California Social Advocacy Grants

This grant provides funding to faith-based organizations in select Bay Area counties to support programs that promote racial and economic equity, civic engagement, and community services for low-income residents and communities of color.

This funding opportunity supports small and mid-sized organizations and individual artists in San Francisco who are connected to historically marginalized communities, helping them sustain their work and remain in the city.

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 provides grants to improve public awareness of the legal system, the administration of justice and the delivery of legal services through distribution of its funds. Donor Name: San Diego County Bar Foundation State: California County: San Diego County (CA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/01/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: By offering an effective means for the legal community to engage in law-related philanthropy, the San Diego County Bar Foundation strengthens the profession by providing lawyers the opportunity to contribute to the quality and benefit of San Diego County. Based on the belief that justice serves as the great equalizer in the society, they ensure access to justice by investing in legal aid and public interest organizations along with expertise, leadership and advocacy. They serve as a leader in the community and a model bar foundation nationwide. They maintain the highest level of commitment to the permanence of the Bar Foundation and its work by building law- related philanthropy. Core Values Access to Justice  Equal access to justice is central to the democratic society, integral to the efficient functioning of the justice system and a critical part of the safety net for the vulnerable in the society. They support the legal and non-legal community through the diligent grant making process and the on-going fundraising efforts in order to create a healthier and stronger community environment. Service – The focus always centers on providing equal access to justice, public awareness and advocacy to the underserved and vulnerable as well as increasing public awareness of these needs through on-going education.  Accountability – They are the conscientious stewards of the Foundation’s funds to ensure that they are put to the best use. The donors and the legal community have confidence in the due diligence process and know that their funds will benefit the designated community partners. The sustainability is guaranteed through the growing endowment.  Integrity – They maintain honesty in word and deed, civility in the interactions and communications, and demonstrate fairness to all. No conflict of interest.  Permanence – They preserve the longevity of the Foundation and ensure the legacy through the continual growth in the endowments. Grant Period Generally, grant awards will be for a period not to exceed one year. Eligibility Criteria  Legal aid and public interest non-profits providing services within the county of San Diego are eligible to apply. Limitations Grants will NOT be made in support of the following: Organizations which are not tax exempt as described in section 509 (a) (1) and 170B (1) (a) of the Internal Revenue Code Religious, Political or lobbying purposes Organizations whose primary function is to allocate funds to other charitable organizations or projects Projects outside of San Diego County Loans. For more information, visit SDCBF.

The Clean Power Alliance provides Community Benefits Grants to organizations working to advance clean energy, green jobs, environmental education and stewardship, and energy equity and diversity in the communities that CPA serves. Donor Name: Clean Power Alliance State: California County: Los Angeles County (CA), Ventura County (CA) 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: Priority Focus Areas The CBG is available to projects and organizations focused on advancing clean energy, sustainability, and resiliency through the following pathways: Research Environmental and Social Justice Communities Workforce Development Education The CPUC identified environmental and social justice communities as those where residents are: Predominantly communities of color or low-income Underrepresented in the policy setting or decision-making process Subject to a disproportionate impact from one or more environmental hazards and Likely to experience disparate implementation of environmental regulations and socioeconomic investments in their communities On the ground, targeted communities typically include but are not limited to: Disadvantaged Communities, located in the most environmentally burdened California census tracts, as determined by the 25 percent highest scores (75th percentile) when using the CalEnviroScreen tool All Tribal lands Low-income households (household incomes below 80 percent of the area median income) and Low-income census tracts (census tracts where aggregated household incomes are less than 80 percent of area or state median income). Funding Information Awards will range from $15,000 to $30,000. Grant Period  One-Year grant. Geographic Areas The CPA service territory: Agoura Hills Hermosa Beach  Sierra Madre  Alhambra  Malibu  Simi Valley  Arcadia  Manhattan Beach  South Pasadena  Beverly Hills  Moorpark  Temple City  Calabasas  Monrovia  Thousand Oaks  Camarillo  Ojai  Unincorporated Los Angeles County  Claremont  Oxnard  Unincorporated Ventura County  Carson  Paramount  Ventura  Culver City  Redondo Beach  West Hollywood  Downey  Rolling Hills Estates  Westlake Village  Hawaiian Gardens  Santa Paula  Whittier  Hawthorne  Santa Monica Eligibility Criteria Eligible applicants must be an IRS-designated 501(c)(3) non-profit organization serving the areas where CPA provides electricity.  Previous Community Benefits Grant recipients are eligible to apply for the 2024-2025 grant cycle. However, previous grant recipients are ineligible to receive funds more than two years in a row.  For more information, visit CPA.

The Latino Restaurant Association is accepting applications for its Helping Latino Restaurant Owners Thrive Grant Program. Donor Name: Latino Restaurant Association State: California, California County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/23/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Latino Restaurant Association provides resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities to help Latino-owned restaurants succeed and grow. The Foundation looking to assist 35 restaurants in South Fresno, Kings, and Tulare counties, focusing on owners of Latino heritage and those who made significant contributions to the Latino community. Eligibility Criteria You are a restaurant owner of Latino heritage and/or have made significant contributions to the Latino Community You own 3 or fewer restaurants making less than $1M a year each You have been in business for more than 3 years You are a business customer of SoCalGas And your restaurant is in South Fresno, Kings and Tulare Counties, CA If you meet all of these criteria requirements, you can apply for the $2,500 restaurant grant! Please do not apply if you do not meet all the eligibility requirements. Document Guideline W9 Form Official photo ID of restaurant owner Annual report or taxes for last 3 years SoCal Gas Commercial Bill (current) Summary of use of funds: How would you use these funds (ie: kitchen equipment, technology upgrades, employee training and bonuses)? How would the funding impact your business in a manner that reflects on your restaurant/community? How do you plan on sustaining funds received in your restaurant? For more information, visit Latino Restaurant Association.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and community groups that support older adults and caregivers in the Japanese American and Japanese-speaking communities of Los Angeles, Orange, and Ventura counties.

The Neighborhood Beautification Grant (NBG) initiative, a component of the City’s Community Partnerships & Engagement Division (CPED), is designed to engage and encourage residents to work with their neighbors on an enhancement and improvement project that promotes healthier, safer, and cleaner neighborhoods, while strengthening community connections and the social fabric within them. Donor Name: City of Salinas State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/26/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The NBG objective is to cultivate healthy and resilient neighborhoods, support engaged and informed residents, stimulate a thriving community, and properly manage shared assets and spaces to achieve a collective impact in the development of neighborhood communities and service delivery strategies to improve the overall quality of life in Salinas. Funding Information To carry on with the program, the City council approved an allocation of funds for beautification projects in the amount of $42,000, to be equally distributed at $6,000 to each Council District and the Mayor’s office Project Criteria Projects submitted should:   Be able to be completed within the grant established timeline.   Promote neighborhood self-help efforts.   Promote neighborhood improvement and beautification.   Provide health and safety benefits as well as improvements for residents.   Have confirmed neighborhood support.  Be visible and accessible to all city residents.  Support a neighborhood need.  Eligibility Criteria Any resident, group, and/or organization with a new or established community project in Salinas is eligible to apply. The group project must focus on beautification, restoration, neighborhood improvements, fostering neighborhood leadership and/or address neighborhood problems. Each group must include at least five volunteers or members to be eligible.   The following groups working on a project that will directly benefit their community are encouraged to apply: Residents   Community-led groups   Advocacy groups   Art organizations   Apartment or community associations   Neighborhood watch groups  For more information, visit City of Salinas.

This program provides funding to local nonprofit organizations that support the social, family, and economic well-being of residents in Claremont, including students of the Claremont Unified School District.

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.

The Strengthening the Sector grants program provides initiative-based support to organizations catalyzing systemic change at the policy level. Donor Name: The Music Man Foundation State: California County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/13/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The grants will support activities such as: advocacy training and tools that build the capacity of individuals to understand and proactively influence issues impacting arts and community vitality, and/or research collection and action plan designed at a scale which have the capacity to impact policy and field-wide practices. Eligibility Criteria To be considered for funding, an organization must: Reflect music within the organization’s efforts, Operate as a non-profit organization, Have been conducting mission-aligned programming since March 2022 or before, Have had at least one paid employee since March 1, 2023 or before, Not have a structural deficit, and Have a service jurisdiction that includes either Los Angeles County, California (statewide), or the United States of America (nationwide). Programs focused on a state that is not California will not be eligible. For organizations that have previously received a grant from The Music Man Foundation, the organization must be in good standing with the Foundation before applying for the Award. Selection Criteria Demonstrated accomplishments in systems change and the capacity for the organization’s programming to create sustainable impacts. Demonstrated understanding of the system the organization seeks to impact and insight as to why the organization is well-positioned to take on this system change. Clear connection between the organization’s initiative(s) and how these lead to system change. Clear description of the organization’s initiative(s) with the initiative’s (intended) participants and timeline. Organization has a clear vision of its future intentions. Organization has capacity to identify and track progress towards key milestones for the organization and the system the organization is impacting. Music is a primary component of the initiative’s efforts. Strategic collaborations and/or partnerships exist and reflect an intentional collaboration that showcase intentional efforts to influence system dynamics. For more information, visit TMMF.

The Bridge Association of REALTORS® Community Foundation Grant financially support essential community programs that address housing, opportunities for the youth and champion diversity within the community. Donor Name: Bridge Association of REALTORS® State: California County: Alameda County (CA), Contra Costa County (CA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Bridge Association of REALTORS® Community Foundation awards grants annually to support essential community programs in the categories of Youth Arts and Education, Senior Services Community Activities, and Workforce Housing and Homeless within Albany, Berkeley, Emeryville, Kensington, Oakland, and Piedmont. Youth Arts & Education Foundation seeks to provide support where the contributions can help equalize opportunities for children of all social and economic backgrounds to programs providing services such as arts and cultural classes and events, public and private education including Special Education programs and those involving food & nutrition programs addressing hunger. Workforce Housing & the Homeless Foundation seeks to provide support to organizations directly benefiting the homeless population and advocacy groups seeking long-term solutions to the housing crisis such as programs involved in affordable housing and those addressing hunger and nutrition issues. Senior Services & Community Activities Foundation seeks to provide support to organizations providing services to seniors for socialization, health-care advice, transportation services, nutritional issues, and support services impacting housing. Funding Information The maximum grant size awarded is $3,500.00. Eligibility Criteria  Requests for grants should be specific in their targeted use for the funds and cannot be used for general funds. Your non-profit organization must have tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) or have a fiscal sponsor that is a tax-exempt entity. Basic criteria include the following: Funds must be used for a specific project/event Your organization’s annual budget must be less than $1,000,000 Your organization must provide services in Alameda or Contra Costa County in the cities of Albany, Berkeley, Emeryville, Kensington, Oakland, and Piedmont. Your request can be to start a new program Your request can be to fund special project-specific salaries and stipends  Your request cannot be to fund regular full or part-time salaries. For more information, visit Bridge Association of REALTORS®.

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 funding opportunity supports California-based organizations that provide mental health and substance use disorder services to vulnerable populations impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The California State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) is seeking applications for Cycle 47 of its Program Development Grants (PDG). Donor Name: California State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) State: California County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/10/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: California’s State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) advocates for, promotes and implements policies and practices designed to achieve self-determination, independence, productivity and inclusion in all aspects of community life for Californians with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families. Its goal and mission are to improve the lives of people with I/DD (PwI/DD) in measurable ways through engaging in and promoting self-advocacy, capacity-building, and systems change. One of the many ways the Council (SCDD) works to achieve its State Plan objectives is by awarding Program Development Grants to community-based organizations to research, develop and/or implement innovative programs and promising or best practices throughout the state and its local communities. 2022 – 2026 State Plan Goals Self-Advocacy By 2026, the Council will maintain and/or increase the number of people with intellectual/developmental disabilities to become strong self-advocates, peer trainers and community leaders. Systems Change/Advocacy By 2026, the Council will lead in partnership with family/self-advocates and others to protect and enhance civil rights to improve community-based systems and be more fully inclusive and supportive of people with intellectual/developmental disabilities and their families. Capacity-Building/Advocacy By 2026, the Council will increase partnerships with and support of more people with intellectual/developmental disabilities and their families, so they know their rights and can advocate for and receive supports and services. Funding Information The Council has approved a total fund of $300,000 to be allocated for one or more Cycle 47 grants. Grant Period: October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025.  Eligibility Criteria The Council will award funding, on a competitive basis, to California-based agencies and organizations that represent and/or serve individuals with intellectual, developmental and/or cross-disabilities. Eligible Applicants include: Local government agencies Non-government organizations Tribal organizations Community-based non-profits Established coalitions that are classified as 501(c)(3) tax exempt under the Internal Revenue Services (IRS) Code For more information, visit SCDD.

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.

The Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment is accepting applications for the California Wildlands Grassroots Fund (Cal Wildlands) to support the heroic efforts of activists to preserve California’s wildlands. Donor Name: Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment State: California County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Cal Wildlands supports conservationists advocating for the permanent protection, including restoration and stewardship, of intact wildlands on both public and private lands to help preserve California’s wilderness and native biological diversity. Cal Wildlands defines “wildlands” as natural habitats, privately or publicly owned, that are (or have the potential to be) permanently preserved through legislation or deed restrictions, and are on a scale necessary to support significant native plant and animal life. Though many of the grantees’ projects are in rural areas, they may also support projects near urban or suburban settings, provided they feature connectivity to larger protected areas and/or are located along critical wildlife corridors. Efforts to advance wildlands and open space protection through county general plans and other local planning mechanisms may be eligible for funding. Cal Wildlands also supports policy advocacy, litigation and regulatory watchdogging at the local, state and federal levels if the project objective is to protect wildlands. Funding Priorities  Requests for discrete, project-specific support in which both the site and strategy are concrete and specific, e.g., saving the River Styx from hydroelectric development by getting stakeholders and community members to a hearing in Sacramento. Geographic or issue areas that have not received significant financial support in the past, including rural communities and other regions without easy access to financial and political support. Community-based advocacy and organizing efforts in which the campaign/project is steered by affected community members and interest groups. Effort is predominantly driven and staffed by volunteers. Project will establish or combat a critical precedent that will influence other wildlands protection efforts. Innovative strategies. Project seeks to build diverse constituencies for wildlands protection and engage non-traditional stakeholders, especially communities of color. Funding Information Typical grants range between $4,000-$7,500. Maximum grant is $10,000. Eligibility Criteria  Because of the complex network of agencies, stakeholders, processes, and programs that affect land and habitat issues in California, wildlands protection efforts are challenging. That is why the Cal Wildlands Fund provides a broad range of support for activists and organizations working to protect wildlands and habitat throughout the state. The Fund supports: Small nonprofit organizations with annual actual expenses and income of $200,000 or less; and Individual activists (with a sponsoring organization) with a solid track record of protecting California’s natural landscapes, ecosystems, plants, and wildlife. Geographic areas and advocacy efforts that have not received significant foundation support. The strategies they support include, but are not limited to the following: Grassroots organizing; organizational capacity building; participation in public meetings and hearings; public education; communications; legislative and regulatory advocacy; media campaigns; lawsuits; listing petitions; conferences and meetings; skills and leadership trainings; restoration and trail maintenance; scientific research, including citizen science; coalition building; and developing partnerships with government agencies, private entities, nonprofit organizations, and communities. The activities they support include, but are not limited to the following: Communications campaigns (including mailings, web-based communications and social media, paid advertising, etc.); strategic campaign planning and implementation; advocacy-related travel or other expenses; research; hiring technical, legal, or scientific experts or consultants; equipment purchase or rental; training; conferences; retreats; monitoring; mapping; and restoration and trail maintenance. Educational activities targeting legislators are allowable, but grant dollars may not be used for lobbying as defined by IRS 501(c)(3). For more information, visit RFCE.

The Rapid Response Fund for Movement Building in California is seeking proposals from frontline social justice organizations that are empowering low-income residents and people of color. With a focus on addressing the impact of COVID-19 and supporting the Movement for Black Lives, priority will be given to small organizations, new grassroots efforts, projects partnering with local organizations, and those aimed at supporting movement building strategies in the Bay Area.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Monterey County to improve their internal operations and effectiveness through various development activities.

The Public-Space Activation Fund (PAF) is a grant opportunity offered by the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs. The grant program aims to fund temporary, creative projects in public spaces within LA City neighborhoods where arts and culture are absent or scarce. The funding levels range from $600 to $45,000, depending on the category and complexity of the proposed projects. The grant is open for monthly submissions from October 2023 to July 2024. Eligible applicants include Los Angeles-based community entrepreneurs, independent artists, cultural activists, nonprofit organizations, and collaborative partnerships under the stewardship of one lead-agent. There are four categories under PAF: Neighborhood Expressions (NE), Arts and Social Wellness (ASW), International Festivals & Intercultural Foods (IFIF), and International Participation And Promotion Projects (IPAPP). Each category has specific requirements and funding ranges. The primary aim of PAF is to activate designated public spaces through creative-connectivity for well-defined audiences. The deadline for applications is July 31, 2024, at 12:00 am. For more information on eligibility requirements and application instructions, prospective applicants are encouraged to refer to the PAF program guidelines available at dcaredesign.org/artsactivate or contact Armando Smith at [email protected] or Ben Espinosa at [email protected].