California Social Advocacy Grants

This grant provides funding and product donations to established nonprofit organizations in specific regions that focus on arts, education, and social welfare to benefit diverse communities.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in the Western United States that implement high-impact, sustainable programs benefiting their communities.

This grant provides funding to U.S.-based nonprofit organizations that promote democracy, education, environmental sustainability, reproductive health, and Jewish community initiatives.

This fund provides financial support to Tribes and non-profit organizations in Northern California to combat the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous peoples through advocacy, research, and community recovery efforts.

This grant provides financial support to local nonprofit organizations in Westlake Village that deliver social services, educational programs, or cultural initiatives to benefit the community.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in California to implement restorative justice programs in correctional facilities, focusing on victim awareness, empathy development, and accountability among incarcerated individuals.

This grant provides funding to organizations that support programs improving the lives of Jewish women and girls, with a focus on addressing their unique cultural and gender-related challenges.

This funding opportunity supports organizations in Northern and Central California that are addressing poverty and promoting racial justice and equitable outcomes for communities of color.

This grant provides funding to organizations that offer trauma-informed services to crime victims, including mental health treatment, case management, and practical support, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the homeless and immigrants.

This grant provides funding to community-based nonprofits in California to enhance trauma-informed and restorative justice programs for incarcerated individuals, supporting their rehabilitation and successful reentry into society.

This funding opportunity supports California-based community organizations that empower youth, particularly those affected by the war on drugs, to engage in civic activities and promote substance use disorder prevention through mentorship and social justice initiatives.

This grant provides financial and in-kind support to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that promote social good, global health, and assistance for military members.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in Sacramento County that promote diversity, equity, and community engagement.

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.

The Community Foundation for Monterey County is offering a grant of $100,000 to $500,000 to support programs and services that increase access to shelter and safety for homeless women on the Monterey Peninsula, with a focus on innovative strategies, emergency assistance, and expansion of emergency/temporary shelter, permanent housing options, and case management services.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and government entities focused on improving safety and wellness through various community services, including mental health, disaster relief, and healthcare accessibility.

Program: CFMC Small Opportunity Grants Program Funder: Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC) Award Details: Grants typically range between $1,000 and $5,000, with larger grants up to $10,000 considered as exceptions. The grant amount can be used to support emerging organizations and ventures, urgent needs, and time-sensitive efforts where a small amount of money will make a difference. The grants are one-time and not ongoing program support. Eligibility: Eligible organizations include 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, fiscally-sponsored organizations, and occasionally other unincorporated public benefit organizations serving Monterey County residents. Fiscal sponsors may submit applications for multiple sponsored groups. Individual organizations within a collaborative applying for a grant may also apply for their own Opportunity Grant as long as it is not for the same project as that of the collaborative. Businesses and individuals are generally not eligible, except for social enterprises associated with a local nonprofit. Application Process: Before submitting an application, it is recommended to review the Opportunity Grant Guidelines and application. A conversation with the program officer prior to submission is highly encouraged. The application process is fairly simple and online. Applications are accepted year-round, and decisions are usually made within two months of submission. Evaluation: A final report is required within one year of receiving the grant. The report should include a narrative evaluation that details how the grant was used, its impact on the organization or community, lessons learned, and next steps. To apply for CFMC Small Opportunity Grants Program or access additional information about eligibility criteria and guidelines, visit their Online Grants Manager at [https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=cfmco](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=cfmco). For any questions or further assistance regarding eligibility or applying with a fiscal sponsor, contact the staff person for the specific grant opportunity or the Grantmaking Coordinator.

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 Diego County Bar Foundation (SDCBF) provides grants with the mission of improving public awareness of the legal system, enhancing the administration of justice, and facilitating the delivery of legal services. This is achieved through the strategic distribution of its funds to legal aid and public interest non-profits operating within San Diego County. The Foundation's core belief is that justice serves as a critical equalizer in society, and it acts as an effective conduit for the legal community to engage in law-related philanthropy, thereby strengthening the profession and benefiting San Diego County. The SDCBF's primary beneficiaries are underserved and vulnerable individuals and communities within San Diego County who require access to legal aid and public interest services. The Foundation aims to achieve equal access to justice, increase public awareness of legal needs, and advocate for those who are marginalized. By investing in these organizations, the SDCBF seeks to create a healthier and stronger community environment by ensuring that legal services are available to those who might otherwise be unable to access them. The Foundation's priorities and focus areas revolve around its core values: Access to Justice, Service, Accountability, Integrity, and Permanence. It diligently supports legal and non-legal communities through its grant-making process and ongoing fundraising efforts. The SDCBF emphasizes service by focusing on equal access to justice, public awareness, and advocacy for the underserved, coupled with ongoing education. Accountability is demonstrated through conscientious stewardship of funds, ensuring that donor contributions benefit designated community partners, with sustainability guaranteed through a growing endowment. Integrity is upheld through honesty, civility, and fairness, maintaining a strict no-conflict-of-interest policy. Permanence is secured by preserving the Foundation's longevity and ensuring its legacy through continuous endowment growth. Expected outcomes include a more equitable justice system, increased public understanding of legal rights and resources, and a strengthened network of legal aid and public interest organizations within San Diego County. Measurable results would involve tracking the number of individuals served by grant recipients, the types of legal services provided, and the impact of these services on the community. The SDCBF's strategic priorities are deeply rooted in its theory of change, which posits that by investing in legal aid and public interest organizations, and by fostering law-related philanthropy, it can ensure access to justice, enhance the legal profession, and contribute to the overall well-being of San Diego County, ultimately serving as a model bar foundation nationwide.

The City of Palo Alto is currently inviting applications for its Emerging Needs Fund (ENF), designed to support nonprofit organizations aiding Palo Alto residents through unexpected or urgent funding requirements. This initiative focuses on alleviating emergency, critical, or emerging human service needs. Priority is given based on the severity of the need, with a portion of funds reserved specifically for emergency situations. Eligible needs range from unforeseen events disrupting essential services to the development or expansion of programs enhancing the quality of life for vulnerable populations. Funding decisions are made based on the immediate need, and organizations may not receive funds more than once within a two-year timeframe. Application deadlines vary with the type of need addressed.