California Grants

The US Geological Survey is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner for research in the application of Artificial Intelligence informed by explicit semantics to the practice of scientific assessments carried out by the USGS. The demand for actionable scientific findings from legislatively mandated scientific assessments in energy, mineral, biodiversity, and other National natural resource assets is increasing in intensity and requirements for currency with all available data, information, and knowledge. This demand can be aided through the development of AI scientists, intelligent agents built within a technological framework that iteratively improves through new generations of generative AI and related capabilities and trained through regular learning and adapting interactions with USGS scientists.

The Marian and Pink Happ Fund is a grant program dedicated to supporting underprivileged children throughout California. This initiative directly aligns with a core mission to improve the well-being and future prospects of vulnerable youth. By providing financial assistance, the fund aims to address critical needs in the areas of health and human services, ultimately contributing to a more equitable society where all children have opportunities to thrive. The primary beneficiaries of this fund are underprivileged children residing in any of California's counties. The impact goals are centered on enhancing the lives of these children by ensuring access to essential health services and vital human services support. Through these efforts, the fund seeks to alleviate the burdens faced by these children and their families, fostering environments conducive to their healthy development and overall success. The fund prioritizes organizations that can effectively deliver health and human services programs. While specific expected outcomes are not explicitly detailed, the focus on "underprivileged children" and "health" and "human services" suggests a theory of change rooted in direct intervention and support. Measurable results would likely include the number of children served, the types of services provided, and improvements in health indicators or access to social support systems for the target population. Applicants must be exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, demonstrating a commitment to ethical and transparent operations. Applications are submitted online or through accessible alternatives for assistive technology users. The average grant size is $10,000, with an average total giving of $50,000 per year, indicating a strategic approach to funding multiple impactful projects annually. The deadline for applications is June 30, 2024.

The Marino Family Charitable Foundation Inc. aims to enhance lives by supporting non-profit organizations that demonstrate the ability to make a positive difference, and further advance, educate, or enrich their communities through charitable works and core values. This mission aligns directly with the grant program's objective to offer support to such organizations, thereby fostering community well-being and individual empowerment. The foundation's strategic priority is to identify and fund initiatives that resonate with its core values, focusing on impactful community-driven change. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are individuals served by non-profit organizations focused on Health and Human services. A specific impact goal is to assist with the needs and education of individuals with Down syndrome, which is a key grantmaking priority. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the expected outcome is a positive difference in and advancement, education, or enrichment of the communities served. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by strategically supporting non-profits with demonstrated charitable works and core values, they can achieve broad positive community impact, with a particular focus on vulnerable populations. The grantmaking priorities clearly indicate a preference for organizations assisting individuals with Down syndrome. Geographically, grants are concentrated in Boca Raton, Florida; Los Angeles, California; and San Francisco, California. This geographic focus allows the foundation to concentrate its resources and potentially deepen its impact in specific communities. The foundation's strategic priorities are evidenced by these geographic and programmatic limitations, ensuring that its resources are deployed where they can have the most significant and targeted effect. To be eligible, organizations must qualify as exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applications must be submitted through an online grant application form or an alternative accessible application for assistive technology users, ensuring broad access for potential grantees. The foundation typically does not fund requests for building repairs and improvements or capital projects, which further refines its strategic focus towards programmatic support rather than infrastructure development. This allows the foundation to maximize its impact on direct services and educational initiatives, aligning with its overall mission to enhance individual lives and advance communities.

Grant funds for this program are for small agricultural businesses that have been financially impacted by severe drought and/or flooding in the State of California and will be disbursed in the following groups for awards of up to $100,000. Drought Groups: • Drought Group 3 funds will be allocated to qualified small agricultural businesses that do not file their 2022 tax returns until 2024 (application opens in 2024).     Previous funding groups (Drought Groups 1 and 2, and Flood Group 1) are closed and funds are no longer available. The current allocation of funds is only applicable for agricultural businesses that meet the definition above for Drought Group 3.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is soliciting proposals to reduce whale mortality from fishing gear entanglement in Southern California. This grant directly aligns with NFWF's mission to sustain, restore, and enhance the nation's fish, wildlife, plants, and habitats for current and future generations by addressing a critical threat to cetacean populations. The program aims to provide compensatory restoration for injuries to cetaceans caused by the Refugio Beach Oil Spill (RBOS), thereby mitigating past environmental damage and fostering healthier marine ecosystems. The primary beneficiaries of this program are cetaceans in Southern California, particularly those susceptible to entanglement in fishing gear. The impact goals are to increase the capacity of the entanglement response network, improve documentation and disentanglement efforts, and broadly support activities that reduce serious injuries or mortalities from entanglements. This initiative contributes to the foundation's strategic priority of healthy oceans and coasts by safeguarding marine mammals. The program prioritizes several key areas to achieve its goals. These include directly enhancing entanglement response in Southern California, and potentially beyond if it benefits local cetaceans, coordinating with federal, state, and local resource agencies to improve the overall West Coast Marine Mammal Entanglement Response Program, and training and developing volunteer response capacity. Furthermore, proposals should outline how activities will contribute to the development of the overall capacity and infrastructure of the program. Expected outcomes include a more robust and efficient entanglement response network, a reduction in the number of entangled cetaceans, improved survival rates of entangled animals through effective disentanglement, and enhanced coordination among relevant agencies. Measurable results would likely involve metrics such as the number of successful disentanglements, the increase in trained responders, and the documented reduction in entanglement-related mortalities. An estimated $250,000 will be available for a Phase 1 project award, anticipated to last 1-2 years, with a priority geographic focus on the coastlines off Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, and Orange Counties.

The Proposition 47 Grant Program Proposal Package submission is available through an online portal submission process. Applicants must submit proposals through the BSCC Submittable portal by 5:00 P.M. (PDT) on June 10, 2024 Any technical questions concerning the RFP, the proposal process or programmatic issues must be submitted by email to: [email protected] A virtual grant information session will be held on Tuesday, April 30th, 2024 at 10:00 A.M. to provide clarity on RFP instructions and answer technical questions from prospective applicants. See the BSCC website for more information. GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR BSCC’s PROPOSITION 47 GRANT•Incorporate community partnerships and collaborations.•Encourage culturally competent services and approaches that foster the principles of restorative justice.•Define target populations, especially those populations that are:-traditionally underserved or inappropriately served through mental health and substance use disorder service providers, or-overrepresented within the criminal justice system, or-experiencing or at risk for homelessness•Expand access to culturally congruent quality mental health and substance use disorder services, including services for co-occurring mental health and substance use disorder needs and the use of evidence-based or community defined practices.•Identify and address known barriers to serving target populations, such as:-lack of jobs, housing, or employment•Prioritize client-focused/client-centered holistic programs and approaches, including healing strategies and trauma-informed care.•Expand and improve on efforts to divert individuals away from criminal justice involvement through increased diversion programs and improved behavioral health services or community supports.•Include community-based organizations with diverse staffing, including those who are system-impacted individuals, or who have varying educational levels and life experiences.•Demonstrate capacity building for service providers at every level.•Be mindful of regional equity and geographic diversity, including smaller and rural counties.•Collect program data and measure/evaluate outcomes and publish and share information.•Encourage community engagement, where members of the community participate in the identifying, informing, and shaping of policies, goals, services, and solutions. Services and programs proposed in response to this RFP must be designed to serve people who have been arrested, charged with, or convicted of a criminal offense and have a history of mental health or substance use disorders. Eligible applicants are public agencies located in the State of California.  To be eligible, a Lead Agency must subcontract with one or more non-governmental, community-based organization(s) for a minimum of 50 percent of the total grant award to demonstrate a shared partnership rooted in community engagement and economic equity. Small scope applicants can apply for up to $2M and large scope candidates can apply for $2-8M. The grant period is 10/1/24-6/30/28, the last 3 months to be used to finalize and submit the required Local Evaluation Report and program-specific compliance audit.

This funding opportunity is designed to support projects that enhance climate resilience, protect wildlife habitats, and improve water management in California's rivers and streams.

The Employment Development Department (EDD), in coordination with the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA), announces the availability of up to $1 million in California State General Funds for the Evaluation and Technical Assistance (ETA) for the Displaced Oil and Gas Worker Fund (DOGWF). The DOGWF ETA PY 23-24 awardee will be responsible for providing evaluation and technical assistance for DOGWF PY 23-24 program awardees as they pioneer initiatives that guide displaced oil and gas workers into new jobs and career trajectories by extending beyond singular sectors, committed to securing stable, well-compensated, and gratifying roles for these workers across diverse industries. The DOGWF ETA PY 23-24 grant aims to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of DOGWF projects. The initiative seeks to fund an organization with expertise in assessing program and operational capacity, facilitating Communities of Practice (CoPs), conducting a developmental evaluation for continuous learning and improvement, and addressing the needs of displaced workers impacted by energy sector shifts for future policy and program planning. In addition, the ETA awardee will support program grantees with developing and implementing strategies for partnership development, participant assessment, skills transfer, career navigation, administering training stipends, providing wrap-around support, identifying relevant career pathways and training programs, and guidance on participant tracking and performance outcomes reporting. Applicants for the DOGWF ETA must be organizations with the capacity, relationships, and expertise to deliver ETA to grantees across the state. Proposals from non-profit or for-profit consulting, technical assistance, evaluation, capacity-building organizations, labor organizations, community colleges, adult education providers, workforce boards, and education and training providers will be accepted. Proposals must be received by 3 p.m. PST on July 22, 2024. An informational webinar will be held on June 25, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. PST.  Pre-registration is required for all attendees. Please register through the following link by June 24, 2024 by 9 a.m. PST: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_EOwky4VSQ06lWDMieX-9bA The EDD encourages applicants to submit a Notice of Intent to apply by July 1, 2024, at noon to [email protected]. To view this SFP, visit the EDD Workforce Development Solicitations for Proposals webpage

Marin Charitable provides grants to nonprofit organizations focusing on youth-oriented programs or projects. These initiatives are designed to proactively address the needs of middle and high school-aged youth, approximately 11-18 years old, who have limited opportunities and reside in Marin County, California. The foundation's mission is to offer critical support, education, and enrichment to this specific demographic. The target beneficiaries are middle and high school-aged youth in Marin County who face limited opportunities. Marin Charitable aims to make a direct impact by ensuring that grant funds reach children with limited resources. The foundation prioritizes programs that align with its mission of supporting youth development and well-being within the specified age group and geographic area. Marin Charitable primarily focuses on funding small-budgeted, grassroots programs. This strategic priority reflects a theory of change that emphasizes direct, community-level impact. The foundation believes that by supporting smaller, localized initiatives, they can more effectively reach and serve the youth most in need. Applicants are evaluated based on the relevance of their program to Marin Charitable’s mission, their capability to facilitate the program, and their ability to ensure direct impact by reaching children with limited resources. While the grant size is generally between $1,000 to $10,000, Marin Charitable currently provides grants of up to, but not exceeding, $7,500. The expected outcome is to provide vital support, education, and enrichment that improves the lives and opportunities for underserved youth in Marin County.

The Thursday Club Foundation's 2024-2025 Benevolence Grant program aims to support non-profit organizations based in San Diego County with a Federal 501(c)(3) and State 23701D charitable status for a minimum of two years. The foundation's mission, though not explicitly stated, is clearly aligned with supporting the San Diego community through targeted grants. The program offers two tiers of funding: TC Tier 1 Grants ranging from $500 to $15,000, and TC Tier 2 Grants from $15,001 to $30,000, with an overall grant size of $10,000 to $100,000. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are the people of San Diego County, as all funded grants must be used within the county to benefit its residents. The impact goals are to support specific, stated purposes outlined in the grant applications, ensuring that funds directly address identified community needs. The foundation prioritizes organizations that can demonstrate a clear plan for fund utilization and impact. The program focuses on specific expenditures, explicitly excluding general operating expenses, salaries, capital campaigns, endowment/investment accounts, and political or religious purposes. This indicates a strategic priority on direct program-related costs and tangible community benefits. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by funding specific initiatives within San Diego County, they can create measurable positive change for its residents. Expected outcomes include the successful implementation of grant-funded projects and services that directly benefit the San Diego community. Measurable results are reinforced by the requirement for beneficiaries of the 2023-2024 grant year to provide a balance sheet and income statement with supporting documentation confirming the expenditure of all funds by December 31, 2024. This commitment to accountability ensures that the grants achieve their intended purpose and allows the foundation to assess the effectiveness of its strategic priorities. Additionally, approved applicants are encouraged to volunteer, fostering a deeper community engagement.

This funding opportunity supports projects that promote recreation, tourism, and environmental education while preserving the Delta's cultural heritage, with a focus on benefiting disadvantaged communities.

This funding opportunity supports Tribes, nonprofit organizations, and public agencies in California to restore wetlands and mountain meadows, promoting climate resilience and enhancing natural habitats.

This funding opportunity supports tribes, nonprofit organizations, and public agencies in California to implement environmental restoration projects that enhance wildlife corridors, improve habitat resilience, and address climate impacts.

This funding opportunity supports public agencies, tribes, and nonprofit organizations in California to restore coastal environments, improve public access, and enhance climate resilience, particularly for historically underrepresented communities.

The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) is offering a Public Green Space Grant Program to cities, counties, special districts, nonprofits, and community-based organizations within its service area. The program aims to provide grant funds for tree-planting projects that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and enhance local communities. This initiative aligns with the IID's mission to support environmental stewardship and community development through tangible, local impact. The primary beneficiaries of this program are critically underserved or disadvantaged communities within Imperial Valley and Coachella Valley. The program specifically targets community groups that seek to green their areas, thereby addressing the critical need for GHG reduction and community beautification. The impact goals include not only environmental benefits through carbon sequestration but also the creation of greener, more aesthetically pleasing public spaces that can offer recreational benefits to residents. Program priorities favor projects that provide park or recreational benefits to underserved communities, are proposed by such communities, or develop partnerships with local organizations and businesses to strengthen outreach to disadvantaged communities. Additional points are given to projects that offer access to quality jobs, workforce education and training for residents, utilize interagency cooperation, or leverage existing public lands and resources, including schools. Projects that include matching or cost-sharing funds are also prioritized. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions through increased tree cover. Beyond environmental benefits, the program aims to foster community engagement and education around green initiatives. The maximum award per project is $35,000, with a total of $350,000 available through IID’s "Tree for All" program. Eligible costs include personnel, contractors, consultants, direct and indirect costs related to tree planting and maintenance during the grant period, and community education and engagement expenses, all contributing to the program's strategic objectives of community greening and climate action.

The Alliance’s Housing Fund provides capital funds for building, renovating, and furnishing permanent housing units, as well as establishing recuperative care facilities and short-term post-hospitalization housing units. This initiative operates across the Alliance's service area, reflecting a core belief that "housing is health care." The program directly aligns with the foundation's mission to improve health outcomes by addressing social determinants of health, particularly stable housing, for Medi-Cal members. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are Medi-Cal members residing in the Alliance’s service areas. The fund aims to expand both temporary and permanent housing opportunities, directly impacting individuals who require stable living conditions for improved health and recovery. The overarching impact goal is to enhance the health and well-being of Medi-Cal members by providing access to safe and appropriate housing solutions. The grant prioritizes projects in Mariposa, Merced, Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz counties, which are the specific areas where Letters of Intent (LOIs) are currently being accepted. This is a one-time funding opportunity with a focus on projects that can be completed within a maximum timeline of 39 months. The program's strategic focus is on expanding housing access to address health disparities within these communities. Expected outcomes include an increase in the number of available permanent housing units, recuperative care facilities, and post-hospitalization housing options. Measurable results will likely be tracked through the number of units developed or renovated, the number of individuals served, and the duration of project completion within the 39-month timeframe. The foundation's theory of change posits that by investing in housing, they can directly contribute to better health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs for Medi-Cal members.

The Living Cultures Grant, offered by the Alliance for California Traditional Arts, is designed to sustain and strengthen traditional arts across California. This program aligns directly with the Alliance's mission by supporting the nurturing of cultural continuity, sustaining cultural practices, and engaging communities through public programs. The grant's focus on traditional arts, which are deeply rooted in shared heritage, language, religion, occupation, or region, reflects the foundation's strategic priority of preserving and promoting the diverse cultural expressions within the state. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are individual artists/culture bearers and California-based nonprofits, Tribal Nations, and other community groups who actively practice traditional arts. The program aims to achieve several impact goals: fostering cultural continuity through learning and practice, sustaining cultural practices by providing necessary resources for purchases and services, and engaging communities through public programs that share these traditions. The theory of change suggests that by providing financial support to these practitioners and organizations, traditional arts will continue to thrive, be passed down through generations, and enrich the cultural landscape of California. The grant prioritizes proposals that demonstrate clear plans for nurturing cultural continuity, sustaining cultural practices, and engaging communities. This includes projects across various traditional art forms such as dance, music, foodways, material arts, and oral traditions. The Alliance seeks to ensure that these deeply rooted artistic expressions, reflective of a community's shared values and experiences, continue to be vibrant and accessible. Expected outcomes include the continued practice and transmission of traditional arts, increased community engagement with cultural heritage, and the preservation of diverse artistic forms. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the scope of funded activities (e.g., projects should run between November 1, 2024, and October 31, 2025), the inherent goal is to see a thriving ecosystem of traditional arts. For individual artists, the grant supports their practice directly, while for organizations, it supports activities that further their cultural programs and community outreach, aiming for a sustained impact on California's traditional arts landscape.

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The Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment, in partnership with the Bay Foundation of Morro Bay, is offering a grant opportunity through the Central Coast Community-Based Water Quality Grants Program. This initiative focuses on supporting water quality-related projects within the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board’s jurisdiction. The program's core mission aligns with the Rose Foundation's broader goals of fostering environmental health and community well-being, specifically by addressing critical water issues in California's Central Coast. The program primarily targets projects that advance environmental justice and provide water quality benefits to underrepresented communities. This focus aims to address historical inequities and ensure that all communities have access to clean and safe water. The expected outcomes include tangible improvements in water quality, enhanced environmental justice outcomes, and increased resiliency for communities facing water-related challenges. Measurable results will likely involve reductions in pollutant loading, progress toward water quality objectives, and the preservation and restoration of watershed functions. Key priorities and preferred topic areas for this grant include the human right to water, environmental justice capacity building, and understanding the water quality impacts of climate change. The program also emphasizes drought-related water supply resiliency, climate adaptation and mitigation, sustainable drinking water and wastewater treatment, and sustainable groundwater management strategies. Additionally, projects that benefit marine habitats in San Luis Obispo County, reduce pollutant loading to meet Central Coast Basin Plan objectives, restore impaired waterbodies, implement on-farm Best Management Practices to reduce salt and nitrate, and prevent or address Harmful Algal Blooms are highly encouraged. The grant offers two funding tracks: a Large Grant Track for requests up to $200,000 (with most awards between $100,000-$200,000) and a Small Grant Track for requests up to $50,000 (with most awards between $20,000-$50,000). Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, federally recognized and State Indian tribes, and public agencies with jurisdiction over water resources management. All projects must be conducted within the Central Coast Water Board's Region 3 jurisdiction, encompassing Southern Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Benito, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and portions of Ventura, Kern, and San Mateo Counties. The foundation's strategic approach underscores a commitment to community-driven solutions and measurable environmental impact through collaborative partnerships.

This funding opportunity is designed to support projects that improve water and habitat conditions affected by climate change, targeting wildlife conservation efforts and emergency restoration activities.