California Private Grants

The Zellerbach Family Foundation is accepting applications for the Community Arts grant, offering $5,000 to $15,000 to underfunded artists and arts organizations in Alameda, Contra Costa, and San Francisco Counties, California, who engage in diverse, community-focused art projects within specified disciplines and maintain an annual budget under $2 million.

The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County accepting applications for grants to support individuals striving for self-sufficiency and who are in need of transitional assistance to overcome a short-term or one-time barrier. Donor Name: The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County State: California County: San Luis Obispo County (CA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Through a testamentary gift, former Mayor of the City of San Luis Obispo, Ron Dunin, and his wife Helen established an endowment to help people who are attempting to help themselves. As immigrants, the Dunins were fortunate to receive help and support during critical times in their lives. Their goal by creating the fund was to give back to the community and assist San Luis Obispo county residents in need. Funding Criteria Organizations with regular/ongoing contact with target populations as part of usual program work, ideally in a “case management” relationship Demonstrated ability to administer and monitor a hardship assistance fund Ability of organization to maximize amount of grant to be used in direct assistance (low indirect administration rate), and complement, not supplant, existing services Organization is able to leverage existing infrastructure and capacity to administer the program Funding Information The maximum grant award will be $5,000. Grant Period  One year. Funding Priorities One-time assistance that will make a big difference in removing a barrier or hurdle to self-sufficiency, targeted to individuals who have demonstrated their attempt to help themselves One-time assistance provided for “a leg up,” rather than short-term impact or ongoing needs Assistance for as many individuals/families as possible while providing sufficient support to overcome the barrier Assistance which fills a gap in the support network and does not supplant other existing funding Eligibility Criteria  The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County supports charitable organizations whose programs primarily benefit San Luis Obispo County residents. An organization must have a current tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service under Section 501(c)(3) and/or 509(a)1 or a current memorandum of understanding outlining fiscal sponsorship partnership to apply. All grant proposals will be reviewed and all applying agencies will be notified within the outlined timeline. Exclusions The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County does not make grants to/for: Individuals Organizations that discriminate on the basis of age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, race or religion. Fraternal Organizations, unless in support of a specific program open to or benefiting the entire community. Governmental Organizations. Indirect Administrative costs greater than 15% of the awarded funds (indirect administrative funds are defined as office supplies and do not include staff time). Fundraising events such as annual campaigns, walk-a-thons, tournaments, fashion shows, auctions or dinners. Organizations with religious affiliations unless the program is open to the entire community without regard to religious beliefs. Organizations and programs designed to elect candidates to public office. Organizations located outside San Luis Obispo County unless for a specific program benefiting residents of-and conducted within-San Luis Obispo County. Pay off past debts or existing obligations. Endowment funds. Scholarships, fellowships, travel grants and technical or specialized research. For more information, visit Community Foundation SanGRant Luis Obispo County.

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 Community Project Grants program supports the exemplary artistic, cultural, and arts educational projects and programs of arts and cultural organizations in Long Beach. Donor Name: Arts Council for Long Beach State: California City: Long Beach Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/14/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Through the Community Project Grants program, the Arts Council for Long Beach partners with arts and cultural organizations. Various goals help guide programming and funding, including the following: To encourage innovative, creative, diverse, and unique programming To support arts and cultural projects that meet community needs and identify audiences To support local organizations that have a successful track record of delivering programs that are well-planned and managed effectively To encourage programs that reflect the rich cultural diversity of the community. Funding Information Community Project Grants awarded with award amounts range from $1,000 to $6,000. Eligibility Criteria  Applicants must be a nonprofit organization or non-incorporated organization working in partnership with a fiscal receiver/fiscal sponsor and meet the goals of this grant category. For more information, visit ACLB.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and government units for programs that enhance community facilities, health, education, and overall well-being in San Bruno, California.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to tribal governments, nonprofits, and educational institutions for solar energy projects that enhance energy independence and benefit low-to-moderate income communities.

The California Fire Foundation supports projects that actively address wildfire preparedness and/or prevention needs, which protect and enhance the public’s safety or the safety of California’s firefighters and other first responders. Donor Name: California Fire Foundation (CFF) State: California County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: California-based fire departments, firefighter associations, federally-recognized tribes, and local nonprofit organizations encouraged to apply! Focus Areas Vegetation Mitigation & Fuels Reduction Efforts. Education, Planning and/or Community Outreach Campaigns. Personal Protective Equipment or Specialized Firefighting Equipment Purchases. In this cycle, funding priority will be given to applicants whose climate-caused wildfire or other disaster prevention or preparedness projects serve under-resourced communities at heightened risk and/or socially vulnerable populations, including low-income/impoverished, minority status, limited English proficiency, disability, and seniors/older adults, to name a few, with particular emphasis given to those serving areas of heightened fire risk. Funding Information Requested amount should not exceed $25,000. Requests outside of this range will be considered on an as-needed basis. Grant Period Projects are typically expected to be completed within 12 months of receiving funds, if awarded. Eligibility Criteria  Applicant must be a California-based fire department, firefighter association or a nonprofit organization. Other groups may apply when doing so in collaboration with one of the three above-referenced entities, including fiscal agents; Fire departments serving and firefighter associations representing the same community, or whose personnel/members serve the same geographic region, are eligible to individually apply for funding; Project must benefit communities in California, with priority given to disinvested communities and historically marginalized populations located in high-threat areas; Requested amount should not exceed $25,000 (requests outside of this range will be considered on an as-needed basis); CFF does not require matching funds; and Funding decisions are generally communicated several weeks after the application window closes. For more information, visit CFF.

Strategy Grants support projects that align with the foundation's goals of fostering thriving youth and families, promoting racial equity, building a just economy, and ensuring healthy ecosystems. Prioritized are proposals that address multiple goals, increase equity, and support vulnerable communities, particularly those led by or supporting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Eligible projects can receive general operating, capital support, capacity building, or programmatic support. Average grants range from $15,000 to $25,000, with a focus on organizations serving Curry, Del Norte, Humboldt, and Trinity Counties.

This grant provides financial support to public agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations for the preservation and interpretation of historic sites along the Route 66 corridor, with a focus on underrepresented communities.

This grant provides financial support to citrus growers in select California counties to implement sustainable farming practices that improve soil health, enhance climate resilience, and promote environmental stewardship, with a focus on assisting socially disadvantaged farmers, women, and veterans.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit and government organizations in California to develop or improve community resilience hubs that help prepare for and respond to climate-related emergencies, particularly in disadvantaged and vulnerable communities.

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.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and government entities in Long Beach that are focused on addressing learning loss and improving the mental health of youth and young adults affected by the pandemic.

The Siembra Latinos Fund (SLF), an affiliate fund of the Community Foundation for Monterey County, is accepting applications to bring positive change to Latino communities in Monterey County. Donor Name: Siembra Latinos Fund State: California County: Monterey County (CA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/02/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funding will be considered for the following types of requests: Program Support: for the expansion or refinement of existing programs, new programs that show the promise of impact and sustainability, and support for emergency or special circumstances. Operating Support: unrestricted grants to organizations that have a proven track record of community benefit.  Eligibility Criteria Siembra Latinos grants are open to 501© nonprofit organizations and public agencies serving Monterey County residents, predominantly Latino residents. All organizations applying for a grant must be current on reporting obligations for past CFMC grants. Only one application per grant cycle will be considered. Only one Siembra Latinos grant per organization will be awarded each calendar year. Organizations or collaborative projects that are not legally incorporated may partner with a tax-exempt, 501(c)3 organization which will serve as the fiscal sponsor for the proposed grant. The fiscal sponsor must agree to be accountable to the CFMC for the programmatic and financial outcomes of the grant and have a signed agreement with the sponsored group verifying the terms of the arrangement. For more information, visit CFMC.

The Joseph H. Stahlberg Foundation awards grants to organizations that are engaged in medical, psychiatric, or psychological research and not associated with a particular religion. Donor Name: Joseph H. Stahlberg Foundation State: California County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Program Area Health Grantmaking Priorities Preference may be given to research related to dementia, autism, or Alzheimer’s disease. Funding Information Average grant size: $15,000 to $30,000 Average total giving per year: $115,000 Requirements To be eligible, organizations must qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applications must be submitted through the online grant application form or alternative accessible application designed for assistive technology users. For more information, visit Wells Fargo.

This grant provides funding to community organizations in Livermore Valley for projects that support underserved populations, including youth, veterans, and seniors, while promoting diversity and sustainable improvements in the area.

The Donaldson Foundation dedicates its efforts to making a positive impact in communities where Donaldson Company employees reside, focusing on supporting educational initiatives. It extends grant invitations exclusively to applications with an educational aim, scrutinizing each based on criteria such as educational focus, the need of beneficiaries, impact, sustainability, and connection to communities near company locations. Eligible recipients are required to be IRS-recognized tax-exempt entities. Funding is available in the Twin Cities and several U.S. locations where Donaldson has significant operations, with grants reaching up to $20,000. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual Cycle 2 deadline: January 15th

This grant provides $5,000 to nonprofit organizations in Southern California that support underserved Asian and Pacific Islander communities by enhancing their workforce capacity and operational stability.

This grant provides funding for full-time graduate students in the Western U.S. to collaborate with their academic advisors and local producers on projects that promote sustainable agriculture through research and education.

- Qualified fiscal sponsors, such as social service agencies or medical providers, must apply on behalf of clients who are Humboldt County residents in need of health and wellness support. - Grants support women, trans men, and children facing crisis situations and are limited to a one-time basis per household per 365-day period. - The maximum request amount is $150, with additional funding considered based on available funds. - Applications must be complete and submitted by Thursday at 12:00 pm for consideration at the committee meeting the following Tuesday. - Eligible expenses include appliances, baby/child necessities, birth certificates, clothing, home repairs, immigration fees, laptops for school/work/telehealth, overdue bills, propane, and vehicle-related costs. Note: The fund cannot pay for expenses already incurred (with the exception of overdue bills), and decisions are contingent upon funding criteria and availability.