California Private Grants

This new multi-year grant program intends to create local community connections to California’s rich and diverse cultural history and natural areas outside of California’s state park boundaries. Eligible projects will enhance connections to local cultural history, local parks, open space or natural areas through community events, programming or installations that help to build sustainable community connections, health and well-being. The Local Parks Grants Program will be managed and administered by Parks California. This program supports the “Outdoor Access for All” initiative led by Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, along with the Natural Resources Agency’s “Outdoors for All” initiative, and California State Parks’ Reexamining Our Past Initiative.

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 provides financial support for young residents and organizations in the Tri-City area to undertake educational and aesthetic environmental projects.

This funding opportunity supports individuals and organizations in the Tri-City area to develop local environmental projects that are educational or enhance community aesthetics, with a focus on sustainability.

This grant provides financial support and resources to nonprofit organizations in Del Mar for projects that enhance community pride, preserve open spaces, and improve local cultural programs and events.

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.

The James C. Stewart Charitable Foundation supports a variety of charitable causes to organizations primarily located in Tucson, Arizona and Southern California. Donor Name: James C. Stewart Charitable Foundation State: California County: Imperial County (CA), Kern County (CA), Los Angeles County (CA), Orange County (CA), Riverside County (CA), San Bernardino County (CA), San Luis Obispo County (CA), Santa Barbara County (CA), Ventura County (CA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Program Areas Arts, culture, and humanities Education Environment, animals Health Human services Public/society benefit Religion Funding Information Average grant size: $10,000 Average total giving per year: $50,000 Geographic Limitations There are no geographic limitations; however, the foundation has a practice of primarily supporting organizations located in Tucson, Arizona and Southern California. 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.

The C. J. Stafford and Dot Stafford Memorial Trust is seeking applications to support a variety of charitable causes through grants to charitable organizations located in and serving the residents of San Diego County, California. Donor Name: C. J. Stafford and Dot Stafford Memorial Trust State: California County: San Diego County (CA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Program Areas Arts, culture and humanities Education Health Human services Funding Information Average grant size: $5,000 to $7,500 Average total giving per year: $50,000 Geographic Limitations San Diego County, California Requirements Grantees must be qualified as public charities under IRC section 501(c)(3). Applications must be submitted through the online grant application form or alternative accessible application designed for assistive technology users. No other application formats will be accepted. For more information, visit Wells Fargo.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for community-focused projects, such as centers for social services, libraries, and cultural institutions, requiring significant community backing and a portion of the budget to be secured before applying.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for community projects and emergency needs in rural Oregon and Siskiyou County, California, aimed at enhancing local initiatives and ensuring their sustainability.

This funding opportunity provides up to $5,000 to help nonprofits, government agencies, and tribal nations in Oregon and Siskiyou County, California, improve their internal operations and effectiveness through various capacity-building activities.

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.

Groundwork Grants, developed in partnership with Myriad Consulting & Training, builds upon this first step by allocating essential financial support to address the identified needs, prioritizing institutions that document the experiences of individuals, groups, and communities whose contributions to California’s history and culture have long been underrepresented in mainstream memory institutions. Donor Name: California State Library State: California County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Groundwork Grants will also ultimately produce long-term economic benefits by reducing response and recovery costs. Most importantly, this collaborative effort will help to safeguard California’s cultural heritage, in its most inclusive form, for generations to come. For the first round of this funding opportunity, over $1 million is available for competitive funding. Awards will take the form of cash grants and/or pre-paid goods and services to address recommended needs and concerns related to emergency readiness. Matching funds are not required. Options for support include: Assistance in the development of disaster plans Disaster recovery & spill kits Preservation supplies Environmental monitoring and alert equipment Staff training opportunities Consultation with local facilities specialists (e.g. engineers, plumbers, electricians, security technicians, or others) Supplies, equipment, or hardware for minor, immediate building maintenance, repairs, storage, or security needs. Funding Priorities  Any organization that meets the eligibility requirements outlined further in this document is welcome to apply. Applications are encouraged especially from organizations that meet the following priority considerations: Highest priority will be given to organizations that represent/document historically underserved, under-represented communities, including but not limited to: African American, Asian American, Hispanic/Latinx, or Native American groups; persons with disabilities; persons experiencing poverty or homelessness; veterans; farmworkers; persons identifying as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, or Queer; senior residents; immigrants and refugees; and rural communities. Priority will also be given to organizations that have received recent preservation assessments, incorporating disaster readiness, through a Ready or Not preservation consultation or from other qualified preservation consultant(s). Funding Information Maximum awards will be $15,000. Eligible Applicants  To be eligible to apply, your organization must be established in California as one of the following: Nonprofit organizations classified as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) Accredited institutions of higher education (public or nonprofit) Local governments in California and their agencies Native American Tribal governments recognized by the state of California. For more information, visit CSL.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area that focus on improving education, arts, technology, and science for children and their families.

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 funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Monterey County to improve their internal operations and effectiveness through various development activities.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area that provide vocational education, academic enrichment, and arts programs for young people aged 18 and under.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Monterey County to improve their internal operations and effectiveness through various development activities.

Program: CFMC Small Opportunity Grants Program Funder: Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC) Award Details: Grants typically range between $1,000 and $5,000, with larger grants up to $10,000 considered as exceptions. The grant amount can be used to support emerging organizations and ventures, urgent needs, and time-sensitive efforts where a small amount of money will make a difference. The grants are one-time and not ongoing program support. Eligibility: Eligible organizations include 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, fiscally-sponsored organizations, and occasionally other unincorporated public benefit organizations serving Monterey County residents. Fiscal sponsors may submit applications for multiple sponsored groups. Individual organizations within a collaborative applying for a grant may also apply for their own Opportunity Grant as long as it is not for the same project as that of the collaborative. Businesses and individuals are generally not eligible, except for social enterprises associated with a local nonprofit. Application Process: Before submitting an application, it is recommended to review the Opportunity Grant Guidelines and application. A conversation with the program officer prior to submission is highly encouraged. The application process is fairly simple and online. Applications are accepted year-round, and decisions are usually made within two months of submission. Evaluation: A final report is required within one year of receiving the grant. The report should include a narrative evaluation that details how the grant was used, its impact on the organization or community, lessons learned, and next steps. To apply for CFMC Small Opportunity Grants Program or access additional information about eligibility criteria and guidelines, visit their Online Grants Manager at [https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=cfmco](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=cfmco). For any questions or further assistance regarding eligibility or applying with a fiscal sponsor, contact the staff person for the specific grant opportunity or the Grantmaking Coordinator.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Los Angeles County for projects in the arts, education, health, and human services, with a preference for one-time or short-term requests.