California Science and Technology Grants

The Environmental Education and Conservation Fund, established in 2018 by biologist Roger Foote and agronomist Chuck Vaughn, aims to foster appreciation, conservation, and responsible use of the natural environment within Mendocino County. This initiative aligns directly with the Community Foundation of Mendocino County's mission to support organizations, including educational institutions, that offer conservation and/or education programs. The overarching goal is to raise awareness about the natural world through educational endeavors and to directly address significant conservation challenges. The fund targets a broad range of beneficiaries, including educational institutions and other organizations that provide conservation and education programs. The impact goals are centered around increasing ecological understanding, promoting natural resource management, highlighting the scientific method in conservation, addressing climate change and human roles in it, and encouraging land stewardship. Ultimately, the fund seeks to improve public access to natural lands, ensuring people from all backgrounds can experience and enjoy them. The fund's priorities and focuses are clearly delineated, encompassing both educational and conservation projects. Educational initiatives may include outdoor schools, science camps, college-level natural resource management programs, and natural history displays. Conservation projects, on the other hand, can involve wildlife surveys, habitat studies, restoration efforts, improving public access to conservation lands, land stewardship internships, tree planting, and invasive plant removal. The fund emphasizes a holistic approach to environmental well-being. Expected outcomes include a more informed public regarding ecological understanding and climate change, improved natural resource management practices, and tangible progress in habitat and watershed restoration. Measurable results could manifest in increased participation in environmental education programs, the successful completion of conservation projects such as a certain acreage of restored habitat, and an expansion of public access points to natural areas. The Foundation's strategic priorities are rooted in the belief that investing in both education and direct conservation efforts will lead to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious community, embodying a theory of change where knowledge and action drive positive ecological impact.

The Effectiveness Monitoring Committee (EMC) is seeking project proposals that: (1)   Address one or more of the EMC’s Research Themes and Critical Monitoring Questions and; (2)   Address natural resource protection issues that are important for California forestlands. The critical monitoring questions are organized under 12 Research Themes. Four prioritized critical questions were determined by vote amongst the current EMC members at the beginning of each calendar year:  Are the FPRs and associated regulations effective in...  Question 1h: managing WLPZs to reduce or minimize potential fire behavior and rate of spread? Question 6c:  managing fuel loads, vegetation patterns and fuel breaks for fire hazard reduction? Question 6d: managing forest structure and stocking standards to promote wildfire resilience? Question 12a: improving overall forest wildfire resilience and the ability of forests to respond to climate change (e.g., in response to drought or bark beetle; reducing plant water stress) and variability, and extreme weather events (evaluate ecosystem functional response to fuel reduction and forest health treatments)? I.       FUNDING AVAILABILITY. Funding available for newly proposed projects is anticipated as follows: $973,392 over three FYs beginning in 2024/25, comprising: $173,232 in FY 2024/25; $375,160 in FY 2025/26; and $425,000 in FY 2025/26. II.     AWARD LIMITATIONS. Applicants requesting more than the stated annual amount available for funding will not be considered. In the case that EMC funding for the full three years is awarded to one new project, project solicitation may not occur in the subsequent two FYs. While the EMC may choose to fund projects that span multiple FYs up to the annual funding cap, the EMC generally prefers to fund multiple research projects annually. Proposers should keep this in mind when developing their project and annual budget requests. Longer-term projects (greater than three years) may re-apply for funding for additional years through the competitive grants process advertised in the EMC’s Request for Proposals. Annual allocations are dependent upon demonstrated progress towards project completion pursuant to the project schedule and workplan.  a.      ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES. Eligible projects will test one or more specific FPRs or other rule or regulation under the Board’s jurisdiction and which addresses one or more of the EMC’s Research Themes and Critical Monitoring Questions. Proposed projects must clearly apply to management activities on private timberlands in California. Projects on public land may be eligible for EMC funding provided they clearly apply to the activities and systems that also exist on non-federal timberland. b.      ELIGIBLE ORGANIZATIONS. Eligible applicants are local, state, and federal agencies including federal land management agencies; institutions of higher education; special purpose districts (e.g., public utilities districts, fire districts, conservation districts, and ports); Native American tribes; private landowners; for-profit entities; and non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations.

This grant provides funding for projects in California that utilize tire-derived aggregate for various applications, such as retaining walls, stormwater management, and landfill enhancements, aimed at promoting sustainable waste tire recycling.

The Beacon House Request for Proposals (RFP) from the Gateway Foundation aims to expand substance use disorder (SUD) services in Monterey County, California, through community-based funding. This initiative directly aligns with the Foundation's mission to re-invest in the Monterey County community by providing flexible grant funds to support local organizations. The program seeks to infuse financial resources for the operating, supporting, and/or renovation of SUD services, thereby improving access to treatment and recovery supports in the region. The target beneficiaries are individuals in Monterey County experiencing substance use disorder, with a specific focus on residents who make up at least 50% of the clients served by recipient organizations. The impact goals are centered on expanding access to SUD services and recovery support, as well as increasing the capacity of service providers. By providing flexible one-time costs, the Gateway Foundation intends to address critical gaps in service provision and enhance the overall health and well-being of the community. The program prioritizes established 501(c)3 non-profit organizations that are licensed by the state of California to provide behavioral health services, currently operate in Monterey County, and utilize evidence-based services. Grant funds can be used for a variety of purposes including staff development, training, equipment, repairs & maintenance, expansion of services/access, and reasonable start-up operational costs (not exceeding 50% of the total funding request). This flexible approach ensures that the funds can be tailored to the specific needs of local providers to achieve the greatest impact. Expected outcomes include improved access to SUD treatment and recovery services, enhanced capacity of behavioral health organizations in Monterey County, and a strengthened network of local service providers. The Gateway Foundation's strategic priority is to support organizations that can demonstrate a history of providing behavioral health services, sound financial management, and a client base predominantly from Monterey County. The underlying theory of change is that by investing directly in local, established providers, and allowing for flexible use of funds for one-time costs, access to essential SUD services will significantly improve, leading to better community health outcomes. The project period for funding is September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025.

The City of Tustin, through its Tustin Cares program, is offering the Main Street Digital Training and Grant Program (Main Street Digital Program) in collaboration with the Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center Network (OCIE SBDC). This initiative aims to provide training and funding to local retail businesses, home-based businesses, and nonprofits, collectively referred to as "Businesses," that are looking to enhance their social media presence and/or increase revenue. This program aligns with a broader mission of supporting local economic growth and resilience, particularly for entities impacted by external factors such as COVID-19, as indicated by the allowance for businesses not in good standing due to pandemic-related issues. The target beneficiaries of the Main Street Digital Program are retail businesses, home-based businesses, and nonprofits physically located in Tustin. These entities must also possess an active Tustin business license since the first quarter of 2023 and have a minimum of two employees, including owners, and no more than twenty-five full-time equivalent employees as of December 31, 2023. Certain businesses are explicitly excluded, such as cannabis-related businesses, gambling facilities, adult entertainment businesses, massage parlors, largely cash-based businesses, and residential or real estate projects including short-term rental operators. The program's impact goals center on empowering these eligible businesses to improve their digital marketing capabilities and ultimately boost their financial performance. The program's priorities and focus areas are clearly on digital transformation and revenue generation through enhanced social media presence. By offering training, the program aims to equip businesses with the necessary skills to navigate the digital landscape effectively. The grant component provides crucial financial support, enabling businesses to implement these new strategies. This focus reflects a strategic priority to modernize local businesses and help them adapt to contemporary market demands, thereby strengthening the local economy from within. Expected outcomes include a significant increase in the social media presence of participating businesses and a measurable improvement in their revenue. While specific metrics for "measurable results" are not detailed beyond "increase their social media presence and/or revenue," the implicit theory of change is that by providing targeted training and financial assistance for digital marketing, businesses will become more competitive, attract a wider customer base, and achieve sustainable growth. The program's success will likely be evaluated based on the number of businesses trained, the grants disbursed, and the reported improvements in their digital engagement and financial health.

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

The City of Hyattsville's Commercial Façade Improvement Program is a grant initiative designed to enhance the visual appeal, quality, and vitality of the city’s commercial districts. The program aims to facilitate private sector investment in exterior improvements for commercial buildings, aligning with the city's broader mission of supporting local businesses and fostering a vibrant urban environment. It recognizes that individual façade improvements contribute significantly to the overall aesthetic and economic health of the commercial areas. This program targets business or property owners within three specific investment areas: the West Hyattsville Transit District, the Route One/Gateway Arts District, and the Prince George’s Plaza Transit District. The primary impact goals are to remove accessibility barriers, stimulate further investment in commercial properties, and achieve significant visual enhancements in commercial façade appearance. Projects that directly address these goals will receive preferential consideration, ensuring that the grants contribute effectively to the city's development objectives. The program prioritizes well-designed façade improvements that extend the longevity of buildings. Eligible improvements are diverse and include signage, exterior painting, storefront reconstruction, siding, exterior lighting, window and door upgrades, public-facing masonry or cornices, murals, and the removal of unattractive exterior finishes, as well as roof repairs and other approved uses. Eligibility requirements stipulate that structures must be commercially zoned and in use, or planned for commercial use, within Hyattsville. Correction of building code violations must be integrated into the improvement work, and vacant properties must secure a tenant within six months of project completion. The grant operates on a dollar-for-dollar matching basis, providing financial assistance ranging from $5,000 to $35,000. This structure is intended to leverage private investment and maximize the program's reach. The expected outcome is a series of visually improved commercial facades that enhance the city's commercial districts, attract new businesses, and encourage community engagement. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the scope of "significant visual improvements," the program implies that an increase in commercial vitality and accessibility, alongside the tangible improvements listed, will serve as indicators of success. The city's strategic priority is to empower the private sector to make these improvements, underpinned by a theory of change that postulates that financial assistance for façade upgrades will directly lead to a more attractive and economically robust commercial landscape.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Gilroy that are dedicated to improving the community through various initiatives in sectors such as arts, education, health, and environment.

The California State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) is offering Cycle 47 of its Program Development Grants (PDG) to support innovative programs and best practices throughout California. The SCDD's mission is to advocate for, promote, and implement policies and practices that achieve self-determination, independence, productivity, and inclusion for Californians with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families. This grant program directly aligns with the SCDD's overarching goal to improve the lives of people with I/DD by engaging in and promoting self-advocacy, capacity-building, and systems change. The target beneficiaries of these grants are individuals with intellectual, developmental, and/or cross-disabilities, as well as their families. The grants aim to create measurable improvements in their lives. The SCDD seeks to award funding to California-based agencies and organizations that represent and/or serve these individuals, including local government agencies, non-government organizations, tribal organizations, community-based non-profits, and established 501(c)(3) tax-exempt coalitions. The SCDD's 2022-2026 State Plan outlines three key strategic priorities and focuses: Self-Advocacy, Systems Change/Advocacy, and Capacity-Building/Advocacy. For Self-Advocacy, the goal by 2026 is to maintain and/or increase the number of people with I/DD who become strong self-advocates, peer trainers, and community leaders. The Systems Change/Advocacy priority aims for the Council, in partnership with family/self-advocates, to lead in protecting and enhancing civil rights to improve community-based systems, making them more inclusive and supportive of people with I/DD and their families. For Capacity-Building/Advocacy, the Council plans to increase partnerships with and support of more people with I/DD and their families by 2026, ensuring they understand their rights and can advocate for and receive necessary supports and services. The expected outcomes and measurable results are directly tied to these State Plan goals. Through the PDG, the SCDD anticipates fostering programs that will lead to more empowered self-advocates, more inclusive community systems, and a greater understanding of rights and access to services for people with I/DD and their families. The Council has allocated a total fund of $300,000 for one or more Cycle 47 grants, with a grant period from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. This funding supports the SCDD's theory of change, which posits that by investing in community-based organizations that research, develop, and/or implement innovative programs, they can achieve their state plan objectives and significantly enhance the quality of life for Californians with I/DD.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations for repairing, replacing, and installing electric vehicle charging ports in California to improve the reliability and accessibility of the state's EV charging infrastructure.

The "Level Up LB: Extreme Small Business Makeover and Grant Program," launched by the City of Long Beach, is an initiative designed to enhance the success and sustainability of small businesses. While the description doesn't explicitly detail a "foundation mission alignment," the program itself aligns with the broader civic mission of economic development and community prosperity. By empowering local entrepreneurs, the City of Long Beach aims to strengthen its local economy and foster a vibrant business environment, thereby contributing to the overall well-being of its residents and community. The program targets small businesses located and operating within Long Beach, California, with a storefront accessible to the public. Eligible businesses must have been in operation for a minimum of three years as of April 23, 2024, be independently-owned for-profit entities (including sole proprietorships, LLCs, or Corporations that are not publicly traded), or 501(c)3 nonprofits. They must hold an active or delinquent City of Long Beach business license, be currently open and active, and earn no more than $5 million in annual gross revenue. Corporations, LLCs, and limited partnerships must have an "ACTIVE" status with the California Secretary of State. The program excludes businesses without a physical location, permanently closed businesses, government entities, political/lobbying activities, passive businesses, religious organizations, financial lending businesses, landlords/property managers (unless repairing on behalf of a small business), illegal activities, socially undesirable activities (e.g., check cashing), businesses with active code enforcement/COVID-19 Health Order violations, and cannabis-related businesses. The program's priorities and focuses include igniting growth and fostering excellence among Long Beach's small businesses. Through no-cost training sessions, participants will receive comprehensive support in strategic business planning, marketing, branding, social media optimization, access to capital, government procurement, permitting/licensing, merchandising, networking, biz-to-biz mentorship, talent recruitment, and personalized business counseling. A selection committee will determine program participants and grant awards based on representation across all parts of the city (with priority for low-to-moderate income areas), representation across multiple sectors, and business readiness and potential impact of program participation. Expected outcomes and measurable results include participants becoming eligible to apply for $10,000 grants upon completion of the program, which are intended to empower them to expand their business capacity and enhance resilience. The City’s Economic Development Department will select a group of 25 small businesses for this exclusive opportunity. The focus on comprehensive workshops and subsequent grant eligibility directly aims to translate the acquired knowledge and resources into tangible business expansion and increased sustainability. While specific quantitative metrics for growth and resilience are not detailed, the program's structure implies that the successful utilization of the grants and learned strategies will be key indicators of impact.

The City of San Diego's Economic Development Department is offering a grant of $10,000 to $100,000 to nonprofit organizations that can assist small businesses in under-resourced communities, with funds to be used for capacity building expenses such as technical assistance, website creation, and event programming, with priority given to organizations with modest budgets and proposals aligning with the Economic Development Strategy.

The US Geological Survey is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner for research on applications of isotopic and elemental geochemistry to ecologic as well as surface and groundwater hydrologic problems. Essential components of the funding opportunity are: 1) student, faculty, and laboratory support for application, refinement, and development of geochemical methods, that 2) address solute and water sources and transport pathways, through 3) application of a wide range of stable and radioisotopic systems (ranging from hydrogen, helium, and lithium through uranium and lead), by 4) analysis of the isotopic and elemental composition of diverse sample media (including plant and animal tissue, sediment, rock, and aqueous phases, especially high salinity brine).

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in California for projects that assist very low to moderate-income residents of Palm Desert, including seniors, the disabled, domestic violence victims, and the homeless.

The City of Alhambra in California is offering a Small Business Assistance Grant Program to support local small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible businesses must either serve a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) defined low- and moderate-income area within Alhambra or be owned by low- and moderate-income individuals.Groups of neighbors must find a host organization to sponsor the project and act as the project fiduciary. Applications are accepted year-round until funds are exhausted.

The Marian and Pink Happ Fund is a grant program dedicated to supporting underprivileged children throughout California. This initiative directly aligns with a core mission to improve the well-being and future prospects of vulnerable youth. By providing financial assistance, the fund aims to address critical needs in the areas of health and human services, ultimately contributing to a more equitable society where all children have opportunities to thrive. The primary beneficiaries of this fund are underprivileged children residing in any of California's counties. The impact goals are centered on enhancing the lives of these children by ensuring access to essential health services and vital human services support. Through these efforts, the fund seeks to alleviate the burdens faced by these children and their families, fostering environments conducive to their healthy development and overall success. The fund prioritizes organizations that can effectively deliver health and human services programs. While specific expected outcomes are not explicitly detailed, the focus on "underprivileged children" and "health" and "human services" suggests a theory of change rooted in direct intervention and support. Measurable results would likely include the number of children served, the types of services provided, and improvements in health indicators or access to social support systems for the target population. Applicants must be exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, demonstrating a commitment to ethical and transparent operations. Applications are submitted online or through accessible alternatives for assistive technology users. The average grant size is $10,000, with an average total giving of $50,000 per year, indicating a strategic approach to funding multiple impactful projects annually. The deadline for applications is June 30, 2024.

The Marino Family Charitable Foundation Inc. aims to enhance lives by supporting non-profit organizations that demonstrate the ability to make a positive difference, and further advance, educate, or enrich their communities through charitable works and core values. This mission aligns directly with the grant program's objective to offer support to such organizations, thereby fostering community well-being and individual empowerment. The foundation's strategic priority is to identify and fund initiatives that resonate with its core values, focusing on impactful community-driven change. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are individuals served by non-profit organizations focused on Health and Human services. A specific impact goal is to assist with the needs and education of individuals with Down syndrome, which is a key grantmaking priority. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the expected outcome is a positive difference in and advancement, education, or enrichment of the communities served. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by strategically supporting non-profits with demonstrated charitable works and core values, they can achieve broad positive community impact, with a particular focus on vulnerable populations. The grantmaking priorities clearly indicate a preference for organizations assisting individuals with Down syndrome. Geographically, grants are concentrated in Boca Raton, Florida; Los Angeles, California; and San Francisco, California. This geographic focus allows the foundation to concentrate its resources and potentially deepen its impact in specific communities. The foundation's strategic priorities are evidenced by these geographic and programmatic limitations, ensuring that its resources are deployed where they can have the most significant and targeted effect. To be eligible, organizations must qualify as exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applications must be submitted through an online grant application form or an alternative accessible application for assistive technology users, ensuring broad access for potential grantees. The foundation typically does not fund requests for building repairs and improvements or capital projects, which further refines its strategic focus towards programmatic support rather than infrastructure development. This allows the foundation to maximize its impact on direct services and educational initiatives, aligning with its overall mission to enhance individual lives and advance communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to four selected universities and colleges to enhance cybersecurity education and workforce development initiatives, aiming to strengthen the nation's cybersecurity workforce.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to public and nonprofit organizations in Glendale for projects that improve community facilities serving low- and moderate-income individuals, special needs populations, and seniors.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to county governments in Kern and Los Angeles Counties for training programs that prepare workers to safely cap abandoned oil wells, ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations.