California Youth Grants

The City of San Carlos is offering a Childcare Grant Program, providing funding between $10,000 to $100,000 for local childcare centers, family childcare homes, and non-profit centers to fund capital improvement projects aimed at increasing childcare spaces, particularly for infants and children with special needs, with applications due by October 18, 2024.

Hunter Industries and KidsGardening are working together to offer the Water Wise Garden Grant to support public and charter schools in San Diego County planning to teach about water conservation, water stewardship, and responsible water management through gardening. Donor Name: KidsGardening State: California County: San Diego County (CA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/13/2024 Size of the Grant: Less than $1000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funding Priorities The selection of winners is based on demonstrated need and program impact. KidsGardening considers a variety of factors when determining needs, including: Socioeconomic & Sociodemographic Factors How does the program exist within or engage a community that has been systematically denied resources, whether physical assets and money or representative leadership and community services? Organizations affected by multiple socioeconomic and sociodemographic factors are given priority. Program Funding and Support Does an organization have access to consistent, substantial monetary support or prior grant funding? Or are pre-existing resources (financial or otherwise) limited? Organizations experiencing the latter are given priority. Impact Will grant funding dramatically expand learning opportunities for program participants? Does the intended impact reflect the needs of the community? Organizations working with greater than 50 youth will be given priority. Funding Information In 2025, five elementary schools in San Diego County will be awarded $1,000 in funding and an irrigation supply kit valued at $500. Eligibility Criteria Any public or charter elementary school located in San Diego County serving at least 15 youth is eligible to apply. Applicants must be planning to use the funds to install new or improve an existing youth garden. Organizations: Support, work with, or serve communities with a majority of individuals that are under-resourced (systematically denied resources and opportunities based on race, gender, ethnicity, income level, abilities, geographic location, etc., or currently experiencing hardship such as a natural disaster, etc.) Have fifteen or more youth participate in the garden program. For more information, visit KidsGardening.

This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Mendocino County, California, for projects that enhance arts and culture, support children and youth, promote disaster relief and resilience, foster economic development, protect the environment, and create healthy and inclusive communities.

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.

This grant provides funding to nonprofits in Mendocino County to create enriching outdoor experiences for disadvantaged youth and adults, promoting personal growth, environmental stewardship, and community engagement.

The Community Foundation of Mendocino County is seeking applications for its Charles F. Flinn and Walker B. Tilley Fund for Sustainable Forestry. Donor Name: Community Foundation of Mendocino County State: California County: Mendocino County (CA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/16/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Foundation’s primary purpose is to make grants to nonprofit organizations that are assisting public and small private (non-industrial) forest owners to maintain and enhance the economic, social, and environmental values of Mendocino County’s working forests and rangelands.  Criteria Key activities that will be funded include, but are not limited to: Research and demonstration (including re-measurement of plots). Public and youth education and outreach directed towards learning about using the forests for economic production, not conservation. Education (best management practices). Restoration of forests and watersheds, with a preference to projects related to forest restoration over stream restoration. Removal of invasive species. Mitigation of the impact of forest roads. Fire management (including Tan-Oak management). Fish and wildlife habitat protection and enhancement.  For more information, visit CFMC.

Applicants are invited to apply for the A Blood Bank of the Redwoods Legacy Fund. Donor Name: Community Foundation of Mendocino County State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/16/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Foundation’s goal of the Fund is to create a lasting legacy in the community for the Blood Bank of the Redwoods which has served North Bay communities since 1949. The Fund is administered in partnership with Community Foundation Sonoma County. Uses of Funds Funding may be used for: Salaries or wages that directly relate to the proposed project. Marketing/promotional expenses that directly relate to the proposed project. Stipends or incentives that directly relate to the proposed project. Eligibility Criteria The Community Foundation invites programs from organizations, including educational institutions, that work to increase a stable blood supply through outreach, education, and youth engagement. For more information, visit CFMC.

The County of San Luis Obispo is requesting proposals for the FY 2024 & 2025 Continuum of Care Program competition administered by HUD, and accepting applications for renewal projects, as well as new bonus funding projects. Donor Name: County of San Luis Obispo State: California County: San Luis Obispo County (CA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:09/06/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Continuum of Care (CoC) Program (24 CFR part 578) is designed to promote a communitywide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness; to provide funding for efforts by nonprofit providers, states, Indian Tribes or tribally designated housing entities (THDEs) as defined in section 4 of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4103), and local governments to quickly rehouse homeless individuals, families, persons fleeing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, and youth while minimizing the trauma and dislocation caused by homelessness; to promote access to and effective utilization of mainstream programs by homeless individuals and families; and to optimize self-sufficiency among those experiencing homelessness. The Continuum of Care program seeks to: Promote a communitywide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness; End homelessness by providing funding for efforts to quickly re-house homeless individuals and families while minimizing the trauma and dislocation caused to homeless persons and communities by homelessness; Promote access to and effective utilization of mainstream programs by homeless individuals and families; and Optimize self-sufficiency among individuals and families experiencing homelessness. HUD’s Homeless Policy Priorities Ending homelessness for all persons. Use a Housing First Approach. Reducing Unsheltered Homelessness. Reducing Unsheltered Homelessness. Partnering with Housing, Health, and Service Agencies. Racial Equity. Improving Assistance to LGBTQ+ Individuals. Persons with Lived Experience/Expertise. Building an Effective Workforce. Increasing Affordable Housing Supply. Funding Information Estimated ARD:  $1,337,357 Estimated Tier 1: $1,203,621 Estimated New Bonus Projects:  $121,173 Estimated DV Bonus (New Projects): $173,104  Eligible Activities The CoC Program Competition Grant may be used to fund the following eligible activities: Permanent supportive housing Supportive services (including Coordinated Entry) Rapid re-housing programs Transitional housing Homeless Management Information System (HMIS)  Eligibility Criteria The San Luis Obispo County Continuum of Care will accept project proposals from non-profit organizations. For more information, visit County of San Luis Obispo.

The Korean American Community Foundation of San Francisco (KACF-SF) is now accepting requests for proposals (RFPs) from community-based organizations serving Northern California. Donor Name: Korean American Community Foundation of San Francisco State: California County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: The Korean American Community Foundation of San Francisco (KACF-SF) is committed to building a vibrant Bay Area Korean American community through philanthropy. The grant program supports community-based organizations that are on the frontline to increase the cultural competency and language access of critical programs for the Korean American community. KACF-SF invests in nonprofit organizations on the frontlines to increase cultural competency and language access to programs for the Korean American community in Northern California. Special attention is given to five issue areas: Physical & Mental Health Senior Care & Empowerment Domestic & Family Safety Civic Engagement Youth Empowerment The Foundation is interested in programs that: Deliver critical services to Korean Americans in need Provide greater access to social services by providing language assistance Support regional projects aligned with the grantmaking goals Funding Information Grants up to $50,000. Grant Period Up to 3 years. Eligibility Criteria Community-based organizations serving Northern California are eligible to apply. For more information, visit KACF-SF.

Applicants are invited to apply for the Bothin Foundation Grant Program. Donor Name: Bothin Foundation State: California County: Marin County (CA), San Francisco County (CA), San Mateo County (CA), Sonoma County (CA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/18/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Priorities Building Construction and Renovation  The foundation will fund any contracted labor directly associated with the project. This could include labor for removal or installation of materials or the hiring of expertise needed to complete the project, such as engineers or contractors. The foundation does not fund planning or needs assessments for capital projects. The foundation does not fund staff time for project management. The foundation only supports building renovations for buildings located in San Francisco, Marin, Sonoma, and/or San Mateo counties. Equipment and Furnishing The foundation considers funding furniture, program equipment, and medical equipment purchases. The foundation prioritizes requests to purchase equipment that will be used by or mostly benefit program participants. The foundation does not fund planning or needs assessments for capital projects. Technology The foundation considers funding furniture, program equipment, and medical equipment purchases. The foundation prioritizes requests to purchase equipment that will be used by or mostly benefit program participants. The foundation does not fund planning or needs assessments for capital projects. Vehicles The foundation prioritizes vehicle purchases that transport participants. Insurance, gas, advertising on van (wrap-around printing), and warranties are not covered by grants. Successful Applications  Completed within 12 months Grant fund capital projects that can be completed within 12 months of receiving a grant Durable capital investments Durable capital refers to things that last a long time before needing to purchase again. This could include things like purchasing vehicles, appliances, and computers, or painting buildings and renovating a bathroom. Direct service organization They fund direct service organizations that serve at least 50% disadvantaged children and youth, low-income families with children, and/or people with disabilities. When considering funding programs that exclusively serve those with disabilities, disability status and low-income status are given equal weight. $5,000 – $50,000 Grants in the range of $5,000 – $50,000, based on need. $50,000 is maximum grant size. Eligibility Criteria In order to be eligible for a grant from the Bothin Foundation, applicants must meet ALL of the following criteria: Be a public charity operating under an IRS 501(c)(3) status or be fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) organization; Serve significant numbers of the residents of San Francisco, Marin, Sonoma, and/or San Mateo counties; Provide direct service to disadvantaged children and youth, low-income families with children, and/or people with disabilities; and Have not received a grant from the foundation in the last three full years. Limitations Grants are not made to individuals, religious organizations (except for non-sectarian programs), or K-12 schools that do not exclusively serve children with learning differences and developmental disabilities. The foundation generally does not fund hospitals. Occasionally, it will make exceptions for public and county hospitals and community clinics. The foundation does not fund endowment drives, events, program expenses, general operating expenses, annual appeals, videos, medical research, or scholarships. For more information, visit Bothin Foundation.

Applications are now being accepted for the Possibility Grant Program. Donor Name: Walter and Elise Haas Fund State: California County: Alameda County (CA), Contra Costa County (CA), San Francisco County (CA), San Mateo County (CA), Santa Clara County (CA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/19/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The Possibility Grants are designed and decided by Bay Area Youth (BAY) Community Fellows, youth advisors to the Walter & Elise Haas Fund grantmaking team. Funding Priorities Grants will be made to organizations that are essential to building a more just and equitable society, are actively working to challenge systems of oppression through cultural education, Black liberation values, community-based care, healing, or art in response to current domestic and global political climate, and have an intergenerational lens that uplifts youth. The Fund prioritizes support of small organizations: Working to challenge and dismantle systems of oppression through cultural education, Black liberation values, community based care, healing, or art Fostering intergenerational connections to uplift youth Centering collaboration Seeking a strong intersectional impact in their work. Funding Information Possibility Grants are general operating grants of $100,000 per organization up to $100,000. Grant Period Grant awarded with flexible grant terms of either one or two years. Eligibility Criteria Applying organizations need to be a 501(c)3 entity, or fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)3 entity, to receive grant funds located in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo, or Santa Clara County. For more information, visit Walter and Elise Haas Fund.

The City of Santa Barbara is seeking applications for its Cultural Arts Grants . Donor Name: City of Santa Barbara State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/18/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: As part of its ongoing commitment to a vibrant, sustainable local cultural sector and arts access for all, the City is investing nearly $250,000 into the community through its annual Cultural Arts Grants Santa Barbara-based organizations are invited to apply for any one of the three grant programs: Community Arts, Organizational Development, and Community Events and Festivals. The programs are intended to provide arts access for underserved communities, support diverse nonprofits, and catalyze events and festivals that enhance local economic and community vitality.  Community Arts (CA) Grants: Encouraging projects and programs uplifting arts opportunities for underserved communities and youth and helping to ensure arts access for all members of Santa Barbara’s community. Maximum funding request: up to $6,000 Organizational Development (OD) Grants: Supporting nonprofit arts organizations’ capacity and performance, enhance audience reach, and increase earned income. Embracing a variety of arts organizations, including multicultural and neighborhood arts. Maximum funding request: up to $15,000 Community Events & Festivals (EF) Grants: Incubating events and festivals that contribute to the city’s cultural vitality and promotion. Maximum funding request: up to $15,000 Eligibility Criteria To be eligible, applicants must have nonprofit 501c3 status or a nonprofit fiscal sponsor and attend a mandatory informational workshop.  For more information, visit City of Santa Barbara.

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.

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.

The City of Oakland is accepting applications for its 2025 Neighborhood Voices for Festivals Grant Program. Donor Name: City of Oakland State: California County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/22/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: This grant opportunity amplifies the cultural expressions, stories, and heritage found within Oakland’s neighborhoods and their community members who historically have not received equitable investments of resources or recognition. Festivals supported by this grant opportunity must be in-person Oakland arts and cultural activities that are free and open to the public. This grant is festivals that are one- or multi-day events, that generally occur one time per year, and is not intended to fund ongoing programming. If you are conducting a single standing event, such as a performance or concert, this would not qualify as a festival. Applications from the following are encouraged: Festivals that lift-up the cultural identity of a people or the historical significance of a neighborhood; Racial/ethnic-specific communities or other types of communities that are under-recognized or lack visibility in Oakland; Festivals in neighborhoods with few formal cultural resources (such as, cultural centers, performance venues, art galleries, cultural education programs, etc.); and Partners who are deeply grounded and engaged in the neighborhood where the festival is based. Funding Information Applicants may request up to 50% of the projected expenses for the festival, not to exceed $14,000. The following changes are being implemented for 2025: Applicants may request up to 50% of the projected expenses for the festival, not to exceed  $14,000 (max amount may increase depending on City budget outcomes) Festivals must take place within the calendar year of 2025, between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025 Eligibility Criteria  Proof of Residency: Applicant organizations must be based in Oakland at the time of the application and maintain Oakland residency throughout the grant period. Applicants must submit proof of organization’s residency by submitting a recent copy of one of the following: utility bill (landline phone, PG&E, water, or cable bill), rental lease, or mortgage documentation. P.O. Box is not acceptable. Registered Non-Profit & Good Standing with State Agencies: CA Secretary of State Business Search: Applicant or their Fiscal Sponsor must be a registered nonprofit IRS 501c3 status with a street address in Oakland. In addition, the legal name of the organization must match the name provided in the California Secretary of State website and be listed as “Active.” Attorney General Registry of Charitable Trust: Applicant or their Fiscal Sponsor must be in “Current” standing with the Office of the Attorney General’s Registry of Charitable Trusts. Federal Regulation Compliance: Applicants must comply with all federal regulations pertaining to federal grant recipients by meeting the provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1963; Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; Americans with Disabilities Act and Age Discrimination Act of 1975. Evidence of Insurance: Once the grant is awarded, organizations must show evidence of: General Commercial Liability insurance, $2M per occurrence ($1M reduction request available); Workers Compensation insurance, $1M per occurrence (if organization has employees); Auto insurance, $1M per occurrence (if applicable); and Abuse and Sexual Molestation Insurance, $1M per occurrence (if working with vulnerable populations, which include but are not limited to: youth under the age of 18, the unhoused community, people with developmental disabilities, Alzheimer’s, Dementia) Arts & Culture Focus: Organizations that are not primarily arts and/or cultural providers are eligible only if this will be an arts and cultural festival. Sporting events, Conferences, Symposiums and Summits are not eligible for this grant opportunity. For more information, visit City of Oakland.

The California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) is excited to announce the Youth Community Access Program to expand outdoor access and build a healthier California. Donor Name: California Natural Resources Agency State: California County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/14/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: YEPEITA funds appropriated to the California Natural Resources Agency (the State) are to be used for competitive grants to support youth access to natural or cultural resources with a focus on low-income and disadvantaged communities. The grants may include, but are not limited to,  community education and recreational amenities to support youth substance use prevention and early intervention. The Youth Community Access Grant Program is a competitive program to award grants to communities disproportionately affected by past federal and state drug policies, also known as the War on Drugs, as well as other underserved communities. The Youth Community Access Grant Program aims to be a resource to address and repair the multi-generational community impacts of the War on Drugs. Funding Priorities Projects containing one or more of the following elements will be given priority consideration in funding decisions: Projects in which youth participate in project planning, decision making, facilitation, and evaluation Projects in which youth participate in outreach and awareness campaigns Projects that empower youth to make healthy choices Projects that empower youth to make healthy choices Funding Information The maximum award for an individual project is $300,000. The minimum award is $25,000. Eligibility Criteria Eligible applicants include local, state, and federal agencies; nonprofit organizations; and federally recognized Native American tribes. Nonprofit organizations are defined as any nonprofit public benefit corporation that is formed pursuant to the Nonprofit Corporation Law, incorporated for a minimum of two years, qualified to do business in California, and qualified as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization under the US Internal Revenue Code. Requirements To be eligible for funding, projects must meet ALL the following program requirements: Project must serve youth. For the purposes of this program, youth is defined as a person between the ages of birth and 26 years old. Project must directly support youth access to either natural or cultural resources. Project must include design features and program elements to promote youth health, safety, well-being, and comfort. For more information, visit CNRA.

The Community Foundation for Monterey County offers grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to support initiatives that increase awareness, promote acceptance, and improve the quality of life for the LGBTQ+ community in Monterey County, CA, with a focus on arts and culture, education, civil rights, health, mental health, organizational capacity building, and programs for youth and seniors.

The Community Fund for Carmel Valley seeks to support nonprofit organizations that have the leadership and capacity to provide important community resources and services in Carmel Valley and Cachagua communities. Donor Name: Community Fund for Carmel Valley State: California City: Carmel Valley Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/02/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Priority is given to the following types of requests: Community Development: Build community, improve infrastructure and meet local needs Youth & Seniors: Expand youth and/or senior programming and services Resident Programs: Support education, cultural and historical programs  Special consideration will be given to grant applications addressing: Organizations currently providing services directly located in Carmel Valley/Cachagua, with ease of access for residents Basic needs of Carmel Valley/Cachagua residents (food/housing security, youth programs, etc.) Emergency Prevention and/or Response related to: Fire/Disaster needs (e.g., Neighborhood organizing, education for disaster preparedness, etc.) Eligibility Criteria Grants will be considered for projects and programs serving Carmel Valley and Cachagua communities. 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations Public programs (schools, parks, public health, etc.) Church-sponsored activities with benefit beyond their own membership Organizations and collaboratives that are not legally incorporated—for these, CFMC requires an agreement with a “Fiscal Sponsor” defined as a tax exempt 501(c)3 organization accountable for financial management of the grant. Organization may only submit one application. However, if an organization is serving as a fiscal sponsor for a collaborative or unincorporated group, they can also apply for a grant to benefit their organization. For more information, visit CFMC.

The Fleishhacker Foundation is seeking applications for its Small Arts Grants Program. Donor Name: Fleishhacker Foundation State: California County: Alameda County (CA), Contra Costa County (CA), San Francisco County (CA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Fleishhacker Foundation’s Small Arts Grants Program supports: arts and culture nonprofit organizations with annual budgets between $100,000 and $749,999 in San Francisco, Alameda, and Contra Costa counties; fiscally sponsored arts and culture organizations with annual budgets under $750,000 in these counties; and  film projects directed by filmmakers residing in these counties with budgets under $750,000, that meet the eligibility criteria below.  General support grants are flexible and may be used for operations, staffing, facilities, health and safety compliance, artists’ compensation, rehearsals, performances, presentations, exhibitions, and other administrative, program, or production costs at the grantee’s discretion. Funding Information Grants in this program now range from $5,000 to $10,000 and will usually be closer to $5,000.  Eligibility Criteria An arts and culture organization incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (including fiscal sponsors applying on behalf of a sponsored arts group or filmmaker). Located and primarily offering programming in San Francisco, Alameda, or Contra Costa counties. Able to demonstrate an artistic presence in the Bay Area for at least three years. Planning to produce and present new work by Bay Area artists in the disciplines of dance, music, theater, visual arts, interdisciplinary arts, or film between May 15, 2024 and April 15, 2025. Of an annual budget size between $100,000 and $749,999 during the time period above (or applying with a fiscal sponsor with an annual operating budget greater than $100,000 during this time; there is no upper limit for fiscal sponsors’ annual budgets). An organization that financially compensates artists for their work. An organization that evidences strong support from the community and its Board of Directors. Not eligible are: Organizations that applied to the Fleishhacker Foundation for funding consideration during its fall 2023 review cycle, whether or not they received support, except for fiscal sponsors applying on behalf of multiple groups. Organizations that are primarily performance venues, exhibition spaces, presenters, or film festivals that do not produce their own work. Organizations and groups with more than 50% of their annual expense budgets directed toward educational programs, youth training in the arts, youth ensembles and performances, exhibitions of youth artwork, and/or productions designed for youth. Organizations and groups whose primary purpose is to present historical works by artists that are no longer living. Organizations and groups whose fundamental purpose or benefit is primarily social services, health, youth, or community development fields. Individual artists. For more information, visit Fleishhacker Foundation.

Marin Charitable provides funds to nonprofit organizations with youth-oriented programs or projects proactively addressing the needs of middle and high school aged youth (approx. age 11-18), who have limited opportunities and reside in Marin County. Donor Name: Marin Charitable State: California County: Marin County (CA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Marin Charitable prefers to fund small-budgeted, grassroots programs. Marin Charitable provides grants to non-profit organizations that offer critical support, education and enrichment for middle and high school aged youth in Marin County who have limited opportunities. Funding Information Marin Charitable currently provides grants of up to but not exceeding, $7,500. Applicants will be evaluated on the following criteria: Relevance of program to Marin Charitable’s mission. Capability of applicant to facilitate program. Direct Impact: ability of applicant to ensure children with limited resources are receiving grant. funds For more information, visit Marin Charitable.