California Private Grants

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Monterey County, California, that aim to improve the well-being of individuals and families, promote cultural activities, and enhance community services.

The Towbes Fund for the Performing Arts, administered by the Santa Barbara Foundation, aims to support qualifying performing arts nonprofit organizations in furthering their missions by providing quality performing arts opportunities. Grants of up to $15,000 will be awarded to organizations that seek to produce, present, and preserve exceptional works from various artistic traditions, ensuring participation reflects the demographic diversity of Santa Barbara County. Priority is given to organizations that demonstrate a sustained or increased demand for the performing arts, are working to expand organizational capacity, show cultural competence, and work to dismantle barriers preventing access to arts for low-income and marginalized populations. Funding can be used for general operating, program-specific support, expansion of existing programs, pilot programs, and collaborative efforts.

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®.

Applicants are invited to apply for the California Clean Air Day Microgrant Program. Donor Name: California Clean Air Day State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details:   Uses of Funds Uses of the funds include supplies for events (food, tables & chairs, refreshments), marketing expenses, city permit costs, materials for activities (shovels/tools, giveaways, educational materials), etc. Categories  There is no limit to what can be done as long as the project meets the 4 requirements stated above, and that the groups submitting this application must include at least two organizations (the lead organization and partners), and the lead organization and its partners must fall into different categories as follows: Category A: City, County, Schools, or other Government Agency manager, official or representative Category B: A health care provider (public or private) Category C: An established community organization, including Indigenous Tribes Category D: A business organization (chamber of commerce, economic development agency, business improvement district, etc.) or a small business. Category E: Labor Unions Funding Information  Funding of up to $1,000 Eligible Projects To be eligible for funding, the local project must occur on or within the seven days prior to California Clean Air Day. The local project must 1) raise awareness of Clean Air Day, 2) contribute to cleaning the air or encourage participants to take actions that will clean the air, and 3) successfully engage at least 100 participants/attendees. For more information, visit California Clean Air Day.

The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County is accepting applications for its Growing Together: An LGBTQ Fund. 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: The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County established the Growing Together Fund in 2001, an initiative to address the needs of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, and intersex (LGBTQI) community by providing grants, raising community awareness throughout San Luis Obispo County, and through promoting philanthropy. An LGBTQ+ Fund will prioritize one-year grants to 501c3 organizations in San Luis Obispo County who have or are implementing programs that: Demonstrate strategies to reach out to, involve, and center queer and trans people of color (QTPOC). In San Luis Obispo County, Queer and Trans People of Color (abbreviated QTPOC) face higher levels of discrimination than white queer or trans people. This is often the result of facing multiple levels of minority stress, such as those imposed by multiple systems of oppression: racism, sexism, classism, heterosexism, and cissexism. This leads to greater issues of access, equity, and inclusion and more concerning statistics related to physical and mental health, such as depression, anxiety, and substance use. The Growing Together Fund recognizes the significance of these intersecting variables within our San Luis Obispo community and aims to support creative initiatives and strategies that reach out to, involve, and move QTPOC from the margins to the center. Focus on advancing medical and mental health care for transgender and nonbinary people. Transgender and nonbinary people face numerous health disparities as well as stigma, discrimination, and lack of access to culturally competent care in comparison to cisgender people. These disparities are large, persistent, and increasing — many of them caused by barriers set up at all levels of our society. The Growing Together Fund recognizes the need to advance our San Luis Obispo community in supporting and advancing medical and mental health care for transgender and nonbinary people and aims to support efforts that: Identify health disparities within their organizations Change and implement new policies, programs, systems, environments, and practices to reduce inequities Evaluate and monitor efforts using short and long-term measures for structural change, including reassessment strategies with attention to process and outcomes, and continued action planning. Create queer spaces in currently unserved areas of the county. LGBTQ+ people need LGBTQ+ affirming community spaces, which promote increased feelings of safety and community connectedness, but more of these spaces are needed within San Luis Obispo County. Research suggests that community connectedness is a resilience factor associated with perceived social support and beliefs that we live in a just society. Community connectedness also serves as a buffer against the deleterious effects of minority stressors on mental health within LGBTQ+ populations. The Growing Together Fund recognizes the need to advance and develop queer spaces in underserved areas of our county and aim to support efforts that: Expand resources for local organizations to create physical spaces to improve community connectedness for LGBTQ+ people Provide assistance in the development of new and sustainable support, social, or wellness groups that provide queer space where resources are lacking, or a need has been indicated. Funding Information Amount Available to Award: 3-4 Grants of $5,000 Grant Period  One year. 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) 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 based on 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 San Luis Obispo County.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and government agencies that provide services to enhance the quality of life and independence of seniors aged 60 and older living on the western slope of El Dorado County, California.

The El Dorado Community Foundation is seeking applications for its GIVE Tahoe Grant to support nonprofits who work for and within the South Lake Tahoe Area. Donor Name: El Dorado Community Foundation State: South Lake Tahoe City: South Lake Tahoe Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/16/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The GIVE Tahoe Grant is open to all nonprofits, agencies and schools serving the residents and communities of South Lake Tahoe. Proposals of up to $5,000 will be considered.  This grant does not have a specific focus allowing the opportunity to respond to most important needs. Requirements Any nonprofit organization or school serving the South Lake Tahoe Area in either the capacity of community or education. Travel expenses are not funded. Pass-through Grants will not be funded.  Please do not make a request that ultimately re-grants monies to other organizations. If a non-profit received a 2023 grant, the final report for that grant must be submitted by May 15, 2024 for consideration of a new grant idea during this cycle. All non-profits must be in good standing with federal and state agencies. For more information, visit El Dorado Community Foundation.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and community programs in the West Region to support initiatives in conservation, K-12 STEM education, and military and veterans services, benefiting youth and underserved populations.

The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) provides the Farm and Ranch Solid Waste Cleanup and Abatement Grant Program to help clean up and prevent illegal dumping on farm or ranch property. Donor Name: California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) State: California County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/09/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Farm or ranch property need not have active sales or production, but shall be appropriately zoned, or otherwise authorized for agricultural activities. Farm or ranch property includes appurtenant easements or right-of-ways such as, but not limited to, public roads and utilities. Funding Information $1,000,000 available for each fiscal year. Up to $200,000 is the maximum available per applicant per fiscal year (FY). $50,000 is the maximum available per cleanup site. Eligibility Criteria  Cities Counties Resource Conservation Districts Federally Recognized Tribes. For more information, visit CalRecycle.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations focused on improving the well-being of senior citizens in Escondido by addressing issues like elder fraud prevention, social isolation, and access to basic needs.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Napa County that deliver essential services to working families and vulnerable populations facing increased needs and reduced public funding.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in El Dorado County for programs and improvements that directly benefit the local veteran community.

This initiative provides financial and technical support to individuals and organizations in Hayward, California, for community-driven projects that promote education, sustainability, economic development, and health.

This grant provides funding for nonprofit organizations in Gilroy and surrounding South County areas to support impactful projects in various fields, including education, health, and the environment.

The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is providing the California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program. Donor Name: California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) State: California County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/23/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The Foundation’s purpose of the California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program (CSNSGP) is to provide funding support for target hardening and other physical security enhancements to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk for violent attacks and hate crimes due to ideology, beliefs, or mission. Grant Period  December 1, 2024 – December 31, 2026. Funding Information Total Amount Available for Solicitation: $76,000,000 Maximum Allowed per Applicant: $250,000 per location for a total of $500,000. Project Activity Guidelines Proposals will be considered by Cal OES for eligibility based on the evaluation criteria identified in Part III. Allowable categories of cost under the CSNSGP are Planning, Equipment, Training, Construction/Renovation, Contracted Security, Management and Administration (M&A), and Support Services. The following is a brief description of examples of costs associated with each of these categories: Planning  Funding may be used for security or emergency planning expenses, continuity of operations plan, and other planning activities, including the materials required to conduct planning activities. Planning must be related to the protection of the facility and the people within the facility and should include those with access and functional needs, as well as those with limited English proficiency. Examples of planning activities allowable under this Program include: Development and enhancement of security plans and protocols; Emergency contingency plans; and Evacuation/Shelter-in-place plans. Equipment  Allowable costs are focused on target hardening and physical security enhancements. Funding can be used for the acquisition and installation of security equipment on real property (including buildings and improvements) owned or leased by the nonprofit organization, specifically in the prevention of and/or protection against the risk of a terrorist attack.  Examples of equipment allowable under this Program include: Physical security enhancement equipment, including, but not limited to reinforced doors and gates, and high-intensity lighting and alarms; Inspection and screening systems, and access control; Any other security enhancement consistent with the purpose of the CSNSGP. Training  Funding may be used for training-related costs and apply to the nonprofit’s employees or members/congregants to receive on-site security training. Training activities using CSNSGP funds must address a specific threat and/or vulnerability, as identified in the Proposal. Examples of training costs allowable under this Program include: Attendance fees for training; and Related expenses such as materials and/or supplies.  No personnel costs, such as overtime and backfill costs, associated with attending training courses are allowable. Travel costs are not eligible.  Construction or Renovation  Construction or Renovation is allowed under this Program. Construction or Renovation activities should be done in support of target hardening activities and is limited to $100,000. Equipment installation is not considered construction or renovation.  All Construction or Renovation activities must comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Applicants must provide a breakdown of construction-related costs. Contracted Security  Contracted security personnel are allowed under this Program. The Applicant must be able to sustain this capability in future years without CSNSGP funding. CSNSGP funds may not be used for training and equipment for contracted security. Funding for contracted security cannot exceed fifty percent (50%) of the amount requested. Management & Administration (M&A)  Applicants that receive a subaward under this Program may use and expend up to five percent (5%) of their funds for M&A activities. This cost consists of hiring full-time or part-time staff or contractors/consultants.  Support Services  Applicants that receive a subaward under this Program may use and expend up to five percent (5%) of their funds for Support Services activities. This cost consists of providing support services to another nonprofit organization or a cluster of other nonprofit organizations for the following:  Vulnerability Assessments Security trainings Mass notification alert systems Monitoring and response systems Lifesaving emergency equipment. Eligibility Criteria Restricted to California nonprofit organizations that are described under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (IRC) and exempt from tax under Section 501(a) of such code. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) does not require certain organizations such as churches, mosques, and synagogues to apply for and receive recognition of exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRC. Such organizations are automatically exempt if they meet the requirements of Section 501(c)(3). For more information, visit Cal OES.

The San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority, a regional government agency, allocates funds for restoring and enhancing wetland and wildlife habitats along the San Francisco Bay shoreline. Grants exceeding $1 million are available for projects lasting up to five years, with a deadline of September 20, 2024. Eligible projects must be located within the nine Bay Area counties—Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma—and align with priorities outlined in Measure AA. These priorities include maximizing positive environmental impacts, ensuring geographic distribution, leveraging additional resources, and benefiting economically disadvantaged communities. The Authority funds various project phases, including planning, construction, and scientific studies, provided they support habitat restoration, flood management, or public access initiatives. Projects must meet specific criteria related to improving water quality, enhancing wildlife habitats, providing flood protection, and improving public access. Eligible applicants include federal, state, and local agencies, tribal governments, nonprofits, and shoreline parcel owners in the San Francisco Bay Area. For more information, visit the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority website.

The Santa Barbara Foundation is offering the Towbes Fund for the Performing Arts Grant, ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, to nonprofit organizations in Santa Barbara County, California, that aim to enhance the performing arts sector by addressing demand, promoting cultural competence, and dismantling barriers for marginalized communities, with the grant being used for general operations, program support, and expansion of existing or pilot programs.

Friends of Seniors, a fund of the El Dorado Community Foundation, will be awarding a total of up to $15,000 in grants to El Dorado County nonprofits that support the wellness, life enrichment, dignity and independence of Seniors (60+) residing on the WESTERN slope of El Dorado County. Donor Name: El Dorado Community Foundation State: California County: El Dorado County (CA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/16/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Requirements This Grant is open to all nonprofits and government agencies serving seniors residing on the WESTERN slope of El Dorado County. Organizations that received grant funding in 2023 are not eligible to apply again until 2025. For more information, visit El Dorado Community Foundation.

The Silicon Valley Community Foundation is accepting proposals for its 2024 Community Action Grants. Donor Name: Silicon Valley Community Foundation State: California County: San Mateo County (CA), Santa Clara County (CA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/06/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: SVCF’s Community Action Grants Program was established in response to recommendations from the community partners. Using a racial justice and equity lens, the Community Action Grants Program identifies and supports organizations across issue areas that foster creativity and help build the community’s power to promote an equitable, economically secure and vibrant Silicon Valley. Focus Areas This application is open to organizations engaged in the following focus areas: Arts and Culture Capacity-Building and Leadership Investment Environment Faith and Neighborhoods Health Local Journalism Movement– and Power-Building Applicant Criteria SVCF supports organizations led by people of color and allied organizations that prioritize community-based solutions. As such, organizations led by people of color and allied organizations are highly encouraged to apply. Organizations applying should have a clear focus on racial justice and a plan to center the community they are serving in leadership, design and implementation of programs. This RFP will only consider funding organizations with annual budgets under $3 million. Additional preference will be given to organizations with budgets under $1.5 million. Eligibility Requirements Geographic Requirement Organizations must serve San Mateo and/or Santa Clara counties. Organizations headquartered outside the two-county region may apply but should demonstrate significant service to these areas or partner with a local organization that does. Entity Eligibility Organizations with a 501(c)(3) designation, those that have a fiscal sponsor with a 501(c)(3) designation, public agencies, collaborations of nonprofit and public agencies, or other entities that have a designated charitable purpose will be considered. Equal Opportunity Organizations must not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, citizenship status, creed, religion, religious affiliation, age, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status or any other protected status. Religious Affiliations Organizations with religious affiliations will be considered for funding only if the project for which they seek support addresses the needs of the wider community without regard to religious beliefs. Organization Budget Organizations with current fiscal year (FY) budgets under $3 million are eligible for funding. Budgets for FY 2024 or FY 2024-2025 are required in the application. Funding Exemptions Funding will not be provided for: Capital improvements or budget shortfalls Event sponsorship or fundraising events Funding gaps due to organizational emergencies, such as office vandalism, resignation of an executive director or sudden loss of funding. For more information, visit SVCF.

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.