Best Cycling Grants in California

California cycling and safety organizations can access funding through Sacramento Region Community Foundation to run programs that educate communities about bike safety and bike–vehicle coexistence. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) charities or fiscally sponsored projects based in California that promote cycling, bicycle safety, and safer shared road use; awards are up to US $8,500.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running bicycle advocacy and biking projects in California and across the U.S. can apply for $500 - $5,000 to increase ridership and bike accessibility. With a mission to support community-focused cycling, New Belgium Brewing provides small grants prioritizing grassroots groups and leaders from the communities they serve.

California cycling clubs, nonprofit cycling organizations, and trail associations can access funding through Devinci to support local biking and trail development projects. Organizations based in Canada or the U.S. may receive up to C $5,000 for initiatives like new trails, facilities, equipment, or programs that grow community cycling in North America this year.

California biking and trail organizations can access funding through the International Mountain Bicycling Association for professional mountain bike trail planning and design, with awards of US $10,000 - US $30,000 as one-to-one matching grants. Eligible applicants include government agencies, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and qualified mountain bike clubs seeking to expand public trail access and community benefits.

Nonprofit organizations, local or state agencies, and current Riding For Focus grantees in California can apply for Outride’s Community Impact Grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $15,000 for cycling programs. Funding supports initiatives that expand equitable access to cycling and emphasize its social, emotional, and cognitive benefits, especially for youth and aging populations.

Public Title 1 middle schools in California serving primarily low-income students can receive bikes, helmets, and a full cycling curriculum through the Riding for Focus program grant. Grants from Outride help schools launch a 6–8 week rider education program that supports students’ physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional well-being with teacher training and evaluation tools.

Target Foundation

At Target Foundation, we envision a world where all families and communities have the resources they need to determine and realize their own joy in life. It’s a reality that is out of reach for far too many families as they struggle for access to economic opportunity, financial stability and the kind of empowerment that lifts up their communities. We believe we have a responsibility to work to remove barriers and to help create that access, resulting in a world where all families can thrive.

Community Engagement Funds

Community Engagement Funds (CEF) is a community grant program that empowers Target stores and distribution center leaders to make meaningful, localized giving decisions that meet the needs of the communities where our team members and guests live, work, and thrive.

• Organizations cannot apply for the same program in both grant cycles.
• Organizations are encouraged to apply during the cycle that best aligns with their program timing.
• A maximum of 10 applications is allowed per organization at any time.

CEF will prioritize nonprofit programs and initiatives aligned to its focus areas:

• Thriving Families; Basic needs and youth development..
• Vibrant Neighborhoods: Community vitalization; Community and green spaces.
• Emerging Creative & Culture: Cultural partnerships and creative programming.
• Economic Opportunity: Workforce development.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits running programs in education access for children, domestic violence prevention and survivor support, or physical and mental health challenges can apply for grants up to US $25,000. Grants from Mildred's Dream Foundation help California organizations fund specific programs or projects, with a portion of each award eligible for related operating and staff costs.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking up to US $10,000 for arts and culture, education, health, civic affairs, or human services projects can access funding through James B And Lois R Archer Charitable Foundation. Grants are available nationwide, including California, for specific programs, capital projects, or general operations, with some limits on repeat-year funding and rare support for endowments.

The James B and Lois R Archer Charitable Foundation offers Large Grants for requests exceeding $10,000. Focused on fostering positive change, the foundation supports initiatives in Arts and Culture, Civic Engagement, Education, Health, and Human Services. Eligibility includes 501(c)(3) organizations, while restrictions apply to consecutive grant cycles and non-qualifying purposes such as endowments and fundraising events. Organizations are encouraged to apply for various projects to enhance community well-being.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and other charitable organizations working on hunger, housing, education, workforce development, or veteran services in California may be eligible for funding that supports anti-poverty programs. Grants from Journey for Good Foundation help North American groups combat hunger, expand job training, and provide holistic support to economically vulnerable people.

U.S. nonprofit professional development providers, school districts, and colleges improving early childhood educator quality can seek up to US $500,000 over three years for large-scale workforce models. With a mission to strengthen early learning, Stranahan Foundation provides organizations, including those serving California, with funding for coaching, leadership development, and substitute teacher pool initiatives benefiting low-income children birth to five.

California biking and cycling organizations working on health equity, social determinants of health, or STEM/STEAM education can access funding via Gilead Sciences Foundation. Grants support programs that build healthy communities and address inequities in classrooms, workplaces, and neighborhoods across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and South America, with post-program reporting and outcome tracking required.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) nonprofits, related projects, and qualifying LLCs can seek funding to test and scale independent revenue-generation strategies. Grants from Progressive Multiplier Fund help organizations focused on democracy, justice, and environmental work build sustainable income, which may benefit California groups whose cycling-related advocacy or organizing advances these broader goals.

U.S. 501(c)(3) public charities working on social justice, humanitarian aid, LGBTQIA2S+ support, mental health, or related services can apply for the Looking Out Foundation’s grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $25,000 for program support. California organizations, including those serving cyclists within these priority communities, may benefit from this broad, equity-focused funding.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and schools working on hunger, youth and education, or health and nutrition programs in California can apply for Shaw's Foundation support. Grants from Shaw's Supermakets Charitable Foundation help eligible groups serving communities in the company’s operating area, with local public affairs teams reviewing region-specific requests and an online application process required.

BIPOC-led 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) organizations and fiscally sponsored projects doing rapid-response social justice organizing can receive US $10,000 - US $30,000 for movement-building work in the U.S. California groups advancing civic engagement, human rights, or LGBTQIA+ justice may be eligible. Funding from Emergent Fund supports urgent campaigns, mobilization, and power-building strategies.

The Quality of Life Grants Program, established by the Dana Reeve Foundation, aims to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families by funding nonprofit organizations. Priority Impact Grants - Tier 2 provide support for critical issues affecting those with paralysis, with grants ranging from $25,000 to $30,000. These grants focus on improving access, independence, and community engagement through innovative programs, including assistive technology, disaster preparedness, and respite services.

The Sparkplug Foundation Grant supports innovative projects from early-stage organizations and established non-profits in education, community organizing, and music. The foundation emphasizes community-led initiatives that address systemic injustices and engage marginalized populations. Grants are available for one year and prioritize projects with small budgets that lack extensive funding sources. The foundation encourages applications from diverse communities, particularly those led by Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and LGBTQ individuals, fostering equitable access to resources.

The WKKF Grant, offered by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, is dedicated to fostering a future where every child and family thrives. With a focus on nurturing early education, accessible healthcare, and equitable food systems, this grant supports initiatives that empower communities across the U.S. and parts of Mexico and Haiti. Organizations meeting IRS regulations and being legal entities, particularly 501(c)(3) nonprofits, are encouraged to apply for funding to create lasting impacts in their communities.

Nonprofit animal control agencies, humane societies, SPCAs, foster-based rescues, and transport organizations focused on sheltering and adoptions in California can apply for Petco Love’s Animal Welfare Organizations Grants. This nationwide funding supports high-impact, lifesaving work for domestic animals and pets; applicants must intake at least 250 animals annually and integrate with Petco Love Lost.

California 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving diverse youth with health, workforce development, or safe-community programs can access funding through the Finish Line Youth Foundation; awards up to US $10,000 for eligible projects. Organizations that primarily serve people of color and address disparities may be especially competitive, and cycling or biking initiatives may qualify when aligned with these priorities.

California nonprofits serving active-duty military, veterans, and military families with innovative mental or physical injury recovery programs can access funding through Infinite Hero Foundation; awards up to US $100,000 for direct program costs. Projects may include physical rehabilitation, brain health, suicide prevention, leadership development, or family support, with services provided at no cost to participants.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in California seeking support for animal-related, educational, human services, or religion-related programs can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000 from the William E. Dean III Charitable Trust. Grants may benefit groups whose cycling or outdoor programs intersect with education, community services, or veterans and animal welfare initiatives.