California Grants

This program provides bicycle racks at little to no cost for commercial property owners in Palm Desert, promoting cycling and supporting local businesses while enhancing community infrastructure.

Grant opportunity: Job Creation and Business Incentive Program in California offers forgivable loans to prospective and existing business owners for job creation. Eligible businesses include new ventures or existing ones looking to expand their floor area by 50% or more. The grants can be used for interior/exterior improvements, purchase of business equipment, furniture, fixtures, and working capital.

This program provides financial assistance to commercial property owners and tenants in Carson for exterior upgrades that enhance the visual appeal and economic vitality of key business areas.

The California Dream Fund Grant Program (CDFG or Dream Fund) offers microgrants of up to $10,000 to support entrepreneurship and small business creation in underserved groups facing capital and opportunity gaps. This one-time $35 million grant program is designed for businesses started in California on or after July 1, 2019. To qualify, businesses must complete a small business training program provided by the OCIE SBDC.

The City of Indio in California offers the Community Grant & Sponsorship Program, which has been recently revised and approved by the City Council. This program provides monetary assistance and sponsorships of up to $5,000 annually, with a total annual funding of $150,000. Additionally, there is $25,000 available for in-kind contributions such as city services or event locations. The program also considers funding requests for event/table sponsorships.

This opportunity invites local and regional artists, art organizations, and schools to showcase their artwork in a unique public space in Glendale, enhancing community access to public art.

SF Shines Design Services Grant Program, offered by the Invest In Neighborhoods division of the Office of Economic and Workforce Department in California, provides grants, design services, and project management for property improvements to help small businesses thrive and create vibrant and safe neighborhood commercial corridors. The program aims to assist businesses in obtaining permit drawings for storefront improvements to ensure compliance, safety, and efficient business operations. Grantees will have access to a licensed architect to ensure that their projects comply with local, state, and federal laws and codes.

This funding initiative provides financial support to Palo Alto residents for neighborhood events that promote community engagement and strengthen local connections.

The City of Santa Clara Community Grant Program in California was established in 2018 to provide grants to qualifying nonprofit community organizations, athletic groups, educational groups, and individuals for events, activities, and competitions that benefit the city and its residents. This program also includes the Santa Clara Championship Team Fund Program, which supports Santa Clara teams and groups participating in state, national, or international competitions or performances.

California: Tourism and Special Event Grants Program provides financial support for activities promoting Livermore's downtown, wine country, and events that boost tourism and generate economic benefits for the region. The program awards five grants of $2,000 each to event organizers who can demonstrate direct benefits to Livermore downtown businesses and local wineries, as well as a minimum of 1,000 combined expected attendees in person and virtually. Preference is given to new and innovative events not previously supported by the grant.

This grant provides financial support to arts organizations in California to help them recover from the pandemic while promoting accessibility and engagement in the arts for the Simi Valley community.

This grant provides funding for individual artists, arts organizations, and small businesses in Chula Vista to create free cultural events and projects that promote community engagement and inclusivity in various artistic disciplines.

City of Long Beach Activatelb Cultural Special Events Grants, funded by the Long Beach Recovery Act, seeks to support large citywide cultural special events that have not been previously funded by the City. The goal is to celebrate the diverse communities of Long Beach and promote community healing through cultural practices. Eligible events must be free and open to the public, and grant funding will cover the costs of City special event permits and fees.

COVID-19 Relief Fund in California is offering ongoing operating grants to nonprofit organizations and public agencies supporting vulnerable populations affected by the pandemic. Grant requests will be considered for basic needs assistance, program support, mental health impact programming, and proactive COVID-19 recovery efforts. Grants are expected to range from $5,000 to $30,000 and will be reviewed continuously.

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

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area that focus on improving education, welfare, and community enrichment for children and their families.

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

This funding opportunity provides financial support to individuals, organizations, and businesses looking to improve the community of Rancho Cordova through various projects and programs.

Program: Community Grant Program (CGP) Funder: City of Encinitas Award Details: The CGP provides funding in two categories - Civic (social, recreation, education, health, and environment) and Arts (visual art, performing arts, arts education, literary arts, etc.). The program is funded through an annual General Fund allocation from the City of Encinitas and outside donations. The CGP operates on a reimbursement basis, where funds are reimbursed upon submission of paid invoices, receipts, and other supporting documentation. Reimbursement requests for awarded grants must be submitted by 4:30 pm on Friday, June 14, 2024. Eligibility: To be eligible for funding through the CGP, organizations must have nonprofit or tax-exempt status and be legally based in Encinitas. Projects must take place between July 1, 2023, and June 14, 2024. Other Information: The City of Encinitas expresses gratitude to the Ecke Family for their generous financial support of the CGP. For more information about the program and application process, applicants are encouraged to review all information provided on the official website as well as the FY23/24 CGP Recipient Workshop Presentation. Questions can be directed to City staff via email at [email protected] or by phone at (760) 633-2740.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to various organizations, including nonprofits and local governments, to improve living conditions and expand affordable housing options for low- and moderate-income residents in the City of Corona.