California Recreation Grants

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 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.

This funding opportunity supports local parks in California by providing financial assistance for both arts programs and art installations, benefiting communities and enhancing public spaces.

The City of Santa Barbara's Cultural Arts Grants program is an annual initiative demonstrating the city's commitment to fostering a vibrant and sustainable local cultural sector and ensuring arts access for all residents. With an investment of nearly $250,000, the program aims to strengthen the community through various artistic endeavors. This aligns with a broader mission to enhance local economic and community vitality by supporting diverse nonprofits and catalyzing engaging events and festivals. The grant program targets Santa Barbara-based organizations, specifically focusing on underserved communities and youth to provide equitable arts access. The overall impact goal is to uplift these communities, support the capacity and performance of nonprofit arts organizations, and promote the city's cultural vitality. By embracing multicultural and neighborhood arts, the program seeks to create a more inclusive and culturally rich environment for everyone. The program is structured around three distinct grant programs, each with specific priorities and focuses. Community Arts (CA) Grants prioritize projects that create arts opportunities for underserved communities and youth, with a maximum funding request of up to $6,000. Organizational Development (OD) Grants are designed to support nonprofit arts organizations in enhancing their capacity, audience reach, and earned income, with a maximum funding request of up to $15,000. Finally, Community Events & Festivals (EF) Grants focus on incubating events that contribute to the city's cultural promotion and vitality, also with a maximum funding request of up to $15,000. The expected outcomes of these grants include increased arts access for all community members, strengthened capacity and performance of local arts organizations, and the successful execution of events and festivals that boost local economic and community vitality. Measurable results would likely involve the number of participants reached through Community Arts projects, the growth in audience numbers or earned income for organizations receiving Organizational Development grants, and the attendance and economic impact generated by Community Events & Festivals. The city's strategic priority is clearly to invest in and sustain a thriving arts ecosystem that serves all its residents and contributes to the overall well-being and economic health of Santa Barbara. The theory of change suggests that by providing targeted financial support, the city can foster a dynamic cultural landscape that enriches lives, strengthens community bonds, and stimulates local economic activity.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response (CDFW‐OSPR) is seeking grant applications to help fund projects that enhance, restore, or acquire habitat for wildlife, with available funding totaling $5,000,000. These grant funds come from CDFW-OSPR’s Environmental Enhancement Fund (EEF), which acquires funds from spill violations in accordance with California’s Lempert-Keene-Seastrand Oil Spill Prevention and Response Act. The EEF selection committee includes representatives from the California Coastal Conservancy, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and CDFW‐OSPR. The selection committee is seeking projects with a minimum requested grant award of $500,000. Projects must be completed by April 1, 2031. Multiple projects may be submitted for funding. Disbursement of money from the grant is contingent on the availability of funds in the EEF. To qualify, an environmental enhancement project must 1. Be located within or immediately adjacent to waters of the state, 2. Have measurable outcomes within a pre-determined timeframe 3. Be designed to acquire, restore, or improve habitat or restore ecosystem function, or both, to benefit fish and wildlife. Eligible Applicants include nonprofit organizations, cities, counties, cities and counties, districts, state agencies, and departments; and, to the extent permitted by federal law, to federal agencies. All eligible groups and projects are encouraged to apply. For more information, please go to www.wildlife.ca.gov/OSPR/Science/Environmental-Enhancement-Fund/About

The Bridge Association of REALTORS® Community Foundation Grant is designed to financially support essential community programs that address housing, opportunities for youth, and champion diversity within the community. The foundation's mission is aligned with supporting programs in Youth Arts and Education, Senior Services Community Activities, and Workforce Housing and Homelessness within specific cities in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. The grant prioritizes specific project-based funding over general operational funds, ensuring that contributions directly impact targeted initiatives. The grant targets several key beneficiary groups. For Youth Arts & Education, the foundation seeks to equalize opportunities for children from all social and economic backgrounds through programs offering arts and cultural classes, public and private education (including Special Education), and food & nutrition programs addressing hunger. For Workforce Housing & the Homeless, the focus is on organizations directly benefiting the homeless population and advocacy groups working towards long-term solutions for the housing crisis, including affordable housing and hunger/nutrition issues. Finally, Senior Services & Community Activities aims to support organizations providing services to seniors for socialization, healthcare advice, transportation, nutritional issues, and housing support. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change center on providing targeted support to create tangible improvements in the community. They believe that by funding specific projects that address critical needs in youth development, senior well-being, and housing stability, they can achieve measurable positive outcomes. This approach ensures that grants contribute to concrete solutions rather than diffuse efforts. Expected outcomes include enhanced opportunities for disadvantaged youth, improved living conditions and support for the homeless population, and increased access to vital services for seniors. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the grant's categories, the emphasis on project-specific funding implies a focus on demonstrable impact within those project parameters. The maximum grant size awarded is $3,500.00, and eligible organizations must have an annual budget under $1,000,000 and provide services in Albany, Berkeley, Emeryville, Kensington, Oakland, and Piedmont.

The California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) has launched the Youth Community Access Program, a competitive grant initiative designed to expand outdoor access and foster a healthier California. This program is rooted in supporting youth access to natural or cultural resources, with a specific focus on low-income and disadvantaged communities. While the provided information does not explicitly detail the "foundation's mission alignment" or "strategic priorities and theory of change" in terms of a separate foundation, the CNRA's overarching mission to protect and restore California's natural resources and promote equitable access aligns directly with the program's goals. The program's aim to address and repair the multi-generational community impacts of the War on Drugs further underscores a commitment to social justice and community well-being. The primary beneficiaries of this program are youth, defined as individuals between birth and 26 years old, residing in communities disproportionately affected by past federal and state drug policies, as well as other underserved communities. The impact goals are multifaceted: to promote youth health, safety, well-being, and comfort by facilitating direct access to natural or cultural resources. This includes supporting community education and recreational amenities for youth substance use prevention and early intervention, ultimately empowering youth to make healthy choices and fostering a healthier, more engaged generation. The program prioritizes projects that actively involve youth in all stages, from planning and decision-making to facilitation and evaluation. Additionally, projects that engage youth in outreach and awareness campaigns, and those that empower youth to make healthy choices, are given priority consideration. These focuses emphasize a youth-centric, participatory approach, aiming for sustainable community-led change rather than top-down interventions. The minimum award for an individual project is $25,000, and the maximum is $300,000, indicating a range of project scales supported. While specific measurable results are not explicitly outlined, the expected outcomes can be inferred from the program's requirements and priorities. These include increased youth participation in outdoor and cultural activities, enhanced community capacity for youth development, reduced instances of substance use through prevention and early intervention efforts, and improved overall health and well-being among young people in targeted communities. The emphasis on youth involvement in planning and evaluation suggests an ongoing feedback loop to assess program effectiveness and impact.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to U.S. states, territories, and eligible Indian tribes for implementing approved plans to prevent and manage invasive aquatic species.