe, including planning and site improvement or reconstruction projects on public land, and land acquisitions from willing sellers. SB 630 (2013) allocates the Conservancy approximately $350,000 annually. Please contact staff at [email protected] and 916.402.7508 for more information.

This funding program provides financial support to public agencies and nonprofit organizations for initiatives that assist children and youth aged 0-24 affected by poverty, violence, and trauma in Sacramento.

This funding opportunity supports community programs that teach and engage diverse families in fishing, boating, and aquatic conservation efforts throughout California.

Introduction EEM projects must contribute to mitigation of the environmental effects of transportation facilities. The California Natural Resources Agency (Agency) prescribes procedures and criteria to evaluate grant project proposals and submits a list of projects recommended for funding to the California Transportation Commission (CTC). The CTC awards grants to projects from Agency’s list. Related Transportation Facility EEM projects must mitigate, either directly or indirectly, the environmental impacts of a) the modification of an existing Transportation Facility or b) the construction of a new Transportation Facility (hereafter Related Transportation Facility or RTF). The EEM project can be the required mitigation for the RTF or enhancement to mitigation required for the RTF. Statewide Project Goals Agency grant programs assist state and local entities to develop more sustainable communities, increase adaptability to climate change using nature-based strategies, and protect biodiversity in compliance with Executive Order N-82-20, the Pathways to 30 x 30 California, and the Natural and Working Lands Climate Smart Strategy. Projects that demonstrate the following multiple benefits will be more competitive: • Improved air and/or water quality. • Reduced consumption of natural resources and energy. • Increased reliability of local water supplies. • Increased adaptability to climate change. • Increased protection and restoration of biodiversity Eligible Projects Examples The list below isn't comprehensive, but provides examples of project elements that meet statutory conditions. Urban Forestry: • Planting of trees and plants along urban streets and medians. • Greening existing public lands and structures, including school campuses and urban parks. • Greening vacant lots and abandoned sites. • Restoration of urban creeks. Resource Lands: • Removal of invasive and restoration of natural plant species. • Enhancement or restoration of natural areas such as inland wetlands, forests, oak woodlands, mountain meadows, creeks, and streams with riparian or riverine fish or wildlife habitat, wildlife corridors and fish passages, coastal estuaries, grazing land and grasslands. • Acquisitions in fee title or through conservation easements to safeguard regional water supplies, protect riparian and wildlife habitats, conserve agricultural lands for secure wildlife migration corridors, and provide public access for compatible wildlife/nature-oriented recreation by the wider community. • Acquisitions to preserve in perpetuity Resource Lands for agricultural uses, open space, wetlands, biodiversity, etc. Mitigation Projects Beyond the Scope of the Lead Agency: Project examples listed under Urban Forestry and Resource Lands categories may be eligible for the Mitigation Projects Beyond the Scope of the Lead Agency category, if the mitigation or enhancement measures for the RTF were infeasible or beyond the jurisdiction and/or authority of the Lead Agency for the RTF. Project Criteria Questions Applicants must choose only one project category and respond to all questions in the selected category. If a question doesn't apply to the project, indicate Not Applicable with a brief explanation.

Grantees will be required to accomplish the following within the Grant Activity Period: Convene a standing committee of community members and stakeholders tosupport development of new SLP structure and strategic framework. Model equity practices and principles in the development of new SLP mission,vision, programming, and services. Identify and retain a dedicated staff member to lead new SLP and provide mentorship to that individual. Identify and maintain an accessible public office space for the new SLP. Create and implement a realistic operating budget for new SLP, with appropriate portion of grant funds going directly to support new SLP. Supply anticipated outcomes for a one-year grant and outline any next steps anticipated to occur beyond the grant activity period to fulfill the goals of the grant program. 

The Community Fund for Carmel Valley is dedicated to supporting nonprofit organizations that demonstrate strong leadership and capacity to deliver essential community resources and services within the Carmel Valley and Cachagua regions. This grant program is aligned with the foundation's mission to foster community well-being and development by addressing local needs and enhancing the quality of life for residents. The fund prioritizes initiatives that build community, improve local infrastructure, expand youth and senior programming, and support educational, cultural, and historical programs for residents. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are the residents of Carmel Valley and Cachagua, with a particular focus on those requiring basic needs assistance such as food and housing security, and youth programs. The program also seeks to support organizations providing services directly located within these communities, ensuring ease of access for residents. The overall impact goal is to strengthen the social fabric of these communities, provide critical support for vulnerable populations, and enhance community resilience, particularly in areas of emergency prevention and response. Priorities for funding include community development initiatives that aim to build local capacity and address specific community needs. Youth and senior programs are a key focus, with the goal of expanding existing services and creating new opportunities for these demographic groups. Resident programs, encompassing education, culture, and history, are also given significant consideration to enrich the lives of community members. Special attention is given to organizations addressing basic needs and those involved in emergency preparedness and response, such as education for disaster preparedness and neighborhood organizing. Expected outcomes include improved community infrastructure, increased access to vital services for youth and seniors, enhanced educational and cultural opportunities, and a more prepared and resilient community in the face of emergencies like fires and other disasters. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the focus on tangible outcomes like expanded programming and improved infrastructure suggests that the foundation seeks to support initiatives with clear, positive impacts on the community. The foundation's strategic priorities are clearly centered on community empowerment and direct local impact. The eligibility criteria emphasize support for 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, public programs (e.g., schools, parks, public health), and church-sponsored activities that benefit beyond their membership. Organizations and collaboratives that are not legally incorporated may also apply with a fiscal sponsor. This demonstrates a strategic commitment to ensuring broad access to funding for a diverse range of community-serving entities. The foundation's theory of change appears to be rooted in the belief that by investing in local organizations with strong leadership and capacity, it can directly contribute to building stronger, more resilient, and self-sufficient communities in Carmel Valley and Cachagua.

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.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and government entities in Long Beach that are focused on addressing learning loss and improving the mental health of youth and young adults affected by the pandemic.

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.